Once a sentient creature dies, its soul enters the Shadowfell and will have to find its way through the Shadowfell to the exit gate to its final destination. The destination depends on many factors such as: What god did the creature worship, if any? How did they perform in life according to the decrees of their god? etc.
The Raven Queen is the ruler of the Shadowfell and keeps a constant watchful eye to ensure the successful journey of all the souls in her care.
In many ways she runs Shadowfell as a company with the seven mighty houses as distinct departments within.
The Seven Noble Houses of the Shadowfell.
House of the Beacon, First in Shadow.
Domain: The Shadowfell as a whole
Role: This is the House of the Raven Queen herself and is tasked with monitoring the operations of the Shadowfell in its totality. As such, it is also the House where all Houses convene to agree on any bigger strategic plans.
House of the Gate, Keepers of Passage.
Domain: The Entrance Points and Exit Gates
Role: This House oversees the myriad gates leading to the various afterlives, demiplanes, or reincarnation cycles. They ensure that each soul passes through the proper gate, based on divine judgment, allegiance, or fate.
House of the Shield, Eyes Unclosing.
Domain: Security and Soul Protection
Role: The internal police of the Shadowfell. Responsible for ensuring souls are not stolen, corrupted, or lost on their journey. They hunt soul-thieves, necromancers, and others who would enter the Shadowfell to try to defy death or tamper with souls.
House of the Sword, Death’s Final Edge.
Domain: Final Death and Undeath Suppression
Role: The militant arm of the Shadowfell. Their purpose is to prevent the desecration of death outside the Shadowfell. They wage war against undeath, destroy phylacteries, and punish those who would seek to cheat Death.
House of the Boat, Ferrymen Eternal.
Domain: Guidance and Transit
Role: Helps lost or reluctant souls make their journey. They guide, soothe, or even bind spirits to keep them from drifting astray. They are also responsible for the “public transport” of the Shadowfell including maintaining roads, bridges etc.
House of the Scale, Weighers of Worth.
Domain: Judgment and Sorting
Role: This House weighs the deeds, oaths, and regrets of each soul in accordance with the souls associated beliefs and god to help determine its final path. They do not judge morality. Only fate and truth.
House of the Memory, Keepers of the Last Echo.
Domain: Memory and Remembrance
Role: This House is a grand library that collects, preserves, and sometimes returns memories of the dead, either to their gods or as warnings to the living. They guard against oblivion and honor the legacy of great souls.