Post by Kristal Moonhand on Apr 26, 2017 10:28:30 GMT
Welcome to the Ghost Blade Clan
All around the city of Dweomerstar, specially selected people receive a letter. It reads as follows:
"Hello and congratulations! Due to your cunning, stealth, and prowess, you have been selected for enrollment in the Ghost Blade Ninja Academy. Please make your way to the top of the northernmost peak of the Fogscar Mountains, where you will find the gateway to the Academy. Once you have proven yourself by reaching the hallowed grounds, your earthly needs will be met and you will be trained in the ancient arts of Ninjitsu under the guidance of the Ghost Blade."
Description
The Academy is constructed inside of a Demiplane made by Metzofitz the Magnificent, the Mage of Mages. It has two entrances, one of which is known to all who receive the letter, a portal set into a cave at the top of the northenmost peak of the Fogscar Mountain range. The other is known only to those who complete the Trials of Enrollment and are accepted into the Ghost Blade Clan. This second portal is in a secret room beneath the Laughing Raven Inn in Dweomerstar, and is protected from all forms of divination and scrying. There is no way to gain entry except by these two portals.
The plane of the Academy is a world in miniature, with gardens, ponds, forests, and a host of animals brought in and allowed to breed. There is enough natural bounty to support over 5000 people. At the center lies the Academy building itself, a towering castle that houses the students, faculty, servants, and full-fledged members of the Ghost Blade Clan. Though the days pass normally, including day and night cycles, the season has been locked to one deemed pleasing by Fetch, and remains warm and pleasant, as though it were on the cusp between Spring and Summer.
All residents are cared for by simulacra servants created by a coven of simulacra winter hags made by Fetch. Classes are likewise conducted by simulacra of Fetch herself, all wearing distinctive red armbands to distinguish them from the genuine article. Students still show these creations incredible respect, however, as they are reflections of the Ghost Blade. (The fact that there are rumors that she sometimes wears the aforementioned armband to teach classes personally probably helps as well.)
Culture
The Clan has a strict code of conduct. It is considered absolutely unforgivable for a ninja to kill for any reason other than being paid to do so. Of course, to distinguish themselves from common hitmen, the Ghost Blade code also demands that they be paid a very large amount to do so. Typical Clan contracts have the Clan taking half of the payment, with the ninja keeping the remainder. The code also demands ninja never reveal the source of the contract. They must also give the client (they view the victim as the client) a sporting chance, and thus are forbidden from accepting contracts on those who are unable to defend themselves (though for their purposes, anyone wealthy enough to afford bodyguards is considered able to defend themselves, whether they have actually hired any or not). With this in mind the Clan strongly disapproves of firearms, and also of most (but not all) other mechanical (beyond bows and crossbows) or chemical weapons (beyond poisons applied to implements or comestibles). Also, except under extreme circumstances, the Clan will only accept one contract per client (who would be relieved to know that only one ninja is planning to kill them). They also frown on performing jobs on the street (again to distance themselves from common hitmen) and prefer to service a client in his/her home or place of business.
It is accepted that an ninja may find it necessary to kill bodyguards, including other ninja, while on a commission. However, if these can be incapacitated without being killed, it is considered good manners to do so.
In very rare cases, usually of personal offense, the Ghost Blade may stretch some of those rules, if only to make a statement. This has been described as "Inhumation with extreme impoliteness", or as "Termination with extreme prejudice". This procedure requires not only that the victim be killed in an extremely thorough way, but that the victim's associates and employees be also intimately involved, along with the business premises, the building, and a large part of the surrounding neighborhood, so that everyone involved knows that the person in question has been unwise enough to make the kind of enemies who can get very angry and indiscriminate.
It is also the case that the rules may be relaxed if the ninja is "outside civilization" ("civilization" being defined as any place that has working sewage systems and clean water).
A ninja must always act with style. Without style, they're just an expensive thug. When on a commission, they must always dress stylishly in black (which, although not the best color for being unseen at night, is the correct color for being an ninja) and must always seem vaguely bored and, if possible, slightly foreign.
Practices
As mentioned previously, the Clan demands a large sum for the taking of a sentient life. When approached with a contract, Clan assessors determine if the price is high enough for the life in question on a case-by-case basis. Several factors are taken into account, such as magical prowess, available defenses of the client, and how many ninja have previously perished attempting fulfillment for the client in question. In cases where the contract has no time limit, a standing offer is placed with the Clan and ninja may attempt it at their leisure, of course following the previously established "one per customer" rule.
You may hire members of the Clan if you are listed as a client, either under contract or as personal bodyguards, though it must be noted that a contract is only nullified should the contractor withdraw their request. A withdrawn request must be made either in person, in writing with an official Arcane Mark as a seal, or via tamper-proof magical communication. Upon official receipt of a withdrawal request, the Clan will cease all attempts to complete the contract and your money will be refunded, minus a small 5% clerical fee.
Certain individuals may be "officially unlisted", meaning that the Clan now refuses to accept contracts on them for one reason or another. In addition, the Clan does not accept contracts on members. In order to prevent abuse of this rule, the Clan will not allow enrollment by any individual who is currently a client.
