PDA

View Full Version : The Gilded Lily - Information Power Group (revamped)



Philomel
03-06-15, 10:28 AM
Revamping this power group to make it more accessible. Essentially it is more focused on the spying now, and has the brothels merely as bases.


Background and History:

The Realisation:
When Philomel van der Aart was twenty-seven years of age, she discovered the truth of the world. The truth that no gift is ever brought on a silver platter, and for one to gain what one wants, one must seek it it out and take it for oneself. Althanas is a harsh, brutal tragedy, where almost all people own a knife of some kind and have even minor skill in cutting open a throat. Whether it be for pure defense or for the purpose of wrecking havoc, violence is never a step away.

The Power of The Ladies of the Night:
This is no more worst seen in the many brothels across the face of the regions, where man and woman alike seek to gain a night's peace from the violence from a tender night with a Lady of the Night. The goodwill and optimism of Althanas rests almost souly in the hands of the prostitutes who gain a living through others belief in love. But what has been noticed is that the prostitutes of he world are privvy to many secrets, and by figuring this out, Philomel van der Aart has begun construction of a world-wide information network, that has its safe houses and information gatherings in brothels and bars across Althanas. The brothels themselves also serve as a decorative rose-tinted front for any one suspecting of anything.

Name:

The Gilded Lily.

Goals and Purpose:

The Purpose of the Gilded Lily is to be a web of information that is spread across the entire surface of the world. Secrets are power, and these are dealt with like currency in the Gilded Lily, sold and granted as boons to various people. Any secret can be used for any purpose, from revenge to assassination, but for any outside being who is not officially associated with the Gilded Lily, they shalled be denied as being known if any crime is investigated. The Gilded Lily also seeks to bring justice for mis-used and mis-treated whores across Althanas, to liberate them from the clutches of dark-hearted pimps, and thus the Gilded Lily actively will hire these ladies because of their knowledge gaining tactics and to help them gain their own power.

The Gilded Lily active members can be hired on a personal basis, for private investigation, though they will be required to give any major secrets they might learn to the Capitals. The Gilded Lily exists to create a web of information, not a constrictive prison.

Ambition:

The Ambition of the Gilded Lily is ultimately to reveal itself as a power able to defy that of other Power Groups, for example, Sei, that of the Ixian Knights, of governements and other particuarly world-dominating societies. It will create a safe haven for any whore, focusing on that issue of its Outwordly purposes, and also form a global power, infiltrating every city and region for the safety of its members.

Its purpose is information, and its ambition is to create the most powerful spy network in Althanas.

It also has an ambition to seek alliances with other Power Groups, especially those of similar nature.

Location and Head Quarters:

The Gilded Lily is located purposefully in brothels and bars. This is where most men and women spill their secrets, though some are hired on a private course, as courtesans and that is permitted, possibly encouraged.

Currently the Gilded Lily is centered around Radasanth. The burnt remains of the brothel, The Lucky Tiger, is rumoured to be the original birthplace of the Gilded Lily. Now the Gilded Lily is partly run in two places: on land and at sea.

On land it is run from a public house and brothel, by the name of the Sultry Satyr, where rooms are currently being rented. By sea the Gilded Lily is run on the ship The Fiesty Fox, run in agreement with the Black Sails Armada. This ship often sails between Radasanth and Raiaera, and pauses for lengthy times at the latter's port. The ship is also a part-time brothel when the "red silks" are shown, in order to bring in extra income. It is entirely run by females, most of whom are surivivors of The Lucky Tiger tragedy.

Leadership and Membership:

The Guild is organised into a series of "levels". All Levels and positions are able to be claimed by male and female members alike, apart from the position of Matriarch.
One must prove themselves as an ordinary member before claiming the title of a Capital.

The Levels:

The Capitals:

The Matriarch:

The Matriarch is the Head of all operations within the Gilded Lily. It is her duty to keep the Gilded Lily together and to guide them in wisdom. It is also her purpose to be an active member of the Guild's operations, in being a whore herself and taking part in riding the Gilded Lily of any problems. For this she can send others to get rid of particular problems.
Ultimately, the Matriarch is the one authority in the Gilded Lily. She stands firmly above the rest, and when the Head Quarters ship is completed will be the Commander of it - not necessarily the Captain but the Commander in name and action. She is also the public face of the Gilded Lily and so must be skilled in acting.

The Ladies' Maids:

The Ladies' Maids are the two direct realms of authority under the Matriarch. They likewise must be knowledgeable in the world of brothels, or a skilled and practised in this world. Their duties are in carrying out the orders of the Matriarch and making sure order is kept within the Gilded Lily. They also have a duty of joy to bring to the members of the Guild, to keep up the spirit of them. Their purpose is to assist in the organisation of the Gilded Lily and they themselves act within the realms as second in commands.
They are divided between the Ladie's Maid of Blood and the Ladies' Maid of the Bedsheets. One is in charge of the Warrior and Mercenary army and the Escorts of the Gilded Lily, and the other in charge of the Informants and the Advisers.

