Only constructive criticism, people, Any flaming or insulting, and I'll report your behinds.
Here we go.
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Brotherhood of Maj Basic History Text
Written by Brother Amiddius Q. Piranesi, as advised by Brother Matthias
“It’s true, Maj is not a god, but the Arch Archon. He is not a god not because he cannot become one, but because he will not become one. Should he look away from his charge of protecting Aetheria, the Aeternians would gain hold and that would be the end of the gods anyway. The delicate balance is maintained because Maj is so vigilant, and refuses to sacrifice his attention for anything, including his own gain.”
~Brother Matthias, Senior Keeper of the Brotherhood
The Brotherhood of Maj is a rather complex organization, and little is known about them by the public. What the people
don’t know is that the Brotherhood is far more extensive then people would guess. They operate in cells, nearly every major city having at least a cursory following. The biggest, of course, is in Diana, to directly combat the oppressing of the Church of the Faith. There is a long, dark history between the two, that dates back to the early days of the Church.
Original Formation of the Brotherhood of Maj
The Church of the Faith was not in its infancy, but it was not incredibly old, either. It was at this time, under the reign of Archprelate Maximillian, that they still followed the general pantheon, worshipping all the gods, and not just focusing on the Sacred Three. When the religious doctrine changed, however, nearly all the members of the Church instantly became diametrically opposed to any and all other gods but the Sacred Three, at least it’s more devout followers. This upset many, but they still went along with the general doctrine. However, there was a time when even this was not enough. The Church decided to seek out and erase all opposing religions, a period of inquisition and strife that many of the longer lived races choose to not remember. This period, known as the Great Purge, was dangerous to any who didn't believe in the Sacred Three above all else, and followed the Church of the Faith's official view. One of these factions was a group that believed that Maj was very powerful, and deserving of godhood in his own right. This was actually a rather large faction of the Church, about a good fifteen percent of the Church’s following was leaning this direction. The Church, seeing it as a threat to its position as preeminent authority on all things sacred, decided to eliminate these followers as quickly and quietly as possible.
During this elimination, close to eighty percent of the followers of Maj disappeared, either scared back into the Church of the Faith...or simply vanished. The remaining twenty percent seceded from the Church to begin their own following--the Brotherhood of Maj under their unofficial leader, then-Prelate Merucio Aladend. Forced to remain underground, the Brotherhood struggled to maintain what secrecy it could, learning through trial and error what worked and what didn’t. It was during this period that sixty percent of this surviving faction vanished just as the previous ones had.
The cost was high, and they needed to unite under a specific leader to survive. They chose their most outspoken member, the former Prelate Aladend. By this time over ninety percent of the original followers had been either reinitiated as a member of the Church of the Faith...or had quietly gone missing into the night, frequently whole cells at a time. However, it was not for nothing.
With the new leader, the self-proclaimed Host of Maj, Aladend, they remained hidden for many years, until the aged elf died, but leaving a legend and a martyr in his wake. Now having near perfected the art of religious subterfuge that had become a necessity thanks to the one they have nicknamed Duke Baxtor The Bloody--better known to the church as Archprelate Maximillian--the Brotherhood of Maj works nearly unseen, and the even the Church of the Faith, with its extensive intelligence network, has trouble tracking down, infiltrating, and eliminating cells of the Brotherhood. Most say though that the cost was too high.
Goals and Doctrine of the Brotherhood
Originally during the faction’s infancy, the sole reason for the existance of the Brotherhood was that they believed in Maj, finding him to be the ultimate champion of good and honor. Because of this, they found him even more deserving of godhood then those that he protected constantly, and that he could protect them from other gods proved that he had the power. So, why not strive to make him a god? The Brotherhood devoutly believes that Maj is entirely capable of making himself a god, he simply does not, because the slightest lack of vigilance would allow the Aeternians to gain a foothold on Aetheria, something that is Maj’s duty to prevent, else the entire balance of the pantheon would fall to chaos. This has a tendency to impress the Brotherhood even more, and thus making him even more worthy of godhood. So, since he cannot spare the time nor attention, the Brotherhood has made it their quest to make Maj one of the gods, constantly searching for relics, passages in ancient texts, and other like things that might help Maj evolve to become a god among those he protects.
