The Rothwells of Massachusetts trace their lineage to the early 17th century,
when Josiah Rothwell, a stern demonborn merchant, arrived on American shores
with his angelborn wife, Elizabeth. Their union, unusual for the time,
established a dual supernatural lineage that would define the family for
generations to come.<\/p>\n
The family’s fortune began in shipbuilding and maritime trade, with their
vessels known for always returning with profitable cargo regardless of storms
or pirates, a success attributed to the demonborn captains’ ruthlessness and
uncanny ability to inspire fear. By the early 19th century, they had
diversified into manufacturing and banking. Their supernatural heritage gave
them advantages in both human and supernatural circles; Rothwell demonborn
used their innate ability to sense others’ dread to pressure vulnerabilities in
negotiations, while angelborn family members could harness their empathy to find
agreeable compromises with even the most inscrutable supernatural entities.<\/p>\n
The Rothwells formalized their approach to their supernatural heritage during
the Victorian era under the iron rule of Bartholomew Rothwell (1818-1892). He
established what became known as “The Rothwell Covenant”; demonborn males were
groomed for leadership in both human businesses and supernatural councils,
their natural ruthlessness celebrated as necessary strength. Angelborn females
were prized as perfect diplomatic envoys to volatile supernatural factions,
their ability to adopt others’ desires making them exceptional mediators.
Meanwhile, angelborn sons were hidden away in the family’s private institution
or forced into supportive roles, while demonborn daughters were similarly
sequestered.<\/p>\n
The Rothwell Institute, ostensibly a school for “sensitive constitutions,”
housed generations of the family’s “inappropriate” offspring until it was
finally closed in 1975 after journalist and distant family member Victoria
Rothwell (demonborn) exposed its conditions in a series of articles.<\/p>\n
The conservative Western Branch of the family still subtly encourages
angelborn sons to remain closeted, often directing them to serve as archivists
or lore-keepers where their traits can be disguised as scholarly dedication.
Meanwhile, the more progressive Eastern Branch has seemingly embraced all
manifestations of their supernatural heritage since the 1980s.<\/p>\n
Rothwell Holdings now spans technology, pharmaceuticals, and finance, with the
family maintaining significant influence in both human and supernatural
affairs. Their regular Galas draw supernatural dignitaries from across
the continent, serving as neutral ground where ancient rivals can negotiate
under the watchful eyes of Rothwell mediators.<\/p>\n
Notable Figures:<\/p>\n
Helen Rothwell – In her early nineties Helen presides over the family with a
velvet-gloved iron fist. Though she publicly embraces modern
sensibilities, she privately maintains the old ways. Her reputation as a
peacemaker among supernatural factions belies her manipulative nature; she has
subtly influenced supernatural politics for decades.<\/p>\n
Harrison Rothwell – In his late seventies Harrison is the former CEO of
Rothwell Holdings and Helen’s brother-in-law.
His legendary business acumen earned him the nickname “Bloodless Harry” for
his ability to sense and exploit weaknesses in competitors. Now semi-retired,
he serves as the family’s representative on several shadowy supernatural
councils and conservative political action groups. Despite his age, younger
family members still fear his sharp tongue and sharper mind.<\/p>\n
Josephine “Jo” Rothwell-Wu ” In her sixties Jo is known as the family rebel
who fought against her consignment to the Rothwell Institute in the 1970s. She
later became a prominent civil rights attorney before moving into private
practice to serve as head of legal for Rothwell Holdings.<\/p>\n
Thomas Rothwell – In his late fifties now, Helen’s youngest son spent his
early years in the Institute, he now maintains the family’s library and
collection of antiquities and is rarely to be seen in public.<\/p>\n
Margaret Rothwell – In her late forties, Margaret is the current CEO of
Rothwell Pharmaceuticals and the family’s most public face. While ostensibly
the face of the more progressive turn of the family, there are many who
believe her commitment to most causes comes a distant second to her personal
ambition.<\/p>\n