http://www.full-moon.info/ 2026-04-09T02:30:00+00:00 http://www.full-moon.info/ http://www.full-moon.info/lib/exe/fetch.php/wiki/dokuwiki-128.png text/html 2024-03-31T21:06:18+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://www.full-moon.info/doku.php/skyss/characters Characters This is a list of some of the characters that I have created to include in Yngvild & Noren. Primary Characters * Yngvild Helgasdotir - the (unreliable) narrator of the story * Noren - the title character * Old Bjorn - the mentor & leader of the fishing village of text/html 2026-03-22T17:52:04+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://www.full-moon.info/doku.php/skyss/places/daelriata Grand Duchy of Dael Riata Dael Riata is a poor land sandwiched between mountains to its North and East, and the Sea on the West. To the south sits the related but way more prosperous Kingdom of Bernicia. Riven by centuries of internecine warfare between tribes with a culture of raiding and blood feuds the Daels are impoverished. Many of their towns (all of the successful ones) are fortified, and fortlets and castles abound between the hills and lakes. The capital is text/html 2026-04-03T13:20:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://www.full-moon.info/doku.php/skyss/places/straven Straven Straven is a tiny settlement on an island about three or four square miles located off the west coast of Heimdal (Skyss). Only a little of the island is cultivated, most of it is woodland or rough grazing for the sheep that the community keeps for their wool and milk. Characterised by its extreme northern latitude of 63.5 N, the community is defined by its isolation, self-sufficiency, and adherence to the traditional ways of the North. It serves as the childhood home of text/html 2024-04-01T09:08:17+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://www.full-moon.info/doku.php/skyss/other/calendar Calendar The calendar is based on a 28-29 day moon cycle numbered by observation, and also using clues like the solstices and the equinoxes to divide the years into three types, Long Winters, Long Summers, and Short Years. In a 38 year cycle there are 21 Long Summers, 10 Long Winters, and 7 Short Years. text/html 2024-04-28T17:52:33+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://www.full-moon.info/doku.php/skyss/places/world Skyss's World I've not drawn the whole world or put lots of detail in, I think it's best to leave some room for what I might need in future stories. That said, there are a couple of maps [the original hand-drawn map of the world in which Skyss exists] [A map of the northern hemisphere, click for the detail (this is a huge map)] Description World is a large place, I sketched out a broad shape and then went to work on where the tectonic plates were, so that I knew where the mountains and volc… text/html 2026-03-17T20:24:06+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://www.full-moon.info/doku.php/skyss/chars/daels/alpin The Alpins The Alpins are Earls of Ardmor The ancestral home is Caer Alpin which is in the north of the mainland of Dael Riata. It lies on a rocky outcrop on the coast where the river Ard meets the inner sea. Titles The current (7th) Earl is Sean Alpin. text/html 2023-11-19T12:43:00+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://www.full-moon.info/doku.php/skyss/chars/daels/gilranald Bhaltair Gilranald Bhaltair Gilranald is the Earl of Norpen, and for some time regent of Dael Riata during the minority of his cousin Alasdair V, King of Dael Riata. He is also the Marquess of Righ, and swears fealty twice to the King. Bhaltair is the second cousin of Alasdair V, King of Dael Riata, descended from the second son of King Alasdair III. text/html 2026-04-02T12:29:36+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://www.full-moon.info/doku.php/skyss/welcome Skyss - Story Background This started a web version of the notebook with the background to my fantasy novel Fierce (released 1 May 2024). You can read the first chapter on my blog 'Fierce Ch.1 - Straven', which is a medium-level fantasy story with relatable female lead and a dash of romance set in a world of my own creation. It's influenced by everything I've ever read, and loosely based on a Norse 10th/11th century blending with some ancient Roman, although the ships are more like 15th/16th ce… text/html 2026-03-20T19:20:35+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://www.full-moon.info/doku.php/skyss/chars/electors Electors of Skyss Summary The Electors of Skyss are a council of nine high-ranking officials who hold the sole authority to choose the sovereign of the Kingdom of Skyss. Established approximately 800 years ago by the College of Heroes, the council was designed to stabilise the region and transition the culture from raiding to trading. The council ensures the kingdom remains a non-hereditary monarchy, where the King serves as a senior arbiter chosen for their ability to maintain peace and commo… text/html 2024-04-07T17:14:47+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://www.full-moon.info/doku.php/skyss/places/bot Board of Trade The Board of Trade is a part government and part commercial organisation