House Dijkstra is one of the oldest regent families in Seregon, with roots tracing back to the crew of Captain Sereg Kerkhof. They maintain a small fleet of airships that specialize in long voyages to distant and exotic locations like Ren Sharr, Kazim, and Vordane in Aranthia, dealing primarily in luxury goods. These goods include gemstones, rare delicacies like caviar, medicinal herbs, fine wines, and brandies, and even ice, for making ice cream. The Dijkstras are known for their devotion to Tiamat, the five-headed dragon goddess, who they believe protects their ships from the many dangers that plague their competitors. See Temple of Tiamat.
The head of the house is Jania Dijkstra, a soft-spoken woman of forty-five who enjoys gossip, intrigue, and displays of wealth. She is married to a younger man named Luth and has largely entrusted the family’s mercantile interests to her retainers and agents. The Dijkstras are notorious for their debauchery in Al-Strahal and nearby cities. Recently, Jania has been desperately searching for a lost family heirloom called the "Diamond of Thought."
The Dijkstra estate, located on the periphery of the Starfire Hill District, is a sprawling, ramshackle property featuring a blend of architectural styles from various centuries. The estate, adorned with Tiamat iconography, includes sun-dappled gardens with reflecting pools and overgrown rosebushes, though much of it is in disrepair, with crumbling columns and water stains indicating a leaky roof.
The Dijkstras have traditional rivalries with the Vos and Mesman families and are at odds with House van Kroos due to competition in the spice trade. Jania’s niece, Metira Dijkstra lives with her. Metira is a young elite with a love for adventure but lacks the necessary skills. She often travels on Dijkstra trade missions, accompanied by her bodyguard, Okkie, primarily to indulge in her passion for rare luxuries and shopping at the Seregon Exchange.
Top 10 Luxury Products of House Dijkstra:
- Gemstones
- Rare medicinal herbs
- Exotic delicacies
- Fine wines
- Brandies
- Jasmine perfume
- Rare spices (aspirational trade)
- Exotic fabrics
- Precious metals
- Artisanal jewelry