Great Houses of Skjöld

The great houses of Skjöld trace their heritage back to six of the first twelve dwarves that ever lived. The other six dwarves are the ancestors of the common dwarves such as craftsmen. The great houses are Leadbrow, Firebeard, Thunderbeard, Stonesoul, and Twinhammers.

Each of the houses is lead by a Jarl. The Jarl is typically the senior male member of the house. There are two notable exceptions: House Leadbrow, and House Stonesoul. In the case of Leadbrow, Björni Leadbrow holds the title of "King" instead of "Jarl". As for Stonehold, the leader is actually a woman named Helgi Stonesoul.

The Jarls and King assemble on a council called the Council of Elders. This council is responsible for passing laws that effect the nation of Skjöld as a whole. The King has final say, but is expected not to completely disregard the wishes of the other Jarls.