The PATRICIANS
Though it boasts of being one of the oldest republics in the world, Venice and its empire are nevertheless organised and run for the benefit of the few and exploitation of the many. Its laws, traditions, and history have been shaped by the needs and demands of the Patrician families that rule the city through the Doge's government. Recently, the ruling class has been losing its grasp on the city as the artisans and merchants grow in wealth. Many nobles have financially struggled following the great Catastrophe of 1793. Despite the financial ruin faced by many, all nobles continue to indulge in the hedonistic pleasures on offer with new cults and private organizations on the rise.
MEMBERS OF THE PATRICIANS
Devilish Indulgences
The content of a masquerata is always in flux, as more and more Patrician families indulge that side of their entitled nature. What was once novelty soon passes out of vogue and the truly fashionable nobles of La Serenissima are not simply content with sporadic blood-letting, but strive for even more exotic, depraved displays with which to entertain their guests. Like other aspects of noble life, the masqueratas have become rife with factionalization and secret cults, from the organizing of the murder-parties to particular rituals and rites performed during or after the events themselves.
Always perverse in their pleasures, more and more noble families have partaken in murder, cannibalism, and devious sexual outlets to fulfill their hedonistic dreams.
Hired Help
No noble of any repute is foolish enough to venture forth into the night without a few trusted retainers to aid their party guests, ranging from armed footmen to aggressive maids. It's surprising how few nobles actually make up the ranks of the Patrician forces. Butlers are a common sight on the streets of Venice at night, and while some are soft-spoken advisors, the best of them have military experience from various armies and government agencies. A good butler will provide sage advice whilst acting primarily as a loyal bodyguard.
Those hired hands working for the upper classes in their masqueratas know that although the pay exceeds that offered by any other group in Venice, the work doesn't come without risks. Those indebted to or loyal to the family will give their lives for the noble when required.
A Private Army
Outside their retainers, the Patricians seek out members of the Venetian city guard to protect them. This once dignified profession has taken a darker route since the opening of the Rent in the Sky. Whilst they have proved to be a reliable source of muscle, reinforcements to the Patrician ranks have been provided through their new allies, the Ottomans. Venice has become a source of great interest to foreign empires with the promise of Ducats and trade routes an enticing prospect. Whilst delegates from England and France are a common plague on Venice's streets, the invited Ottomans have begun flooding the city with mercenaries all under the employee of the Patricians. Venice's Nobles brought an army with them and have been welcomed to the slaughter.
NOBLE FIGHTERS OF THE PATRICIANS
PINNACLE OF AFFLUENCE
PINNACLE OF AFFLUENCE
PINNACLE OF AFFLUENCE
The excesses of La Serenissima are varied and perverse. The pleasures the city can offer those who can afford such delights add an unmatched height of ecstasy. Such nobles completely give in to their desires, paying for the most foreign and exotic foods available and hosting lavish banquets lasting for days.
OTTOMAN DISCIPLINE
PINNACLE OF AFFLUENCE
PINNACLE OF AFFLUENCE
With the recent escalation of violence in La Serenissima, the City Guard have been pushed to their breaking point and beyond. Even the Ottoman forces have been stretched thin, suffering heavy casualties. That changed when reinforcements arrived, headed by the leader of the Janissaries himself, Chorbaji.
SINS OF THE FLESH
PINNACLE OF AFFLUENCE
SINS OF THE FLESH
Among the Patricians there are certain taboos that are just a bit too much to be entertained. When this proves to be the case, a cult is rapidly formed to provide a safer refuge for those with a more refined taste.
OTTOMAN CORSAIRS
PINNACLE OF AFFLUENCE
SINS OF THE FLESH
Hiring the Ottoman fleet brings along various methods of combat from the east. With legendary soldiers and black powder weapons, these new corsairs will surprise all enemies of the noble Patricians.
VENETIAN PRIVATEERS
VENETIAN PRIVATEERS
VENETIAN PRIVATEERS
The Patricians have gone to war! Headed back to Venice from far off lands, they’ve used their coin to recruit an entire fleet of Ottomans from far-off Constantinople. Will they be enough to win back the Arsenale?
VENETIAN NAVY
VENETIAN PRIVATEERS
VENETIAN PRIVATEERS
You there! Do you want a job? Do you want to travel to far off places and fight enemies in the water and on the shores? Do you want a good wage, and a prominent position in the emerging world power? Join the Venetian Navy today!
THE NIGHT WATCH
VENETIAN PRIVATEERS
PATRICIANS STARTER
Fully in the pocket of the ruling class, the City Guard are a force to be reckoned with. Well-armed and armoured, there are much worse professions in Venice. If you don’t mind doing some questionable things, the coin is good!
PATRICIANS STARTER
VENETIAN PRIVATEERS
PATRICIANS STARTER
Thinking themselves untouchable by the law, the Patricians run Venice, bribing the City Guard and making their own rules. Their masqueratas are the thing of legend, psychopaths taking to the streets in perverse murder parties with no consequences.
NOBLE REVELLERS
FOREIGN DELEGATES
NOBLE REVELLERS
The high society in Venice love nothing more than throwing a party that gets raucous enough to spill out along the canals in a fit of violence. Their deadly games attract all sorts, including criminals no better than the common folk they despise so much.
CITY GUARD
FOREIGN DELEGATES
NOBLE REVELLERS
Part police force and part armed forces, the City Guard of Venice are tasked with protecting the populace. However, every person has their price, and the Guard are no different. So deep in the pockets of the Patricians, they’re a shell of their benevolent past.
HUNTING PARTY
FOREIGN DELEGATES
FOREIGN DELEGATES
The grand Masqueratas of the Patricians are becoming a common - even daily occurrence. Revelers get particularly raucous and spill out onto the streets. The Patricians form vicious hunting parties to chase down anyone that they find.
FOREIGN DELEGATES
FOREIGN DELEGATES
FOREIGN DELEGATES
The revelers of the Patricians are lavish in the extreme. Known worldwide for their hedonism, they attract all sorts of visitors. Not just for the parties though, these delegates arrive to broker trade deals, with a little bloodshed for good measure.
SUN & MOON
FOREIGN NOBLE & BUTLERS
FOREIGN NOBLE & BUTLERS
Sun & Moon are the only Gifted to have been spotted in the ranks of the Patricians. While the ruling class have been solely without magical gifts to this point, these two party-goers are the exception to the rule.
FOREIGN NOBLE & BUTLERS
FOREIGN NOBLE & BUTLERS
FOREIGN NOBLE & BUTLERS
As the premiere state post Rent, Venice is often home to foreign dignitaries and diplomats looking to barter a favourable trading position with the floating city. Always appearing exquisite and exotic in their native garments, the Foreign Dignitaries look every bit as extravagant as their Venetian counterparts.
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