The Onyx Faction
There are two groups spread across the Realms that are known throughout the underground; that of the assassins and that of the thieves. Known as the 'Gem Factions', these two groups came from a singular Guild long ago, and thus their traditions, ranks, and leadership tend to be quite similar to one another. Since the Gemstone Guild's splitting, both Onyx and Ruby Factions have been in contest with one another, ranging from tense rivalry to outright war at any given time.
The Onyx Faction is one of assassins; they specialize in contract killings, often for coin or rare, valuable items. Primarily, members of this Faction work alone or in pairs - groups are seen as dangerous, and those that form may draw the ire of law enforcement more often than an assassin that works alone.
Both Factions are led by a Council of anywhere from three to fifteen individuals supporting a single leader, called the Lord or Lady of their particular group. They both share the same ranking system, detailed in the chart below.
Crown; master rank: Crown, as in 'crown jewel', is the highest rank held by the Gemstone Factions, and denotes a skilled master of their craft, usually a leader among their particular Faction. Generally, all Council members and Lords/Ladies will have this rank.
Flawless; expert/adept rank: Those that have achieved Flawless rank have been recognized for their skill, and are well respected in their craft. However, most Flawless members have not become leaders, and are not quite as skilled as the Crown.
Gemstone; intermediate rank: Most assassins and thieves hold the rank of Gemstone if they have experience in the craft; these make up the majority of all the Factions' members. Informally called 'gems' by other members.
Rough; beginner rank: New recruits with some experience and skill, but who are still somewhat new to the craft. Informally called the 'uncut' by older members.
Shard; new recruit: The newest recruits are called Shards, and have little to no experience. Informally called 'chips' by older members.
Those of Crown rank are given a tattoo with the kv'naer rune for 'skill' (a combination of the letters S and L), along with an unmarked onyx pendant. Master assassins who become members of the Council get pendants engraved with the kv'naer rune for 'leader' (a combination of the letters L and R). Normal members may also keep onyx jewelry, with certain color specifications: the Lord or Lady of the Onyx wears a (pure) white onyx pendant; Council gets (pure) black; and normal members get any other color besides white or black (though white and black may be utilized if banded with other color).
Currently, the Onyx is split into two distinct facets: the Old Onyx, chaotic and arrogant, and the New Onyx, honor-bound and strictly ruled. Old Onyx is slowly fading, while New Onyx rises beneath new, idealistic leaders.
Old Onyx operates on few rules and little leadership. It does not bar any death, against anyone or anything; assassins work for coin and little else. No punishment exists, and they rarely listen to the Onyx Council. Old Onyx members may challenge New for rights to a mark, and violence is commonplace between both groups. However, while instigations by New Onyx against Old are warned against, Old members have no qualms about maiming or murdering their idealistic partners.
On the other side of the coin, New Onyx is tightly led; assassination contracts are often handed from leader to subordinate, though payment is from the client to whatever assassin completes the contract. An overseer marks all jobs, the client, and the assassin who completes them, as well as payment rendered. If a client does not pay, they become the next mark. New Onyx also does not allow the killing of pregnant women or children regardless of why or how much jaden is being paid.
New Onyx members may be differentiated from Old by the engraved mark of a coiled serpent on a cabochon of onyx, worked into anything from a piece of jewelry to the hilt of a dagger. These cabochons follow strictly the color code of the Council; and breaking such a rule may result in severe punishment. However, Old Onyx members may steal or destroy these - in retaliation for what they see as a perversion of their Faction.
Faction Members
An aspiring young assassin who has won a place on the Onyx Faction. Danae specializes in quick and away tactics, throwing knives, and hidden daggers. She speaks very little of her past to anyone, but it has been hinted that 'Danae' is not her true name - and that she is running from something she can't escape from.
Frock was a valkyrie in life and a mother to several children. She was a noble in her life but was killed and raised as a mockery of her profession. She still carries herself with a noble air even if she isn't recognized as such anymore. She comes from a clan known for their combat prowess and wields a sword and whip in tandem, as well as being an able marksman with her crossbow. She got her nickname from her first kill being a priest.
Faction of Hope? Looking for info on the Faction of Hope? Look no further! As this is a plot Faction and not a Player Group, it will be located in the plot updates channel! All information on the Faction of Hope will be there. Keep watch on the main plot for updates and details! |
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