The Great Houses
The Great Union of Vurtgoren is led by ten Great Houses, whose influence shapes the fate of nations. Only members of these Houses may hold seats at the High Council, where all twenty votes are divided among them, and where the course of the Union is decided.
The following account reflects the standing of the Great Houses in the Seventh Moon of the Twentieth Year, within the Thirty-Second Cycle of the Second Era.
House Taynard
Counted among the wealthiest families of Vurtgoren, House Taynard stands as the Royal House of Bersenia. From its seat in Dencaster, it holds dominion over the entire kingdom, making it the only Great House whose authority extends across a full nation.
House Morisgan
House Morisgan is the Royal House of Silvegurd, widely regarded as the most powerful family within the Union. From Silvetruphis, the largest city in the known world, it commands vast lands, wealth, and influence, standing as a pillar of order and authority.
House Eansfort
House Eansfort rules from Veskala, the great maritime hub of the Union and among the wealthiest cities in the world. Through its command of the largest port, the House wields considerable influence over trade and movement across Vurtgoren.
House Ruthlein
House Ruthlein is held in high esteem across Vurtgoren, its name long associated with proven warriors and a code of honour. From the austere fortress of Urholm, it governs half of Ursathia, where strength and discipline are held above all else.
House Unsworth
House Unsworth is feared for its brutality and unwavering devotion to strength. Its warriors are known to hold little regard for rank or wealth, measuring all by power alone and casting aside those deemed weak.
House Verdon
House Verdon governs the most vital region of Gorendor from its seat in Vurtruphis. Regarded as the most adaptable among the Gorendori houses, it has embraced wealth and cunning as instruments of power, setting it apart from the Old Ways.
House of Grudham
House of Grudham has ruled Greylor since time immemorial, its long-standing presence earning it a reputation for stability. Unlike many of its peers, it has turned toward more modern principles, aligning itself more closely with the broader Union.
House of Rudegan
House Rudegan traces its lineage to the very heart of the Old Empire and rules over one of the most isolated regions of Gorendor. There, it upholds the Old Ways without compromise, sustaining its authority through fear and absolute control.
House of Torenskar
House of Torenskar stands among the ancient houses that preserve the traditions of the Old Empire. Known for its harsh rule and unyielding nature, it maintains practices that are widely condemned beyond Gorendor, including the continued use of slavery.
House of Radena
House of Radena endures as one of the remnants of the Old Empire, defined by its refusal to yield to the changing order of the Union. Rooted in ancient customs, it governs through fear, regarding enslavement as a rightful expression of power.
The Lesser Houses
Among the Lesser Houses, one stands apart by virtue of its vast wealth and its rule over an entire nation. While all others remain vassals to the Great Houses, House Drungo governs Urdekar with full autonomy.
House Drungo
House Drungo stands foremost among the Lesser Houses, its influence far exceeding its rank. From its seat at the Crossroads, it governs a nation and oversees one of the most vital centers of trade in Vurtgoren. It organizes the great festivals and hosts the High Council, its wealth rivaling that of royal houses, yet recognition remains just beyond its grasp.
The remaining Lesser Houses are listed below.
Houses of Bersenia
House Karlton of Kruton, sworn to House Taynard
House Woodham of Vaimont, sworn to House Taynard
House Bancroft of Ploymore, sworn to House Taynard
House Wardon of Tuland, sworn to House Taynard
House Toywell of Utrock, sworn to House Taynard
House Cathan of Pryport, sworn to House Wardon
House Vollans of Haford, sworn to House Wardon
House Tansey of Strogas, sworn to House Toywell
Houses of Silvegurd
House Vinton of Brona, sworn to House Morisgan
House Sugden of Praghos, sworn to House Morisgan
House Lerence of Onagan, sworn to House Vinton
House Bottrow of Aneham, sworn to House Vinton
House Rotvine of Teydon, sworn to House Vinton
House Redden of Atraco, sworn to House Sugden
House Tutton of Arkport, sworn to House Sugden
Houses of Gorendor
House Meraskar of Meraskar, sworn to House Rudegan
House Gateskar of Gateskar, sworn to House Verdon
House Black of Kerebrut, sworn to House Verdon
House Tombs of Brutebers, sworn to House Verdon
Houses of Ursathia
House Everson of Dufson, sworn to House Ruthlein
House Reymore of Ulvine, sworn to House Ruthlein
House Canward of Urghdale, sworn to House Unsworth
House Terhar of Usnana, sworn to House Unsworth