Eight Houses of Neo Tyr

Neo Tyr gives much power to it's historical Eight Houses, eight noble families who hold considerable power within her. It is totally unofficial in most cases, but retainers of the Eight Houses easily gain high ranking offices and have vast wealth. These ancient lineages mean much to the people and are a large source of pride towards the people. They all have an ancestral home where they have resided throughout the years and their house brew, the alcohol which is exclusive to them and keeps a steady stream of money headed their way. They are organized with a House Father (or Matriarch, if there are no adult males) who controls their affairs, House Brothers and Sisters which are all other members who are related by blood, and finally House Cousins who marry into the family. Oathmen are non-family members who have proved their loyalty and worth, while Lawmen are aspiring Oathmen.

Great House Llamanian

The house that currently controls the crown, it's is arguable that this house contains the most influence in Neo Tyr. The problem is, the only member is a 17 year old girl. Marimeta Cicily Llamanian is the very last of the proud line, which have produced many rulers, like the former "Mad" Serge Llamanian. A terrorist attack several years ago wiped out all retainers sans Marimeta, leaving the future of this noble family uncertain. It is known for making very good breeds of "Riding Llamas", large llamas which can be ridden at the speeds of horses.

Currently, the only member is Marimeta Cicily Llamanian however she is more or less controlled as a puppet by Richard Solstice, her guardian. The two Oathmen Flax Amelius and Simon Cuntiham also hold power in the Llamanian, more than the other Oathmen. Their ancestral home is Llamanian Place on Clover Island, and their house brew is the Cloverbrew Lager, a lighter ale which is produced in small numbers.

Great House Haart

The old rivals of Llamanian and the crown, Great House Haart has been a keen defender of the parliament as long as it existed ever since the revolution. House Haart has a close alliance with House Hemlock, and is friendly towards House Dart. Damaian Haart leads this noble family, and has kept a voluminous voice in support of the parliament for his whole life. It is known also for it's close eye on the justice system, and has held great pride in doing so.

Haart is ruled by Damian Haart, who had expertly maneuvered them politically and was able to change their historically rather weak power and make them once again a major power. Other noted members are Alexander Haart, Damian’s son who has managed the Haart in his absence and Holden Quinctilius, an old Oathman who was instrumental in the Haart’s newfound strength. Their ancestral home is Spiral Island and their house brew is the Coeur D'or, a stronger ale which is sought after by all beer enthusiasts.

Great House Vassal

Lawrence Llamanian saved Gaius Vassal's life on a hunting trip in the year 1785, and House Vassal felt indebted to Llamanian ever since. The supporters of the crown, Vassal has always backed House Llamainian, to a point of blindness. In this modern world, Vassal has started to think for itself, but will always defend the rights of the crown and the honor of House Llamanian regardless of the circumstances.

The old Titus Vassal leads this house even at the brink of death. He has three healthy sons, Cicero, Frederick, and Lancerow. Their ancestral home is Isle Vassilian and their house brew is the Snow Rose, a light alcohol with a rather curious white color.

Great House Hemlock

Great House Hemlock had always had close ties to Haart, and has always stayed loyal to the parliament and the ideals of democracy. Very concerned with local affairs, Hemlock retainers usually look for jobs with ties to services that stay in Neo Tyr. They have always pushed forward the concept of democracy, and gives out a very large collage scholarship to the student who can make the best essay extolling the wonders of that government system.

The apathetic Justinian leads the family who is currently missing. The scheming Lawrence is his eldest son, who is rather distrusted by almost everyone who knows him. Their ancestral home is Hemlock Manor in the old town of Dronor and their house brew is the Hemlock Special, a rich beer which recent studies have shown is good for the heart.

Great House Trisken

Great House Trisken has always supported the crown, and had been known for staying firm to almost everything that it backs. Historically, House Trisken made some of the best masonry in Neo Tyr, and still is the authority on anything made of stone in the principality. Trisken keeps a strong backing of the crown, and still stays true to it's alliance with house Seabrook.

Geta Trisken is currently in power as House Father, who is surprisingly active for a man his age. His son Garithos ran the garrison in Easterling Island and is currently watching Kyrall. Their ancestral home is Castle Trisken on Northreach Isle, considered the best built building in Neo Tyr, and their house brew is the Stotic Shield, a strong beer that represents their unwavering background.

Great House Seabrook

When Neo Tyr gained independence, Decius Seabrook assumed the throne of Neo Tyr. After a near civil war, the throne passed to House Llamanian, however House Seabrook still holds great power to this day. Known for compassion, Seabrook donates large alms to the poor and is a massive supporter of abolition, providing shelter for runaway slaves even if it bends the laws. They have kept strong ties to House Trisken.

Although Nicolas Seabrook is the House Father, he is fickle and weak. The true power behind them is his daughter, the passionate Juliet. Their ancestral home is the Seabrook Villa on the Lake of the Wilds in the Northreach Isle, and their house brew is the Brew of Kings, a strong ale which is still made in the same process it was when Decius ascended to the thrown.

Great House Dart

Great House Dart hates the crown. Historians still argue why, but what they do agree on is that some argument got blown out of proportion and makes Dart untrusting of every single act House Llamanian orders and sees House Vassal as their lackey. Dart retainers have always been known to be loud and a bit impolite, but still keep a place in the hearts of the people. Dart has most influence over the armed forces, and has quite a bit of pride invested in them.

The House Father is the old Henry Dart. His two sons are polar opposites- Concessus is corrupt, snide, and critical while the younger Grant is honest and sharp, but perhaps a bit too outspoken. Many people in Neo Tyr want Concessus to suffer a ‘Tragic Accident’ before he can become House Father so Grant can take the title instead. Their ancestral home is the Dart Estate on Feather Island, and their house brew is the Dragonblood, a hard liquor which makes one very drunk very fast.

Great House Kajar

Great House Kajar looks out for it's own interests. Unlike the other seven, it constantly conforms to better suit its fortunes and power within Neo Tyr. It has been known as a wildcard, supporting one house one day, and another house the next. It also essentially controls the food transportation, making it very important indeed.

Falco Kajar currently rules them, followed by his son Gaius and then his other child, Ross.Their ancestral home is the Kajar Palace in Zed Harbor and their house brew is the Nectar of the Gods, an alcohol which has a surprisingly sweet taste to it.