The following pages deal with themes both dark and mature.
While entirely fictional, they are not intended for eyes under the age of 21.
Inspired by the Antivan Crows, Lovecraftian Horror & Discworld~.
Welcome to the Serpent's Warren
You find upon your person a pristine little note with a floral seal in marbled silver wax.
It feels vaguely familiar, that seal.
Though, you can't quite remember where you may have seen it before.
It is lacking an addressee, so one can only assume it was meant for you...The contents within are written in a precise hand upon parchment lightly embossed with decorative vines. Your Watcher commends your skills and talks rather vaguely of employment within a well established- and well funded- old House.
They do not mention where this House might be found. Nor is there a signature.
Only a set of directions to a cave out in the Fringes of Gyr Abania.Best of luck, future Friend.
House Madaras / Serpent's Warren is a Heavy RP group based on Balmung, Crystal.
Run by the mysterious Madaras family, it is a very old and well established House known for its political espionage and highly efficient assassins.Both reclusive and selective, the House has made a name for itself over the last century with its incredible leniency when it comes to illicit research. With vast on-site archives, bountiful resources and plenty of 'willing' subjects to play with, not much is truly out of bounds within the House.
It is a haven of willful ignorance where the morally ambiguous may thrive. A place of learning where few things are taboo and fewer still are deemed off-limits.
House Madaras' underbelly, the Serpent's Warren, is set up as a place for characters of darker persuasions; assassins, murderers, manipulative socialites, eccentric mages and so on. The counterpart to its scholarly side, it offers spurious training for those with a penchant for trading in lives and re-appropriating items.-=-Our main themes include assassination, eldritch horror, necromancy, manipulation and violence, with a large focus on a more realistic and gritty approach to RP. Roleplay will center both in the House itself and out in the game's Overworld.We encourage people to play with the setting in their RP as much as they wish; add in a ghost, inject your character with frenzied dreams, let a science experiment loose in the halls!Our intent is to give writers a well-crafted setting to explore the darker themes of XIV in a safe environment. We encourage people to play deviously, to use each others characters like pieces on a board and utilise the setting to its fullest.But above all, consent is key and communication paramount.
Anyone found playing the villain beyond the screen will be swiftly removed.
This is a Group, not just a Free Company.
You do not need to join the FC to RP with us.
We utilise Discord and a CWLS for OOC communication with the FC estate functioning as our RP hub.This Group is small and intends to remain so.
If you're looking for a massive RP Group with high traffic and numbers, this isn't us. We prefer a more personal touch.
Primary Timezones: GMT & EST
Last Tweaked: 23 / 12 / 23
House Madaras
Shrouded in both rumour and misdirection the Madaras Estate is difficult to pin down. Tucked away in the foothills of the Peaks it can easily be dismissed as a Noble's country retreat; house staff populate the grounds and rooms, dressed in clothes of regal blues and wrapped in an air of business.
A tributary of the Velodyna River flows peacefully behind the cliff the building rests on and the gentle climb of verdant forest cradles the outer grounds in solitude.
Its ties to the infamous band of Assassins known as the Serpents is tenuous at best. Any House can have blue and silver motifs, after all.
Though, not all have such a high disappearance rate of visiting guests or such abhorrent house staff...
Located ICly along the Southern Western foothills of Gyr Abania, House Madaras masquerades as a noble's estate and prestigious school for specialised training. Kept secure by both reputation and nameless benefactors from all over, its doors are open to those seeking to learn specific skills that are oft frowned upon by the wider world.
Indeed, there are not many subjects that remain sacrosanct in these marbled halls. Many varieties of research that would be spurned in most- if not all- City States are studied here. Chief among them is the binding and working with the Dead, and the push to explore evolution itself. There are no limits to the scholars of House Madaras, only problems to be solved.
