Listed below are the Houses - both Noble and Commoner - within the Domain and Realms. Provisions are made in the Arad Doman for nine Noble Houses and twelve Commoner Houses. At this point in time, there are only four Houses in the Domain: all of which are Noble. But, as the population and diversity grows, we hope to see more Houses shown here in the future.
In the end, it is this quote that describes the role of the Houses, both Noble and Commoner:
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that almost frightens us. We ask ourselves, “Who am I to be so great?”
Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn’t serve the world. There is nothing enlightening about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are born to manifest the glory of God that is within us and that’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." Marianne Williamson
Noble Houses
House: DarkFyre
Date founded: December 21, 2001
Founder(s): ShadowDarkFyre the LordVengeance
Current Patriarch: ShadowDarkFyre the LordVengeance
Current Matriarch: Snowaidene the Snow Queen
Adult members(aside from the patriarch and/or matriarch): Lady Blades SongDancer, Lady Dame ShadowHeart the Crimson Dawn, Lady Dame Astarai Meiristhasen the Serpent Queen, Lord Sir Caltor Moon
Heraldry: A field of white: representing fate, with three black leaves: representing the past, present, and future. The DarkFyre Heart is superimposed over the center leaf: symbolizing the spirit of the House as a whole.
Description: It is said that House DarkFyre - the founding House of the Domain and Realms - was in existence long before the Domain and Realms came into being: when ShadowDarkFyre first discovered his name. Whether or not this is true will remain a mystery. What matters is the 'personality' of the House itself.
Those of House DarkFyre are guardians and protectors. Not because that's what membership in the House calls for, for it doesn't. But because the majority of those within House DarkFyre are naturally like that in their souls. Protective and adoptive in nature, DarkFyres will always be found standing for the innocent or defenseless, and going after the guilty. Few, if any, can stand in the way of a determined DarkFyre. This is no better exemplified than when it comes to matters of family. DarkFyres would take on the world itself, if necessary, for the sake of keeping their families safe. Some are self-sacrificial to a fault that must oftimes be checked. Seeing as how the current Imperium is held by this house, DarkFyres see the Domain and Realms as that to be watched over; that they themselves are the nation's guardians.
DarkFyres are protective, honorable, stubborn, and fierce when the need arises. They are relatively quiet-tempered, but woe to those who arouse a DarkFyre's anger. This is no better exemplified than in the patriarch and matriarch of the House, ur-Lord ShadowDarkFyre and High Queen Snowaidene. Few - IF any - can say they've actually come close to succeeding in backing a DarkFyre down from anything. To them, family is sacred. Innocence is to be preserved. And justice is to be served. That those who have joined this House are already of the same frame of mind as the ur-Lord only attests to the kindred spirit that permeates the House.
House DarkFyre is a house of guardians that will never tire, regardless. It could be speculated that, even to the End of Days, House DarkFyre will still exist. Even if there's only one left among them.
That speculation wouldn't be far from the truth.
Quote:"And they say that a Hero can save us. I'm not gonna' stand here and wait. I'll hold onto the wings of the eagles. Watch as they all fly away." "Hero", by Chad Kroeger and Josey Scott, quoted by ShadowDarkFyre the LordVengeance: ur-Lord of the Domain and Realms
House: Nine Death Storms
Date founded: January 19, 2002
Founder(s): Lord Sir Flint Luchtaine
Current Patriarch: Lord Sir Flint Luchtaine
Current Matriarch: Lady Dame WiccanStarFairy
Adult members(aside from patriarch and/or matriarch): Lady Dame Dena
Heraldry: A field of blue, with a scales in the center(left half white, right half black). A silver heart placed in the white scale, a green skull placed in the black scale. The House arms as a whole represents the House philosophy of maintaining the balance between good and evil.
(The old heraldry was a field of navy-blue, with the same scales in the center. A red heart placed in the white scale, a regular skull placed in the black scale.[see at left])
Information: House Nine Death Storms (a.k.a. Stormers) is a House of people who are straight and to the point. They do not prefer to ‘beat around the bush’ in conversation, concern themselves with political correctness, or complicate matters beyond what is necessary. The balance of things in the inner and outer worlds is their primary concern, and they approach their task with an unspoken dedication.
