::{ House Blackhearth }::

[SergeantWombat]

Full + tremendously appreciative credit to RPG for the Blackhearth crest, which is a perfect interpretation of an otherwise totally bonkers mood board I sent him for inspiration.

Formal recruitment and explicit discussion of goals will be handled mostly IC, but I'm happy to chat about concepts or potential fits OOCly for those that might be interested in something long-term. Since it's a relatively small organization, compatible playtimes (heaviest overlap during EST evenings) will probably end up being relevant.

If you're interested, please feel free to reach out on Discord, or find Bristol Blackhearth and/or Mebril Kelteel IC.





"No dawn without darkness."




A blade set among, or intertwined with, thorned red blushwhorls in full bloom.




Scarlet, Sable, Pewter





The enigmatic and highly private House of Blackhearth made its modest but reliable wealth from many years of successfully procuring fine art, valuable texts, and historical artifacts, presumably from deeper Rings; the House's carefully kept conservatory gardens also yielded many high-priced ingredients for the savvy alchemist or collector of exotic flora. It is intimated that their roots are very old ones, but with such pedigree do come the blemishes of a long and storied history.

It's also known, at least by old blood, that the Blackhearths arrived in the Ward generations ago after vacating their first familial hold, a fortress known only as Castle Blackhearth. The circumstances of the family's departure and the fate of the keep are unclear and have been largely lost to time.

An ongoing illustrated history of the House, publicly available,  is also an IC work-in-progress by Bristol:

::{ BLACKHEARTH: A History }::





Blackhearth isn't (and isn't meant to be) the largest or the loudest player faction, but eventually it would of course be great to bring a couple PCs of the right fit into the fold.

Good Fit For Players Who Like:
A slow burn toward more long-term goals; politics (read: diplomacy) with a little mystery; dabbling and interacting with many different factions (but having a small, tight core with secrets); a little ring-running; making it up as they go to keep things fun.

PCs with an interest in (especially the darker side of) art and history, artists/authors/performers in general, historians and aspiring librarians, those invested in the idea of "old blood," characters with interest in ghosts or hauntings, and anyone with ambitions involving a castle (majordomo types, battlemages, stewards, handmaidens) could find a natural fit.

Probably Not a Good Fit For:
Extreme alignments/personalities, or characters who need instant gratification, might have a hard time finding a good fit.





By no means required reading, but these could give a sense of the House's flavor.

Bestiary of the Nothing, The

Blackhearth: A History

Songs from the Shadows






From The Peerage Patrician:

[Ramc]

BLACKHEARTH VALUES 

A blade among blushwhorls. Society is a briar that conceals many a thorn, but a sense of discretion and watchful eye are often more dangerous than any weapon. Be a sharp tongue in a quiet room, and a quiet tongue in a sharp one.

No dawn without darkness. The beauty of light lies in its contrast with shadow: where we've been and where we've yet to go have no meaning if we try to erase our failures. Be wary of the self-righteous and the performatively pure.

Dim no lights.  Eyes and ears can be found everywhere-- as much a warning as an advantage.  Be a discerning broker of information and alliances, and trust only with time.

No happy endings... Dream of what you may, but the reality of the Rings is a harsh one; remember where the road leads. Be an agent of change within the constraints of the climate, not a lightning rod for a swift end.

[Ramc]

// reserved