The great Aristocratic houses of the continent were generally judged by two things.
The first was their history. A long inheritance proved that a House had survived through generations and possessed the foundation required to stand among the great nobles.
The second was strength.
A House could lack an ancient lineage and still rise to prominence if it possessed enough power. Wealth alone was not enough. Neither was influence. The true measure of a great House was whether it possessed a Rank Nine expert.
A Rank Nine expert represented far more than personal strength. Their existence itself carried influence and deterrence. It was much like the great weapons of the old world that could destroy entire cities. They did not need to be used often. Their mere existence was enough to make others think twice before acting.