The House's history is that of one steeped in the occult and profane. Founded centuries ago by a group of mages whose identity has since fallen into obscurity, it has stood as an abhorrent beacon to those with loose morals and insatiable curiosity. The only cost being that of discretion.
An agreement enforced in blood if necessary.Its halls and guests are tended to by both the Living and the Dead. Spirits and Ashkin accompany the House Staff on their myriad tasks, bound in servitude by the House's magics. Messages are often delivered by spirits, floors are swept by Fomor and the highest lamps dusted by ghosts.
These macabre maids are hardly hidden from sight and those that happen to stumble onto the House in ignorance, often leave with pale-faced looks of disgust.
But away from prying eyes, in the less public rooms of the House, are the chambers belonging its Blades. Hailing from all walks of life, the faces they show to the House are never the same as those they show without. A Gleaner, an Alchemist, a Bookshop owner... Any and all of them could belong to the House.
Having eyes and ears far and wide makes manipulating the greater world as easy as breathing; a rival merchant is suddenly bankrupt, a Monetarist loses their precious blackmail, a key Garlean blueprint is re-written.
For the right price, nothing is truly out of reach.
A Summary for those short on time:
The mansion itself is loosely known to the public as an unsavoury research hall. It is difficult to locate but not impossible and is very well funded.
It is much bigger in size than the game allows and consists of a ground floor, two upper floors and the basement levels. Think somewhere along the lines of the Grand Cosmos dungeon in game.
Individuals of all moral persuasion are welcome here. The House is set up to accommodate anything from unlawful research, to lessons in thievery and magic, to simply access to the archives.
It is staffed by both the living and the dead. A distasteful fact which is known outside of its halls.
It remains politically neutral by aiding any nation and swearing allegiance to none. This doesn't mean it is untouchable.
It is rumoured to double as the home of an assassin's group known as the Serpents, but concrete proof is hard to come by and often has a tendency to disappear...
Ranks & Hierarchy
The Staff and Serpents of House Madaras are the irreplaceable gears of a well oiled machine. Without them, the House simply does not run. They are the Matron's hands, eyes and ears and ensure that everything runs smoothly. Many are born within its halls, but most are head-hunted for particular skills.They range from smugglers, assassins and informants, to mages, alchemists, teachers and even interior decorators and valiant knights. The House has a use for every sharp mind and dexterous pair of hands. Any character can fit in, but some may have their morals and beliefs tested more sorely than others.-=-When your Trial period concludes, you will be asked which path you feel best suits your character and begin at the base level of that group.
This decision is not concrete. If you feel down the line you are better suited elsewhere, that is perfectly fine!
You also do not need to progress if you don't want to.
Events are open to everyone regardless of chosen rank.
Only the IC Intro needs to be completed to join RP.
Although Anam leads the group OOCly, this does not translate to IC.
The character can absolutely be challenged and questioned.IC Ranks do not have OOC Admin/Officership power.
Those are always 100% OOC and cannot be earned via IC means, only given at the Admin's discretion.
The Serpents of the Warren
Neonate
The lowest ranking Blade recruits. Proficient enough in all forms of training to be considered for the rank of Serpent, but still with much room to improve. Often taken under the tutelage of a Serpent or Venin.
Do not disappoint.
Serpent
A tier between Neonate and Venin. Serpents have proven themself, but still have a long way to go. They have mastered one or two disciplines and can be trusted with most contracts. The exceptional few can be trusted to train new Neonates and often report directly to a Venin.
Venin
The Elite. No job is too difficult or daunting and the Matron expects nothing short of perfection at all times from these highly trained killers. They have mastered almost all the disciplines taught by the house, if not all, but are far from untouchable. A disappointing Venin is met with grave punishment indeed.
The Staff of the House
Vilca
The Magecraft specialists. Utilising a specialised variant of spellcraft that draws from both Thaumaturgy and Conjury, they train the Blades in illusions and quick cast offensive and defensive spells. The repertoire of the house is one suited to speed and obfuscation.
