The Quint'rath or the Five Houses are the major ruling faction of the people of the Atraxian Protectorate. They live upon the floating islands suspended by ancient magic above the wastelands and ruins that scar the surface of the Heartlands. The houses are chosen by their own, only if four houses agree can a house be demoted to a lesser house and the replacement would be chosen likewise. There must, however, always be five. As such the great houses are usually content to keep each other in power.

However, in recent times the Warden's house, House Pryor, has become much more powerful than the others. As such it gives the other four houses a reason to ally and depose. Historically the Quint'rath have laid aside their quarrels in sake of the great need on the Atraxian surface. Slowly the alarm bells of need have deafened to annoyance in the ears of the patriarchs and matriarch among the great five.

House Wintergarden, stewards of Magic

Patriarch Arjhan Wintergarden is the oldest reigning patriarch at an impressive 203 years of age. His age has not stopped his work as his house reigns over the magic that is so critical to life in the suspended islands of Atraxia. His cunning and ruthless dealings with his servants are whispered about in quiet halls. Arjhan is the only patriarch with living memory of the king and remains a staunch monarchical traditionalist.

House Pryor, stewards of the Army

Matriarch Helena Pryor presently serves in the interim of her husband, the Warden. Her ability to rule is called into question as her ruling half marches south. Helena fights furiously to prove herself and to hold all things together as the Warden resolves the conflict to the south.

House Azudine, stewards of the Work

Patriarch Rhogar Azudine is reported with willingness to sell his aged mother, the former matriarch, if it earned him a benefit in his position as administrator over the island vocations. Most men who are fit must be presented to house Pryor for the work, but everyone else is assessed by house Azudine and organized across the islands to make up the necessary work force.

House Sycar, stewards of Bahamut

Patriarch Torin Sycar is the Archbishop of Bahamut and has led four decades of peaceful worship of the Silver Judge. Everywhere Torin walks he is met with deference, failure to do so might incur suspicions of heresy. These may be fiercely punished by Korin Sycar, the Grand Inquisitor and Torin's firstborn daughter.

House Verdine, stewards of the Coin

Patriarch Balasar Verdine has faithfully served in the unenviable position of managing the nation's limited money. As a country opposed to the idea of foreign relations in the past few years, he has faced almost unlimited criticism. Balasar recently adeptly sidestepped a coup attempting to oust Verdine from the Quint'rath. His scarred face bears a ever present reminder to any who would attempt something so foolish again.