House Speranza

Little is known about this isolationist and secretive House. Their one great city is both an island, a mighty fortress and a bizarre feat of magic. The citadel of Speranza is a massive square block of solid cliffside that thrusts its way up out of the Eastern Basin. Lacking any obvious entranceways by sea, the only access is across a long, narrow isthmus. Visitors to Speranza must first pass checkpoints in the town of Vella.

House Speranza helps ensure Ladinh's national security by supplying the frontiers with battlemages and magic-imbued weaponry. The House imports base materials and foodstuffs, as well as welcoming students who wish to study arcane magic. Adventurers will often find a buyer for archaeological relics in Speranza.

It's not clear what House Speranza does with the grave goods and ancient gewgaws it hoards: they occasionally send a representative to report to the other Houses but only discuss matters of basic commodities trading and border troop movements.

There is an Y'd shtetl associated with house Speranza, but it's situated on the mainland just outside Vella. This has led to speculation that Elo worshippers might be discriminated against within the citadel.

Key facts
Coat of arms: A single chalice. House Speranza does not feature on Ladinh's arms, or those of the joint Houses.

Family Motto: I gran dolori sono muti

Leaders:

 * Paterfamilias: Colpo-di-Canon (Duco Lombardo Speranza)
 * Matriarch: Auto-da-Fe (Sira Cristina Speranza)
 * Ur-Magus: Boccalupo (Two)
 * Praetor: Forza-del-Destino (f)
 * Proctor: Habeas-Corpus (m)

Cities:
Other Familiares and characters
 * Speranza
 * Vella

Siro Ottorino di Speranza

Fra. Benevole di Speranza and Sora Citadina di Speranza (clerical advisors)

Lares:

 * El Fuego
 * La Paz

Banco rep: Yehudeh, Shoshana and Abril Abundantia

Gangs:
 * the Fratres
 * the Chimaera (anonymous contacts seeking magical supplies)

Specialities

 * Magic School: Transmutation
 * Cleric Domain: Knowledge
 * Antiquarian: +2 Family bonus to identify or appraise artifacts from The Old Times