Factions
Lands: The Duchy of Antioch (The Highlands)
Leader:: Duke Gilead Levai of Antioch
Symbol: Crux ex Levai (Cross of Levai)
Summary:
House Levai has long been viewed as the ideal of Amasai (Chivalry), ever since they founded the Knights Hospitaller, the most Holy of orders, charged with the duty to protect pilgrims and the faithful.
This honourable reputation has not aided them in recent battles, and the House's lands have all been taken by the heathen hordes, all except the Capitol of Antioch.
The current leader of House Levai, Duke Gilead, upholds the tenants of Amasai, when it suits him, but is not above breaking them, especially in the recent wars against the heathens.
Lands: The Emirates of Damascus (The Great Bazaar)
Leader:: Emir Al'Hazred Mordechai of Damascus
Symbol: Malleus ex Mordechai (Hammers of Mordechai)
Summary:
House Mordechai has always been the most wealthy of all the Noble Houses, ever since Emir Abdul pulled off a master stroke in founding the order of the Knights Basilican ( named after the Basilica of The Prophet, the seat of The Church, and the home of the Pontifex in Roma Secundus ).
The reason for this wealth is that the Knights Basilican are charged with the duty of protecting the trade routes against heretics and heathens. Thus, through his role as head of the Knights Basilican, Emir Abdul was able to gain a dispensation to control trade throughout the lands under the supervision of Mother Church.
In the centuries since, House Mordechai has grown rich off its control of the trade routes. Recently they have grown even more wealthy as war rages against the Heathen Hordes and the price of goods and weapons have risen exponentially.
Capitol: The Earldom of Galilee (The Land by The Sea)
Leader:: Earl Cain Malachi of Galilee
Symbol: Mantica ex Malachi (Hand of Malachi)
Summary:
House Malachi is situated on the Black Sea that borders the eastern lands of Abaddon. The Malachites, as the people of House Malachi are known, are known as the best thieves, spies, gamblers, and all-around ne'er-do-wells in the known world!
Most of the Malachites work as fishermen, as they have always done, ever since Saint Malchi caught the mythical fish Dagon, a gigantic fish which fed the people of House Malachi for 33 years. However, Malachites can also be found manning the galleys of pirate vessels which prey on the shipping lanes used along the coast of the Black Sea! This dichotomy is explained by the fact that Malachites love to wander, and they are the most widely dispersed of all the Noble Houses.
House Malachi has also founded the Knights Templar, the most shadowy and secretive of the Religious Orders.
Home Office: The Earldom of Galilee (The Land by The Sea)
Leader:: Guild Master Michaelis Arnon
Symbol: Anchora ex Arnon (Anchor of Arnon)
Summary:
The Guild Hall of the Arnon control all the shipping, fishing, and another other aquatic or martime activities. They control these activities in both in the Black Sea and in the River Thyamis.
The origin of House Arnon lays in the final days of the life of The Prophet. It was said that Arnon was the best sailor, and commander of The Prophet's Naval forces. Arnon was able to lead the navy of The Prophet to a great, seemingly impossible, victory against The Heathens by anchoring his ships in a great storm while sending fire ships against The Heathens' naval forces.
The Arnon can ship goods and people anywhere in the Valley of Abaddon faster than any other guild. Members of this guild are trained that speed and distance are the best ways to avoid danger.
Home Office:The Emirates of Damascus (The Great Bazaar)
Leader:: Guild Master Hakeem Boas
Symbol: Circuago ex Boas (Wheel of Boas)
Summary:
The Guild Hall of the Boas control the trading of goods that are transported by wagons. Therefore, all the goods for sale in any inland location will be by the Boas.
The Boas were founded by Ibrahim Boas, the leader of The Prophet's mobile forces. He took the tactics developed for warfare and adapted them to move the armoured caravans throughout the dangerous lands of Abaddon. The Boas work in cooperation with the Knights Basilican to guard all goods transported by land, and the heavily armoured Boas caravans are nigh impregnable (although great riches can be acquired by taking down a Boas caravan).
The Boas can ship goods and people anywhere in the Valley of Abaddon almost as quickly as The Arnon, however the danger of traveling on land precludes equality. Members of this guild are trained that armour and skill with melee combat are the best ways to deal with combat.
Home Office: The Duchy of Antioch (The Highlands)
Leader:: Guild Master Elijah Orren
Symbol: Achlis ex Orren (Elk of Orren)
Summary:
The Guild Hall of the Orren control the trading and procurement of animals, including hunting, tanning, fur trading, butchery, breeding, and all other activities to do with animals. The most high profile function of The Orren is to organise and guide noble hunting expeditions. Members vie for the Hunter rank as it brings with it great wealth and recognition.
The Orren were founded by Elijah Orren, the leader of The Prophet's reconnaissance forces. He was also a great hunter, once killing a Giant Sarak beast, in one on one combat. The Orren can be found hunting in most of the woods of The Valley of Abaddon, and many a traveler has been saved by the swift arrows of an Orren Ranger.
The Boas can ship goods and people anywhere in the Valley of Abaddon rather slowly, however they are the only guild who has contacts in the wilderness areas of the land. Members of this guild are trained that stealth and skill with ranged combat are the best ways to deal with combat.