Dragonmarked Houses

No other group exerts as much influence over the Five Nations as the combined membership of the dragonmarked houses. Each dragonmarked house is part noble family and part business cartel, involved in businesses ranging from hospitality to espionage-for-hire. There are very few aspects of life in Khorvaire that are not touched in some way by the houses.
The reach of the houses is so extensive that they have interests in every facet of life in the civilized lands of Khorvaire and beyond. Those interests often bring them into conflict with local rulers and national governments. Unified Galifar had the strength and influence to impose its will on the collected dragonmarked houses if it ever became necessary, but in the wake of the war it remains to be seen if any single nation has the resources to challenge them. Each nation is severely dependent on the Houses now, as they pay the nation a tax in which they operate in exchange for freedom in their business plans and complete neutrality in conflicts. The products and services of the Houses are so popular that the tax they pay to each nation is a major source of income for those nations, especially in the wake of the fund-depleting war.
Although most houses have distinct spheres of interest, their concerns overlap just enough to cause friction. House Orien's control of transportation and shipping is threatened by the growing reach of House Lyrandar's airships. House Tharashk's arrangement with Droaam threatens House Deneith's monopoly on providing mercenary services. House Cannith lost its leadership in The Mourning, and rival barons are fighting for control of the house. An organization called The Twelve seeks to mediate disputes and encourage cooperation between the houses.
Each house is identifiable by a unique symbol, or dragonmark. Some members of the dragonmarked houses are recognizable by these dragonmarks upon their skin. Not all members of a house sport these magical marks, but no dragonmark has ever manifested outside its bloodline. When one boasts such a seal, it is as much a mark of demanded respect as it is of power.
The following Dragonmarked Houses exist:

• House Cannith- manufacturing, industry
• House Deneith-bodyguards, mercenaries
• House Ghallanda- hospitality, taverns
• House Jorasco- healing, phsyicians
• House Kundarak- security, locksmiths
• House Lyrandar- seafaring, airships
• House Medani- detectives, risk assessment
• House Orien- lightning rails, transportation
• House Phiarlan- entertainment, assassination
• House Sivis- communication, inter-house transactions
• House Tharashk- inquisitives, bounty hunters
• House Thuranni- entertainment, assassination
• House Vadalis- beast handling, magebreeding

Culture

Considering the incredibly extensive reach of the houses, one would expect them to be ruthless, arrogant businesspeople merely thirsty for a profit. While it varies from house to house, this is almost always far from the truth. Most heirs are genuinely passionate about their work, and wish to see their goods and services fulfilled in a meaningful way. The gifts that the dragonmarks bestow upon a person makes the dominance of the dragonmarked houses seem inevitable. As it currently stands, the houses are fair in their prices, providing exceptional services, but how long can such a monopoly survive before the hunger for power begins to creep in?

Type

Consortium, Business