that exists to help enable Skyssians to trade successfully and profitably across the world. The President of the Board of Trade is one of the Electors of the King of Skyss. Stories They are in the story * First appears - we first seen the Board of Trade's distinctive blue port building in Kronstadt, and again in Knarvik, Beretha and at The Wheel. text/html 2026-03-18T18:04:50+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://www.full-moon.info/doku.php/skyss/places/dalreoch Dalreoch Dalreoch is the capital city of Dael Riata and serves as the seat of the Ranald dynasty. It is the largest city in the realm, with a population estimated at over 25,000 residents. Situated on the River Reoch, the city is a vital hub for a flourishing trade network that connects the Kingdom with text/html 2026-03-22T17:58:52+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://www.full-moon.info/doku.php/skyss/places/dalreoch/university University of Dalreoch Summary The University of Dalreoch is the oldest educational establishment in Dael Riata, possessing a history that pre-dates the formation of the Kingdom itself. While it is now a sprawling centre for advanced research, it began as a modest institution teaching divinity, text/html 2026-03-20T19:39:23+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://www.full-moon.info/doku.php/skyss/chars/godbloods Godbloods Summary The Godbloods were a prominent political and social faction within the Heroic community of the Kingdom of Skyss. Emerging as a significant power during The Great Schism, the faction advocated for a meritocratic system where supreme public office was reserved exclusively for those of divine lineage. They were defined by their belief that the extended lifespan and inherent wisdom of text/html 2026-03-16T06:41:43+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://www.full-moon.info/doku.php/skyss/places/caer_suibhne Caer Suibhne Caer Suibhne is the ancestral seat of the Suibhne family, the Earls of Douglas. Situated within the mainland of Dael Riata, it is historically regarded as neutral ground suitable for high-level noble negotiations. Stories Caer Suibhne is in the story “The King's Peace” text/html 2026-03-18T18:07:10+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://www.full-moon.info/doku.php/skyss/places/dalreoch/gallows_market Gallows Market Summary The Gallows Market is a large public square located at the eastern end of Gallows Street, just outside the inner bailey of Dalreoch. It serves as a dual-purpose space for both the city's commercial trade and the administration of royal justice through public executions and proclamations. text/html 2026-04-02T13:25:36+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://www.full-moon.info/doku.php/skyss/fierce Fierce Fierce is a Fantasy novel released on 1 May 2024. You can read the first chapter on my blog 'Fierce Ch.1 - Straven', which is a medium-level fantasy story with relatable female lead and a dash of romance set in a world of my own creation. It's influenced by everything I've ever read, and loosely based on a Norse 10th/11th century blending with some ancient Roman, although the ships are more like 15th/16th century. Skyss is the northern state the main characters come from, but there is a … text/html 2024-04-01T10:12:52+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://www.full-moon.info/doku.php/skyss/pantheon Pantheon of Skyss The people of Skyss worship a pantheon of gods that they know exist. Those gods at times manifest themselves and have been known to inter-breed with mortals. Mostly those are in the ancient sagas, but demi-gods and heroes with lineage from the main pantheon demonstrably exist. The Skyssian Creation Story is called text/html 2026-03-20T19:33:03+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://www.full-moon.info/doku.php/skyss/chars/college_of_heroes College of Heroes Summary The College of Heroes is a specialised institutional body within the Kingdom of Skyss comprised of individuals possessing a significant degree of divine lineage, known as Heroes. Founded approximately 800 years ago, the College was established to stabilize the region following an era of pervasive internecine warfare. It serves as the primary repository for heroic history and lineage, while simultaneously providing a critical constitutional function as one of the nine text/html 2026-03-20T19:36:05+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://www.full-moon.info/doku.php/skyss/chars/heroes Heroes Summary In the world of Skyss and the wider continent of osnines, Heroes, also known by the more traditionalist term Godbloods, are individuals who possess a measurable degree of divine lineage. They are the descendants of the Nine Gods and Goddesses of the Skyssian text/html 2019-02-27T12:23:29+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://www.full-moon.info/doku.php/skyss/chars/old_bjorn Old Bjorn The boat captain of the first boat on Straven. He's the adoptive father of both Yngvild Helgasdotir and Noren. His current partner is Helga the Red and they live above the main hall on Straven. Bjorn Johansson is by far the oldest resident of Straven, no-one is quite sure