The Onyx Circle

The Onyx Circle’s presence in Varanthia is as constant as the shifting winds, a permanent backdrop of measured silence and poised lethality that contrasts starkly with the grandeur and noise of the royal courts. Even so, few citizens ever witness the organization’s hand at work. Whispers of their deeds circulate through tavern talk, servant gossip, and the murmurings of lesser nobles who claim to have glimpsed a cloaked figure in an alleyway or overhead subtle phrases exchanged in a hallway. These half-truths and rumors lend the Onyx Circle a kind of mythic allure—one that breeds both awe and trepidation, ensuring that their influence remains potent even when invisible.
Every generation of Varanthian leadership has had to contend, directly or indirectly, with the Onyx Circle’s subtle interventions. Monks and scribes sometimes hint that the Circle’s agents can read the fabric of fate as easily as a navigator plots the stars, anticipating conspiracies before they fully form. If a would-be usurper rises through the ranks too openly, if a conspiracy begins to fester in a distant province, it seldom reaches fruition before a quiet retribution ends it. The Circle’s capacity to shape events without leaving overt evidence confounds historians, who can only guess at the true extent of their involvement in pivotal moments.
Meanwhile, beyond the inner chambers of power, the Circle’s silent touch can be felt in the way fear tempers ambition. Merchant princes, foreign envoys, and rebellious captains think twice about pushing too far, too quickly. The Circle does not need to make loud proclamations or mount public spectacles; their very reputation, carefully cultivated over centuries, ensures that restraint prevails where recklessness might otherwise flourish. In this sense, the Onyx Circle acts as an anchor, preventing the kingdom from drifting toward ruinous extremes and keeping ambitions in check through the silent threat of decisive reprisal.
Yet it would be a mistake to assume that the Onyx Circle’s influence is purely negative or oppressive. To some who understand their ways—an elite few who have negotiated with them on delicate terms—the Circle can be seen as a reluctant stabilizer, a force that ensures the wheels of governance never spin out of control. Their interventions, while harsh, often preempt the far bloodier consequences of unchecked plots and intrigues. In a realm where power seeks every advantage, the Circle’s quiet presence has come to define a subtle equilibrium, one that persists through generations and trials, always adapting, always watching, always ready to act.

Structure

The Onyx Circle's organizational structure is an intricate hierarchy built on fear, loyalty, and ruthless efficiency, deeply rooted in the worship of Raven, the Deity of Prey. This structure ensures that every member operates with precision and discipline, maintaining the Circle’s dominance within Varanthia’s shadowy political and military landscape.

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Raven (Deity of Prey) At the pinnacle of the hierarchy is Raven, the enigmatic deity embodying murder, war, and assassination. As a divine figure, Raven rarely intervenes directly but provides the cosmic authority that governs the Onyx Circle’s mission. His will is interpreted through his chosen mortal and spiritual agents.

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The Conspiracy of Raven
The Council of Raven or the Conspiracy of Raven consists of the highest-ranking priests and spiritual leaders dedicated to Raven. Rarely seen by mortal followers, this shadowy group communicates Raven’s divine intent and decrees. They dictate overarching missions, major policy shifts, and spiritual matters. While their guidance is seldom questioned, they rely on the High Hand to implement their strategies in the mortal realm.

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The High Hand The High Hand is the mortal leader of the Onyx Circle, appointed by the Council of Raven to oversee the organization’s daily operations. This figure is both the voice of Raven and the enforcer of his doctrines. They maintain a balance between the religious, political, and operational aspects of the Onyx Circle, ensuring that the Grandmasters align their objectives with Raven’s divine will. The current High Hand is known only by their alias, Shadeborn.

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Onyx Circle Grandmasters Under the High Hand are the Onyx Circle Grandmasters, the governing body responsible for the Circle's internal operations. Each Grandmaster oversees a specific aspect of the organization:

• Tactical Operations: Assigns and plans high-level missions.
• Recruitment and Training: Manages the selection and training of initiates.
• Intelligence and Infiltration: Handles espionage and the acquisition of critical information.
• Relics and Armaments: Oversees the crafting and distribution of enchanted gear, including access to the Obsidian Market.

Grandmasters also preside over trials, internal conflicts, and the judgment of failures or betrayals. Their decisions are final and often brutal, reflecting the Circle's unforgiving nature.

