Noble Houses

First Houses "The 12"
The Twelve constitute the principal noble houses scattered across the realms. Each wields authority over a substantial territorial expanse, and presiding over them all is the monarch of Port Haethwy. These houses collectively form the Chamber of Royal Council of Nobles, advising the king on matters of governance. In the event that a primary house is unable to fulfil its role on the council, it may designate a 2nd house, empowered by a temporary Writ of Council. This grants them the right to act as legal representatives, participating in negotiations and voting on counsel for both the king and house policies. Notably, certain policies do not necessitate the king's involvement and can be implemented independently by the Twelve within their respective regions.

1. House Vaughey (The First King's House)
2. House Giantsbane (Mountain Dwarf, SE)
3. House Ironshield (Mountain Dwarf, E)
4. House Thunderforge (Hill Dwarf, NE)
5. House Mountainheart (Half-orc, Frostfell Peaks)
6. House Sylvanelore (High-Elven, SW)
7. House Aedralon (Centaur, Just north of Port Haethwy)
8. House Ravenshadow (Half-elf, centre)
9. House Goldenshield (Human, W)
10. House Dragonclaw (Human, S)
11. House Stormshield (Human, N)
12. House ? (?, NW)

Moderate Houses / 2nd Houses: There are approximately 40 to 50 Moderate Houses, and any significant changes within this tier often make waves in the political landscape. Promotions and demotions occur, occasionally reshuffling the ranks. In a few rare instances, a Noble House may degrade to the Moderate level, a remarkable event that leaves a lasting impression on the kingdom.
Low Houses / 3rd Houses: The Low Houses, numbering between 100 to 200, ebb and flow over the generations. Many Low Houses fade into obscurity by the first or second generation, with few persisting beyond the fifth. However, those that endure often witness upward mobility, and by the third or fourth generation, they may find themselves promoted to the Moderate tier.

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House Colours:

• First Houses (The 12): These houses have one distinct colour along with a unique pattern.
• Second Houses (The Moderate): They are characterised by two colours. The first is derived from the First House they have sworn allegiance to, while the second is their own unique colour.
• Third Houses (The Low): These houses have three colours, and they are not required to display allegiance colours, although it's encouraged.

Members of the respective houses display their colours in various ways, from full dress uniforms to patches and medallions, particularly when they are performing their duties. However, they may choose to conceal their colours when traveling incognito or for other specific reasons.

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Title Rules:

• Kings and Queens: They title their primary heirs as Duke or Duchess, and any subsequent heirs will be known as Lords and Ladies. As they come of age, they inherit a home with land.
• Dukes and Duchesses: They title their offspring as Lords and Ladies.
• Lords and Ladies (Low Nobles): Their offspring are titled as Sir and Mylady.

Other acceptable titles include Your Majesty, Your Highness, and Your Grace.

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Distinctions Between the Different Noble Houses In the Verdant Realm, the noble houses are stratified into three tiers based on their holdings, resources, and responsibilities. These distinctions reflect the unique roles and contributions of each house to the kingdom.
1st Houses - Primary Houses

• Seat of Power: The 1st houses, also known as the Primary Houses, are located within city castles. Each house has its castle, which serves as the epicenter of their domain.
• City and Township Control: These houses govern cities and townships throughout their kingdom, generating substantial tax revenue.
• Multiple Dukes and Duchesses: They appoint multiple Dukes and Duchesses to manage different segments of their land, further contributing to tax revenue.
• Substantial Military: 1st houses maintain a substantial contingent of armed forces, mages, and clerics. In times of conflict, these forces are called upon to defend the city and its surrounding areas.
• Moderate and High Taxes: Their cities and townships contribute significantly to tax revenue, making them financially robust.

2nd Houses - Moderate Houses

• Castles and Townships: Moderate houses typically have stand-alone castles with small townships nearby.
• Moderate Defenses: Their castles are fortified with a thick outer wall, typically 4-5 feet thick. They have a modest armed force, including low-level mages and clerics.
• Townships and Taxes: These houses manage 2-4 townships on their land, generating a moderate amount of taxes. A portion of these taxes is usually sent to their corresponding 1st house.
• Few 3rd Houses: Only a few older moderate houses have established 3rd houses or Lordships within their domains.

3rd Houses - Lower Houses

• Mansion-Size Homes: Lower houses are characterized by mansion-sized homes and may have a thin outer wall, usually made of wood or 1-2 feet of stone.
• Minimal Defenses: They have a small number of guards, a few servants, and often maintain substantial backyard gardens or farmland.
• Low Tax Revenue: Lower houses generate a low tax revenue primarily from one or two townships, including farms, under their jurisdiction.
• Squad-Sized Elements: They are expected to either personally stand for or fund a squad-sized element for their higher-tier house's defense in the event of a siege or other security concerns.

Related Ranks & Titles

• Baron and Baroness
• Duke and Duchess
• Grand-Diplomat
• Sire and Madame

Neighboring Nations

• House Dragonclaw
• The Harmony Accord Society "HACS": Bridging Realms, Nurturing Unity

Organization Vehicles

• A Noble Carriage

Hesitant Primary sources of income.

The Fold: The Mercenary's Covenant

100

Noble Houses

80

Whenever the nobles have a squabble, it's very likely that either side will contact the Fold. The Nobles hate they have to do this.

Being the interface between the noble houses and the elven society

The Harmony Accord Society "HACS": Bridging Realms, Nurturing Unity

75

Noble Houses

75

The elves are using the half-elves as go-between and a buffer zone.

Strained Diplomacy

The Kingdom of the Blood Oak: Wardens of the Sylvan Realm

5

Noble Houses

5

While the noble houses technically owns the land, the Elves have their own ideas who owns what land.