8.4 The Achaean House System

The Houses of Achaea are powerful organisations with varying motives. You may
only join one House and many demand a lifetime of allegiance. While it may be
possible to break this oath, the cost is often high.

The benefits of joining a House are mainly:
a) A community of like-minded individuals with a wealth of knowledge and
resources.
b) Benefit from any Expansions that the House might have.
c) Share in the political clout of your House.

House Structure
---------------
A House has a formalised structure. There are 15 House Ranks, differing in name
from House to House. Furthermore, there is an elected position known as the
House Leader. This adventurer, whose title varies from House to House, gains
prestige and some extra power. It is a mark of respect and all such worthy
adventurers should be crossed only with great caution. Further, each House
Leader may appoint adventurers within his or her House to various customisable
positions, investing the positions with many of the powers of the House Leader
him- or herself.

HOUSE LIST will list the various Houses of Achaea and some brief information
about each. HELP HOUSE <house shortname> will show you information on that
House, including what classes are permitted in that House. HOUSE STRUCTURE
<house shortname> will tell you more about the structure of each House.

Joining a House
---------------
Once you have found a House that suits your vision of life here in Achaea, you
will need to meet the requirements to join it. For the Carnivalis Institute of
Jestering and the Grand Merchant Collective you may seek out Certimene, the 
Class and House administrator in Delos. For all other Houses you will have to
speak to a member of the organisation. To do this, locate any Newcomer Aides
via HELP HOUSE <housename> and speak with them. For more information, see HELP
CERTIMENE.

Once in a House, you may see your rank in the House under your SCORE. HOUSE
RANKS will show you a list of ranks below and including yours.

HOUSE AUTHORITY will show you a list of House-related commands to which your
House Rank gives you access.

If, for some reason, you become dissatisfied with your House, you may QUIT
<house shortname>. Be careful, though. It is difficult to regain entry into a
House once you have quit it.

See also: HELP 8 (which will give you a list of House and class-related help
files.)