Those that have no wish to teach take the mantle of researchers, utilising the Houses resources to further their own projects.
Aster
The Physical specialist. They teach everything from hand-to-hand, to blade proficiency and free-running. Oft fierce and reserved, their days are filled with practical exercise and the upkeep of the weapons and training spaces.
If teaching and training isn't to the individual's tastes, Asters also double as the House's runners, eyes and ears. More loyal than Agents, they oft receive specific tasks from Venin.
Iris
Alchemical specialists and chirurgeons. Potions and medicines, oils for weapons, toxins and hallucinogens. All these and more lie in Iris' domain. When they aren't brewing up something more deadly they are often found in the Infirmary, doubling as the chirurgeons of the House.
Our Delicious Friends
Guest of the House
Let not the House's public face be forgotten. With its specialised libraries, multitude of "willing" specimens and a penchant for looking the other way many scholars and researchers that might otherwise face punishment seek the House. Within these secluded halls, we ask only that you share your findings.
Agent
Those with desirable skills that were headhunted personally by a Venin. These can be anything from expert trackers, masters of high society or those for whom information is currency.
The Matron's Favour is an in-group mini game of manipulation and subterfuge.
Anyone can join in and the objective is simple; make yourself look better to the detriment of your fellows. You can find the rules below.
OOC Information
Welcome to the OOC section. Here you will find the answers to most of the questions of who we are and what we do!
As stated before Serpent's Warren is a Heavy RP group based on Balmung, Crystal. While there is a Free Company and a house, you do not need to join the FC to participate. We have players from all over!If you wish to look around first, you can find us in the Lavender Beds, W3-P6.
Please be respectful of any ongoing RP scenes!
| Member Driven: | Though the group has dedicated admins and we set up contracts and events, the group relies on you and the other members for that immersive experience to hold, and we highly encourage personal story arcs and member-run mini-events. As long as it is cleared with admin, you are free to tell whatever tales you wish! |
| What is a Heavy RP Group: | A heavy RP group is one that places a heavy emphasis on the immersive aspect of roleplay. Very little will be shared OOCly, encouraging members to interact with each other to find out the latest juicy bits of gossip and character story. It also comes with an emphasis on well-rounded characters with their own internal arcs running alongside the main group story. |
| Who Are We: | Known by the wider world as House Madaras, the Serpent's Warren has long been a place of prestigious learning for Assassins, dangerous Mages and those with an interest in darker subjects as a whole. Having ties to no nation and a willingness to aid all keep it politically neutral- and blessedly secure. That said, we won't restrict applicants to just characters of those themes. If you are interested, then we can absolutely make it work! |
| What Do We Do: | We are a small group and aim to stay that way. Our member cap is 30, so if you're looking for a huge bustling community, it's not us. We run the groups main story, alongside heists and member plots, content nights and movie nights! |
| Lore-Bending & Themes: | At an IC level, most denizens of the House believe it to simply be a shifty place of learning with the lower levels outfitted to hold criminals from various Nations. At an OOC level those in the House are often the unwitting experiments of others and there are heavy rumours of unsettling things in the Warrens beneath. Twisted dreams are common, hallucinations, unsettling whispers to name a few. All of these things are free for you to utilise in your RP as scene props. |
| The Restless Dead: | It is no small secret that the halls of House Madaras are inhabited by more than just the living. Spirits and Ashkin bound to the house take care of various tasks from delivering messages, to surveillance, to small work tasks to save the living Houseborn time. These are NPC's for use in RP scenes and snippets by anyone. Playing one of these beyond an NPC role needs to be cleared by admin. |
| The Setting | Though FFXIV is a high-fantasy setting, we aim for something much more grounded in the Warrens. There are no over-powered characters here, no Voidsent Lords, no Warriors of Light and no god-like combatants. We are scientists, alchemists, rogues and murderers. While magic still works the same and some of the House are trained, they can absolutely be stopped. We want there to be consequences for your actions and for your characters to feel challenged. Think of it like a level 5 tabletop character attempting a level 9 encounter; it's doable, but at what cost? |
Setting Rules
Below are the rules we have in place for our setting and the group.