While Stormers are not much for the intrigue and maneuvering of politics, they are often found in this area due to their ability to get to the heart of the matter quickly and deal with the issues at hand. They sport a loyalty to those they respect, but they are not blind followers, they will speak up about what they believe to be right and fair. They are unassuming in their appearance, but they are yet ever alert and watchful to everything around them.
Stormers, in general, just prefer things to be as simple, balanced, and relatively uncomplicated as possible.(edited 1/22/2008, by Lord Flint Luchtaine)
House: VoceDiConscienza
Date founded: March 1, 2005
Founder: Lady Dame Xanthi Senara the Silent
Current Patriarch: None
Current Matriarch: Lady Dame Xanthi Senara the Silent
Adult members(aside from the matriarch and/or patriarch): Lady Dame Aradiana Merrows Ceridwen Adaria Ravensdowne
Heraldry: The field of green signifying hope and loyalty in love is the foundation of our home. Without love and hope the darkness fills us and makes us cold and bitter. The three mullets (5-pointed stars) are the sign of the third son and remind us of our ancestors and the sacrifices they made for us so we may continue. Finally the lion represents the courage we hold on to in the face of all challenges big and small that the world brings forth to test us. At the bottom upon a scroll is written the words, “vincit veritas”, which translated means “truth conquers”.
Description: The House of VoceDiConscienza is a home for all that welcome it into their hearts. Those that dwell in this home are of a tender spirit. They understand that not all things can be explained and yet believing is an answer. They are musicians and vocalists that find the magick of love and hope in creating sound and emotion into a delicate language that everyone understands. Beyond their musical talents, those of the home of VoceDiConscienza are loyal, honest, simple, inquisitive, logical, and faithful not only to themselves but to all people common and noble in all worlds. Often these traits in the extreme can be construed as artistic arrogance when it is nothing more than our way of finding the words that we find so difficult to say. We speak so often through our music that words are difficult to fall from our lips without accompaniment.
Recently, Lady Senara chose the song, "Bells of Freedom" by Bon Jovi, to be the anthem of her House. When asked if she wished to give an explanation behind the why, her words were, "Nahhh. I think the song speaks for itself." Or something to that effect.
House: NicLeoid
Date founded: February 25, 2005
Founder: Lady Dame FionaBrigit
Current Patriarch: None
Current Matriarch: Lady Dame FionaBrigit
Adult members(aside from the matriarch and/or patriarch): Imperator Sir Desertspiritencounter
Heraldry: "The background is a St. Andrew's Saltire and is the national flag of Scotland. Since I am Scottish-born and raised, I thought it appropriate to use this image as the foundation for the House NicLeoid's Coat of Arms.
The mountain range that dominates the centre of the image is the Santa Catalina mountains which lie to the north of Caer NicLeoid. I believe these mountains are also the American home to Cernunnos, the Horned God of Prosperity and as a result, are very sacred to me.
The saguaro cactus on the left of the image is the state flower of Baboquivari (Arizona). The Court of House NicLeoid is in Baboquivari and thus honours the native flora that surrounds us.
The crossed oak leaves to the right of the image represent the spiritual path of Druidry, of which Lady Fiona is an adherent, and the patronage of Jack O' The Green, Lady Fiona's patron god.
The flame that dominates the bottom of the image is the Flame of Inspiration sent to poets, writers and healers from the goddess Brigit, who is also Lady Fiona's matron god. The Flame of Inspiration burns continually on the altar in the center of Lady Fiona's Home, Sith na Taigh." - Lady FionaBrigit, founder and matriarch of House NicLeoid.
Description: "House NicLeoid is dedicated to the preservation and proliferation of wildness in all its myriad forms. Members of House NicLeoid hold Mother Nature in the highest respect and fight to protect her sanctity and diversity through volunteering with conservation groups, recycling, car-pooling, and being aware of their impact on the Earth.
Members of this House also are healers - either trained professionals or those who have it in their heart and soul to make physical, emotional and spiritual pain less. We use traditional remedies - herbs, vitamins, energy pattern healing, massage, acupuncture - as well as more Western remedies and we are constantly learning and broadening our knowledge of healing.
