The city of Laxtavita is one of the most, if not, the most opulent city in all of Avanroa with many of its denizens having the capability to pursue their lesiurely interests in entertainment be it the arts, music, or other frivolous activities. Indeed, the wealth drawn from centuries of trade and commerce in the city has made it an attractive destination for those who wish to seek a higher status in life be it in the employ of a particular locale's trade, being a hired servant for many noble houses, or as a porter or guard for one of the many guilds and locales. Not surprisingly, new arrivals can also be hired to trades many people would regard as "trade of the lesser kind" for as the saying goes "Brothels never lose customers and there is gold in the shitiest places".
Nevertheless, there is one trade that has always captured the imagination of people near and far. Somewhere in the dark underbelly of Laxtavita, nestled amidst its shadowed streets and concealed within the city's enigmatic locales, lies the elusive hideouts of the infamous Seraph Conclave, an infamous guild of hired assassins.
Rumored to possess a myriad of covert sanctuaries cleverly disguised as unassuming taverns or concealed within the depths of brothels, the Conclve’s hideouts' whereabouts are unknown to all but the assassins themselves. Stories even tell of how a treacherous path, laden full of traps and obstacles, is the only way to their main hideout, the so called fabled Seraph Sanctuary.
Legends rarely mention the Seraphs' true strength, but many believe they comprise no more than a hundred highly skilled assassins. Their lethal services extend beyond the borders of Laxtavita, accepting contracts that beckon them both near and far. Even in foreign holdfasts, tales of encounters with the Seraphs circulate, imprinting fear upon those who have glimpsed the wake of their deadly prowess. It is believed that Seraphs adorn themselves with bronze bracelets or bind their long tresses with a simple yet distinguishing white band to recognize each other, although this may simply be a old wives’ tale propogated by the Seraphs themselves to avert detection.
The enigmatic nature of the Seraphs extends to how they recruit more Seraphs. Many speculate that they pluck potential assassins from the ranks of the destitute, orphaned, and those languishing in the grip of the gallows. Yet, one story, whispered in hushed tones, recounts the testimony of Sylas Teramir—a self-confessed member of the guild. Sylas described that to recruit new members, Seraphs would leave behind a necklace adorned with the symbol of a Seraphim and a cryptic note, to individuals they considered suitable. Sylas’ tale might have some credibility, his untimely demise only fueled the belief that it the Seraph indeed may have felt threatened.
Within the Seraph Conclave, gender holds no sway in the recruitment of new members. Both men and women find themselves embraced by the clandestine folds of their ranks, with female assassins bestowed the evocative moniker of "Seraph Angelicas”. Although there have been very few instances when Angelicas have left behind in their mark in the histories of Avanroa.
The origins of the Seraph Conclave evade scrutiny, buried beneath layers of speculation and myth. With only tales woven around them by storytellers and bards left to give any possible information as to their existence. Some speak of a de Byraine scion, driven to form the guild as a means to eliminate his own brothers. Others suggest a grand conspiracy orchestrated by the Commonfolk, an audacious plot aimed at eradicating the noble class. Whispers, steeped in darkness, even insinuate a secretive cult of chaos worshippers, pulling the strings from the depths of secrecy. Regardless of their beginnings, the Seraphs excel in their trade, meticulously leaving no trace of their presence whenever possible unless otherwise when Seraphs are forced to reveal themselves.
At the present, the Seraph Conclave continues to operate, the mysterious group continuins its dance with death whilst remaining hidden within the labyrinthine heart of Laxtavita. Their hidden network of covert sanctuaries, and their unparalleled skills cast an inescapable web upon Avanroa. For in the winding alleys, opulent chambers, and forgotten corners of the many towns and cities, there lies a Seraph or two with an unwavering purpose, leaving only whispers and the chill of their presence behind.