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Mentors Mentors are experienced Fingers tasked with guiding initiates through their grueling training regimen. Each Mentor oversees a small group of trainees, shaping them into loyal and skilled operatives. A Mentor’s reputation is tied to the success or failure of their trainees, making this role both prestigious and high-stakes. Mentors report directly to the Grandmasters, ensuring a clear chain of command.

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Fingers of Raven (Operatives) The Fingers of Raven are full-fledged members of the Onyx Circle. They are divided into specialized squads based on their skills and the nature of their assignments:

• Infiltrators: Masters of stealth and subterfuge, tasked with espionage and covert operations.
• Enforcers: Brutal combatants who serve as the Circle’s muscle, often leading direct assaults or enforcing internal discipline.
• Scouts: Experts in reconnaissance and navigation, critical for mission planning and execution in unfamiliar terrain.
• Ritualists: Magic-wielding operatives who perform dark rituals, summon spectral forces, or manipulate Helix magic for assassinations.

Veteran Fingers, having proven their worth through years of service, often take on leadership roles within these squads, providing guidance and oversight during missions. Some Fingers also specialize in unique skills, such as crafting enchanted weapons or deciphering ancient texts, earning the title of Specialist Fingers.

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Trainees (Initiates) Initiates are aspiring members undergoing rigorous training to prove their loyalty and competence. Their lives are harsh, marked by physical trials, mental conditioning, and moral tests. Failure at this stage often means death. Initiates work closely with their Mentors and occasionally shadow experienced Fingers to gain firsthand experience. Their progress determines their eventual place within the Circle.

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Non-Initiates and Support Staff Though not part of the combat hierarchy, non-initiates and support staff play vital roles in the Circle’s operations:

• Informants: Gather intelligence from across Varanthia, often risking their lives to obtain critical information.
• Runners: Serve as messengers and couriers for sensitive communications.
• Armorers: Craft and maintain the specialized weapons and armor used by the Fingers.
• Stable Hands: Care for the mounts and other assets used in missions.

These individuals remain outside the Circle’s core ranks but are bound by the same strict codes of loyalty and secrecy.

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The Obsidian Market The Obsidian Market, located in the dreamscape, serves as a central hub for acquiring rare and powerful items. Accessible only to trusted members, the market uses Blood Tokens as currency, earned through violent deeds and completed missions. The market allows Fingers to purchase, customize, and enhance their equipment, giving them an edge in their deadly pursuits. This mystical bazaar is a key resource for the Circle’s operations, indirectly influencing power dynamics within its ranks.

Culture

The culture of the Onyx Circle is one of unyielding discipline, calculated ruthlessness, and unwavering loyalty to Raven. Members are molded to embrace their roles as instruments of death, viewing assassination and warfare not merely as acts of violence but as sacred duties ordained by their deity. This belief fosters a mentality where efficiency and precision are paramount, and failure is seen as a personal affront to Raven himself. Their training emphasizes the suppression of empathy and emotional weakness, replacing it with cold logic and an unshakable sense of purpose. Rituals, often conducted in the shadowy halls of their Death Oak temples, reinforce their bond to Raven, imbuing every mission with religious significance. Symbols of their faith, such as the blood-red Death Oak sigil, are worn with pride, reminding members that they are not just soldiers but sanctified agents of divine will.
Socially, the Onyx Circle thrives on a hierarchy of merit and fear, where respect is earned through skill and loyalty rather than birthright or charisma. The bonds between members are utilitarian, built on mutual reliance rather than genuine camaraderie, as trust is a scarce commodity in their ranks. Communication is deliberate and formal, with deference shown to higher ranks and secrecy upheld at all costs. Their culture prizes subtlety and the art of concealment, with members learning to navigate both the literal and metaphorical shadows of society. Art, music, and storytelling within the Circle often depict themes of mortality, the inevitability of death, and the glory of serving Raven’s eternal cause. This culture of reverence for death and its necessity creates a cohesive, albeit grim, identity that binds the Onyx Circle together as one of the most feared and respected factions in Varanthia.

Public Agenda

The Onyx Circle’s public agenda is shrouded in mystery, as they operate from the shadows and carefully guard their true intentions. Officially, they present themselves as a protective order dedicated to maintaining the balance of power within Varanthia, ensuring that threats to the kingdom’s stability are swiftly and efficiently neutralized. They claim to act as guardians of the monarchy and enforcers of justice, serving as an unspoken deterrent against corruption and rebellion. Through subtle displays of their reach and influence, the Onyx Circle fosters an image of an indispensable, if fearsome, ally to the Crown. However, their actions often blur the lines between justice and tyranny, leaving the populace to both fear and respect their presence, unsure of whether they are saviors or executioners.

