House zi Amarmadin is one of the few native Yachese families to rise to prominence in a state that so favored ethnic Izhitsan power, even before unification. The family’s founder, Amezian of Amarmadin, the ruler of a small polity in northwestern Dzelo, was one of the first Yachese to convert to Christianity. As the family legend goes, Amezian of Amarmadin initially led troops against the crusaders, defeating several of their armies outside of what would become Trkh, and executing all prisoners. However, after one battle, as he headed to a feast celebrating his victory, he was visited by the image of a man, shining with light. The man asked him, “Amezian, why do you hurt me so?” When Amezian asked who he was, stigmata opened up on the man’s body as he replied, “You only have to ask, my son.” Suddenly, Amezian was struck blind, and had to be led to the feast. Before the feast, Amezian had a prisoner brought over to explain his vision, and was not only healed, but converted. Amezian of Amarmadin went on to convert his kingdom to Christianity and willingly joined the crusader states that were beginning to form in Izhitsa.
The parallels between the conversion story of Amezian of Amarmadin and that of the apostle Paul are difficult to ignore, and most modern scholars agree that they are deliberate. In fact, because the names “Amezian” and “Paul” have similar roots, deriving from the words for “humble” in their respective languages, many historians believe that Amezian’s story derives from a corrupted version of Christian scripture. If anything, this only confirms the deep connection that house zi Amarmadin has with Izhitsan Christianity.
House zi Amarmadin divides Yachese opinion, because while it has contributed much to the preservation of Yachese culture, it has also attached itself inextricably to Izhitsan states. It is regarded as both a collaborator and a protector, both an oppressor and a symbol of Yachese power.
Family Holdings
House zi Amarmadin has seen its fortunes wax and wane with the whims of the Izhitsan rulers it has found itself shackled to. Initially controlling a large area in eastern Yach and western Dzelo, the family lands were pushed farther and farther east, until hereditary noble rule was abolished in Yach in 1903. However, its private lands are still extensive, with estates all around southwestern Yach. It also retains a significant interest in the industries for which it once held monopolies, particularly gypsum, phosphate, and aluminum. While its official monopoly status was finally revoked in 2000, their companies themselves were never actually broken up, leaving their relative power unchanged.
Members mentioned in RP:
Kulam zi Amarmadin: Head of Izhitsan Gypsum, formerly Amarmadin Gypsum, the successor company to the zi Amarmadin monopoly on gypsum mining in Yach. Eccentric but always dreaming, Kulam wasn’t his father’s first choice to take over the family business, but when his brothers died in the war, he was the only one left. His choice to take the company into the private spaceflight industry might be his father’s greatest regret.