House Crowin

Wither the Trees of Hate

## Overview

Born of old blood and old royalty. Crowin once held the throne.  Legendary kings who forged an empire. As time progressed and the kingdom fell, they lost their land and held onto the capital of Steamhaven.

No longer kings, the Crowin House became legendary for other reasons. They held the chancellorship for the majority of the lifespan of the new republic but in more recent years have seemed to fade more into the background, no longer running for the title of Chancellor and very rarely taking on any positions of government power, outside of their seat in the Inner Chamber.

However, just because they no longer play the game of politics and have much involvement within the Government, does not make them any less powerful. They play a new game, a game they play in the shadows. Careful manipulation, bribery, and blackmail they still control the city. Combined with the wealth only a family as old as they have, House Crowin is a true force to be reckoned with within the city of Steamhaven.

Added to this, House Crowin has always been rumoured to practice the ancient black magics of old: Blood Magics and Eldritch Magics. Sacrificing human life for their own power and partaking in old rituals that have since been shunned and even dark rumours of cannibalism. Apart with how they remain almost gloomy and secretive, this has not quenched said rumours.

There is also one thing House Crowin prefers over money: favours. They are known for offering strange deals.

## Businesses

While many of the Houses of Steamhaven have focused their efforts on a singular enterprise, either mastering or perfecting a particular trade and rising to the top of it, Crowin has always chosen a different path.

As a family of old money and old blood, what they hold the most of is simple; money. Both clean and dirty.

Legally and officially, House Crowin is the largest investors in Steamhaven. Investing in businesses, enterprises, and of course infrastructure. They hold strong ties with the Steamhaven bank and use it to assist in their investments.  The enterprises they do own, are kept private. Held under umbrellas and secret names. Tied into a number of different companies in an effort to keep their financial strength alive. Cut off one head, and two more take its place, essentially.

To the Higher Castes and the Houses (both Lesser and Greater), they offer their coin. They help with projects, enterprises, start-ups and so on for a piece of the total enterprise. Which allows them to have their hand in many things and keeps their purses heavy.

Unofficially, Crowin has ties to Steamhaven criminal societies. More importantly, the Ashen Kings and the money lending network that "assists" the lower Caste members. Whether it is settling bills, trying to rise through the castes via bribery, their own businesses and the like. While Crowin officially would not ever be seen alongside a Rew or Fo, it doesn't necessarily mean they can't get around the society norms. So investments are made quietly, and they receive money and profits from both the High and Low Castes.

In short, Crowin is a bank. A very careful and discreet bank that makes its livings off of the work of others.

What is talked about even less, are the houses seedier dealings. The funding of bandits, pirates and sky pirates. Extortion. Bribery and blackmail.

Crowin may hold the names of the old Kings. May even have a lifetime of prestige and honor. At the end of the day though, they are a criminal organization so deeply rooted in society, to cut them out would be a tremendous effort and damaging to the economic backbone of Steamhaven.

* Crowin Hospital
* Crowin Pleasure Barge

## Roster

#### Direct Family:

* Einar Crowin
* Lillian Crowin (NPC)