Nobility in Thedas

Noble Houses and nobility vary from country to country, though some common or similar traits may extend to some or all. This article strives to give a very general and brief view of each country's nobility and class.

Related Links

 * Social Ranks and Noble Classes in Thedas
 * House Bryland
 * House Delaval
 * House Durand
 * House Leveque
 * House Nouvrai
 * House Valleau

Anderfels
Outside of Hossberg the Monarchy has little influence and mostly little care for the plight of the Anders. Inside the city walls of other cities it is much the same, with the nobility "overseeing" the people within and ignoring those without. Villages and small freeholds are left to fend for themselves so the common person outside of the cites have little interaction or knowledge of the Anders nobility. Indeed, they would not recognise their authority should they come across them - which is highly unlikely since most nobles do not leave the safety of their city.

Antiva
Though a weak monarchy "officially" rules the nation of Antiva its true political power lays with the Merchant Princes. Since the country has "noble" roots with pirates and criminals it will not be surprising that practically anyone can become a noble. To be recognised as such one could fake a claim to a seat and call it legitimate, perhaps hire the Crows to get rid of rivals, but primarily the line between nobles and merchants is a blurred one. Some nobles became Merchant's, and some Merchant Princes deliberately married into noble families. However there is a line, and the Merchant Princes are happy to let the Nobility carry the weight of responsibility when it suits them.

Ferelden
Ferelden has a monarchy and by and large all nobles are respected and revered but to the commoner they are not seen as untouchable. The nation is broken in provinces rules by teyrnirs. Arls are the equivalent of mayors and watch over the cities and arlings whilst the bannorns watch over the countryside. Freeholds are run by families who have worked their land for generations - they own this land and pay taxes to the crown. Social standing is stratified by the proximity a Ferelden lives from the seat of authority. Thus one who lives in a castle is higher above someone by the city walls.

Free Marches
From city state to city state the nobles of the Marches vary. In Starkhaven those with the oldest names and claims and richest and most palatial palaces and estates separate themselves from the common person. Whereas in Ansburg the nobles blend with the farmers who form part of the city state wealthiest, agriculture being the heart of Ansburg. In Wycome the wine traders revel with the young nobility, and in Tantervale it is hard to tell the difference between a Chantry Sister and a nobleman's daughter. Kirkwall's elite, however, look down upon Lowtown and Darktown, unwilling to descend in the the depraved depths of their trade city.

Nevarra
Nevarran nobles all claim ancestry of the two family dynasties; the Pentaghast's and the Van Markham's. The only way to become a noble is to marry or be born into either of these families. Thus in Nevarra bloodlines are extremely important and genealogies are well maintained. Their recording of history is extremely accurate and they specialise in genealogy. The competition for heirs and for claims can become vicious, causing more than one civil war. Those with "thinner" blood have broken away to attempt the rise of another dynasty, their "clans" claiming victory against newly arisen dragons deserve recognition amongst the nobility. Indeed, many are more wealthy than the purer bloods due to their focus on harvesting and selling dragonbone.

Orlais
Amongst Orlesian nobility status and appearance are set above all things. Nobles are always one-upping each other, manoeuvring within social circles in order to gain influence. These nobles believe that anything is acceptable - the only exception is getting caught. Joining the Chevaliers is one way for lesser nobles and second sons or daughters to improve social standing. They are devoted to the Empire and hold absolute power over the commoner rank, thus the lower classes fear the Chevalier, since they are beyond legal reproach. One would think that commoners would despise the Game, but in truth most Orlesians aspire to become nobility. Anyone could join their ranks if they become wealthy enough, and though rare it exists. This makes Orlais more of a meritocracy, though in truth the faint hope merely keeps the poor preoccupied with dreams and the rich get richer and remain in power.

Rivain
As a matriarchal society Rivain's nobles are the same as the wise woman of the villages - they are in power simply because of their gender and because they are trusted. The nobles actually work with the Seers, the country's royalty are Chantry faithful but they are progressive with their Faith. Even during the war they did not let go of their beliefs but neither did they oppose the mages and their expulsion of the Templar Order. Their aim is not to amass wealth but rather to see to the welfare of the community as a whole - each noble and its community aiding one another, sending support if an area is struggling.

Tevinter
There are four distinct classes in the Imperium, two of them mage and two mundane. Altus are above all, they can trace their lineage back to the original Dreamers and make up much of the highest ruling and ranking people in the country. The second mage class are the Laetans and they are those born mages or those families who cannot prove their lineage. The mages and their families are the ruling classes, whereas the Mundanes are ruled over. Though in the Soporati class there can be friction with the mage classes due the the able minded and frustrated ungifted demanding more recognition. Military leaders can be amongst the Soporati, for instance. The slave class are the other mundane class, with a sub class of Liberati - freed slaves. To become a noble one must be born a mage or born into a mage family. There simply is no other way - and this is what often causes friction.