These are not negotiable.
| Stage Respect | Not every RP scene will be your character's time to shine. Accept that you will be a supportive act for many an RP scene and, while people can endeavour to include you, are not obligated to do so. If you wish to be part of something speak up or jump in! There isn't much hand-holding here. |
| Consequences | Because of the more gritty nature of this setting actions to consequences are to be expected. If you are found to be consistently wiggling your way out of said consequences, or placing your characters in spots where the Admins find their hands tied, we will simply small. Your character will not be killed without your permission, but we reserve the right to remove them from the story if you can't behave. |
| Consent | If you are going to do something with another persons character- i.e. injure them, spread rumours, attempt to sabotage their work- you MUST communicate your desire to them first. Other players are not your toys and this includes things done for the Matron's Favour game. |
| ERP/NSFW | While we have no prejudice towards ERP please do it in private and please don't talk about it in public channels. We don't want to know. Keep it to DMs. Keep it respectful. Anything relating to strong/heavy kinks will be removed. If you are uncertain; ask. If you join us solely with the intent to ERP you will be removed. This is not the space for that. |
| Voidsent & Their Hosts | We do not accept these types of characters. The House is lore-wise a hub of ghostly activity and thus full of spirits. Spirits comprised predominantly of aether. This means that anything of the Void is seen as a high threat to the Dead and, in order to keep them safe, the grounds are heavily warded. While Reapers are allowed they are discouraged from summoning their Avatars within the House as it would not be a pleasant experience for either individual and must have full control of their bond at an IC level. |
| Over-powered Characters | As stated before, this setting is intended to be much more grounded and gritty in tone. To that end we do not accept characters that are gratuitously powerful. Some examples of what we consider such would be the canon Warrior of Light, Zenos, or someone who could hold their own against such a character. Those with few limits or drawbacks to their strength or power, those that can conveniently do almost everything perfectly with no explanation, can cast massive Flares as easily as breathing and so on aren't the type of characters we're looking for. The Echo is a gray area and will usually be discussed. |
| Regarding Lore | While we strive for consistency in our setting, an active community of multiple writers means that at times there will be different styles, ideas and approaches to canon, and many an interpretation of the more open-ended aspects of the game's lore. We ask that despite any disagreements that might emerge, you do not police the RP of others, communicate with them. If you truly cannot see eye to eye, then please reach out to one of the Admins for help. |
| Lalafell & Custom Races | Both of these are absolutely welcome here! We are moon friendly for those of you that utilise it, but please be aware that some of us play on Console and therefore cannot see Moonfolk. We ask that if you are something particularly fantastical that it's well thought-out and explainable. |
If you have any questions about anything listed here, or the group itself, feel free to reach out to one of the officers in game or Discord!We do not accept characters belonging to the game's main canon.
| Discord: Anamsgith |
| Discord: cheerfulcryptid |
Our Application process is relatively short and is outlined below.
If you have questions regarding yours, feel free to message one of the officers above in game or via Discord!
Your Application is reviewed by our officers and a response usually given within a week.
Accepted Applicants will have someone reach out and arrange a time and day for their recruitment that suits both parties. Please refrain from RPing in the House before then.
The Trial period lasts 30 days. After this you will have a short review to see whether you are a good fit or not!
The Serpent's Warren
House Madaras' best kept secret. The Warrens, as it is known amongst its Serpents, consists of a vast network of subterranean tunnels beneath the estate. The vaulted door stands under the unwavering vigil of two large Dulluhans whose dark armour is embossed with the silver crest of the House. Accessible only from the basement levels of the mansion, beyond pantries, storage rooms and training spaces, its doors hide things only for the most trusted of eyes.
