From: STEPHEN ESDALE Subject: Illuminati: Part 4 (end day one transmission) c) Societies of the Pax Concordat BLOOD COVENANT Nickname: Cultists The oldest Society, the Blood Covenant used to be the greatest Illuminati on the planet. However, time has not been kind to the Blood Covenant and much of its former glory and power as been diminished. The first sign of decline came when long before the Pax Concordat, when many of its "colonial" Societies, seeded to provide new areas for Covenant control, became independent and formed their own Societies. As time went on, these new Societies would steal valuable holdings from their former masters. The most debilitating force came from Christianity, nominally controlled by the Celestial Chorus and secretly influenced by the Pantheon. Placing all faith in priests and popes, not mystics and shamans, the growing power of Christians ravaged Covenant control while boosting the Pantheon's influence. Over the years, the Blood Covenant has tried to regain some of its former distinction, supporting the Barbarians against Rome, sponsoring the Viking Wars, and even going so far as to back the Order of Hermes during the Mythic Age. Yet the Vikings were eventually lost in a Challenge of Dominion to the Pantheon, and the Order of Hermes eventually collapsed. When the Court voted to ignore the Techomancer's manipulation of reality, the Covenant was furious. It had totally been against the idea, the only dissenter in the Pax Concordat. They were sure it was some plot by the other Societies to steal their holdings and power. They even wondered if the Technocrats (and the fabled "Architects of Reason") hadn't subverted the Court and its members. The relationship between the Blood Covenant and the other societies is strained even to this day. They also share an arch-rivalry with the Pantheon, whom they blame for the Christian destruction of Paganism. With the Age of Reason, it seemed that the Blood Covenant would be swallowed by the other Societies, but that was not the case. Instead of destroying mysticism, it just forced it underground. Blood Covenant gained control by bringing powerful individuals into secret Occult circles, both hidden and overt. This ensured that even though Mysticism was not widely accepted, the Covenant still had influence over the mundane world. Every once and a while these groups would attempt to gain acceptance in the open, sparking organisations as the Rosicrucians, the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, and individuals such as Aleister Crowley. The success of such incursions varied widely, though they are gaining more recognition as the hold that the church has had on society has weakened. The Blood Covenant is not only involved in "curses" and spells. Since they control Psychics from around the world, they can convince a superstitious populace of anything (through tarot readings, etc). The emergence of older religions, particularly those called "Neo-Pagan", have given the Covenant reason to believe a new age of power and control might be at hand. The most prominent of these new (or perhaps really old) religions, that of Wicca, has become a prime target for the Blood Covenant...and a great source of consternation. Without any rigid hierarchy, such as is found with the Catholic Church, the Covenant finds it very difficult to gain widespread control. Also, the Wika (a Verbena sub-tradition linked closely to Wicca) have thwarted the Illuminati at every turn. Though their cover is secure for the time being, the Blood Covenant must be careful lest the Wika stumble on dangerous information. Many other Societies have remarked that the Society is desperate enough to risk anything for power, even break the unbreakable rules of the Pax Corcordat. Already some have accused this Society of consorting with Infernal powers, some going so far as to say have totally fallen under demonic influence. Whatever the case, they are being watched closely. The term Blood Covenant refers not to their mystical rituals, but the blood oath that each new member swears to the Society. This rite is practised in every Society in one form or another, but none has the history and meaning as that of the Blood Covenant. Goal: Mystical forces have created the Supernatural that threatens us now. Therefore it will only be by unearthing the greatest Arcane secrets, that will give us the key to our salvation. The control and influence of all Occult, Psychic, Pagan, and Neo-Pagan organizations and societies are important to reaching our goals, though me must make them more acceptable if we are to use them to influence the mundane world. Basilica: A tomb located near the Giza Pyramids, Egypt. Suspected Holdings: Warlock Covens, Order of the Golden Dawn, the Rosicrucians (elements in both the Sleeper and Mage sects), the Arcanum, Psychic hot-lines, various Paranormal research institutions, Masons and the Royal Family of England. Suspected Holdings: Various Occultists, the Arcanum, possible involvement with Infernal groups (including the Wyrm, Nephandi, and Demons of the Inferno). Preferred Backgrounds and Skills: Occult is the only skill that