Editing Circle of Thorns (section)

==History ==
The first Circle of Thorns was founded by Regis Reinhart, as a method of "channeling Izril's nobility into something useful."<ref name=":2">[[Interlude – Paradigm Shift (Pt. 1)|Interlude - Paradigm Shift (Pt.1)]]</ref>

At some point in the distant past, [[Khelt]] tried to invade Izril, but was humbled by the Circle of Thorns.<ref name="7.24" />

Two thousand years ago, the Circle of Thorns participated in throwing back the [[Four Great Companies|Six Great Companies]] of [[Baleros]] when they tried to invade Izril.<ref name="7.24" />

The Circle of Thorn and the equally ancient [Stitch Witch] [[Belavierr]] only encountered each other three times in the past, as far as Belavierr was willing and able to share her experiences. On two occasions, the Circle indiscriminately "killed more than their enemies", which also included [Witches]. Belavierr mentioned a war when Northern Izril was under attack both from the North (likely [[Terandria]]) and the South (likely the Drakes). Said conflict lasted 34 years, and the Circle of Thorns managed to eliminate 312 [Witches] in that period. ''[[Eloise du Havin]] linked Belavierr's cryptic lore to several of the recent wars, which happened only a few hundred years ago, like [[Zelkyr]]'s War. Given the extent of world history and immortal memories, she may be wrong with this interpretation, however.''<ref name="6.40 E">[https://wanderinginn.com/2019/08/24/6-40-e/ Chapter 6.40 E]</ref>

The Circle of Thorns once opposed [[Suvelta Reinhart]], a vampire with levels who intended to rule Izril forever. They eventually killed her, and also put an end to the [[Vampires]] plaguing Izril, as well.<ref name="7.24">[https://wanderinginn.com/2020/05/24/7-24/ Chapter 7.24]</ref>

At times when the Flowers of Izril suffered casualties as great as the [[Sacrifice of Roses]], the Circle was unveiled and used to give the nobles power to save them from the current crisis.<ref name=":2" />

Just a few hundred years ago, the Circle of Thorns was more overt, being a reputable political group and symbol of opposition. Dealing with the [[Reinhart Family]] drove them into becoming a more secretive organization.<ref name="7.24" />

Two generations ago, they slew members of the Five Families.<ref name="6.40 E">[https://wanderinginn.com/2019/08/24/6-40-e/ Chapter 6.40 E]</ref> <!--either just the Reinharts, or others as well? -->

It took Lady Magnolia's great grandmother her entire life to sort out the Circle of Thorns, which, according to her diary, was a nightmare.<ref name="2.41">[https://wanderinginn.com/2017/07/29/2-41/ Chapter 2.41]</ref>

The Circle of Thorns promptly returned to bother Lady Magnolia's grandmother next: so much so that [[Regis Reinhart]] had to lend her some aid. Still, Magnolia's grandmother died before she could resolve the threat against the Reinhart Family.<ref>[https://wanderinginn.com/2018/04/07/4-26-m/ Chapter 4.26 M]</ref>

Only six years ago, the Circle of Thorns was a select, small group of nobles who liked to hobnob together. At some point shortly afterwards, the Circle underwent re-organization into its current form, gaining a new leader and reintroducing their agenda.<ref name="7.24" />