Phoenix

From the Lyorn Records of the Dragaeran Empire

This page is about the House of the Phoenix. For the book, see Phoenix (book). For the animal, see Phoenix (animal).

The House of the Phoenix is one of the seventeen Great Houses of the Dragaeran Empire, and the one holding the Orb in the time of Vlad Taltos. They are the most 'noble' of the houses, and have always been the smallest house.

As far as is known, the only members of the Phoenix House to survive the Interregnum were the Empress Zerika the Fourth and Illista (who died shortly after the restoration).

[edit] Role of the Cycle

In the great Cycle, the House of Phoenix signifies both decay and rebirth. To an extent this is true of all the houses; each assumes the throne and the Orb with a vital energy that allows that House's best attributes to benefit the Empire. However, each House has a fatal weakness that, in time, begins to erode the ability of the Emperor to rule effectively.

This is especially true of the Phoenix, who become decadent and absorbed in their own interests as their Reigns progress.

In time, the neglect of a decadent Phoenix Emperor invariably leaves the Empire in a state where only war will rectify the ills. It is then that a Dragon Emperor will assume the throne and set the Empire back in order once more—usually by leading the armies of the Empire into battle.

[edit] House Characteristics

House colors: Gold
Associated concepts: Decadence and rebirth
Physical appearance:
- Gold hair
- Gold eyes
- Angular face
- Noble's peak
Personality traits:
- Are Pure of Character
- Have an "air of majesty" (TPG)
- Tend to think in grand terms
Social status:
- Currently there is only one, and she is the Empress

[edit] Notable Phoenixes

Zerika the First, founder of the Empire
Tortaalik, Phoenix Emperor immediately before the Interregnum
Noima, Imperial Consort to Tortaalik
Jurabin, Prime Minister to Tortaalik
Zerika the Fourth, current Phoenix empress, who retrieved the Orb from the Paths of the Dead
Illista
Allistar
Loudin, Phoenix Heir during Five Hundred Years After
Vernoi, Princess Loudin's husband
Bellor, Superindendant of Finance during Five Hundred Years After