is required of Blood Covenant members, though Investigation is also highly prized. Covenant Knights, if they have Numina, generally choose Hedge Magic. Stereotypes: Enigmatic Stratagem: Mysterious and arcane, they could be our brothers, if we could ever contact them. Global Elite: Politics and diplomacy is not the answer. Their bureaucracy slows the pace of the Conspiracy, while the actions of the Black Storm threaten to breech our veil of secrecy. Keepers of Secrets: Though they conspired against us with the other Societies, we have no quarrel with them. They seek knowledge, like us, but not in the right places. Pantheon: Foul butchers, these Illuminati have purposely sought to destroy our power. Their religion has done much harm to us, but its time is now past. We will see how they like being persecuted. Shadow Bank: Money, stocks and bonds will not answer the questions needed to overpower the Abominations. You are wasted assets, ones that are best liquidated. ENIGMATIC STRATAGEM Nickname: Aliens Of this Illuminati, there is almost nothing known. It doesn't even have an official name. The current moniker used to identify this reclusive group was first coined by the Global Elite's Queen, saying "Of them we no nothing; neither their name or anything about their enigmatic stratagem". The name somehow stuck. Though officially part of the Pax Concordat, it does not sit on the Court. It has only met with the Court once, when its Queen (?) arrived unannounced and told the council "[They] would abide by [the Illuminati's] laws". The Court voted the Stratagem into the Concord of Peace only because its power now rivalled theirs. There still are many who are sure that one day the Court will have to call Righteous Fury upon the Stratagem, once their real aims are revealed. The group now called the Enigmatic Stratagem first appeared around the mid to late 1800's. It came without warning, from no apparent source. The other Illuminati suddenly began to loose holdings in rapid succession. Not a general takeover, but singular specific organizations. Zoological societies and other groups involved in biological research were targeted first. The Stratagem's other targets, reclusive scientists and theorists, seemed to defy explanation. It would be until the two world wars that the its goals were beginning to come to light. From its early, unimportant acquisitions, the Enigmatic Stratagem had a firm foothold in the advanced technology and biological research market. It had predicted the great rise of technical achievement of the world wars almost a century previous. It would also be evident later on that the Stratagem had already prophesied the biological and genetic revolutions of recent years. Some have wondered whether the Stratagem had inside information on the aims of the Technocracy. Perhaps the Enigmatic Stratagem has influence over the Technocracy, or is under its influence... What bothers the Court is that Stratagem has taken upon itself to further its biological knowledge through very strange and dangerous means. The rash of "Alien Abductions" over the years is not wholly the work of Technocrats or Umbral spirits. Some are the experiments of the Enigmatic Stratagem, accomplished through the mysterious creatures some mundanes call the "Greys". These drab, frail-bodied creatures have extended craniums and large eyes. They have been present in a number of abduction cases in North America in the last few decades. Though they are not a proven reality, the Societies are certain they are the first fruits of the Stratagems decade long technological and biological research scheme. These "Greys" seem to be endowed with great psychic ability and heightened intelligence. Are these things real? If so, how much of their creation lies in mundane knowledge and how much lies with the sphere of life, used by the Technomancer Progenitor Pawns. In addition, the Enigmatic Stratagem has some very advanced aircraft, possibly incorporating Technomancer technology, or technology melded with the mind powers of the Greys. Despite what the tabloids print, there is evidence that only a dozen "saucers" are operated the Stratagem. Other craft stem from the Void Engineers and possibly creatures from beyond the Gauntlet. Many other sightings are complete hoaxes. The hoaxes keep the mundanes from acknowledging the presence of aliens on the planet, though the number of believers are growing. This increasing belief in alien abduction and the presence of the supernatural has only been stemmed by the Stratagem's influence in strategic government agencies. Yet the other Societies are watching them closely just in case government leverage is not enough. There are at least half a dozen Cadres permanently assigned to protect the Stratagem (whether the like it or not) form the peering eyes of the mundane and supernatural world. If there is going to be a serious breech of the Concordat, the odds are good that the Stratagem will cause it. This Society also has a unique and baffling hierarchy, nothing like the others in the Pax Concordat. It is clear that the Stratagem has leader(s), so they will have some sort of