The eternal song of the wind blew mightily, high in this ebon spire that jutted out of the land itself, sharp as the claws of a slumbering earth drake. Despite its strength, the wind itself parted to open way to the sovereign on whose head rested the Crown of Scorn. On the crown, blade-like spikes pointed up to the sky depicting the towers of Blackheart, each one mounted with an engraved jewel, of the most precious found in each Archduchy. The weight of the circlet alone would have been difficult to bear for long, but much like the weight of the Kingdom on her shoulders, nothing would bend Rowena Darkholm’s will.

The sun itself seemed to hide from her presence, not resisting the temptation to see itself mirrored in the gold that rested upon her head.

Her blazing eyes, twin suns of molten gold looked below at the multitude of people from across the world that had gathered outside the doors of her Kingdom.

“When the world was divided, we walked to the West, and many laughed and celebrated, claiming we would be completely alone. I do not hear laughter now, I see their banners return in throngs, for they have seen first-hand the calamity we foresaw…”

“Elyrians, the time has arrived to raise the banner of the Kingdom and open our doors to those who seek refuge, to those who need a home, to all those of Black Hearts…” “Bring forth your shields, for our numbers will continue to grow, and the safety of our people is paramount…” “Assemble your blades, for many have risen against us, and we will offer them no peace, we will give them no quarter…” “Give us your will, for the world will break, and will be broken, but we will stand firm against everything and anything, together…” “I call upon your souls, so that you, your children, and even all your descendants will know your place is among us…” “I summon your strength, for our road will be arduous, but we will never know defeat…” “Ignite your hearts, for there is darkness inside each, and every one of you…”

“Join my hand, follow our dream, and let us fill Elyria will Blood”

“Nothing surpasses eternity” -Valdemar Darkholm

ROYAL ARCHDUCHY OF DARKHOLM

MOTTO: Knowledge, Loyalty, Power

FOUNDER: Sir Valdemar Darkholm

RULER: Rowena Darkholm, Queen of Black Hearts, married to her brother, King Erdrick Darkholm, together with their advisor, The Untainted Eye, Anivar Darkholm.

KINGDOM: BLACKHEART

ALLIANCE: TYRIA

HOUSE MOTTO: Public: In Sanguine Nos (in blood we trust) Familial: In Tenebris Nos Prosperabitur (in darkness we thrive)

INTRODUCTION: “In tenebris non prosperabitur”. The somber words are whispered every evening, as part of every prayer, and as a blessing to each newborn child inside the walls of Darkholde Keep. These words are not just whispered, but embraced as taught by the founder of the house of dark knights.

To those who believe darkness only destroys itself it would be a shocking reality to find that the unity the family displays edges on obsession, allowing them to achieve their seemingly impossible goals. The Darkholm are the allies anyone would hate to have, but the foes everyone would want to avoid.

Darkholm has always known it has enemies across the whole continent, enemies who claim to have spies planted in their midst. When asked, the Queen simply smiles: “They can spend all their resources in spies. You see, we hide nothing, and nothing is what they will find…”

Despite the animosity of Blackheart and other kingdoms, the realm still moves forward, always ready for war, as they know, despite the smiles, it will be brought to their door.

BACKGROUND: The past of the house of shadow is shrouded in secrecy of blood, death, and sacrifice. On the old days, Sir Valdemar Darkholm served his king loyally, risked life and limb for the kingdom, and performed glorious feats. Those feats have been long-forgotten, for Valdemar’s somber personality did not care for recognition or ‘empty words’. Upon the end of their largest battle, the king rewarded his most heroic knights with lands and a title. Of all knights present, Valdemar was allowed first take, but he refused. If it was humility, arrogance or indifference no one could tell, but one thing the bards can sing about: after he chose the darkest and most isolated piece of land that had been ignored by the other knights, he smiled, for all he ever wanted was to be left alone.

