Major Noble Houses

Major Houses: The noble dynasties powerful enough to influence the Empire as a whole. They are a useful boon if befriended, an imminent danger to imperial rule if they aren’t.

House Heinrich: The current ruling dynasty, which (You) control through the Emperor, who is also head of the house. In previous eras, they were a minor house known for its combative tendencies and preference for action over diplomacy. For this reason, it was sidelined from the imperial court, which indirectly led to its enthronement. House Heinrich has minimal assets but as the ruling dynasty, it is the most important.

House Soluton: This dynasty is focused on artisanal macro-architecture and starship engines, both critical to any interstellar Empire. They’re known for their meticulous craftsmanship and the steep cost of their work. They are allies, due to the Empress being one of the Solutons and Alphonse commissioning an artisanal fleet.

House Rothsford: This dynasty is focused on planetside industry and rare gas collection, each critical to manufacturing processes. They’re known for their financial savvy and preference for material gain over noble honour. They are neutral, due to the Empire glorifying Jonah Rothsford and humiliating their rival Corps.

House Arthen: This dynasty is focused on the endless honing of their fortifications and skill at warfare, which have made them the deciding factor in more than one civil war. They’re known for their deep martial tradition and fanatic loyalty to the legitimate heir of Mars. They are cautious, due to Alphonse’s respectable death in battle and Albin hunting death-spiders with their scions.

House Nightshayd: This dynasty is focused on blackmailing nobles to further their own interests and assassinating those who refuse to cooperate. They’re known for their secrecy, to the extent they’re considered a major house only by the highest echelons of nobility. They are allies, due to their master assassin Gerardo’s respect of Alphonse and the Empire’s promise to marry Albin to one of their heiresses.

House De Croize: This dynasty is focused on pushing the boundaries of imperial culture, both by sponsoring sciences and the arts and removing that which they feel degrades either. They’re known for their generosity and detachment from imperial politics. They are cautious, leaning toward neutral, due to the Empire encouraging innovation.

House Ustong: This dynasty is focused on fundamental industries, mining, farming, and pioneering, and gradual, sustainable growth. They’re known for their meticulous approach and lack of ambition. They are cautious, leaning toward belligerent, due to the Empire increasing their competition with new Corps, both integrated and homegrown.