exactly how old he is. What is clear is that he's much older than everyone else. Hence the monniker text/html 2026-03-20T19:43:41+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://www.full-moon.info/doku.php/skyss/chars/schism The Great Schism Summary The Great Schism was a foundational ideological and physical conflict among the Heroes of the Kingdom of Skyss that occurred approximately eighty years before the current era (commencing c. 690 AM). What began as a binary debate regarding the role of divine-blooded individuals in mortal governance escalated into a three-way civil war characterised by clandestine assassinations, text/html 2026-03-20T20:47:05+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://www.full-moon.info/doku.php/skyss/pantheon/kari Kari Gender Female Hero Status Goddess (100% Divinity) Allegiance The Nine Gods Role Goddess of the Sea and Wind Apparent Age Variable / Ageless Year of Birth Pre-history Stories/Function Kari serves as the primary metaphysical anchor for the maritime identity and economic hegemony of the text/html 2024-04-01T10:27:06+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://www.full-moon.info/doku.php/skyss/pantheon/malfin Malfin - Goddess of the Darkness [Malfin's rune symbol]Malfin is known as the Goddess of the Darkness, which to the Skyssians isn't a bad thing. They live in an arctic environment, half their year is spent in the darkness. So they've come to embrace it. She is the twin sister of text/html 2026-03-20T21:06:42+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://www.full-moon.info/doku.php/skyss/places/kronstadt Kronstadt Summary Kronstadt is the primate city of the Kingdom of Skyss and the undisputed nerve centre of global maritime commerce on the continent of osnines. Situated at the foot of a mountain that grows directly out of the sea, the city is positioned where two major fjords converge, creating a strategic hub for the kingdom's naval and mercantile operations. With an urban population of approximately 250,000, it functions as the world's primary text/html 2026-03-15T17:03:54+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://www.full-moon.info/doku.php/skyss/chars/daels/hospitality Rules of Hospitality The rules of hospitality are a foundational pillar of civilised behaviour within the Grand Duchy of Dael Riata. These customary laws apply across all social strata, though the burden of generosity increases significantly for the nobility and those higher in the social hierarchy. text/html 2026-03-17T20:25:13+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://www.full-moon.info/doku.php/skyss/chars/daels/suibhne The Suibhnes The Suibhne (pronounced Sweeney, meaning “well-going”) are the Earls of Douglas. They are one of the 14 great noble houses of Dael Riata, renowned throughout the kingdom for their hospitality and generosity. Though they are considered one of the least powerful of the great houses, they hold a strategic position along the River Douglas. text/html 2026-03-18T17:56:22+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://www.full-moon.info/doku.php/skyss/places/dalreoch/kings_keep King's Keep Summary The King's Keep is the royal palace and primary seat of power for King Alasdair V. Located upon a prominent hill in the capital city of Dalreoch, the keep serves as the administrative, ceremonial, and residential heart of the Kingdom of Dael Riata. Description text/html 2026-03-15T16:57:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://www.full-moon.info/doku.php/skyss/places/dalreoch/water_gate The Water Gate Inn The Water Gate is a bustling inn and boarding establishment located in the capital city of Dalreoch. It serves as a vital hub for visitors, traders, and noble entourages, particularly during major events like royal weddings. Stories They are in the story text/html 2022-11-17T19:52:47+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://www.full-moon.info/doku.php/skyss/chars/daels/alpin/iain735 Iain Alpin Iain Alpin (born 735) is the commander of the King's Life Guard. He has served in the Life Guard since he was 17, having first served Queen Caoimhe. Originally appointed because of his father’s connections he took the oath of service seriously and has refused to be swayed by political considerations. When his father deposed the Queen he took up arms against him. There were several battles in the civil war, and Iain Alpin was in all of them. He fought valiantly, and dsitinguished hi… text/html 2026-04-06T20:50:27+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://www.full-moon.info/doku.php/skyss/chars/alfarinn Alfarinn Gender Hero Status Allegiance Role Apparent Age Year of Birth (Age) Female Hero (Demi-god) Independent / Skyss Nomadic Matriarch Mid-thirties 231 (543) Alfarinn is one of the most ancient and powerful Heroes documented in the Book of Heroes. Possessing a 58% divinity rating, she is reckoned practically a demi-god, descended from children of both text/html 2019-02-27T12:24:08+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://www.full-moon.info/doku.php/skyss/chars/arne Arne the Slow The steersman for the first boat on the island of Straven. Arne is the de facto second