Assets

The Onyx Circle’s assets are a formidable blend of physical, magical, and strategic resources that support their covert operations and enhance their influence across Varanthia.
Their most prized assets are the Shadow Sanctuaries, hidden strongholds dispersed throughout Queen Aillsa’s district and beyond. These facilities serve as training grounds, armories, and operational hubs, equipped with state-of-the-art technology, enchanted forges, and extensive libraries of arcane knowledge. Each sanctuary is veiled in protective wards and shadow magic, making them nearly impossible to locate without insider knowledge.
The Obsidian Market, a dreamscape-bound hub, provides the Onyx Circle with access to rare and custom-crafted gear tailored for their missions. Transactions conducted with Blood Tokens ensure a steady flow of top-tier equipment, enchanted weaponry, and unique items designed for stealth, assassination, and combat.
The Onyx Circle also maintains a network of informants and spies, both within the Varanthian court and among commoners, ensuring a constant stream of intelligence. These agents are highly trained in subterfuge and operate under cover, embedding themselves in key political and social circles to gather critical information.
Their personnel include elite warriors, infiltrators, and assassins known as the Fingers of Raven, who are highly trained in combat, stealth, and magical arts. Supporting them is an infrastructure of skilled armorers, ritualists, and stable hands, who ensure their operatives are outfitted with the finest equipment and prepared for any mission.
Finally, the Onyx Circle wields substantial influence through their mastery of shadow magic and curses, enabling them to manipulate, deceive, and eliminate enemies with surgical precision. Their ability to craft deadly enchantments and imbue weapons with powerful hexes solidifies their reputation as an unstoppable force in the shadows of Varanthia.

