The Sons of Nheziroc
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The followers of Midthrir Cethlion call themselves The Sons of Nheziroc, named for the ancient ebon sword Midthrir wields. Some, however, simply call them the Blackblades. Early supporters and followers of Midthrir were said to have sworn blood oaths upon Nheziroc. It was said that oaths taken on the blade could not be broken. Once the Sons of Nheziroc were a personal army numbered only a couple hundred. But as Midthrir's powers grew so did The Sons of Nheziroc. Now they encompass all of Rimegast. They are the bulk of Rimegast's army, but they are also engaged at every level of society; the Blackblades are well-trained cavalry, riding vicious beasts, as well as fey druids providing healing in the countryside.
The Blackblade Crusaders are a grim force, dressed in black armor and crimson cloaks. They are seen as the ideal warriors by the citizens of Rimegast. Tall, dark, and brooding, they are especially strong, loyal, and conduct themselves with a kind of reserved gallantry. Their forces include the Unforgiven, half-giants knights riding spectral steeds rush through the dark forests of the Thicket, protecting the city's outer boarders with vengeful zeal; The Dark Coven, a cabal of succubi, moving in shadows delivering messages and collecting secrets with coquettish duplicity; The Windspeakers, fey wizards specializing in teleportation magic help transport Rimegast forces and agents; the Shrouded Brotherhood, an order of monastic swordsmen, practice their swordplay with intricate movements and severe intensity.
As a society, Rimegast is opulent, proud, and saturnine. It is a society which privileges history and tradition; thus the culture naturally defers to authority and status. The people of Rimegast are deeply fashionable and hedonistic, favoring fine clothes, rich food, and carnal pleasures. They love low mournful music and graceful smoldering dances. Banquets and balls are frequent, elaborate affairs with subtle jockeying among the city's ancient noble houses. Such parties can be as vicious and as bloody as any battle in the field.
Although the culture can be vapid and cruel, courtesy and honor are hugely important in Rimegast, and not just among the nobles. Ordinary people will die for their honor, and thus people tend to conduct themselves with careful respect, especially to those of a higher social rank.
The City of Rimegast itself is ancient, dark, and sprawling. Built into a great mountain the city is as harsh as the dense woods and jagged mountains of Gnarlvost surrounding it. Great black spires rise up into the dark skies over the mountains at night, connecting sky and Iveriu. The walls and towers of the city are so monolithic that even during the day the city seems to drink the light. Immense cathedrals, once pious and austere, now find themselves with no gods to worship, and instead have become palaces for the great noble houses. On top of old reliquaries the nobles built great shrines to themselves and their ancestors and celebrated their self-love. Such celebrations of self-love often come in form of great banquets, galas, and orgies.
In Rimegast the aristocracy has long been obsessed with their ancestry and blood. Since before Midthrir's time, blood has been seen as destiny. One's blood is a gift from ones forebears in trust for ones descendants. Men and women of honor make oaths upon their blood and the blood of their line. Prominent families commune with the spirits of their ancestors and even summon them as ghosts or wraiths. Usually, forefathers and foremothers summoned in this way are simply feasted and honored, but sometimes families let the shades of their ancestors settle their disputes personally. The Blood Barons, the heads of the major families of Rimegast, measure their status by their blood, their power is blood, and any crimes or slights must be paid for with blood.
Rimegast is a dark place and keeps her own secrets.
