Are they just the Eberron's Zhentariam?
The latest dastardly plan to take over the world this week? (Not that there's anything wrong with that).
I have viewed the Emerald Claw as being Karrnath's equivalent of the "Strelzy". With King Kaius being the Equivalent to Czar Peter of Russia.
Also I was under the assumption that the Emerald Claw had both living and undead within its ranks. Otherwise replenishing their numbers after a conflict would be difficult.
the way i understand and view the Emerald Claw is hard to really explain with an real world or fictional understanding...
the way i understand them is most like the Knights Templar of the Middle Ages, They are a Military Organization centered around a faith (the Blood of Vol)... if you didn't know the groups is named after the Dragon Father of Erandis d'Vol.
Much like the Knights Templar were Christian they weren't controlled by the Cathlic Church... This is how the Emerald Claw are except with the Country of Karnnath... The only reason Emerald Claw is so big in Karnnath is because of the dirty work of The Blood of Vol during the last war (producing food and curing disease in dire times, at the "perfect" time... /wink /wink) Because of this a LARGE number of Karnnath soldiers and generals defected to the Emerald Claw. fearing the lose of their most important military personal the Karnnath let them keep their positions of power...
The Emerald claw is torn between those who control it and follow Vol and those who view it as Karnnath's salvation... but as we know King Kaius Banned the Emerald Claw from Karnnath...
If i had to role play them i would view them much dependent on the people they are around... a person from Karrnath would look at them like fallen soldiers.. once honorable but now forsaken... with a hint of pity...
a person of Thrane, or Aundair i would give hostility to, because the claw did some nasty things during the last war...
now the two kickers to this are Cyre and Breland... Breland i would say views them as no more a criminal group... as breland was detached from the Karrnath battle lines for much of the last war... but Cyre would hate the Emerald Claw as they are to blame for the death of a few Cyre rulers.. and i would add on that the cyre may just blame the Emerald claw...
Now if you are an Claw member i would ask, did you join for Karrnath to keep the homeland and to fight to unite the 5 nations under a karrnath flag and now you are confused why you are forsaken by the people you fought so hard to defend...
OR do you join for your faith and because you believe you will gain Immortality through the blood of Vol...
All and all the Emerald Claw is an odd group... but well worth it for their depth and importance to the history of Eberron...
I usually play them as the higher up the rank ladder an EC affiliate is, the more fanatical he/she is about the cause. That means that though there's some minions with steely resolve, there are others that are just mercs who don't care what the conflict is all about (possibly surrenduring if given the chance and the threat of death by PC certain).
The Emerald Claw is to Al Qaeda as Karrnath is to Saudi Arabia?
The Emerald Claw are to the Dark Templars as the Karrnathi Crown is to Judicator Conclave?
The Emerald Claw is like the Ku Klux Klan during the Reconstruction after the American Civil War?
I dunno.
Basically, the Emerald Claw was this Nazi S.S. style cult that existed within the ranks of the Karrnath Nobility/Military and when the Last War ended, it was effectively defeated and cast out of the country by King Kaius. Like all those crazy "They saved Hitler's Braaiiinnnn!" style groups, they dream of retaking their homeland and world domination. Also, they have widespread sympathy in Karrnath because no one likes the current situation because it feels too much like defeat.
Overall; I think that the Emerald Claw is also an organization that tries a lot of crazy plots in addition to the usual setting up munitions lines, getting funding, and other typical "I'm building an army to take over Karrnath" style activities. In Eberron, they're the guys who attempt to replace the head of Parliament with a Homonculus and blow up Sharn with an Eldrich Bomb.
I see them as a HUGE organization too that probably wields just slightly less power than a smaller member of the 12 Nations.
Are they just the Eberron's Zhentariam?
The latest dastardly plan to take over the world this week? (Not that there's anything wrong with that).
Don'y know Delta Green either, so a better example is the Nazi's from Indiana Jones. They're everywhere doing everything so that if not other villain fits the situation, you can use them, as any ancient artifact could benefit Vol.
