### **Basic Information** - **Name:** The Black Blades - **Alias/Nicknames:** The Shadow Duelists, The Crimson Vow - **Type:** Secret Society, Warrior Brotherhood - **Symbol/Emblem:** A black dueling sword crossed over a blood-red sun, symbolizing their belief in war as the only path to freedom. - **Headquarters/Base of Operations:** Hidden enclaves throughout Rostland, with rumored training camps in the Stolen Lands. - **Scale & Reach:** Regional, operating in secret across Rostland and surrounding territories. ### **Purpose & Goals** - **Primary Objective:** To incite war against Issia and overthrow [[House Surtova]]’s rule over Rostland. - **Core Ideology:** Strength is the only true power, and only through combat can Rostland reclaim its independence. - **Methods & Operations:** - Training and indoctrinating duelists in the art of war and assassination. - Eliminating key Issian officials and collaborators through duels and covert strikes. - Organizing underground fighting circles to recruit warriors into their cause. - Cultivating alliances with militant factions opposed to Issian rule. - **Notable Activities:** - Conducting high-profile duels against pro-Surtova noblemen. - Running a network of spies within Restov and other Rostlandic strongholds. - Assassinating key figures who advocate for peace with Issia. - Smuggling weapons and armor to revolutionary cells preparing for armed conflict. ### **Structure & Leadership** - **Leader(s):** A council known as the **Masters of the Crimson Vow**, with the **First Blade** serving as their supreme leader. - **Hierarchy & Ranks:** - **First Blade** – The highest authority, responsible for strategy and vision. - **Masters of the Crimson Vow** – Veteran duelists and war leaders who oversee different operations. - **Blademasters** – Elite warriors trained for assassination and battlefield tactics. - **Initiates** – Recruits undergoing rigorous training in Aldori swordplay and covert warfare. - **Recruitment & Membership:** Highly selective, members must prove their skill in dueling and unwavering loyalty to the cause. - **Key Figures:** - **Veylin Sarov** – The current First Blade, a former Aldori Swordlord turned revolutionary. - **Isolde "Nightfang" Duresk** – A feared duelist and strategist behind many assassinations. - **Eldric Vorn** – A former mercenary who supplies weapons and mercenaries to the Black Blades. ### **Influence & Power** - **Allies & Affiliations:** - **[[The Aldori Council]]** (Unofficial Support) – Some Swordlords secretly back them. - **Anti-Surtova Militias** – Local resistance groups willing to fight for independence. - **Underground Merchants & Smugglers** – Provide arms, armor, and safe passage. - **Enemies & Rivalries:** - **[[House Surtova]]** – Their sworn enemy and primary target. - **The Issian Loyalists** – Nobles and warriors who support the current Brevic rule. - **The Restov City Watch** – Constantly hunting Black Blades operatives. - **Reputation & Public Perception:** - Seen as dangerous extremists by those who favor diplomacy. - Revered as heroes by those who seek to reclaim Rostland’s independence. - Their duels are legendary, with whispers of them challenging and defeating Issian knights in single combat. - **Military/Magical Strength:** - Elite duelists capable of taking on multiple opponents at once. - Arcane-enhanced warriors using minor enchantments to gain an edge in battle. - Battle-hardened mercenaries who bolster their ranks in times of open conflict. ### **History & Lore** - **Founding & Origins:** - Formed by disillusioned Aldori warriors who believed their leaders had grown weak. - **Major Historical Events:** - Orchestrated several duels that eliminated key pro-Issian nobles. - Led a failed coup against Restov’s pro-peace leadership. - Established secret training grounds to prepare for an eventual war. - **Scandals & Secrets:** - Rumored to have infiltrated key Brevic military units. - Allegedly receiving funds from foreign powers who want to destabilize Brevoy. - Internal schisms between those advocating open war and those favoring a shadow war of assassinations. - **Current Struggles:** - Increasing pressure from Surtova-backed forces cracking down on their activities. - A growing divide between traditionalists who follow Aldori dueling codes and radicals who use dishonorable tactics. - Shortages of trained warriors due to the high-risk nature of their missions. ### **Culture & Traditions** - **Core Values & Ethics:** - Absolute loyalty to the cause of Rostland’s independence. - The belief that war is the only true path to freedom. - **Rituals & Initiations:** - New recruits must win a duel to prove their worth. - The "Crimson Oath" is sworn over a bloodstained blade, binding the member to the cause. - **Notable Sayings/Mottos:** - “Only steel can carve the path to freedom.” - “A blade sheathed is a blade wasted.” - “Rostland’s fate is written in blood.” - **Symbols of Authority:** - The **First Blade’s Mark** – A black sword tattoo denoting rank within the order. - The **Blood Coin** – Given to assassins before they take on a high-profile target. - The **Duelist’s Insignia** – Worn by those who have proven themselves in combat. ### **Additional Notes** - **Vibe & Inspirations:** A mix of secret warrior brotherhoods, radical revolutionaries, and elite duelists inspired by samurai orders and Renaissance-era swordmasters. - **Adventure Hooks:** - The party is hired to duel a Black Blade member accused of assassinating a noble. - A hidden Black Blade training camp is discovered, and its secrets could tip the balance in Rostland’s favor. - The First Blade seeks an alliance with the players, offering deadly training in exchange for loyalty. - A rogue faction within the Black Blades threatens to start an all-out war, forcing the players to intervene.