Old Nobility

Overview

The Old Nobility consists of nine patrician dynasties descended from The Runic Knights. These ancient families have, over time, become the aristocratic class of Asgartha.

The Nine Houses

The nine dynasties of the Old Nobility are:

1. House ruun-Aksoy: Descended from Aksoy, who vanished with Rune (42 AC)
2. House ruun-Aldana: Descended from Ainara Aldana, Reconciled Baron of the Lower Banks
3. House ruun-Aysun: Lineage of the first Kuningas through daughter Aysun; devoted to scholarship
4. House ruun-Caellach: Descended from Caellach, founder of the Ordis
5. House ruun-Heeren: Descended from Heeren, who vanished with Rune (42 AC)
6. House ruun-Heshkari: Descended from Heshkari, founder of the Bravos
7. House ruun-Kasun: Descended from Balram Kasun, Reconciled Baron of the East
8. House ruun-Tamrat: Descended from Tamrat, who led the investigation into The Vanishing
9. House ruun-Tighe: Descended from Cilistro Tighe, Reconciled Baron of the West

Location

The nine major Houses are established in the Tesh Kanat district of Arkaster.

Political Influence

The ruun-Heshkari, ruun-Caellach, and ruun-Tighe Houses have always been closely associated with power, regardless of the ruling regime or political system of the time.

Relationship with New Exchequer

The Old Nobility are opposed by the New Exchequer, which consists of around forty minor families. Today, the influence and wealth of the New Exchequer rival that of the Old Nobility. However, there is little true animosity between the noble Houses; they have affectionately nicknamed their diplomatic conflict the “Fair Game.”

Current Status (392 AC)

Both the Old and New Nobility are preparing for the resignation of Basileus Avkan ruun-Heshkari. He has promised to relinquish power once his ambitious project, the Rediscovery Endeavor, is finally launched. As the preparations for his departure have intensified, so too have the political maneuvers and intrigues.

Relationships

• The Runic Knights: Original advisors to Rune from whom the houses descend
• New Exchequer: Rival aristocratic faction of minor houses
• Tesh Kanat: District where all nine houses are established
• Avkan ruun-Heshkari: Current Basileus from House ruun-Heshkari (392 AC)