House Ignin
Ruled by an autocratic Lord Ignin, though restrained by both tradition and an elected Council of Notables, House Ignin is the largest and among the most traditional on the Council. While the exact power varies from lord to lord, with some being more despotic than others, all assert their divine right to rule and are generally in favor of stronger union among the Great Houses, with themselves as first among equals, of course.

House Etamor
Baron Etamor is a toothless figurehead, with power being officially held by a fully democratic Thing. In practice, though, the Thing is controlled by the numerous businesses and financial concerns in Etamor space. The concerns of commerce and industy have made the Etamors very wealthy, easily the wealthiest of all Great Houses, but their mercantile spirit disgusts many of the others on the Council. They are often accused of trying to buy friends, and some maintain that their democratic facade wavers when confronted with horrifying conditions in their mining concerns.

House Diment
A full vassal to the Heavenly Empire, Archduke Diment is a puppet with a seat both on the Dwarven Council and the Heavenly Emperor’s personal cabinet. The Archduke therefore constantly pursues policies meant to unite the Great Council with the Heavenly Empire. The benefit of their close relationship, access to the Heavenly Navy, keeps them in power despite widespread discontent with their rule.

House Borol
Earl Borol is elected from among the male-line descendants of the founder of his house by an assembly of notables, and the last four Earls have been tough, politically-minded royals with an eye toward external expansion as a route to unifying their people. With wide territorial claims that overlaps with many others, Borol is sometimes accused of being a swollen garrison state.

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