The nation is divided into state-like territories named for the prominent cities, each ruled by a High Lord. Inside these territories exist various towns and steadholts (villages) where the majority of the free, non-citizen populace live. Each city fields the Legions that make up the military of Alera. These lords and the other important figures are:
- Virtus, ruled by the First Lord Resolutia Sextus and First Lady Resolutia Caria
- The Current High Marshal is High Lord Cestiis Attis
- The Current Lord Arbiter is Lord Resolutia Halron
- The Current High Priest is Tertia Laudimus
- A figure of note is: Marcus Fabius
- Acipit, ruled by High Lord Acipitus Raucus and High Lady Acipitus Dorotea
- Ambulatum, ruled by High Lord Ambulatia Herius
- Bracii, ruled by High Lord Bracia Avitus
- Cestii, ruled by High Lord Cestiis Attis and High Lady Cestiis Invidia
- Crassus, ruled by High Lord Crassus Quentin
- Dellii, ruled by High Lord Dellii Macius
- Draci, ruled by High Lord Dracium Forcius
- Eros, ruled by High Lord Eros Brencis
- Gladius, ruled by High Lord Gladia Decimus
- A figure of note is: Langsdale Vernon
- Sword Council members:
- Grachi, ruled by High Lord Grachium Tertius
- Malum, ruled by High Lord Malus Sandos and High Lady Malus Aria
- Marro, ruled by High Lord Marria Guntus
- Naro, ruled by High Lord Narium Martinus
- Pedes, ruled by High Lord Pedium Grantus
- A lesser house of note is: House Rothwing
- A troupe receiving patronage from House Rothwing are the Elaborate Enigma
- A lesser house of note is: House Rothwing
- Sapientiae, ruled by High Lord Scientiam Laurem
- A figure of note is: Viola Griseustrix
- Scientiae, also ruled by High Lord Scientiam Laurem
- Vocun, ruled by High Lord Vocuia Amulius
- A lesser house of note is: House Trevarthen
- Videx, ruled by High Lord Videm Parcius