Houses of Absalom

Many of Absalom's residents organize themselves into one of hundreds of different houses, which are similar to clans organized by national origin. Each house is a political entity that often maintains a strong connection to its homeland. They grant a set number of minor titles, and are governed by a lord known as a Scion. The immediate descendants of titleholders are automatically enrolled in the house, but not granted the title. Members of a house usually use the house name in place of a surname, while those without a house may use a place of birth, a nickname, or the title "of Gyr" to indicate loyalty to the primarch.

House Ahnkamen

This house, of Osirian heritage and sympathies, is one of the eight most-powerful houses and has been influential across the city for more than 300 years. With strong ties to the Ruby Prince Khemet III, many of the house's members sport Osirion jewelry and khopeshes. The house is led by Scion Lady Neferpatra of House Ahnkamen, Grand Councilwoman, Envoy for the Dead, and First Lady of Laws.

Other members include:

• Lady Kiya of House Ahnkamen, daughter of Scion Lady Neferpatra and a student at Blackblade's fighting school in Absalom's Foreign Quarter

House Arnsen

This house, through Scion Lord Avid, controls the teriarchate of Diobel. A childhood friend of the Primarch's, Lord Avid has since become his bitter political rival.

House Avenstar

This house, of Kyonin heritage and loyal only to itself, is one of the city's eight most powerful houses and the most prominent elven house. Scion Lord Tylvran began allowing aiuvarins into the house at the dawn of the Age of Lost Omens. Other notable members include Dyrianna of House Avenstar, Head Hetaera of Calistria and Consul of the Courtesan's Guild in Absalom.

House Azari

The most notable member of this house is prominent Ascendant Court resident Toiden of House Azari, Faithful of Aroden and Keeper of the Books of Aroden.

House Candren

This house, of Taldan heritage and Andoran loyalty, is one of the city's eight most powerful houses and influential across the city. It is led by Scion Goodman Hugen of House Candren, Grand Councilman, First Harbormaster, and owner of the Sea King Shipyards. Candren has been the traditional rival of House Dureanz.

House Damaq

This house, of Keleshite heritage and Qadiran loyalty, is one of the city's eight most powerful houses and influential across the city. It is led by Scion Lord Kerkis, Lord Exchequer of the Absalom Mint. Other prominent members include Silver Sword and Lord Yuvin Vatir, Quartermaster at Azlanti Keep, and Lady Seleenae, nomarch of the Western Council.

House Dureanz

Dureanz is a house of Chelaxian origin that was once heavily involved in Absalom's slave trade. Due to the recent abolition of slavery in the city-state, House Dureanz is now on the verge of bankruptcy. Instead of weakening Dureanz, however, its tenuous position has made it even more dangerous. Dureanz has traditionally been a rival of the more powerful House Candren. Notable members of House Dureanz include:

• Lord Archych, current nomarch of the Dock Council.

House Fyrlenn

House Fyrlenn's most prominent member is Lady Adrielle Neprathep, Absalom's current Harbormaster of Absalom and member of the High Council of Absalom.

House Gixx

Although Primarch Gyr was a member of this noble house, it otherwise remains relatively small and inconsequential.

• A family member of moderate standing, Guirden serves as Lord Warden of the Black Whale prison.

House Madinani

This house's most prominent member is Lady Darchana of House Madinani, Senior Lesser Councilwoman, Archdean of the Arcanamirium, and Second Spell Lord.

Other members include:

• Lady Izabelle Elliosa, also a powerful spellcaster.

House Morilla

This house, of Taldan heritage and loyalty, is one of the city's eight most powerful houses and influential across the city. It is led by Scion Lord Celedo, Guildmaster of Mysteries and Trademaster.

Other members of this ancient family include:

• Lady Gloriana Morilla, who is Celedo's cousin, former leader of the Taldor faction of the Pathfinder Society, and founder of the Sovereign Court.
• Lord Darin of House Morilla, Gloriana's son and a student at Blackblade's fighting school in Absalom's Foreign Quarter
• Annasendra Varabelle, Juartos Morilla, and Donavar Morilla, Celedo's niece and nephews, all three of whom are involved in the daily operations of the Guild of Wonders in Westgate.
• Lord Riodos Morilla, Guildmaster of the Guild of Spears.
• Folant "Ferret" ap Morilla, Captain of the Lotus Guard.

House Ormuz

This house, of Thuvian heritage and sympathies, is one of the city's eight most powerful houses and influential across the city. It is led by Scion Lord Yamthar, the Eternal Envoy and Trademaster.

House Shamyyid

This house, of Keleshite heritage and Qadiran sympathies, is one of the city's eight most powerful houses and influential across the city. It is led by Scion Lady Xerashir, Bey of Sarenrae and Watcher of the Starstone.

House Tevineg

This house, of Chelaxian heritage and loyalty, is one of the city's eight most powerful houses and influential across the city. It is led by Scion Lady Xanippe, Beloved of Asmodeus. Chelaxian ambassador to Absalom Gulv Tevineg and Head Warden of the Brine Lady Seichya both hail from House Tevineg.

House Vastille

This house's most prominent member was Rothos of House Vastille, who served as Captain of the First Guard and Commander Militant of Absalom until he was killed by the Whispering Tyrant during the siege of Absalom in 4719 AR.