Standing Offers
If you wish to place a contract with the Clan, please contact Kristal Moonhand by private message.
If you are listed as a client, you will be notified, though the Clan reserves the right to keep the source of the contract, as well as the ninja who has accepted it, confidential.
Unlisted Clients
Perks
In exchange for loyalty to the Clan, members will be provided with a number of perks. Loyalty is shown by swearing an oath to protect the interests of the Clan, defend the Academy, and to never betray the Clan upon pain of death. In addition, by taking up ranks in the Underworld Society system, as outlined here, further perks will be unlocked. Higher ranks include all the perks of lower ranks.
All around the city of Dweomerstar, specially selected people receive a letter. It reads as follows:
"Hello and congratulations! Due to your cunning, stealth, and prowess, you have been selected for enrollment in the Ghost Blade Ninja Academy. Please make your way to the top of the northernmost peak of the Fogscar Mountains, where you will find the gateway to the Academy. Once you have proven yourself by reaching the hallowed grounds, your earthly needs will be met and you will be trained in the ancient arts of Ninjitsu under the guidance of the Ghost Blade."
Description
The Academy is constructed inside of a Demiplane made by Metzofitz the Magnificent, the Mage of Mages. It has two entrances, one of which is known to all who receive the letter, a portal set into a cave at the top of the northenmost peak of the Fogscar Mountain range. The other is known only to those who complete the Trials of Enrollment and are accepted into the Ghost Blade Clan. This second portal is in a secret room beneath the Laughing Raven Inn in Dweomerstar, and is protected from all forms of divination and scrying. There is no way to gain entry except by these two portals.
The plane of the Academy is a world in miniature, with gardens, ponds, forests, and a host of animals brought in and allowed to breed. There is enough natural bounty to support over 5000 people. At the center lies the Academy building itself, a towering castle that houses the students, faculty, servants, and full-fledged members of the Ghost Blade Clan. Though the days pass normally, including day and night cycles, the season has been locked to one deemed pleasing by Fetch, and remains warm and pleasant, as though it were on the cusp between Spring and Summer.
All residents are cared for by simulacra servants created by a coven of simulacra winter hags made by Fetch. Classes are likewise conducted by simulacra of Fetch herself, all wearing distinctive red armbands to distinguish them from the genuine article. Students still show these creations incredible respect, however, as they are reflections of the Ghost Blade. (The fact that there are rumors that she sometimes wears the aforementioned armband to teach classes personally probably helps as well.)
Culture
"We do not murder," she said. It was a soft voice; the Ghost Blade never raised her voice, but she had a way of giving it the pitch and spin that could make it be heard through a hurricane.
"We do not execute. We do not massacre. We never, you may be very certain, we never torture. We have no truck with crimes of passion or hatred or pointless gain. We do not do it for a delight in killing, or to feed some secret inner need, or for petty advantage or for some cause or belief; I tell you, students, that all these reasons are in the highest degree suspect. Look into the face of one who will kill you for a belief and your nostrils will snuff up the scent of abomination. Hear a speech declaring a holy war and, I assure you, your ears should catch the click of evil's scales and the dragging of its monstrous tail over the purity of the language."
She paused, looking down at the face of a young catfolk who gazed up at her reverently, his mouth forming the words as she spoke them. "No, we do it for the money. And, because we above all must know the value of sentient life, we do it for a great deal of money. There can be few cleaner motives, so shorn of all pretense."
Her hand rose, showing her thumb pressed against the first two fingers of her right hand, in the ancient salute of the ninja. "Nil mortifi, sine lucre. Remember. No killing without payment."
"We do not execute. We do not massacre. We never, you may be very certain, we never torture. We have no truck with crimes of passion or hatred or pointless gain. We do not do it for a delight in killing, or to feed some secret inner need, or for petty advantage or for some cause or belief; I tell you, students, that all these reasons are in the highest degree suspect. Look into the face of one who will kill you for a belief and your nostrils will snuff up the scent of abomination. Hear a speech declaring a holy war and, I assure you, your ears should catch the click of evil's scales and the dragging of its monstrous tail over the purity of the language."
She paused, looking down at the face of a young catfolk who gazed up at her reverently, his mouth forming the words as she spoke them. "No, we do it for the money. And, because we above all must know the value of sentient life, we do it for a great deal of money. There can be few cleaner motives, so shorn of all pretense."
Her hand rose, showing her thumb pressed against the first two fingers of her right hand, in the ancient salute of the ninja. "Nil mortifi, sine lucre. Remember. No killing without payment."
The Clan has a strict code of conduct. It is considered absolutely unforgivable for a ninja to kill for any reason other than being paid to do so. Of course, to distinguish themselves from common hitmen, the Ghost Blade code also demands that they be paid a very large amount to do so. Typical Clan contracts have the Clan taking half of the payment, with the ninja keeping the remainder. The code also demands ninja never reveal the source of the contract. They must also give the client (they view the victim as the client) a sporting chance, and thus are forbidden from accepting contracts on those who are unable to defend themselves (though for their purposes, anyone wealthy enough to afford bodyguards is considered able to defend themselves, whether they have actually hired any or not). With this in mind the Clan strongly disapproves of firearms, and also of most (but not all) other mechanical (beyond bows and crossbows) or chemical weapons (beyond poisons applied to implements or comestibles). Also, except under extreme circumstances, the Clan will only accept one contract per client (who would be relieved to know that only one ninja is planning to kill them). They also frown on performing jobs on the street (again to distance themselves from common hitmen) and prefer to service a client in his/her home or place of business.
