Overview
The Commonwealth is ruled by assembly of noble Houses, from which a Chancellor is elected as head of state. Within the Commonwealth exist the seven Great Houses who comprise the Security Council. The Security Council has evolved into the true power from which future of the nation is determined. The nation is divided into seven prefectures which are governed by a Lord of the seven Great Houses. Each prefecture is named for the Great House in control of it.
The Houses were once hereditary aristocracies and royal families, however they’ve developed features reminiscent of business corporations. The Houses retain their traditions and trappings of nobility, however individuals are largely valued for their own merit over bloodline. Due to this quirk it’s often the case that a particularly competent and influential individual may be adopted as heir apparent to the House.
It’s largely believed that the Commonwealth developed in response to the Aldovian Empire’s expansion. For the last few centuries it’s been held that the Commonwealth and Aldovian Empire have been in a state of cold war. The Houses vie for supremacy whilst protecting the state from outside influences, primarily Aldovian Empire.
The capital city Ancelstierre is the most populous city in all of Roshar.
Government of the Commonwealth
The Great Houses
The Great Houses
The Great Houses are the ruling noble families of The Commonwealth, a nation in the world of Roshar. These families wield immense power and influence, with each Great House Lord ruling a Prefecture of The Commonwealth, which shares the name of the ruling Great House.
Unlike some old Royal family traditions, the succession rules of the Great Houses can be more fluid. While the heir of a Great House is often a close family member of the ruling lord, it can also be a capable person adopted from a more minor noble house.
The Great Houses hold a significant role in the governance of The Commonwealth. The ruling Lord of each Great House serves as a member of the ruling council for The Commonwealth, which presides over the entire assembly of nobles in The Commonwealth. From among the Great House Lords, a Chancellor is elected, who serves as the public face and leader of The Commonwealth in international affairs.
Each Great House has its unique history, traditions, and relationships with other houses. Some houses may have close alliances, while others may have long-standing feuds or rivalries. Despite these differences, the Great Houses work together for the greater good of The Commonwealth, ensuring its stability and prosperity.
The Great Houses are an essential aspect of the political and social landscape of The Commonwealth, and their actions have far-reaching consequences. As such, they are a crucial element in the world of Roshar, and their influence is felt throughout the land.
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HOUSE NAME CURRENT HOUSE LORD PRIMARY SOURCE OF INFLUENCE DOMINANT RACIAL DEMOGRAPHIC Caridin Aurelia Caridin Engineering, Mundane Academia Human Belmont Walter Belmont Security Forces, Mercenaries Human Harrowmont Viola Harrowmont Agriculture Halflings Korunda Rurisk Korunda Natural Resource Exploitation Dwarves Lyran Thymara Lyran Arcana, Counterintelligence Elves Korran Erdahl Korran Naval Dwarves Selevash Vestrit Selevash Bureaucracy Elves
The Assembly
Assembly of the Commonwealth
Overview
The Assembly of the Commonwealth is the governing body, composed of all noble lords within the nation. While each lord has a vote, in practice, they typically vote in accordance with the Great House Lord to whom they owe fealty. The Assembly meets to discuss and pass laws, make decisions on behalf of The Commonwealth, and oversee the administration of the country. The Assembly is led by the Chancellor, who serves as the public face of The Commonwealth and is elected from among the Great House Lords. The Chancellor presides over meetings and represents The Commonwealth in international affairs.
Recent Activity
This section displays every time this entity is mentioned in session summaries.
Session 0-1
- This began with two people having been shunted through the veil between realities to end up in the world of Roshar, an entirely foreign existence. This near impossible occurrence left Calyn Omarion and Enya Yaeldrin unconscious and in a restricted section of the Assembly of the Commonwealth.
Political Landscape
Allies
Groups this faction supports or is supported by.
- None
Rivals
Groups this faction is at odds with or actively sabotaging.
- None
Hierarchy & Agents
Direct Members
- None
Link to originalBeholden Sub-Groups
- None
The Security Council
Security Council
Overview
The Security Council of The Commonwealth consist of the Lords of the Great Houses. The Security Council are members of The Assembly of The Commonwealth, however they have enhanced powers and rights reserved to them not afforded to regular members.
