Comprehensive Hierarchy of Houses & Harems

Noble Houses, Gens, and Stripes: A Comprehensive Explanation

In the sociopolitical framework of noble families within the Seven Seals Legendarium, the structure of Houses, Gens, and Stripes represents a multilayered system of lineage, culture, and governance. Each level uniquely organizes individuals and communities under shared values, ancestry, and goals.

What is a Stripe?

A Stripe is the smallest and most specialized unit of a noble lineage. It represents a distinct subsect within a Gen, often tracing its roots to a particular branch of the Gen's ancestry or a significant figure within its lineage. Stripes are typically formed based on:

• Direct Descendants: A notable descendant of the Gen's founding ancestor.
• Exalted Marriages: A family that has married into the Gen and risen to prominence.
• Historical Achievements: A branch that has distinguished itself through exceptional contributions or accomplishments.

Stripes often bear detailed names that reflect their lineage. For example, within Gen Arious, a Stripe tied to Princess Areyss might be called the Stripe of Areyus Arious. This naming convention emphasizes the stripe's unique heritage while maintaining its connection to the Gen.

Stripes function as tightly-knit communities within a Gen, often with their leaders—known as Stripekeepers—who manage internal affairs and represent the Stripe in the Gen's broader governance. Despite their autonomy, Stripes are ultimately beholden to the Genlord and the goals of the Gen as a whole.

What is a Gen?

A Gen is a formal organization of individuals united by a shared ancestry, common values, and mutual goals. It serves as a cohesive social and political unit within a broader cultural framework. Gens are defined by their connection to a common ancestor or group of ancestors, which lends them a sense of identity and purpose.

• Ancestral Identity: Gens are named after their founding ancestor, often with slight modifications to the name for distinction. For instance, a Gen descended from Lord Arion might be called Gen Arious.
• Cultural Cohesion: A Gen's unity extends beyond ancestry to shared beliefs, traditions, and goals. This includes alignment in governance, trade, artistic expression, and even magical techniques.
• Inherited Magical Techniques (IMTs): Many Gens gain prestige and maintain power through Inherited Magical Techniques (IMTs)—unique abilities or attributes passed down through their bloodlines. These techniques distinguish Gens and Houses from others, making them both powerful and vulnerable. IMTs are carefully safeguarded. Over-dilution of the bloodline through excessive outbreeding can weaken these traits while inbreeding risks stagnation or the loss of vitality. Balancing genetic diversity and purity is a critical concern for Gens.
• Governance: Gens are governed by a Genlord, who holds executive authority over all Stripes within the Gen. The Genlord is supported by a Small Council, composed of elders, advisors, and experts.

What is a House?

A House is the largest organizational unit in this hierarchical system, consisting of two or more Gens united for cultural, political, or economic reasons. While Gens are defined by ancestry, a House represents a broader cultural and sociopolitical union, encompassing shared values and governance systems. A House is more than a collection of families; it is a cultural institution that embodies shared beliefs, governance practices, and traditions. Elements of this culture may include:

• Beliefs and Values: Philosophical or spiritual ideals.
• Social Structure: Defined roles and hierarchies within the House.
• Customs and Traditions: Unique rituals and celebrations.
• Language and Art: A distinct linguistic and aesthetic identity.
• Economy and Trade: Collaborative efforts in commerce and resource management.
• Governance: Legal systems and rules for resolving conflicts.
• Family Relationships: Complex dynamics of marriage, alliances, and inheritance.

Houses typically modify the names of their constituent Gens with prefixes or suffixes. For example, if Gen Arious joins the House of Erd, it might be renamed Gen Erd-Arious. This naming convention signifies the Gen's affiliation with the House while retaining its ancestral identity.

A House is led by a Head of Household, who oversees all Gens within the House. However, this leader does not interfere in the internal affairs of individual Gens, leaving such matters to the respective Genlords. A House serves as a larger political and cultural entity, capable of wielding influence over kingdoms and empires. Its collective power stems from the resources, alliances, and IMTs of its member Gens.

Royal Harem: Marriage, Spouses, and Succession

In the hierarchical societies of the Seven Seals Legendarium, marriage, and relationships within royal families are intricately structured to balance political power, personal passions, and the metaphysical requirements of lineage. The concept of the royal harem encompasses a range of roles, each serving distinct purposes within the family’s sociopolitical and spiritual framework.

Paramour: The Primary Spouse

The Paramour occupies the central role in the royal harem, chosen primarily for political purposes rather than personal affection. Marriage to a Paramour is typically unbreakable and serves as a critical tool for forging alliances, securing military support, and enhancing social, economic, or political standing.

• Shared Rule: The Paramour rules alongside the sitting regent, holding equal authority within the royal executive branch.
• Children as Heirs: The Paramour’s offspring, referred to as Trueborn Heirs, form the Ruling Lineage and are automatically eligible for the throne. Their position in the Line of Succession is highly secure, requiring significant political action and majority approval to remove.
• Harem Authority: The Paramour may maintain their secondary partners, such as Concubines or Consorts, extending their influence and ensuring the security of their lineage.

Consorts: Passionate Partners

While the Paramour is chosen for pragmatic reasons, Consorts represent the regent’s personal preferences. These companions are selected based on affection, shared values, or personal desires, often referred to as Passion Lords/Ladies.

• Lesser Authority: Consorts hold reduced power compared to the Paramour and have limited roles in the royal court’s executive functions.
• Fiefdom Governance: Consorts are often granted fiefdoms to govern on behalf of the regent, providing administrative support while strengthening the royal family’s control over territories.
• Branch Families: The children of Consorts, known as Chosen Heirs, form Branch Families within the royal lineage. These families govern key fiefdoms and can apply for inclusion in the primary Royal Line of Succession, though they can be removed more easily than Trueborn Heirs.

Concubines: Political and Personal Auxiliaries

Concubines are informal companions who serve the regent or Paramour without the full status of marriage. Their roles are flexible, ranging from fulfilling personal companionship to producing offspring that secure the royal lineage.

• Limited Power: Concubines generally hold little influence within the royal executive branch and are not granted fiefdoms or significant political roles.
• Demiheirs: The children of Concubines are known as Demiheirs, who can be legitimized by the Small Council under extraordinary circumstances. While rarely incorporated into the line of succession, Demiheirs provide a safeguard against lineage crises.
• Small Council Oversight: Concubines are vetted by the Small Council, which also determines limits on their numbers to prevent excessive strain on royal resources.

The Standard Conventions of Seven Seals Heraldry

In the Seven Seals Legendarium, heraldry serves as a vital means of identification and expression for Gens, Houses, and their members. These symbols, designs, and accompanying words represent the essence of an entity, showcasing its history, culture, and values. Heraldry is a layered system, with each component serving a specific purpose in defining identity, both internally and externally.

The Full Standard

A Full Standard refers to the complete heraldic representation of a Gen or House, encapsulating their essence in a unified design. This standard typically includes three primary elements:

• The Mon: The central emblem of identity.
• The Plaid: A dynamic array of patterns representing the Gen’s internal structures.
• The Words: A concise motto, prayer, or phrase summarizing the Gen’s ethos.

The Full Standard is most often displayed on official documents, important locations, and ceremonial items. It is used universally by members of a Gen, with exceptions for significant individuals, such as heirs or key leaders, who may bear personalized versions.