The ancient customs of the city (dating back many millennia) dictate that 12 families make up the ruling council of the city and hold the reigns of power. Each family is called a Great House, and each one is assigned the name of one of the signs of the Zodiac. If a bloodline should die out, the council will convene and name a new family to take the place of the old. The leader of each house is chosen by each house's ancient and unique means, but such leader is called the Speaker, e.g. The Speaker of Aries is the leader of House Aries.

The vassals of each House wears the badge of the house, which usually means the guards and other house vassals are very careful in dealing with them. Each vassals pays his house 20-30% of his income in exchange for the protection and connections of the house.

Each house also keeps their own bands of armed men. Trained fighters are called House Bravos and are paid Livery and Maintenance and are further rewarded for good work (they don't pay the vassal's percentage from the Bravo's pay). The Houses also will arm large number of vassals for necessary street-brawls and strong-arm moves.

While every house has warehouses, townhouses, shops, towers and hide-outs all over the city, each house must have an official palace where the Speaker has his residence and important documents may be delivered.

House of Aries
House of Taurus
House of Gemini
House of Cancer
House of Leo
House of Virgo
House of Libra
House of Scorpio
House of Sagittarius
House of Capricorn
House of Aquarius
House of Pisces