Nobility
Nobility, or “Nobles”, are the ruling class of their nations. They are descendants of the tribes who ended the tribal wars by bringing the other tribes under their rule. During those primitive times, some tribes would earn power through alliances or trade. Others, however, chose the simpler patch of seizing power through force, or the threat of force. In those barbaric times, the steel blade would prove itself superior to the silver tongue.
Taking rule
Over time, the balance of power would change constantly. Fractured alliances would see many tribes fall, while others sought new alliances to grow, or simply to survive. As time continued its march forward, languages and cultures would begin to manifest, and settlements would form and grow in an effort to keep pace. Over time, the ruling Tribes would come to declare themselves as “Nobles”. With that proclamation, they would decree that only they possessed the strength and wisdom to bear what they called “The Burden Of Rule”. They alone would carry the weight of deciding what was best for all the other tribes under them. The other descendants of those other tribes would become the common citizens, or “Commoners“. The Nobles would rule the commoners, so as to protect them from the burden of making decisions for themselves. To save them from The Storm Of Choice.
From Family to House
As time went on, most Nobles, especially those north of the great sea, would come to regard the term “tribe” to be a primitive and barbaric term, that was no longer fit to define them. They began referring to their tribes as ‘families’, for a time, before settling on the more formal term of “House”. The term “House” would be used to identify Nobles, while the less formal name of ‘family’ would be used by commoners amongst themselves. To refer to a Northern Noble’s family or House as a ‘tribe’ in modern times would be considered an insult.
Southern Nobility Etiquette
Nobles in the South also refer to their tribes as families or “Houses”. However, the word “tribe” was not considered offensive in their culture. It was not considered a bad word, but rather, an ‘old’ word. It is unclear how they would react if called a ‘tribe’ by a Northern Noble, given the known stigma it carries in the North.
Nobility at first glance
In physical appearance, Nobles, be they from the North or South, look no different than the Commoners of their respective nations. At first glance, one could simply look at the modest clothing of a Commoner, and the rich embroidered garments and jewellery of a Noble to see the difference. It is said that Nobles do possess a stronger constitution. Most are more resistant to disease and infection, and able to heal from injuries with greater ease than all but the strongest of Commoners.
Nobility physiology
It is not to suggest that Nobles are invulnerable to harm, only that they are less susceptible to many of the ailments that often plague Commoners. However, it is not a stronger constitution alone which distinguishes a Noble from a Commoner. Not even the accumulation of wealth and power over generations can truly define what makes a Noble a Noble. It was something else. Something that for Some Nobles more than others, was the cause of their rise to power.
A trait unique to their bloodline
Every Noble possesses a unique trait within their bloodline. Their Royal lineage. What they call their “Gift”. This gift is unique to each House, as is the name that each House gives it. Privately, each Noble believes their gift to make their own Noble House superior to all others. Some gifts, when revealed, could be seen or head by all that were near. Other gifts, however, could be neither seen nor heard. Only felt by others, and remember in their dreams. Or their nightmares.