# The Castigian Cabal (The Unseen (Hand)? Call Shar the Unseen Hand?)

# THIS PAGE HAS MAJOR SPOILERS AND IS THUS OFF LIMIT! FUCK OFF!

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## Description

The Castigian Cabal is far-reaching clandestine organization who seeks to destabilize the current power structure in Marcandria, to ultimately replace it with their own. They are followers of an enigmatic shadowy figure who convinced them and made them believe that the current world order is irredeemably corrupt and unjust, and that only by first tearing down everything that currently is can they build something better.

While they would describe themselves as the grand puppeteers, they are ironically only puppets themselves. The Nightsinger funded the Cabal through her machinations, secretly placing the High Priest of the Nightsworn Concalians as the Cabal's Nightseer. This Nightseer believes the Nightsinger is guiding him on the path to ultimately let his people return to the material plane and escape their curse. Though, while he sees the Cabal as his puppets, he himself is also but a puppet of the Nightsinger herself. To her, both the Cabal and the Nightsworn Concalians are but puppets, which she fully intends to discard once they are no longer of use.

## Members

The Castigian Cabal is comprised of individuals from diverse backgrounds across the entirety of Marcandrian society. Members can be found in various positions, such as nobles, merchants, artisans, including individuals from other factions and organizations. Membership in the Cabal is an additional commitment that individuals undertake alongside their existing roles and positions. A noble will continue to fulfill their noble obligations, and a mid-ranked member of another faction will carry out their duties within that faction without relinquishing their responsibilities. Their value to the Cabal lies in utilizing their existing influence and resources to further the Cabal's agenda. They strategically leverage their positions to subtly manipulate events and people in favor of the Cabal's agendas.

The Castigian Cabal can be divided into three groups:

1. The actual Cabal members themselves, who have accepted an invitation into the organization and is partaking in their schemes. They have typically joined after the Cabal promised some specific reward that the member will receive once the Cabal has reached its goal usurping the positions of power in Marcandria, to bring the nation under their control. This promise could be a title, political position, a position in another faction, land, wealth, or something else entirely. The promise can be non-power based, such as promising revenge on someone the member holds a grudge over. Cabal members hold the titles of Veiled Initiate, Vailed Magistrate, Veiled Hierarch, and Nightseer, creating a hierarchical organizational structure.
2. Those the Cabal has coerced into cooperation, typically by threatening their lives and livelihood, as well as the lives and livelihoods of those they care about. They may be people who denied an invitation into the Cabal, or be people the Cabal has deemed not worth even trying to recruit but who hold key positions the Cabal wishes to control. The Cabal is very thorough in their handling of those they coerce, quick to make an example out of even the slightest sign of disobedience, and always making sure they maintain control over weaknesses–things the person holds dearest–to make sure they are kept in line and do the Cabal's bidding.
3. Servants of the Nightsinger, sent to aid the Cabal's endeavors and assist where necessary to ensure the Cabal's goals are reached. These are Shadowsworn Concalians, loyal to the Nightsinger, and are referred to as Shades and Veiled Enforcers by the Cabal. Veiled Enforcers act as the Cabal's military force, performing services such as assassinations and security measures. The Shades perform surveillance and intelligence gathering. The Shades additionally act as the Cabal's information network, being responsible for relaying orders and reports between superiors and subordinates within the Cabal discreetly and secretly--ensuring that each Shade, and each member of the Cabal, know the identity of as few other members as possible. The preferred setup is for each individual to only know the bare minimum information about other members necessary to effectively fulfil their own role. The Cabal's members knows very little about the origin of these servants, not even what they are or whether they have motifs beyond assisting the Cabal. For the Nightsinger, these servants are a way for her to subtly steer the Cabal, with the Nightsworn Concalians that serve these roles having been given their own promises by the Nightsinger for fulfilling these roles (General motives for the Nightsworn Concalians, as well as their motives for assisting the Cabal's endeavors, can be read about on their faction page.).

The actual Cabal members, particularly those with the title Veiled Magistrate and upwards, will typically also have servants or mercenaries working for them. Depending on the situation, these may be kept entirely in the dark regarding the Cabal's operations, acting as a convenient front to avoid suspicions. They are alternatively given a very limited insight into that particular member's endeavors, being given generous pay in return for loyalty, and for not asking unnecessary questions. Those in the latter group are also rather openly told that any lapse in loyalty or secrecy will be retaliated against harshly. These servants, and the Cabal members themselves, are fully made fully aware that even the slightest betrayal or lapse on secrecy is punished harshly, with the Cabal having no qualms with murdering entire families and burning their holdings to the ground in order to avoid being exposed publicly.

Those who are coerced into serving naturally assist in the Cabal's endeavors because they are forced to do so. The Nightsworn Concalians have their own reasons, connected to their people's current predicament. As for the Cabal members themselves, they are people who believe themselves to have either been wronged by, or unjustly denied something they believed they deserved, by the current status quo of the world. The Cabal will subtly approach them and start fostering the person's sense of injustice and grievances with the current power structure, often exploiting the person's personal grievances, to slowly indoctrinate the person into aligning with the Cabal's beliefs, before being officially invited to the organization. By the time they've become a member, the Cabal aims to have them fully believe that the current system, encompassing both society and the world's workings, is deeply flawed and unjust, to the point where only through first completely dismantling the current system can one build something better. The Cabal refers to this procedure as opening the person's eyes to “the hidden truths”, which they themselves fully believe in.

### Members list

- 123

## Beliefs

Those who become members of the Cabal are heavily indoctrinated into the Cabal's beliefs. This includes their reverence for their enigmatic guide – the Nightsinger, whom they themselves hold next to know knowledge about – but whom they credit with being the one whose opened their eyes to the so-called “hidden truths” of the world, ultimately making them realize how irredeemably unjust and unfair the current world order is. The Nightsinger is thus seen as a patron of hidden wisdom, who exposes the flaws and hypocrisies of the world and its existing power structures, and as a guide who guides their path to an envisioned better future. The Cabal's ultimate goal is to topple the existing power structure and replace it with this envisioned future—a future they believe to be fair and just, albeit one where they must hold the most crucial positions of power to maintain this supposed fairness and justice. Unbeknownst to the Cabal itself is the fact that the organization's very founding was a result of the Nightsinger's subtle machinations and manipulative words, and that, to her, the Cabal is but a convenient tool she created in order to reach her own goals.

The members of the Cabal sees the current world order, and its institutions, as a pervasive corruption that plagues all. It is a structure that perpetuates inequality, injustice, exploitation, and widespread suffering, for all except those who created and perpetuate it. A system where the hardworking who deserve better are pushed down while their superiors claim the rewards. Many of the Cabal's members harbor a deep sense of personal grievance, believing themselves to have been slighted by the current status quo, and that they've been denied something they believe themselves to have rightfully deserved. Their view can be rather twisted, as they often find themselves in relatively privileged positions, albeit still believe their efforts have made them deserving of more than what they've been given. The Cabal has fostered such a deep disdain for the current status quo that its members believe that only by completely dismantling the current system and institutions can a new structure be built – a fairer structure where all are given what they justly deserve. Or at least, what the members of the Cabal believe everyone deserves. The Nightsinger, through her masterful machinations, has managed to engrain this though of injustice so deeply into the Cabal's members that they extend their grievances not only to the people in positions of power, but to also be the fault of the very deities themselves, including Marcandria's Diostri. Society is according to them a reflection of the deities' wills and teaching, and as such, the root cause of the festering injustice that permeates it is also to be attributed to these deities.

The Cabal, through the Nightsinger's machinations, are convinced that their envisioned future is only attainable through unwavering commitment and absolute loyalty to the cause. Half-measures and compromises are seen as destined to fail, and one must be willing to go to any length and employ any means--no matter how gruesome or sinister--to achieve the Cabal's goals. Great sacrifice, even to one's own morality, will be necessary. They also firmly believe that they are the only one's with the will necessary to traverse the dark and blood stained path to achieve the dawning of their envisioned better and fairer future. To them, all the suffering they must inflict to reach it will ultimately be finite, while letting the current status quo continue will result in suffering continuing perpetually.

They deeply value secrecy, and view subterfuge and manipulations as the most effective tools to topple adversaries. They are fully aware that they'd stand little chance should the rest of society unite against them, and thus see it as paramount to remain unknown by the adversaries and in a position where they can pit their enemies against one another. It is of absolute importance that the Cabal's overarching plans remain hidden, and they will quickly silence any perceived threat to it, even if it's among their own members. Consequently, each member is only given minimal insight into the Cabal's endeavors, and minimal knowledge regarding their fellow associates. This means most members are anonymous to one another, which serves to shield the Cabal as a whole in the event of a member's compromise or betrayal. The Cabal additionally see operating in the shadows as a way of seeing the true colors of the world, the world's “hidden truths” as they'd call it. By skillfully manipulating events from the darkness, the Cabal believe themselves to be able to witness individuals' most vile and self-serving tendencies, reinforcing their belief in the inherent corruption of the current order, while being more than happy to use the threat of revealing such personal secrets as leverage when extorting or coercing.

The Cabal prides itself on its pervasive influence throughout Marcandria, and boasts of an intricate web that touches every facet of society. They fully believe that the Cabal has planned for every possible outcome. Even if an endeavor should go awry, they firmly believe the Cabal to be so in control that they've already accounted for such an outcome, and that the endeavor failing will be inconsequential within their grand scheme. The Cabal credits most of their overarching plans and schemes to be results of the guiding hand of their enigmatic guide--the Nightsinger. The Cabal places great emphasis on keeping their members convinced that so long as they follow the guidance of their enigmatic guide, then she will reveal the best path forward and guarantee their eventual success. She is, to them, their faultless guide through the depths of darkness, who leads them towards the dawn of their envisioned future. For who better to guide one through the darkness than a deity who seems to have such mastery over it?

### The Nightsinger's Hidden Truths

he world is corrupt - unfair and unjust beyond any hopes of repair. Only by tearing the current status quo down completely can something better be built in its wake.

