history
After the thwarted assassination on Ethan Kindle, Slom (later known as Krasota Medvyedev) was given a blessing to found Chernya Kukla (a.k.a. the Black Dolls, the Dolls) with the understanding that they would leave be the Black Tower and subtly contribute to the chaos that the city requires for its "balance."
Though its beginnings were humble, the Black Dolls grew into an influential organization through Krasota’s cunning and hustle. Manon served as Krasota’s right-hand during this time, and did much of the day-to-day work. Angela White served as Krasota’s bodyguard and hired gun.
Not long after Krasota’s transformation, the Black Dolls’ leader disappeared, and her whereabouts were unknown for quite some time.
Manon took over Krasota's duties entirely and renamed the organization to Gilt Ophidian (a.k.a. Gilt or GO), elevating Angela to her trusted advisor and right hand. Manon nurtured already strong relationships with the Painted Dogs and the fighting ring (now known as Brotherhood of the Fist) into robust, mature bonds of loyalty.
Under Manon’s leadership, members of GO were instilled with a sense of freedom amid the chaos.
As plagues of darkness, weather phenomena, and mysterious growth wracked the city in the spring of 2024, Manon fell ill due to the bacterial nature of a red algae bloom. Her condition worsened and Manon fell into a deep sleep that she has yet to wake from.
Since that time, Angela White and Manon’s husband, Jude Livingston, have been quietly taking care of her duties. Though, trouble is stirring under the surface...
Moral Compass
Gilt Ophidian is generally morally ambiguous as a mob group. Get the job done, unless it violates the limits listed below.
The chaos that reigns in Gilt's work has very clear, concise, and non-negotiable boundaries: nothing involving adolescents and/or children; no sexual assault; no human trafficking; absolutely nothing related to the Black Tower.
Collaboration with the Painted Dogs is encouraged.
Individual motivations may vary by OC — some might enjoy the sense of rebellion, others might be gold-motivated, etc. Gilt Ophidian has room for all of that.
Accept that there is a logical order to life in the city. This is not a group that wants to watch the world burn.
OOC note: Subliminally, the syndicate is loyal to Ethan and his request to contribute chaos to the city. Most members of Gilt Ophidian are unaware of this request; it is a secret held by the upper ranks.
philosophies
“Financial” freedom for all members. You should want for nothing and owe no one outside the family. You do and will continue to owe the family.
Loyalty to your fellow Gilt Ophidian members above all things. Broaches of loyalty will be severely punished.
Respect is earned. Lack of respect for leadership is a punishable offense.
(OOC Note: There will not be OOC guesswork in this rule. We thrive on OOC communication, so if you write something accidentally disrespectful to any leadership, that’s okay! We can talk it out and make a decision together. If you want your OC to receive discipline for being disrespectful, let’s discuss your idea in advance.)
Discretion is necessary. Do not flaunt your fortune in public. Gilt Ophidian is an open secret, and they are tolerated because they do not push the boundaries of acceptable public behavior.
You are a Gilt Ophidian member for life. Similar to your time in TNC, the only way out is death. Retirement is possible, but extremely rare, and requires extensive negotiation with the leader.
Any and all mob activity in The Nameless City rolls up to the GO. Unverified activity will be investigated and dealt with.
GO continues to be affiliated with The Painted Dogs after Manon's leadership was enacted, and they continue to have a mutually prosperous relationship.
OOC Note: leadership is not your friend. Loyalty and friendship must be earned even if your OC has been a member of Gilt Ophidian for some time.
Listings
underlings
middlemen
leadership
collectors
Collectors gather payments owed to Gilt Ophidian on a monthly basis. They will be assigned by district, and may decide their own methods of collection based on their personality (nice, mean, manipulative, etc.)
fingers
Maybe you steal your wares, maybe you scavenge them from places like the Obscured City or the Whereport, maybe you buy or trade newcomers for the rare items they enter the city with. Your job is to procure items and bring them in for resale.
dealers
Dealers will be assigned by district, with the potential for multiple dealers in the more populated districts as need arises. Build relationships, introduce new products, anticipate the needs of your clients. Customer-service oriented mentalities thrive here.
persuaders
honey
Friendly people who have luxury, celebrity, or influence, who will share their success stories with their friends. Where did you get this rare object, or who has smoothed your path through life? The Sweet Talker will tell you, it’s all thanks to Gilt Ophidian. You can trust them, it’s so easy!
vinegar
Threatening people who use intimidation tactics to make it clear to individuals and businesses that they had better partner with Gilt Ophidian — or else something nasty might occur.
Influencers
Members who use their abilities, supernatural or otherwise, to manipulate scenarios to favor Gilt Ophidian. Unlike other roles, Influencers may be "undercover" in society, and keep their membership secret if they choose.
Hired Guns & Muscle
hired guns
Assassins, lorem, ipsum, etc. They may also be brought on jobs by Cleaners or the Head of Collections, depending on what tactics are needed on any given day.
muscle
Security, grunts, lorem, etc. May be brought onto a job with Cleaners or the Head of Collections, if brute force is deemed necessary.
Cleaners
A person whose job is to erase evidence of crimes committed. Often involves the
disposal of bodies. A strong constitution is necessary. Hired guns may be brought in
to assist with this work.
Head of Security
Manon’s personal body guard. Also ensures arrangements for any other necessary security scenarios, including the purchase of hired security details from outside clients.
wanted
wanted
Head of Books
The lead accountant for Gilt Ophidian. Highly trusted by Manon; works closely with Head of Collections. Ensures all Gilt Ophidian members are paid on time.
Head of Distribution
Manages city-wide distribution of drugs manufactured from Manon’s toxins and other TNC-specific substances. Manages team of district-specific dealers.
wanted
filled
Head of acquisitions
A liaison for the free agents who bring Gilt Ophidian exotic wares to sell. These wares are then sold on the underground market for higher value. A fence, essentially, but a powerful one.
Head of collections
Oversees the timely payment of all dues owed to Gilt Ophidian by any individuals or businesses who are paying for protection. Doles out consequences
for those who pay late. Manages team
of collectors.
wanted
wanted
Head of Games
Oversees all gambling efforts. (This role will grow from something smaller, since Gilt Ophidian’s gambling initiatives are still in the early stages.)
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