The Great Houses - A Brief Overview

[Captain Benjamin Maxwell]

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D A V I O N

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Lucien Davion founded the Federated Suns in 2317 in response to the Terran Hegemony's desire to reclaim its independent colonies. Formed through military necessity, the state has remained a military power, its economy often a war-driven rollercoaster. Nonetheless, its citizens enjoy a great deal of personal freedom and tend to have a high standard of living.

Trusting Divine Providence to be our guide, we, the Sovereign Citizens of New Avalon, do this day ordain and approve this Covenant, that all Peoples upon the face of this planet shall be forever equal under the Law, that Justice shall rule the Strong as it does the Weak, that Freedom shall be our Sword and Hope our Strongest Shield.

From The Covenant of New Avalon, 2239


For more information: House Davion at ClassicBattleTech.com

[Captain Benjamin Maxwell]

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K U R I T A

The founder of the House and the original ruler of the Draconis Combine was Shiro Kurita. Even today, over six centuries later, his long shadow is cast over the realm that he forged. The Terran warrior code of bushido, which he embraced, is one of the cornerstones of Combine culture, as are the concepts of honor and duty.

Before the formation of the Draconis Combine, chaos reigned as Man drifted aimlessly among the stars. It took the inspired hand of Shiro Kurita, First Lord and Citizen, to forge a dynamic and noble path from which we still derive strength and to which we must still pledge obeisance.

From Observations of Greatness,
Subhash Indrahar, 3021

For more information: House Kurita at ClassicBattleTech.com

[Captain Benjamin Maxwell]

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L I A O

House Liao rules the region known as the Capellan Confederation. Much of the Confederation's cultural inspiration is drawn from China on old Terra, much as the Draconis Combine has embraced ancient Japanese ways. Interestingly, Capellans must earn the right to be called citizens through service to their state, and consequently tend to be a fiercely proud people.

Tyrants seldom come to us openly, hands dripping with the blood of innocent victims. More often than not they appear as tireless friends of the people, individual receptacles of virtue, ready to save us from ourselves. Let it be recalled, however, that the King's Justice is just as often the proud foot of the oppressor. In the end, we ourselves are to blame for receiving him with open arms, in the end, we have deceived ourselves.

Chancellor Mica Liao,
Excerpt from inauguration speech, 2530

For more information: House Liao at ClassicBattleTech.com

[Captain Benjamin Maxwell]

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M A R I K

The old Marik Commonwealth, Federation Oriente and Principality of Regulus came together under the specter of Terran imperialism to form the Free Worlds League in 2271. The League is a union of many different cultures, and as such has often fought internal dissent, but has been held together by the iron fist of House Marik, which came to control the League's military power in 2784.

The Free Worlds Parliament shall make no law to regulate or control the form of government maintained or adopted by a member province and shall not interfere in the affairs of provincial governments, except as they touch upon or interfere with that collective security and harmony of the Free Worlds League.

The Document of Incorporation[/b]

For more information: House Marik at ClassicBattleTech.com

[Captain Benjamin Maxwell]

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S T E I N E R

The Lyran Alliance is an economic powerhouse and home to a free and prosperous people. Formerly known as the Lyran Commonwealth, the star nation is currently ruled by the Steiner family. Lyrans are known for being pragmatic people, and have weathered many internal conflicts and failed alliances in their long history.

If there is a weakness in how the Steiner family rules, it is that they show too much intelligence and imagination. Let something happen to a Steiner Archon, whether it be an assassination or the most mild but incapacitating illness, and the entire realm comes to a screeching halt. The Steiners might be good at making others feel an important part of the government, but don't be fooled. They rule the Commonwealth with an iron hand.

Hervsas David, Political Advisor to Hanse Davion[/b]

For more information: House Steiner at ClassicBattleTech.com