Factions
Capitol: 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.
Capitol: The Emirates of Damascus (The Great Bazaar)
Leader:: Emir Al'Hazred Mordechai of Damascus
Symbol: Malleus ex Mordechai (Hammer 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 Dagon 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.