The Scions
Name: The Scions
Symbol: three interlocking circles of shining platinum
Leader: Nathalie Eriksson?
Core Philosophy: Patronizing
Cover: Norsewood Research
- This faction can be joined by alts.
- This faction is closed, and you must be recruited to it.
- This faction has a parent organization supporting it.
The Scions are essentially a small locally gathered pagan cult formed with a focus on ceremony and process. It is guided by Nathalie Eriksson, former CEO of Einherjar Incorporated, a Norse-dominated institution that financially lapsed and was quietly dissolved to exist as a legitimate import business. Though some of the central goals are the same as the company before, the threats bearing down on Haven have shifted focus of the local branch into an organization focused less on profit and gain, aiming more toward influence and becoming the divine favored.
Varied practices of paying honor to the bloodlines or elements through some of the old pagan ways, combined with personal growth and research efforts are key for securing a foothold against changes rumored as an inevitable coming - this especially means prevention methods pertaining to destruction of the gates or the possibility of imposed Christian-based oppression from the Venetian Order. Goals also include exploration of the God Realms and attempts to secure some form of communication with the direct servants of the gods or the gods themselves, seeking guidance or wisdom.
Like many supernatural groupings, The Scions have a core belief that supernaturals are superior, especially those with divine blood and extensive potential for power. When brought into the fold, this power and promise is fostered and molded by both Matriarch and peers alike, making the collective of members mildly Darwinian. However, cooperation is also thought to be important, as it is believed that the more faithful there are working together, the more chance there is for forward progress and recognition. Competition in the name of one's patron is often held as a matter of ceremony, much like blood-letting or sacrifice. Arcane services and manufacture of artifacts or modified weaponry are offered for sale or trade to aid with funding for endeavors.
To avoid too much negative attention as a pagan cult, the members often hold events for entertainment, catered to both naturals and supernaturals alike depending on the setting and occasion. This not only gains them clout and influence about town, but opens an avenue to acquire and persuade support through amiable means. It also opens a quiet back door into scouting willing and unwilling participants in their ceremonies as required, many of which are hypnotized to have altered memories of the event on a case by case basis.
The House of Odin has chosen to support this endeavor for the time being, even though the goals and way of attaining divine attention differ from what is customary. This is politically complex for a few reasons. In a sense, it is extremely proud publicity. Other Houses may question the motive as suspect rather than taking the endeavor at face value. However, godlings of stringent bloodline faith cannot deny this is a troubled time in need of divine aid and wisdom. Some speculate the aid is not due to faith in the endeavor so much as repayment of an honor debt to Nathalie; in the Wilds at a private manor auction, she secured a multimillion dollar artifact of Nordic god realms authenticity for the House. The combination of both measures give good faith to the leader and focus of The Scions in current climate.
Though highly focused on godlings of the varying pantheons in Haven, angelborn are welcome given the common history of serving for divine blood. Gifted humans with any other pagan beliefs, like those that ceremonially honor the elements instead of any particular deity are also thought to have potential. Any supernatural or human beings with desire to champion the cause and enforce as needed are also taken into the fold, potential depending.
OOC NOTE: You may dual faction with permission as long as the goals of the two factions do not conflict. Because this is likely to be a smaller faction as far as costs go, contribution requirements/support tithes will be steep.