It is accepted that an ninja may find it necessary to kill bodyguards, including other ninja, while on a commission. However, if these can be incapacitated without being killed, it is considered good manners to do so.
In very rare cases, usually of personal offense, the Ghost Blade may stretch some of those rules, if only to make a statement. This has been described as "Inhumation with extreme impoliteness", or as "Termination with extreme prejudice". This procedure requires not only that the victim be killed in an extremely thorough way, but that the victim's associates and employees be also intimately involved, along with the business premises, the building, and a large part of the surrounding neighborhood, so that everyone involved knows that the person in question has been unwise enough to make the kind of enemies who can get very angry and indiscriminate.
It is also the case that the rules may be relaxed if the ninja is "outside civilization" ("civilization" being defined as any place that has working sewage systems and clean water).
A ninja must always act with style. Without style, they're just an expensive thug. When on a commission, they must always dress stylishly in black (which, although not the best color for being unseen at night, is the correct color for being an ninja) and must always seem vaguely bored and, if possible, slightly foreign.
Practices
As mentioned previously, the Clan demands a large sum for the taking of a sentient life. When approached with a contract, Clan assessors determine if the price is high enough for the life in question on a case-by-case basis. Several factors are taken into account, such as magical prowess, available defenses of the client, and how many ninja have previously perished attempting fulfillment for the client in question. In cases where the contract has no time limit, a standing offer is placed with the Clan and ninja may attempt it at their leisure, of course following the previously established "one per customer" rule.
You may hire members of the Clan if you are listed as a client, either under contract or as personal bodyguards, though it must be noted that a contract is only nullified should the contractor withdraw their request. A withdrawn request must be made either in person, in writing with an official Arcane Mark as a seal, or via tamper-proof magical communication. Upon official receipt of a withdrawal request, the Clan will cease all attempts to complete the contract and your money will be refunded, minus a small 5% clerical fee.
Certain individuals may be "officially unlisted", meaning that the Clan now refuses to accept contracts on them for one reason or another. In addition, the Clan does not accept contracts on members. In order to prevent abuse of this rule, the Clan will not allow enrollment by any individual who is currently a client.
Standing Offers
| Client | Status | Price |
| Samson Sylveste | Contract Accepted | 15,000 gold pieces |
| Androsk Torne | Contract Open | 16,400 gold pieces |
If you wish to place a contract with the Clan, please contact Kristal Moonhand by private message.
If you are listed as a client, you will be notified, though the Clan reserves the right to keep the source of the contract, as well as the ninja who has accepted it, confidential.
Unlisted Clients
- Metzofitz the Magnificent
Perks
In exchange for loyalty to the Clan, members will be provided with a number of perks. Loyalty is shown by swearing an oath to protect the interests of the Clan, defend the Academy, and to never betray the Clan upon pain of death. In addition, by taking up ranks in the Underworld Society system, as outlined here, further perks will be unlocked. Higher ranks include all the perks of lower ranks.
- 1st Level - Oathsworn, Peddler, Cutpurse - The Clan will pay for half the cost of a Reincarnate spell in the case of death, assuming the body is retrieved.
- 2nd Level - Bandit, Thief, Fence - The Clan will pay half the cost of a Raise Dead or Cyclic Reincarnation spell, assuming the body is retrieved, depending on the preference of the Clan member. In addition, the member may ask a minor boon of the Clan, which may be granted upon approval by the Elders of the Clan.
- 3rd Level - Sergeant, Lieutenant, Consiglieri -The Clan will pay for half the cost of a Resurrection spell in the case of death and will send members to attempt to retrieve the body of the deceased. In addition, the member may ask a major boon of the Clan or a minor boon of the Ghost Blade. Finally, the member may present a supplicant to the Ghost Blade for enrollment in the Academy.
- 4th Level - Underboss - The member is made an Elder of the Clan and may ask a major boon of the Ghost Blade. The member may induct students into the Clan without the approval of the Ghost Blade.
FAQ
- Q: What if I'm not a ninja? Can I still join the clan?
- A: You betcha! Sometimes, the best ninja is one who isn't a ninja at all! In more serious terms, you are neither required nor expected to take the "Ninja" class in order to be a part of this ninja clan. In addition, you are not required to take contracts as part of your clan experience.
- Q: How do I become a ninja?
- A: It's simple! You get your character approved and send Kristal Moonhand or one of the players of characters listed as Elders (currently no one, but perhaps soon~) a link to your thread and request to join the clan. Then, assuming the request is accepted, you will be placed on the super-secret ninja list, making your character an official ninja!
More questions to be added as soon as I get them~