Over time, though, the goals have evolved, mainly because of the negative influence of the Church of the Faith. Instead of only trying to help and worship Maj, they also work to expose the Church for the true villains they are, and protect the innocent as well as the ignorant of evil-doers...of which they rate the Church of the Faith highly on the list. They attempt to emulate the behaviors that Maj has modeled as they go about their lives, hoping to eventually elevate him and exonerate the Brotherhood as a legitimate religion, and counter the damage that the Church of the Faith has done.
Division within the Brotherhood
There are three main circles within the Brotherhood, three main paths that one can follow, their goals as diverse as their fields of study. One common factor in all of them is arcana, as a mage is useful in just about any area. The favored arcana spheres are mysticism, as it has become necessary to hide their own with illusions; and sorcery, of which they believe Maj to be the patron, and thus a worthy art. One’s Circle does not set in stone their destiny with the Brotherhood, it is instead considered a starting point from which they begin to have a deeper understanding of Maj.
Circle of Keepers- The Circle of Keepers are the scholars of the Brotherhood. They research texts and keep an accurate history not only of their own Brotherhood, but of world events as they see them, which often times is different from the accepted world view. The Keepers usually keep to themselves, constantly immersed in text, often for cycles at a time, so it’s not strange for a Keeper to not be seen for extended periods of time. It’s not unusual for a member of the Keepers to be a mage of any sort, as scholars make the best magi usually, and vice versa. Keepers ranked Sword of Maj can choose to only send one Keeper to Council meetings to update the other Keepers at the Circle meeting, and usually are allowed to proceed with independent projects that further Maj's work.
Circle of Swords- The Circle of Swords is the militant arm of the Brotherhood. They are responsible for the safety and security of the Brotherhood, as well as any independent military action should it ever become necessary. The members of this circle, the Guardians, are well trained in stealth and martial combat, though several magi are known to lie within the ranks. While a few Mystics would be here, Sorcery is the prevalent sphere here because of it’s directly beneficial capabilities in combat. Guardians ranked Sword of Maj or above are given a blue dwarven steel longsword, and are usually put in charge of the combat needed by the Brotherhood.
Circle of Wands- The Circle of Wands are the merchants of the Brotherhood. They are responsible for the acquisition of all needed items within the Brotherhood be it food and supplies or ancient texts or an artifact, as well as running the businesses which the Brotherhood is responsible for, acting as the legal, legitimate face of the Brotherhood. Members of the Circle of Wands, called Crowns, are also the more diplomatic of the Brotherhood, so if any negotiations are ever held, it is the Crowns that attend. Mystics are frequently here, as it helps with negotiations both diplomatic and financial to know what your opponent is thinking. Crowns ranked Sword of Maj or above are granted Immunity of Coin, as they aren't required or requested to donate any money towards the cause, and usually are given large cuts off of all the deals that they strike in the Brotherhood's favor.
To become a senior of the Circle, one must have served Maj in the Brotherhood for over ten patterns, and have achieved the rank of Sword or above. Usually, except when in Council, the Circles keep to themselves. A meeting of each Circle once every month keeps the Circle coordinated and moving forward, and the seniors of the Circle leads the meetings. It is here that individual assignments are given, as well as coordination and updates on larger projects. It is decided during the meeting just before Council who will represent their Circle.
