A selection of noble houses and important organisation active in Canterlot.
House Solace
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“As long as there is scorched earth, festering pain, rampant disease, simmering discordance...so will we be there, mending it.” - Lord Clemence Solace, spokespony and leader of House Solace
During the Age of Peace, Celestia's branch of house Libros was mostly known for their advances in medical research and energy conservation. During the period when Luna was banished, however, they also took on a larger role in Equestrian law. Rather than enforce new tyrannical doctrines, less 'fiery' members intended to lessen the impact of the new state of affairs as a sort of passive apology. For example, many instances of immediate execution were, by law, relegated to mere incarceration due to the sort of laws they had control over.
While they do not have as much say in modern times, Solace's law instructors, lawyers, and funding to law schools still make them a viable presence in matters that require an attorney.
Despite not funding warfare aspects of the Equestrian army, Solace being the foremost name in health care even after the long centuries has made them a disturbing group to contemplate attacking or moving against. Armies have, after all, been lain low by less frightening phrases than 'pulling the funding out of your medical facilities'. While military action is still very possible without their support (or, Princesses forbid, their outright hostility), it can be made very difficult without a drop of blood being spilled directly.
House Lunatic
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“I don’t deny that we have created institutions for the purposes of espionage. However, I do deny that they are being used for anything other than the betterment of Equestria.” - Lord Sanctified Eclipse, leader of House Lunatic
For nigh on a thousand years, Luna's branch of house Libros has been connected to exploration, discovery, and magic. They have produced numerous scholars, teachers, and magicians of reknown, and due to careful spending and construction, are favored backers of quite a few institutions of note, including the Pathfinder's Guild and legendary School for Talented Unicorns.
During times when eliminating opponents quietly was popular, Moonstone also began funding of a new breed of 'counter-assassination' outposts across Equestria. Kept a very closely-guarded secret to avoid staining their reputation, rumor has it that some of them still exist, producing some of the best cutthroats available for defense. Their motto, if they had one, would most likely be 'what better pony to fight off a ninja than another ninja?'. Kept rigidly devoted to an oath of violence by necessity, each graduate tends to be more of a devoted defender than an assassin, as only very few of them have ever actually assassinated anyone.
As a fringe benefit to being so closely tied with Luna, Lunatic keeps a close hold on their connection to her personal guard, a majority of which are of the houses' bloodline.
Needless to say, Libros, and the houses that came after, have also nearly revolutionized the 'faith boom' that occurred shortly after Celestia and Luna took control of Equestria from Discord, and ties from temples and shrines are closely held to the houses even in modern times. It goes without saying, however, that neither house supports fanatics from either group, despite the hardline survivors of Moonstone and Summer Wake having actually founded several fanatical sects.
House Hurricane
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“Peace can only be achieved through power. And we, House Hurricane, are that power.” ~ Lord Vindication, House Elder.
House Hurricane claims to be one of the oldest noble houses in Equestria, tracing the origins of their house all the way to Commander Hurricane of the Dark Ages of yore. There are two things that defines House Hurricane, peace through power and the supremacy of the pegasi race. House Hurricane has gone so far as to only admit pegasi exclusively into its ranks, (one of the few pegasi-only noble house) and fraternisation with earth ponies or unicorns are actively discouraged. Because of this, House Hurricane remains a small, insular noble house.
It comes as no surprise then that House Hurricane displays an extreme militarist streak, and is well known to starting feuds with other noble houses that it perceives to have insulted it in some manner; feuds that often end in bloodshed and in some cases, elimination of the entire house. Only the tacit disapproval of the Princesses themselves (and the implicit threat behind it) has restrained their conduct. House Hurricane mellowed over the centuries of peace, and maintains an outward facade of genteel nobility that the aristocrats has come to espouse. Even so, it is generally considered unwise to cross House Hurricane. A single blue feather laid on one’s doorstep was enough to send an entire family scrambling to beg for mercy.