The Backbone:

Universal Note:

All members of the Gilded Lily, in some format, take the position of an informatat in some way or another. Whether from a simple perspective or a professional perspective, all of them have a purpose thus forth in spying.

The "Bedsheets:"

The Advisers:

The Advisers are the experts of the Gilded Lily, those who know the information profession well and seek to use it for their own benefit. They are also the main source of base knowledge from the Gilded Lily, being experts in anything from Architechture, Geography and Physics, to Literature and Theology. Their purpose is to give a grounding of fact and to be able to discern the validity of any secret that is given. With knowledge of almost every subject they are also a well of wisdom and thought, providing good advise upon most subjects.
They are headed by the Lord of Advisers.

The Informants:

The Informants are the part-time or full-time members of the Gilded Lily, who have no other interest other than to provide information. Though their job is the simplest, it is also the most essential, being the largest group that are literally vital for the Gilded Lily to work. Many are bartenders and whores, but others are professional thieves. They can be nobles or sewer rats, there are no restrictions and nowhere from where information is not desired.
They are headed by the Lord of Information.

The "Blood:"

The Warriors (and Mercenaries):

The Warriors and Mercenaries make up the army of the Gilded Lily. Though not necessarily a purpose in itself currently, the aim of this level is to make a series of warriors in times of needed violence. This includes the proper teaching (not killing) of any person bringing violence to a brothel in any way, because whores are essential to the Gilded Lily for homes of informatants and bases of operations. The Warriors are also used for tasks such as defending the Gilded Lily should it need defending, and providing a bodyguard for any operative of the Gilded Lily who may be in trouble.
They are the headed by the Lord of Warriors.

The Escorts:

The Escorts are perhaps the widest level in terms of skills and purpose. But, they are also the specialists.
They are the entertainment sector of the Gilded Lily, acting ultimately as a distraction for the true purpose of the Gilded Lily to go undetected - indeed, in this case, many are high-class courtesans. They act part-time as informants also, and are also able to be warriors if they so wish. They are also the secret assassins of the group, the secret keepers and the persuaders. Their basic purpose is to get rid (secretly) of any bothers the Gilded lily might have, as well bringing out secrets from others. They are experts in torture, killing and distraction, the lone wolves who are needed at any moment.
They are headed by the joint Lord of Secrets and the Lord of the Bothersome, who are in charge of keeping the secrets of the Guild and assassinations respectively.

General Rules:


LOYALTY to the Gilded Lily is necessary, but we do accept members who have membership already in other Power Groups. The reason for this is because the Gilded Lily wishes to make connections and alliances, hence the role of Advisers accepts those who are allies.
RESPECT your elders in the Gilded Lily. Those above you are your heads. If you have a complaint about the Gilded Lily itself, you are welcome to make one to the Lord of your Level, however, it may not be taken in friendly kind, or maybe, depending on what the complaint is.
NEVER rape anyone. If any member of the Gilded Lily is found to be raping a woman or a man, whether they be a whore or a member, they will be hunted down and punished forthwith.
WHORES are not dirty bitches to be abused. If you find a person abusing a whore then please notify your nearest Lord or Ladies' Maid. You then have the authority and the duty to take the whore under your protection, this includes times of rape especially. Depending on the situation and the wishes of the whore then you may take them to another brothel to establish themselves or bring them to the Head Quarters where they will be protected.
SECRRETS are our lifeblood and purpose. Keep them private, never write them down, train your minds to have good memories. Always give a major secret, also, to your Lord or Ladies' Maid, anything that you think may be major. The importance of said secret will be judged by the Lord or Ladies' Maid in question.
FAILURE to keep these rules will result in punishment via the Warriors and/or the Escorts, depending on the severity of the crime.


After Note:

There exists the figurehead, the totem and the ultimate familar of the Gilded Lily. This comes in the form of an Earth Spirit in the guise of a fox. His name is Veridian Ryuusan, and he is to be respected above all. Failure to do so will result in probable death. If he dislikes you, also, upon meeting you, you will be disbanded from the Guild with no further explanation.