in command to Old Bjorn, and was the boat captain before Old Bjorn came to Straven. He's one of the oldest people on the island, and hugely experienced. There's little new to him, and he's very laconic. Speaks with a distinct island drawl. text/html 2026-03-28T18:20:32+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://www.full-moon.info/doku.php/skyss/chars/elenchus Elenchus Gender Hero Allegiance Role Apparent Age Male No Ancient Ashium Philosopher Ancient Stories/Function Elenchus serves as the foundational intellectual pillar for higher education in Dael Riata. His teachings form the basis of the “less dangerous arts text/html 2026-04-02T13:08:07+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://www.full-moon.info/doku.php/skyss/chars/helga_trollslayer Helga Trollslayer Gender Female Hero Status Hero (46% Divinity) Allegiance Kingdom of Skyss Role Second Sea Lord / Future First Sea Lord Apparent Age 23 Year of Birth 634 AM (140 at 774 AM) Stories/Function Helga Trollslayer is a pivotal figure within the Skyssian naval and administrative hierarchy, serving as a bridge between the kingdom's divine heritage and its modern maritime dominance. As the biological mother of text/html 2026-04-02T13:00:55+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://www.full-moon.info/doku.php/skyss/chars/jafnadr Jafnadr the Sword Jafnadr is a famous sword, blessed by the Goddess Malfin - Goddess of the Darkness. The name, in translation, means both equality and justice. It was made for Jafnadr, the daughter of Malfin - Goddess of the Darkness and fafnir by Frijdodr. Appearance Like a slice of darkness. It is completely black, and the blade absorbs light, apart from a round matt white stone on the pommel. It can also disguise itself when asked to so that people don’t notice it (it still looks like a s… text/html 2026-03-19T21:43:28+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://www.full-moon.info/doku.php/skyss/chars/noren Noren Gender Male Hero Status Hero Allegiance Kingdom of Skyss Role Protagonist Apparent Age 20 Stories/Function Noren serves as a primary protagonist in the narrative of Fierce. Originally introduced as a simple fisherman from the isolated island of Straven, his discovery as a text/html 2026-03-20T19:48:15+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://www.full-moon.info/doku.php/skyss/chars/silent_service Silent Service Summary The Silent Service is a historical and contemporary faction of Heroes within the Kingdom of Skyss that advocates for divine-blooded individuals to remain entirely separate from mortal governance. Emerging as a primary combatant during The Great Schism (c. 690–695 AM), the faction prioritises mortal autonomy, believing that Godbloods should act only as reclusive mentors or guardians from the shadows rather than active political leaders. text/html 2026-03-22T18:14:12+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://www.full-moon.info/doku.php/skyss/chars/tatu Tatù Gender Hero Allegiance Role Apparent Age Male No Linden/Spuetan Political Theorist 200 years deceased Stories/Function Tatù is a political theorist whose works focus on the practical maintenance of power. His writings are essential study for administrators and the text/html 2026-04-06T21:36:30+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://www.full-moon.info/doku.php/skyss/chars/wall Wall Gender Hero Status Allegiance Role Apparent Age Year of Birth (Age) Fluid / Unknown Likely Hero or Adept Clewgists Philosopher / Guide 50s Unknown Wall is a high-level adept or emissary of the Clewgist faith, serving as a primary point of contact for Heroes seeking sanctuary or wisdom within the text/html 2016-11-25T11:20:17+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://www.full-moon.info/doku.php/skyss/other/jafnadr Jafnadr the Sword Jafnadr is a famous sword, blessed by the Goddess Malfin - Goddess of the Darkness. The name, in translation, means both equality and justice. It was made for Jafnadr, the daughter of Malfin - Goddess of the Darkness and fafnir by Frijdodr. Appearance Like a slice of darkness. It is completely black, and the blade absorbs light, apart from a round matt white stone on the pommel. It can also disguise itself when asked to so that people don’t notice it (it still looks like a s… text/html 2026-04-05T17:16:48+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://www.full-moon.info/doku.php/skyss/pantheon/jorunn Jorunn Jorunn is the fifth child of the Mother of All and the Father, occupying a unique position within the Nine Gods of Skyss as the patron and progenitor of humanity. Known as the deity of the Lost and Found, mischief, and the “little people” (humans), Jorunn represents the inquisitive and transformative spirit of the mortal races. Characterised by an affinity for the colour green and the sapphire gemstone, Jorunn is the only deity of the Nine to have fundamentally altered their divine natur… text/html 2026-04-02T12:58:41+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://www.full-moon.info/doku.php/skyss/pantheon/nine_gods Pantheon of Skyss The people of Skyss worship a pantheon of gods that they know exist. Those gods at times manifest themselves