A YJA Moment - The Hellfire Club

A good portion of the world believes that Metahumans are a more recent occurrence.  Though the larger presence of catalysts like radiation and chemicals has increased the number of exhibiting mutations, Gifted individuals have existed since humanity began and so have metahuman-centric societies.  Most of these have been created to keep Metahumans safe and away from those who would harm them. 

There have been, however, groups that were not interested in hiding their talents.  Their purpose was to enable metahumans to reach their full potential in personal power, influence, and wealth.  While most of these have long passed away, the most successful of these continues to the present day.  They are known as the Secret Society for Witchblood Supremacy, otherwise called The Hellfire Club.

The first incarnation of the Society is not known, but it is believed to have predated its first public appearance in the 19th century.  Fashioned after the infamous clubs for high-society rakes, this "Hellfire Club" positioned itself as only allowing the most exceptional individuals to join.  Using various means, the leadership of the Club would ascertain if this person was "Witchblooded", their term for a Metahuman, with those passing the test being offered a position in its ranks.

After being initiated, the Witchblood was given access to some of the richest and most powerful Gifted families in the world.  Opportunities were abundant but only the most ruthless and talented socialite can rise past a comfortable living and into the ranks of the powerful elite families such as the Frosts and Shaws.  There is one ironclad rule: the exploit the "Weakbloods" as you wish, but avoid messing with a fellow Gifted and NEVER act openly against a fellow Club member.

Leadership in the Hellfire Club is carried out by the Inner Circle, who are made up of the most prominent members of the most powerful families within the society.  Their titles are derived from Chess, such as Black King or White Queen. The Circle's positions are hereditary, passing to the eldest of each of the council's elite families.  The only way for someone to be elevated to the council is by deposing one of the other families.

The Hellfire Club thrived until a few years ago, during what was known as the Phoenix Incident.  Marvel Girl Jean Grey was exposed to Negative Zone radiation during an X-Men mission in orbit and as a result, found her telepathy and telekinesis amplified to god-like levels.  Sebastian Shaw, the Black King at the time, saw an opportunity to use Grey for the Inner Council's benefit.

The attempt backfired, gaining the attention of the rest of the X-Men.  Although the powerful illusionist Jason Wyngarde, known as Mastermind managed to deceive Jean, they underestimated her relationship with Scott Summers, who pulled her out of the deception.  Cyclops, Professor X, and the rest of the members of the Xavier Academy rescued Marvel Girl and directly engaged the Hellfire Club.

In an effort to gain revenge for previous actions of the Inner Circle against her family, the White Queen Emma Frost betrayed the Hellfire Club, allowing the X-Men to utterly defeat them and eliminate several council members.  The remaining members fled their headquarters, their influence network greatly diminished.

Though Shaw continues to rule over the Club, it is a shadow of its former self.  The old families are gone and with them, the influence and prestige they brought with them.  Some of the new members do show promise - the new Black Queen Selene is an immortal metahuman with years of experience and a wide variety of unique contacts.  In the near future, the Hellfire Club could rise again.