Noctis Imperium, latin for "Night's Empire", is a kingdom located within a deep and often misty forest of Oak, Ash, and Thorn trees. The members of this group are no less than eerie, with many of them, including the Lord and Lady, being rumored to be Vampires of legend. The group is only heard of through whispers of wary travelers and hearty traders, as the group itself has yet to step into the light. With nothing more than rumor and myth to go around, it is no wonder that the group has gone unseen in the eyes of the larger clans.

We start soon, and soon all will know of their power.

The group had started as a simple cluster of individuals residing in an abandoned town and cathedral. By day, the group was lively and loud, and by night it was dead silent. After some time it had come to the first leader's attention that someone, or something, was hunting down group members in the dead of night, leaving nothing but drained bodies and blood in their wake. Group members were terrified of the surrounding forests that made them so secure, and the leader knew something had to be done. And he struck a deal with the beast rampaging across his home. Markus Wolfsbane, a vampire.

The lion had little need for alliances or deals, but his family, consisting of his wife, biological children, and two blood children, were starving and were resorting to feeding raids upon the villagers. Almost immediately after Markus and his family were integrated, Markus took the leader's life, and the responsibilities of leadership fell upon him. He threatened the group with fury if they refused to listen. And as the group became known as Noctis Imperium, one of the Blood Brothers watched with silent jealousy. His wife, through arranged marriage, noticed this and, one night, the entire Wolfsbane family, all except Elvira and Julius, were found dead.

Fear overrode doubt and Julius and Elvira became the new Lord and Lady. Under their rule, the group surges into a new stance.

The territory consists of mainly woodland, comprising of Oak, Ash, and Thorn trees. Pathways are carved out and lanterns hang from a few trees to help light the way to specific areas in the territory. Fallen signs litter the floor at forks in the path. There are three main parts to the territory itself: The Farmhouse, The Graveyard, The Town, and The Castle. Pictures will be added soon.

THE FARMHOUSE -- ᛟ ᛟ
The Farmhouse is a gothic-style building with a vineyard to one side and an old pig sty to the other. The surrounding land is covered in farmland, and a large oak tree provides shelter from the sun during the warm months. Lots of the Empire's herbs are grown here, and non-sentient animals are raised here for non-vampire consumption.

THE GRAVEYARD -- ᛟ ᛟ
With no path to lead to it, the graveyard is an open patch of land. The graves of the fallen are placed here, and individuals who have died for the group are buried here as well. Many come here to contemplate or to visit the graves of loved ones. It's not rare to find someone here in the dead of night, talking or even singing.

THE TOWN -- ᛟ ᛟ
The Town is rather large and is comprised of gothic-style houses and shop buildings. The roads are laid with stones and sprawl and branch off in all sorts of directions. In the center of town is "The Morning Star", a Tavern that doubles as a meeting hall. The Morning Star has housing for newcomers who have yet to find a place to stay. The tavern mostly caters to vampires, so be wary of what they call "The Bloody Mary" -- it's not what you think.

THE CASTLE -- ᛟ ᛟ
As you follow the road past the tavern, it continues into the forest for at least a mile. Then, the trees become sparse and you can see the gigantic, cathedral-like Castle. Years of animal development have made it more suited for smaller, four-legged residents. Perhaps it was a Cathedral at one point. The interior would suggest so, with a large central hall and several branching hallways leading up and down levels. Each room is decorated to the wants and needs of the current Lord and/or Lady.

The ranks of Noctis Imperium are derived off of English Nobility, without the use of King and Queen. Instead, Lord and Lady are the leading ranks, followed by Duke and Duchess. At any given point, there can be two of each rank. Most of the time, they are married couples.

LORD/LADY -- [2/2] (HP)
The highest rank within the kingdom, they handle political matters and raids. Can be overthrown, but usually are usurped by the Duke and Duchess.
JULIUS WOLFSBANE played by DIO
ELVIRA WOLFSBANE played by COBRA

DUKE/DUCHESS -- [0/2] (HP)
The second in command, underneath Lord and Lady. They are often responsible for handling domestic matters. Can be overthrown or demoted.
CHARNAME played by RPER
CHARNAME played by RPER

CLERGY -- [0/1] (HP)
The healer of the group, tasked with training their Scribe and any others who seek medical knowledge. Vampiric Clergies are hard to come by, but do occasionally rise up. Clergies are often considered the wisest of the group.
CHARNAME played by RPER

SCRIBE -- [0/1] (sHP)
The apprentice to the Clergy. There can officially only be one scribe, to lessen the stress of the Clergy. But unofficial scribes can occur.
CHARNAME played by RPER

DAY GUARD -- [0/5] (sHP)
Despite no need for guards during the day, Day Guards are assigned posts along five outposts in the forest. They are trusted to ensure news is given to Lords and Ladies safely.
CHARNAME played by RPER
CHARNAME played by RPER
CHARNAME played by RPER
CHARNAME played by RPER
CHARNAME played by RPER

NOBLES AND SMITHS -- [unlimited]
Nobles and Smiths are the merchants of the group. They have the same rights and powers, and thus are often referred to as one rank. Smiths deal out weapons and armor, and Nobles deal out aesthetically pleasing items like robes and articles of clothing.


COMMONER -- [unlimited]
The main bulk of the group, comprised of elders, adults, and youths. They are able to set up shops and buy items, and can attend monthly meetings only if a Duke/Duchess or Lord/Lady accompanies them.

BLOOD MEAL -- [unlimited]
The rank for prisoners of War, slaves, and Exiled individuals. Exiled are marked with three X's along their left forearm. By all means, they are disposable. Often times, vampires will feed on them, but will not turn them.

TITLES & REWARDS
BLOODSTONE - Title given to those who have caught the eyes of the Lord and/or Lady. Often will be given special treatment. (Silver necklace)
SWORD BEARER - Title given to those who have fought valiantly in raids and defensive attacks. Are the first to be called into battle. (Copper stake)
SLEUTH - Title given to spies, though not officially a rank, the Lord and/or Lady can call a meeting for only the Sleuths. (Silver earring)

BLOOD FAMILIES AND BLOOD BONDS --
An alternative to adoption, and a tactic used by infertile vampires, Blood Families consist of Blood Parents and Blood Children. Blood Children are those who are turned into vampires by the Blood Parents, and usually take on the family name.

Blood Bonds are for two (or more) vampires grow close enough to occasionally feed off one another. It builds strength and trust. Not all vampire couples/vampires in relationships participate in this.

APPRENTICESHIP --
While children are mostly taught by family or close friends, at any point can a child choose to be mentored by the Clergy, Duke/Duchess, or Lord/Lady. There is no real advantage other than bragging rights.

EXILEMENT AND BRANDING --
Upon becoming Exiled, the Exiled being must be branded with three X's along their arm. Exiled individuals are to be killed on sight if they are to ever return. If the individual joins a group Noctis Imperium is allied to, the Lord and/or Lady are to tell the leader of said group of the crime the individual has committed.

Miracle's Festivals --
Named after a founding figure of the original group, this festival is held twice every year. Once during the summer, and once during the Winter. Preparations start a week before the true festivities, and the festival lasts for seven days. The Summer Festival is held for seven days while The Winter Festival is held for seven nights. Markus's addition to the festival was a Masquerade Ball.

ALLIES - None

NEUTRALS -- All Groups

ENEMIES -- None

NOCTIS IMPERIUM ALIGNS AS A NEUTRAL GROUP LEANING ON WARBOUND. THEY ARE OPEN TO ALLIANCES AND DEALS.