On those high, unfriendly cliffs near the coast, the Dark Knight built his stronghold, where only the ships of the insane would dare sail to. Darkholde was as Valdemar itself: tall, cold, dark, unapproachable… Despite this, peasants flocked around Darkholde Keep, as Valdemar’s heroic deeds and cold benevolence were not forgotten by the smallfolk.

The king had given Valdemar with the land in exchange for his undying loyalty. As a fanatic knight, each promise the patriarch of the Darkholm made he took seriously. After reciting his oath, he became a scholar, and initiated his family’s obsessive research into the dark and occult to find immortality, so that his progeny could serve the kingdom for all eternity. It was during that time that Valdemar married his twin sister, Erianna, and from their union darkness multiplied.

THE BLOOD: The people of Blackheart is known as The Blood, for only because of The Blood the Black Heart can be strong. From the sovereign to who might be the lowliest person in the kingdom, The Blood consider themselves One, and will stand together against an outsider without a second thought.

“Ye won’t not believe I was ‘lowed into the audience room, me havin’ naught to offer, twas like talkin’ to ice. I didn’t even get a lil hint of a smile, but I was helped.”
-Margaret, orphan

Queen Rowena is so committed to her Blood, that on occasions she has stood in their defense even against members of her own Royal House.

PHILOSOPHY:

“You will rot in here, but our Queen is most benevolent. Until your last day she will allow you to see the light that you followed.” -Louis D’Camache (Ironheart Jailer)

The Darkholm are a House based on Tradition, Loyalty and Sacrifice. They thrive on the notoriety that has been given to them through many a generation. Many are the Dukes of other Kingdoms who have ill words to describe the nobility of Darkholm. While most of these words are unfounded, the Darkholm pay no heed. They rather focus all their energy to the benefit of their Blood, than going to any lengths to prove their counterparts wrong.

"Allow them to spit on your face and throw you down, for only then can you best slither between their legs." -Xenovive Darkholm, Head Inquisitor

The House gives their best to their people, as they once swore to protect them against even themselves. The same feeling is predominant across the Archduchy. Every mann and every womann know that their work is not as simple as it may feel, for there are others somewhere else who will depend on it at one time or another. Abandoning one's job may inadvertently cost the life of someone else across the Archduchy.

Education is vital in the ominous Archduchy. The Royal family goes to great lengths to ensure their people are lettered, so that not even the Crown itself can fool them. This helps bring people together, as citizens of the Royal Duchy know they will never be seen as inferior.

The Lords of House Darkholm thus appreciate the help of every person, for anything done by another lightens the load on their shoulders. The Blood of Darkholm believe that when the load lightens for one, one must seek to help lighten the load of another.

“We do what must be done, to spill not the blood of our people” -Lord Septem, The White (Darkholm Rising)

House Darkholm did not seek the crown, The Crown fell upon them. The House of Black Knights have thus decided to keep the Crown and Kingdom safe, as they believe they are neutral and incorruptible, not swayed by the words or philosophies of menn.

Communication is key inside the Royal Archduchy. The Queen herself speaks with her subjects and seeks to understand them, for only then can she focus on making sure their needs are met.

“Secundo casu venit (your second chance will come)”: House Darkholm does not forgive, and certainly does not forget. They don’t take offenses lightly, yet their anger will not be made obvious, even if it burns them. Folk tales say their mingling with darkness has consumed all their emotions; the reality is, they are taught to believe empty talk and festivities are a waste of time, and emotions are felt by the weak. Control of emotions therefore is a sign of strength. They don’t kill mindlessly, but they also don’t take many prisoners. The common folk believe the Lords of Darkness feast on the prisoner’s blood and flesh. No one knows for cartain, but one thing is known, and that is that throughout the history of the family, not one prisoner captured has ever been seen alive again. A second chance only comes in another life.

"Volucres sumus" (We are the vultures): The Queen's House thrives where others are quick to misjudge. Symbols are very important for the House of Tradition. While others consider vultures opportunistic, dirty creatures who are scavengers, to the citizens of Darkholm they represent 'respect for the dead'. The Darkholm honor those who have fallen before them, and seek to learn from their lives and from their deaths. There is importance in every single little detail, especially in those others ignore. For the Darkholm Blood, nothing ever goes to waste.

