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THE NOBLE HOUSES OF PRAXIS CITY
Most of the Noble
Houses were once the seats of real power in the Kingdom of Aug before the
dragons came. A number of them still exist and wield influence, usually through
their prodigious wealth. New families have joined the ranks of the Nobles.
The Noble Houses have charters for the land around Praxis, which they rent
to the farmers. They also arrange the overseas markets for the farmer's produce
(Such as Chicora Indigo). Many of the Noble Houses also maintain the military
outfits of the Town Garrison and Militia. Praxis City generates revenue by
taxing the Noble Houses 25% of their profits, although many families pay more
than their persentage, as currency buys influence from the dragon and Town
Council. In return, the Noble Houses try to maximize their money-making opportunities
among the town's citizens, which makes the people love the dragon and distrust
(or hate) many of the Noble Houses based on their business practices or landlord
policies. A list of the more prominant Noble Houses, in order of influence,
includes:
Donmillion - Often said to belong to "House Dragon", the members of this human
house dress in dragon armor and use dragon regalia. This house also maintains
the Dragonclaw Company and the Town Watch, and has the largest holdings in
terms of land grants. Their members have been Chancellors, Aides and Royal
Governors for the Dragons of the Kingdom of Aug since the Pact began. Whel
Donmillion is the current head of the House, and hails from the Battersea.
Trueberry - These Folke "Bluebloods" held the monopoly on Folke affairs until the entrance of the Umbertoes into Noble politics. House Trueberry has land charters and also has interests in the Farmer's Market, the Seafarer's Market and shipping.
There are rumors that the remnant folke 'Thieve's Guild' known as "Uncle Odo's Consortium" is secretly controlled by Trueberries, but these rumors were discounted in an official Council investigation. Lady Posie Trueberry, the female head of the House, makes her dislike for the Umbertoes well known. Trueberry House is custodian of the folke Shield Company (Folketown Company), which
includes warriors, fighters and scouts.
Silverthorn - Silverthorn is the only Elven House in Praxis. It is heavily involved in
encouraging the arts and is a rather substantial contributor to Wanderer College.
House Silverthorn also acts as Custodian for the Ket Company of Elven Archers
and is a staunch supporter of the Elven High Council. The Master of this House
is Colonel Ian Silverthorn, an elven ranger, military advisor and Militia
Garrisson Commander. Since Ian is involved in the defense of Praxis, most
of the day-to-day operations of the House fall to his sister and fellow ranger,
Gwen Stormshadow. There are slivers of land that have been granted to the
House, but Silverthorn makes its profits through trade with the Federated
Tribes of Cacica. As a result, they are always pushing for further exploration
of the Wild Lands.
Dor - Famous for its military heritage, House Dor consists of arrogant boors and
self-righteous warriors. Dor is the custodian of the Blackhelm Co. (Axewood
Co.), from which the House and the majority of its members originated. Dor
was recently discredited due to the fall of Fort Dor, which was intended to
protect Praxis City from the nearby Kobold Rook Outpost. Additionally, House
Dor lost some of it's chartered lands to Umbertoe, due to Dragon Decree. Lord
Adolphos Dor is the current master of the House, and is constantly on the
lookout to restore the honor and holdings of his House.
Mudd - A mercantile House lead by Lord Tandor Mudd, the House Mudd is extremely
wealthy. Mudd leads the shipping industry concerning the Indigo trade, as
well as controlling its share of land grants. The Mudd family is often loked
down upon by the other Houses for their extensive dealings with the Half-orc
population. House Mudd is the primary landlord for Half-orc farmers; the Custodian
for the Orc Striker Teams and the Orc Warrior Company.
Tisdale - A Human House, Tisdale is taken more with the trappings of nobility than
the actual politics of rule. WIth no land holdings, Tisdale funds are earned
through trade, primarily the wine and ale trade (though it is rumored to have
dabbled in the Opium trade as well). Most of the restaurants in the city are
also either owned or supplied by House Tisdale. Tisdale also profits from
capturing smugglers and Esani pirates through their Custodian ship of the
"Praxis Navy'", which consists of a single warship named the Crescent
Moon. The Master of the House is Lord Edward Tisdale, assisted by his major-domo,
the extremely obese Orthello, who is a fair-weather friend of the House Dor.
Manian - The Dwarven House is the smallest, but is greatly respected due to their
architectural and engineering prowess. They have close ties with the Donmillion
House, and are Custodians of the Company of the Keep (Dwarven Engineers) and
the Stonethrow (Catapult) Battery. The Master of this House is Captain Mently
Manian, who is more interested in the defense of Praxis than politics; although
he sees the importance of making sure Dwarven interests are represented in
the city. Captain Manian is commander of the Company of the Keep and Fort
Stormshadow. The House Manian also assists Gnome affairs, since Gnomes do
not have representation on the Town Council. Like most of the Dwarves in the
Aug Colonies, he is very interested in the exploration of the Misty Mountains.
Umbertoe - A relative newcomer to the Noble Houses of Praxis, the family of Folke Paladin
General Talbo Umbertoe was granted land chartgers due to General Umbertoe's
role in defeating the Lizard army's attempted invasion of the Aug Colonies
a generation ago. The Umbertoe House maintains the Folke Sacred Dagger Scout
Detachment.
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