Five Families

Five Families are the noble families that have divided and shared the rule of the Vaasi nation between themselves so long as the Cycle of Stewards has remained unbroken. At present the cycle is broken, the work of Prince Othmar Bolshnik who has undisguised ambitions for himself and his line. The Church of the Lawgiver has so far supported his royal pretentions.

• The Bolshnik family has as its patriarch Prince Othmar Bolshnik. He rules over the Heartland Duchy located in north-central and north-eastern Nova Vaasa. Kantora and Egertus fall under the sway of the Bolshniks.

• The Hiregaard family has as its patriarch Duke Tristen Hiregaard. He rules over the Borchava Duchy in north-western Nova Vaasa. Liara falls under the sway of the Hiregaards.

• The Vistin family is governed by a regent, Lady Lara Vistin. She rules over the Altid Duchy located in the corner formed by Barovia and the Shadow Rift. Control over Bergovitsa is disputed with the Rivtoff family.

• The Rivtoff family has as its patriarch Duke Søren Rivtoff. He rules over the Ivlis Duchy located in central Nova Vaasa. Control over Bergovitsa is disputed with the Vistin family.

• The Chekiv family has as its patriarch Duke Tunch Chekiv. He rules over the Pommel Duchy located in southern Nova Vaasa. Arbora falls under the sway of the Chekivs.