“The world is gray”: The dark knights believe there is no good, and there is no evil. Every living being is a shade of gray, otherwise they’re being hypocritical and should not be trusted. Goodness can destroy and be cruel, just as Evil can create and protect.

“Ah, but Darkness is not ‘evil’…she is just another part of the day. She is just as beautiful, if not more...In fact, Darkness is your best friend. It is she who embraces you when you are most vulnerable while you sleep. You can be who you are in the darkness, and stand naked, as you are. She will not judge. Oh, but from the light you have to hide…” -Queen Rowena Darkholm (The Black Hearts, Chapter 12)

“Nascuntur, vivunt, moriuntur in tenebris”: The Darkholm can and will only marry another Darkholm. The Darkholm does not make distinction between siblings, cousins, heterosexual or homosexual marriage. If a Darkholm would ever marry someone else, they would immediately be disowned, pursued, and punished, unless the marriage was purely for political reasons. This marriage, however should bear no children, lest they face the consequences of betrayal. That has been the warning, but so far, their beliefs are so ingrained that not once have they married outside of the family. To others, this inbreeding is alien, morbid and a nauseating aberration. To the Darkholm everything else is.

This can be seen as tragic by others, as the concept of Love is not as free as it could possibly be.

“Oh no, it is not tragic, my dear...We know and experience ‘love’. We just happen to love our House more than anything else.” -Queen Rowena Darkholm (to King Evelake Rhyne)

In the end, Blackheart is not just a Kingdom, but also a philosophy. All menn and womenn have a black heart, and at some point, in their lives have wished for a place to call ‘home’ where they can be as they are. Blackheart understands this, and therefore they have learned to accept the scorn and mockery of the world, for that will never be a weapon used against The Blood.

PRIMARY GOALS: The goal of the Royal Archduchy is to provide for the Kingdom while focusing on its martial and technological research. The Queen’s family also focuses on alchemical and mystical research, and always support those above much else. It is not a secret that the Darkholm seek immortality, and will go to great lengths to achieve it, but only as long as they can use it to keep Blackheart safe. They engage in extensive martial training, especially of mounted and armored combat. The family treasures occult mystical knowledge, knowing it is scarce. Members believe if this knowledge were to fall to the wrong hands, it could spell disaster for all. They hoard occult lore tomes and hide all such knowledge. Dark lore is tempting, and the Darkholm will knowingly engage in its practice before sharing its knowledge, if something goes wrong, they are willing sacrifices. The Dark Knights believe they are the only ones that can be trusted with such knowledge, as they cannot be corrupted by darkness, for they have accepted darkness in their midst.

APPEARANCE: The preferred colors of the Archduchy are black and purple, with different shades of grays and blues also seen quite often. Darkholm are known for their pale skin, jet black hair and invariable yellow-amber eyes. This believed to represent the mark of the wolf. When a child is born with other features, they are hurled on the cliffs of Castle Darkholm and left to die of starvation and dehydration, if they survive the fall. At the age of 8 they are tattooed with the Darkholm coat of arms over their hearts for males and on their back for females. This tattoo is only branded on family members. If betrayed, the family will hunt and skin the perpetrator, and bring the piece of marked skin back to be consumed by the other family members. On family meetings, their tattoo is always in sight.

ORGANIZATION: To the eyes of many, the Darkholm way is quite convoluted and confusing, giving the appearance of lack of structure. For the citizens of Darkholm, freedom has been given, but while one never considered free from the Crown, each is free to pursue his dreams.

Every member of the ruling family is automatically considered a member of the Black Knights. Regardless of their actual martial prowess, they all receive combat training. At times it may seem they are indifferent to their peasants, but never cruel or abusive, something their peasants appreciate. While they might believe they might never move up in society, they are certain they will never move down. Loyalty to House Darkholm is seen even among the peasantry, for the Lords of Darkness protect their people without hesitation.