NicLeoids know how to have a good time and enjoy the finer things in life - good food, good wine, good conversation - but we also know when it's time to stop playing and get serious. We love to travel and learn about different cultures; we love to express ourselves creatively, either by writing fiction or poetry, or by drawing, painting, or sculpting; and we're the most loyal friends one can have. We are very easy-going, but once we're angered, we won't back down until things have been settled, and because of this, we can be a bit hot-headed. But mostly, NicLeoids are extremely friendly and work hard to make everyone in a group setting feel appreciated and comfortable. We are the life of the party and can easily mingle with all types of people.
We are often chosen to be diplomats and mediators, and are charged with keeping order between warring factions. We tend to be of non-Abrahamic faiths (pagan, Buddhist, Hindu, etc.) but we are tolerant of all
faiths...so long as people are tolerant of our beliefs." - Lady FionaBrigit, ruler of Cibola
House: MahtamaEetaheNehe
Date founded: February 27, 2008
Founder: Lady Dame MagikWolf
Current Patriarch: None
Current Matriarch: Lady Dame MagikWolf
Adult members(aside from the matriarch and/or patriarch): None
Heraldry: "The background is An Bhratach Náisiúnta: the Tricolor and National Flag of Ireland, representing Lady MagikWolf's Irish heritage and descent.
Below this is a pool of water with ripples radiating and flowing out: representing the art and importance of healing.
Above the center of the ripples is a bluebonnet: symbolizing MagikWolf's home state of Texas. Associated with Mars, the flower also promotes destiny and character.
A flame is superimposed upon the bluebonnet, representing the fire of the spirit.
Watching above all is the medicine woman: representing the path that Lady MagikWolf follows in her healing work.
Description: "My House is sanctuary. A place of healing all things in one's self: mind, body, spirit...
Whether you do it just by the peace of being in the energy-filled house, or if you need some help...
It's a place for any and all no matter their beliefs... It's a safe haven for the abused, lost, lonely..."
House: Mätauranga-Whakahau-Mi'riaghailt
Date founded: June 2, 2008
Founder: Landgrave Sir Nuni Mato Darkheart the Chaos Keeper
Current Patriarch: Landgrave Sir Nuni Mato Darkheart the Chaos Keeper
Current Matriarch: None
Adult members(aside from the matriarch and/or patriarch): None
Heraldry: Description: Members of this House are charged with research, organizing, and keeping of records and knowledge: be it general or mystical of nature. The House is broken into different sects in the form of a trinity:
the Archivist are the historians charged with preserving all knowledge that is gathered;
the Chroniclers are charged with the gathering, research, and organizing of knowledge; in them are be different branches - one for mystical, one for nature, one for medicinal, and one for general knowledge;
the Couriers are charged with getting the knowledge to the right places as needed.
House: Faccia Ad Altri
Date founded: June 5, 2008
Founder: Lady Dame Dydan
Current Patriarch: None
Current Matriarch: Lady Dame Dydan
Adult members(aside from the matriarch and/or patriarch): None
Heraldry: A large heart with a pink lotus nestled within it, to symbolize compassion. A starburst shines from within the lotus. And gently encompassing this is a field of stars. All this is to show that one heart can shine enough to help light the hearts of a multitude. Above it all is the banner with the house name.
Description:Faccia ad altri means "Do Unto Others" and members of this house live their lives by this basic principle. Treating others as you would like to be treated is compatible with all faiths. We live from the heart: openly, honestly and without shame in who we are. We believe that everyone is inherently good until proven otherwise and we believe in the healing power of love. It is our goal to change the world, one heart at a time.
House: Star-in-Darkness
Date founded: November 8, 2005
Founder: Dragon Star
Current Patriarch: Dragon Star
Current Matriarch: none
Adult members(aside from the matriarch and/or patriarch): None
Heraldry: "An owl for wisdom, holding a sword for the battles we fight, both inside and out, in search and support of the Balance we seek to serve. Both of these are set on a silver field shaped like a six-pointed star, on a field of black for the darkness within we call on for the strength we need, and for the Light we weild to focus the darkness where it can do the most good" - Dragon Star, founder and patriarch of House Star-in-Darkness.
