The Sioltachs are the Earls of Duffjord, a family deeply intertwined with the ancient and mystical elements of Dael Riata. Known as the guardians of the great forests, they are unique among the noble houses for their “fairy blood”, manifested as gold flecks in their irises, which allows them to bond with and ride the legendary unicorns of the realm.

The ancestral home is Duffjordhead, a major town and shipbuilding centre situated near the mouth of the Duffjord and the expansive forests of the upper River Aodh and River Duff.

The current Earl is Murdo Sioltach.

He is 73 years old (born 502), and is currently married to Raonid Gilruary. They have several surviving children, many of whom serve in the famed Unicorn Troop:

1. Tormoid Sioltach, the eldest and heir (born 521).
2. Mairead Sioltach (born 524), a veteran Unicorn Rider.
3. Eilidh and Earsaid (twins, born 525).

The Sioltachs derive their wealth from the vast timber resources of their forest lands and a thriving shipbuilding industry at Duffjordhead. Their military strength is anchored by the Unicorn Troop, a small but elite cavalry unit where the unicorns themselves are often considered to outrank their human riders.

The history of House Sioltach is defined by an ancient deal with the Fae, where every generation a Fae wife is provided to the family in exchange for a Sioltach child. This heritage allowed them to form the Unicorn Troop to protect the kingdom's northern reaches. Though they were originally banner men to the Earls of Aodh, they supported Fearchar Ranald during the wars of independence and were raised to the Earldom of Duffjord in recognition of their loyalty. In recent years, they have maintained a strong central role in the King's Peace, though they occasionally clash with other houses over territorial and political boundaries, such as the recent dispute with House Douglas over the Muir forest borders.

• House Ranald (Stalwart supporters of the Crown)
• House Gilruary (Bound by marriage and shared interests in shipbuilding)
• House Murchadh (Historical allies in the Ranald succession)
• House Suibhne (Friendly neighbours)

• House Aonghus (General political rivalry)
• House Riata (Long-standing historical friction)
• House Alpin (Political tension regarding regency decisions)