The Darkholm have no current interest in invading other lands, but any invasion of theirs would face swift, unforgiving punishment. They continue the slow process of growth to strengthen their ranks, which they do only by birthing. To an observer, the dark knights of House Darkholm seem to be constantly training for a war that never comes. To the Darkholm, battles are physical, mental, and spiritual.

In the annals of history, the family has rarely joined a battle. When they have, the bards sing, it’s like death itself has visited the battlefield. The knights charge into battle, slaying all, warriors and beasts. When the dust settles, the only living are carrion birds, the knights, and the few prisoners condemned to Ironheart, as a reminder that the Darkholm better be left unmolested. The family produces fine royal guards, and a few of them are found in other parts of the world. These will always wear black armor and the family crest, and requiring them otherwise is an affront to House Darkholm, and will invite their wrath will all its consequences.

The Archduchess, also Queen of Blackheart, sees her people as a garden. To see them grow and prosper brings her as much joy as to see their enemies fall.

POLITICS: House Darkholm is mostly guided by a council known as The Grey Circle, which responds directly to the Monarch and Archduchess. This council helps rule the House, and they assist the Dukes of the Kingdom when needed. Each member can speak during Darkholm meetings, and each one is listened to, for even if in disagreement, each new idea offers insight that can be useful in the future.

The Grey Circle The council of House Darkholm is comprised of the best in their respective field among those in close relations with the family.

Head of the House: Rowena Darkholm, Queen of Black Hearts

The Grey Circle:

Shield of the Queen (vacant) Headsman, chief executioner and protector of the Queen and Royal House. The Shield is in charge of security and guardianship.

First Talon (Darktide) honorary member, Commander of the Queen’s Talons. The Talons protect the Crown against insurgence, While also going on special military missions in and outside of Blackheart.

Master of War: The master of war is a master tactician, responsible to discuss tactics with the current ruler of the Darkholm House and the War Council of Blackheart. Many times he is the head of the War Council itself.

Master of Lands: (Countess Tenslea Darkholm) The right hand of the Darkholm ruler, this is the adviser on politics and manager of the Archuchy’s guilds.

Master of Courts: Chief Judge of Darkholm Archduchy. Responsible for setting up courts and legal system along the Archduchy. Cases against the Kingdom or the Queen will go to the Queen's Court, instead.

Master of Secrets: (The Order) head of the intelligence network of the Archduchy, and knowledge of the happenings across the Kingdom.

Master of Chests: Master treasurer for the Darkholm Family, chief accountant and debt collector. Also belongs to the Economics Council of the Kingdom.

Master of Lore: (Count Azareth Darkholm) Researcher who counsels the Head in the search or creation of relics and acquisition of mystic knowledge. Studies the relics brought or bought by the family.

Master of Cosmos: astrologer, cartographer, adviser to the royal on decisions to be taken, childbirth and destiny

Master of Seas: Sea captain, in charge of 'The Sirens', the construction of Datkholm vessels. He is also the head of the Naval Army of Blackheart.

Master of Beasts: (Count Trithian) in charge of breeding and beast training. Trains war dogs and wolves, beasts and mounts, works closely with the Master of War.

Master of Steel: (Aristov Darkholm III) head blacksmith, in charge of the royal weapons, armor, and royal chariots, repair, forging and design.

Master of Life: (Isolde Darkholm) alchemist, master healer, guardian of the secret potions of the House. Expected to join the monarch's party if the Queen takes the field.

Master of Death: scribe, guardian of Liber de Finis, the Book of Ending, in charge of things better left unsaid, that only her and the Queen herself know. Head of The Vultures.

Master of Scholars: (Lady Narkari): in charge of all professionals and educational guilds and colleges.

Master of Reservation: (Toradmus Darkholm) un charge of storage and inventory of resources in the capital. These are used for distribution where they are most needed around the Kingdom.