- The world is irreparably tainted by corruption and injustice, necessitating the complete dismantling of the current system for any hope of a better future.
- Half measures are destined to fail, and is why no one else has ever been able to fix the current system. Only can only bring about the necessary change if one's willing to go to any means necessary to do so - no matter how gruesome or sinister those means might be.
  - True change can only be achieved through unwavering commitment and a willingness to employ any means necessary, no matter how dark or morally compromising.
- The other deities are the original architects of this current corrupt system.
  - The deities worshipped by society are the architects of the prevailing corrupt system, responsible for its creation and perpetuation.
- People's true, vile, nature is revealed when watched from the shadows. People are only their true selves when they believe no one are watching.
  - Observing people from the shadows unveils their true nature, exposing the depths of their selfishness, greed, and deceit when they believe themselves unobserved.
- All sacrifices are justified so long as they will be outweighed by the goal once reached.
- All of your sacrifices are wasted if you fail to achieve your goal. All means are justified so long as you reach it.
  - (Attempts to make it so if you refuse to do the next terrible deeds, all of your previous deeds end up being for nothing - thus making it more likely that you continue to mete out what is asked of you, no matter how horrible)

Other common sayings:

- ‘When dealing with a vast tapestry, the pull of a single thread makes no difference.’
- Life in the current system is meaningless. To continue existing in this corrupt reality has no meaning. Better to die trying to fix it than live in it. So long as we succeed, then it'll all be worth it.

The Nightsinger's aliases/titles: The Veiled Mistress, The Mistress/Lady of the Night. The Unseen Hand. Our Guide (through the Darkness). Nightsinger.

## Goals

Driven by unwavering devotion to their enigmatic guide and fueled by a profound belief in their cause, the Castigian Cabal is determined to dismantle the prevailing power structures—both in society and in the world's workings—that they perceive as corrupt and unfair. Their ultimate aim is to replace these structures with a society they deem fair and just—a society where those who uphold it does not limit, deny advancements, or hinder an individual's pursuit of personal aspirations.

The Cabal aims to accomplish this by first seizing control of a wide array of resources and influential positions. Simultaneously, they strategically work towards degrading the integrity of institutions they do not intend to control, as well as undermining the endeavors and wealth of influential individuals who are not part of their ranks. They aim to orchestrate the collapse of institutions and powerful entities outside their control, and as the unfolding chaos ensues, the Cabal intends to position themselves into all key positions, with an extensive network of resources and influence, ensuring their members collectively dominate what remains and what will be built after. With this consolidation of power, they will embark on a comprehensive reconstruction, molding the world according to their envisioned future, where they hold positions of unrivaled authority.

The Cabal is acutely aware that they stand little chance in reaching their goals should all the other influential factions in Marcandria decide to unite against them. Maintaining secrecy is a goal in itself for the Cabal. They go to great lengths to ensure their plans and schemes remain unknown, and that the existence of their organization remains unnoticed. While their actions may elicit reactions within Marcandrian society, they meticulously avoid leaving evidence that could point back their members, or evidence that could indicate the action to have been part of a larger scheme. The Cabal strives to keep their adversaries divided and in conflict with one another. The Cabal is always seeking to expand its membership base, and are therefore always on the lookout for people who could prove useful to the Cabal, and who has something the Cabal can use to subtly indoctrinate them into their ranks. Likewise, they constantly aim to find new secrets they can exploit in order to coerce people into serving their cause.

Most of the Cabal's schemes revolve around either elevating their members' positions or diminishing their adversaries'. These schemes encompass increasing members' influence and available resources, securing higher positions within other factions where they also hold membership, or bringing adversaries to ruin to open up coveted positions that a member of the Cabal may fill. These endeavors collectively aim to enhance the Cabal's relative influence and resources, ultimately contributing to the fulfillment of their overarching goal—bringing about their envisioned future. Individual members also harbor personal aspirations, primarily centered on securing the highest possible positions in the Cabal's envisioned future. The Cabal, and its members, thus tend to display highly opportunistic tendencies.

The Cabal's enigmatic guide, the Nightsinger, has her own aspirations, for which the Cabal is but a tool. Discontented with the other deities' ploy to seal off the world from the realms beyond, thus rendering beings from those places, including the deities themselves, unable to directly influence the world, the Nightsinger seeks to exploit the seal's imperfect and deteriorating nature. Her aim is to create a significant breach in a location closely aligned to a place where she holds great strength—the Shadowfell—with one such place being conveniently located in the ruins of the old Concalian capitol of Sion, just south of Marcandria's borders. Through this breach, the Nightsinger intends to make herself the dominating influence in the world, causing it to fall into entropy—to crumble and succumb, leaving only disorder, darkness, and loss, where all are ultimately forced under her sway. This goal is entirely unknown to both the Cabal and the Nightsworn Concalians who aid them as Shades and Veiled Enforcers, with all ultimately being nothing but puppets in the Nightsinger's grand scheme, to be discarded when no longer of use.

## Organization

The Castigian Cabal operates under a strict hierarchical structure, where each member is expected to dutifully carry out the orders of their superiors without question. Deviation from these orders is only permissible when the requested actions contradict the Cabal's core interests and could be considered treasonous. The Cabal places great importance on the unwavering commitment and loyalty demonstrated by its members, especially when executing morally challenging tasks. Successfully completing assigned missions, as directed by the Cabal, is regarded as a testament to one's competence, dedication, and eligibility for advancement. Advancement when it comes to the Cabal is almost entirely based on merit. The Cabal will reward good service by improving and expanding on what the person's been promised in the Cabal's new world order, operating as a motivator where ultimately those who have aided the Cabal the most are promised the most prestigious positions. The Cabal will likewise reward those who serve them well by facilitating events so that they're given a more prestigious position within current Marcandrian society, typically close to what they've been promised in the Cabal's envisioned new order. This acts both as further motivation to stay loyal to the Cabal, and to place the member in a position where they're well equipped to be of use to the Cabal itself.

Members within the Cabal hold the titles of Veiled Initiate, Veiled Magistrate, and Veiled Hierarch. In addition are the Shades and the Veiled Enforcers, primarily Nightsworn Concalian servants of the Nightsinger who have been sent by her to serve as specialized operatives for the Cabal. They are thus not part of the Cabal's main hierarchy, but rather forces at its side that performs specialized tasks on behalf of the Cabal's members. The Shades act as the Cabal's information network, while the Veiled Enforcers act as its military force. Lastly there's the Nightseer, the de-facto leader of the Cabal whose responsible for leading the discussions held the Veiled Hierarchs, and whose responsible for acting as the Nightsinger's voice when the Veiled Hierarchs discuss and coordinates the Cabal's future plans. Initiates, magistrates, and Hierarchs may all have their own servants, employees, and mercenaries, typically connected to the individual's position outside of the Cabal. These will rarely have any insight into the Cabal's existence. They'll often have a varying degree of knowledge into the specific member they serve's endeavors, as the Cabal member will rarely be able to perform all aspects of the schemes they've been assigned personally, though these servants are never told anything tangible about a larger force being behind it all.

All new members start out as a Veiled Initiate, who work under a Veiled Magistrate or directly under a Veiled Hierarch, whom in both cases they very rarely know the identity off. When the execution of one of the Cabal's schemes have been delegated to the Initiate's Magistrate or Hierarch superior, that superior will delegate out tasks to themselves and their subordinate Veiled Initiates in accordance with each person's position and suitability for each aspect of the scheme. An Initiate may also be assigned a scheme the Veiled Hierarchs directly if they are particularly suitable in meting out a scheme. This is most commonly the case for Initiates with notable influence in Marcandrian society, and in cases where the scheme is directly connected to why the Cabal recruited said individual. he Cabal will evaluate an Initiate's competency, i.e. their value to the Cabal, and their loyalty through how they execute the tasks assigned to them. While all members start out as Veiled Initiates, those who already hold much resources and influence will typically rise up to a Veiled Magistrate a lot quicker simply due to all the means they have available to mete out the parts assigned to them. The Cabal simultaneously sees their already existing levels of resources and influence as proof of their competency. As the criteria for advancement is competency and loyalty, they've thus effectively already fulfilled the competency requirement, meaning the only hurdle left for them to rise beyond the rank of Veiled Initiate is for them to prove their loyalty. The Cabal will typically ensure that a person's been tasked with, and have dutifully executed, at least one morally difficult assignment as proof of their absolute loyalty and devotion to the Cabal's cause and beliefs before their advancement to Veiled Magistrate.

Veiled Magistrates will typically have at least a couple of Veiled Initiates as their subordinate, and are responsible for meting out small to medium sized schemes delegated to them by the Veiled Hierarchs. The Magistrate will typically hold some knowledge of what type of position their Initiates hold, but the Initiates' exact identity will be kept hidden where possible. The Magistrate may thus, for instance, know that one of their Initiates work at a specific establishment, including what type of information they can access and what strings they can pull within the establishment, but the Magistrate may not know which specific employee the Initiate is. Orders and reports between the Magistrate and their Initiates are instead handled by the Shades, to ensure that even if one member of the Cabal is compromised, they'll be able to contain it and maintain secrecy for the rest of the organization. Veiled Magistrates will have a Veiled Hierarch as their superior, with communication between the Magistrates and the Hierarchs occurring through Shade in the same manner as through Magistrate and Initiate.

The Veiled Hierarchs are the leaders of the Cabal, who'll discuss and develop the Cabal's larger schemes and overall direction. Only the most loyal, devout, influential, and accomplished of Veiled Magistrates are promoted to be among their ranks. //YOU ARE HERE

– Veiled Hierarchs will typically know what kind of influence the other Hierarchs Have, but rarely their identity. Examples could be a high-ranking member of the Meranzeum, or a Board of Nine Member of the Fulcrum, while not knowing exactly which person they are. Meetings facilitated by the Nightseer, who ensures meetings are done in a manner that maintains each Hierarch's secrecy.

– Nightseer will facilitate meetings between the Veiled Hierarchs, employing means to ensure they an maintain anonymity. These means often include magical means, to allow the Veiled Hierarchs to convene without them having to convene physically.

A Veiled Heirarch will typically oversee the Cabal's larger schemes, often deriving several small to medium sized schemes from it whom they delegate to their Veiled Magistrates.

needs to wield a certain amount of influence in Marcandrian society to be eligible for a higher rank.

Going up in rank, practically speaking, means you get entrusted with more important schemes, which means you can become more valuable to the Cabal and thus be granted further promises, or have the Cabal facilitate for you to be given a better position in Marcandrian society.

Rank is also hierarchical, meaning if you get promoted to Veiled Magistrate, you'll get Veiled Initiates that you control, and get more resources, shades etc, to find new members for the cabal.