Description: "The House of the Star in Darkness, is a house dedicted to balance in self and actions, drawing on both sides of ourselves to do good, the light side bringing us compassion, and the darkness within the strength to use our actions to help others, by fighting, by healing, or by guidance and advice, always in support of the Balance we seek to serve and
nurture." - Dragon Star
Quote: "In all things, Balance, in all life, hope." Dragon Star
House: Twilight
Date founded: August 28, 2002
Founder(s): Falkyr Aranea Llywdnos
Current Patriarch: None
Current Matriarch: Falkyr Aranea Llywdnos
Adult members(aside from the matriarch and/or patriarch): none
Heraldry: A starry field: (representative of the infinite nature of the universe and the mystery of the unknown), with Isis kneeling(the patron deity of the House and the paradox of humility in power: a powerful deity kneeling to the infiinte power of the Divine), wings upstretched to encompass a scroll pierced by a sword(representative of knowledge and strength in balance). On the left, an ankh/pentagram...on the right, a raven(symbolic of two schools of magic: ceremonial/ritual magic and shamanic/folk magic). Above, floats the dark moon(symbolic of introspectiveness and the allure of darkness).
(The old heraldry of House Twilight, when it was a Noble House[see at left])
Description: Formerly among the Noble Houses, those of House Twilight tend to be enigmatic and scholarly. They are a House of eternally-curious bibliophiles and enjoy nothing more than delving into the pages of a book...whether it be a good novel or esoteric philosophy. This is not to say, though, that they are a House of pacifist bookworms. When fighting for something they believe in or when roused to anger, they can be very direct, to the point and ruthless...using knowledge and common sense to their advantage. Many tend to look upon House Twilight with more than a bit of wary caution for they can be unpredictable at times, and they delve equally into subjects both Light and Dark for their nature enables them to look at things from all sides. Though at times, their eclectic and ever-changing interests can make them seem scatter-brained and unfocused, Twilights pride themselves on living life to the fullest and, when engaged in a subject of interest, they can be almost ruthlessly focused, throwing all of their time and resources into it. They tend to be quite talented at anything creative....whether arts and crafts, music or design...and have a good head for planning and organizing (though their own homes and lives may not always reflect this). With the lack of any nobles in this House, but wishing to keep it an integral part of the growth of the Domain, the ur-Lord worked with Ms. Llwydnos to make House Twilight a Commoner House on May 31, 2006: helping to seed the growth of the Commoner Houses, along with House Star-in-Darkness.
Most Twilights also have a deep interest in magic and spend a good portion of their lifes studying and practicing the arcane arts. However, they tend not to be very religious, for the most part. Their ever-curious natures keep them from devoting themselves to any particular path for any length of time, though they have deep respect (and perhaps a little bit of envy) for those dedicated to a spiritual path.
House: Abacus Moon
Date founded: June 1, 2008
Founder(s): Unicorn
Current Patriarch: None
Current Matriarch: Unicorn
Adult members(aside from the matriarch and/or patriarch): Tivona
Heraldry:A field of lavender to represent the matriarch's color. within two merged circles are a "Y" symbol, and a symbol made from the merging of the letters "T", "L", and "A": standing for "True Love Always".
Description: House Abacus Moon is a House for businesses and shops in the magickal/metaphysical community. Its founder, Unicorn, was asked by the ur-Lord if she would like to help promote, encourage, and strengthen new and existing businesses in the community by forming her own Commoner House towards that effect. She herself runs her own store: Crystal Haven, in the Dellian Royal Court of Caer Portshire, and was eager to the challenge. From there, Abacus Moon was born.
House: DarkFyre
House: Nine Death Storms
(The old heraldry was a field of navy-blue, with the same scales in the center. A red heart placed in the white scale, a regular skull placed in the black scale.[see at left])
House: VoceDiConscienza
House: NicLeoid
House: MahtamaEetaheNehe
House: Mätauranga-Whakahau-Mi'riaghailt
House: Star-in-Darkness
House: Twilight
(The old heraldry of House Twilight, when it was a Noble House[see at left])