History

Four centuries ago, in a Varanthia firmly under the rule of the Draewynn dynasty—a family whose regal authority had long served as a cornerstone of the kingdom’s identity—there was nevertheless a sense of disquiet simmering beneath the surface. The Draewynns were secure on the throne, yet internal rivalries, foreign intrigues, and clandestine ambitions among nobles and advisors threatened to undermine the stability of the realm. It was in these unseen struggles for influence and survival that the Onyx Circle emerged. Initially a small cult of Raven’s worshipers hidden in remote corners of Aillsa’s district, they came to realize that their skill in subtlety and assassination could be wielded to preserve the balance of power. What began as a handful of devoted assassins and mystics developed into a disciplined order: ruthless, precise, and utterly loyal to Raven’s creed.
From their earliest days, the Onyx Circle refused to be anyone’s pawn. They approached each covert undertaking with one guiding principle—no single force, not even the illustrious Draewynn line, would dictate their terms. Instead, the Circle positioned themselves as arbiters of equilibrium, ready to strike at corruption, treachery, or external threats that might destabilize Varanthia’s carefully maintained order. The monarchy, for its part, saw both threat and value in the Circle’s existence. Attempts to bring the assassins to heel through force or decree invariably failed; the Circle’s operatives were too elusive, their sanctuaries too well-hidden. Subtlety won out over direct confrontation. The Draewynns, pragmatic rulers who did not wish to spark endless internal wars, learned that cooperating with the Onyx Circle—albeit grudgingly—was safer than waging a futile battle against them.
Over the decades, as the Draewynn legacy persisted without interruption, the Onyx Circle cemented their place in the kingdom’s shadows. They proved themselves indispensable in identifying and removing threats that even the mightiest armies or cleverest diplomats could not address without causing scandal or unrest. If a noble became too ambitious, if a foreign agent began weaving dangerous conspiracies, if a faction within the military dreamed of staging a coup, it often fell to the Onyx Circle to end the problem quietly before it had a chance to erupt into open conflict. This delicate dance ensured that the Onyx Circle’s influence grew in tandem with the monarchy’s need for stability, each side benefiting from the other’s existence. Yet the Circle never humbled themselves before the throne; they merely allowed the monarchy to continue its legacy unchallenged so long as the Draewynns respected their autonomy.
As the centuries passed, both the Draewynn dynasty and the Onyx Circle endured. The Draewynns, through their lineage and statecraft, remained firmly on the throne, unshaken by the kind of catastrophes that topple lesser houses. The Onyx Circle, through patience and calculated action, safeguarded its freedom to operate. Each new generation of Draewynns inherited a tacit understanding: the Circle would never serve as mere instruments of the Crown. Instead, they served Raven’s will first, the kingdom second, and the monarch only insofar as it aligned with their credo. Whenever a ruler tried to exert too much control, the Circle responded with quiet demonstrations of their reach—subtly making influential figures disappear, thwarting intrusive policies, or exposing treacheries that the monarch dared not confront openly.
The Onyx Circle’s strength lay not in armies or open displays of might, but in their absolute mastery of silence and subtlety. Their recruits were chosen carefully—orphans raised in shadowed halls, disgraced knights seeking redemption through deadly service, and even disillusioned nobles who learned that true power was found in Raven’s quiet blessings rather than gaudy court spectacles. Training was harsh and unyielding, forging each operative into a lethal instrument. Rituals, conducted beneath ancient Death Oaks deep in Aillsa’s mist-shrouded wilderness, cemented their allegiance to Raven and etched unbreakable oaths of secrecy and obedience into their souls.
Throughout their history, the Onyx Circle navigated attempts by ambitious monarchs or haughty nobles to bind them more closely to the crown. Each time, the Circle evaded these traps. When King Arlem Draewynn attempted to infiltrate their ranks with his spies, those agents vanished without a trace—no grand pronouncement, no evidence, just a silence that spoke louder than any threat. When Queen Belyssia Draewynn tried to bargain for exclusive control of the Circle’s operations, the Circle demonstrated their neutrality by discreetly preventing an assassination that targeted not just the queen’s rivals, but also one of her closest confidants who had considered betraying her. This display reminded Belyssia and all future rulers that the Circle’s loyalty lay in preserving an equilibrium, not bowing before royal prerogative.
Over time, this complex relationship settled into a tacit contract: the Onyx Circle would allow the Draewynn dynasty to flourish without succumbing to insurrections or foreign puppeteers, while the monarchy would refrain from meddling too deeply in the Circle’s affairs. The Circle’s existence became an open secret—acknowledged but seldom spoken of aloud. To the Draewynns, the Circle was like a necessary poison that, properly measured, protected the kingdom from disease.
In the present day, after four centuries of silent dominion, the Onyx Circle remains unchanged in its fundamental principles. The Draewynn line still sits unwavering on the throne, as it has since the kingdom’s inception. Yet behind the scenes, the Circle watches and waits, striking only when necessary. Their sanctuaries are no less hidden, their methods no less lethal, their independence no less guarded. Generations of monarchs have come and gone, each learning anew that while they may command armies and shape empires, the Onyx Circle answers only to Raven and its own unwavering code.
Thus, the Onyx Circle’s history is one of stability through silence, cooperation through subtle tension, and enduring power derived from the simple truth that all parties—rulers and subjects, nobles and peasants, enemies foreign and domestic—fear the quiet blade in the darkness. They have preserved this balance for four hundred years, ensuring that while the Draewynn dynasty’s banner still flies proudly over Varanthia, it does so with an unseen shadow at its back, ever-watchful and ever-free.

Demography and Population

The Onyx Circle’s foreign relations are governed by a strict code of conduct that ensures their autonomy and enforces respect from outsiders, particularly from Varanthia’s nobility and royalty. Interacting with the Circle is a delicate matter; members are expected to be addressed by their rank or title, with no deviations permitted. Nobles and royals alike must approach the Onyx Circle with deference, understanding that while the Circle serves the broader interests of Varanthia, they are not subordinate to its rulers. Direct orders to Circle members from external parties, including the monarchy, are strictly forbidden unless channeled through Raven’s Blade or approved by the Circle’s internal hierarchy. Failure to adhere to these protocols can be perceived as an affront to the Circle’s independence and is met with swift retribution.
When addressing members of the Onyx Circle, decorum is paramount. Nobles and royals must acknowledge the Circle’s sacred duty to Raven by invoking phrases such as, “In service to the Prey” or “With reverence to the Chain.” Such acknowledgments not only demonstrate respect but also serve to reaffirm the delicate balance of power between the Circle and the throne. Publicly questioning the Circle’s methods or morality is considered a grave insult and can jeopardize even the most established alliances. Members of the Circle are trained to observe and enforce these standards, and perceived disrespect may result in the immediate withdrawal of their cooperation or, in extreme cases, punitive measures against the offending party.
Royalty must tread especially carefully when interacting with the Onyx Circle. While the monarchy holds significant influence, the Circle’s loyalty is first and foremost to Raven. Royals are forbidden from interfering in the Circle’s internal affairs, such as the selection of recruits or the adjudication of internal disputes. When a royal summons the Circle’s aid, it is treated as a request rather than a command. Additionally, any attempt to exploit the Circle’s services for personal gain or to undermine its objectives is seen as a violation of the sacred pact between the monarchy and Raven’s disciples. This balance of power ensures that the Circle remains a neutral yet formidable entity within the kingdom.
For foreign dignitaries and emissaries, the rules are even more rigid. Non-Varanthians seeking the Circle’s assistance or wishing to negotiate must do so through a sanctioned intermediary, typically a noble with existing ties to the organization. Foreigners are also required to undergo a ritual of intent, wherein their motives and trustworthiness are assessed through divination techniques tied to Raven’s domain. This process underscores the Circle’s demand for loyalty and transparency. Any attempt to circumvent these procedures or deceive the Circle is treated as an act of hostility, ensuring that the organization’s autonomy and sacred mission remain uncompromised in all foreign dealings.