Political Landscape
Allies
Groups this faction supports or is supported by.
- None
Rivals
Groups this faction is at odds with or actively sabotaging.
- None
Hierarchy & Agents
Direct Members
- None
Link to originalBeholden Sub-Groups
- None
The Chancellor
The Chancellor
The Chancellor of The Commonwealth is a noble lord who is elected to be the public face and leader of The Commonwealth in international affairs. The Chancellor is often a member of the Great House Lords, who make up the Security Council of The Commonwealth and are considered the true power behind the Chancellor.
While the Chancellor is responsible for representing The Commonwealth to other nations and negotiating treaties, it is the Great House Lords who hold the true power in The Commonwealth. The Security Council, which is made up of the Great House Lords, is responsible for the overall security and governance of The Commonwealth. They make critical decisions on behalf of The Commonwealth and hold the ultimate authority in matters of state.
The Chancellor’s role is primarily ceremonial, and while they hold a certain level of influence, their power is limited compared to that of the Great House Lords. However, the Chancellor is still an essential figure in the governance of The Commonwealth and plays a vital role in maintaining The Commonwealth’s reputation and international relationships.
The position of Chancellor is an elected position, and candidates must meet specific requirements to be considered eligible. They must be a member of a Great House and have a certain level of political experience and expertise. The election process is rigorous, and the candidates are carefully vetted to ensure that only the most capable and qualified individuals are chosen to serve as Chancellor.
In summary, the Chancellor of The Commonwealth is a noble lord elected to be the public face of The Commonwealth in international affairs. However, the true power in The Commonwealth lies with the Great House Lords, who make up the Security Council. While the Chancellor holds a ceremonial role, they play an essential role in maintaining The Commonwealth’s reputation and international relationships.
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Lords Marshal
Lords Marshal
The Lord Marshal is a position within the Great Houses of the Commonwealth, which is responsible for overseeing the standing armed forces of the house. They are the chief strategist and tactician, effectively a general, of the military forces of the Great House. The Lord Marshal is also responsible for organizing the training and equipment of soldiers, as well as the maintenance and management of the military infrastructure. The Lord Marshal is often a powerful noble in their own right and commands respect from their peers. They work closely with the ruling Lord of the Great House and are an essential member of the Security Council of The Commonwealth. The position of Lord Marshal is highly respected and holds great power and influence within Great Houses and The Commonwealth.
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The Vermin Directorate
The Vermin Directorate
Overview
The Vermin Directorate is a prominent organization within the nation of The Commonwealth, officially tasked with the responsibility of combating vermin, monsters, and various threats to society that ordinary guards and soldiery may not possess the necessary expertise or resources to handle effectively. This governmental agency operates across the nation, safeguarding the welfare and security of its citizens.
Overview
The Vermin Directorate serves as the public face of a clandestine and secretive organization hidden within its ranks. Operating discreetly, these agents function as spies and black ops operatives, executing covert missions on behalf of the nation’s rulers. This covert agency within the agency remains undisclosed to the general public, with only individuals of high status, such as select nobles and government officials, being privy to its existence.
Structure and Leadership
At the helm of the Vermin Directorate stands the enigmatic Directors. The Director are figures of great authority, overseeing the organization’s operations, both overt and covert. Their identity remains shrouded in secrecy, known only to a select few individuals in the highest echelons of power. Typically, each Great House will appoint a director. The Director’s decisions shape the activities and direction of the entire Directorate, guiding its agents to carry out their missions effectively.
Official Operations
The Vermin Directorate’s official mandate revolves around the protection and defense of The Commonwealth. Its agents are trained to identify and neutralize threats such as dangerous creatures, infestations, and other hazards that may jeopardize public safety. They work in close collaboration with local authorities, assisting in the eradication of vermin and ensuring the stability and welfare of the nation’s towns and cities.
Covert Operations
The covert branch of the Vermin Directorate operates in the shadows, undertaking missions of espionage, intelligence gathering, and black operations. These highly trained agents specialize in infiltrating enemy organizations, gathering critical information, conducting sabotage, and eliminating high-value targets. Their activities remain concealed, their true allegiance known only to those with the highest clearance.
