The so-called Houses of the planet Jackson's Whole were a combination of noble family, criminal syndicate, and business corporation. The head of each house was called a Baron. They were divided into over 100 Great Houses, which were extremely wealthy and powerful, and countless Houses Minor, which were of lesser status. Jacksonian House members were far more obsessed with wealth than, say, the Vor of Barrayar, who tended to be more concerned with tradition, duty, loyalty, and honor.