Religion

The Onyx Circle is a religiously monolithic organization devoted exclusively to the worship of Raven, the Deity of Prey, whose doctrines of assassination, war, and precision govern every aspect of its existence. Raven is both the spiritual and operational cornerstone of the Circle, with his teachings dictating the hierarchy, rituals, and purpose of the group. Every member of the Circle is indoctrinated into Raven’s creed from their initiation, bound by sacred oaths that ensure their loyalty and compliance. Raven’s influence is pervasive; his will is interpreted by the Council of Raven, a secretive body of high-ranking priests who wield immense religious and political power within the Circle. These priests are seen as Raven’s mortal voice, their interpretations shaping missions and long-term strategies.
The faith of Raven is not merely a spiritual practice but a lived reality for the Circle’s members. Rituals to honor Raven are frequent and involve blood sacrifices, often tied to the completion of missions. Temples, often hidden within vast forests or beneath fortresses, serve as places of both worship and preparation. Members of the Onyx Circle are required to participate in regular rites, such as the Marking Ceremony, where initiates are bound to Raven through a blood ritual, and the Shadow’s Covenant, a communal event reaffirming loyalty to the deity. The veneration of Raven also extends to material culture: artifacts like the Grim Talon and symbols like the Death Oak are revered as conduits of divine power. The Onyx Circle’s loyalty to Raven supersedes all worldly allegiances, ensuring that the deity’s agenda remains paramount over even Varanthian politics.
No other religions are tolerated within the Onyx Circle. Members who attempt to worship other deities or follow competing philosophies are swiftly removed, often through execution, to prevent contamination of Raven’s influence. However, the Circle allows a degree of theological interpretation among its scholars, particularly concerning Raven’s role within the wider Nine Talons Pantheon. These discussions, while strictly monitored, help deepen the Circle’s understanding of Raven’s divine purpose and how best to implement his will. By maintaining a singular religious focus, the Onyx Circle ensures a cohesive and disciplined membership, united under the shared purpose of enacting Raven’s dark justice across Varanthia.

Laws

The Onyx Circle’s laws are derived from the tenets of Raven and are strictly enforced to maintain order, secrecy, and efficiency within the organization. These laws ensure that all members operate with loyalty and discipline, reflecting the Circle’s alignment with Raven’s values.

1. Absolute Loyalty: Members must pledge unwavering allegiance to the Onyx Circle and Raven. Treason or aiding external forces is punishable by immediate execution.
2. Secrecy: The Circle’s operations, members, and assets must remain hidden from outsiders. Leaking information is considered the highest betrayal.
3. Completion of Missions: All assignments must be carried out without failure. Abandoning a mission or showing hesitation in execution is grounds for termination.
4. Non-Interference: Members must not obstruct the duties or missions of fellow operatives unless instructed by higher-ranking officials.
5. Preservation of Hierarchy: Orders from superiors must be followed without question. Defiance of the chain of command is treated as insubordination and punished severely.
6. Elimination of Weakness: Members are expected to undergo rigorous training and self-improvement. Physical or moral weakness that jeopardizes the Circle is not tolerated.
7. No Personal Attachments: Relationships that conflict with the Circle’s objectives or compromise a member’s focus are forbidden.
8. Mandatory Participation in Rituals: Members must partake in Raven’s rituals and oaths to solidify their bond with the Circle and its deity.
9. No Mercy for Traitors: Members are obligated to report or eliminate suspected traitors within the Circle.
10. Resource Stewardship: All assets of the Onyx Circle, including enchanted gear and Blood Tokens, must be used exclusively for sanctioned purposes. Misuse is punishable by confiscation or worse.

