The Clans - General

Four great houses have risen in the time past the Destruction – organizations that pulled together to salvage what was left of civilization, led by adventurers of some reknown. Now? They stand as the primary agents of the last bastions of civilization out of Tintagel.

In general, Clans are meritocracies, and familial lines, while common, do not guarantee membership or rank. Each clan differs on what they find to be of merit, of course, based on what the clan values and the overall goals and power base of each clan. The Clans survived the Curse and reexpanded their power base; in Aria of Stars, the Clans represent a good source of work and pay handsomely for intelligence and lost treasures that are important to their area of governance. The outpost of Landfall has a strong presence from each clan, though the outpost itself falls under the governance of the Holy Dragon Empire.

Clan names:

As the clans are meritocracies, a quick note should be made about clan names.

Once a certain rank is reached within a Clan, the members of that clan can begin using “Of House/Clan <name>” as a title. Given the nature of language, this is often shortened:

Jack Lightfinger of Hawthorne would often introduce himself as Jack of Hawthorne, Jack O’Hawthorne, or just Jack Hawthorne. This has become common useage – “Jack Starrose” would be a Rat in good standing, of sufficient rank to be allowed to use the name – a trusted member of the House or Clan, and someone likely of some influence or capability.

The houses all assign this right in their own way – Wolves, for instance, challenge for the name, and must be sponsored in that challenge by a named member. Rabbits must bring back an independent discovery to be catalogued and added to the Clan holdings. Each clan is different, but in each case, the name is always earned.

Clan names cannot be passed to children – though spouses are often allowed to use the name as a courtesy; it is not often done, save at formal occasions. Children must earn their own way in – though there are legacies and dynasties that have developed over the last several centuries.