Application:

Use the form below:

Name:
Positon desired:
Link to page (latest character update):
Reason to join:


----------

Current Roster:

The Matriarch:
Philomel Serkana van der Aart

The Ladies' Maids:
Lady of Blood:
Lady of the Bedsheets: Lacey van der Aart (NPC)

The "Bedsheets:"

The Advisers:
Lord of Advisers:
Advisers: Zelrius (initiate) - also informant
Fox (initiate)

The Informants:
Lord of Information:
Informants:
Zelrius (initiate) - also adviser

The "Blood:"

The Warriors:
Lord of Warriors: Maverik Gray (NPC)
Warriors:

The Escorts:
Lord of Secrets:
Lord of the Bothersome:
Escorts: Lady (initiate)
After Sin (initiate)

Cards of Fate
03-06-15, 07:14 PM
Name: VIncent Cain
Positon desired: Lord of the Advisors
Link to page (latest character update): http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?28847-The-Hierophant-LVL-3

Reason to join: Espionage and information gathering go hand and hand with The Tarot Hierarchy's Hierophant. He is a skilled operative of incredible intellect and brawn. Serving as a disciple of Khal'Jaren makes this scholar a top notch candidate for his position. It also gives him multiple reasons to travel the land doing both secret societies bidding.

Cards of Fate
03-06-15, 10:06 PM
Actually I've been informed that due to my status as Hierophant I am not allowed to be in other PG's...

Philomel
03-07-15, 12:14 AM
Cards can secretly be a member of the Gilded Lily, as an outside informant/operative.
In that case we would be happy to accept you.

However, I do understand if your association with the Tarot Heirarchy stops you from joining this Power Group.

Zelrius
03-25-15, 03:31 AM
Edit: OOC I feel like an idiot. I had not known there was a specific recruitment page, Please ignore this.

Zelrius Vesuvius Morgan Blackfyre would like to join The Gilded Lily Information.
He wishes to join as an informant or Advisor. More than happy to use his intellect and malicious methods to the good of those he can trust.

Philomel
03-25-15, 07:29 AM
This is pretty much the recruitment page, don't worry :)

The position is up to you. You can act as either, really. One thing you should know is that the Gilded Lily has close ties with the Crimson Hand, but I see you have applied for acceptance into that Power Group also, so perfect!

We are in need of all types in this Guild. You could perhaps perform as both :) are you up also, for an initiation thread?

Zelrius
03-25-15, 04:41 PM
I would like to perform as both if that is allowed. And Yes I am up for intiation.

Fox Owen Xavier
03-25-15, 06:39 PM
Name: Fox Owen Xavier
Position desired: The Advisers or
Link to page (latest character update): http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?28773
Reason to join: Fox seeks information about the magical arts, medicine, plants, artifacts, and/or about anything that catches his fancy. Connections are always useful to find other some rare or hidden pieces of knowledge.

Philomel
03-25-15, 06:53 PM
My dear Fox,

We do have a great wealth of information ready to be opened and searched. Any adviser would be more than welcome to join our ranks.
I would be glad to welcome you into the Gilded Lily as an initiate.

Would you like an initiation thread? Usually for these I like to do a simple thing - and that is have your character meet Philomel, and speak about their interest in the Gilded Lily. If Fox has any links to the under-world (in terms of criminality etc) he would likely know about it, especially in Radasanth. Either this idea, or Fox can overhear a Gilded Lily NPC operative.

Fox Owen Xavier
03-26-15, 07:24 PM
Sure, that sounds great. Fox is in the CH so he definitely has some experience with the 'other side' of the world. Also, I believe he is going on a quest with Leaf who is somewhat related to Philomel?

I'm open for any type of thread. Just let me know if you have any ideas and we can start something up.

Philomel
04-29-15, 06:48 AM
ATTENTION:

The Crimson Hand has declared war on us. This is rather strange seeing as the beloved Matriarch, Philomel, is their very own Master of the Word. They claim it is something to do with "testing her resolve as a leader" or similar, but the Gilded Lily are taking this very seriously.

We call upon all our members, not just our warriors, to come fight with us. All women who believe in the devious way, all whores who longed to be freed from the bonds of your pimps, all men who understand the power of a listening ear - come join us! We fight to defend ourselves, to gain the right to be noticed across the world. Who knows, perhaps with this war news will be spread of the best intelligence-sourcing guild of all time, and we will move from Radasanth into Raiaera, up into Salvar and beyond the Outlands!!!

(Scrawled note: Alerar is smelly so we are staying out of there for now.)

Also, we humbly request our associates in the familiar guilds. We call upon the Black Sails Armada, help your sister ship in this time of need. The Order of the Golden Dawn - do not we help with intelligence gathering? Come, please assist us and we will strengthen our bonds.

This is not for the Gilded Lily alone - this is for the sake of independent womenkind. Yes, the Gilded Lily is open to all genders and races, but it seeks to bring women the recognition they deserve. Power to the female, power to the whore. We will not go underestimated for any longer!

The Matriarch does wish to remain friends with these vagabonds and indeed, we have agreed that if either win then an alliance will still be present. The Lily is not weak, however, so we will meet this threat head-on and show that our power is worth something. All who die in this will be resurrected, all who are injured will be healed.

