Despite it's egalitarian bent, Christotan society is still rather dominated by a small number of wealthy, powerful families. Though inheritance tax is high and things like land-ownership are limited for individuals, a lot of wealth is passed down through generations, and the less direct forms of power forced to exist are still pervasive. A chief feature of the main families - the Tannerz', the Brightsons etc. is their vast size, great sprawling clans whose name seems everywhere. Partially this is because when a prominent family is married into, the name of the family is usually adopted by the new member be they male or female. All Christotan states - except Zabrial - permit this choice of names for spouses; and with social influence a key factor in gaining power, it is obviously in the interests of the person to chose the most famous tag. The clan-type nature of the wealthier families is partially a left-over from old-style feudalism, partially a product of Christotan laws. Property and mercantile interests are limited by how much an individual person may own, not an individual family as the economic structure is geared around this concept. Therefore, if a large amount of people are tied together, and familial bonds are the most obvious links, their combined wealth may be considerable, and give them the operational advantages of large conglomerates. If patriarchal institutions were still in place this would lead to a few people, the male senior head of household, gaining excessive wealth at their disposal. As it is, only where a person's individual influence has eclipsed all the rest of the family's (as Holstace Fortraine's perhaps has) is this the case, and the usual result is at best of loose alliances, often a mess of bickering and feuds.
Prominent local families
The Fortraines - Dorlafan - Home Stacewell House, near Elrich - Long established stretching back before the Twin Strike, up and down fortunes since then, especially ascendant in the last 50 years. Headed by Lord Holstace Fortaine (60). His first wife Yasel, an Astic noblewoman, died in mysterious circumstances in 1320. They had five children; Holstace; Osser (31),
The Tannerz' - Kratzan - Home Mierlach Court, South Vale - Traditionally dominant, still powerful economically, and politically in Kratz but have lost ground on a national scale. Trend towards greed and corruption has earned them the tag of most hated family in Christoté. Rudanc (48) and Sebsen (42) are the two main players, together with Rudanc's wife Kristin (54)
The Brightsons - Dorlafan - Home Mierview Castle, nr. Crislaw - Former fishing family, emerged last 150 years, made serious political strides over last 40. Family of the moment. Currently headed by Lord Holan (62) and Lady Hyrena (59) Brightson nee Griegson, who are effectively the King and Queen of High Society. They married in 1321, both after earlier marriages. Holan was wed to Rian Ellerich, an immensely wealthy and gauche Erish noblewoman who died in 1313, while still in her early 30's. They had four children; Hellender (32), who is Emissary for the ward of Stoneleigh where Mierview Castle lies; Sebastin (30), a personable waster; Kristin (29) and Falcan (27). Hyrena was shackled up to an unreliable local merchant who managed to blow a large part of her fortune before fleeing the area in 1317 when his businesses imploded. Their union produced Rodan (36), a highly respected rising political star, currently ambassador to Astmad and married to Menran Desonté; and Marie (31), who actually married Prince Elsen of Astmad, heir to the crown though the recent unrest threw that into doubt.
The Griegsons - Dorlafan/Zabric - No single traditional home - 'Dark Sheep' aristocracy, traditionally merchant princes though with some land. Mixed political party, fairly minimal at present.
The Mastersons - Dorlafan/Elsan - Home Wasseldale Castle, nr. Chorley - Major players first 150 years, blew up in various feuds and scandals in the 1200's, treading water ever since.