Set beneath the gilded façade of a luxury hotel, the Thirteenth Vein operates as a secretive, almost religious syndicate built on the belief that the body can be rewritten, the mind can be reshaped, and the soul can be made useful — through blood, pain, and time. We are not loud. We are not chaotic. We are intimate, deliberate, and deeply strange.We take in the broken, the beautiful, the discarded, the dangerous — and we give them purpose. Sometimes that purpose is forged in flesh. Sometimes it’s whispered into memory. Sometimes it’s erased altogether.But all who join leave something behind.

  Character Concepts That FitWe welcome morally complex, emotionally rich, or broken characters who are ready to evolve (or unravel). Ideal concepts include:

  RP Hooks Into the VeinWe're seeking characters with dark secrets, twisted pasts, or a need that no one else can meet.

  Writers & PlayersBe adults, it is really that simple.

  FLESHWRIGHTS
↳ Led by: Vitae Architect
 
   —  The FC’s dark surgeons and body crafters — focused on blood alchemy, necromantic surgery, and experimental reconstruction. They don’t heal; they reshape, modify, and rework the body to serve the Vein’s goals. Perfect for players who enjoy medical horror, transformation themes, or playing mad doctors, assistants, or living experiments.

  BLOOMTENDERS
↳ Led by: The First Bloom
 
   —  The FC’s recruiters, handlers, and emotional manipulators — specialists in charm, indoctrination, and psychological control. They lure in the lost, bond them through blood rituals, and guide (or break) them into loyalty. Ideal for players who enjoy cult dynamics, seductive manipulation, or playing charismatic enforcers, loyal pets, or “spiritual counselors” with a darker edge.
 

  THORNS
  ↳ Led by: The Queen of Thorns   —  The FC’s enforcers and hunters — ruthless guardians who maintain order through intimidation, tracking, and deadly precision. They handle discipline, extract debts, and eliminate threats without hesitation. Perfect for players who want to play fierce warriors, silent assassins, or loyal protectors with a dark edge.
 

Backstory

What began as a solitary thought blossomed into a fervent dream—the notion that one could transform themselves to heal others, paving a brighter future for the generations yet to come. This idea danced enticingly through the fingertips of Istanya, a dedicated scholar whose life had been forged in the crucible of war.Years of hard work followed her time serving in the ranks of the Maelstrom as a frontline field medic. Istanya was no stranger to death; she had cradled dying men in her arms, listened to their whispered farewells, and watched them bleed out, life slipping away like grains of sand through her fingers. Each loss etched itself into her soul, an indelible reminder of the price of conflict.Haunted by the faces of those she could not save, Istanya sought solace in the stories of those left behind—families grieving husbands, wives, fathers, and children consumed by the relentless war machine. She visited these bereaved souls, encouraging them to share their memories, documenting their narratives with painstaking care. It ignited a flicker of hope within her—the desire to preserve the past from the unforgiving hands of time. Ink became more reliable than memory, she believed, and so she endeavored to gather knowledge, offering a sanctuary where history was told from all angles, unburdened by notions of right or wrong.

research

While the dream of a library was fulfilling, Istanya found herself drawn into the intricate dance of brokering information among the elite. Highborn families entrusted her with their autobiographies, seeking to immortalize their legacies. Yet, in the heart of this endeavor, she encountered secrets that should have never crossed her path, her naïveté catching the unsuspecting off-guard.This mutual exchange of information became her enterprise—a cycle of trading knowledge—yet beneath it all, a haunting promise lingered. A pledge made to someone dear, a reminder that even as a Viera, her time on this shard was limited. Thus began her obsessive journey into the manipulation of aether.For thirty long years, her home transformed into a sanctuary of research and solitude, each wall a cell designed by her own hands. Friends faded into distant memories as she immersed herself in the arcane arts. Her fascination with black magic grew, but societal condemnation shackled her for years. Then came the breakthrough—an epiphany that aetherical manipulation could be harnessed on a physiological level without stealing souls or corrupting minds.Her days and nights blurred as the power of runes guided her pen. The prospect of genuinely saving lives—giving individuals the futures they deserved—propelled her through sleepless vigils. With her brother's unwavering support, she pressed on, yet the specter of darker magics loomed ever closer, forcing her to confront the moral complexities of her ambitions.