But Crimson Hand, be warned. Our resolve is not to be feared.


OOC Note: All people who take part in this will be offered membership to the Gilded Lily, free from initiation. Those who are fighting for us/with us and are already in an initiation thread will be offered a senior position once initiation is complete.

This battle is mainly to decide which power group will take over the HQ made vacant by the Trading Company.

Flamebird
05-18-15, 08:34 PM
Name: Felicity Knopsnider.
Positon desired: Warrior.
Link to page: http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?29476-The-Secret-Side-of-me-I-Never-Let-you-See-Felicity-Level-One&p=249235#post249235
Reason to join: Felicity is sort of a private - private - crime investigator. She feels that information this group could give her could help snuff out crime and beat the bad guys up! Also, she isn't a member of her associated group, but Felicity is currently the private student of Ashla Icebreaker. If felt fit, any major crime ring or whatnot information may be transferred to her. Felicity herself was subjected to discrimination in her early childhood, so she feels strongly against such things. The Gilded Lady just might fit her!

Question though, what "secrets" are meant to be kept? Secrets on the group's location and stuff? Or are certain types of information spread hush hush too?

Philomel
06-08-15, 01:57 PM
Dear Flamebird,

I was certain I replied to you, but it may have been back when my WiFi was very uneasy, so many apologies for that.

Anyway - we would love to accept you into the Gilded Lily. I would be glad to place you as a warrior. Would you like to start an initiation thread sometime? We can discuss it in chat.

In answer to your questions:
Secrets in general concerning the Gilded Lily are more to do with the existence of the Gilded Lily itself. Secrets that are being kept are to do with the actual ones that the Gilded Lily deals with, after all it is a spy guild. These include state secrets, secrets of affairs between nobles, etc. Basically anything that can be used against someone.

The rule that explains that "keep the secret of the Lily" or similar actually is a typing error, and I will now correct it. It was a rule left over from the old version of the Gilded Lily (for more information please see "The Ladies Guild, etc" in the Power Groups information.

Philomel
06-08-15, 03:44 PM
For those who fought on our side on the War, you are being offered membership. Please refer to this thread (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?29564-The-Clan-War-Gilded-Lily-membership-offer-%28for-those-that-fought-on-our-side%29&p=250158#post250158) to accept or decline. Once you have accepted I will invite you to join the tiny forum.

For those who fought in the war and are already part of an initiation, a Capitals position is being offered on completion of your initiation:

To Fox Owen Xavier the position of Lord of Advisers is offered.

To Zelrius the position of Lord of Informants is offered.

Either Lady or After Sin are welcome to take up the position of Lord of the Escorts, if they so wish and if they complete a short initiation. After Sin began one but it has not been written in for a while, but we can use that one.

Please write below if you would like to accept/decline or be considered for another Capitals position.

Flamebird
06-08-15, 08:51 PM
Dear Flamebird,

I was certain I replied to you, but it may have been back when my WiFi was very uneasy, so many apologies for that.

Anyway - we would love to accept you into the Gilded Lily. I would be glad to place you as a warrior. Would you like to start an initiation thread sometime? We can discuss it in chat.

In answer to your questions:
Secrets in general concerning the Gilded Lily are more to do with the existence of the Gilded Lily itself. Secrets that are being kept are to do with the actual ones that the Gilded Lily deals with, after all it is a spy guild. These include state secrets, secrets of affairs between nobles, etc. Basically anything that can be used against someone.

The rule that explains that "keep the secret of the Lily" or similar actually is a typing error, and I will now correct it. It was a rule left over from the old version of the Gilded Lily (for more information please see "The Ladies Guild, etc" in the Power Groups information.

So, all group happenings is hush hush? Got it! I was hoping that through the Gilded Lady, Felicity could be an underground criminal hunter. Like collecting information on bandit hideouts and stuff and putting them down. Is that okay?

Anyways, the initiation of hyper crazy Felicity should be lot's of fun! xD Any storyline ideas?

Philomel
06-09-15, 02:08 AM
Yeah it would be awesome to have a hunter on our side :D
Would love it!!!

Initiation ideas can be anything. Really we have been very relaxed about them. It would be good if it was a thread where Felicity and Philomel met and began to talk about the Gilded Lily. Either you can have Felicity hearing about it from other people (usually folk in brothels is a good place to start) or Phi can hunt her down, following rumours of a head hunter, and realising she could use one.

Settings - I prefer Radsanth. How does that sound?

Flamebird
06-09-15, 06:23 AM
Felicity does get around, but in her own story she wouldn't have heard much on the Gilded Lady. Radsanth is just fine, as Felicity travels a lot.