Secrecy and Concealment
The clandestine nature of the covert agency within the Vermin Directorate is a tightly guarded secret. Mid-level officials and certain nobles may be aware of the existence of secret agents, but they possess limited knowledge regarding their identities or specific placements. Instead, these individuals are provided with certain signs and phrases to identify when they should refrain from interfering with the agents’ operations, ensuring that the secrecy and effectiveness of their missions are maintained.
Legacy and Impact
The Vermin Directorate’s dual nature as both a public-facing organization and a hidden agency within has had a significant impact on The Commonwealth’s security and stability. The public-facing arm serves as a reassuring presence, addressing threats to society, while the covert agents silently protect the nation’s interests from within the shadows. The Vermin Directorate’s operations, both overt and covert, contribute to the maintenance of order, the preservation of intelligence, and the defence of The Commonwealth against various perils that may jeopardize its well-being.
Recent Activity
This section displays every time this entity is mentioned in session summaries.
Session 0-1
- These hooded figures offered the 3 a chance at some form of freedom, swear an oath and carry out a task. The oath was to be sworn on an orb that would magically implant a geas spell. The oath was simple, “Serve the Commonwealth”. The hooded figures were revealed to be the Directors of The Vermin Directorate.
- The Vermin Directorate is a prominent organization within the nation of The Commonwealth, officially tasked with the responsibility of combating vermin, monsters, and various threats to society that ordinary guards and soldiery may not possess the necessary expertise or resources to handle effectively. This governmental agency operates across the nation, safeguarding the welfare and security of its citizens. The Vermin Directorate serves as the public face of a clandestine and secretive organization hidden within its ranks. Operating discreetly, these agents function as spies and black ops operatives, executing covert missions on behalf of the nation’s rulers. This covert agency within the agency remains undisclosed to the general public, with only individuals of high status, such as select nobles and government officials, being privy to its existence.
- The task was equally brief. The Vermin Directorates agents had gone missing within the Storm Coast region within Korunda Prefecture. The Directorate had sent one of their more competent agents, Kilvin, to investigate. They had lost contact with him also.
- The party borrowed a boat and set off for this abandoned watchpost also. As the party arrived they saw the watchpost was occupied with elven-appearing figures, Fey eladrin, manning the parapets. The eladrin, four of them, were immediately hostile at the parties landing and engaged them in combat. A hidden Vermin Directorate agent, Iskar Jarak, had also traced the strange phenomena to the watchpost. Iskar joined the fight and thereafter the party.
Session 0-5
- “Kilvin, VD. Message, Iskar Jarak. Request for VD in Torkef. Possible curse or other supernatural threat. Noble house near extinguished. Scholtz II presence is requested.”
- Once within Ancelstierre the party reported to the Vermin Directorate. The party reported back to Director, Lord Oberon Chaplet and Kilvin. The party, sharing in detail their findings, and were briefed in turn. The Vermin Directorate mages and diviners had gleaned that that Auntie Agnes, Dread Ethel, and Old May were all hags forming a coven that’s known as the Twilight Coven. They were believed to serve in some way an Archfey known as the Twilight Prince. Little was known about the Twilight Prince except that he hadn’t been observed or noted of in millennia without any explanation or hint as to why. Director Oberon and Kilvin advised that he would have further research completed and update the party accordingly. The party were left then in Ancelstierre to complete their business.
Political Landscape
Allies
Groups this faction supports or is supported by.
Rivals
Groups this faction is at odds with or actively sabotaging.
Hierarchy & Agents
Direct Members
Beholden Sub-Groups
Link to original
Great House Prefectures
The Prefectures of the Commonwealth are the areas administrated by one of each of the Great Houses from which the prefecture takes the name. The capital city Ancelstierre is the only area claimed by the Commonwealth not directly ruled by a single Great House.
Ancelstierre
Ancelstierre
Overview
Capital city of the Commonwealth.
Districts
Areas & Points of Interest
Old Ancelstierre
Knightshade
North Port
South Port
Ashtown
Bonestair
Proprietor is Shug
Frequented by Gideon von Scholtz II. His men, lead by Dyer, frequent the inn due to this.
