Darkness Emergent | Factions

FACTIONS

In the world of Darkness Emergent, the factions represent the diverse ideologies and ambitions of the Kindred. Each faction embodies a distinct approach to navigating the eternal night, whether through rebellion, preservation, power, or innovation.

  • The Auroral Shield safeguards against dangerous mystic forces.
  • The Arsene Society refines crime into an art form.
  • The Chimera Group masters espionage and counter-intelligence, silencing threats before they arise.
  • The Epicureans defy monotony, indulging in passion, beauty, and rare delights to make immortality unforgettable. They are the providers or those who partake.
  • The Executive Board wields financial power to control global influence.
  • The Iron Horsemen cherish freedom and mobility, embracing a nomadic lifestyle.
  • The Haymarketers fight for fairness and justice in Kindred society, challenging oppressive labor practices.
  • The Limelit Circle harnesses fame’s power to challenge the elite, tempt Kindred, and risk the Masquerade.
  • The Promethean Conclave seeks to steer humanity and Kindred toward a brighter future through innovation.
  • The Wilting Lily seeks to turn the decay of Kindred existence into artistic expression.
  • The Praeterita calls on the bold to uncover ancient truths and arm themselves with forbidden knowledge.
  • The Tempered Fang reforms unstable Kindred, whether abandoned, reckless, or on the brink of Wassail. Through discipline, education, and, when necessary, final judgment, ensuring they master the Beast rather than succumb to it.

As Darkness Emergent continues to evolve, so too do its factions—some fading into memory, others adapting to the shifting nights. In the wake of Atlanta, the Midnight Congregation dissolved, with whispers suggesting they chose dissolution over living a lie. The Digital Collective, however, did not disband; instead, its members were called elsewhere, drawn away from grand Kindred gatherings by the ever-growing necessity of safeguarding the Masquerade in an age of constant surveillance.

Each faction represents a distinct philosophy, ambition, and approach to unlife, weaving a complex tapestry of alliances and rivalries that ultimately shape the fate of all who exist within the world of Darkness Emergent.

AURORAL SHIELD

Prodigious protectors of veils within veils, we, the protectors of the Auroral Shield, are dedicated to the mission of magical containment for the betterment of all Kindred. This past year, we successfully crippled the machinations of the Methuselahs in San Antonio and rid the region of destructive artifacts. Now, as sinister magic stirs in the “city of big shoulders,” our vigilance continues. Our order comprises Kindred with conscience, who have witnessed the dangers of mystic powers in unworthy hands. While practicing magic is not required, vigilance, duty, and a strong sense of right and wrong are essential. We welcome new members to join us in our relentless efforts to protect both Kindred and kine from the tyranny of powerful magics. Stand with us in Chicago, take up your shield, and join the Auroral Shield.  Explore the Auroral Shield!

   

  • CORE FACTION THEMES: Magic Police, Supernatural Containment, Order and Protection
  • MEDIA INFLUENCES: Warehouse 13, SCP Foundation, Ghostbusters, Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office & The Aurors (Harry Potter), The Lost Room
  • COMMON ACTIVITIES: Solving Mysteries, Magical Containment, Conflict with the Supernatural
LE LYS FLETRI (THE WILTING LILY)

The Wilting Lily embodies the truth that time devours dreams and beauty, reflecting on the inevitable decay that marks Kindred existence. Just as the lily’s petals succumb to rot, so do Kindred faces become canvases for the Beast’s relentless influence. Our mission is to guide Kindred society through art and education, using our galleries, concert halls, and salons to evoke and refine the voices and truths of our kind. Each Kindred’s journey fuels our creative process, turning love and pain into masterpieces. In the face of the Second Inquisition and the Beckoning’s disruption, we believe that great tragedy births great art. Join us in crafting the next transformative story in a city where ancients still walk.  Become a Wilting Lily!

  

  • CORE FACTION THEMES: Beauty in decay, Transformative art, The Beast and Humanity
  • MEDIA INFLUENCES: The Red Violin, Black Swan, Only Lovers Left Alive, Amadeus
  • COMMON ACTIVITIES: Performances, Art Curation, Salon Gatherings
THE ARSENE SOCIETY

The Arsene Society views crime as an integral institution of society and seeks to elevate it to an art form practiced by masters. Our members range from con artists and pickpockets to cat burglars and mobsters, all operating with secrecy under The Masquerade. We provide a support network for Kindred to refine their craft, transitioning from common crooks to skilled thieves. Our society values guile, cunning, and a flair for the esoteric, and we aim to grow our network with individuals who share these qualities.  Explore the Arsene Society!