Such an extreme militaristic zeal is not without benefits. House Hurricane are extremely well-regarded for the quality of the soldiers they provide; going so far as to supply the bulk of the fliers for the elite commando branch of the Equestrian Air Force, the Wonderbolts. It is often said that any Hurricane pegasus flier is easily worth five fliers in the air. The strength of their aerial military prowess has stood Equestria, and now the Republic in good stead time and again, though it remains unclear on how long they intend to stay loyal to a weakened Princess.
The Fetlock Nobility
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Separate from the normal factions that fire for either princess are the noble families that once made up and funded the bulk of Equestria's army. Made up of unicorn pryomancers, draconic fire ponies, and specially bred dragons; these high ranked officers were charged with defending the country from outside forces. Years ago, the battle between the princesses split the group into two and sent half of them into "self-imposed exile".
Descendents of Flashfire
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These are the ponies whose ancestors allied with Celestia and remained in Equestria. They are mostly unicorn nobles and hold great control over the Equestrian army. Slightly in favor of Celestia, they are more concerned with maintaining the quiet status quo.
Followers of Wildfire
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The children of the forces who left Equestria upon Luna's defeat. Luna has recently convinced them to return for their financial backing. There military force are almost as large but are generally less worried about the status of the nation. Dragon-like fire ponies make up most of their forces.
House Flamestrong
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One of the richer Fetlock families, the Flamestrongs hold major power or the military decision of Equestria. The Flamestrongs can trace their lineage to the legendary Flashfire, who led the Celestia aligned nobles during the first civil war. They are headed by Fire Flower Flamestrong, a tough, ruthless, and cold unicorn who runs the nearby fort. Leadership of the Descendents of Flashfire has been passed down the Flamestrongs family line for centuries! Sparkle Sparkle.
House Scald
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Scald had been recently allowed back into Equesatria after the the self imposed exile of Wildfire's forces back in the civil war. They are a regrettable major financial backer of Luna with all the funds raised during their time controlling the trade between the Camels and Zebras. Although having no relations to Wildfire, this weaselly clan has the most members in the council that leads the Followers of Wildfire.
House Gumdrop
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The Gumdrops are mercenaries. They fight for whoever pays them the most. They are just as rich as Flamestrong or Scald but lack the allegiances. Gumdrops will work for anypony and attack any other pony, as long as they aren't other Gumdrops. They hoard their bits, using it only for weapons and the medicine to treat their mental disorders. They are led by the probably insane Rainbow Jimmies and his brother Sweet Tooth.
House Stoutheart
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Equal parts loved and feared; such is the state of House Stoutheart.
Were it not for their tireless working of the fields and constant upkeep of Equestria's roads, Luna's Republic would have long since been paralyzed by starvation. Some entire towns - such as poor, cursed Applelousa - rely on them for their entire food supply. Even the most poverty-stricken Equestrian can find a loaf of fresh bread, a bowl of clean water, and a warm bed at House Stoutheart.
The knowledge that it all could be taken away in an whirlwind of spite keeps all walking on eggshells around them.
Their "Earth Ponies only" practices are tolerated.
Their stubborn anti-Celestia paranoia goes without direct challenge.
Their ancient grudges are left alone.
And they are always thanked for their impeccable service.
Such is the state of House Stoutheart.
Princess Luna
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“The nobles think I’m a fool. But little do they know I still watch the night... and their dreams.” ~ Princess Luna
She has been called many names. Goddess of the Night. Nightmare Moon. The Dream Walker. The Usurper. The Liberator. All true. All only managing to encompass a small facet of her personality and her duty to the nation.
Princess Luna always stayed in the shadow of her elder sister, preferring to work behind the scenes where possible. Where her sister always preferred blunt and direct action, even brute force, like the day she represents, Princess Luna instead preferred guile, subtlety and indirect action. That is not to say she is weak. Far from it, for the power of the night flows through her. Princess Luna wields her powers like a snake, striking with maximum force where the enemy is the weakest.
One could only speculate Princess Luna’s exact emotional state when her sister betrayed her and exiled her to the moon. But whatever it was, the incident and the ensuing civil war changed the Princess. Once shy and reclusive, the Princess matured into a leader of her own right, rising to lead the revolt personally and delivering the coup-de-grace with the Element Bearers to banish the Iron Hoof to the sun.
