Blood Lords

From PathfinderWiki
Blood Lords
(Organization)

Type
Government
Leader
Headquarters
Goals
Administration of Geb
Scope
National
Members
Source: The Inner Sea World Guide, pg(s). 75 (1E)
Book of the Dead, pg(s). 177
f. (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,1 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.23

Members

There are about 60 Blood Lords, and they include vampires (usually moroi4), wraiths, mummies, shadows, and liches. They look down on the nation's lesser undead nobles.5

Specific members include:

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.1

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.22

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.323

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.1

References

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

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Erik Mona, et al. Impossible Lands” in World Guide, 77. Paizo Inc., 2019
  2. James Jacobs, et al. The Inner Sea World Guide, 75. Paizo Inc., 2011
  3. 3.0 3.1 Jason Bulmahn, et al. “4: Lands of the Dead” in Book of the Dead, 177–178. Paizo Inc., 2022
  4. Tork Shaw. Vampires of Golarion” in Blood of the Night, 24. Paizo Inc., 2012
  5. James Jacobs, et al. The Inner Sea World Guide, 77. Paizo Inc., 2011
  6. Thurston Hillman, et al. “Strange, Far Places” in Horror Realms, 31. Paizo Inc., 2016
  7. Leo Glass & James Jacobs. “Adventure Toolbox” in The Ghouls Hunger, 90. Paizo Inc., 2022
  8. Benjamin Bruck, et al. “Chapter 2: Places of Myth” in Mythic Realms, 25. Paizo Inc., 2013
  9. Mike Kimmel. “Campaign Overview” in Zombie Feast, 5. Paizo Inc., 2022
  10. 10.0 10.1 Jason Tondro. “Graveclaw” in Graveclaw, 54. Paizo Inc., 2022
  11. Brian Duckwitz. “The Warmaster Council” in A Taste of Ashes, 71. Paizo Inc., 2022
  12. Paizo Inc., et al. Geb” in Impossible Lands, 139. Paizo Inc., 2022
  13. Paizo Inc., et al. Geb” in Impossible Lands, 144. Paizo Inc., 2022
  14. Paizo Inc., et al. Geb” in Impossible Lands, 149. Paizo Inc., 2022
  15. Paizo Inc., et al. Geb” in Impossible Lands, 152. Paizo Inc., 2022
  16. Paizo Inc., et al. Geb” in Impossible Lands, 156. Paizo Inc., 2022
  17. 17.0 17.1 Paizo Inc., et al. Geb” in Impossible Lands, 172. Paizo Inc., 2022
  18. Brian Duckwitz. “A Taste of Ashes” in A Taste of Ashes, 29. Paizo Inc., 2022
  19. Jessica Catalan. “Ghost King's Rage” in Ghost King's Rage, 10. Paizo Inc., 2022
  20. 20.0 20.1 Jessica Catalan. “Ghost King's Rage” in Ghost King's Rage, 13. Paizo Inc., 2022
  21. Jessica Catalan. “Ghost King's Rage” in Ghost King's Rage, 45. Paizo Inc., 2022
  22. Will McCardell, et al. “Introduction” in Familiar Folio, 5. Paizo Inc., 2015
  23. Colin McComb. “Organizations” in Faiths of Corruption, 22. Paizo Inc., 2011