Going up in rank, practically speaking, means you get entrusted with more important schemes, which means you can become more valuable to the Cabal and thus be granted further promises, or have the Cabal facilitate for you to be given a better position in Marcandrian society.</p>

<p>Rank is also hierarchical, meaning if you get promoted to Veiled Magistrate, you'll get Veiled Initiates that you control, and get more resources, shades etc, to find new members for the cabal.

Advancement within the Castigian Cabal primarily relies on merit and accomplishments. Individuals who consistently deliver commendable results are rewarded with more influential positions within external organizations or elevated positions in Marcandrian society. Attaining such a position, which requires a collaborative effort between the Cabal and the member, represents the final test to prove oneself worthy of promotion within the organization. Each rank necessitates a certain level of wieldable influence or resources that can be utilized for the Cabal's benefit before becoming eligible for promotion. The Cabal actively facilitates the acquisition of such resources for members who have sufficiently contributed to the organization's goals and demonstrated unwavering commitment and loyalty. New recruits, regardless of their power or influence, begin at the lowest rank. Although their existing influence fulfills the prerequisite of possessing a certain level of resources, they must still prove their commitment and loyalty before ascending to a higher rank.

It is important to note that individuals coerced into cooperating with the Cabal are not considered full-fledged members, but rather tools or assets. The Cabal's inner circle delegates control over these individuals to trusted members, often someone from within the inner circle, who are responsible for keeping them under strict control and ensuring their compliance with the Cabal's wishes and directives.

The Castigian Cabal adheres to the following structure, with ranks listed from lowest to highest: Shadow Initiate, Veiled Magistrate, Veiled Enforcer, Shade, Veiled Hierarch, and Nightseer.

Shadow Initiates comprise both new recruits and the general rank-and-file operatives within the Cabal. They possess positions or skills deemed useful by the organization but have yet to prove themselves sufficiently for promotion. The Cabal refrains from promoting individuals if their roles are considered of lesser importance; however, they do facilitate opportunities for those who have exhibited capability, commitment, and loyalty.

Sitting above the Shadow Initiate rank are the Veiled Magistrates, Veiled Enforcers, and Shades, all of which hold equal status within the Cabal. Advancement between these titles represents a shift in roles rather than a promotion. The Veiled Magistrates serve as the natural progression from Shadow Initiate and fulfill roles akin to middle-managers or local leaders. They oversee specific cells embedded within Marcandrian society, responsible for smaller portions of the Cabal's operations. Typically, Veiled Magistrates are individuals with moderate influence, such as merchants, business owners, low- to mid-rank nobles, or mid-ranking members of other organizations, whom the Cabal supports in exchange for using their influence and resources to further the Cabal's agenda. Veiled Magistrates act as direct superiors to most Shadow Initiates. In situations where multiple operatives from the Cabal are embedded within the same department of another organization, the most influential member assumes the role of Veiled Magistrate, acting as the superior to the others, who remain Shadow Initiates. The specific groupings may undergo changes over time. If an underling secures a more esteemed position and earns promotion to Veiled Magistrate, reassignments occur to establish new superiors for Shadow Initiates. Information and orders between Shadow Initiates and Veiled Hierarchs typically flow through the Veiled Magistrates, acting as intermediaries.

Veiled Enforcers and Shades serve as specialized roles, distinct from the more generalist Veiled Magistrates. Under the authority of the Veiled Hierarchs, Veiled Enforcers act as a security force and as the Cabal's "muscle." They are deployed when the Cabal needs someone removed, when a coerced individual requires a forceful reminder, or when a member is identified as a traitor to the Cabal's cause. Veiled Enforcers are also positioned to protect important members or assets of the Cabal, commonly while disguised as simple servants or other regular people whose presence would be appropriate for the situation at hand. The Veiled Enforcers answer to the collective decisions of the Veiled Hierarchs, and no single individual, except for the Nightseers, has the authority to issue orders directly to them. The title of Veiled Enforcer is typically granted to members who have demonstrated their combat abilities as well as their ability to discreetly carry out the beforementioned operations. The Cabal commonly seek out people who they believe fit these criteria with the intention of eventually having them become a Veiled Enforcer within the Cabal—which also holds true for the recruitment of future Shades.

Shades play a crucial role in the operations of the Cabal, serving as intermediaries and information distributors. They are the specialists when it comes to covert operations, called upon for operations that require a particularly professional touch. They are also responsible for the secure and discreet distribution of orders and information within the organization. While Veiled Magistrates and the subordinate Shadow Initiates within their respective cells may communicate directly with one another, any cross-cell communication, especially involving the Veiled Hierarchs or Nightseers, is channeled through a Shade. However, in cases where members are working closely together on a specific endeavor, requiring constant communication, the intermediary role of a Shade may be temporarily omitted. Nevertheless, the Cabal maintains a strict policy of concealing identities even in such circumstances.

This arrangement helps maintain the Cabal's secrecy by limiting the number of members who know the identities of others. Each Shade is entrusted with the knowledge of only a few members, whom they are responsible for delivering orders and information to, as well as receiving orders and information from. In cases where a Shade needs to deliver a message to an individual whose identity they are unaware of, designated drop-off points are established to facilitate the exchange without the need for direct contact between Shades. Additionally, Shades are assigned the task of monitoring and reporting on the members under their purview. They evaluate their performance, assess their adherence to Cabal orders, and watch for any signs of treachery or disloyalty.

The Veiled Hierarchs comprise the inner circle of the Cabal. They assume leadership roles within the organization and collectively make decisions regarding major endeavors and strategies. Veiled Hierarchs are typically individuals who hold positions of significant influence or wield considerable power, including high-ranking members of other organizations, prominent nobles, and powerful spellcasters. Veiled Hierarchs will often have their personal assistant outside the Cabal and their Shade within the Cabal be the same person. Each Veiled Hierarch bears responsibility for a specific area, which determines their primary involvement in related initiatives. For example, a noble Veiled Hierarch is typically responsible for endeavors involving the nobility within their region, while high-ranking members of other factions oversee efforts within their respective organizations. The Veiled Hierarch is also the one primarily responsible for all the Veiled Magister-led cells within their area. Several former Shades and Veiled Enforcers have been promoted to Veiled Hierarchs, leading the two subgroups within the organization. Veiled Hierarchs delegate tasks related to smaller and medium-sized schemes to Veiled Magistrates, reserving their direct involvement for larger and more critical endeavors. Decision-making among the Veiled Hierarchs occurs through voting, negotiations, and compromise until a majority consensus is reached on a particular course of action.

Nightseers, as Veiled Hierarchs with additional responsibilities, assume leadership roles within the Veiled Hierarchs themselves. They possess additional privileges, including the authority to issue orders directly to the Veiled Enforcers without requiring approval from the rest of the inner circle. Nightseers serve as the primary conduits for communication between the Cabal's enigmatic guide and the organization. While the Cabal's masks and distributed figurines allow the mysterious guide to communicate with members of all ranks, including non-members through the use of figurines, the guide has chosen to exclusively provide guidance on the Cabal's larger strategies and endeavors to the Nightseers. The Nightseers are regarded as the voices through which the enigmatic guide imparts its instructions and counsel. Their elevated status within the Veiled Hierarchs solidifies their role as key decision-makers and intermediaries within the Cabal.

# OLD

## Description

The Castigian Cabal is

## Members

- Note: have one true servaant of Shar among Nightsers? One that is aware of true plans, aand seeks to gaud the Cabal into fulfilling Shar's plans?
- with visual identifiers
- Most members hold positions within other factions, or positions of influence within Marcandria, or have a set of skills that the Cabal sees as useful (such as assassins, though they technically have a profession and a role within assassin social circles)
- Non-member allies/partners:
  - hag Grandmotherr
  - Krakenbone Pirates
- Veiled Hierarchs
  - 2 Veiled Hierarchs who are responsible for Veiled Enforcers. One for security part, one for assassinations etc. The one for assassinations etc is the one who killed Ari's sister. While in a leadership position now, he does like to from time to time get his hands dirty, even though he's not supposed to do such tasks.

Most members of the Castigian Cabal are also either a member of another organization, or hold positions of influence within Marcandrian society (such as a noble title). Those who have neither have instead a set of skills that the Cabal deems useful. This includes spies, assassins, magic users, and skilled combatants—generally people whose regular profession can be used in service to the Cabal.

The Shadow Initiates makes out the outer circle of the Castigian Cabal. Their tasks include information gathering, influencing and manipulating the faction they're in, sabotaging it, instigating internal conflict, manipulating and potentially siphoning off finances and resources, spreading propaganda and disinformation, coercion and extortion, and (with the help of the Cabal) seek out strategic positions within the other faction. An accountant might be tasked with subtly manipulating financial records, possibly to siphon off some to the Cabal. They may be asked to manipulate reports going to their superiors to make some other member of the organization, that the Cabal sees as an obstacle, in trouble with their superior. A personal assistant might be tasked with gathering information on their superior, manipulating and selecting what information they receive in a way that pushes their decision towards an action that the Cabal sees as beneficial (or least detrimental). They may also be tasked with subtly breaking down relations between their superiors and other influential figures, such as clients, suppliers, partners, or allies.

A Shadow Initiate may also be an individual who has a profession or a set of skills that the Cabal would like to be used in service to the Cabal.

or individuals who have a profession or set of skills that the Cabal has deemed could be of use in their service

The Cabal is built through layers upon layers of secrecy, the closer you are to the center, the closer you are to the truth about the organization.

- Closest are those fully dedicated to Shar and her mission
  - End goal of breaking Seal, usher in a new age for Marcandria and the world, with Shar having the upper hand due to location.
  - Most here believe that they'll have a position of power in this new age.
  - The most devoted among these here are clerics. Others serve roles such as assassins or messagers (who deliver orders to different cliques and info from them, since people are supposed to know as little as possible about other members)
- Then those who are aware of the end goal, and support it due to being promised a better position in the aftermath.
- Then those who are unaware of the true goal, and basically believe the goal to simply be a coup, but who again support it due to being promised more in “the coup's" aftermath.
- Then it's those who have refused to become members of the Cabal, but that the cabal decided would be useful to keep alive, and are thus being extorted into cooperating and serving the Cabal.

