The Gilruarys are the Earls of Dalmuir and the premier shipbuilders of Dael Riata. As a cadet branch of the ancient Ruary dynasty, they provided vital legitimacy to House Ranald during the wars of independence. They are renowned for their technical expertise, applying academic principles from the University of Dalreoch to create vessels that are widely considered the finest and fastest in the known world.

The ancestral home is the city of Dalmuir, the second largest port in the kingdom, situated at the mouth of the Duffjord.

The current Earl is Iain Gilruary.

He is 71 years old (born 703), and is currently married to Mairead Ruary (born 703). They have several children:

1. Alasdair Fearchar (born 739), the eldest and heir.
2. Fearchar Tormoid (born 736).
3. Mairead Laura (born 742).
4. Floraidh Mairead (born 748).
5. Ruaridh Diarmid (born 749).
6. Alasdair Ruaridh (born 752).

The Gilruarys derive their significant influence from their monopoly on high-end shipbuilding and their control of the timber trade from the upper River Aodh. Their yards in Dalmuir feature eight massive slipways for 400-ton vessels and operate with unprecedented efficiency.

Note: The house currently pays a debt of 5 units per year for a loan used to develop the Dalmuir port facilities.

House Gilruary rose to prominence when Iain Gilruary, then Chancellor of the University of Dalreoch, threw his support behind Fearchar Ranald's claim to the throne. His marriage to the third daughter of the last Ruary King helped bridge the gap between the old and new dynasties. For centuries, the house has maintained a focus on “how the world works,” leading to innovations in naval architecture that have made Daelian ships “fast, sleek, and strong.” Recently, the house has been central to the Estates' petition to establish a full Chair for Naval Engineering at the university to further formalise their trade.

• House Sioltach (Strong bond via the marriage of Murdo Sioltach to Raonid Gilruary)
• House Suibhne (Friendly neighbours and fellow supporters of the northern interest)
• House Murchadh (Long-standing commercial allies; the “Sea Kings” rely exclusively on Gilruary-built raiders)

• House Alpin (A bitter, one-way grievance; the Alpins blame a Gilruary squadron for the mysterious sinking of their flagship and the loss of the previous Earl and his four brothers)
• House Ranald (A current state of political tension and minor distrust)