Great Houses

#### Sentinels Hand

*Peace through strength* - Sentinels Hand embodies the ideal of "*Speak softly and carry a big stick*" - Sentinels hand has long since had a strong tradition of warfare and dueling, and revere Human God highly. Trending towards *European* Nobility, they hold the largest standing army of any of the great houses and control the Great City of HighHall. The common perception of Sentinels Hand may be that of Guardians, or Warmongers depending on the perspective. They do not particularly value cultural traditions, and happily support slave trade. This puts them at odds with Red Lotus, who highly value ancient human traditions. SH remains neutral towards the Whitesmiths. While they make sure to protect those under their governance, they may be seen as overbearing and their taxation is higher than average.

#### Red Lotus

*Tradition. Honor. Loyalty.* The family comes first with Red Lotus. Horse masters of the Southern Human Land, Red Lotus controls a vast territory surrounding the Hampar Woods, an immeasurably large and wild forest which is partly used for logging. Cultural history, careful adherence to doctrine and showing respect are all highly valued within the Red Lotus and their affiliates. Their greatest stronghold grew into what is now known as the Great City of Dawns Grace. They do also however, tend to follow the greatest of Human traditions; Racism. Fewer Godless live within the Red Lotus territory than in any other land, and though slaves are common enough, are often poorly treated. Their adherence to old tradition also puts them at odds with many of the other races, though they get along well with the other highly traditional societies, such as Eclipse, and Revelation. (They are Neutral to Sacred Sun)

### Qazam

#### Eclipse

*Guide us to the straight path.* Eclipse takes religious zealotry and dials it up to eleven. Blaspheming against Qazam God within the territory of Eclipse is not a good idea, and members of this rather elaborate society take great pride in their Duties. Typically more Eastern-Arabian than strictly Egyptian, Eclipse makes war upon the Wood Elves to their East, taking a great many prisoners to sell as slaves in the Western markets. To shirk responsibility is sinful in the eyes of many Qazam, but Eclipse view using slaves in a Duty as avoiding that Duty, and so uses relatively few slaves compared to their 'brother' House, Sacred Sun. Their lands are relatively prosperous, but hot and dry. Khalfani is held under their iron grip. Their strict adherence to tradition and cultural laws makes them no favours with non-traditional societies, and the division in scripture between them and their Brother House causes great friction. *“Seek to perform your duties to your highest ability, this way your actions will be blameless.*”

#### Sacred Sun

*Man, know yourself and you shalt know God.* Sacred Sun follows a separate scripture to their Brother House Eclipse, and while perform Duties and help in the war against the Wood Elves, they adapt to the ever changing values of the world. Working to build Great Cities and a great many wonders to honor their god, they are seen as slave-drivers to many. Though Sacred Sun holds many traditions as valued, their society has recently changed to match the more modern era, and their leaders have taken steps to make peace with many of the other Houses and Races. Sacred Sun aristocracy is known for their decadence, and it is said that in this modern world, nobody parties like the Sacred Sun. The style of those within Sacred Sun is distinct, and it is not uncommon to see even lowborn with rings or necklaces electroplated with gold. (Neutral to Red Lotus)

### Orc

#### Waterfield

*In one drop of water are found all the secrets of all the oceans; in one aspect of you are found all the aspects of existence.*

By far the most temperate of the Great Houses, Waterfield controls the greatest fleet the world has ever seen, and though they pay homage to their great God, adherence to their cultural laws is not expected of outsiders. Though Orcs are great Nomads of the water, Waterfield does keep a strong presence across most Camps and especially in the "Great City" of Barcenes. They are also the primary crafters of their Fleet ships. Strangely enough, however, Waterfield as a whole refuses to carry Slaves upon their vessels, and so it is the smaller, shadier Houses that may be found trading flesh. A great proponent of fashion in the world, Waterfield ravenously buys and consume dyes and expensive textiles.

### Stormlander

#### Valiant

*If you act as prey, you will find a predator.* Do not take threats lightly from those of Valiant, usually more direct in their language, they play for keeps. The pecking order is important within Valiant. Typically those in Valiant can either be your fastest of friends, or the most unrelenting of enemies that you can find. Those of Valiant however, chafe when restricted by doctrine; and so even within Valiant many different rules and subgroups have formed. Valiant is best known for its yearly Great Hunt, taking place just after the yearly Flood, its prizes (and dangers) are stunningly high. Though Valiant controls Almerry and Rye, often they rely on the other races for many of their staple goods, trading either famous Stormlander timber or dried meats in exchange. Prove yourself to be a 'hunter', (whatever *that* means), and regardless of race, you are likely to be accepted by Valiant.

### Drylander

#### Revelation

*The possession of knowledge does not kill the sense of wonder and mystery. There is always more mystery.* Highly religious, Revelation is a contradiction. As there is no written scripture (at least, no official one), following '*tradition'* in Drylander territory is an exercise in futility, for it may change vastly between cities and towns. If you ask, however, they will insist that despite first look, they *are in fact* identical, or as close to as mortals can make. Knowledge is the common throughline to all within Revelation, as though they do not hold their gods scripture, books and charts on all worldly matters are stockpiled in their great libraries. No other race holds such vast and meticulously catalogued athenaeum. Their adherence to their strange traditions makes them an outlier to most other Houses. Many outside Revelation theorize that since their lands were among the most affected by the GodsWar, this resulting '*madness*' is merely a symptom of living so close to the battlefields.

### Godless

#### Whitesmiths

*Forging forward!* The Great House of the Godless - They follow all Gods and paths, and though are not recognized by all other Great Houses, actually hold a measure of sway and power within the world. Acting somewhat like Peacekeepers between the Nobles and Godless, they are the intermediaries between the Nobles and Godless when it comes to the minutia of the world. Though they are known to turn a blind eye to some of the cruelties committed against individual Godless, they have done much to improve the overall state of Godless, and have instituted "Indenture-Trading" from Godless Hives to Noble Cities. Arranging the first ever work-for-citizenship deals in Noble territories, fixed contract slavery and even general Writs-of-Travel for those needing to pass through Noble territory. The mark of the Whitesmith is slowly growing in influence, but you will always find those that despise the Whitesmiths. All Godless Hives have offices of Whitesmiths, and they have property in the north of Human Lands, across Orc Lands, and even a fort in the Stormlands.