======The Great Houses=====

  * The Great Houses began as various departments within the Imperial Bureaucracy. During the Isolation, they slowly seized control, absorbing other departments, consolidating power; eventually cementing themselves into positions of great authority within the city. 
  * Each of the Great Houses controls a District of Rastaban, renamed in their honour. 
  * Membership of a Great House can be hereditary, if the Head of House approves it. 
  * Whilst many citizens may belong to a Great House in name, far fewer are part of the group that effectively holds power within that House. 

=====Great House Esteban=====
  * Great House Esteban used to be the Department of Taxation.
  * Now they are Rastaban's largest banking conglomerate. 
  * Esteban headquarters is a large enclave pressed up against the walls of the Imperial Palace.

=====Great House Telemere=====
  * Great House Telemere used to be the Department of Justice. 
  * Now they control the largest private army in the city, and their District boasts a formidable legal system. 
  * Telemere Headquarters is a small fortress standing alone in a large expanse in their District. 

=====Great House Rom=====
  * Great House Rom used to be the Department of Extraplanar Affairs,
  * Now they are a noble house comprised primarily of Plane Weavers. 
  * Their headquarters is built upon the blackened ruins of the Imperial Archive.

====="Great House" Keelen=====
  * Great House Keelen is not a Great House. 
  * The moniker is a joke, but reveals a deeper truth: Keelen wield enough power in Rastaban to rival the official Houses.  
  * Keelen are a collection of criminals, kingpins, and ne'er-do wells.
  * Keelen provide smuggling, assassination and other services vital to the smooth running of legitimate business.
  * Their base of operations is almost certainly somewhere in the Barrens, the District they claim as their own.