Within the Guild of the Holy Cross Defenders, both on Ultima Online and Asheron's Call, and within its sub-Guild the Teutonic Knights of EverQuest, the feudal structure includes the Great Houses. These are Households within the Guild, created and administrated by certain Knights, Holy Masters and the Holy Grand Master. We are in the process of adding brief descriptions of each current House. Please click the House Standard to see the descriptions.

House Heimdall--His Excellency, Duke Shadespawn, Knight Defender (UO, EQ)
House Starfire--His Excellency, Baron Elbryan, Knight Defender (EQ)
An Tuath a'Mhonadh--Her Excellency, Daedin MacAoidh, Knight Defender (UO, EQ)
House Valentino--His Excellency, Baron Marco Valentino, Knight Defender (EQ)
  House Clattuc--His Excellency, Earl Murgen Phandaal Clattuc, Holy Master (AC)
 

This structure exists for several reasons. First, as an administrative link from the members of the Guild to the Heads of the Houses, ultimately up to the Holy Grand Master. In that respect, it is a communication link. It also serves to help people of like interests to group together to pursue similar activities under direct leadership. The Heads of the Great Houses must be of the rank of Knight or higher, but other Knights and their Squires, men-at-arms, craftsmen and minions can join any of the Houses that they wish. Some members have joined primary characters in one House, and special skills (mule) characters into another. Our Holy Grand Master has decreed that all members shall at least choose one of the Houses as a sponsor, but it must be agreed between the member and the House Head as to which you will join at the time the Oath of Adept is taken. We also feel that this structure and the associated titles increases the feudal feel of the Guild as a whole.

Each House has its own flavor, and may also be set up with an additional internal structure including administrative titles (House Starfire is an excellent example of this). This is another opportunity for role-playing, and such activities are certainly encouraged. When you enter under the protection of one of the Houses, you are then expected to pass along your thoughts, visions, concerns and role-playing ideas to the Head of your House. He or she will in turn pass along your comments up the chain, and will help you use this structure to increase your enjoyment and involvement.

Houses are formed when a member of the rank of Knight or higher petitions the Holy Grand Master and receives his approval to create a House. This usually happens when a group of members with similar interests decide that they would enjoy a more formal relationship or connection. With the existing Houses, a senior Knight (the House Head) is joined often times by Knights who were once his or her Squires, and the people who are now attached to them. The benefit is that the Houses are administered by experienced and knowledgeable individuals who can help younger members with training, questions, and ideas.

Finally, we are hopeful that by having closer leadership, we can free the Holy Grand Master from the day-to-day administration of activities in the Guild, such as arranging rides, individual rescue missions, and work parties, by delegating those tasks to the Houses. It is our goal to use such systems to "spread out the workload" so that we all can spend time just playing and enjoying the game.

If you are unsure of how this system works, feel free to speak with any of the House Heads, and we will do our best to answer your questions.

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