Circle Selection
A Brotherhood member is not allowed to select their Circle, despite what they may or may not know. Instead, to each member of the Brotherhood that indoctrinate new members, a set of coins are given. Each coin has a different symbol on it's back, and on the front is the crest for the Brotherhood. Each symbol on the back represents one of the three Circles. An open book represents the Circle of Keepers, a shield represents the Circle of Swords, and a pouch represents the Circle of Wands. Before anything is done, the new Initiate states which Circle they would prefer to be a part of, and which one they wouldn't. Then the three coins are placed face down, in an order that the joining Initiate couldn't know, and through the new Initiate's faith in Maj, they choose the coin that represents what Maj is calling them to do within the Brotherhood. If it is one of the previously named Circles, then that is the one they get. If it is the one that was unnamed, they can choose to accept it, or draw one of the other coins...taking a fifty-fifty chance as to if they join one they want, or the one they don't want. At the conclusion, an Initiate is given a simple brass ring, though wearing it is not mandatory. To most, it serves no purpose...
Ranks within the Brotherhood
Regardless of what Circle a Brotherhood member belongs to, there are several ranks within the Brotherhood, ranks which one must climb as with any organization.
Initiate- The very first stage. Initiates of Maj have been accepted as members of the Brotherhood, and are still learning what it’s all about, and what their specific Circle is all about. No one expects an Initiate to be very knowledgeable, so when one is, it’s a rare treat.
Squire- The second stage. A Squire of Maj is someone who understands the Brotherhoods goals, and knows the basics of their Circle’s craft. They have a small amount of experience for independent study, and are allowed to experience a broad range of topics within their Circle so they can find their niche where they can truly shine in the service of Maj.
Follower- The third stage. A Follower of Maj has an intermediate understanding of their Circle’s craft, and knows the deeper meaning behind the Brotherhood. They have a fair amount of experience and have had enough to have chosen a specific field for specialization within their Circle. They are one of the most common ranks within the Brotherhood.
Shield- The fourth stage. A Shield of Maj has a complex understanding of their Circle and all it’s workings, and are devout to all of the greater workings of the Brotherhood as a whole. They see the larger picture, and are working to see it resolve as the Brotherhood wishes it. They are intermediately specialized in a specific area of their Circle’s field, and are usually consulted on all matters pertaining to that subject.
Sword- The fifth stage. A Sword of Maj knows the intricately complex workings of their Circle and the Brotherhood, including how everything is interwoven so carefully. Once one reaches the rank of Sword they actually almost de-specialize, because only the Swords and above see that every specialization is only a small piece of a greater whole, though they have an area where they are considered the Brotherhood’s expert, and are always consulted on all matters regarding that subject. Only Swords of Maj and above are eligible for membership on the Council of the Brotherhood.
Avatar- The sixth stage. An Avatar of Maj is one who has such a complete understanding of the Brotherhood and all it’s circles that their thinking is considered near-identical to the Arch Archon’s own. an Avatar is usually granted special dispensation to do as they please, so long as it is in accordance with the leader of the Brotherhood and the Council of the Brotherhood. Avatars’ knowledge is usually incredibly extensive, to the point that they seem an expert on just about every area of Maj and the Brotherhood. Usually very experienced Avatars lead cells of the Brotherhood, except for in Diana, where there is the singular leader.
Host- The seventh and final stage. The Host of Maj is the one single leader of the Brotherhood. He leads council discussions, and has veto power over all the decisions made by the Council. The Host is the only publicly known Seeker, and all Seekers answer to him. Any orders to any member of any cell given by the Host supersede that of the cell’s leader. It is believed that the Host is in constant contact with Maj, and is thus the physical embodiment of Maj on Telath.
Council of the Brotherhood
In addition to the Host there are six, two from each Circle, always Swords or Avatars. These are usually the most experienced and wisest of each of the Circles, and the representatives are chosen by each Circle as a whole. This is what is known as the Inner Circle of the Council. Once every season, the Avatar or a representative of the Avatar from each cell will arrive into Diana 'on business'. These members, or the Outer Circle, consult on all the Brotherhood-wide issues and ideas, as well as plans and mandates for where to take the Brotherhood until the next gathering. This is called simply The Call. Outside of The Call, the Avatars that run the cells--or in Diana, the Host himself--decide which path they take in their work, where the Inner Circle decides who works on what aspect. Each cell has an Inner Circle, but only during The Call does Diana have an Outer Circle, to coordinate with the Host, which then returns to their respective cells to continue update their cell and move on with their work.