Hierarchy:

1. Clerics - masterminds and leaders
2. Assassins, messagers, etc - serve directly under Clerics to help control the Cabal and those they have influence over.
   1. Prob look out “why do people join Cults” to give some example motivations here. Prob something along the lines of people who have lost their place and have been slowly brainwashed into being true believers of the cause.
3. Those devoted to the Cabal's true end goal. Most from her and further down know very little about the identities of other members, save those they are directly involved with.

### Members list

We've been shown the hidden truths of our world. The reality of the unfair, corrupt society. Thrustupon us by our so called leaders.

A false reality forced upon us by the very gods we're supposed to worship! It is their fault that our world is so unfair.

It is they who have stolen from us the potential we had for greatness. For fairness!

This world is not fair, for our very gods have denied us the means to reach what we are truly capable of achieving!

This system is beyond saving. It can only be fixed by first being torn down. It is only we who truly know what it will take to fix all of it.

The land is always filled with pawns that we can use. Make sure to find new pawns should the Vessaia loose too quickly.

## Beliefs

The Castigian Cabal comprises individuals who worship, devote themselves, or follow (depending on their level of devotion) an enigmatic goddess known as Shar—whom even they themselves hold next to no knowledge about. To them, Shar represents the revealer of hidden truths and the patron of hidden wisdom, and to be the one who opened their eyes and exposed the flaws and hypocrisies of the world and its existing power structures. It was ultimately through her subtle machinations and manipulative words that the Cabal was formed. Their ultimate goal is to topple the existing power structure and replace it with their envisioned future—a future they believe to be fair and just, albeit one where they must hold the most crucial positions of power to maintain this supposed fairness and justice.

The Cabal firmly believes that the current system, encompassing both society and the world's workings, is deeply flawed and unjust. They perceive it as a pervasive corruption that plagues all. Many members of the Cabal harbor a personal sense of injustice, believing themselves to have been unjustly denied something they rightfully deserved. This denial could manifest as the denial of a prominent position, the struggle of a hardworking individual who remains impoverished while their superiors thrive in wealth, or any other situation where they feel the status quo denies them what they perceive to justly deserve. In their eyes, the current structure perpetuates inequality, injustice, exploitation, and widespread suffering, for all except those who created and perpetuate it. Only by first completely dismantling the current status quo can the construction of a new structure be built—one that is brighter, more just, and more fair. Through her masterful machinations, Shar has convinced the Cabal to place blame not only on those they perceive as upholding the current societal order but also on the very deities they worship. According to the Cabal's belief, society is seen as a reflection of the deities' wills and teachings. As such, the root cause of the festering injustice that permeates society is attributed to these deities. Consequently, the Cabal regards other deities, including the Diostri, as architects of the corrupt status quo.

Shar has effectively convinced the Cabal that only unwavering commitment and absolute loyalty to their cause can pave the way to their envisioned future. They view half-measures and compromises as destined to fail, which is why they advocate for the complete dismantling of the current structures, regardless of the cost. They believe that one must be willing to go to any length, employing any means—no matter how gruesome or sinister—to achieve their goals. Progressing toward their objectives necessitates substantial sacrifice and immense cost, even to the point of compromising ones own morality. The necessity of this uncompromising position is why they believe no one else has ever been able to, or will ever be able to, correct the current corrupt structures. The Cabal is firm in the belief that they alone can bear this burden—that they are the only ones with the will required to do what is needed. Traversing the darkest paths, stained with blood, is seen as necessary to achieve their ultimate goal: the dawning of a new era characterized by their envisioned fairness and justice. In their perspective, all the sacrifices, terrible deeds, and inflicted suffering will be justified once their new age comes to fruition—for the suffering they have to inflict will be finite, whereas the current system, if remained unchanged, will continue to perpetuate suffering for all eternity.

Operating from the shadows is a fundamental principle for the Cabal, mirroring their enigmatic patron, Shar. Even they realize that they'd stand little chance should the rest of society unite against them—hence why so much of their efforts are designed to pit their adversaries against one other. They consider secrecy of paramount importance, even among their own ranks, to safeguard their endeavors from adversaries and to make sure the extent of their schemes are never discovered. Consequently, most members possess minimal knowledge of their fellow associates. This anonymity serves to shield the Cabal as a whole in the event of a member's compromise or betrayal. Furthermore, they believe subterfuge and manipulation to be their most effective tools, whether it involves persuading individuals to join their cause or covertly forcing their support or unknowing contribution to their efforts. This does not mean they are beyond utilizing more direct approaches, such as coercion—be that threatening someone's assets, wellbeing, or the wellbeing of their loved ones—to gain the support of people who are otherwise unwilling to cooperate.

The shadows grant the Cabal the ability to—according to themselves—perceive the truths of the world. They believe that people's true nature is most evident when they believe themselves to be unobserved. Likewise, the Cabal perceives the injustices of the current order to be most noticeable when it believes it operates without scrutiny. By skillfully manipulating events from the darkness, the Cabal believe themselves to be able to witness individuals' most vile and self-serving tendencies, reinforcing their belief in the inherent corruption of the current order, while also exercising their influence while remaining unseen.

The Cabal prides itself on its pervasive influence throughout Marcandria and boasts an intricate web of involvement in every facet of society. They reassure themselves that they have planned for every eventuality and conceivable outcome. Because of this, even if a few of their endeavors go awry, they consider it inconsequential within the grand scheme of things. As they often say, ‘when dealing with a vast tapestry, the pull of a single thread makes no difference.’ The Cabal seeks to convince its members that so long as they follow Shar's guidance to navigate the treacherous paths they tread, their envisioned new dawning with a fair and just society, where each member receives their rightful due, will inevitably be realized. The Cabal attributes most of their significant projects and endeavors to Shar's guidance, believing that she has revealed the best path toward their goals. The most devoted members possess unwavering confidence in Shar's guidance, as they believe her to be their faultless guide through the depths of darkness, leading them to the dawn of their envisioned future. After all, no being should know the path through the darkness better than the goddess of darkness herself (Though again, the Cabal are not entirely aware of Shar's true nature).

Through their devotion to their enigmatic guide and their resolute adherence to their cause, the Castigian Cabal seeks to dismantle the prevailing power structures, expose the hidden truths of the world, and construct a society they deem fair and just. While driven by a sense of personal injustice and a desire for their rightful place, they firmly believe that only through absolute commitment and unwavering loyalty can their goals be achieved. The Cabal thrives in secrecy and manipulation, employing the shadows as their ally, and embracing the sacrifices and dark paths necessary to pave the way for their envisioned future. With Shar as their guide, they navigate the intricate web of their influence, confident that they are destined to reshape the world in accordance with their beliefs.

### Shar's hidden truths

Shar's Hidden truths:

- The world is corrupt - unfair and unjust beyond any hopes of repair. Only by tearing the current status quo down completely can something better be built in its wake.
  - The world is irreparably tainted by corruption and injustice, necessitating the complete dismantling of the current system for any hope of a better future.
- Half measures are destined to fail, and is why no one else has ever been able to fix the current system. Only can only bring about the necessary change if one's willing to go to any means necessary to do so - no matter how gruesome or sinister those means might be.
  - True change can only be achieved through unwavering commitment and a willingness to employ any means necessary, no matter how dark or morally compromising.
- The other deities are the original architects of this current corrupt system.
  - The deities worshipped by society are the architects of the prevailing corrupt system, responsible for its creation and perpetuation.
- People's true, vile, nature is revealed when watched from the shadows. People are only their true selves when they believe no one are watching.
  - Observing people from the shadows unveils their true nature, exposing the depths of their selfishness, greed, and deceit when they believe themselves unobserved.
- All sacrifices are justified so long as they will be outweighed by the goal once reached.
- All of your sacrifices are wasted if you fail to achieve your goal. All means are justified so long as you reach it.
  - (Attempts to make it so if you refuse to do the next terrible deeds, all of your previous deeds end up being for nothing - thus making it more likely that you continue to mete out what is asked of you, no matter how horrible)

Other common sayings:

- ‘When dealing with a vast tapestry, the pull of a single thread makes no difference.’
- Life in the current system is meaningless. To continue existing in this corrupt reality has no meaning. Better to die trying to fix it than live in it. So long as we succeed, then it'll all be worth it.

Shar's aliases/titles: The Veiled Mistress, The Mistress/Lady of the Night. The Unseen Hand. Our Guide (through the Darkness). Nightsinger.

## Goals

Driven by unwavering devotion to their enigmatic guide and fueled by a profound belief in their cause, the Castigian Cabal is determined to dismantle the prevailing power structures—both in society and in the world's workings—that they perceive as corrupt and unfair. Their ultimate aim is to replace these structures with a society they deem fair and just—a society where those who uphold it does not limit, deny advancements, or hinder an individual's pursuit of personal aspirations.

The Cabal aims to accomplish this by first seizing control of a wide array of resources and influential positions. Simultaneously, they strategically work towards degrading the integrity of institutions they do not intend to control, as well as undermining the endeavors and wealth of influential individuals who are not part of their ranks. Their ultimate objective is to orchestrate the collapse of all institutions and powerful entities outside their control. As this unfolding chaos ensues, the Cabal intends to position themselves with an extensive network of resources and influential positions, ensuring their members collectively dominate what remains. With this consolidation of power, they will embark on a comprehensive reconstruction, molding the world according to their envisioned future, where they hold positions of unrivaled authority.

The Cabal acknowledges the inherent risks of collapsing existing power structures, fully aware that it may have repercussions for their own members. However, through meticulous planning and preparations, they strive to not only weather the ensuing fallout but to emerge stronger than before. Their goal is to navigate the tumultuous aftermath, allowing select members to not only endure but thrive, while ensuring their competitors and adversaries remain permanently weakened and unable to recover.

The Cabal envisions a world where everyone can carve out their rightful place. Many members are driven by a sense of personal injustice and a desire for their rightful place, with the Cabal attempting to instill in them that that only through absolute commitment and unwavering loyalty can their goals be achieved. The Cabal thrives in secrecy and manipulation, employing the shadows as their ally, and embracing the sacrifices and dark paths necessary to pave the way for their envisioned future. Guided by Shar, they navigate a complex web of influence, confident in their destined role to reshape the world in alignment with their beliefs.