outcome

Despite the roadblocks, her determination blazed bright until it became painfully evident: to cheat death, she would first need to stare it in the eyes. This realization pierced her heart like a cold dagger, a constant reminder that her quest for knowledge could lead toward her own demise.When the moment arrived to put her theories to the ultimate test, it was a mental disconnection—a caged spirit willing to risk everything for liberation. In the solitude of her office, she took the final step, red blood spilling across the floor, her body lifeless and still. But as darkness enveloped her, something extraordinary happened. That crimson essence transformed into an ink-like fluid, coursing through her being, infusing her corpse with a new vitality.In those fleeting moments, Istanya embraced her rebirth. Years of tireless study culminated in a single breath, and she emerged—transformed and resolute. No longer merely a scholar, she had become a conduit for change, ready to weave her story into the fabric of history once again, no longer just a healer of bodies, but a mender of souls.And thus, the ink of her past became the lifeblood of her new existence, a testament to hope and resilience for all those who walked alongside her on this perilous journey.

Istanya Runtela

• The Night Mother •

ROLE: The Red MotherAGE: 128GENDER: Female (She/Her)ALIGNMENT: Lawful Evil

About

With fifty years under her belt pertaining to the study of aether alone, this Viera has learned the ins and outs of how to properly manipulate and control it, bending it to her whims.The time devoted to this took a toll on her social interaction, though, in the past few turns, she has gained a rather high notoriety among individuals she has met. Her work with aether expands far beyond the normal art of casting and being able to use it for combat or even healing. She has taken the time to strip the force down to its most natural state, using it a way that perhaps has caused irreversible effects. However, if she is not properly asked about such, it would all just be speculation, wouldn't it?Some say she is an ink mage, the black veins that trail just under her skin giving her away with just one look. Though some claim she is of the void, she will correct them in almost an instant. Though, while she has taken the time to try and suppress her aether signature to others, it is still wildly present to most, something she has had to worry about up till recently. Confidence blooming as moos past, working on herself to actually step into a potential she was hindering herself from for years with the help of the family she has madeHer intentions are good, at least to her. The mindset of helping people in any way she can plays a bit part in how she carries herself while also thriving in the roots she planted deep within the underground through information. Every good has a bad, but she tried her best to void them out any way she can if she has to. She is not one to judge someone on their past, viewing it as to what makes a person themselves and will turn a blind eye to anything most would find troubling. Always a welcome hand to help someone who is in need of it, giving that trust until it is broken.The Viera has dedicated her life to her work and would be glad to talk to someone about it if they are interested, but it might just be more then someone can chew...

• Carrd

Aspen

• The Echokeeper •

ROLE: The EchokeeperAGE: 27GENDER: Female (She/Her)ALIGNMENT: Chaotic Neutral

About

Much of Aspen’s story still feels like a book with missing pages.There are fragments — flickers of memory that return without warning. A scent that stirs something deep within her. A dance step her feet remember before her mind does. The way her hands move in a kitchen, almost instinctively, as if they’ve always known what to do.Cooking feels like her truest language. She doesn’t need recipes to create something meaningful — flavor speaks to her, and she knows how to listen. Whether it’s a simple soup or something more intricate, the kitchen is where she feels most confident. Most herself.And when words fail, she dances. Not for an audience, not to impress — but to breathe. To release. To exist in motion when the stillness feels too heavy.She doesn’t remember everything about where she came from, and maybe she never will. But she’s no longer chasing what’s lost. She’s choosing to grow into the person she’s becoming — one memory at a time, one meal, one movement, one choice forward.                            She isn’t lost.

                        She’s just unfolding.

joining expectations

Much like we stated within the ooc rules, we expect you to act like an adult. We want you to have fun and enjoy your time writing most of all. Please be respectful to others. Though, please do note that IC conflicts will happen, and that's okay as long as it is not taken outside of the game, bleeding into OOC. We are all here trying to play barbie in this fantasy world. We all are here because we want to write and have a good time creating plots and forgetting the outside world for a bit. Don't make this harder then it needs to be.When it comes to OOC looking in on the function of the FC, we expect there to be OOC communication if you are wanting plot progression. We do not limit members on creating internal plot lines and hosting events. We encourage others to plan events how they see fit following the guidelines in the discord for such.We have no issue if you are from another server but wish to join. With that, you are welcome to make an alt to make a room within the house, though to have said alt be a playable member within the ranks of the FC, they would have to go though the same IC onboarding just like the rest.

