Patriarch of Fortuna

Rossus Aemilianus Drusus

{pre-Ophelian)

## About

### Preface

A patriarch of Fortuna is the husband of a reigning matriarch. They later become Patriarch Dowagers; or casually titled as "King (Patriarch) Dowager" after the death of their spouse and in the event that their daughter succeeded their spouse as the next queen / matriarch.

A patriarch usually shares his spouse's social rank and status. He holds the masculine equivalent of the matriarch's monarchical titles, and is crowned and anointed, but historically, he does not formally share the regnant's political and military powers, unless on occasion acting as regent.

#### Conclusion

Many consorts of the Fortuna dynasty had usually traveled with their daughters to their provinces and it was unknown exactly whether they'd return as King Dowager or not.

The role of 'Patriarch' is exclusive to the primary husband of the matriarch, there is to be one patriarch at a time who assumes the role of head of the royal harem (unless Dowager is present).

## List of patriarchs

### **Early Era**

* *Rossus Aemilianus Drusus (son of first Magistrate Claudianus Aemilianus),* the **first patriarch** of the Fortuna dynasty. He was said to have been deeply in love with Ophelia who not only "conquered the sea," but "conquered his soul" according to many historical records. He died before he could see his daughter, Olivia succeed her mother as matriarch of the newborn Fortuna state.
	+ *Asporcian, (son of Magistrates; Apollus & Porcia),* the patriarch of the Fortuna dynasty to Olivia the First. He was the second man to hold the title of 'patriarch consort' within the Fortuna state, Asporcian most likely fell into obscurity after the death of Fortuna Silvia; which was taxing on his health.
		- *Lepidus (son of Magistrate Aemilia Lepida),* the patriarch for Olivia the First; after the death of Fortuna Silivia. As father of the crown princess; he later became the **first patriarch dowager** for his daughter, Fortuna Maria the First.
	+ *Gallius Julius Vospasius, (son of consul; Julius Vospasius),* the first patriarch consort for Maria the Incompetent; his father was the first individual to hold the position of Consul. He had two daughters, after their deaths he fell into disfavor and as a result never became the Patriarch Dowager.
		- *Pomponius, (son of Pomponius Aelianus),* the patriarch consort for Fortuna Maria the Incompetent. He was the patriarch dowager for his daughter, Fortuna Blossia; he did not tenure over the royal household long as he died a few weeks into the reign of his daughter.
	+ *Accoleius, (son of Magistrate Accoleia Volomnia)*, the first patriarch consort of Blossia the Disposed. He was widely disliked by his father in law, under dubious circumstances it's believed Accoleius poisoned him. He died in disgrace and poverty after the death and disposal of his daughter, Fortuna Severna.
		- *Despinus, (son of Despina Octavia Marcellina)*, the patriarch consort for Blossia the Disposed. His mother was a rebel leader, in favour of Lady Lenore's reign over the Fortuna state; after the death of Fortuna Severna (which he was blamed for) - he became the patriarch dowager for his daughter, Fortuna Marcia the Wonderful.

### **Early Modern Era**

* *Publius Lucretius (son of proconsul; Quintus Lucretius Afella),* he was the son of the proconsul that held mass military reforms. He died of pneumonia. The consort of Marcia the Wonderful was mourned for eternity; their daughter, Fortuna Tarquitia later staged a coup to dethrone Marcia.
	+ *Lucius Scribonicus Germanicus,* the patriarch consort of Fortuna Tarquitia the Economist; unlike most consorts of the Fortuna queens; Lucius was somewhat different and engraved into violence and toxicity. He died in a violent duel, which some sources state Marcia's supporters were behind his violent death.
	+ *Obultronian, (son of Fortuna Obultronia),* he was patriarch consort for Germanica the Conductor. After the death of his daughter, Fortuna Acilia he had fallen into deep depression; his other daughter Fortuna Sextia was executed for treason. He died in poverty and disgrace, as well as being disposed as patriarch.
		- *Gaius Pompeius Magnus (son of Pompeia Drusilla/Caesaris)* he was the patriarch consort of Germanica the Conductor. He fathered Septimia the Grim, he had resigned as patriarch dowager and died at the Pompeian residence after suffering a stroke at the age of 73.
	+ *Attius the Younger, (maternal grandson of Pompeia Drusilla/Caesaris)*, he was the patriarch consort of Septimia the Grim and was forced to marry her. They had a few children together. He died of a disease aged 34 or 38 and was one of the most productive consorts in Fortuna history.

### **Modern era**

* *Caetronius,* a concubine from common origins who earned the favour of Fortuna Sempronia the Lawgiver. He is famed as a speculated participant in the disposal and execution of Fortuna Maecia; he was the first **coronated king** of the Fortuna Dynasty. He fathered Septimia II "the Mad."
	+ *Marius Caetronius,* the nephew of Caetronius. In the wake of the final rebellion orchestrated by Fortuna Lenore the Blessed; he was executed at the age of 35. He was infamous for his excessive spending while the Fortuna state was suffering a major wealth gap.
* *Unnamed husband,* the patriarch of Lady Lenore; who attempted to seize the throne and power. His penis was split in two upon his accession, he was the father of Fortuna Callista; the current matriarch of the Fortuna state today.

## Harem Intervention

### **Patriarch Consorts**

In the absence of a Patriarch Dowager, the Patriarch (consort) takes precedence as head of the harem; this has been noticed throughout specific periods of Fortuna history - where the patriarchs that take control of the harem are usually appointed patriarchs that are also fathers of the Crown Princess (or designated heiress). Upon the disposal of the daughter of a patriarch from the position of heiress, the patriarch is also subject to removal.

##### Role in the Seraglio (Harem)

* the current father of the heiress of Fortuna, probably titled "Crown Princess."
* Identified as the main consort of the harem
* Has the highest authority in the harem (excluding patriarch dowager) and is permitted to make public appearances whenever necessary.

### **Patriarch Dowagers**

In the presence of a patriarch dowager, he takes precedence over the Fortuna harem as it's head. Only in the absence of a dowager, can the consort assume their position as head of the Fortuna harem. In special cases, brothers of the Fortuna matriarch may assume the title and position of "patriarch dowager," a notable example is Silvius Minor; who tenured as regent for his sister.

The Patriarch Dowager was one of the most important positions in the Fortuna state, just after that of the matriarch herself. As father of the matriarch, by Fortuna tradition he is considered to have "paternal respect and right" over his daughter. In this subsequent tradition, the patriarch dowager is considered to be an equal to that of the Fortuna matriarch; although this has been made subject to debate over time.

The *patriarch dowager* would have a significant influence on the affairs of the state. He had great power in the court and his own rooms (always adjacent to her daughter's) and state staff. In addition to this significant influence, traditionally the *patriarch dowager* had first-hand access to considerable economic resources and often funded major architectural projects.

#### Authority

He was paramount chief and ran the harem and ruled over the members of the dynasty. The *patriarch dowager* who influenced the political life of the Fortuna state during various periods of history (such as Caetronius, consort of Fortuna Sempronia) had the authority to regulate the relations between the matriarch and her husbands and relatives. When a prince left the capital for his provincial governorate, he was accompanied by his mother.

This was in order for him to complete his role of presiding over the domestic household and performing his duty of training and supervision. At times the *patriarch dowager* acted as regent for his daughter/sister, particularly during the tenure of Silvius Minor, when a series of accidents necessitated regencies that endowed the position of patriarch dowager with great political power.

There is no higher position than that of the patriarch dowager in the Fortuna harem.