The old noble families of The City from a variety of worlds
The nobles of the Old Lands as immigrant nobles from newer worlds. Their power might not be what it once was, but they still hold a lot of wealth and connections. Some noble houses fall, losing their money and power, while new arrive to take their place, but a core remains to carry through the group's responsibilities.
One responsibility is the courthouse in Highhall, where people may be brought to be judged under the old laws when the people demand it.