House Ascanius

The Ascanius family rose to prominence in the past couple of thousands of years. Initially nothing more than glorified mercenaries, the family was quick to explore the need for expansion of the Imperium with the reluctance from traders and settlers to fight for planets, risking their own lives.

Bravado and high-risk taking established them as a well-oiled war machine, with several planets, colonies and governors under their protection. They prefer to reap a quota of profits from enterprises which fall under their zone of influence in exchange for protection and any other type of martial activities which are in the interest of the Imperium, rather than dedicating themselves to more peaceful activities. While their cost may be steep, their underlings know better than to challenge them.

However, the family is now a shadow of its former self. Left unchecked by higher authorities and flush with money, means and the sense that they are the God Emperor's righteous tools, the different branches have embarked on successive campaigns for glory and prestige in order to obfuscate one another. Jealousy and arrogance added to the sense of paranoia, and the quarreling factions are now embroiled in a perpetual game of murder and assassination attempts on each other which has culled many lives and even entire offshoots.

Recently the family's sources of income have dwindled as its underlings progressively break free from its grip due to competition from better equipped military outfits, rogue traders like the Wolfram Dynasty and its own inability to muster enough troops and the attention of its members.

While it may no longer command the physical numbers it once boasted, the Imperial House of Ascanius still has enough bloodlust, fanaticism and fame to be a force to be reckoned with.

Notable members:
 * Jefforion Wolfram Ascanius