Information on the House

[Lilith]

This knowledge is meant for OOC elucidation, so applicants may get a better idea of some of the backstory of the SG. Unless a character has a good, compelling reason, this knowledge would generally not be known. It would; however, become readily available upon membership or perhaps even during general inquires throughout the application process. Nothing here is too terribly secret, and some would even be relative public knowledge with the correct searching.



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History of the House

The House of Thorns was founded sometime in the mid to late 17th Century. It claims membership from some interesting historical figures (e.g. John Wilmot, 2nd Earl of Rochester and the Marquis de Sade). The infamy of the House goes back even further, as both overly fond members and the ubiquitous enemies have contributed to such imagined histories. A rather large scandal that was endured in later times had people claiming that Gill de Rais was a member, which would have been impossible, but still used as potential means to scandalize and outlaw the House. Such efforts ultimately failed.

Much like the Hellfire Club, the House of Thorns was founded by the nobility. Such people of wealth and station had the leisure time and resources to secretly gather to begin exploring fanciful "immoral" activities in the realms of art, philosophy, fetish, sex, and the occult. Unlike the Hellfire Club, though, the House of Thorns actually originated from a single noble House - the family Thorne.

As the House became more popular (coming and goings of its members and sycophants, even possible shame associated with having been involved) it evolved from whispered rumor to being a bit more known. It had to engage its share of fighting with the public, as it were (e.g. religious organizations, other nobles wanting them removed). Two options were available - give up or fight. The House decided, then, to begin working in the overt and covert world of politics and diplomacy (no strange action for a successful noble House). They began aiding in social and military ways, always somewhat subtlely, though how much they wanted known would dictate such. The House even blackmailed and exerted other pressures on its enemies. Due to this, the House survived, staying in the gray area of quasi-hidden but known in both fame and infamy.

[Lilith]

House of Thorns – Timeline

Circa early 13th Century – The family Broche (possibly derivative of a successful merchant family, Brocchus, in ancient Rome) migrates from the Languedoc region of France to avoid the Albigensian Crusade. Though not openly tied to the Gnostic Catholic Church of that region, the family’s desire for open-mindedness and tolerance seemed a good fit. As the Roman Catholic armies invade to put the Gnostics to the sword, the wealthy family Broche flees to England.

Circa 14th Century – a recently established noble House of Thorne comes to Court. Their lineage is linked to the wealthy merchant-family Broche of the Languedoc region.

Circa mid-late 17th Century – The House of Thorns is founded. It is not an official organization sanctioned by either Crown or Church. There is rumor that such may have had something to do with the enlightened position of England in outlawing torture in 1640. The House is comprised of nobles seeking to explore “immoral” actions in the venues of the arts, philosophy, sexuality and fetish, and even the mystical and occult. John Wilmont, the 2nd Earl of Rochester, known libertine and writer of poetry, is rumored to be linked with the House. Unknown to the general public is the central and organizing involvement of the noble family Thorne.

Circa 18th Century – Having increased in size and had to deal with its share of political and religious scandals and battles, the House of Thorns has continued to grow in popularity while still maintaining something of a quasi-secret status. Rumors abound of the notorious Satanic child murderer Gill de Rais having been a member of the House. Such rumors are attributed to enemies of the House attempting to malign and have them outlawed. Pressure is exerted ~1720 when George I puts forward a Bill “against horrid impieties”, aimed to outlaw such organizations. The House manages to survive. Rumors abound in the late part of the Century of visits to House functions by the Marquis de Sade as well as covert participation from the House on both sides of the French Revolution.

Circa late 18th/ early 19th Century – A satellite branch of the House in the United States (New York City) rises in power and prestige, suggesting a shift to the New World. The satellite branch had moved decades before, which may imply a ‘scouting’ venture on the part of the House to move to other locations from England. Exact reasons for this change in geography are unknown, but political climate is suggested along with better economic opportunities in the United States.

Circa late 19th Century – The location of the House is moved to Detroit for reasons unknown, though some records exist suggesting the French background of the Family Thorne may have something to do with this. The territory is a newly admitted free state into the United States. Participation of the House on the Union side of the Civil War as well as aiding in the operation of “underground railroad” to smuggle slaves to Canada is rumored.

Circa mid-late 20th Century – the House of Thorns emerges as a SuperGroup.