THE ECLIPSE LEGACY

In the current world, legacy households are the bedrock of power and tradition, their influence woven into every aspect of society. These distinguished families have, over generations, consistently produced exceptional individuals known as Eclipses beings endowed with extraordinary Gifts.

Some of these households trace their origins to eras predating the Catastrophe, their histories rich with tales of resilience and dominance. Others emerged mysteriously in the aftermath, rising swiftly to prominence. 

Despite the unpredictable nature of Gift awakenings, certain legacy households have the remarkable ability to consistently produce Eclipses with Gifts of similar properties and quality. This phenomenon has long intrigued scholars and mystics alike, suggesting a deep-seated connection between bloodline and destiny.

Leadership within these households is vested in the Housemaster, an individual of formidable prowess, typically holding a Luminova rank. The founders or predecessors of these lineages were often of the esteemed Eclipsarion rank, their legendary feats laying the foundation for their family's enduring legacy.

The influence of legacy households extends beyond their immediate kin. Many prominent guilds and organizations find their roots intertwined with these families, established by visionary members seeking to expand their family's reach and uphold their honor. 

Serving as the bedrock of societal structure, their traditions and values shape the cultural and political landscape. Their ancestral estates, often grand and imposing, are not merely residences but symbols of their enduring legacy and authority. Even the Eclipse Association (EA) accords them significant respect.

Membership in a legacy household carries immense prestige and responsibility. From a young age, heirs are meticulously trained. Their upbringing steeped in the family's customs and expectations. 

They are groomed to harness and refine their innate Gifts and to embody the principles and honor of their lineage. The weight of history rests upon their shoulders, driving them to uphold the family's esteemed reputation and contribute to its lasting legacy.

Not every group can ascend to the status of a legacy household. Certain conditions must be fulfilled, including commendable military power, substantial financial prowess, and acknowledgment from at least five pre-existing legacy households.

With their considerable wealth, most legacy households ensure their heirs awaken their Gifts at an early stage of adolescence, often through the use of Eclipse Essence. This early awakening secures the household's prosperity. This allows them to provide the necessary knowledge, techniques, and resources to foster their growth.

In this era, specialized academies exist solely for genius Eclipses who have undergone early awakening. Approximately 60 percent of students in these institutions hail from legacy households, 30 percent from other wealthy families or those who have invested heavily in their children's awakening, and the remaining 10 percent are natural prodigies who awakened without external assistance.

Despite early awakenings, laws in certain countries stipulate that individuals must reach a specific age to register as official Eclipses. Consequently, many attend academies to acquire foundational knowledge and establish connections with other future prospects. 

However, some legacy households choose to train their heirs privately, fearing that external institutions may leak their secrets or hinder their potential.

In essence, legacy households are more than influential families; they are custodians of tradition, power, and societal order. Their enduring presence and the remarkable consistency of their Gifts underscore the profound connection between heritage and destiny in this intricate world.