ARCHETYPES: “I was once an assassin sent to end the life of Blackheart’s Queen. When I came upon her visage I dropped my dagger took a knee. Without a single word, she approached. And as her shadow fell upon me, my heart was set free.” -Anonymous

The Royal Archduchy of Darkholm is the heart of the Kingdom of Blackheart. As such, it seeks menn and womenn who understand the value of working together against all odds. From farmers, to scientists, to knights and assassins, all will feel welcome among us, for all have skills that will be put to good use.

Blackheart’s Crown is open to ideas from its people, as a Kingdom is much stronger when each can achieve their goals and dreams.

-Black Knights: The Order of the Black Knights are the protectors of the Royal Archduchy, but they are far from city guards. They are well respected for the protection they offer the Queen and her subjects, and their prowess in battle. The current Lord Commander is Serverus Ecru, ward of the late King Septem, and first non-Darkholm commander of the Black Knights.

“If you fight her knights you will not survive, if you face her talons neither will your family” -Baron Babrak Biazan, Merchant Lord

-Queen’s Talons: An independent order of warriors that serve The Crown alone. Any deviation from this would be considered treasonous. They are sent in special missions, especially when the Kingdom has been threatened.

-Thornguard: The Royal Guard of the Queen is comprised of trusted menn who are rewarded for their loyalty. They train in their own secret fighting style that they use in the defense of their liege. These are highly respected among those of the Blood.

-Blood Wardens: A special unit of archers under the command of Ambassador Dalinton Thevalur. These fierce unit is trained not only in ranged, but close combat. The duality of their abilities is also reflected in the philosophy of the Kingdom. Their leader is a renowned diplomat, but that does not mean he cannot skillfully wield a sword. https://chroniclesofelyria.com/forum/topic/20694/Town-of-EldenfosBlackheart

-Occultist/Loremaster/Bounty Hunters/Mercenaries The Master of Lore has been amassing a group of trusted individuals who will explore ruins, create maps, and find ancient relics of power. It is his duty to study and archive all these, so that The Crown can decide if these should be allocated somewhere in the Kingdom to bring the most benefit.

-Alchemists/Poison Masters

-Strategists/Spies/Assassins

-Tailors/Bakers/Smiths

-Soldiers “In Darkholm we are never a number. Numbers are those who will fall before us.” -Edvin Alenos, soldier of the Left Wing

The Army of Darkholm is quite complex in nature, always welcoming leaders with vast experience, courage, and who are like minded after they speak to the general Aron Darkholm, the Master of War. He is the chief strategist of the Royal Archduchy, and despite the independence he gives his menn, he is true to the Darkholm tradition of listening to their needs.

-Inquisitors

-The Vultures: The royal lands are known for the practicality of their ruling House. The Vultures are a unit of scavengers that walk the lands after a battle has been fought, rescuing and recovering lost items, weapons and artifacts, while capturing those enemies who are at the brink of death. They bring this to the Master of Death, and the items to the Master of Chests, Malificar Darkholm, so that The Crown can allocate these resources where they can benefit Blackheart the most. By royal decree, all prisoners of war belong to The Crown. Never in the history of Blackheart has the Kingdom accepted prisoner exchanges.

-Farmers/Merchants/Scientists

-Architects/Demolition Experts

-Sailors/Privateers

-The Sirens: the Darkholm ships are not as grand as the galleons of Mycenae. They are actually a group of small, swift ships developed in Darkholm and financed by the Royal Archduchy itself. The Sirens navigate unfriendly waters and, like the creatures of legend, send all others to their doom. The Master of Seas has been trusted with this major responsibility.

