Rifters

*"...The children of the tower are whispering; their faith that was once proclaimed within the heroes in the past are now finding new heroes to cling to. New myths... A new order built upon the restructuring of the tower and the eventual downfall of the Red King's dominion. That is what they believe; truly. And it is this blind faith that fuels the Rifters, the hope for chaos to overthrow the overbearing law & order that has been imposed for millennia."*

## **Structure of the Organization**

Many believe the Rifters to be a band of unorganized religious zealots, or simply terrorists. Their organization is based upon the principals of a quasi-feudalistic system built around an idea rather than a king. All of the Floral Lords have various vassals and standing armies within them, the only idea bringing them together is the ideal of bringing down the Red King. Underneath the Floral Lords are their direct vassals, powerful nobles who exert a particular amount of influence over the people they rule over; whether through contracts, debt or underhanded means. These are often referred to as the Veiled Ones. Below the them are the various gangs that work under them; ruling from the shadows.

### **The Floral Lords**

There are believed to be 10-11 Floral Lords alive at one time. They exert influence over a dominion of various Veiled Ones, only the Floral Lord being allowed to know the identities of the Veiled Ones. They are each named after a particular type of flower that they are particular to. Their identities being a mystery, even to the other Floral Lords in most cases. While they bear the mask of their insignia, their identity remains entirely masked to those who would attempt to discern it, even to prophetic magics of the **House of Mysteries**.

1. **Black Rose**
2. **Rose**
3. **Forget-Me-Not**
4. **Thistle**
5. **Rafflesia**
6. **Nightshade**
7. **Hyacinth**
8. **Aconite**
9. **Lily**
10. **Carnation**

### **The Veiled Ones**

They are those that work directly underneath the Floral Lords. There is said to be a ritual that enforces such fealty using a compact of some design. Such compact is said to prevent the Veiled Ones from betraying their lords, and protects the Floral Lords from having their identity revealed due to their close contact. It prevents the Veiled Ones from being able to internalize the name.

### **The Lowers**

Those that work underneath the Veiled Ones are the gang-leaders and mafioso referred to by many as the "Lowers." They know not of their bosses' identity. There is a system of synergistic contracts that ensure the Lowers remain loyal to the Veiled Ones, granting them interesting abilities to those who remain loyal; destroying those that attempt to betray their bosses.

## **The Wilted Flowers**

Those whose identities have been revealed are removed from the Floral Lords and are unable to sit within the council, however their position within the organization is just below them; holding more sway than a veiled one, but less than a true Floral Lord. Such members are often those who have left the organization on bad terms or are attempting to reform it in some way. Many of the original members are "Wilted Flowers."

1. Lord Daffodil - Tolman Bluesong
2. Lord Dianthus - Maxwell Darke
3. Lord Heather - Cora Burrows
4. Lord Poppy - Albus Fizzlewinks
5. Lord Daisy - Raaten Stormcaller