Well, the way I've been running it was that the Emerald Claw is H.Y.D.R.A. from Marvel Comics.
Perrrfect! :D I couldn't have put into words as well as that!
Not sure that I'd make them quite so powerful, but they are a great evil organization that does anything it can to gain power. Ultimate goal = Karrnath ascendant, even if the citizens/Kaius don't want their (ultimately backwards) help.
They should be the foes the party loves to hate - nothing redeeming about them...
Perrrfect! :D I couldn't have put into words as well as that!
Not sure that I'd make them quite so powerful, but they are a great evil organization that does anything it can to gain power. Ultimate goal = Karrnath ascendant, even if the citizens/Kaius don't want their (ultimately backwards) help.
They should be the foes the party loves to hate - nothing redeeming about them...
Overall, I made the Emerald Claw so powerful because I figured that it has an appeal that goes beyond just being a fanatical Karrnath terrorist organization.
* There's a lot of Last War veterans without jobs.
* The organization is as old as Erandis and has a LOT of unliving members.
* If you die in the Emerald Claw, you don't necessarilly have your term of service terminated.
* The organization has a lot of sympathizers who can provide it money and resources in very high positions in Karrnath.
But yes, I guess I make them THAT powerful because it's a nice way to highlight that when they make a plot to take over Karrnath or Q'barra or whatever. In actuality, YES, they CAN do it.
Well, the way I've been running it was that the Emerald Claw is H.Y.D.R.A. from Marvel Comics.
Basically, the Emerald Claw was this Nazi S.S. style cult that existed within the ranks of the Karrnath Nobility/Military and when the Last War ended, it was effectively defeated and cast out of the country by King Kaius. Like all those crazy "They saved Hitler's Braaiiinnnn!" style groups, they dream of retaking their homeland and world domination. Also, they have widespread sympathy in Karrnath because no one likes the current situation because it feels too much like defeat.
Overall; I think that the Emerald Claw is also an organization that tries a lot of crazy plots in addition to the usual setting up munitions lines, getting funding, and other typical "I'm building an army to take over Karrnath" style activities. In Eberron, they're the guys who attempt to replace the head of Parliament with a Homonculus and blow up Sharn with an Eldrich Bomb.
I see them as a HUGE organization too that probably wields just slightly less power than a smaller member of the 12 Nations.
I think this is an awesome way to look at them. They are supposed to be the radical arm of the Blood of Vol cult, so this makes perfect sense. Hellcow has said before that the average Blood of Vol cultist is like a farmer or such and believes in things like community and family and just looks for immortality on Eberron as opposed to rewards in some afterlife. I like this view very much, and it adds alot of depth to Karnath in general.
I think this is an awesome way to look at them. They are supposed to be the radical arm of the Blood of Vol cult, so this makes perfect sense. Hellcow has said before that the average Blood of Vol cultist is like a farmer or such and believes in things like community and family and just looks for immortality on Eberron as opposed to rewards in some afterlife. I like this view very much, and it adds alot of depth to Karnath in general.
I think you're starting to mix up two completely unrelated organizations. The Emerald Claw have no ties to the Blood of Vol (not counting the highest members who know the secret of Vol herself). The Blood of Vol is a religion worshiping immortality, the Emerald Claw is joined if you love Karnath, to the average persons eye, other than perhaps the tie with Karnath to both, and the use of undead (which isn't strange for the Emerald Claw being based in Karnath), the two would appear unrelated. There might be some cross between the two, but a member of the Silver Flame might be a part of the Emerald Claw just as easily as a member of the Blood of Vol.
I think you're starting to mix up two completely unrelated organizations. The Emerald Claw have no ties to the Blood of Vol (not counting the highest members who know the secret of Vol herself). The Blood of Vol is a religion worshiping immortality, the Emerald Claw is joined if you love Karnath, to the average persons eye, other than perhaps the tie with Karnath to both, and the use of undead (which isn't strange for the Emerald Claw being based in Karnath), the two would appear unrelated. There might be some cross between the two, but a member of the Silver Flame might be a part of the Emerald Claw just as easily as a member of the Blood of Vol.
