the Black Lotus Guild has been around since ancient times. It originated in Japan on the Planet Earth. It has since been spread throughout the USI galaxy.
HISTORY
The Black Lotus Assassin�s Guild has been around since the times of Ancient Japan back on Earth, where it originated. It was a secretive society then and still is now. The Daimyos and the Shoguns of those times called upon the Black Lotus to eliminate a target that has lost their honor, but refuse to commit seppuku. Through the Black Lotus, a rival guild emerged. This guild is called the Black Scorpions (see guild enemies) The Black Scorpions dishonored the assassin profession, by eliminating those who have not lost their honor, but have gained enemies. They accept contracts from anyone who can give them the largest amount of money.
After the Great War, the Black Lotus guild was disbanded. The Guild Master of that time hitched a ride on one of the seed ships out of Earth. Once the USI emerged, the Black Lotus was started back up, and so was the Black Scorpions. The two rival guilds have expanded throughout the galaxy. The Black Lotus is now accepting contracts from �sleeper agents� inside each planet�s government. Once the contract is completed, the agent gives a small amount of money for compensation, and legal expenses. The Black Scorpions are still sticking to their old traditions.
ORGANIZATION
The way for one to become a member, is to have an existing member invite you to one of the guild halls. The potential member is then interviewed on their views of life, and society. If the potential member is acceptable through the interview, they will go through an obstacle course prepared to test their best and worst skills. IF they survive the test, they are welcomed into the guild as a new member.
Each member calls each one another �Brother� or �Sister� as a sign of their respect for other guild members. Each new member starts at the rank of Associate. Through jobs, menial tasks, and lots of training they can progress to the rank of Apprentice. Once the member reaches Apprentice, they are trusted enough to receive contracts for assassination missions. After the member proves their worth through their display of honor, they are set before a Guild Leader, reviewed, and awarded the rank of Assassin. To progress after Assassin, the member must prove they are honorable enough, through extensive training, meditation, and number of contracts completed. They are then given an Apprentice and receive the title of Master Assassin. To progress after Master Assassin is incredibility hard to do. After all there can only be one Guild Leader in each hall.
If the Master Assassin decides that they want to start a guild hall on a planet that does not already have one, they are placed before a board. The board consists of other Guild Leaders, who research the planet�s demographics and decide whether they need a guild hall, there or not. If not, the Master Assassin�s request is denied, and the meeting is over. If the answer is yes, then the other Guild Leaders help the Master Assassin receive all the proper building permits. Once the hall is built, the Master Assassin has the job to recruit enough members to keep the guild and its legal �front� operational. Then the newly build guild hall would be accepted. Only then will the Master Assassin receive the title of Guild Leader. Only one more rank exists in the Black Lotus Guild. That is the title of Guild Master, there can only be one in the entire guild, and only the most honorable of members can receive that position.
GUILD ALLIES
There are no other organizations who claim an alliance with the Black Lotus, but if they do get into serious trouble, the threat is eliminated by a member
GUILD ENEMIES
There are some organizations who consider the Black Lotus as a threat. They are very hostile to each member and may attack on sight. The enemy list is as follows.
BLACK SCORPIONS
A rival guild, started up by a former Black Lotus member, who dishonored himself by eliminating one of the Daimyos for personal gain. They are a group of honor-less murderers, who kill for money.
SALIERI FAMILY
One of the five strongest organized crime families spread throughout the galaxy. The Salieris are based in Capital City, near the core of the galaxy. Their operations consist of illegal gambling, and transportation of illegal goods throughout the galaxy. The Salieris were not originally enemies of the Black Lotus, but when a foul-up on a contract occurred, leaving the Don�s son and his bodyguards dead, Don Salieri has claimed Vendetta on the guild.