Blood Lords

Blood Lords

(Organization)

Type

Government

Leader

Chancellor Kemnebi

Headquarters

Cinerarium, Mechitar, Geb

Goals

Administration of Geb

Scope

National

Members

Mainly wizards (necromancers)

Source: The Inner Sea World Guide, pg(s). 75 (1E)
Book of the Dead, pg(s). 177f. (2E)

For another meaning of "Blood Lords", please see Blood Lords (adventure path).

Until recently, the ghostly necromancer Geb, founder of his self-titled nation, rarely chose to manifest, leaving his Lich-Queen Arazni to act as head of state. Since her disappearance and abdication in 4719 AR, Geb has reemerged as the nation's formal ruler, although the day-to-day administration of the kingdom continues to be carried out by the Blood Lords. Most, but not all, are powerful necromancers and are headquartered in the giant pyramid known as the Cinerarium in Mechitar, and have pledged loyalty to Geb till death—and beyond, as many of them are undead already. The leader of the Blood Lords is the vampire lord, Chancellor Kemnebi.

Members

There are about 60 Blood Lords, and they include vampires (usually moroi), wraiths, mummies, shadows, and liches. They look down on the nation's lesser undead nobles.

Specific members include:

• Geron Roselorn
• Mirgona Zede
• Hyrune Loxenna
• Quarnim Ix
• Berline Haldoli
• Kyril Vonth
• Zthni
• Haeqajet
• Kemnebi
• Nukati
• Agori
• Torbin
• Hakim
• Khira
• Sittak
• Ixai
• Gulvar Ugtep
• Alagun Faulks
• Quarnim Ix
• Dukat

Servants

The ranks of the Blood Lords in Mechitar are bolstered by a legion of subordinate necromancers, graveknights, skeletons, zombies, ghouls, and ghasts, who also function as the city guard. However, it is the notorious reputation of Geb's ruling class that primarily ensures compliance and obedience among the citizens of Mechitar. The dread and fear instilled by these powerful figures effectively deter any thoughts of rebellion or defiance, maintaining a semblance of order within the kingdom.

Favored familiars

Most Blood Lords demand longevity from their familiars, relying on undead, constructs, and outsiders. Those who prefer animal familiars usually select a creature with a deathly connotation, such as ravens and vultures.

Duties

Ostensibly, the Blood Lords are a unified council tasked with almost all matters of state aside from the nation's secret police (who report directly to Geb himself). They are lawmakers, creating and adjudicating the laws that govern both the living and the dead in Geb. They act as judges, resolving disputes between mortals and the more intelligent undead. They handle military matters and they promote the nation's well-being by maintaining its numerous magical wards and looking after its interests abroad, in addition to acting as diplomats and signing treaties with other countries.

Internal conflict

Within the nation, the 60 necromancers hold authority over the citizens, demanding unwavering obedience. However, behind the façade of a unified ruling class lies a realm of infighting and treachery that has become the stuff of legends. With the departure of Arazni, the conflicts among the Blood Lords have escalated to new heights. Each surviving member vies for the favor and loyalty of Geb, resorting to schemes of assassination and political intrigue. In their desperate bid to prove their allegiance, any Blood Lord suspected of being associated with Geb's former queen becomes a target, as they seek to eliminate any potential rival and solidify their position of power.

References

For additional as-yet unincorporated sources about this subject, see the Meta page.