Black Thorn Resistance/A Guide to Playing in the Resistance
Beginner's Guide to joining the Black Thorn Resistance
This guide serves as a compass for players looking to embark on a journey within the Rebellion, either by forging new characters to join the fight against the empire or by enriching the role-play experience of existing ones.
"I'll fight this Hochstib, but let's get one thing straight... I won't fight to defeat one tyranny just to see it replaced by another, even one that I'm a part of...Because if this order ever becomes something that imposes its will on the people against their wishes, you'll find my sword on the other side of the line." -Sir Welan
"Should We determine that the town of Wehnimer's Landing has acted in direct defiance of the Empire or any Imperial Order, reprisal shall be swift and terrible." - Jovery the Northern Sentinel
What is a Black Thorn?
The moniker "Black Thorn" encompasses many identities: Rebel, Resistance Fighter, and even the creator of the most esteemed newspaper in the West. This title was born when Baron Elidal, conqueror of the North, christened the assembly of resistance players as the Black Thorns due to a symbol they proudly brandished.
The Black Thorns emerged as a sanctuary where diverse players could unite under the banner of Freedom. Resistance against the oppressive human empire has been deeply ingrained in the player community almost from the very moment the human empire, at its inception an aggressive empire riddled with racial policies antagonistic to non-humans, was announced to the game world. However, this resistance was either fragmented and bereft of cohesion or entirely reliant on Game Masters, rendering it susceptible to manipulation for nefarious ends.
We held the conviction that a majority, or at least a significant plurality, of players yearned for independence in the Landing. Thus, we initiated meetings to consolidate these voices. From that meeting an consensus emerged for the need for an ongoing group that could advocate for independence.
Why Embrace Rebellion? (In-Character and Out-of-Character Motivations)
The epic tales of defying insurmountable adversaries are etched into legends. From characters like Luke Skywalker, Robin Hood, and Katniss Everdeen to real-life heroes such as Alexander Hamilton, Bhagat Singh, and Nelson Mandela, the archetype of the freedom fighter is deeply woven into our literary and historical tapestry.
As for why your character might be drawn to join the rebellion, consider these enticing hooks:
- You stand as a Faendryl veteran of the human-Faendryl war, your anger still smoldering after all these years.
- You hail from a long-lived race, your property unjustly seized by humans during their era of supremacy.
- You are a human farmer, once displaced by the empire's ceaseless wars, now facing the claim of your newfound home by those very oppressors.
- You embody an adventurer of any race who adamantly refuses to collaborate.
- You fled to the north for religious freedom only to see the banners of the empire flying in your new home.
- You are a citizen of the Landing who bore witness to various attacks by agents of the empire (Hoschtib, Talador, Prelate Chaston, to name a few).
- You are opposed to non-representational government in all its forms and have gone north to express yourself.
- You just don't like authority
- You were formerly a member of any of the other lore established anti-empire groups such as the Red Hats, Rooks, or River Rats and have gone north to continue the fight.
Is a Specific Level Required?
No, from an in-character perspective, the resistance is an inclusive haven. It welcomes all, from the mightiest warriors fueled by a passion for freedom to the humble souls quietly sweeping the backroom of a nearby general store. The primary in-character methods of resistance do not hinge on your combat prowess. While we do occasionally seize opportunities to sabotage ships, divert cargo, or neutralize a rogue imperial captain, most of the time, you can embody a Black Thorn, whether at level 1 or level 100+. We continually seek additional hands to aid in crafting pamphlets.
Does the Black Thorn Resistance Seek to Supplant the Rooks?
Absolutely not. Throughout our existence, Black Thorns and Rooks have often shared members. The Black Thorns were designed as an out-of-character mechanism and an in-character group, ensuring independence from sometimes nefarious leadership of the Rooks. However, both in-character and out-of-character, their objectives align. The former leader of the Rooks even brokered peace between the two organizations as they jointly pursued their shared goals. This alignment has become even stronger as the Rooks seem to have disavowed earlier brutal tactics.
As of this writing, the Rooks find themselves in disarray, and even the limited number of players permitted as Rooks remain uncertain about the organization's direction.
Does the Black Thorn Resistance Seek to end Empire RP?
Absolutely not. The genesis of the Black Thorns is intricately tied to a specific historical event—the northern expansion of the empire. While some members may adopt more aggressive in-character stances than others, the core tenet of our manifesto revolves entirely around securing independence for the north. We do not harbor any intentions of causing harm to the southern regions in any way. It's essential to recognize that the Black Thorns did not instigate hostilities; rather, it was the empire that initiated the invasion of the north.
How Do We Coexist with Players Engaged in Empire RP?
Navigating this delicate space requires a nuanced approach, and it's undeniable that there have been missteps on both sides of this divide. There have been players opposing the empire's actions since its inception, and neither faction possesses a historical right to deny the other's existence. Within both the empire and the resistance, there are individuals who consider themselves to be driven by benign actions and motivations.
Both sides must be willing to grant each other the necessary space to coexist. We do not demand that our counterparts cease their role-play; on the contrary, we extend an invitation to engage in it. We do not insist that they alter the essence of their characters; rather, we encourage them to fully explore their roles. We do not intend to attack the players behind the characters, and when debates become heated, it is vital for all parties to step back, take a breath, and approach discussions with a calmer demeanor when necessary.
Neither we nor they requested this particular storyline; we simply seek to coexist within it. Requesting them to abandon their "empire" persona would be just as contentious as them requesting that we cease advocating for an independent north. It's essential that we respect the diversity of stories and perspectives that enrich our shared role-playing universe.
How to Join
The Black Thorns operate without a traditional leadership hierarchy; instead, we rely on collective decision-making through voting on significant matters. Joining our ranks is a straightforward process. Simply seek out a Black Thorn and express your desire to join. A Black Thorn is an individual who identifies as such and upholds the principles outlined in our manifesto.
If you're interested in joining the resistance but prefer not to become a Black Thorn, your choice is wholeheartedly supported. We extend a warm invitation to anyone, be it from resistant-adjacent characters to those aligned with the empire. However, please be aware that pro-empire characters may face challenges during our meetings, but all perspectives are welcomed and respected. Feel free to join our Discord or attend our meetings to engage with our community.