House Doom

"The Guidance of the Dreaded Ones is my burden to bear, not yours. You would do well, however, to ask yourself whether your life is one of benefit to the Black Spirit, or a determent. I have already made my judgment."

The Mortis of House Doom have a reputation for being honorable, genteel and of impeccable taste. From time out of mind, Doom has been the house of leadership, enforcing the ancient traditions and seeking to shape the destiny of the Dread Kingdom. In the Lands of Death, Doom were the chosen nobles, merchant princes, or other wielders of power. In the Dread Kingdom, they are still the "old money" family, ruthless generals and politicians. Whatever their origin, members of House Doom preserve stability and maintain order for the Dread Kingdom. Other Mortis often mistake this for arrogance or avarice, but to the Doom, the shepherd's role is more burden than honor.

House Doom supports the Dread Kingdom wholeheartedly, feeling that under its auspices the best existence for all mortis may be obtained. To the Doom mind, other houses are brash and impetuous. Too concerned with their short-term comfort, other Mortis gladly give up an eternal glorious kingdom tomorrow for a bit of selfish fun today. Without the Doom, there would be no Dread Kingdom; without the Kingdom, there would be no Mortis. Thus the Doom have the weight of Atlas upon their shoulders. They bear their burden with a stiff upper lip and just a hint of noblesse oblige. No other house could lead the Children of the Black Spirit in the days of imminent disaster- or so the Doom are apt to say. After all, their reputation rests on it.

Doom see themselves as nobles in the classical sense of the word, fighting to uphold the station of those below them. They are the kings, knights and barons of the Dread Kingdom. Although the struggle has moved from battlefields to throne rooms and from jousting lists to battleships, House Doom continues the duel. Young Doom rally and lead the troops with their pocket communicators and starships, while the house elders watch the horizons for threats that loom like storm clouds. Many holdings under Dread Kingdom control are overseen by Doom, and the Aristocrats are loath to relax their grip over endeavors they so desperately struggle to maintain. Reputation and achievement take a man far in the Doom house, but none of it counts if the aspirant cannot maintain his influence.

Others often cast aspersions on House Doom, vilifying them as sanctimonious, pompous, or even tyrannical- and yet it is the Aristocrats to whom the other houses turn when something goes wrong. Doom cultivate, influence and control the Dread Kingdom's media, police, politics, health and medicine, organized vice, industry, finance, transportation and even the Church. When another house requires aid, the Doom can provide it- for a price.

NICKNAME:   Aristocrats

SECT:   Elegant, aristocratic and regal. the Doom are the lords of the Dread Kingdom. It was House Doom that provided the cornerstone of the Kingdom, and it is House Doom that directs and coaxes the Kingdom in its darkest hours. It is unthinkable that any member of this house could join the rebel sect. The Doom would, of course, have things no other way.

APPEARANCE:   Doom cultivate a classical, traditional appearance. Set in their ways, Doom often affect the styles of a bygone age, and one may frequently guess a Doom's age by determining from which era of history her clothing dates. Young members of this house tend toward fashions ranging from "preppy:" styles to omnipresent ruffled-shirt-and-leather-pants wardrobes. Doom are often elegant and stylish, but rarely on the cutting edge of trends. After all, one must stand out, not stick out.

HOUSE POWERS:    Blood magic, natural leadership and charisma, melee prowess.

Stereotypes
House Apocalypse	From time out of mind we have dueled with these self-styled Heirs. It is a small comfort to see they can not achieve for their rebellion what we have garnered for the Kingdom. All the capering in the world cannot disguise inadequacy.
House Dagger	Nobility once belonged to this house, but they have set it aside for the greater honor of the Kingdom, if only more could learn to do so.
House Dracos	It is good they favor stability, otherwise their depredations might outweigh their utility.
House Luna	Truly, their great passion must be a curse, for Luna lack the ability to create what they may only impotently observe.
House Lycanthro	They are as trustworthy and useful as well-bred dogs. We send them forth when it is time for hunting, then call them back to the kennel when more subtle tasks beckon. In this way does everyone fulfill their appointed role.
House Oni	Useful weapons, nothing more and nothing less.
House Yaijinden	Exercise the wisdom of the ancient kings when dealing with these vulgar magi.
Crystal Senshi	Infantile and unruly, they work desperately to deny their world of any hope of redemption.
Mirth House	Are they're any left? How quaint!
Tenshi Force	The destruction of this cult is both our honor and our penance.
The Blackmoon	One can chose neither one's parents nor one's king, so bear them no ill will unless they earn it.