Education

The Onyx Circle’s education methods are brutal, highly specialized, and steeped in secrecy, designed to forge recruits into loyal, efficient operatives. From the moment initiates enter the Circle, they undergo a rigorous regimen of physical, mental, and spiritual conditioning tailored to the demands of Raven’s doctrine. Education begins with the Tenets of Precision, a foundational philosophy emphasizing the importance of discipline, focus, and the elimination of weakness. Initiates are paired with mentors, experienced Fingers of Raven, who oversee their training. These mentors shape their apprentices through a combination of direct instruction, relentless drills, and practical missions. Failure is met with harsh consequences, reinforcing the necessity of perfection in all tasks.
Training also incorporates a deep indoctrination into Raven’s teachings, including mandatory participation in rituals and the study of sacred texts like the Book of the Dead. Recruits are taught the art of stealth, assassination, and subterfuge, alongside more cerebral disciplines such as strategy, cryptography, and the manipulation of political systems. Magic, particularly shadow and illusion-based spells, is heavily integrated into the curriculum for those with the aptitude. For recruits unable to meet the Circle’s demanding standards, the outcomes are grim: demotion to menial support roles or expulsion—often via execution to preserve the Circle’s secrecy. This relentless environment produces only the most capable and devoted operatives, ensuring that each graduate emerges as a deadly instrument of Raven’s will.

Infrastructure

The Onyx Circle’s infrastructure is a carefully concealed network of facilities, both physical and metaphysical, designed to support their clandestine operations. The most iconic of these are their Death Oaks, ancient, blood-red trees with stark white branches that serve as both shrines to Raven and hubs for training, ritual, and planning. These trees are scattered throughout Varanthia, often in remote or inaccessible locations, their roots extending into hidden subterranean complexes. These complexes include everything from barracks and training grounds to libraries of forbidden knowledge and forges for crafting enchanted weapons. Each site is fortified with traps and wards, ensuring that only members of the Circle can enter, while outsiders face lethal consequences.
The Circle’s communication infrastructure is equally advanced and shrouded in mystery. Operatives rely on Shadow Beacons, magical constructs that allow for instant, encrypted messaging across vast distances. These beacons function through a connection to Raven’s divine power, making them immune to interception by conventional or magical means. The Obsidian Market, a dreamscape bazaar, also plays a key role in the Circle’s operations. This ethereal plane, accessible only to trusted members, acts as a central hub for trade, resource distribution, and networking. Blood Tokens, the Circle’s unique currency, are used within the Market to acquire specialized tools, enchanted items, and information vital to their missions.
In addition to these hidden strongholds and mystical mechanisms, the Circle maintains a covert presence within Varanthian cities. These urban outposts, often disguised as unassuming businesses or abandoned structures, serve as waypoints for operatives traveling on missions. They are equipped with concealed armories, escape routes, and informant networks. The Circle’s reliance on sustainability and secrecy ensures that these facilities are self-sufficient, with many powered by arcane energy harvested from Raven’s influence. Together, this infrastructure enables the Onyx Circle to operate efficiently, undetected, and with unparalleled precision, solidifying their dominance in Varanthia’s shadowy underworld.