OOc Info and rules

As an FC, our main goal is to facilitate and create an RP setting. With a core plot, and characters spanning over six years of development, we hope that for those looking for this kind of vibe find a home within our community.We expect everyone who joins the FC to be 21+. There is no exceptions to that rule given the fact we expect you to act like adults and handle darker themes like adults writing in a fantasy world. While if there are bigger issues, the officer team can lend a hand into conflict resolve, we expect members to be able to problem solve and speak to others to fix most issues that might happen.Consent is key. There is no exceptions to this. We allow all types of RP to happen, we do not control your character and how you write them, but please note that if you push someone into a corner and try to do something to their character without a prior consent, that is terms for getting kicked out. And on the other hand of that, if you find yourself being the one in that corner, just walk away and message an officer. You're an adult. You can just log off if someone is making you uncomfortable. This is a criminal centered FC, so with that knowledge, please know that IC actions have IC consequences. If you get mad at someone, yell in their face, someone might punch your character. We do not see an issue with a retaliation like that without prior consent.There is an expectation to follow the IC rules listed on this carrd. They are there for a reason and by joining the FC as an RP character, it is assumed they have plans to at least adhere to said rules to some degree. Given that it would be IC, it will be handled IC as well. That doesn't mean you as a person would get kicked, but the character might depending.Do not take OOC conversations and make them issues IC and vice versa. That is never fun and I think we all have been there. If you don't like someone, just avoid them and limit interactions. We, as an FC, have other FC's we are close with, that also applies there as well. We will not force you to interact with people you do not want, but know that sometimes, that might come up.

contact & Misc Info

Istanya's contact information:Istanya Runtela | Zalera - In game nameGrumpyguppy - Discord@notyourcohealer - Twitter@notyourcohealer.bsky.social -Bluesky

Aspen's contact information:Cahsper Castillon | Zalera - In game nameWheezybreeze - Discord

TIMEZONE: Mostly EST, but the majority are night owls.HOMEWORLD: Zalera | Crystal Data Center
You do not have to be from Zalera to be apart of the FC and community.BASE THEMES: Dark, Criminal, Occult, Mature, Combat, Espionage, Death, Body HorrorWHAT WE OFFER: Longform storytelling, faction politics, and character-focused arcs.

Here is the link to the Google form if you wish to join

• Click me

For a general guide while reading through the given information, ink, aether, and blood will be used interchangeably unless specifically stated otherwise. Most sections will be broken down into two groups. One will be for individuals that are fully blooded, the other for those that are half.
-Do not metagame the information below. If there is suspicion of such, I will call it out on the spot. This is for individuals that wish for a deeper connection and wish to stay around for a while given this intertwines a handful of characters together. -

The ink is something of a sentient being.
 
The ink is knowing of its host. Both fully blooded and half, it conforms to whoever it is within. Its intent is to help and aid however the user wishes in any situation. The sections below will go into details and hit on major points of usage within ones body. There is a lot of creativity that goes into it while following a framework where the host ooc can create something they want without heavy restrictions on the character themselves.

Istanya created a branch of necromancy that is not just focused on death, rather, praising the choice of life. She does not view what she does at necromancy because of her morals and intent with giving the gift of Ink to others. She views it as giving the choice to others when their choice was taken from them. This is the byproduct of thirty years of work and self sacrifice and trial and errors on her part that has shaped her as a character.

Each inked character despite what level will have to pick a major flaw that comes with it. Examples are losing one of the five senses while using the ink, constant nose bleeds, color blindness, a crippling fear, and so on. This will be catered toward the character chosen by the player to make sure everyone is in agreement moving forward. I do not gatekeep what that flaw is. I would rather it be something that creates good story at the end of the day.
 
It is up to the player on what else they wish to come from it. Again, the only requirement is one major flaw, the rest is creative freedom.
 
OOC conversations will happen to fully flesh out details of transition and creation

Please note that not all of the information about the ink is listed above. Some is left out for general RP reason and to give the player something to talk and ask about when and if that time comes. A player can join the Syndicate without the intent of wanting to be half or full blooded, is it not a requirement.On the other hand, there is no guarantee those wish to be blooded will become such. There are a set of trials and expectation that have to be obtained before the rebirth would be considered.Once on an OOC level it has been established that your character would be able to undergo either one of the rituals, it is up to the player to determine how they would like it to go. Istanya is the only person who can preform such, so correspondence with her will have to take place for a scene.For ones becoming full blooded, once talked about ooc, the death can either be planned, as in a controlled setting, or not, as in a big fight scene and leaving it up to rolls. It is up to the player on how they wish to play that out in their story line