The first three levels form the Catacombs of the House. Rows of stone coffins set in the walls are lit by the pale blue glow of ethereal flame and it is kept meticulously tidy as a mark of respect. Here resides the House's honored Dead; former members that wish to continue their work beyond the grave, and those who have retired from their spectral servitude. It also serves, in part, as a defense against intruders with its denizens known to purposefully mislead those that are far too inquisitive...
Beneath this lies the entrance to the Warren Proper. Malms of dimly lit walls of damp stone sprawl out in a barely mapped tangle of twisted tunnels excavated over decades. Those nearer the surface function as work spaces for Serpents and Staff both, where weapons are constructed, new formulae tested and magics created. Some of the longer and wider tunnels have been converted into training grounds where Serpents might practice against each other without prying eyes.Beyond and below even these darkened halls lies the Sepulcher. Originally a huge naturally formed cavern the first excavators of the Warrens uncovered, it is lit by the rusted remains of crystal lamps and its towering stalagmites have been partially hollowed and worked into cells. The expanse is thick with the sounds of pain and suffering, rippling off the walls and splashing upward to the dying suspended in cages from the stalactites above.
Prisoners of war, traitors, rapists- many forsaken souls rot in the bowels of the House. Would that they were lucky enough to be forgotten. Granted brief excursions into the Warrens by Staff and Serpent, they lend "help" to their captors by way of living test subject, punching bag or torture practice to name a few.
But there are things deeper still.
Heavily warded doors of heavier iron can be found at the very center of the Sepulcher, easily missed amongst warped cages and abandoned corpses.
Standing too close tickles the mind and warps the vision. Shadows turn in on themselves and the air shimmers like an oil slick...Best to leave that well alone, don't you think?
These locations aren't available in game and thus require some theater of the mind.
Tamtara can be used in Explorer Mode for a suitable in-game Warrens, along with the first few corridors of Troia. The Sepulcher itself is harder and Discord works best.Anyone is welcome to poke at these areas! Ask the admin if your curious.
But be warned, unwelcome visits come with consequences~.
The Matron's Favour
The Matron's Favour is an in-group mini game of manipulation and subterfuge.
Pitting members of the House against each other in a game of wit and mettle, it encourages the more seedy side of RP by viewing your fellows as stepping-stones for those with the initiative to use them.
It is open to everyone to play and serves to add another layer to the RP we do.
No one is obligated to play, this is purely for fun!
| In Character | It is well known that the elusive Matron of the House delights in devious schemes within Her halls. Tweaking a new alchemical formula to the misfortune of another, stealing from a fellow Serpent without them noticing (or a Venin, if you dare), setting another up to take blame for your own mishaps... There are many ways to be noticed. But never compromise a life. |
| Out of Character | This is a House of assassins, thieves and worse; use each other. If you feel someone's pet project would be so much more improved if it were yours, take it. Convince the Matron it was all your idea and, if you're successful, reap the benefits that should have gone to them. Or maybe they have a coveted shiny sword you really want? Or secrets? Take those too, go on. What's stopping you? |
| Consent & Communicate | This relies heavily on communication and obviously, not everyone will be up for playing and that's okay! Just be sure to be clear when you say no. Because the end result will be detrimental to one of you, make sure you are comfortable with any consequences that might arise. No one can ever severely injure or kill your character without your consent and the main rules still apply. |
| Benefits | These are all IC and your won Favour can either be used the day you receive it, or banked for the Right Moment™️. Your character is able to ask for anything you can think of; a specific request of the House, an exceptionally rare material, occult books and artifacts or something else entirely. The only thing off-limits is OOC officership. This is done solely on merit and trust. |
For the sake of immersion, Anam and Zhel remain OOCly in the dark about any Favour games and it is handled by the Junior Admin.
This ensures that the "Matron's" judgement is wholly unbiased.
They are only brought in if there is a severe disagreement.