Forack House
Summary
One of the seven Major Houses in Ecumene, the Forack are one of the oldest of the British families. Their primary industry is textiles, but culturally, they are known for their support of Bailen University, their pioneering work into psychology and memory, and their leadership of the Objectivist Society. They are currently the third or fourth most powerful House on the island.Business
- Textiles
- Clothing (mostly uniforms)
- Agriculture
- Medicine
- Assorted Trade and Manufacturing
Cultural Presence
- Primary Patron of Bailen University
- Chief Patrons and Administration of Bailen Hospital
- Founders and Leaders of Objectivist Society
British Family
Primary Family Members
Dr. Graham Forack - patriarchMrs. Patricia Forack - matriach
Mr. Stephen Forack - head of business & brother of Graham
Mrs. Joanna Forack - socialite, sister of Graham, wife of Gregory
Mr. Gregory Forack - factory manager, husband of Joanna, née Wright
Mr. John Stuart Mill "Jack" Forack - aide to Stephen, brother of Graham
Mrs. Cora Forack - prior matriarch, mother of Graham
Mr. Winston Forack - prior patriach, father of Graham
Mr. Calvin Forack - cousin of Graham
Mr. Rick Forack - son of Graham and Patricia
Miss Rynne Forack - daughter of Graham and Patricia
Key Staff
Mrs. Astrid Coyle - seneschalFelix Hayter - security head
Dees - archivist
Warren Treyforth - Fellow most associated with the Foracks family
Erick Dahl - agent
Dr. Alger Chester - primary family doctor
Dr. Cyril Henderson - family doctor
Type
Political, Family
Debt Relatioship
The Billingworth family has come under the vassalage of the Forack House, due to a set of expansion loans the Foracks provided. It is unclear whether the expansion will pay off at this time, so the Billingsworth are very respectful of the Foracks. The Foracks for their part keep the Billingsworths close.
Tight Alliance
The Foracks and the Van Brugges have an alliance that goes back to the Canal foundation. The two families have largely shared a work ethic, an approach to reason and capitalism, and social goals that have keep them tightly bound in political events. While there have of course been local rivalries between membes and some typical internal intrigues, both Houses see a close friendship as the best move for their self-interests, and so the two Houses remain strong partners.
Strong Sponsorship
The Howlett family has been connected to the Foracks since their collapse during the Dobby Affair. The Howletts have earned their keep with Forack help, and the two families are now very tightly bound together.
Reforged Friendship
The Bakers were a major player during the Dobby Affair and could have threatened the Foracks, but when they fell apart in the next generation, they lose that edge. The new patriarch has done a lot to play nice with the Foracks, and since the Bakers seem to know their place, the Foracks have been generous with them. This is all still coming together, though, so the relationship could change based on whether the Bakers remain successful and not threatening.
Friendly Exploration
The Harriman family is largely outside of the political fights of Ecumene, but has been actively trying to make connections and alliances. While nothing formal or dramatic has happened, the Foracks have taken the most interest in welcoming the Harrimans. All of this is in the early stages, so whether it becomes a detente, a passing fad, or a formal alliance remains to be seen.
Respectful Distance
The Weekes and Foracks were essentially on the same side in the Guerre de la Lamproie, but they were never specifically allied; they were just fighting the same enemies. The Foracks don't see the Weekes as a major threat, and the Weekes don't see the Foracks as a viable target, so both Houses are maintaining a mutually respectful distance from each other. They won't do anything to help each other, but they aren't actively suspicious and are not currenty aggressing against each other.
Peaceful Co-existence
The Foulds and the Foracks do business together in the form of loans, contracts, and service relationships. Given that the Foulds remain at least overtly neutral in House conflicts, the Foracks and Foulds get along fine. There's no love or loyalty there, but business wants consistency, so everyone is playing the game fairly and has normal friendly competitive relationships.
Mutual Tolerance
The Foracks and Outterridges are competing, but it's all civil. They have largely staked out their turfs for the time being. As the top House, the Outterridges are always watching the Foracks to make sure they don't come for the king, but the actions of the Guerre de la Lamproie have passed and while the Foracks were aggressive against the Outterridges in that conflict, everyone is letting that lie and warily going about their current business. Everyone expects it to escalate again, but everyone is trying to keep it from happening as long as possible.
Growing Tension
The Foracks and the Baudin fought on the same side during the Guerre de La Lamproie, but they were never allied. That would imply some mutual non-aggression between them, but the recent Léandre-Weekes lawsuit has made the Foracks wary of Baudin scheming. The Baudins seem to be attacking everyone at once, and the Foracks are responding with heightened suspicion and caution.
Rivalry
During the Guerre de la Lamproie, the Foracks aimed most of their aggression at the LaPointes, and that escalated quickly into a fairly nasty war of espionage. When the Guerre ended, both sides lost the cover to continue active hostilities, but neither side forgot what happened. The LePointes are suspicious of the Foracks and expect them to strike first in a new aggression at any moment. The Foracks think the LaPointes have been bullying other Houses with their power for the last generation and see themselves as simply responding to constant, background LaPointe oppression. Basically, they aren't at war right now, but each side just assumes that everything the other does is secretly done as an attack on their House.
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