Imperial House Lystra
Although not the founder, the main defining character in the House’s history is Farron Lystra, whose name is known throughout the empire as the man responsible for the change in leadership of the Empire from House Truniss to House Lystra in 288EY.
Farron Lystra didn’t just define his house though, much of the definition of the Empire can be attributed to him. The creation of the Independent Guild of Technologists and the Independent Organisation of Chirurgeons who hold an important position in the Empire was down to him.
The delicate balance that was re-struck between the Imperial House and the other Houses has stood to this day. The Imperial House still has fewer direct holdings than any other house. In a way, they don’t need as many as other Houses since they claim taxes from the other Houses to help run the empire and the Imperial House. However, the lack of direct resources is an implicit statement that they are there because they are supported by the other houses. They are also unique amongst the houses in that their capital is not on one of their few planets but is, in fact, one of the City Ships, the Imperial Dream.
Usually the ship can be found orbiting one of the Imperial Houses planets, though at times it visits planets belonging to the other Houses. Its most recent visit has been to the capital world of House Machello, Hirona, as part of the celebrations for the marriage of the Emperor's eldest daughter, Nye, to Pontis Albus Machello, cousin of the current Head of House. The wedding took place aboard the City Ship and was seen as a great honour to Pontis Machello Lystra.
Usually an Emperor is nominated to take over the position by their predecessor. Except in unusual circumstances, the emperor has been succeeded by one of his children. Historical precedent has also been set that says that if no heir is appointed, the Emperor's oldest child should assume the position. After agreement from the other Houses, this precedent was upheld in the succession of the current Emperor, Xanoph Lystra, 42 years ago.
The succession of Xanolph Lystra was unusual because his father, Gaven, died abruptly and unexpectedly. Chirurgeons believed that his heart had been deteriorating for some time and had eventually given out, and that this is why he was not restored by the Preservation devices. Xanolph, at the time, was only 9 years old and it was agreed by the Houses that Xanolph should become Emperor and that Gaven's close friend and Chief Advisor should act as Regent while Xanolph was still young. Lanton Beltar Lystra was thus regent for 7 years and when Xanolph reached 16 years of age he officially became the Emperor.
Xanolph learned quickly, but he has always taken advice on all matters from Lanton. He has proven himself a strong leader in the eyes of many. It was only 9 months after he officially entered the role that the Forlox incident occurred and due to that the dissolution of House Ditix and the formation of House Vinka. It is clear to most that the decision must have had support from all the houses, since Xanolph's position was not strong enough to get this through against opposition, but such events set a precedent of an Emperor not afraid to take drastic measures, even if they were possibly originally suggested by others.
Some believe that Lanton never really gave up his influence when Xanolph came of age and that he still rules the empire, with the Emperor little more than a puppet. However, this has only been said publically once, by Jenla Mykron Truniss, who said that the Emperor was "a worthless mouthpiece there purely to protect Lanton from the liability of his orders". Having refused to take these words back, it followed that Jenla had to fight in a duel to the death, where she died at the hands of the Emperor. The fact that House Truniss refused to allow their champion to fight, and that no other duellists stood up for Jenla, shows the lack of support this claim had.
The Emperor is currently seen very little at social events. Instead, at least one of his two sons, Strauss and Aaron, can be found at any major social event, making the most of the hospitality. The two brothers though are not as interested in politics as their youngest sister, Roweena, who has been nominated as the Emperor's successor on his death. This is not expected to be soon, although in the light of his father's unexpected death, such statements are usually felt to be tinged with optimism.