Tenets of Faith

The tenets of faith for the Onyx Circle, as guided by Raven, the Deity of Prey, form the core of their belief system and operational philosophy. These tenets emphasize loyalty, precision, and an unyielding commitment to Raven’s divine purpose. Followers are bound by these sacred principles, which define their actions and their lives.
1. Loyalty to the Chain
The Chain represents the unbreakable hierarchy and interconnected duty that binds Raven’s disciples. Every member, from the lowest initiate to the highest-ranking Master, is a link in this Chain, and each must uphold their role to maintain the Circle’s unity and strength. Betrayal or failure weakens the Chain and is considered the gravest of sins, punishable by death.
2. Death is the Final Equalizer
Raven’s will is absolute, and death serves as the ultimate balancing force in the world. No life is inherently more valuable than another, but some must fall to preserve the equilibrium. Members are taught to view assassination not as murder, but as a sacred duty to restore balance, acting as the harbingers of Raven’s justice.
3. The Hunt is Sacred
The process of stalking, understanding, and eliminating a target is seen as a ritualistic act. Members of the Circle must approach their assignments with reverence and focus, ensuring every action reflects the divine precision and intent of their deity. The hunt is not simply about the kill but about mastering one’s skills and embracing Raven’s teachings.
4. No Mercy, No Hesitation
Mercy is a betrayal of Raven’s will, and hesitation endangers the Chain. Followers are required to act decisively and without emotion, ensuring that their targets are eliminated efficiently and with unwavering resolve. Compassion is viewed as a weakness that has no place within the Circle.
5. Secrecy is Survival
The Onyx Circle thrives in the shadows, and secrecy is paramount to their success. Members must guard their operations, identities, and allegiances with their lives. Revealing the Circle’s secrets to outsiders or compromising its clandestine nature is considered treason against Raven and the Chain.
6. Mastery Through Discipline
Followers must continuously hone their skills, both physical and mental, to better serve Raven. Training, meditation, and study are sacred duties, ensuring that each member remains an exemplary representation of the Circle’s power and precision. Mediocrity is intolerable, and stagnation is a form of failure.
7. The Will of Raven Above All
The deity’s commandments, as interpreted by the Council of Raven, supersede all other laws, allegiances, and personal desires. Members must place Raven’s purpose above familial ties, personal ambitions, and even the monarchy’s directives. To prioritize anything over Raven’s will is to forsake the very essence of the faith.
8. Strength Through Sacrifice
Personal desires, comforts, and attachments must be willingly sacrificed for the greater good of the Chain and the Circle. Whether it is surrendering one’s identity, enduring grueling trials, or taking on insurmountable risks, the strength of a member is measured by their capacity to give everything in service to Raven.
9. Order Through Fear
Fear is a tool of control and survival. The Circle uses fear to maintain their dominance, ensuring that their presence is respected and their purpose remains unquestioned. Members must embrace this philosophy, projecting an aura of intimidation and power to dissuade opposition.
10. Balance Above All
Raven’s mission is to ensure balance in all things, and the Circle’s actions must reflect this divine principle. Whether through the targeted removal of a corrupt leader or the elimination of a destabilizing force, followers must always act in alignment with this greater purpose, ensuring that the scales remain even.

Ethics

The Onyx Circle’s ethics are rooted in pragmatism, loyalty, and unwavering adherence to their divine mandate. They reject conventional morality, instead embracing a philosophy that prioritizes the greater balance dictated by Raven, the Deity of Prey. To them, actions are not judged as good or evil but as necessary or detrimental to their sacred mission. The Circle values precision, discipline, and a ruthless efficiency that leaves no room for hesitation or mercy. They are governed by a code that demands absolute secrecy, unflinching commitment to the Chain, and the sacrifice of personal desires for the collective goal. While outsiders may view their methods as cruel or inhumane, the Circle sees themselves as agents of order, executing their duties with cold impartiality to maintain the balance of power in Varanthia and beyond.

Worship

Worship within the Onyx Circle is less about reverence and more about function, reflecting Raven’s indifference to adoration or ritual praise. Members are not bound to express piety or speak highly of the deity, as Raven values results over devotion. Prayers, when offered, are brief and utilitarian, often delivered more out of habit or tradition than genuine faith. What matters to Raven is that his followers fulfill their tasks—marks completed, balance maintained, and the Circle’s influence preserved. This pragmatic approach to worship allows the Onyx Circle to focus entirely on their deadly efficiency, prioritizing action and loyalty over hollow gestures or ritualistic fervor.

Priesthood

The priesthood of the Onyx Circle is unconventional, with the role of religious guidance intertwined seamlessly with the operational hierarchy. Known as the Fingers of Raven, these priests are not spiritual leaders in the traditional sense but are instead elite enforcers and interpreters of Raven’s will. Each Finger functions as both a servant of Raven and a deadly operative, blending the responsibilities of assassin, tactician, and arbiter of the Circle’s moral code. Their “priestly” duties are carried out through actions rather than sermons—fulfilling the divine mandate by eliminating marked targets and ensuring the balance of power dictated by Raven’s inscrutable intent.
Fingers rise through the ranks based on proven loyalty and capability, with their spiritual legitimacy tied directly to their success in carrying out Raven’s missions. While they may perform rituals, such as blood oaths or meditative preparations before missions, these are pragmatic acts meant to sharpen focus or galvanize commitment rather than worship. Mentors, often senior Fingers, play a crucial role in training initiates, imparting both the practical skills needed for assassination and the philosophical detachment required to serve Raven’s purpose without hesitation. By the time a Finger reaches the upper echelons, they embody Raven’s ethos of pragmatic detachment, serving as the epitome of the Circle’s ideals: efficient, unyielding, and utterly loyal to their cause.

