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The Ruby Claw Society

THE RUBY CLAW
AKA:	Espur's vampire group
Leader:	Landon Tryst
Races:	Vampires
HQ:	The Caspian Theatre

While not as large as Alexshire's Black Rose Cabal, The Ruby Claw holds firm ground over Espur. Through its headquarters, the society serves as a safe space and gathering for vampires in Espur. Under their current leader, Landon Tryst, the Ruby Claw has formed (wary) alliances with vampire groups from neighboring cities.

Politics

The Ruby Claw is led by a leader and his/her second. Their hierarchy then extends from master vampires at the top to fledglings at the bottom.

The society has forbidden the hunting and killing of humanoids, as well as animals under other people's property. Wild creatures are fair game. However, there have been rumors of the society's "don't bite and tell" policy. Short of killing the prey, the vampires may hunt anything as long as the victim forgets the incident, there are no other witnesses, and there are no traces of evidence. If a vampire is ever caught hunting a humanoid by the public, or if a vampire kills a humanoid, the director will not hesitate to turf out (or kill) the offending vampire.

The Ruby Claw isn't as territorial as the Alexshire Cabal. They are tolerant of visiting vampires as long as they don't overstay their welcome. If possible, they assign a 'shadow' to outsider vampires to make sure that they behave. But like any group, a handful of the Ruby Claw's members are very territorial and would prefer that no outsiders intrude. They demonstrate this vocally and sometimes violently. Any vampire in Espur is expected to adhere to the Ruby Claw's rules. Failure to comply will result in immediate execution.

Relations

While there have been no reported cases of a vampire attack in Espur, most non-vampires of Espur hold a wary eye over The Ruby Claw. Only a handful of restaurants in the city have vampire-friendly menus. Espur's council mostly respects the director's right to rule his vampires. In fact, most of the council could care less about how the vampires are run as long as their own families aren't affected.

The Ruby Claw has made connections with other vampire groups, but they are mutually respectful at best. The Ruby Claw doesn't poke its fangs into other vampire groups' business, so they expect those groups to repeat the favor. There are smaller vampire groups in the towns surrounding Espur, and there is some tension about the Ruby Claw expanding beyond just Espur and into their territories. So far, nothing of that sort has happened yet.

Territories

The Ruby Claw holds Espur as its territories and are violently territorial against other groups that wish to build a presence in its land. The council of Espur has tentatively accepted the Ruby Claw's presence. Other than the city of Espur, the Ruby Claw has declared a couple miles of the surrounding coast and sea as their turf as well.

Their headquarters change depending on the current leader. Currently, the society's headquarters is the Caspian Theatre, a three-story structure near the edge of Espur that is closest to the sea. But even though the Caspian Theatre is the Ruby Claw's HQ, most of Espur is ignorant of the fact. It's not really a secret…members of the Ruby Claw are just quiet about the fact (in same way that one wouldn't randomly share the address of their homes).

The theatre is home to Landon and his company of performers. The theater houses a large lounge where members and visitors may relax. While the first and second floors are open to all visitors, the third is strictly limited to theater members and Ruby Claw members only.

Organisation

The Ruby Claw is led by one master vampire who they call their director. After the director, there is the director's second-in-command. There is no limit to the length of the director's term, but most retire after a decade or two. When the director retires, he or she names a successor to take their place. Most definitely, the successor is a highly respected individual who possesses charm, wit, and power. In the case that the retiring director doesn't choose, the successor is named by the second.

The second is usually a very powerful vampire, and serves to enforce the director's law. Frequently, he or she is a close advisor to the director. Like the director, the second is passed down in succession. In the case where the second retires and doesn't name his or her successor, the position is given to the most senior member of the society. And if that member refuses the position, it is passed down along the seniority chain until it is claimed.

Otherwise, hierarchy runs along the pecking order of age and power. Younger vampires usually defer to master vampires, and those who don't quickly learn their place. Most members have jobs outside of the society. However, a couple work for Landon in positions that support the theater (like bartender, costume designer, or performer). Some prefer more active roles within the society, such as keeping tabs on its members and patrolling the city for outsiders.

History

Before The Ruby Claw, Espur had been dominated by the Ash Wolves. This original group developed around 9870s XA (1870s AD). They took inspiration from Alexshire in organization and law, and the group ran smoothly. Though there were few incidents between the vampires and the citizens of Espur, there was some internal struggle.

In 9917 XA, the leader of the Ash Wolves died unexpectedly while hunting a griffin. Two candidates subsequently vied for the leadership position, and were equally supported. After a chaotic election and power-scuffle, a part of the Ash Wolves split into the Ruby Claw.

For the next few decades, Espur was shared by the Ash Wolves and the Ruby Claw. The city was separated into territories between the two groups, and there were occasional turf wars. Eventually, the Ruby Claw gained the upper hand, and by the 9940s XA, they became the sole vampire group of Espur.

Joining

It is fairly easy to obtain membership within the Ruby Claw. If you don't know where the headquarters are, then ask the nearest vampire (who is most likely shadowing you) for directions.

Enter the Caspian Theatre and hang out with the bartender and other frequent visitors. Perhaps even watch a few shows. When all of the bartenders and frequent patrons know your name, then you can safely assume that you are a member.

You are expected to follow the Ruby Claw's hunting rules. Failure to hide your noncompliance will result in immediate exile or execution. As part of membership, you are also expected to serve the Ruby Claw when requested. If you refuse to comply for too many times, you will be turfed out of the city, and don't ever try to return. Should you ever decide to leave the community, just leave the city and don't come back for a very long time. However, once you leave the society, your return to Espur may prove fatal. They believe in no such thing as dual-vampire-community-citizenship.

Leaving Espur is a tricky business because it might be seen as leaving the Ruby Claw for good. If you are a well-known member and your presence will be missed, seek audience with Landon before you leave, and make sure that others know that you won't be gone for long.

Known Members

• Remy Kaledes