Great Houses of Xeblisau

Xeblisau lies in a region with a long history dating back to when humans first arrived on the continent. Over the thousands of years since that time, there have been many great families that have risen to power - at times ruling as kings and queens, or simply powerful and wealthy merchants.
In modern Xeblisau, these great families are not in direct control of the nation - rather, that is a job for the Monarch of Xeblisau. But they still hold great power in deciding who that monarch is, a tradition dating back from the founding of the nation. Twelve of Xeblisau's original seventeen great houses still exist.
Several of the original great houses have fallen since Xeblisau's founding. Their names remain on registers of houses allowed to vote on the next monarch, but with no provable heirs still existing, their votes remain uncast.
Though these houses have existed for hundreds of years, and wield immense power in the nation, the houses have little legal difference to commoners other than their ability to vote on the next monarch. There is no formal noble class, nor noble titles other than monarch.

Structure

The great houses of Xeblisau are very similar to the noble houses of other nations, but are much, much larger. Though the genealogy of noble families and political marriages still hold great power in determining who leads the houses, they also act much like common guilds. Lowborn commoners seek to join the houses to apprentice under master tradesmen, form business connections, and pledge their loyalty.
It is extraordinarily rare to change your allegiance to a house once you have pledged it.
Each house tends to be associated with certain businesses and cultural values.

Major Houses

House of the Peony is most well known for their financial savvy, wealth, and their banking businesses. They act as moneylenders both in Xeblisau and beyond.
House of the Iris is most well known as devout worshippers of the Eosian pantheon, and for their work hunting evil. They are purveyors of protective charms, and to some degree potions.
House of Silk is most well known for their brothels and prostitution businesses. Though few great houses do not own numerous brothels in Xeblisau, the House of Silk is well regarded for high society clientele and the seriousness they treat their craft. Their businesses are varied, and not terribly specialized.
House of the Spear is associated with the military, mercenary work, and bodyguards. They are a common sight protecting trade ships, and as guards of expensive shops.
House of the Vein are known for their magical prowess. They accept extremely few into the house, and more closely resemble the noble lineages from other cultures.

Minor Houses

While all of the great houses have some power thanks to their voting rights, not all are at the same level. Minor houses tend to resemble traditional guilds much more than the major houses.
House of the Sail are master shipwrights, and though they do not build very many masterwork vessels their works are sought after by the best ship captains and pirates alike.
House of the Lily are known for their healers, midwives, and alchemists.
House of the Rose are known for their brothels and prostitution businesses. Where the House of Silk has quality, the House of Rose has sheer abundance.
House of Stone are known for stonecutting, masonry and to a lesser degree fine art sculpture.
House of the Chain are known for mechanical expertise, locksmithing, and other engineering feats. Their leaders are said to have descended from the legendary hero Geng Yijun.
House of the Goblet includes jewelers, silver and goldsmiths, and other fine art crafts.
House of Ink is known for their artists, painters, and singers.

Forgotten Houses

There are five houses that have no known living descendants. Though many have made claims, without proof of these claims the houses cannot be reestablished.

Type

Geopolitical, Great house

Leader Title

Monarch of Xeblisau

Parent Organization

Xeblisau