The Family
An intergenerational secret organization founded just before the American Revolutionary War by four households: Amsel, Blackburne, Chism, and Dawson. While other historic groups like the Sons of Liberty and Freemasons operated publicly or became known, the Families remained hidden, working behind the scenes to influence events and maintain control. Each household developed a unique role:
• Amsels: Political influencers, public-facing.
• Blackburnes: Spies, infiltrators, intelligence gatherers.
• Chisms: Enforcers, cleaners, specialists in dark operations.
• Dawsons: Formerly involved in the slave trade; eliminated in a civil war within the Family over their refusal to follow ethical rules.
The Family believes in order through bloodline. Children of members, called “Bloodborne,” must be of direct descent and are recognized by a ceremonial ring once earned, signifying loyalty, service, and access.
They enforce their own laws, including:
• Vendettas for wrongful killings of Bloodborne.
• The protection and education of their descendants.
• Strict silence about their operations.
While some see them as tyrants or manipulators, the Family views itself as a stabilizing force — surviving past collapses, and preparing for the next.
They are not a mafia, cult, or government — but a shadow society whose influence extends worldwide, with members embedded across territories, maintaining their control in the modern world through espionage, training, and survival expertise.
Associates may work with them, but only are afforded protections and compensation for their services. They also don't often speak in front o. Their influence spans continents and centuries, with embedded members across governments, territories, and institutions.