House Blackclaw
House Blackclaw is one of the most enigmatic noble houses within The Dragonlands, infamous for its shadowy history and mysterious rise to power. Once shunned for their alleged treason against the empire, the family earned redemption through acts of valor, particularly by mastering forbidden alchemy and shadow magic. Their unique skills make them invaluable in protecting the empire from hidden and arcane threats. Though they’ve rebuilt their reputation, the Blackclaws still walk a fine line between honour and suspicion, balancing their loyalty to the empire with their secretive methods.
Culture
The culture of House Blackclaw is steeped in secrecy, discipline, and pragmatism. Loyalty to the empire and family is paramount, but they are not bound by traditional methods. Their members are taught to see beyond simple morality, believing that sometimes, forbidden knowledge and dangerous paths are necessary for the greater good. Alchemy and shadow magic are central to their way of life, with family members being trained in these arts from a young age. They are reserved, preferring quiet action to boasting, and often take on covert roles within the empire's defence.
Public Agenda
House Blackclaw positions itself as a protector of the empire, specialising in dealing with threats that other houses or clans cannot, or will not, confront. Their public agenda is one of loyalty and sacrifice, and they work to ensure that the empire remains safe from dark, arcane forces or unseen dangers. They publicly promote their role as guardians against forbidden magic, though they rarely reveal the full extent of their involvement.
Assets
House Blackclaw controls several alchemical laboratories and secretive arcane libraries. They possess vast knowledge of potions, poisons, and shadow magic, making their services indispensable in times of conflict. They also maintain a well-trained group of spies and assassins who are loyal only to the Blackclaw family, ensuring their ability to operate both within and outside the empire’s borders. Their vast network of contacts in the alchemical underworld gives them access to rare ingredients and forbidden texts.
History
The history of House Blackclaw is marred by scandal and redemption. Once accused of treason, the family was exiled, and it seemed that they would fade into obscurity. However, their fortunes changed when Vorath Blackclaw, an exile who had journeyed far from the empire, returned with knowledge of forbidden alchemical practices. During a crucial war, Vorath's alchemical creations helped turn the tide in favour of the empire, and his loyalty was restored, along with his family's noble status. Since then, the Blackclaws have remained in a precarious position of power, always walking the edge between suspicion and respect.
Foreign Relations
Alliances: House Blackclaw has a strategic alliance with Clan Ironscale of Alonharl, relying on their martial strength in exchange for alchemical knowledge, which strengthens Ironscale's forces.
Rivalries: They maintain a cold rivalry with Clan Drakerune, as the latter distrusts Blackclaw’s use of forbidden knowledge, preferring more honourable and open methods of magic.
Suspicions: Some of the other noble houses, particularly House Flamescale and Clan Brightflame, remain suspicious of the Blackclaw family due to their secretive ways and history of treason. However, they keep these suspicions quiet due to Blackclaw’s proven loyalty in times of crisis.
Through Shadow, We Defend The Light
Type
Geopolitical, Great house
Leader
Gazetteer
The Blackclaw family controls several hidden locations within and outside Rokthorl. Most notable is The Shadowed Keep, a fortified estate built into the mountains near Rokthorl, where they conduct their most secretive experiments in alchemy and shadow magic. The keep is heavily guarded, both physically and magically, and is rumoured to house forbidden tomes and dangerous magical artifacts.
They also manage The Obsidian Cauldron, an alchemical workshop located in the heart of Rokthorl, known for producing rare and potent elixirs. While it operates openly, it's whispered that more dangerous substances are produced in secret chambers below the shop.
Location
Related Species