The Order of the Emerald Claw is secretly run by Lady Vol and is an underground organization that is currently outlawed in Karnath. Yes, they were once the elite arm, but that was under Kaisus the first. Now they are basically a terrorist organization.
The Order of the Emerald Claw is secretly run by Lady Vol and is an underground organization that is currently outlawed in Karnath. Yes, they were once the elite arm, but that was under Kaisus the first. Now they are basically a terrorist organization.
Like I was trying to point out, "secretly" is the key word in that sentence. The average person sees no connection between the Blood and the Claw, and so not all of the Claw have the Blood's views.
Like I was trying to point out, "secretly" is the key word in that sentence. The average person sees no connection between the Blood and the Claw, and so not all of the Claw have the Blood's views.
Ah, misunderstood your post, sorry about that. Still think it's an appropriate analogy though, for the DMs purpose. Maybe the common man doesn't understand they are terrorists and could even join them, except in Karnath where they are outlawed, but every government should know the deal, especially in the higher levels such as operatives in the Dark Lanterns and such.
It's like being a Nazi to join the SS.
Really, I wouldn't be surprised if the Blood of Vol has a reputation like the Emerald Claw. The Emerald Claw ARE the people conducting torch-lit ceremonies in crumbling castles to summon demons in order to bestow upon them immortality and raising undead armies to invade other countries.
That's going to color people's perceptions of your religion as a whole.
@Charles: "On the surface...small number of fanatics dedicated to the military superiority of Karnath." Then specifically says, the religious aspect is known only to "the top leaders in the organization"
I think the average person would join because of an undying devotion to Karnath. They either feel the country should/could have won the war and refuse to let it end or something similar, or feel that since Karnath has stopped undead creation, the Claw itself is it's only defense left.
@Charles: "On the surface...small number of fanatics dedicated to the military superiority of Karnath." Then specifically says, the religious aspect is known only to "the top leaders in the organization"
Which doesn't in any way invalidate the fact that no all members are probably Blood of Vol. The BOV is a massive religion in Karrnath and the simple fact is the vast amount of undead in the service of the Emerald Claw and all the creepiness involved, pretty much necessitates it being the BOV's for membership.
It would be interesting to imagine that there's some non-BOV Emerald Claw members but I think you're reading that line incorrectly. I think it refers, instead to the fact that few people are aware the EC exists solely to place Erandis D'Vol in power as ruler of the world more than it having Blood of Vol trappings.
Outlawed everywhere sure, but outlawed in Aundair and outlawed in Karnath I would think are two different things. Aundair may let some get away with it, especially in the more rural areas just from not paying close attention. Karnath on the other hand would squash even the slightest rumor of it.
I think that depends. In some places in Karrnath, you might have the EC openly operating. Kaius wants to see the Emerald Claw destroyed but he's not exactly ruling the country as stably as the other rulers. In Thrane, what Jaela says goes while Kaius has to deal with his semi-independent warlords. One of whom IS an Emerald Claw member.
Which doesn't in any way invalidate the fact that no all members are probably Blood of Vol. The BOV is a massive religion in Karrnath and the simple fact is the vast amount of undead in the service of the Emerald Claw and all the creepiness involved, pretty much necessitates it being the BOV's for membership.
It would be interesting to imagine that there's some non-BOV Emerald Claw members but I think you're reading that line incorrectly. I think it refers, instead to the fact that few people are aware the EC exists solely to place Erandis D'Vol in power as ruler of the world more than it having Blood of Vol trappings.
Like I said, "as likely", at least in other countries. In Karnath itself (and maybe elsewhere just because of the strong undead connection of both) it seems like the most popular religion is going to have the most members. Especially when the religion and the group both support Karnath.
If a Sovereign Host member who worshiped Dol Arrah or Dol Dorn, especially one in Karnath, seems like they would instantly sign up. The goals to everyone appear to be supporting Karnath, which to me says, the group has no (public) religious ties.