Once the deed is done, the Princess seemed remorseful at the damage wreaked in the once peaceful country. Declaring that the power to rule was no longer hers to wield, she elected to abdicate and devolve that power to the ruling nobility in the Edict of Canterlot 1090, her final royal proclamation. In the new Republic, the princess has elected to remain as a ceremonial figurehead, in view of her ongoing duty to raise and lower both the moon and sun. It remains to be seen whether or not the decision was wise, as the country lurched from one crisis to another. Still, Luna remained steadfast, though how long that state of affairs would last, only time will tell.
Currently, the Princess still holds court in Canterlot Castle, though a much smaller affair than the royal proceedings of old. Ponies continue to seek her audience on a variety of things, her popularity undiminished despite some missteps attributed to her. She has made known her feelings on the current regime led by Blueblood occasionally, ranging from ambivalent to veiled scorn. Rumours that the Princess sometimes quietly solves problem behind the ruling government’s back is often whispered.
Griffon Duchy
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In practical terms, there are really two blocks of time to talk about. Early in history, the griffon kings (and Queens) were vague trade allies to early Equestria and the predecessor nations. The Last King tried to throw that away in an ill-advised territorial war with Equestria. Instead of seeing the lands be brought to ruin, his eldest daughter lead a stunningly successful revolt. Since then, the protectorate has been ruled by the same line, holding what the Griffons living in the duchy call the Third Crown. There is a senate put into place, but it is mostly ceremonial.
The first Duke-consort (which oddly enough history forgets to mention was a pegasus, making the ruling line non-pureblood) formed an order of warriors loyal to the lands and those who live on it. These Harbingers answer only to the current Duke/Duchess and their chosen High Protector. In a long age of peace, these warriors eventually settled into a role of keeping the Roc population in check, taking out griffons driven mad, and being a pool with which the princesses can pick to aide in her personal guard.
After the death of the most recent Duke, his High Protector attempted to seize power for himself. His name struck from history, The Traitor was defeated. Unfortunately, the coalition of loyalist forces were themselves split. A short rebellion followed. The end result is that Protectorate forces are diminished and rebuilding, and the rule of the Duchess is unquestioned. In the past years the Duchess has begun a series of reform including ending 'mixed-blood' discrimination.
Trade League
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“Everything has a price.” ~ Green Thumbs, Trade League founder.
This was the maxim this humble organisation of traders was founded on. Originally named the Trottingham Trade Union, it was first founded when the merchants of Trottingham decided that a common face was needed to represent their business interest. Thanks to the industrious and capitalistic nature of its founders, this organisation grew rapidly, quickly becoming the sole representative of the business community of Trottingham.
Under the leadership of one Green Thumbs, the Union, renamed officially the Trade League of Equestria, soon decided to spread its wings to the other cities in Equestria. After all, the cold logic of the market dictated that the more members the hold under their sway, the better placed they will be to influence it in their favour. Ruthless politicking, veiled threats, promises of cold, hard bits and a few mysterious disappearance soon had the League controlling or overseeing a significant chunk of Equestria’s economic activity. The League had also actively cultivated their underground connections, and developed some of the best information network in this side of Equestria. However, the League also has consistently avoided undertaking the business of assassination, viewing it as distasteful.
Today, the League is best described as something of a confederation of business interests, united in the singular motivation to earn bits. Contrary to public perception, the League actually actively encourages competition amongst its members. Anypony unable to keep up with their peers are often shunned and quietly encouraged to seek a more suitable profession, leaving only the best and the brightest working for the League. Whatever a pony wants, chances are that a League members provides, at a very reasonable cost. Many a noble house found it convenient to deal with the League when something is needed, rather than trust to unpredictable market forces.
The League maintains (and enforces) a strict policy of neutrality. No member of the League is allowed to consort with any political factions, on the threat of expulsion and confiscation of all their properties. Throughout the civil war, the League maintained trade relations with both sides, selling food, weapons, medicine and even hiring out mercenaries. All at a handsome profit to themselves. This policy of strict neutrality has continued on into the era of the Republic. Though some quarters have accused the Trade League of profiteering from the situation, their reply has always been, “It’s just business.”
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