Black Lotus

Alignment	Secrecy / Contract
Leader	Unknown
Territory	Hidden cells, safehouses, and dead drops across the Exiled Lands
Methods	Assassination; sabotage; espionage; poisons; disguises; silence
Relations	Opposes White Lotus; uneasy with Red Lotus; scorns Grey Lotus; wary of Purple Lotus
Notes	All communication from this faction is done through subterfuge. It is common to forge or blame this faction for assassinations but it is conjecture as no one really knows who is involved in it.

Black Lotus

In the Exiled Lands, power is rarely won in the open. The Black Lotus thrives in the places unseen — shadows, whispers, and blades in the dark.

Overview

The Black Lotus are a network of assassins, mercenaries, and spies. Their strength lies in secrecy, precision, and the ability to move unnoticed where others cannot. They are feared not for open war, but for the quiet certainty that if they mark you, your days are numbered.

Hierarchy

**Master of Shadows** – rumored leader of the Black Lotus. Their identity is unknown, even to many within.
**Blademasters and Mistresses** – elite assassins who lead smaller cells.
**Lotus Operatives** – the rank and file; killers, scouts, and spies.
**Informants and Tools** – outsiders and coerced allies pressed into service.

Methods

The Black Lotus prefer:

Assassination, sabotage, and espionage over open conflict.
Contracts purchased with coin, favor, or secret.
Disguises, poisons, and silence.

Notable Figures

Paisley, the Mad Merchant – a merchant cursed into servitude, forever tied to the Black Lotus against his will. Known for erratic speech and misplaced blame, he is often found in the quieter corners of the hub.

Relations

**White Lotus** – a rival in ideology, though occasionally a useful foil.
**Red Lotus** – both compete and cooperate when profit aligns.
**Grey Lotus** – scorned for their lack of subtlety.
**Purple Lotus** – respected, though their arcane pursuits are as dangerous to allies as enemies.

The Black Lotus thrives not in sunlight, but in the silence that follows a heartbeat.