THE CAPITAL:

“Allow my chauffer to drive you around and show you the world that could have been yours, if you had at first joined us.”
-Count Azareth Darkholm, Master of Lore

COLDFORGE: The Royal County of Coldforge sits the home of The Queen. Its name arises from the amount of research performed by its citizens. One should not be fooled, though. Despite its appearances and its name, Coldforge is quite militant. Her Majesty makes ensures to provide her baronies will all the best materials her Archduchy can muster, so that her barons can produce the most they can, knowing they have the highest support. A university is being built in the Capital, a smaller sister to the most famous school in the continent, The Fennec Academy. Healing houses and churches to various deities and ideals can be found in the amalgam that Coldforge represents. Still, looming above all, the black stone of Darkholde Keep is seen.

The Queen is currently accepting barons among Elyrians, those who understand the Way of the Black Heart.

Barons: (available)

IRONHEART: The Royal Barony of Ironheart is known for its somber appearance, a reflection of the House that has ruled it for many decades. Among its features: The Ironheart (Royal Prison), the Dark Cathedral, the Queen’s Garden and other buildings that are out of reach to the general population. The barony is largely off limits, and those living in it consider themselves fortunate enough to see areas others have died to see, quite literally.

Justicars/(Sheriffs): (available)

The Royal Barony is seeking merchants to sell their wares, soldiers and cartographers, among many others.

HOUSES: Several noble Houses comprise the aristocracy of Darkholm, most notable among them the vassals of House of Royals. For the Darkholm, their vassals are close advisors and even closer friends.

-House Devereau, the Serpents: Members of House Devereau are known for their study of poisons and familiarity with reptiles. They have been at the side of the ruling family for many generations, and when the Darkholm took the Crown, the Devereau took a knee. The House of Serpents is seductive as is effective. They perform the work they would not want their liege lords to stain their hands with.

-House Sanglune, the Ravens: Members of House Sanglune are known for their efficiency in everything they involve themselves. They are expected to be nothing less than excellent, and the high standards they set for their children make them grim, but unarguably effective.

GUILDS/ORGANIZATIONS: School: Royal College of Darkholm Focus: RP/Crafting/Research Location: Coldforge County/ Darkholm Duchy Contact:

Guild Name: The Majestic Thread Craft Focus: Tailoring Location: Ostingale County/ Darkholm Duchy Contact: Countess Tenslea Darkholm

Guild Name: Royal Atlas Society Craft Focus: Cartography (Map Making) Location: Coldforge County/ Darkholm Duchy Contact: Mayor Atlas

Guild Name: Royal Darkholm Society of Alchemists and Physicians, or the R.D.S.A.P. Craft Focus: Alchemy Location: Coldforge County/ Darkholm Duchy Contact: Isolde Darkholm

Guild Name: The Scribe Society of Elyria Craft Focus: Scribing Location: Coldforge County/ Darkholm Duchy Contact:

Association Name: The Cloister of Xen Focus: Religious Order Based: Xen County/ Darkholm Duchy Contact: Count Anivar, Untainted Eye

RELIGION: Darkholm House has traditionally not being religious. They have followed ideals, not gods. Some, however, have chosen to follow the gods. Despite their ideals, the Crown has always shown respect for the gods, ideals, philosophies and supernatural forces.

Queen Rowena has invited The Cloister of Xen to Blackheart and to the heart of her Royal Duchy. She has ordered the erection of the Dark Cathedral, presided by none other that The Untainted Eye, Anivar. The Untainted eye has become a close and trusted advisor of the Queen, and officiates large religious ceremonies. Despite their religion being the state religion, Darkholm, and Blackheart is open to other beliefs, as long as the Blood is kept safe from harm.

LAST WORDS: Liber the Finis, the Book of Ending, is the tome where the words of the dying prisoners are carefully and ceremonially transcribed. Passages of this book are read before royal family dinners, as they believe there is wisdom in the words of those who are transcending to another life. This information is provided to the Master of Lore to aid in the research of immortality and undeath.

JOIN US: If you have gotten this far it is likely you share a heart with our Blood. Come, let us reign, together...

https://discord.gg/DsQcxUp

“As you are, you are welcome in our land. When you feel you don’t belong, you belong, to me…” -Rowena Darkholm, Queen of Black Hearts