King. They also seem to have a Queen, though its uncertain whether it is a full time position or one of convenience. Rooks are definitely in use by the Society, filling duties that emulate their society brethren. If anything, the Rooks are the only thing common the Stratagem has in common with the Illuminati, besides the Pawns. What position the Greys fit in the Society is anyone's guess, though it is possible they are Bishops or Knights. It is also known that the Society operates converted "Men in Black", specially ordered to discourage investigations into the supernatural. Whether the MiB are Pawns or Knights is also unknown. Goal: Unknown. Generally seems to involve radical biological research, genetic engineering, and advanced technological testing. The reason for this, their plans, or even the accordance to the Pax Corcordat is a complete mystery. Basilica: Believed to be somewhere under Area 51, also known as Dreamland, an semi-secret air base located on Groom Lake, Nevada. Suspected Holdings: Bio-technical and Technological firms around the world, US Air Force. Preferred Backgrounds and Skills: Again, unknown. Is not even understood if they have requirements or preferences. Human Knights (?) which have been encountered have extensive psychic powers. Stereotypes: All Societies: We acknowledge you. Do not get in our way. GLOBAL ELITE Nickname: Plutocrats The Global Elite came from the same Seeded Society as the Pantheon. From influential members within Roman society, the group split up at the height of the Roman Empire. The factions disagreed on which organizations in Rome were the best platforms for world dominance. The faction which would later become the Global Elite thought that one should control the Senate and the powerful Families which influenced Imperial politics. The group which would form the Pantheon wanted command of the powerful priesthood of the Roman gods. They parted on good terms and retain amicable relations (along with a friendly rivalry). The Global Elite have remained dynamic throughout the past 2000 years, and now are the most powerful Illuminati in the World. The Elite is the most direct of all Societies when it comes to the Conspiracy. "If you must control something", these Illuminati say, "go straight to the top". They control the most powerful people in society: Politicians, Heads of State, and the those with the most political influence . From Capitol hill to the heads of government lobby groups, if supernaturals involve themselves in the affairs of government, they inevitably lock horns with agents of the Global Elite. When trouble brews, the Global Elite deals with the threat in a forward manner. Of any in the Pax Concordat, the Elite is the most guilty of Hostile Takeovers and blatant assassinations. Their hit squad cliques (the infamous "Black Storm" brigades; so- called because of their Nazi-style black uniforms, complete with jackboots) and widely known and feared in the Pax Concordat. They are the first troops to be sent in when a Righteous Fury is called down upon a Throng. Though they are guilty of breeches of the Concordat due to their violent methods, no Society would dare accuse them of such wrongdoing. Being the most powerful Society in the world, the Elite could cripple any Throng and give any Society much grief. Accusers often meet terrible ends (often involving very regrettable "accidents"). Strength has its privileges... Goal: To sweep away those of paranormal existence requires firm leadership. We must first control the decision makers, the respected and admired people of this world. Once we have controlled the planet through them, we can then unshackle the world from the supernatural powers. Basilica: Somewhere near the United Nations Building, New York State Suspected Holdings: Government offices in many countries, the political lobby, defense contractors. Preferred Backgrounds and Skills: To succeed in the Global Elite, most characters should have some skills in Bureaucracy and Politics. Knights of the Global Elite are the only enforcers of the Societies in which Numina is NOT encouraged. Instead, Knights are trained in mind and body strengthening techniques (Merits such as Iron Will and Hand of God). Stereotypes: Blood Covenant: Occult rituals and mystical incantations may give you solutions to our current problems, yet you will never be able to implement those solutions without our help. Enigmatic Stratagem: They meddle in our affairs at every turn! If we could find out the sources of control, we would deal out personal Righteous Fury on them! Keepers of Secrets: Information is the future. If we do not stem the control of these Illuminati, our rightful place in the Pax Concordat could be usurped. Pantheon: We are from a common past, though not common ideals. Religion is not a reliable means of control. Though they alone rival our power, we hold no grudges against them. Shadow Bank: They are the cornerstone of all our power, even if they do not act upon it. Be warned bankers, if you attempt to use your sphere of influence for leverage, you will soon enter personal bankruptcy. Stephen Esdale (sesdale@flemingc.on.ca)