and have been known to inter-breed with mortals. Mostly those are in the ancient sagas, but demi-gods and heroes with lineage from the main pantheon demonstrably exist. The Skyssian Creation Story is called text/html 2026-03-13T17:09:04+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://www.full-moon.info/doku.php/skyss/places/berenicia Kingdom of Berenicia The Kingdom of Berenicia is a prosperous northern realm situated on the continent of Osnines. It is characterized by its high degree of organisation, a thriving economy based on wool and iron exports, and a complex social hierarchy of powerful Dukes and Earls. It sits immediately south of the related but significantly more impoverished text/html 2026-03-20T18:55:52+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://www.full-moon.info/doku.php/skyss/places/skyss Kingdom of Skyss Summary The Kingdom of Skyss is the pre-eminent maritime hegemon of the continent of osnines, exercising near-total dominance over global commerce through its administrative apparatus and naval superiority. Centred upon the primate city of text/html 2026-04-06T21:10:58+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://www.full-moon.info/doku.php/skyss/places/temple_estreham Temple of Clewg at Estreham Summary The Temple of Clewg is a white domed sanctuary located in the bowl-shaped valley of Estreham within the southern continent of Cottalem. It serves as the primary spiritual hub for the Clewgists, a religious sect dedicated to spiritual perfection and finding one’s specific place in the universe. The temple is famous for a potent anti-male curse and as the site where Yngvild broke an involuntary text/html 2023-11-19T12:46:04+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://www.full-moon.info/doku.php/skyss/chars/daels/alasdair_ranald Alasdair V, King of Dael Riata Alasdair Ranald is the King of Dael Riata, and the fifth of that name. His mother was the only child of Alasdair IV (reigned 700-739), and his father was a Skyssian merchant who spent some time in Dael Riata before escaping. Titles text/html 2026-03-17T20:11:19+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://www.full-moon.info/doku.php/skyss/chars/daels/alasdair_ranald5 Alasdair V, King of Dael Riata Alasdair Ranald is the King of Dael Riata, and the fifth of that name. His mother Queen Caoimhe was the only child of Alasdair IV (reigned 700-739), and his father was a Skyssian merchant who spent some time in Dael Riata before escaping. Titles text/html 2026-03-16T20:30:38+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://www.full-moon.info/doku.php/skyss/chars/daels/alasdair_suibhne Alasdair Suibhne Alasdair Suibhne (born 740) is the 7th Earl of Douglas and head of House Suibhne. He is a mature lord of 34 years who has governed his lands since the age of 14. Biography Birth: 740 at Caer Suibhne. Accession: Succeeded the 6th Earl in 754 following the 6th Earl's death in the text/html 2026-03-18T18:00:18+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://www.full-moon.info/doku.php/skyss/chars/daels/aodh_macaodh739 Aodh MacAodh Aodh is the proprietor of the The Water Gate Inn in Dalreoch. As well as purveying fine wines, ales of the best, and delicacies from across the known world, he is also reputed to be a spy, assassin and smuggler. Born in 739 in Dalreoch, the son of Earsaid MacAodh. text/html 2026-03-16T21:46:12+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://www.full-moon.info/doku.php/skyss/chars/daels/domnhall_murchadh Domnhall Murchadh Domnhall Murchadh was the 5th Earl of Uisdean, a leader of a seafaring folk notorious as “Sea Kings” and raiders. He was a pivotal figure in Dael Riatan politics, serving as a member of the Council of Regents after playing a primary role in the deposition of text/html 2026-03-16T21:59:36+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://www.full-moon.info/doku.php/skyss/chars/daels/iain_alpin Iain Alpin Sir Iain Alpin (born 735) is the Knight Commander of the King's Life Guard and the third son of Sean Alpin, the 7th Earl of Ardmor. A veteran of the Queen's War and a mercenary in Bernicia, he is known for his unwavering loyalty to the Crown and his formidable skills as a warrior. Although of heroic bloodline, which grants him fast healing and heightened reflexes, he has never learned the art of shapeshifting common to others of his lineage. text/html 2026-03-17T20:23:28+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://www.full-moon.info/doku.php/skyss/chars/daels/murchadh The Murchadhs The Murchadhs are Earls of Earls of Uisdean. Their ancestral home is Caer Murchadh, located on the island of Uisdean Mor. A seafaring people known colloquially as the “Sea Kings,” they are notorious raiders and fishers who operate in the inshore waters between the text/html 2023-11-21T17:48:48+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) http://www.full-moon.info/doku.php/skyss/chars/daels/nobles The Nobles of Dael Riata There are fourteen families that are Dukes or Earls of Dael Riata. Some of these are older than others, and you can usually tell the off-shoot families by their red stripes on the main colour shields from their older lines.