The Cabal is acutely aware that they stand little chance in reaching their goals should all the other influential factions in Marcandria decide to unite against them. Therefore, maintaining secrecy is seen as of paramount importance. They go to great lengths to ensure their plans and schemes remain unknown, and that the existence of their organization remains unnoticed. While their actions may elicit reactions within Marcandrian society, they meticulously avoid leaving evidence that could point back their members, or evidence that could indicate the action to have been part of a larger scheme. Maintaining secrecy is a goal in itself for the Cabal, and they spare no effort in its preservation. The Cabal also strives to keep their adversaries divided and in conflict with one another. This strategy aims to exhaust their opponents' resources, minimize the risk of discovery, and prevent interference with the Cabal's schemes, whether accidental or intentional.

The Cabal actively seeks to recruit influential individuals from other factions, often luring them with promises of prominent positions in their envisioned future. Recruits who believe they have been unjustly denied advancement by their superior are often offered their superior's position in return for committing themselves to the cause. Those who are approached but refuse to join the cause are either killed off or forced to cooperate through the use of coercion and threats. The Cabal does not hesitate to exploit their leverage, employing tactics that endanger the possessions, reputation, and loved ones of non-compliant individuals. The organization has a demonstrated history of following through on such threats, but they must also exercise caution to avoid attracting unwanted attention. The Cabal is in a constant need of new recruits to expand its reach and influence, and thus will always have numerous ongoing schemes that aim to either convince individuals to join as faithful members or force them into servitude through coercion and threats

The Cabal seeks to control those who cannot be swayed through covertly instigating infighting or conflicts between them and other factions. By weakening adversaries or diverting their resources, the Cabal aims to usurp their positions or render them too preoccupied to interfere with their plans. Each of the major faction presents a unique scenario, due to how each of them are organized and how deep the Cabal is able to infiltrate their existing ranks. A tailored strategy for each of the other major factions is thus required in order for the Cabal to achieve their aims for each of these factions.

Most of the Cabal's schemes revolve around either elevating their members' positions or diminishing their adversaries'. These schemes encompass increasing members' influence and available resources, securing higher positions within other factions where they also hold membership, or bringing adversaries to ruin to open up coveted positions that a member of the Cabal may fill. These endeavors collectively aim to enhance the Cabal's relative influence and resources, ultimately contributing to the fulfillment of their overarching goal—bringing about their envisioned future.

Individual members also harbor personal aspirations, primarily centered on securing the highest possible positions in the Cabal's envisioned future. Opportunism often motivates initial recruits, prompting the Cabal to perpetually engage in schemes to persuade new members to become fully committed to their cause.

In contrast to the Cabal's aspirations, Shar, their enigmatic guide, harbors distinct goals. Discontented with the other deities' ploy to seal off the world from the realms beyond, thus rendering beings from those places, including the deities themselves, unable to directly influence the world, Shar seeks to exploit the seal's imperfect and deteriorating nature. Her aim is to create a significant breach in a location closely aligned to a place where she holds great strength—the Shadowfell. Through this breach, Shar intends to make herself the dominating influence in the world, causing it to fall into entropy—to crumble and succumb, leaving only disorder, darkness, and loss, where all are ultimately forced under her sway. Unbeknownst to the Cabal, Shar views them as mere tools to be discarded when they are no longer of use, with no intention of fulfilling any of her promises to the Cabal once she has what she's after. It is ironic that, just as the Cabal covertly manipulates individuals to serve their interests, Shar manipulates the Cabal itself to further her own agenda.

## Organization

The Castigian Cabal is comprised of individuals from diverse backgrounds across the entirety of Marcandrian society. Members can be found in various positions, including nobles, merchants, artisans, and individuals from other factions and organizations. Membership in the Cabal is an additional commitment that individuals undertake alongside their existing roles and positions. A noble will continue to fulfill their noble obligations, and a mid-ranked member of another faction will carry out their duties within that faction without relinquishing their responsibilities. Their value to the Cabal lies in utilizing their existing influence and resources to further the Cabal's agenda. They strategically leverage their positions to subtly manipulate events and people in favor of the Cabal's goals. However, it should be noted that some Veiled Enforcers and Shades (described below) may solely dedicate themselves to their Cabal roles, forgoing any other external responsibilities. For example, an assassin serving as a Veiled Enforcer may devote themselves exclusively to carrying out targeted assassinations for the Cabal's objectives.

The Castigian Cabal operates under a strict hierarchical structure, where each member is expected to dutifully carry out the orders of their superiors without question. Deviation from these orders is only permissible when the requested actions contradict the Cabal's core interests and could be considered treasonous. The Cabal places great importance on the unwavering commitment and loyalty demonstrated by its members, especially when executing morally challenging tasks. Successfully completing assigned missions, as directed by the Cabal, is regarded as a testament to one's competence, dedication, and eligibility for advancement.

Advancement within the Castigian Cabal primarily relies on merit and accomplishments. Individuals who consistently deliver commendable results are rewarded with more influential positions within external organizations or elevated positions in Marcandrian society. Attaining such a position, which requires a collaborative effort between the Cabal and the member, represents the final test to prove oneself worthy of promotion within the organization. Each rank necessitates a certain level of wieldable influence or resources that can be utilized for the Cabal's benefit before becoming eligible for promotion. The Cabal actively facilitates the acquisition of such resources for members who have sufficiently contributed to the organization's goals and demonstrated unwavering commitment and loyalty. New recruits, regardless of their power or influence, begin at the lowest rank. Although their existing influence fulfills the prerequisite of possessing a certain level of resources, they must still prove their commitment and loyalty before ascending to a higher rank.

It is important to note that individuals coerced into cooperating with the Cabal are not considered full-fledged members, but rather tools or assets. The Cabal's inner circle delegates control over these individuals to trusted members, often someone from within the inner circle, who are responsible for keeping them under strict control and ensuring their compliance with the Cabal's wishes and directives.

The Castigian Cabal adheres to the following structure, with ranks listed from lowest to highest: Shadow Initiate, Veiled Magistrate, Veiled Enforcer, Shade, Veiled Hierarch, and Nightseer.

Shadow Initiates comprise both new recruits and the general rank-and-file operatives within the Cabal. They possess positions or skills deemed useful by the organization but have yet to prove themselves sufficiently for promotion. The Cabal refrains from promoting individuals if their roles are considered of lesser importance; however, they do facilitate opportunities for those who have exhibited capability, commitment, and loyalty.

Sitting above the Shadow Initiate rank are the Veiled Magistrates, Veiled Enforcers, and Shades, all of which hold equal status within the Cabal. Advancement between these titles represents a shift in roles rather than a promotion. The Veiled Magistrates serve as the natural progression from Shadow Initiate and fulfill roles akin to middle-managers or local leaders. They oversee specific cells embedded within Marcandrian society, responsible for smaller portions of the Cabal's operations. Typically, Veiled Magistrates are individuals with moderate influence, such as merchants, business owners, low- to mid-rank nobles, or mid-ranking members of other organizations, whom the Cabal supports in exchange for using their influence and resources to further the Cabal's agenda. Veiled Magistrates act as direct superiors to most Shadow Initiates. In situations where multiple operatives from the Cabal are embedded within the same department of another organization, the most influential member assumes the role of Veiled Magistrate, acting as the superior to the others, who remain Shadow Initiates. The specific groupings may undergo changes over time. If an underling secures a more esteemed position and earns promotion to Veiled Magistrate, reassignments occur to establish new superiors for Shadow Initiates. Information and orders between Shadow Initiates and Veiled Hierarchs typically flow through the Veiled Magistrates, acting as intermediaries.

Veiled Enforcers and Shades serve as specialized roles, distinct from the more generalist Veiled Magistrates. Under the authority of the Veiled Hierarchs, Veiled Enforcers act as a security force and as the Cabal's "muscle." They are deployed when the Cabal needs someone removed, when a coerced individual requires a forceful reminder, or when a member is identified as a traitor to the Cabal's cause. Veiled Enforcers are also positioned to protect important members or assets of the Cabal, commonly while disguised as simple servants or other regular people whose presence would be appropriate for the situation at hand. The Veiled Enforcers answer to the collective decisions of the Veiled Hierarchs, and no single individual, except for the Nightseers, has the authority to issue orders directly to them. The title of Veiled Enforcer is typically granted to members who have demonstrated their combat abilities as well as their ability to discreetly carry out the beforementioned operations. The Cabal commonly seek out people who they believe fit these criteria with the intention of eventually having them become a Veiled Enforcer within the Cabal—which also holds true for the recruitment of future Shades.

Shades play a crucial role in the operations of the Cabal, serving as intermediaries and information distributors. They are the specialists when it comes to covert operations, called upon for operations that require a particularly professional touch. They are also responsible for the secure and discreet distribution of orders and information within the organization. While Veiled Magistrates and the subordinate Shadow Initiates within their respective cells may communicate directly with one another, any cross-cell communication, especially involving the Veiled Hierarchs or Nightseers, is channeled through a Shade. However, in cases where members are working closely together on a specific endeavor, requiring constant communication, the intermediary role of a Shade may be temporarily omitted. Nevertheless, the Cabal maintains a strict policy of concealing identities even in such circumstances.

This arrangement helps maintain the Cabal's secrecy by limiting the number of members who know the identities of others. Each Shade is entrusted with the knowledge of only a few members, whom they are responsible for delivering orders and information to, as well as receiving orders and information from. In cases where a Shade needs to deliver a message to an individual whose identity they are unaware of, designated drop-off points are established to facilitate the exchange without the need for direct contact between Shades. Additionally, Shades are assigned the task of monitoring and reporting on the members under their purview. They evaluate their performance, assess their adherence to Cabal orders, and watch for any signs of treachery or disloyalty.

The Veiled Hierarchs comprise the inner circle of the Cabal. They assume leadership roles within the organization and collectively make decisions regarding major endeavors and strategies. Veiled Hierarchs are typically individuals who hold positions of significant influence or wield considerable power, including high-ranking members of other organizations, prominent nobles, and powerful spellcasters. Veiled Hierarchs will often have their personal assistant outside the Cabal and their Shade within the Cabal be the same person. Each Veiled Hierarch bears responsibility for a specific area, which determines their primary involvement in related initiatives. For example, a noble Veiled Hierarch is typically responsible for endeavors involving the nobility within their region, while high-ranking members of other factions oversee efforts within their respective organizations. The Veiled Hierarch is also the one primarily responsible for all the Veiled Magister-led cells within their area. Several former Shades and Veiled Enforcers have been promoted to Veiled Hierarchs, leading the two subgroups within the organization. Veiled Hierarchs delegate tasks related to smaller and medium-sized schemes to Veiled Magistrates, reserving their direct involvement for larger and more critical endeavors. Decision-making among the Veiled Hierarchs occurs through voting, negotiations, and compromise until a majority consensus is reached on a particular course of action.