The prostitute Esmerelda works out of the inn.
Castle
New Gate
Stonecrest
Elmplace
Applerock
East Ward
Bright Barrow
Snowalk
Weavers Square
Link to originalLongcrown
Great House Belmont
Great House Belmont
Overview
Great House Belmont is a prominent noble house in The Commonwealth, led by the shrewd and respected Lord Walter Belmont. The house boasts the largest standing army in The Commonwealth, with a particular reputation for martial prowess. Their famed Rebukers Legion is a highly skilled and well-trained fighting force that combines martial and arcane abilities to devastating effect. The current Lord Marshall of Belmont’s standing armed forces is Gideon von Scholtz, a pragmatic and ruthless strategist who has raised his own noble house to new heights of power and influence within the Prefecture. Despite being one of the most powerful Lords in Belmont Prefecture, he is not a member of the Great House Lords themselves. Belmont Prefecture is strategically located on the southern coast and the border with Hallan Protectorate, adding to the house’s importance in The Commonwealth.
Walter Belmont rules Great House Belmont.
Recent Activity
This section displays every time this entity is mentioned in session summaries.
Session 0-5
- The party then travelled from Alver towards Torkef, also in Belmont Prefecture, which was about 450 miles away.
- The party instructed that the town should send a message for help from Great House Belmont. The party then left Torkef at pace, rushing eastward on the road towards the port town of Buck, where they encountered a host of soldiers from the Rebukers Legion. The party stopped and spoke with their commander, Arcturiel, and briefed him on the situation in Torkef.
- The party then continued on towards Buck where Gideon’s father, Gideon von Scholtz, oversaw the town on behalf of Great House Belmont. Gideon von Scholtz’s seneschal Edmund Ravenswood met the party when there and provided them the means to teleport to Great House Belmont’s teleportation circle in Ancelstierre.
Political Landscape
Allies
Groups this faction supports or is supported by.
- None
Rivals
Groups this faction is at odds with or actively sabotaging.
- None
Hierarchy & Agents
Direct Members
Link to originalBeholden Sub-Groups
Great House Caridin
Great House Caridin
Overview
Lady Aurelia Caridin rules Great House Caridin.
Political Landscape
Allies
Groups this faction supports or is supported by.
- None
Rivals
Groups this faction is at odds with or actively sabotaging.
- None
Hierarchy & Agents
Direct Members
Link to originalBeholden Sub-Groups
- None
Great House Harrowmont
Great House Harrowmont
Overview
Viola Harrowmont rules Great House Harrowmont.
Political Landscape
Allies
Groups this faction supports or is supported by.
- None
Rivals
Groups this faction is at odds with or actively sabotaging.
- None
Hierarchy & Agents
Direct Members
Link to originalBeholden Sub-Groups
- None
Great House Korran
Great House Korran
Overview
The current lord is Erdahl Korran.
Recent Activity
This section displays every time this entity is mentioned in session summaries.
Session 0-1
- The party arrived in the tired village and found the residents wary as if expecting bad news at any moment. The party sought out news of Kilvin and learned he’d been investigating disappearances and disturbing phenomena in the region. The party spoke with Old Jack, who was the eldest man in the village and seemingly fathered half of it. Old Jack spoke about Jenny having disappeared which Kilvin had been following up on. People in the region had been having strange dreams of twilight and elderly women, including Jenny. Jenny was a local pregnant girl whos husband Simmon was off working in the Korran navy. The people of the region had been experiencing strange dreans Old Jack tells the party that Kilvin asked about an old watchpost that existed in the firth set between Khas’kive and United Kingdom of Valammar.
Political Landscape
Allies
Groups this faction supports or is supported by.
- None
Rivals
Groups this faction is at odds with or actively sabotaging.
- None
Hierarchy & Agents
Direct Members
Link to originalBeholden Sub-Groups
- None
Great House Korunda
Great House Korunda
Overview
The head of House is Lord Rurisk Korunda.
Recent Activity
This section displays every time this entity is mentioned in session summaries.
