**Faction Type**: Vampire Noble Order **Allegiance**: [[Raphael]], Lord of the Blood Throne **Location**: Operates throughout [[Hexa Landing]], [[Talonalton]], and the shadowed regions of South Angoria **Size**: 10 Vampire Lords **Status**: Active and influential --- ### Overview The **Crimson Sigil** is an elite circle of vampire lords who serve directly under **[[Raphael]]**, the vampiric sovereign whose roots lie in the ancient bloodlines of [[Hexa Landing]]. Bound by blood and ambition, the ten lords of the Sigil execute his will through espionage, terror, and political manipulation. Each is marked by a crimson-stamped sigil—an enchanted brand of loyalty and authority granting them command over legions of undead and unrestricted access within [[Raphael]]’s domain. --- ### Origins and Structure **[[Raphael]]'s Origins**: Born during the early Age of [[Perserphina]], [[Raphael]] was once a human prince of a noble house in [[Hexa Landing]]. Around the second or third century A.P., he entered into a dark pact with an unknown elder vampire, transforming himself and his bloodline. Over the centuries, [[Raphael]] used his influence, immortality, and cunning to shape a new vampiric aristocracy—the **Crimson Sigil**. Though he now rules a significant region of [[Hexa Landing]]’s kingdom, he has never bent the knee to **Queen [[Callidora]] Von Constantine**, and holds no loyalty to her throne. The Crimson Sigil itself consists of ten powerful vampire lords selected for their loyalty, ruthlessness, and unique talents. While they serve [[Raphael]], internal rivalries and ambition run deep, with members often jockeying for favor and control. Each member controls a vast network of spies, thralls, and cultists. The sigil they bear—a carved crimson ring—acts as a magical conduit and symbol of authority. One such ring, however, traces its origin not to [[Raphael]], but to the shadowed authority of the **[[Ebonclaw Conclave]]**. --- ### The Ebonclaw Connection One vampire lord of the Crimson Sigil—**Lord [[Vaedrin]] the Hollow-Eyed**—possesses a sigil ring distinct from the rest. Forged by the **[[Ebonclaw Conclave]]**, this ring is imbued with ancient shadow magic, rendering its wearer invisible to magical detection. These rings are worn by a network of spies known as **Whispershades**, who operate in [[Hexa Landing]] and beyond. The **[[Ebonclaw Conclave]]** itself is a vampiric power center within [[Hexa Landing]], governed by six vampire elders, each leading a distinct sect with its own ethos and ambitions. While some elders seek to serve **Queen [[Callidora]] Von Constantine**, others conspire to overthrow or control her. The city’s history is marred by internecine strife, conspiracies, and assassinations born from this tension. --- ### [[Ebonclaw Conclave]] (Expanded Lore) **Government**: Council of Six Vampire Elders **Power Base**: [[Hexa Landing]] **Political Role**: Conclave that exerts spiritual and political influence over the vampire elite Each of the six elders commands a sect: - **Lucian Serpentis** – Charismatic, shrewd, and unwavering in his loyalty to Queen [[Callidora]]. - **[[Octavia Nightglad]]** – A master of seduction and manipulation, loyal yet pragmatic. - **[[Eldrion]] the Pale Flame** – Cold and logical, devoutly loyal to the Queen’s vision. - **[[Isolde]], the Black Veil** – The most controversial elder, known to question the Queen’s future plans. Her views have gained support among dissenting vampires. - Two unnamed elders—one under constant observation by the Queen, the other keeping a careful balance between both sides. The **Night Guild**, a branch of the Conclave, manages the city's daily affairs, from infrastructure and trade to covert operations and diplomacy. While the Queen reigns supreme, it is the Conclave that ensures the city's machine runs—with or without her knowledge. The **Whispershades**, linked to Lord [[Vaedrin]] and created from Ebonclaw knowledge, may be part of a secret alliance between [[Isolde]] and members of the Sigil who question [[Raphael]]’s true intentions. --- ### Known Members of the Crimson Sigil 1. **[[Vaedrin]] the Hollow-Eyed** – Spy master and link to the [[Ebonclaw Conclave]]. Master of the Whispershades. 2. **Selkara the Pale Widow** – Keeper of bloodbound contracts and poison mistress. 3. **Dravien Thornblood** – Warlord of ghouls and undead cavalry. 4. **Iszral the Mirthless** – Elven noble-turned sadist and enforcer. 5. **Baron Klothrax** – Master of court intrigue and bloodline corruption. 6. **Mirelda Gravesong** – Necromantic bard and illusionist. 7. **Thalgar Redmarrow** – Overseer of death tunnels beneath [[Hexa Landing]]. 8. **Countess Velazra** – Vampire diplomat and dominator of mortal minds. 9. **Xerun Duskvenom** – Assassin and master of alchemical bloodcraft. 10. **Sarthros the Bound** – A chained archmage whose immense power is sealed and regulated by [[Raphael]]. --- ### Ties to Other Factions - **[[Raphael]]**: Supreme master of the Crimson Sigil, a rogue [[sovereign]] who defies Queen [[Callidora]]. - **[[Ebonclaw Conclave]]**: Secret influence via Lord [[Vaedrin]]; complex ties to [[Hexa Landing]]’s politics. - **Queen [[Callidora]] Von Constantine**: Rival figure. Her reign is subtly threatened by Whispershade infiltration and rising dissent. --- ### Adventure Hooks - A stolen sigil ring grants a PC unnatural stealth, attracting assassins and spies from both factions. - Queen [[Callidora]] hires the party to uncover the Whispershade conspiracy infiltrating her court. - [[Isolde]] reaches out to the party, seeking to broker a secret alliance to replace the Queen—or warn her. - A vampire lord seeks sanctuary from [[Raphael]] and offers damning information about both the Sigil and Ebonclaw. - The players discover an ancient prophecy hidden in a Crimson Sigil tomb, revealing the fall of both [[Raphael]] and [[Callidora]]. ---