I think that depends. In some places in Karrnath, you might have the EC openly operating. Kaius wants to see the Emerald Claw destroyed but he's not exactly ruling the country as stably as the other rulers. In Thrane, what Jaela says goes while Kaius has to deal with his semi-independent warlords. One of whom IS an Emerald Claw member.
Reply With Quote
If I remember correctly, this is a very bad analagy, as the Cardinal is actually controlling the church, and (work with me if this is wrong, it's really late and I'm tired), he sees the 11 year old unfit to be the ruler.
Krozen is evil but no one knows what sort of dastardly schemes he's REALLY up to.
My favorite is Krozen is evil but perfectly loyal to Jaela.
I think that depends. In some places in Karrnath, you might have the EC openly operating. Kaius wants to see the Emerald Claw destroyed but he's not exactly ruling the country as stably as the other rulers. In Thrane, what Jaela says goes while Kaius has to deal with his semi-independent warlords. One of whom IS an Emerald Claw member.
I also imagined economic and political sanctions against certain warlords because of this and a way to influence their decisions and hopefully step more in line. Course, I might be assigning too much real world politics to this situation.
I also imagined economic and political sanctions against certain warlords because of this and a way to influence their decisions and hopefully step more in line. Course, I might be assigning too much real world politics to this situation.
And vice versa.
Again, the issue is that Kaius is the one in the position of inferiority. Its a bit like the President having severely ticked off Congress. Can the President retaliate? Yes. However, the balance of power actually doesn't necessarilly rest with him.
Anyhow, back on topic, your Hydra idea rocks!
:D
I think you're starting to mix up two completely unrelated organizations. The Emerald Claw have no ties to the Blood of Vol (not counting the highest members who know the secret of Vol herself). The Blood of Vol is a religion worshiping immortality, the Emerald Claw is joined if you love Karnath, to the average persons eye, other than perhaps the tie with Karnath to both, and the use of undead (which isn't strange for the Emerald Claw being based in Karnath), the two would appear unrelated. There might be some cross between the two, but a member of the Silver Flame might be a part of the Emerald Claw just as easily as a member of the Blood of Vol.
i have to go with the other two. The Silver Flame would never want to be in the Emerald Claw with undead and the Host is not to hot with undead so i think that people that do not worship anything or worship the Blood of Vol would be in the Emerald Claw
i have to go with the other two. The Silver Flame would never want to be in the Emerald Claw with undead and the Host is not to hot with undead so i think that people that do not worship anything or worship the Blood of Vol would be in the Emerald Claw
Neither the Host nor the Flame have anything anti-undead. Remember, in Eberron, alignments are loose and the gods are open to interpretation. Many people might take Dol Arah's teaching of self-sacrifice to mean that the bravest of warriors are meant to fight again, and should be raised as undead. Or Dol Dorn's clerics may feel connected to Karnath's strong military. Boldrei is the protector of home's, which followers would feel is exactly the purpose of the Emerald Claw, protecting them and the rest of Karnath.
Neither the Host nor the Flame have anything anti-undead. Remember, in Eberron, alignments are loose and the gods are open to interpretation. Many people might take Dol Arah's teaching of self-sacrifice to mean that the bravest of warriors are meant to fight again, and should be raised as undead. Or Dol Dorn's clerics may feel connected to Karnath's strong military. Boldrei is the protector of home's, which followers would feel is exactly the purpose of the Emerald Claw, protecting them and the rest of Karnath.
Both religions consider them things to be wiped out completely. Lycanthropes and Undead are definitely on the "These things turn you evil" scale of things. Eberron is actually pretty cool in that they make it possible to have monsters and dragons be any alignment but undead/demons/etc are pure evil without exception.
Again though, you don't necessarily have to like undead, as it's not the Blood (publicly). The Emerald Claw uses undead, yes, but if a member of the Silver Flame was devoted to Karnath, and just didn't want to be an undead, they wouldn't stop her.
Instead, they'd just praise the Blood and offer their ritual blessings from their rites onto the Silver Flamer.
Like I said, it's a secular organization that positively drips in Blood of Vol mysticism.