Granthelian Nobility

Winthrop
Patriarch: Gregor Winthrop
Special: Civil Engineering/Architecture
Other Notes: Widely distrusted by the royalty as saboteurs and cultists due to their work beneath the Highborn Gardens.
Rumors: It is said by surreptitious circles that the Winthrops have an ulterior motive within the depths of the Highborn Gardens, beyond merely repair and maintenance. So it is assumed that these family members and retainers who do descend are knowledgeable of the various superstitions that captivate the general populace. Whatever the Winthrops actually do down there is far from the minds of speculators. Yet it is a truth that one versed in creation is also adept in destruction.
Ayre
Patriarch: Caelan Ayre
Special: Heavy ties to the Arcane Society/Miscellaneous other things. Most Ayre members incline to the Arcane but do not wholly dominate/specialize in it. Misfortune. Eccentric natures.
Other Notes: Attributed to being an “older” family, though up to dispute. Their claims come from apparent records within the Arcane University itself. It is currently suffering from a slow decline from grace. Tragedies and scandals have surrounded the house in recent years, which aid in this gradual fall.
Rumors: In much more recent history, the talented head of house has been involved with a series of terrible events. The sudden deaths of both of his wives have been speculated to being foul play, but otherwise gone unproven after investigations. Caelan is more withdrawn in the recent years, guests invited privately to his manor and mostly tied with his contacts in the University. The disappearance of his youngest daughter is well-known, but not much progress has been made in relocating her.
Ayre is commonly known for having unusual family members, much to the chagrin of themselves. Caelan is not exempt from this. Though, despite the eccentric natures that crop up, the house spawns a strange form of genius on occasions. The men are known to be astute, the women highly ambitious.
There have been several “matriarchs” of the house in the past, in the Ayre family. These were unusual cases of aggressive women taking charge. One such case is Vivian Ayre, who refused to take her husband’s name after her father begat no sons, and presided as head until her eventual passing. Assuredly, she had a male heir, but many houses may see this as unorthodox at best.
The servant staff of the main house is old, their families being in servitude to the house for several generations.
Sinclair
Patriarch: Lucius Sinclair
Special: Banking/Investment
Rumors:
*Despised by the peasants, as they treat them like dirt.
*Generally, the other houses respect them - despite their general unpleasantness, due to the fact that they control a large amount of money.
*They’re commonly referred to as pretentious, stuck up, snobby, and the like.
Other Notes: Widely acknowledged to be one of venerable families to first grace the Highborn Gardens on Granthelia’s founding.
Prastirt
Patriarch: Calcifer Prastirt
Special: Maritime Trade/Affairs
Other Notes: Has recently run into legal troubles with the minor nobility from houses Torling and Ristanthrat.
Hargrave
Patriarch: Mortimer Hargrave
Specialty: Inter-house Relations
Rumors:
*Peasants generally hold the Hargraves in high regards, owing many of their public works to them.
*Other noble families see them as ‘peasant-lovers’ and dirty, in addition to low and cheap for gaining power through relationships and not honest work.
*Many of the members of the house are seen as naive and childish, and the Patriarch is hated by many.
*Commonly referred to as ‘dirty peasant lovers’ and ‘weeds’.
Other Notes: Viewed as lesser by many houses due to their fickle use of bloodlines to engage in inter-house politics. An old family that only recently came into prominence - they’re growing faster and faster, much to the distaste of other families.
Cromwell
Patriarch: Gareth Jordan Cromwell XII
Specialty: Research/Knowledge
Rumors: It’s said that the Cromwells aren’t as honest as they’d like people to believe. Many don’t take easy to the idea that they’ve actually made half the discoveries they put their name to, and are often branded as liars and thieves because of it, despite no evidence being put forward.
Other Notes: Held in high esteem by most of the nobility for their contributions in education and research.
Corell
Patriarch: Reynard Corell
Specialty: Trade/Vassalage
Rumors: The Patriarch has not taken the deaths of his wife and brother, which happened within the timespan of just a few years, well. Word has it that Reynard has delegated many tasks to his children and nephew as of late, as well as to the heads of families under House Corell.  
Other Notes: A relatively young noble house compared to some others, though recent events have made them more well-regarded in the eyes of other nobility.
Cottingham
Patriarch: Maximilian Cottingham
Specialty: Mapping/Archaeology
Rumors:
*Although the house is publicly lead by a man, it is said his wife calls all the shots.
*The only reason for their position in power is their ancient relationship with the Wrennes.
*They are often seen leaving Granthelia to set off for their own adventures. The Garden Gatekeepers must be irritated.
Other Notes: An old family that has been around for a very long time. No one really knows why they have their place in the Highborn, but nobody really cares to find out.
Eastbow
Patriarch: Everett Eastbow
Speciality: Applied Sciences/Naval Engineering
Rumors: The family has been in turmoil ever since the death of Patriarch Ennis Eastbow, who was held in high regard in both scientific and political circles. His son Everett has shown significantly less competence guiding the house, leading to the Eastbows currently being seen as one of the weaker noble houses. Truly, the only thing keeping them afloat is the constant demand for their services, something few others can match.