  

  • CORE FACTION THEMES: Theft, Crime, Honor Among Thieves
  • MEDIA INFLUENCES: Ocean's Eleven, Arsène Lupin, Lupin III, Catwoman, Carmen Sandiego, Snatch, The Town, The Sting
  • COMMON ACTIVITIES: Staging Heists, Infiltration, Puzzle-solving
THE CHIMERA GROUP

The Chimera Group is a prestigious organization focused on threat analysis, espionage, and counter-intelligence, silencing conflicts before they begin while also engaging in traditional mercenary work. Chosen members are guaranteed connections with major regional influencers and must excel in their fields. Recruited from diverse backgrounds such as law enforcement, corporate security, and specialized independent operatives, the group’s talent pool remains adaptable for various profitable tasks. Upholding the Masquerade is crucial, and discretion is emphasized in all operations. As demand surges due to an influx of supernatural beings, the Chimera Group relies on its reputation for reliability and success in chaotic environments. If you’re ready to join, welcome. Now, let’s get to work.  Explore the Chimera Group.

   

  • CORE FACTION THEMES: Espionage, Secret Societies, Mercenaries and Assassins
  • MEDIA INFLUENCES: The John Wick series, The Kingsman series, Taken, Mission Impossible
  • COMMON ACTIVITIES: Espionage, Tradecraft, Cryptology
THE EXECUTIVE BOARD

You may not realize it, but you probably work for us. As controllers of the world’s finances, nearly everyone does. Whether you’re buying a hot dog at Navy Pier or selling fish in Kuala Lumpur, money always finds its way to us. In our hands, it flows, grows, and lives, serving as an ever-sharp sword, a durable shield, a shelter, and a fortress. We have quietly orchestrated the rise and fall of some of history’s greatest fortunes, bankrupting kings and empires, and elevating commoners to royalty. Joining our company means mingling with the most powerful and influential of our kind, united by talent and ambition. As we turn our focus to Vegas, we aim to expand our networks and opportunities. We are the Executive Board, and with an eternity to live, why be anything less than wealthy?  Will you join us?

   

  • CORE FACTION THEMES: Social Power, Wealth, Control
  • MEDIA INFLUENCES: Succession, The Devil's Advocate, Severance, The Newsroom, Westworld, The Thomas Crown Affair, The Gilded Age
  • COMMON ACTIVITIES: Power Brokering, Negotiations, Profit-seeking
THE IRON HORSEMEN

The Iron Horsemen are a faction of Kindred characterized by their restless nature and desire for freedom, transcending the constraints of city politics. Rooted in the spirit of drifters, they value mobility and independence, tracing their legacy back to the 1800s when railroads symbolized true freedom for their kind. Though the Ventrue financed the railroads, the Iron Horsemen were the true barons, guiding herds of nomadic workers and marking safe territories. As times changed, the advent of automobiles and air travel shifted their mode of movement, leading many to become biker gangs or truckers. Despite modern challenges like the Beckoning and the Second Inquisition disrupting their network, the Iron Horsemen continue to adapt, establishing mobile Baronies and maintaining their legacy of freedom and exploration.  Do you have what it takes to be an Iron Horsemen?

  

  • CORE FACTION THEMES: Kinship, Wanderlust, Chrome and Oil
  • MEDIA INFLUENCES: Sons of Anarchy, Drive, The Transporter, Fast & Furious, Mad Max, The Last of Us, Lost Boys
  • COMMON ACTIVITIES: Logistics and Smuggling, Protection, Combat
THE HAYMARKETERS

The Haymarketers are a group dedicated to challenging the unfair labor practices often experienced by Kindred, particularly the reneging of promised boons by elders. Recognizing the importance of fair labor practices for the prosperity of Kindred society, they provide resources, guidance, and protection to those striving for justice and equity. Committed to creating change, their ranks include members who believe in these ideals and work actively to reform society. As more elders vanish due to the Beckoning, the Haymarketers see this as an opportunity to forge a future built on fairness, equality, and compassion, shaping a legacy worthy of their name.  Do you feel moved by inequity?

   

  • CORE FACTION THEMES: Social Justice, Workers Rights, Class Warfare
  • MEDIA INFLUENCES: Fight Club, Gangs of New York, Joker, Falling Down, Taxi Driver, Parasite
  • COMMON ACTIVITIES: Seeking Vengeance, Holding Trials, Pursuing Justice
THE PRAETERITA

Whether we Kindred choose to acknowledge it or not, a storm is brewing. It has consumed many of our most prominent elders, and, every year, more hear the siren call Beckoning them East. How long before their Gehenna War takes us too? To survive, we must learn the secrets of lost eons, whether it be from manuscripts, tombs, or the lips of those few remaining ancients themselves, the ones kept hidden and untainted by the dogma of Archons and Inquisitors. Only from this collective past can we become masters of our future and survive what is coming.  Explore the Praeterita!

