House Vexdane: The House of Whispers
House Vexdane is a noble house of spies, informants, and assassins, rumored to be the Black Blade—the unseen enforcers of House Ashwood. They hold no lands, no armies, and no public influence, yet their reach extends into every court and kingdom, ensuring that rivals disappear, secrets stay buried, and power remains where they want it.
Protected by House Ashwood, they move freely within Hollow Lake, untouchable by law. Their only true opposition is House Halewyn, whose pursuit of knowledge threatens the carefully guarded web of lies and manipulation that Vexdane has spent centuries constructing.
They do not rule openly—they decide who rules from the shadows.
Public Agenda
House Vexdane is not a house of warriors or landowners but of whispers, secrets, and quiet influence. They are deeply tied to House Ashwood, acting as their unseen enforcers, spies, and manipulators, ensuring that rivals disappear, trade deals go in Ashwood’s favor, and political threats are neutralized before they arise.
While no proof exists, it is widely believed that Vexdane operates the Black Blade, a shadowy organization responsible for assassinations, disappearances, and covert operations across The Ancient Reach. In return for their absolute loyalty, House Ashwood protects them, funds them, and grants them access to nearly every seat of power in Hollow Lake.
They do not seek open rule—they ensure others rule as they see fit.
Assets
Vexhall Keep – A small but impenetrable estate within Hollow Lake, more fortress than home, designed for secrecy.
The Black Spire (Rumored) – An underground network of safehouses, used to train spies, hide fugitives, and orchestrate silent wars.
The Whisper Market – A black-market intelligence hub, where secrets, blackmail, and forbidden goods are traded in the shadows.
History
Founded in 1400 BGW by Malrik Vexdane, a cunning court advisor, House Vexdane secured its place by preventing an attempted coup against House Ashwood. In doing so, they gained more than just land or titles—they gained Ashwood’s trust, forming a partnership that has lasted centuries.
Over time, they entrenched themselves into Hollow Lake’s political web, becoming the go-to manipulators, problem solvers, and silencers for those willing to pay their price. By 1000 BGW, they had become untouchable, moving freely where others could not, answering only to House Ashwood.
Territories
No Open Holdings – House Vexdane does not rule land; their power lies in who they control, not what they own.
Hollow Lake Access – They have unrestricted movement within Ashwood territory, able to reach places no other house can.
Military
Vexdane does not field an army—instead, they command shadows and knives in the dark.
The Revenant Guard – A small, elite force of masked enforcers, feared for their lethal efficiency and unwavering loyalty.
The Black Blade (Rumored) – A legendary assassins’ guild, believed to be under Vexdane’s command, though no proof exists.
The Whisperers – A network of spies, informants, and double agents, ensuring no noble house moves without Vexdane’s knowledge.
Political Influence & Intrigue
Loyal to House Ashwood – They exist only because Ashwood allows them to, operating as their hidden hand.
Tense Rivalry with House Halewyn – Vexdane’s secrets and Halewyn’s pursuit of lost knowledge put them at direct odds, with Halewyn scouts often mysteriously disappearing.
Feared, Not Respected – While other noble houses acknowledge them, few trust or welcome their presence.
