#clans lore

Undead Clans

Throughout the years, the undead have started to realize that the old adage “safety in numbers” can be quite literal. They’ve been known to organize themselves into groups commonly referred to as clans. Clans can be exclusive to one species or another but the majority of these groups have broadened their membership to include all species of the undead, especially if the group wants to branch out to more than one area. There are some clans that have been able to spread their resources throughout the country, or even throughout the world, with branches in several supernatural hot spots. Other groups simply choose small numbers with members even calling each other family. 

Hierarchy differs from group to group. There are a few clans who run more democratically than others, relying on a voting system or councils for all decisions involving their group. Other clans choose to have a set leader to look to for guidance. These leaders are most likely the eldest of their clan but it’s not unheard of for some of these positions to be given to someone with more leadership qualities regardless of age. Membership isn’t always an easy process with exclusivity depending heavily upon the way the clan is run. 

You can read about a few of the different clans below.

WICKED’S REST’S CLANS

DIVINE RETRIBUTION: 

This clan is run by a ruthless fury who has retained a necromancer or two to do their bidding for them. Most of the undead involved have been taken in by force, the leader of this group using the necromancers to control the recruits until they decide to fully join out of fear or a form of Stockholm Syndrome takes over. Because of this, the members are completely loyal to the leader of this clan but they’re also small in numbers. The powerful fury that runs it is covered in markings from their previous kills which makes it hard for them to be out in the open and the sole purpose of this clan is to bring their next meal to their fury leader to keep sourcing their power. It's only a bonus to their leader that they get to rid the world of anyone who committed the atrocious act that sent them and their recruits to their graves. 

KNIGHTS OF THE BLOODLESS TABLEAU: 

Founded by a knight who remains an elder vampire in the clan to this night, Bloodless Tableau has retained some of the elder’s chivalrous values, while also prioritizing their continued existence. These undead tend to be uptight and unchanging in their ways, for better or worse. They only feed from those who can defend themselves, while sneering at those who prey on the weak. Some undead from this clan have even been known to protect individuals from less considerate undead or supernatural creatures (though, they’ve also been known to return to find said individual later when they’re feeling better and feed from them, so it’s hit or miss). Experts in the old ways, this clan is renowned for the armor and defense-wear they produce – even some humans seek it out. Bloodless Tableau is slightly more exclusive than most clans, requiring an invitation from a current member. This invitation may be extended if the member is impressed by an undead’s chivalry, bravery, or grit. Members take a vow that they will follow the clan’s code of honor. It’s not uncommon for Knights to live in old fashioned dwellings filled with historical décor and medieval armors. 

THE MYSTIQUE: 

According to The Mystique, the best part about being undead is long-lasting youth and beauty. These undead are sometimes considered vain in nature, but no one can deny their elegance and sense of style (black clothes and lace are adored). Many are or were part of high society, but they don’t particularly care about influencing it, seeing humans as nothing more than food. These undead don’t tend to seek out conflict, but they still relish in feeding. More than that, they typically devour humans completely, eating some and saving the rest for use in clan rituals that are thought to enhance their beauty. They believe these rituals can do a multitude of things for their undead members including delaying the elder transformation in vampires, making them all less gaunt, and giving their skin a more natural glow to help with their pale nature. Vampires tend to be pitied among this clan due to their lack of a reflection and the unfortunate mess with elders. Because elders no longer look beautiful, the clan also has a ritual of honoring their own elders by setting them ablaze. Most elders readily accept this, but a few have escaped throughout the years. Most undead who live in remote gothic mansions in a display of both wealth and privacy belong to this clan. 

NIGHT SHEPHERDS: 

The Night Shepherds see no point in influencing those they should simply be eating. The clan infiltrates towns and attempts to manage the local humans like cattle, with the ultimate goal of automating their food sourcing process and overthrowing the current world order. They’re careful about overhunting (it’s not good conservation), and will protect their human herds. This clan has a possibly unhealthy level of worship for their clan leaders, and will follow their commands without question. Some in the clan wish to form better relationships with humans either out of genuine desire, or so that when they take over the world, the humans won’t try to overthrow them. Most Shepherds try hard to live among humanity and fit in, though their success varies.

NOXFERATU: 

Exclusive to vampires, this clan may want to overthrow humanity, but they throw caution to the wind, and their goals (if they have any) are often lost in the chaos. In fact, there are many splinters of the clan, some even fighting each other. Noxferatu seem to want to fill the world with vampires, and don’t spare much thought about the long-term consequences that might have for their food. This clan adores spawn, and encourages all vampires in the clan to create as many as possible. They don’t take time to train up the young vampires so they tend to be sloppy and many end up at the wrong end of a stake as a result. Those who have stuck around and learned tend to have honed their physical strength. Not particularly concerned about being seen, it is customary for those in the Noxferatu to compel and connect with lapir, giant bat-like creatures, and use them as their faithful mounts. Many form genuine and affectionate connections with regular bats as well, able to call upon them. There is ostensibly an elder vampire leading this clan, but no one seems to have talked to them or seen them, so it’s unclear where orders come from. Despite their flaws, the Noxferatu are known to be happy vampires who know how to have a good time. These vampires usually like their comforting crypts and cemeteries, and can throw a wild mausoleum disco.

SHADOW SYNDICATE: