Nicholas I (also known by his nickname "Vecse") was born into the influential and prestigious gens (clan) Rátót, as the son of Oliver I (fl.
[5] Nicholas participated in the royal campaign of 1294, when Andrew III laid siege to the rebellious Roland Borsa's fort at Adorján (Adrian).
Nicholas was also present, when the Kőszegis rose up in open rebellion and the king declared war on the rebels in August 1296.
[3] Nicholas disappeared from the sources in the upcoming years, his political orientation during the Interregnum is unknown, but his kindred initially supported the claim of Wenceslaus from 1301, then Charles I from 1304.
Nicholas was styled as "baron" (and was ranked to the upscale fourth place) in September 1308 by Charles, when the king restored the privileges and rights of the church of Buda.