Nightseers, as Veiled Hierarchs with additional responsibilities, assume leadership roles within the Veiled Hierarchs themselves. They possess additional privileges, including the authority to issue orders directly to the Veiled Enforcers without requiring approval from the rest of the inner circle. Nightseers serve as the primary conduits for communication between the Cabal's enigmatic guide and the organization. While the Cabal's masks and distributed figurines allow the mysterious guide to communicate with members of all ranks, including non-members through the use of figurines, the guide has chosen to exclusively provide guidance on the Cabal's larger strategies and endeavors to the Nightseers. The Nightseers are regarded as the voices through which the enigmatic guide imparts its instructions and counsel. Their elevated status within the Veiled Hierarchs solidifies their role as key decision-makers and intermediaries within the Cabal.

## Operations and Endeavors

Shar's guidance is trickled down from the highest ranking members. The rank-and-file have no interactions with Shar or her representatives.

Varied. Based on rank, but also on what each individual realistically has access to do, and what they are useful as. i.e. people with enforcer jobs tend to be those good at combat, especially if they're good at keeping it under wraps.

Most members hold positions within other factions, or positions of influence within Marcandria, or have a set of skills that the Cabal sees as useful (such as assassins, though they technically have a profession and a role within assassin social circles)

Roles per rank:

- Promotions based on achievements (i.e. merit) in service of Cabal, plus commitment and loyalty.

### Typical responsibilities and tasks given to each rank

Within the Cabal, each rank carries a set of responsibilities and tasks specific to their role. While there are similarities among these tasks, the differentiating factor lies in the scale and complexity assigned to each rank. Members are typically assigned duties that align with their skills and positions, ensuring maximum efficiency and effectiveness. These responsibilities may shift over time, and members may also take on additional duties as part of specific Cabal schemes. It is expected that every member fulfills their obligations using any means necessary while upholding the principles of secrecy and subterfuge. Additionally, all members will at some point receive tasks that require morally questionable means, as the Cabal tests their unwavering commitment to its cause.

Shadow Initiates form the workforce that enables the Cabal to maintain its extensive reach. They primarily handle matters related to their positions in other organizations, involving tasks such as information gathering and acting as agents for the Cabal. While they may offer suggestions or recommendations to higher-ranking members based on their observations and findings, their role primarily entails executing orders from their superiors. The duties and responsibilities typically assigned to Shadow Initiates include:

- Information Gathering: Shadow Initiates have a primary responsibility to gather information. Those who are also affiliated with other factions are naturally tasked with gathering information about those factions. Similarly, individuals working outside of major factions focus on gathering information about suppliers, partners, and customers, especially if influential individuals are involved. Their tasks encompass monitoring communications, tracking transactions, identifying potential vulnerabilities, and identifying key individuals of interest to the Cabal. This information gathering also includes identifying potential recruits and those who might be coerced into cooperating with the Cabal.
- Influence and Manipulation: Shadow Initiates who belong to other factions are often tasked with subtly influencing decision-making processes within those factions. This involves strategically providing information or recommendations that align with the Cabal's interests, selectively manipulating the information that reaches decision-makers, and presenting it in a manner that favors the Cabal's preferred course of action. They may also work to subtly sway opinions within the organization, which serves as a means to identify potential new recruits.
- Sabotage and Obstruction: Shadow Initiates frequently carry out acts of sabotage or create obstacles for rival factions without arousing suspicion. This can include discreetly damaging or manipulating equipment, disrupting supply chains, or subtly undermining the faction's reputation or trust with its partners.
- Internal Conflict Instigation: Shadow Initiates may also plant evidence or manipulate circumstances to create internal conflicts or tension within the faction they are a part of. This diverts the faction's attention and resources away from interfering with the Cabal's plans while fostering a sense of instability that the Cabal can exploit. It is important to note that the Cabal's "by any means necessary" approach can extend to instigating violent or deadly events.
- Propaganda and Disinformation: Shadow Initiates are often tasked with spreading propaganda and disseminating disinformation within their affiliated factions. Their role is to shape narratives that align with the Cabal's objectives. They manipulate internal communications, subtly alter reports, and engage in strategic conversations to influence opinions and perceptions.
- Financial/Resource Manipulation: Shadow Initiates may be involved in financial manipulation within other factions or in the manipulation of their resources. This can include discreetly diverting funds or assets, manipulating financial records, or influencing investment decisions to benefit the Cabal's interests.
- Coercion and Extortion: Shadow Initiates may be assigned tasks related to coercing individuals to join or work with the Cabal. They may also be responsible for punishing those who have failed to follow the Cabal's instructions or for dealing with individuals who refuse to cooperate. These tasks are typically handled by members suitable for potential Enforcer roles within the Cabal, which often requires combat capabilities. Those who demonstrate loyalty and proficiency in such tasks are eventually promoted to the Enforcer role.
- Strategic Positioning: Shadow Initiates may be assigned the task of positioning themselves more strategically within their affiliated factions. This can involve seeking promotions or transfers to departments that hold valuable information or significant decision-making power. By infiltrating key positions, Shadow Initiates gain a more direct influence over the other faction's operations. This task is typically the final assignment given to a Shadow Initiate whose seeking promotion to a Veiled Magistrate.

Veiled Magistrates play a pivotal role in leading the Cabal's endeavors focused on specific competitors in particular locations. For instance, they may lead the infiltration of the Wayfarer's Union in a specific settlement. If the targeted competitor holds significant influence in the area, the endeavor might be led by a Nightseer or Veiled Hierarch due to the scale involved. The Nightseers and Veiled Hierarchs oversee the grandest and most important operations, sometimes leading multiple areas. Veiled Magistrates lead the remaining endeavors, often managing sub-divisions of a Veiled Hierarch or Nightseer's broader operations. Together, these endeavors constitute the entirety of the Cabal's plans and initiatives. While their day-to-day tasks align with those of Shadow Initiates, they work on a larger scale due to their involvement with individuals and resources of greater significance. The following list outlines the typical endeavors in which Veiled Magistrates participate:

- Information Gathering: Veiled Magistrates, like Shadow Initiates, prioritize information gathering. They monitor communications, track transactions, identify exploitable weak points, and identify individuals who may be of interest to the Cabal. As individuals who often hold higher positions in other organizations, they have access to a wider array of information, although they may lack the same level of intricacies and personalized knowledge that a Shadow Initiate serving as a personal assistant to a high-ranking organization leader might possess.
- Influence and Manipulation: Leveraging their influential positions within their respective organizations or areas of operation, Veiled Magistrates exert influence and manipulate decision-making processes. They subtly help steer the direction of their organizations, employing their knowledge and connections to shape decisions that align with the Cabal's interests.
- Sabotage and Obstruction: Veiled Magistrates are entrusted with coordinating and possibly personally carrying out acts of sabotage or obstacles for rival factions, all while avoiding suspicion. These actions can include discreetly damaging or manipulating equipment, disrupting supply chains, or subtly undermining a faction's reputation or trust in its partners.
- Internal Conflict Orchestrator: Veiled Magistrates skillfully engineer internal conflicts or tensions within their own organizations or rival factions. They plant seeds of discord, exploit rivalries, and manipulate circumstances to create instability and distraction. By diverting attention and resources away from the Cabal's operations, they ensure minimal interference with their own agenda.
- Propaganda and Perception Management: Veiled Magistrates actively shape narratives, disseminate propaganda, and manage perceptions within their organizations or social circles. They strategically manipulate information, communications, and public image to influence opinions and allegiances in favor of the Cabal. This includes controlling the flow of information, crafting persuasive messages, and orchestrating events to serve the Cabal's interests.
- Resource Acquisition: Veiled Magistrates are responsible for acquiring resources necessary for the Cabal's operations. Leveraging their positions or affiliations, they gain control over valuable assets such as financial resources, key partnerships, or access to crucial supplies. They ensure that these resources are directed toward the Cabal's goals and effectively distributed within the network.
- Strategic Positioning: Veiled Magistrates may also be assigned to seek positions within other organizations that offer more authority, connections, or overall influence. This strategic positioning often serves as a prerequisite for Veiled Magistrates to be promoted to Veiled Hierarchs.
- Cell Leadership: Veiled Magistrates oversee and lead specific cells within the Cabal's network. They manage groups of Shadow Initiates, coordinating their activities to achieve the Cabal's objectives. This includes assigning tasks, allocating resources, controlling coerced or extorted individuals who fall under the cell's responsibilities, and ensuring effective communication within the cell. Veiled Magistrates act as the primary point of contact and coordination between the cell and the Cabal's leadership. They facilitate communication and collaboration among Shadow Initiates, relaying important information and reports to higher-ranking members through the Shades. Their role is crucial in ensuring the smooth and efficient execution of the Cabal's plans.
- Scheme Coordinators: Veiled Magistrates are also responsible for carrying out the schemes assigned to them and their respective cells. These schemes may focus on furthering objectives within their typical areas of responsibility or may involve using their acquired influence and resources to achieve goals in entirely different areas.
- Expansion and Recruitment: Veiled Magistrates actively seek out potential recruits within their organizations or spheres of influence. They assess individuals who show promise, particularly those in positions receptive to the Cabal's beliefs, with the intention of persuading them to join the ranks or act as assets within their existing roles. Veiled Magistrates carefully evaluate the capabilities of potential recruits, along with their probability of commitment to the Cabal's plans and goals, to ensure their potential as valuable and loyal members. While Veiled Magistrates may personally approach potential recruits, they often delegate this task to Shadow Initiates or Shades. They also identify individuals who may be coerced or extorted into aiding the Cabal. These cases are communicated to the Veiled Hierarchs, who decide whether to force the individual to assist their cause and assume responsibility for keeping them in line. The Veiled Magistrates may be assigned this responsibility themselves, or one of the Veiled Hierarchs may take charge. If the Veiled Magistrate identifies potential recruits who possess similar or greater levels of influence and power compared to themselves, the Veiled Hierarchs prefer to be directly involved in the recruitment process. These recruits may still be placed under the Veiled Magistrate's command as Shadow Initiates, but the Veiled Hierarchs prioritize their involvement when recruiting particularly influential individuals.

