Within the Houses there are a variety of sub-loyalties and lineages. Listed here is some of those that have appeared in published material:
Alexis, one of the Founders of The Gauntlet of the Four Quarters, was descended from the last of the philosophers of the old Academy of Athens. His lineage has always been in the forefront of bringing an understanding of the natural world (physis) to the magic of the Order. Meander (and his filii) are of this lineage.
The first apprentice of Flambeau was Apromor. Unlike all of Flambeau's subsequent apprentices, Apromor had a great affinity for the Art of Destruction, preferring the subtlety that this Hermetic Technique offered. Those descended from this famous Archmagus have followed in his footsteps. They have the drive of the average Flambonis, but more persevering and often vengeful. Iphigenius is of this lineage.
The founder of this lineage was recruited into the Order by Trianoma shortly after its founding, when she visited him in Byzantium. He was perhaps the greatest physician in Europe, and though mundane skill in chirurgy and medicine is important to the members of this House, true members must possess the Gift. Attalos, after careful consideration, joined the Order under the patronage of Jerbiton.
The lineage has maintained many medical books. They are rightly famous for their work involving natural herbs and elixirs, and House Verditius (well respected within the Order for its grasp of alchemy) maintains close ties to this lineage in their endeavor to improve upon traditional longevity potions. Members dedicate themselves to the pursuit of the healing arts. Perhaps because he resented its crudity and feared its use on the human form, Attalos never did well with Perdo ,and never taught it well to his apprentices. This deficiency lives on in many of his lineage.
Membership in this House requires the +1 Hermetic Virtue Physican (accompanied by a +3 Reputation of 'Doctor' among the Order). Beginning Experience Points are 12 + Age, and initial scores are Medicine 1, Chirurgy 1, Hermes Lore 1, Magic Theory 3, Parma Magica 2, Scribe Latin 3, Speak Latin 5, Speak Own Language 4
This lineage of Flambeauw as originally started in the Theban tribunal at the time of the Founding. It has always produced renowned Perdo specialists of the House. What is of particular note is its tendancy to produce the Intellego specialists of House Flambeau as well. This lineage has always been tied closely with that of Kypris. It left the Theban tribunal several hundred years ago, moving west for reasons unknown. Iphigenius's pater was the first member of the lineage to return.
This lineage of House Flambeau seems to represent all the best, and perhaps worse, of its House. They are noteworthy for being adventurers and travelers. They have produced a Hopolite in every generation. Adolphus and Cara Ayesha represents this lineage. Kypris represented to so-called "Cult of the Phoenix", originally an Egyptian group, descended from the followers of Osiris, though by the time of the founding of the Order the organized religion that lay behind the cult had largely died out. Their primary belief was in the divinity of Fire, and the Phoenix as its embodiment. Their magic was fire oriented, but also involved elements of prophesy and vision which have continued to this day. Though their Hermetic descendants are definitely members of House Flambeau rather than pseudo-Criamon, they maintain a certain "mystic" quality, most notable in their search for the Phoenix itself a quest which has many parallels to the Christian grail legends.
These magi are direct Hermetic descendants of Trianoma. Marozia was especially choosen by Trianoma to represent her interests in the Theban tribunal. This lineage has always held a great deal of respect in the House and the Tribunal. It's members represent the best of House Bonisagus: Research and political advocacy. This Lineage is represented today by Iardanus and his filia Cleopatra.
Matygus was one of the first Greek sorcerers to adapt Bonisagus' system of magic. He applied it with great success to his own specialty of wards and barriers (Matygus devised some of the first successful Hermetic wards against faeries, demons, and legendary beasts). Consequently, many Magi in his lineage are particularly adept at wards, or at Rego in general. Many of his descendants are avid Christians. This is the result of their interest in the power of Divinity to ward demonic, magical, and faerie powers, and that they seek insight into the mechanism by which this is achieved. Its Magi are known to be cautious, believing their advances to have attracted the ire of malicious spirits and demons. Those of Matygus's lineage are well-versed in Christian theology.
Starting Experience Points are 9 + age, and initial abilities include: Occult Lore 1, Hermes Lore 1, Magic Theory 4, Parma Magica 2, Scribe Latin 3, Speak Latin 5, and Speak Own Language 4.
Metrophanes was a famous Greek mosiacist at the time of his admittance into the Order, who offered rather abstract ideas about beauty and perfection. The members of this lineage often pursue metaphysics and philosophy with their powers. This branch of Verditius is regarded highly by many Criamon, though most of this lineage view the Criamon as lacking proper focus. Each Magus of the lineage excels in one or more arts. Combining magic with the art/craft is revered, but true mastery requires no such manipulation. These arts include music, sculpting, writing, etc. Membership therefore requires the +1 Virtue Artist (some members of the lineage are rather poor at their craft, and may possess an additional Flaw such as 'Unimaginative Artist'). Although Magi do not begin with a Reputation normally, to earn one based on mastery of their Art is the ultimate compliment for members of this Lineage.
Magi begin with 12 + age Experience Points, and starting abilities include: Art/Craft 1, Hermes Lore 1, Magic Theory 4, Parma Magica 2, Scribe Latin 2, Speak Latin 5, and Speak Own Language 4
This lineage of Verditius harkens back to their founders namesake, the cunning inventor of several letters in the Greek alphabet (and of dice). Like him, members of this lineage are fascinated by the power of words, especailly written. They also tend to be lovers of gambling.
These Magi are direct Hermetic descendants of Parthenius, the first apprentice of Guernicus after he agreed to become responsible for the legal aspects of the Order. Parthenius was responsible for the formalization of the years of apprenticeship and the Apprentice's Gauntlet. He wrote many books that are the mainstay of the Order, and created many spells which are now part of the official canon taught to apprentices.
His lineage has remained discrete from the rest of the House, and is looked to achieve as much as their noteworthy forebear. For this reason, they often burn out young, or are so strongly driven that they take reckless measures to succeed. The House has maintained the fiction of their brilliance out of pride's sake - they are usually unstable, obsessed, or both. Epateus is of this lineage.
Scylax was one of the individuals on Mount Parnassus brought into the early Order. She joined House Criamon under Juliasta. She claimed to be the daughter of Proclus himself, however, if that claim is true she was very old. She trained several magi, including Halithersis who was the pater of Andronicus, who trained Perditus Magister, who trained Stentor. Most of her brood has scattered to the four quarters of the earth. However, it is said that every hundred years they meet in Athens for a discussion of the impact of philosophy on the enigma. This lineage tends to be staunch supporters of Juliasta’s ways amongst House Criamon.
Vigilantia claimed to be the last in a lineage of priestesses from Syria dedicated to Nemesis when she was recruited into the Order by Hariste, soon after its founding. Vigilantia, and her tradition have long been considered a single-minded group, even amongst the members of their House, and are known for their constant testing of all about them. They have long participated in the shapechanging aspects of Nemesis, along with her more famous aspects. Two lineages are descended from her:
Gorthyno --> Etrea --> Manuel --> Constantine
Seraphis --> Gemeter --> Althea
That is, Seraphis and Gorthyno (Constantine's Great Grandpater) were hermetic brothers.