THE ROYAL NOBLE HOUSES OF MYR AND TYROSH,
House Malreos โ โHouse of the Gilded Unicornโ
Sigil: A white unicorn with golden wings on lilac.
Traits: Noble, idealistic, vain.
History: Descended from ancient Myrish aristocracy, House Malreos claim to be the oldest ruling family still intact. They are patrons of beauty, poetry, and pride themselves on purity of bloodline. During the Targaryen conquest, they offered gifts to Aegon in hopes of securing royal favor, and even claimed (falsely) that their unicorns came from Valyria. Their winged unicorn is both a symbol of uniqueness and of high aspirations.
House Dortheos โ โHouse of the Chalice and Phoenixโ
Sigil: A golden cup over a red phoenix.
Traits: Resilient, ambitious, once lowborn.
History: Unlike many noble families, Dortheos rose from the ashes of a merchant rebellion centuries ago. Their founder was a slave who led a revolt and was granted nobility by a dying prince. They have the phoenix as a Myrish rebirth symbol, and the chalice represents wealth and enlightenment. Known for producing effective if unorthodox rulers, they tend to marry outside the noble class, causing constant scandals.
House Veltheos โ โHouse of the Statue and Sailโ
Sigil: A statue of a woman draped in flowing cloth with a ship behind.
Traits: Diplomatic, enigmatic, obsessed with prophecy.
History: House Veltheos maintains a temple-fortress by the sea, said to house a seer statue that whispers to those born of their line. Their matriarchal house has produced many female mages and sailors. They favor prophecy and the stars over swords, and often appear passive while pulling strings from the shadows. They believe a daughter of their line will one day rule Westeros.
House Qoartys โ โHouse of the Griffon Gateโ
Sigil: A red griffon inside a black stone arch, over yellow and black.
Traits: War-like, isolationist, tacticians.
History: Qoartys is a martial family ruling the eastern quarter of Myr, known for their harsh discipline and military tactics. Their fortress, The Griffon Gate, defends the city's main land-side wall. Their symbol of the griffon in a stone arch signifies strength and containment of chaos. They despise decadence and are suspected of having supported the Lysene pirate wars. They offer protection to the city in exchange for influence and tax exemptions.
House Labyrtheos โ โHouse of the Mazeโ
Sigil: A green labyrinth on white and green.
Traits: Clever, reclusive, calculating.
History: One of the oldest noble families in Tyrosh, House Labyrtheos traces its lineage to the architects who designed the first walls of the city during the days of the Valyrian Freehold. Their ancestral seat, the Maze Palace, is an ever-changing structure of corridors, meant to confuse assassins and protect the familyโs secrets. Often involved in espionage, riddles, and hidden knowledge, they are known to have ancient texts on Valyrian blood rituals and sorcery. Many believe they were once dragonlords, though they deny it.
House Barreos โ โHouse of the Emerald Phoenixโ
Sigil: A green phoenix on darker green, rising from the flames.
Traits: Proud, militant, reborn from destruction.
History: Once nearly destroyed during a failed coup against a Tyroshi Archon, House Barreos rose again by forming its own fleet of mercenaries and taking part in the War of the Ninepenny Kings. Their emblemโa phoenixโis a testament to their revival. They control the emerald mines outside the city and command vast armies of sellswords, often used as leverage in city politics. Their ancestral motto is โAshes Are Not the End.โ
House Lenyreos โ โHouse of Sail and Cupโ
Sigil: A merchant ship beneath a goblet pouring wine, on blue and white.
Traits: Wealthy, indulgent, shrewd traders.
History: Ruling over Tyroshโs harbor districts, Lenyreos grew powerful through control of wine, spices, and slave trades (before abolition in some regions). Their goblet symbol signifies their mastery in diplomacyโmany claim no Archon rises without their toast. They often host massive festivals and sponsor artists and singers. Though not overtly martial, they hire the best guards gold can buy.
House Assharis โ โHouse of the Burning Heartโ
Sigil: A heart consumed by flame behind red walls.
Traits: Fanatical, vengeful, noble.
History: Rumored to have once been followers of R'hllor who brought their fiery faith to Tyrosh centuries ago. Though no longer officially priests, many within House Assharis still believe in prophetic visions and purging the unworthy. Their keep, The Blazing Gate, is built on red stone and ash. House Assharis champions "pure Tyroshi blood" and often resist Myrish influence. They backed the Blackfyres in secret, seeing them as chosen by fire.