Seven Families

Overview

Current Status

The Families have settled into a very stable system, splitting different tasks between each other to ensure that all are needed and functioning. On paper they are independent of each other and have formed an alliance. In truth they are dependant on the work and services the others provide, having torn their own infrstructure to focus on their specialties in the government.
Towards the outside they paint a picture of unity and cooperatin, behind the scenes however, they constantly fight and bicker, putting stones in each others way.
Why they still function is unknown to us.
 

History

The Seven Families have been ruling the Southern Reaches since the death of the Dragon Emperor around 200BLW. After the followers of the Dragon Emperor broke apart in the years after the discovery, a political vacuum was left. After a period of wars and infighting, five families rose to take the power for themselves. After stabilizing the region they raised a minor family and brought them into contact with dragons willing to take on their patronage. Roughly 75 years after stabilizing, the family Heiyaoshi was brought into the ruling consortium.
The following years were troublesome, the only constant being the continued infighting between the families, it took a further two centuries for their situation to stabilize. One last holdout remained for since the fall, the family Zumu refused to be conquered.
After long negotiatons, the family was accepted into the consortium as an equal part, finally unifying the Southern Reaches.  

The Families in Detail

Below each family is listed and their function within the alliance given. Little of note is known about the individual families, despite the work of our ambassadors.

Zi Jing

Patron

The family is headed by an ancient amethyst dragon, who has built her lair in a large library atop her mountain. She rarely leaves the mountain anymore and is said to be preparing an egg as her successor.
 

Specialty

In accordance with their dragon's interest, the family has dedicated themselves to the collection and preservation of knowledge. Many scholars from around the world are drawn to the family, as they possess a wealth of knowledge and constantly work on enlarging it.
Within the alliance, their interest in the written works have turned them into the record keepers and highly efficient administrators.
 

Shujing

Patron

This young crystal dragon has recently succeeded his father prematurely. After a long illness the old dragon passed away before the training of the young one was able to finish his training. This leaves him in a very delicate position, his strength is needed to guide his people, while those same people might not trust it fully.
 

Specialty

Every system needs an element that cares. This is the domain of the family Shujing. Deep in tune with their spirituality, they have come to the conclusion that all people are fundamentally the same and strive to make this a reality. Within their realms this often results in the richest being forced to support the poorest, making sure that everybody works the same for the same amount of pay.
Withing the alliance they are the voice of the unheard and the poor. They often train priests and clerics, healers and builder which are loaned out to the other families.
 

Zumu

Patron

The exact nature of this families patron is unknown. Reports suggest that it is an emerald dragon, although they have never been observed outside their lair, something very suspicious even for usually reclusive dragons.
 

Specialty

Each actor, playwright or stage hand you meet in the southern reaches is somehow affiliated with the Zumu family. Art and Entertainment are their forte, aspiring actors travel to their cities to receive an excellent education. Any play put on by these masters is bound to be a truly enchanting experience, capable of sucking you into the stories seemingly for hours while only minutes pass.
 

Heiyaoshi

Patron

The family is guarded by an obsidian dragon who is said to have a very friendly and chatty demeanour. They apparently prefer to take on different humanoid disguises, walking undetected within their city and the Southern Reaches in general. We have not been able to independently verify these reports.
 

Specialty

Nobody really knows what this family brings to the table. They have no official purpose, yet they are a part of the government and have equal power to the other families. Rumours and whispers claim that their dignitaries are actually spies and murderers in disguise, serving the families by doing their dirty work. These rumours are furthered by the fact, that those same dignitaries tend to wave the jagged scales of their patron into their clothing.
 

Hongbaoshi

Patron

The patron of this peak prefers to circle it for large amounts of time, spreading her wings and blessing her people. The large ruby dragon is seen as a kind but just and firm ruler.
 

Specialty

Every state needs a strong code of law and those that inforce it. Justices, guards and lawmakers are all directed by the Hongbaoshi family. They are often employed as impartial decision makers and overseers for shared projects.
 

Lanbaoshi

Patron

This family's patron is a sapphire dragon, known for his harsh decisions. It is not unheard of, that this dragon would issue a death sentence instead of an exile only to perform the execution immediately.
 

Specialty

Each state needs an army. While all families have their own military forces, they also send their best trained fighters and battle mages to a shared army whose purpose it is to keep the peace as well as the other minor families in line. This army is led by the Lanbaoshi, a family with a strong tradition in warfare and strategy. Generals, but also sergeants and quartermasters are primarily from this family.
 

Huangyu

Patron

Sometimes a dragon's egg is hatched under less than ideal circumstances, somehting that can have a large influence on the young wyrmling. This is exactly what happened to this topaz dragon, it just didn't come out quite... right.  

Specialty

Going with the flow of nature and their acceptance of the imperfections of the world, this family has lost their care for their own lifes - or maybe even transcended beyond it. They often take on the most dangerous missions, having developed a keen interest in explosives, even when on missions that do not require them at all.