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The Black Rose Cabal
The Black Rose cabal in Alexshire was the first group of vampires to gain some semblance of order after centuries of stalking the realms in chaos. It provided hope for the future and presented the first signs of the species becoming more than just feral animals mindlessly hunting blood. The Black Rose is currently the largest and most influential community of vampires with many ties with others across Elysia. Led by Queen Bailey, the group continuously attempts to forge strong alliances with the locals and was instrumental in introducing blood menus to the city. PoliticsThe Black Rose is led by an elected queen (or prince). They have no real hierarchy beyond recognising master vampires as being more experienced, but they do have very strict rules (made all the more strict by Alexshire's own laws) that forbid the hunting of humanoids. This same ruling restricts the killing of animals while hunting, especially livestock and pets which are considered personal property (which is to say they may kill monsters and pests as long as there is another purpose and not merely for food). The cabal is also violently territorial and won't hesitate to kill any vampire encroaching on their territory unless they wish to join the cabal. Thus, any vampire living in Alexshire is expected to adhere to the cabal's rules, whether they want to interact with the other members or not. Not doing so will target them as a rogue and they'll either be turfed out of the city or killed. RelationsThe cabal is currently walking on eggshells with the locals after a recent murder led to many citizens, vampire and otherwise, being injured or captured. While many of those are now free since the City Guard lack evidence to prove they're rogues, there is still a great deal of tension between the cabal's members and Alexshire's mortal citizens as the whole debacle brought back a lot of old prejudices. Elsewhere, the cabal has a number of ties with various other vampire communities across Elysia, with many of them looking to the Black Rose for inspiration. Few, if any, are willing to forge a true alliance, however, and the arrangements are mostly just to prevent turf wars and mishaps. Clearly, these treaties don't always work. TerritoriesThe Black Rose claims Alexshire as their stomping grounds, and in return are officially recognised by the Council as the only vampires permitted to move freely within the shire, even though they aren't permitted to hunt humanoids. Their headquarters is a mausoleum-like structure called the Crypt Hotel (its original designer having a sense of humour) where their Queen is housed and they can have a quiet, safe drink in the basement bar. OrganisationThe cabal's leaders are, despite the regal titles of "queen" and "prince", elected officials who serve until they retire or the other members call for a vote of no confidence. The minimum term before such an election can be called is two years; Bailey herself has been the queen for three. There are no real ranks within the cabal beyond "master", "vampire" and "fledgling", but there are several jobs ranging from the mundane (such as the bouncers who prevent non-vampires from entering or the barman who serves the drinks) to the dangerous (like those vampires tasked with patrolling the shire for rogues and trespassers). HistoryBy around 9,800 XA (1800 AD), a self-proclaimed queen had begun to shape the scattered vampires of Alexshire into some semblance of a community in an effort to change attitudes, and her attempts have gradually been mimicked by other vampires in other towns. She was also instrumental in the introduction of blood menus that are now present in some cafes and bars across Elysia. As the vampires of Alexshire gradually came around to the idea of having a structured government, the first queen relinquished her title in favour of elections and there have been several other leaders - both men and women - since. Elections do tend to become chaotic and nominees often resort to violence rather than waiting for the democractic process, but as a whole it does seem to be working. Queen Bailey has since been working hard to forge a mutual alliance with Alexshire's government and to gain the right to rule over her vampires without interference. She was doing well until the Marshal's wife was murdered, triggering a shire-wide Vampire hunt that almost crippled her negotiations. She is now attempting to improve relations with the locals once again. JoiningJoining the Black Rose cabal is dramatically simple: Walk up to the door of the Crypt Hotel, flash your fangs at the bouncer on duty, and spend some time in the bar to make your presence known. Maintaining your membership (and your welcome) is much more difficult because, while you aren't forced to visit the Crypt often (if at all), you are expected to follow the cabal's rules. Breaking them will result in you being turfed out of not only the cabal itself but also the shire. All that said, Queen Bailey is a proponent of second chances and usually willing to grant an audience to those who wish to turn over a new leaf after being kicked out – as long as they're willing to toe the line. They only get one second chance, however, as the cabal's standing with the local council is very fragile and thus Bailey can't be too generous. Breaking the rules after using up their second chance will get a vampire blacklisted as a rogue and killed on sight should they ever trespass again. Known MembersPage last modified on March 17, 2011, at 08:11 AM |
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