Shades fulfill a highly specialized role within the Cabal, distinguished by their exceptional expertise in covert operations, sophisticated surveillance techniques, and discreet manipulation of information and resources. They are the consummate professionals, called upon when tasks require a meticulous touch and utmost discretion. Shades are entrusted with carrying out covert operations that would be too risky for other members without jeopardizing their cover. These operations may include stealing a private notebook, planting false evidence, or conducting intricate acts of sabotage. In essence, while Shadow Initiates and Veiled Magistrates handle regular operations, Shades are called in for particularly delicate or challenging assignments.

The pivotal role of Shades extends beyond their operational prowess. They form the vital internal information network of the Cabal, responsible for facilitating communication among cells, between cells and the leadership, and even among the leaders themselves. Direct interactions between cells are rare, except when absolutely necessary, and Veiled Hierarchs rely on Shades as intermediaries for communication with their peers. Some Shades specialize in relaying and distributing information, while others are exclusively assigned to specific covert operations. The Cabal places great importance on selecting trustworthy individuals for the role of Shade due to their extensive knowledge of other members. Complete loyalty to the Cabal is a prerequisite.

The following list outlines the typical endeavors in which Shades excel:

- Communication Facilitation: Shades serve as the primary facilitators of communication within the Cabal's network. They gather reports, distribute orders, and act as intermediaries between cells, the leadership, and coerced individuals. Each Shade maintains communication with specific cells and usually with only one Veiled Hierarch or Nightseer. They possess knowledge of designated drop-off points and other means of passing information to ensure it reaches the appropriate Shade responsible for the recipient. Shades who handle communication facilitation often double as personal assistants for Veiled Hierarchs, allowing them to maintain close proximity. Ciphers are frequently employed to secure messages between Shades, with only the communicating Shades possessing the decryption instructions. The Cabal assigns Shades capable of relaying information quickly to critical roles, including those with magical abilities or access to magical items for expedient communication.
- Surveillance: Shades diligently monitor and assess the activities of Cabal members to detect any signs of potential breaches, disloyalty, or external threats. Through discreet surveillance and analysis of behavioral patterns, they identify vulnerabilities and security risks within the organization, ensuring its integrity.
- Counterintelligence: Shades play a crucial role in identifying and countering potential threats to the Cabal's secrecy and operations. They employ their surveillance skills to detect any attempts of infiltration, surveillance, or sabotage by rival factions or external forces. By actively monitoring and analyzing suspicious activities, Shades contribute to the Cabal's security and help maintain its covert nature.
- Delicate Covert Operations: While all members engage in covert operations, Shades are renowned professionals in executing such tasks. They are called upon for highly specific operations, such as stealing particular documents, planting targeted false evidence, observing specific events, or sabotaging precise areas of an organization's endeavors. These tasks demand finesse, expertise, and discretion. Many Shades focus solely on these specialized assignments and do not hold positions within other organizations unless temporarily required for specific missions. By operating independently and appearing as unknown third parties, Shades minimize the risk of compromising the Cabal cells working in the area. Even if discovered, their actions pose minimal threat to other Cabal members. The strict separation between those dealing with covert operations and those responsible for facilitating communication ensures that covert operatives remain unaware of the identities of other Cabal members, thereby safeguarding the organization in the event of capture or exposure.
- Training and Skill Development: Experienced Shades may play a role in training and mentoring new recruits within their ranks. They pass on their knowledge, covert techniques, and operational skills to ensure a continuous supply of competent and proficient Shades who can uphold the Cabal's standards of excellence.
- Liaison with External Parties: Shades establish contacts and maintain relationships with external individuals or organizations that can provide valuable information or resources to the Cabal. They act as intermediaries and negotiators, ensuring the protection of the Cabal's interests and maintaining the confidentiality of all exchanges.

The Veiled Enforcers serve as the Cabal's formidable muscle and internal security force, entrusted with the task of dealing with troublesome individuals or parties. They excel in a range of operations, including assassinations, kidnappings, interrogations, beatings, and other acts of coercion and enforcement. Their role extends beyond executing targeted actions, as they also function as a protective shield for the Cabal's assets, leadership, and individuals coerced into cooperation. It is crucial for Veiled Enforcers to operate with utmost discretion. Their actions should never draw unwanted attention or leave behind evidence that could lead adversaries to the Cabal. As the Cabal operates in secrecy, the Veiled Enforcers' role is integral to ensuring the organization's safety, eliminating threats, and enforcing compliance. The Cabal maintains a vigilant pursuit of talented individuals skilled in the arts of assassination, coercion, and covert operations, actively seeking out potential recruits who possess the necessary proficiency to bolster their ranks of Veiled Enforcers.

Key aspects of the Veiled Enforcers' responsibilities and skills include:

- Assassinations: Veiled Enforcers specialize in eliminating individuals who pose a threat to the Cabal or hinder its objectives. They employ various methods tailored to the specific target, such as discreet poisonings, precise strikes, or staged accidents. Their expertise lies in executing these actions without leaving any trace or suspicion.
- Kidnappings and Coercion: The Veiled Enforcers are adept at conducting covert abductions and compelling individuals to comply with the Cabal's demands. They employ strategic planning, surveillance, and subterfuge to capture targets and employ various coercive tactics to ensure compliance, including psychological manipulation and physical intimidation.
- Interrogations and Information Extraction: Veiled Enforcers possess the skills to extract crucial information from captives. They employ psychological techniques, subtle persuasion, and, when necessary, more forceful methods to extract valuable intelligence or confession. Their aim is to obtain accurate and actionable information while maintaining a level of secrecy.
- Discrete Violence: Veiled Enforcers are proficient in the use of force, employing it strategically to maintain the Cabal's dominance and intimidate adversaries. They are skilled in physical combat, weapon proficiency, and tactics that allow them to neutralize threats swiftly and efficiently. The ability to carry out acts of violence without drawing attention is of utmost importance to maintain the Cabal's secrecy.
- Protective Security: The Veiled Enforcers serve as a protective force for the Cabal's valuable assets, leadership, and individuals coerced into cooperation. Often disguised as ordinary servants or unassuming figures, Veiled Enforcers blend seamlessly into the background, maintaining a constant watchful presence. Their vigilant eyes and heightened situational awareness enable them to detect potential threats and swiftly neutralize them without drawing attention. Veiled Hierarchs, in particular, are always accompanied by a retinue of seemingly unremarkable attendants who double as Veiled Enforcers. These hidden protectors are strategically positioned to ensure the safety of their assigned Veiled Hierarch, ready to intervene at a moment's notice. By assuming roles as trusted servants or inconspicuous members of the entourage, Veiled Enforcers remain unseen and unsuspected, creating an added layer of security for the Cabal's leadership.
- Training and Skill Enhancement: Veiled Enforcers fulfill the vital role of training and honing the skills of new recruits and selected Shadow Initiates who are being groomed to become Veiled Enforcers themselves. They impart their specialized knowledge and expertise to these individuals, ensuring they acquire the necessary skills for covert operations, combat techniques, surveillance, and maintaining discretion. Veiled Enforcers mentor and guide these aspiring operatives, instilling a sense of loyalty, discipline, and commitment to the Cabal's cause. Through rigorous training exercises, simulations, and real-life mission experiences, Veiled Enforcers prepare the recruits to operate with precision and adaptability in high-stakes situations. Additionally, Veiled Enforcers continuously enhance their own skills by engaging in intensive training sessions with one another, honing their combat abilities, refining their techniques, and exchanging knowledge and strategies. This ongoing training and skill development within the ranks of Veiled Enforcers ensure the Cabal's operative force remains formidable and capable of executing their objectives with ruthless efficiency.

The Veiled Hierarchs and Nightseers constitute the Cabal's inner circle and serve as its ultimate leadership. They are the orchestrators, the masterminds behind the scenes, responsible for the Cabal's grand schemes and strategic maneuvers. Each Veiled Hierarch and Nightseer holds sway over significant endeavors, often pertaining to the influential organizations or groups in which they wield substantial power. They also oversee medium-sized schemes in proximity to their primary operations. Many of them hold esteemed positions outside the Cabal, traversing social circles inhabited by the most influential figures in all of Marcandria. Notably, Veiled Hierarchs overseeing the Shades and Veiled Enforcers tend to be former members of these ranks, promoted for their exceptional skills and their ability to lead and coordinate Shade or Veiled Enforcer activities.

Veiled Hierarchs and Nightseers specialize in the art of information gathering, manipulation, propaganda, and perception management, concentrating their efforts on influential individuals and powerful factions. Their aim is to subtly shape narratives, influence decision-making, and maintain control over key players. Rather than engaging in direct covert operations like theft or evidence planting, their work revolves around the delicate manipulation of perception and the careful cultivation of relationships. Their approach is nuanced and indirect, as overt actions can easily backfire when attempting to control and manipulate influential individuals. Veiled Hierarchs often strive to maintain a delicate balance of disagreement between adversaries, preventing the formation of a united front. They also explore the gradual alignment of a person's perceptions with the Cabal's agenda, seeking to eventually transform them into unwitting assets or coerced members.

Veiled Hierarchs and Nightseers issue orders to the rest of the organization, relying on their Veiled Magistrates and Shadow Initiates to execute the practical aspects of their plans through the intermediary role of Shades. Personal involvement on their part typically occurs when matters directly concern influential individuals within their social circles or during critical junctures of larger schemes. Some Veiled Hierarchs and Nightseers, particularly those skilled in arcane arts, assassination, or espionage, may occasionally engage in the action on the ground.

Leadership of each scheme is determined by the Veiled Hierarchs and Nightseers collectively, based on their influence over the involved adversaries. In cases involving multiple adversaries, shared leadership is possible. They reach decisions through a process of negotiation and deliberation, trading concessions and actions to arrive at a consensus that satisfies the majority. Those with significant sway over a particular adversary typically have more influence in shaping strategies and schemes related to that adversary. Veiled Hierarchs and Nightseers understand the risks of alienating members from their inner circle, particularly when matters they are heavily involved in are at stake, as it can lead to detrimental divisions within the Cabal.

