The Haus system in the galaxy is the base of power.  Most places, planets, outposts, space stations, etc., are affiliated with a Haus, whether officially, or through diplomatic ties.  For instance, the first Haus to make diplomatic contact with New Dodge, the Haus of Gaga, thus sees the settlement as under their protection until New Dodge either affiliates, or creates a Haus of its own.

A Haus is simply a sphere of influence.  They hold political, monetary, and diplomatic power over planets / moons / space stations, etc.  It's a system of government, and like governments, some are more liberal, like Gaga and Ramen, and some are authoritarian, like Black Door and Mercury.  Some hauses get along well with others, like Gaga and Ramen, while others, like Joplin, are more independent.  Some hauses, like Miranda, want to be more important in the universe.  Other hauses, like Starship, split off from older hauses, like Jefferson.  Essentially, hauses, like governments, are unique. 

The Hauses are divided into four classes: Hauses of Influence (the top 20 Hauses), Rising Hauses (the up and coming), Other Hauses (hauses that exist but thus far have little, if any influence).  Often the rising and other hauses affiliate with stronger hauses until they gain more power), and Former Hauses (they once held influence, but died out).  There is always possible movement between the categories. For instance, the Haus of Bowie lost its last member leaving a place open in the Hauses of Influence.  The replacement will be determined at the annual CIA (Council of Influence Assembly) to be held in New Dodge this year. 

The CIA is like the intergalactic version of Davos.  The Hauses get together and discuss business relevant to all of them.  Sometimes deals are made.  Sometimes, new Hauses get formed.  Either way, there's a lot of money up for grabs.

The hosts of the CIA find themselves inundated with the most powerful in the galaxy.  It's a huge economic boon to all aspects of the economy.  The costs spent on security are recouped several times over.  One unfortunate aspect of the CIA is that there is usually at least one assassination, usually amongst the Rising Hauses, still scrabbling for more and more influence.  Oftentimes, these assassinations appear as absurd accidents (the last Haus of Bowie member was killed in a strange camel accident, on a planet that did not have camels) but everyone knows what they are.  It is a risk targeting a Haus of Influence as that could result in intergalactic war.  As long as it is limited to one assassination per CIA, no one holds it against the host place.  Any more than one is just sloppy security.

There are two ways to found a Haus.  One is two split off from an already existing Haus.  For instance, Haus of Miranda split off from Haus of Larson.  the other is to found one.  It is much harder to found a Haus, as it needs recognition from at least 2 of the Hauses of Influence to be official.  New Dodge has been in secret negotiations with Haus of Ramen and Haus of Gaga to gain recognition for their own Haus: Haus of Cobra.

A complete chart of current Hauses in the Galaxy can be found here.  A secondary chart of places in the galaxy, many of which are owned or affiliated with Hauses can be found here.

The Haus system can only grow with the help of players.  Several players have taken on members of Hauses as temporary characters and they've become very  influential in New Dodge politics.  Those kidnapped by Haus of the Black Door were not stopped from escaping due to the intervention of Haus of Gaga.  Haus of Ramen has been involved in some pretty kick ass parties.  Want to make a Haus member?  Any character not marked in blue is up for grabs.  Find a PB.  Develop the character's personality.  Enjoy yourselves. 

Current Played Haus Members:
Empress Nanfrid | headofhaus (Haus of Gaga)
Princess Lucira | comefortheparty (Haus of Gaga)
Ophelia Rose Mesmer | carnivalofcorpses (Haus of Ramen)
Wallace Ranunculus Mesmer IV | lugentescampi (Haus of Ramen)
Khan Noonian Singh | becauseiambetter  (Haus of Cash)
Anna Mercado II | builtonrockandroll (Haus of Starship)
Lady Kathra Parker | needsanheir (Haus of Mercury)
Duchess Cassiopeia | janissaint  (Haus of Joplin)
Mazhul The Nightmare hausoftheblackdoor (Haus of the Black Door)
Irwin Deathwhisper | whispersofdeath (Haus of the Black Door)
Hortensia Elsie Mims | abysswalkedacow (Haus of Larson)
Doelicanxa | violentbanshee (Haus of Zombie)
Verbani Tek Von Heusen | heedmyvoice (Haus of Miranda formerly of Haus of Larson)


Want a place to test out your character?  We have hausdeseinflusses as a place for Haus members to interact.

Entourage:

Master of Protocol Tlitli: Always dressed like he's headed to an avant garde ball.  Also has some anger issues and has been known to take them out on the intergalactic paparazzi.

Social Secretary, Lady Rothemaloth: Always business like and discreet.  She could organize a war if she could.  She has a huge crush on Yamei.

Stylist, Yamei: Non-binary, asexual, always monochromatic in dress, and the greatest designer in the galaxy. They are completely loyal to the princess though so will not leave her employ.  They rarely speak because they prefer their art and design do it for them.

Ling:  Looks like an ordinary human, but is blue.  She travels as the Princess's companion but has always been in love with Ophelia of Haus Ramen.  She's brilliant, but essentially lazy, and has a number of degrees (engineering in particular) but would rather travel with the Princess than work.