Five Families of Lyzentos

The Five Families is a name given to the plutocratic patrician establishment charged with the administration of the city of Lyzentos. The Five Families were established by Mero I of Sassyar after the fall of Theophylact, King of Sassyar. While the common people wanted Alexander as their king, he famously refused, leaving the wealthiest families in Sassyar to select Theophylact's successor.

Families
Since Mero I, the Five Families have stayed the same; they are:
 * Viscarios, founded by Martellios Viscarios. They are famous for their silk and cotton trade.
 * Carinos, founded by Edros Carinos. They are famous for the Carinos Bank, an institute which dominates Valkanren with branches in Lyzentos, Hetzburg, Swanhaven, Ellgyr, and Selvarn.
 * Planudes, founded by Volusian Planudes, a fabled architect. They are an old dynasty which was risen to princely status by Cares the Wealthy for their involvement in Lyzentos' construction.
 * Ducas, founded by Giorgos Ducas. The most recently founded patrician house, which only recently replaced the House of Rufinos. Giorgos was a celebrated battle commander and general.
 * Luthanos, founded by Leon Luthanos, a revered diplomat.

Former families

 * Rufinos, which became extinct after a failed rebellion against Mero I. Replaced by the House of Ducas.