Ties to Dark Forces
Despite their apparent lack of overt power, House Bouwman is rumored to be entangled with sinister entities far beyond the comprehension of most. They are said to be in league with Nyarlathotep, a mysterious messenger of the Outer Gods, and Ravana, the elephant-headed rakshasa. These figures are shadowy puppeteers who nudge events in various directions through their proxies, enriching those who serve them in return. House Bouwman is believed to be one such proxy, subtly influencing events in Seregon to benefit their dark patrons while maintaining a facade of respectable business dealings.
While House Bouwman never acts overtly to aid cults devoted to the Great Old Ones, their influence is nonetheless felt. Their machinations are subtle, their moves calculated, and their goals obscure, but the Guardians of the Nine—a secretive group dedicated to combating the influence of dark forces in the world—have long been suspicious of House Bouwman's true loyalties. The Guardians keep a close watch on the Bouwman family, convinced that their seemingly mundane construction empire is a front for something far more nefarious.
Bart Bouwman and the Hungerswords
The current patriarch of House Bouwman, Bart Bouwman, is far from Seregon, engaged in a quest that could have dire consequences for the world. Bart seeks the six Hungerswords, ancient and cursed weapons of immense power. His quest is driven by an ancient spell he unearthed, a spell that, if cast on all six Hungerswords simultaneously, would make them even more deadly. The spell would grant the swords the ability to permanently banish any living thing they touch to the distant and inhospitable planet Yaddith.
Bart's obsession with this spell and the Hungerswords is driven by his allegiance to The Veiled One. It is said that The Veiled One has promised Bart unimaginable power in exchange for this dark deed, though what The Veiled One truly seeks in return remains unknown. Some believe that Bart is nothing more than a pawn in a much larger game, his quest for the Hungerswords merely a step in a greater, more terrible plan laid out by his shadowy patron.
House Bouwman's Influence in Seregon
Back in Seregon, House Bouwman continues to thrive under the leadership of Bart's kin. The family’s construction empire is unmatched, and their control over the building industry ensures that they remain indispensable to the city's growth. Their influence is felt in every stone laid, every building erected, and every street paved. They are masters of subtlety, preferring to exert their power through quiet manipulation rather than overt force.
Despite their reputation as unremarkable in terms of martial prowess or intelligence, House Bouwman is not to be underestimated. Their true strength lies in their ability to manipulate the fabric of society from the shadows, steering events in ways that serve their mysterious benefactors. As long as they continue to build Seregon, they will remain a force to be reckoned with—both in the city and in the dark corners of the world where their true alliances lie.