Training within the Brotherhood
While at the basic level, members of the brotherhood are trained in a specific set of skills depending on their circle, as they advance the courses become less and less generalized and instead become specialized for the Brotherhood member. Listed are the required classes for all members of the listed Circle at the listed levels. Beginning at Squire, They are also required to take a specific specialization course. They can take as many as they please, but they must find one to advance to Intermediate before they are granted the rank of Follower. It must be Advanced by Shield, and Expert by Sword.
Keepers
Initiate- Basic History[Brotherhood], Basic Research, Basic History[General].
Squire- Intermediate History[Brotherhood], Intermediate Research, Intermediate History[General].
Follower- Advanced History[Brotherhood], Advanced Research
Shield- Expert Research
Guardians
Initiate- Basic History[Brotherhood], Basic Sword, Basic Tactics
Squire- Basic Bow, Intermediate Tactics, Basic Leadership
Follower- Intermediate Sword or Bow, Advanced Tactics, Intermediate Leadership
Shield- Expert Sword or Bow, Advanced Leadership
Crowns
Initiate- Basic History[Brotherhood], Basic Economics, Basic Trade Skills
Squire- Intermediate Economics, Intermediate Trade Skills, Basic Aelyrian Law/Politics
Follower- Advanced Economics, Intermediate Law/Politics
Shield- Expert Economics, Expert Trade Skills or Law/Politics
Secrecy of the Brotherhood of Maj
There are a few factors that go into recognizing members of other cells. While most people of one cell know each other, members from separate cells are a different matter. Occasionally, when in need of help or in emergency situations where one needs to contact the Brotherhood, there are a few recognizing features of Brotherhood members.
Primarily, there is a single tarot card given to the members, with only three things on it. One is the background, a brilliant starburst. Two is a glowing blue sword, laid over the starburst. Third is a triangle over that. To most it would simply appear to be a good luck charm, as a similar one can be found sold on streets...but this is different. A small crest on the hilt of the sword, almost indiscernible, has the crest of the Brotherhood, known only to it's members and occasionally to the more convinced supporters. The color of the triangle on the front define the Circle and rank that they maintain. If the triangle border is Red, it is for the Guardians, Blue is for the Keepers, and Yellow is for the Crowns. The actual color of the triangle itself determines rank within the Brotherhood. Initiate is white, Squire is yellow, Follower is green, Shield is purple, Sword is red, and Avatar is blue. The Host has a similar card, only there is no border color or triangle color. The entire thing is black.
Secondarily, the top of the pommel of their weapon--if they have any, if they don't a small dagger is given to them with this already on it--is a small symbol that--if examined carefully, has the letters 'BoM' on it. Though usually a minor thing, it can frequently be overlooked as a simple beautification of the weapon, and not a sign of Brotherhood membership.
Tertiary is a small ritual used only to recognize Brotherhood members, and usually done quietly, but can be done anywhere. They shake hands, saying 'Protect the Sacred Three, Brother/Sister', symbolic of what Maj does to the Aetherians. However, the trick is as they say the phrase, they must look over each other's shoulder as they do so, as though something caught their attention. If they do not, and look into the eyes of the other member, it's either an impostor, or a warning to the other member that something is wrong, and to get away as soon as they can, warning others if at all possible.
For a Brotherhood member to discuss issues with another member of a different cell, two of these signs are required. For a member to bring anyone at all to any other member or to their cell headquarters, all three are required, as well as they will frequently be passively quizzed on knowledge of Brotherhood lore en route, after the other signs have been identified.
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