  

  • CORE FACTION THEMES: Lost Secrets, The Power of Knowledge, Defending Against the Ancients
  • MEDIA INFLUENCES: Indiana Jones, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The Librarians, Stargate, The X-Files
  • COMMON ACTIVITIES: Investigation, Puzzles, Negotiation
PROMETHEAN CONCLAVE

The Promethean Conclave draws inspiration from the 1893 Columbian Exposition, a symbol of human achievement and innovation. Just as the World’s Fair showcased the era’s brightest minds and groundbreaking advancements, we strive to unite enlightened thinkers to build a better world. As Kindred, we rely on humanity for sustenance and progress, and with our potential for eternal life, we have a unique responsibility to guide the future. Amid environmental deterioration and societal changes, we aim to direct evolution and harness mortal capabilities to drive progress. Our ranks include theorists, scientists, patrons, and visionaries committed to shaping a prosperous future for all Kindred. Whether your passion lies in science, sociology, or technology, you will find like-minded Prometheans ready to help realize your dreams. Join us in collaborating for a bold new direction for Kindred and humanity.  Explore the Conclave!

  

  • CORE FACTION THEMES: Invention and Innovation, Pedagogy, Improving Society
  • MEDIA INFLUENCES: Frankenstein, Oppenheimer, The Prestige, Black Mirror
  • COMMON ACTIVITIES: Philosophical Discussion, Procuring Knowledge, Using Technology
THE EPICUREANS

The Epicureans believe that the thrill of unlife should never fade, striving to embrace each night as if it were their first and last, despite the often tedious demands of vampiric existence. Rejecting the monotony that many succumb to, they champion pleasure, beauty, and passion, immersing themselves in art, indulgence, and experiences that stimulate all senses. Known for supporting the sexual revolution, artists, and musicians, they are the providers of rare delights, and their presence is sought for memorable celebrations and discreet indulgences. For the Epicureans, the essence of immortality lies in savoring every moment, creating lasting memories, and always seeking the highest of pleasures. Explore The Epicureans

   

  • CORE FACTION THEMES: Decadence, Consumption, Entertainment
  • MEDIA INFLUENCES: The Menu, The Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, The Bear, The Great Gatsby, Trading Places
  • COMMON ACTIVITIES: Self-indulgence, Sensory Experiences, Social Experimentation
THE LIMELIT CIRCLE

Fame is a unique power which challenges the ruling elite. Don’t believe me? Ask any child if they’d rather be a musician, a scientist, or a general. Ask any politician what they wouldn’t do for an endorsement from Taylor Swift. During the height of Rome, the nobility sought to shun actors from polite society, yet Nero performed in his own private theater. These nights, airlines and consumer brands bow to customer complaints on Twitter while fledgling companies supplicate influencers for favor. Fame inspires, motivates, and entertains; it sidesteps more traditional, controllable means of influence; a force derived wholly from the masses and their collective will. As creatures drawn to power, fame is a seductive fire that lures kindred like moths, only to see us burnt to cinders if the Masquerade is transgressed. No wonder the elites try so hard to limit access to it.  Learn More

  

  • CORE FACTION THEMES: Fame as Power, Performance, Identity
  • MEDIA INFLUENCES: Mad Men, Nightcrawler, Birdman, A Star is Born, LA Confidential
  • Content creation, Political leverage, Public Relations
THE TEMPERED FANG

Adapting to life among the unliving is no easy task. Not all of us were guided by the steady hand of a responsible sire, but the Beast remains whether or not one is prepared. It grows bold in neglect, thrives in abandonment, and sharpens its claws when guidance or mentorship are lacking. The path of self control is steep and narrow, and its pitfalls are merciless. It is the purpose of the Tempered Fang to intervene, turning dysfunctional Kindred and lost souls back before the fall becomes final. Explore the Tempered Fang!

  

  • CORE FACTION THEMES: Redemption and Second Chances, Guardianship, Conformity and Rebellion
  • MEDIA INFLUENCES: Wayward (TV series), Wayward Children (books), Orphanage/Orfanato, The Order, Sharp Objects, One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest, A Clockwork Orange, 1984, American Horror Story: Asylum
  • COMMON ACTIVITIES: Redemption, Rehabilitation, Judgement
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STORYTELLER AND EVENT SUPPORT STAFF

Jimmy ReckittCreative Lead
Kelley BarnesDirector of Events
Arcelia RaelPresident