Imperial Elector Houses

A large portion of the Empire’s power is vested in seven noble houses, each ruling a strategically significant region. They form the core of the Sunfire Council, electing Emperors and setting imperial policies. Through shifting alliances, political intrigue, and careful balance, they dictate the Emperor’s selection, imperial wars, internal reform, religious doctrine, and economic direction. Each house’s position on the Sunfire Council can define peace or war, religious tolerance or zealotry, and stability or upheaval within the Empire.

In this delicate balance of power, the Holy Solarian Empire’s fate hangs—one council vote, political manoeuvre, or broken alliance away from change or collapse.

From the Charter of Imperial Privilege
Section III: On the Sovereignty of Elector Lords
and the Custody of Realms

“Let it be known and bound in light eternal, that the Lords Elector, by divine providence and noble lineage, are granted sovereignty within their ancestral demesnes, to rule, govern, and adjudicate as is their right, so long as they bear true fealty to the Imperial Throne and uphold the Radiant Faith.”

“Each House, invested by ancient rite and imperial consent, shall be sole steward of their marches, duchies, and principalities, free to levy armies, collect tributes, enact laws, and hold courts of justice, except where such laws defy Canon of the Church or decree of the Council.”

“No Emperor, once crowned, shall by whim or decree dispossess a Lord Elector of lands, titles, or dignity without formal charge and judgment by the full Sunfire Council and approval of the High Cleric, for tyranny in the throne is darkness cloaked in gold.”

“And let no House raise sword against another save by sanction of Council, nor sow discord within the Empire’s heart, for their power is not theirs alone, but entrusted in sacred stewardship for the good of Solenara’s children.”

“Should a Lord Elector violate the Light’s trust, let them be judged not by one, but by many, and let the fire of unity temper their ambition, lest the Empire fall to chaos and the Flame be dimmed.”

House Aurellis

Title: Principality of Solinthar
Capital: Solinthar (Imperial Capital)
Sigil: A golden sunburst crowned with laurels
Motto: "By Light Ascendant."

Territories:

• Solinthar: Imperial capital, political heart of the Empire.
• The Radiant Spire: Seat of the High Cleric and the centre of religious authority.
• Grand Solar Basilica: Largest and grandest cathedral, renowned for its golden domes.
• Fields of Dawn: Lush farmlands surrounding the capital, feeding vast populations.

House Aurellis presides over imperial governance, known for diplomacy, faith, and political influence, often serving as mediators within the council.

House Caelanor

Title: Margraviate of Ironwatch
Capital: Ironwatch Keep
Sigil: A silver tower over crossed spears
Motto: "Forever Watchful."

Territories:

• Ironwatch Keep: Strategic border fortress overseeing eastern approaches to the Empire.
• The Bastion of Faith: Enormous military temple hosting Solari Templars and crusading forces.
• The Dawnwatch River: Natural boundary with the Lunar Covenant, fiercely contested territory.
• Bladewarden Academy: Elite military academy producing the Empire’s finest strategists and tacticians.

House Caelanor is militaristic and disciplined, responsible for the Empire’s frontline defence and military strategy, their vigilance crucial in holding imperial borders.

House Carathen

Title: Duchy of Ignaris
Capital: Ignis Spire
Sigil: A flaming phoenix over crimson
Motto: "Purity through Flame."

Territories:

• Ignis Spire: Volcanic fortress-city built into black stone cliffs.
• The Emberfields: Fertile volcanic farmlands sustaining the duchy’s population.
• Pyre’s Pass: Strategic chokepoint controlling southern trade routes.
• Sanctum Ignarum: The Inquisition’s training grounds.

House Carathen rules with zealotry, closely allied to the Inquisition and emphasizing religious purity, often sparking tension within imperial politics.

House Drakonis

Title: Margraviate of Ashenhold
Capital: Ashen Gate
Sigil: Black dragon coiled around a spear and shield.
Motto: "From Ashes, Dominion."

Territories:

• Ashen Gate: Fortress-city, infamous for its grim prisons and inquisitorial dungeons.
• The Obsidian Wastes: Desolate volcanic plains providing rare magical minerals.
• Redspire Fortress: Military bastion near the Ember border.
• The Dragon’s Anvil: Secretive forges producing potent enchanted artefacts.

House Drakonis rules harshly over frontier lands, closely allied with the Inquisition, known for ruthless discipline and brutal efficiency.

House Solthar

Title: Duchy of Caminus
Capital: Brightforge
Sigil: A anvil beneath a blazing sun
Motto: "Steel Unbroken, Honour Unbent"

Territories:

• Brightforge: Prosperous city known for masterwork Solsteel weapons and armour.
• The Sunheart Depths Vast underground mines producing Solsteel and precious metals.
• Auric Citadel: Powerful border fort guarding the empire’s frontier.
• Solstice Tower: Prominent magical academy specializing in battle-magic and artificery.

House Solthar is renowned for military power, forging weapons that arm the Empire’s crusades and fielding disciplined knights and battle-mages.

House Valenhurst

Title: Duchy of Sunhaven
Capital: Sunhaven Hold
Sigil: Silver griffon clutching a starburst shield
Motto: "Vigilance Our Shield, Valour Our Blade."

Territories:

• Sunhaven Hold: Nearly impregnable fortress-city overseeing the northern valleys.
• Fort Vigil: Northern military stronghold guarding border regions.
• Silverwind Abbey: Sacred monastery training warrior-monks.
• The Griffon’s Roost: Elite outpost for scouting and messaging.

Valenhurst exemplifies disciplined defence, favouring cautious strategy and order. Their stability balances more aggressive elector houses.

House Velmaris

Title: Duchy of Auroranis
Capital: Aurora’s Harbour
Sigil: A white sailing ship beneath a golden sun
Motto: "By Gold and Glory."

Territories:

• Aurora’s Harbour: Empire’s largest trade hub, bustling port city.
• The Golden Plaza: Financial heart of the Empire, centre for trade and commerce.
• Dawnmere Lighthouse: Colossal magical lighthouse guiding imperial fleets.
• The Vaults of Velmaris: Legendary treasury containing vast wealth and sacred relics.

House Velmaris dominates imperial trade and economy, wielding immense financial influence. Their pragmatism often clashes with religious zeal.