Political Influence & Intrigue

The Onyx Circle thrives in the shadows of Varanthian politics, an unseen yet ever-present force in the realm’s power dynamics. Their influence is both subtle and pervasive, built upon centuries of calculated maneuvering and the fearsome reputation of their elite agents. The Circle operates as a quiet arbiter, using assassination, espionage, and manipulation to tip the scales when conflicts threaten the stability of the region. While their actions often serve Raven’s divine mandate, their influence is felt most keenly in the mortal sphere, where their intervention has swayed the outcomes of royal successions, alliances, and even wars. Members of the nobility who are aware of the Circle’s existence tread carefully, knowing that their whispers in the wrong ears could seal their fate.
Within the royal court, the Onyx Circle occupies a unique and tenuous position. Though nominally independent of the Draewynn monarchy, their alignment with Varanthia’s stability ensures a degree of cooperation between the two powers. The monarchy tolerates their presence due to their value as an enforcement arm outside the constraints of traditional governance. However, this relationship is far from harmonious. The Circle’s refusal to bow fully to the royal family is a point of tension, leading to intricate power struggles where neither side can afford open conflict. This delicate balance allows the Circle to exert subtle control over courtly matters, leveraging their unmatched intelligence network and shadowy reputation to influence policy and curb dissent.
The nobility, meanwhile, is caught in a web of intrigue woven by the Onyx Circle. Some families attempt to curry favor with the organization, offering bribes or information in hopes of earning their protection or services. Others live in fear, knowing that any perceived slight or opposition could result in their name appearing on the Circle’s infamous lists. Yet, the Circle is not mercenary in its dealings; their actions are guided by a strict adherence to their own goals and Raven’s will. Nobles who try to exploit the Circle often find themselves outmaneuvered, their schemes unraveled by the very forces they sought to manipulate. This intricate dance of power creates an environment of paranoia and caution, where even the smallest gesture can carry significant weight.
For foreign powers, engaging with the Onyx Circle is an exercise in delicacy and respect. Diplomats and emissaries are advised to observe the organization’s customs, refraining from overt displays of dominance or arrogance. Disrespecting the Circle, or worse, attempting to subvert their influence, is a grave mistake that could lead to devastating consequences. The Circle’s reach extends far beyond Varanthia, with operatives embedded in other nations and factions, ensuring that their interests are safeguarded on an international scale. This pervasive presence allows the Circle to shape events across borders, maintaining a semblance of balance while protecting their own sphere of influence. In a world fraught with treachery and ambition, the Onyx Circle is both a threat and a necessary force, its actions shaping the very foundation of political life in Varanthia and beyond.

"In shadows, we strike; in death, we serve; in silence, we prevail."

Type

Military Order

Alternative Names

The Ebon Covenant

Training Level

Professional

Veterancy Level

Decorated/Honored

Demonym

Onyxian

Leader

The Onyx Regent

Ruling Organization

Ebon Concord

Leader Title

High Talon

Government System

Meritocracy

Power Structure

Federation

Economic System

Barter system

Gazetteer

The Onyx Circle is a clandestine, meritocratic order of elite assassins and enforcers devoted to Raven, headquartered in the shadowy depths of the volcanic stronghold Harrow’s Rest within Queen Aillsa Draewynn’s district in Varanthia.

Currency

The official currency of the Onyx Circle is Blood Tokens, a unique form of arcane tender earned through acts of service, assassination, or ritualistic offerings, used exclusively within their ranks and the enigmatic Obsidian Market.

Legislative Body

The legislative body of the Onyx Circle is the Council of Shadows, a secretive assembly of high-ranking Grandmasters and Raven’s Priests who draft, enforce, and amend the laws and directives governing the organization’s operations.

Judicial Body

The judicial body of the Onyx Circle is the Tribunal of Talons, a council of Veteran Fingers and High Mentors who preside over internal trials, adjudicating disputes, failures, and breaches of Raven’s tenets with an unwavering commitment to discipline and efficiency.

Executive Body

The executive body of the Onyx Circle is the Shadow Hand, led by the High Talon and supported by Onyx Circle Grandmasters, who oversee the implementation of Raven’s will, the enforcement of the Circle’s laws, and the execution of critical operations across Varanthia.

Official State Religion

Nine Talons Pantheon

Parent Organization

Nine Talons Pantheon

Deities

• Raven, Deity of Prey

Location

Nightshade Keep

Neighboring Nations

• The Royal Court of Varanthia