Neither are family members, but appear in the list of forces when displayed. Admirals fulfill a similar function for fleets. In the absence of generals commanding field armies, captains are the commanders by default. Family members eventually die, either naturally through old age or by death in battle, assassination or due to natural disasters. Male family members are added to the family by births between married family members, as well as adoption and marriage. They govern settlements when stationed in a city and when fielded upon the world map, command armies. Only the male members of the family are controllable, once they reach the age of maturity, 16 years old.

Each faction starts with a set of family members composed of that faction's leader, his spouse, their children, including a faction heir, any of their spouses and any grandchildren.