The Unknown
In the intricate social and political landscape of Helvania, a unique and unrecognized family operates from the shadows. Known as "The Unknown," this family is composed of outcasts and individuals rejected by their traditional families. Unlike the established noble families of Helvania, The Unknown is not connected by blood but by their shared status as outcasts and their collective need for survival and purpose.
It is not recognized as a legitimate family by anyone in Helvania, and rarely spoken of, but its members are often used for subterfuge and more illicit acts where deniability is important - if an Unknown is caught committing a crime, there is no family to lay blame or pay any kind of repentance. This is great for the families, but terrible for the captured Unknown, as he/she is summarily executed.
However, the Unknown DO take it personally, and have been known to exact their own revenge on families that abuse their use or family members.
Structure
The Unknown operates as an underground "family," with its members often engaged in subterfuge, espionage, and illicit activities. Due to their unrecognized status, they are frequently employed by the noble families of Helvania for tasks that require deniability. When a member of The Unknown is caught committing a crime, there is no official family to blame, and the captured individual faces execution without any chance for repentance or compensation from their family.
Culture
Revenge and Retaliation
Despite their lack of official recognition, The Unknown has its own code of conduct and sense of loyalty. They do not take kindly to being exploited or betrayed by the noble families. If a member of The Unknown is mistreated or abused, the family has been known to exact their own form of revenge, targeting those who wronged them in silent and deadly retribution.Public Agenda
Publicly, The Unknown is rarely spoken of, and their existence is often denied or ignored by the noble families and the general populace. However, their influence and presence are felt throughout Helvania's underground and less savory dealings. They are a reminder of the unseen and unacknowledged parts of Helvania's society, operating in the gaps and shadows left by the rigid structures of the aristocracy.
