Les Fleurs Nobles de Vertange.
Imperiali - Supporters of the Emperor, country over family
The Imperiali are staunchly in favour of centralised power, as it leads to quick and decisive choices for the betterment of the nation. They view the senate with some distrust, as some families have chosen to use the positions of power for their own betterment rather than that of the city in the past and would likely do so again if they got the chance.
Benotti - Imperial guard and confection [Orderborn]
The Benotti feature some of the most renown duelists and have a long tradition of being champions for the Emperor in physical disputes. Due to their arduous training in the ways of marksmanship and swordplay, they have refined highly tuned senses that are put to work when they create the trademark 'Benotti Bonbons', caramelized sugary treats and other confections. They have been allotted a free rein over the import and distribution of sweets.
Avantarei - Matters magical and astrological [Loreborn]
The Avantarei can usually be found in Stargazer Towers or in the vast libraries that their family maintains for the greater good of Vertange-born intellectuals. They have been blessed with a deep understanding of the arcane and the workings of fate.
L'Equichant - Royal stables and hunting [Highborn]
The family descending from Franca L'Equichant has always had a knack with animals. Coming fully into their own during times of conflict, the masters of the Imperial Stables are always ready to prove themselves superior horsemen. During more peaceful times, they organise grand hunts, set up breeding programs for the livestock around the city or (together with the Durée) create elaborate horseraces to entertain the people.
Durée - Public works and festivals [Highborn]
If
any family is antonymous with 'Without money, you cannot have fun',
it would be the family Durée. They provide not only essential
repairs to infrastructures throughout Vertange, but they also set up
lavish festivals for the Vulgari with great care. Their income is
partially a stipend from the Emperor and partially from the other
Fleurs Nobles, who want to be seen as kind and benevolent. That is
not to say that they are without skill at arms, for some of the
greatest generals Vertange has known, were from this house.
Nocti - Supporters of a more democratic rule, family over country
In times of weak emperors, the Nocti strive to enlarge the power of the families through a governing body known as a senate. Under the current emperor, this has fallen in standing, though some laws are still passed through their efforts.
De Bouchee - Bankers and moneylenders [Highborn]
The familie De Bouchee came into money early and never let it go. They have been blessed by the Lady of the Scales herself in order to keep the money safe, the aspirations of the skilled unhampered by the lack of coin they may be in temporarily and the city itself prosperous. Should they fail at this, the Lady of Scales will appear and appoint a more capable leader for the family's efforts. This has happened twice in the existence of the city.
De La Quinne - Balls and socialites [Loreborn]
The family De La Quinne are known followers of the Night Queen. They spend a lot of time on ensuring the other Fleurs Nobles get along, instigating balls, matchmaking for weddings and promoting culture through musical or poetic recitals. Some say they are also involved in assassinations and poisoning comes naturally to them, but few do so loudly.
Du Trêve - Taxmen, soldiers and lawyers [Slyborn]
In a city where the laws are rather loose, the enforcement is about as important as the interpretation of any incidents. The family Du Trêve has made their name in being the foremost experts in understanding the spirit of the law. It should come as no surprise that this eye for detail also enabled them to not only claim the lucrative post of tax collectors for themselves, but they also protect and staff the Tidal Fortress "Castello di Punta Verta", allowing them to exact the tolls for entering the port proper.
Sombri - Funerals and maintaining gravesites [Orderborn]
Where many people are born, many people also see their lives end. In order to avoid the dead littering the streets, the pale carts of the Sombri circulate throughout Vertange. The men and women from this family take the burden of entombing those who have passed and safeguarding the gravesites from time and criminals. The need to keep the gravesites as peaceful as possible has led to many of this family investing time and coin into studying medicine and the healing arts.
Parlementari - Neutral Lawmen, law over feelings
Where Imperiali and Nocti oft
try to overrule the law with their own preferences, the Parlementari
keepeverything functioning as it should. While not as exciting as the
others, the political prowess is not to be underestimated, as even
the powerful Priati are members of this faction. The Parlementari are
invariably some of the richest families in Vertange, leading to their
vested interest in maintaining the status quo.
Priati - Clergy and religion [Orderborn]
Any sentient being needs things to believe in, and the Priati are uniquely focussed on keeping the spiritual side of Vertange aligned to avoid damage to its people. As the caretakers of the most active deity in Gaevel (the Lady of the Scales), their word carries great weight in any discussion they want to enter.
Sumquaes - Judges and education [Loreborn]
Before their position as chief legal family was usurped by the Du Trêve, the Sumquaes were the judge, jury and proverbial headsman for most of the city. With the Du Trêve taking over the interpretation of the law, the Emperor Doré Argontize decreed the letter of the law is still best left to the ancient Sumquaes family, so from their line are drawn the Judges. In addition to this, the Grand University is also run by them.
Tesodi - Clothing and trade [Highborn]
A cultured city needs to have a diverse and lively outlook, or so the Tesodi family says as they reveal the season's new fashion trends to the baffled onlookers. With either daring modern designs or modest classical garbs, the tradesmaster of the Tesodi dictates what one should wear to the next ball, gathering or audience with other Fleurs Nobles.
Du Calle - Public order and detention [Orderborn]
The nature of those who dwell in
such a prideful and rich city as Vertange means that some will try to
take shortcuts to success. The family Du Calle regretfully makes sure
that getting caught and tried by the appropriate level of justice is
not without repercussions. On street-level this is reflected by
armed patrols. Once it has been established that someone broke a law,
the punishment is meted out accordingly, from physical harm to
detention in awaiting a sentence, the Du Calle have facilities that
serve these purposes.
Executions are usually not for the public to
see, but should such things arise, the Du Calle let the Durée take
over. The family motto is "Do what must be done".
