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| Structure of the Klingon Family |
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The Klingon Empire is composed of many
family lines, commonly referred to as Houses. A family line may be considered
as a Major or Minor House depending on its size, wealth and political influences
within the Klingon Empire.
The Klingon House is not necessarily composed
entirely of blood relations. If a House is open, it will occasionally adopt
new members if they have skills, contacts or material goods that will bring
honour, fame or fortune to the House. While the customs for ratification
vary from line to line, generally any family member can sponsor another
individual for adoption into his house line. A perfect example of this
is Worf, who is adopted by General Martok into his House (Stardate 50839.1) The average Klingon hopes to gain advantages from alliance with a family line, not the least of which is protection, ranging from the money to buy off potential enemies to the provision of trustworthy bodyguards. In addition the individual benefits from the reputation and social status of his new family. The individual line member must contribute to the welfare of the House with their loyalty and defence in the cause of the line. All Houses have their own military and political views of the Empire and its relation with the Federation and other worlds. A few of the Houses are active pro Alliance supporters, and there are still some Houses who do not fully support any Alliance between the Klingon Empire and other factions. |
| HOUSES OF THE EMPIRE |