Session 0-3
- The Party then travelled to Chevid, capital of Korunda Prefecture. Whilst there they spoke with Fain Farlight, seneschal for Great House Korunda. The party passed on their news whilst also receiving word from Fain. Fain confirmed the rumours that the city had been having regular nightmares that were debilitating and suspected to be supernatural in origin. Fain had been authorised to reward anyone who assisted in resolving this. Fain advised that Nira Crakehall was a researcher associated with Great House Lyran who was visiting to assist. Crakehall had the service of a sarcastic quickling familiar named Flit. On a more personal note Fain contracted the party to investigate the disappearance of his sister, Jaslin Farlight. Jaslin worked in the library provided to the people by Korunda. After visiting the library and speaking with Crakehall the party left to go to Jaslin’s home.
- Fain brought the party to the Lord of Great House Korunda, Rurisk Korunda. Lord Rurisk stated that should the party deal with this, preferably destroying the Illithid, then they would be rewarded greatly. Lord Rurisk stated that he would be sending his personal bodyguards to investigate and deal with this also.
Political Landscape
Allies
Groups this faction supports or is supported by.
- None
Rivals
Groups this faction is at odds with or actively sabotaging.
- None
Hierarchy & Agents
Direct Members
Link to originalBeholden Sub-Groups
- None
Great House Lyran
Great House Lyran
Overview
Thymara Lyran is the ruler of Great House Lyran.
Recent Activity
This section displays every time this entity is mentioned in session summaries.
Session 0-3
- The Party then travelled to Chevid, capital of Korunda Prefecture. Whilst there they spoke with Fain Farlight, seneschal for Great House Korunda. The party passed on their news whilst also receiving word from Fain. Fain confirmed the rumours that the city had been having regular nightmares that were debilitating and suspected to be supernatural in origin. Fain had been authorised to reward anyone who assisted in resolving this. Fain advised that Nira Crakehall was a researcher associated with Great House Lyran who was visiting to assist. Crakehall had the service of a sarcastic quickling familiar named Flit. On a more personal note Fain contracted the party to investigate the disappearance of his sister, Jaslin Farlight. Jaslin worked in the library provided to the people by Korunda. After visiting the library and speaking with Crakehall the party left to go to Jaslin’s home.
Political Landscape
Allies
Groups this faction supports or is supported by.
- None
Rivals
Groups this faction is at odds with or actively sabotaging.
- None
Hierarchy & Agents
Direct Members
Link to originalBeholden Sub-Groups
Great House Selevash
Great House Selevash
Overview
Vestrit Selevash is the ruler of House Selevash.
Political Landscape
Allies
Groups this faction supports or is supported by.
- None
Rivals
Groups this faction is at odds with or actively sabotaging.
- None
Hierarchy & Agents
Direct Members
Link to originalBeholden Sub-Groups
- None
Recent Activity
This section displays every time this entity is mentioned in session summaries.
Session 0-1
- This began with two people having been shunted through the veil between realities to end up in the world of Roshar, an entirely foreign existence. This near impossible occurrence left Calyn Omarion and Enya Yaeldrin unconscious and in a restricted section of the Assembly of the Commonwealth.
- These hooded figures offered the 3 a chance at some form of freedom, swear an oath and carry out a task. The oath was to be sworn on an orb that would magically implant a geas spell. The oath was simple, “Serve the Commonwealth”. The hooded figures were revealed to be the Directors of The Vermin Directorate.
- The Vermin Directorate is a prominent organization within the nation of The Commonwealth, officially tasked with the responsibility of combating vermin, monsters, and various threats to society that ordinary guards and soldiery may not possess the necessary expertise or resources to handle effectively. This governmental agency operates across the nation, safeguarding the welfare and security of its citizens. The Vermin Directorate serves as the public face of a clandestine and secretive organization hidden within its ranks. Operating discreetly, these agents function as spies and black ops operatives, executing covert missions on behalf of the nation’s rulers. This covert agency within the agency remains undisclosed to the general public, with only individuals of high status, such as select nobles and government officials, being privy to its existence.
Political Landscape
Allies
Groups this faction supports or is supported by.
- None
Rivals
Groups this faction is at odds with or actively sabotaging.
Hierarchy & Agents
Direct Members
- None
Beholden Sub-Groups