The following list outlines the typical responsibilities and activities of Veiled Hierarchs and Nightseers:

- Scheme Development and Coordination: Veiled Hierarchs and Nightseers conceive and refine the Cabal's major schemes and efforts, overseeing their execution and coordinating the actions of their subordinates.
- Information Gathering and Manipulation: They specialize in gathering critical intelligence, manipulating information flows, and leveraging their interactions with influential individuals and powerful factions to shape narratives and influence decision-making.
- Perception Management: Veiled Hierarchs and Nightseers employ their understanding of human psychology and societal dynamics to shape perceptions and control the narrative surrounding the Cabal and its adversaries.
- Strategic Decision-Making: They collectively decide on strategies to be employed against each adversary, meticulously planning and strategizing to advance the Cabal's goals and counter opposition.
- Leadership and Influence: Veiled Hierarchs and Nightseers utilize their positions of power and influence within organizations or groups to further the Cabal's interests, rallying support and steering their actions towards desired outcomes.

### Specific efforts, schemes, and endeavors

The Cabal acts as an unseen hand, a puppeteer. It has a hand in every major decision that goes on in Marcandria, and is either responsible for or at the very least been involved in all the major events and tragedies that have befallen Marcandria since the early years of the 14th century. Their most infamous scheme is no doubt the assassination of the entire Marcandrian royal family in the winter of 1349, which cast the Marcandrian nobility into a succession crisis, fracturing their unity as the major houses bicker about whose to become the new monarch. The fact that none but the Cabal knows who was behind the assassination has further caused a divide among the nobility, each constantly questioning who among their peers might've been involved in the assassination. The Cabal's aim with this scheme was simple: United, the nobility hold the most powerful hand in Marcandria. But, fractured and divided, they can be turned against each other so that they may tear each other apart.

- Assassination of royal family
- Controlling Ravanelli family
- Test ritual beneath Alatri
- Instigate orc invasion of brevora to occupy “The Bear”
- Di Vesci's aim at becoming new monarch
- Go through plans and status for remaining nobility
  - What their plans are for each major family.
- Infiltration and stealing resources from Meranzeum. Want its eventual collapse. Long term plan, since Meranzeum is the most stable out of all the influential factions.
- Fulcrum - take control, have Fulcrum use resources to unwittingly aid Cabal, then bring non-cabal members of Fulcrum to ruin, so that it is left firmly in the hands of the Cabal.
- Ritual spanning entirety of Sion
  - Gathering and fusing of Concalian Power Cores to act as batteries and conduits.
  - Gathering of magical items and things with high levels of magic to charge up the power cores and ritual.
  - Transport of everything that's needed. Done by pirates. Taken to NE shores of Ruins of Concalia, before being transported the last bit by members loyal to Cabal.
- Remember to add ex Enforcer Veiled Hierarch that assassinated Ari's sister. Still does assassinations from time to time due to enjoyment of it. Has a memento of every kill? Killmonger style perhaps?

<Chapter on Shades and chapter on Enforcers next>

Shades:

- Basically shadow operatives. Planting evidence, stealing documents, etc are their forte.
- Also does communication and distributes orders.

### MISC

Most outer circle members are only given a subset of the types of tasks mentioned above. A person's position outside the Cabal might be so that only some of these actions are of use to the Cabal, and thus the Cabal has no need to ask of the other ones. The Cabal also does not benefit from asking something that that member cannot accomplish, and thus tend to keep to tasks that they know the member has some skill in to the extent possible. Asking a frail secretary to mete out an enforcer-like task just to get beat tend not to serve the Cabal's interests. This doesn't mean they wont push the member outside their comfort zone—as doing so is viewed as a way for them to prove their commitment and loyalty. It isn't true loyalty or commitment if it's always easy.

- Recruitment and Coercion: NOTE: While decision is often up to Inner circle (regarding who to recruit), the actual task of approaching is often given to a lower or middle circle member. This makes it so a potential leak is less dangerous for the organization, as they dont risk revealing one of their Inner Circle members.)
- Middle Circle
  - Resource Gathering: Those who control enterprises or hold political power are often tasked with using these to gather resources for the Cabal. The Cabal will also try growing the influence of these members, since that will consequently also grow the influence of the Cabal.
  - Get rid of roadblocks/competitors, so that those who gather resources can take better control of them.
  - Enforcers: Coercion/Keeping unwilling partners and Outer Circle members in check. Handles harsh reminders, and meting out punishments for failing to comply.
  - Enforcers and spies are people who don't hold positions of influence or own endeavors (such as businesses). Outer circle members who don't control any endeavor worthy of promotion, and dont posess skills to be enforcer or information dude, are not promoted. Promising outer circle members are often helped into positions that would gie them influence/endeavors worthy of a middle circle rank, as a reward for faithful service and commitment. This could be an Inner Circle member expanding their own enterprises, with that member being given control of this new branch.
  - Shades
    - Explain how sending messsaages work (like IP basically. They don't know who the recipient is, but they'll have to know what operation it entails. Thus know where to drop off the information, so that it can be picked up by another Shade and brought to its recipient. There are Shades whose only job is to move messages between drop-off points.)
    - Messagess and orders are never meant to include names of members of the Cabal.
- Inner Circle
  - Develops most low to mid-tiered schemes. Are the ones running the schemes, with Middle and Outer circle members being their operatives (i.e. it is they who do most of the work, though the inner circle member may decide to do certain parts of it themselves). Outer and Middle circle operatives who do well may be promoted.
  - Responsible for determining who to recruit.
  - Enforcers and spies can also be promoted to this, though they'll now have a more administrative/leadership role within the enforcer/spy part of the Cabal. You can think of them as the “generals”, each being in control of their own network.
- Leadership
  - May also do what Inner circle does
- .
- if part of the Cabal is compromised, the organization will discard that part, like amputating an infested limb.

FRM CHATGPT:

2. Clarify their perception of Shar's involvement: While it's mentioned that Shar is viewed as a revealer of hidden truths and a patron of hidden wisdom, you can further emphasize her role in guiding and influencing the Cabal's actions. For instance, you can mention specific instances where Shar's guidance led to successful endeavors or critical revelations that strengthened the Cabal's resolve.

- The road to this ultimate goal is complicated and multi-faceted, involving the manipulation and ulitlization of all the other powerful actors within Marcandria. Below are the overarching aims regarding each of these actors:
- (Factions: Nobility, Marcenguard, Golden Navy Caavaliers; Meranzeum, Greenwardens, Joybringers, Seaspeakers; Vessaia, Fulcrum, Wayfarer's Union; Pirates, Montars, Virtue's End, Canary Chateau, Ciprian Ring, Crimson Weave)
- Use Vessaia to undermine Nobility's authority, to have it escalate into open armed rebellion, and thus ruin what remains of stability within Marcandria.
- Take control of as many of the Fulcrum and Union's resources as possible. Those they cannot turn to their own benefit, shall be aimed at themselves through instigating infighting within these factions.
- Montars will eventually either me made to serve, or will be eliminated.
- Wayfarer's Union: The Cabal has deemed it as too time-consuming to usurp the top members who are not part of the Cabal. They therefore aim to create conflict within their respective branches, to keep them too occupied to interfere with the Cabal's plans. This will also help weaken them, so that they may be usurped later down the line.
  - They've managed to convince X to join their cause. Usurping Y and Z is seen as a bit too time consuming for the Cabal's current timetable, so they instead aim to instigate controversies and conflicts within their portions of the Union, forcing them to commit the full scope of their resources into cleaning it up - thus making them unable to commit resources to interfering with the Cabal's plans.
- Fulcrum: Seeks to position enough members on the Board of Nine to effectively take control of the entire organization, and from there force the remaining members to cooperate (unknowingly), or be kicked out of the organization.
  - They thus seek to turn the Fulcrum's vast wealth and resources into a tool for the Cabal to use.
- Vessaia: It's the Cabal that has propped up these rebels, and who covertly direct them into receiving the ire of the nobility. The Cabal aims to make nobility become engulfed in their efforts to quell these rebels, with it ideally blussing up to more or less a pseudo civil war between the Vessaia and the nobility (which the nobility is unoubtedly going to win).

General Operations:

- Cells that are compromised are flushed and discarded.

## Locations

## Relations with other factions

## Stance on succession crisis

Cabal were the instigators that caused the succession crisis to happen. Want di Vesci, one of their members, to take the throne, after they've brought everyone else to ruin, so that they can start remaking society as they want it to be.

NOTES:

DND:

- Grandmother Hag is a servant of Shar

- Concalians pulled into/banished to Shadowfell.

- Night horror/night herald, or something similar is what killed Ari's sister

- Cabal who gave islander the resources he needed to have some of the captains do coup. They gave funds to bribe enough people and weapons to get rid of the rest.

Deal was for the pirates to start exclusively attacking Marcandrian vessels, increasing the dangers of sea-trade and thus making things more expensive, and thus reduce living-standard. I.e. sow dissent towards governing figures as people blame them.

Sure, here are some more examples of minions and servants of Shar that are unique to specific settings or editions of Dungeons & Dragons:

- The Night Parade: In the Ravenloft setting, the Night Parade is a group of powerful undead that serve Shar as her elite guards and assassins. They are known for their ability to move silently and strike quickly.
- The Night Kings: In the 4th edition of the Forgotten Realms setting, the Night Kings are a group of powerful undead that serve Shar as her elite guards and assassins. They are known for their ability to command legions of undead.
- The Nightwalkers: In the 5th edition of the Forgotten Realms setting, the Nightwalkers are a group of powerful undead that serve Shar as her elite guards and assassins. They are known for their ability to summon and control shadows.
- The Night Horrors: In the 4th edition of the Forgotten Realms setting, the Night Horrors are a group of powerful demons that serve Shar as her elite guards and assassins. They are known for their ability to warp reality and summon other demons.
- The Night Heralds: In the 4th edition of the Forgotten Realms setting, the Night Heralds are a group of powerful undead that serve Shar as her elite messengers and spies. They are known for their ability to intimidate and control other undead.
- The Nightscape : In the 4th edition of the Forgotten Realms setting, the Nightscape are a group of powerful demons that serve Shar as her elite guards and assassins. They are known for their ability to manipulate shadows and summon other demons.

## NOTES FOR NEW VERSION:

###

### MISC

- Goals:
  - Usher in new age
    - Mages want it because it makes magic stronger - making them capable of doing things they've never been able to do before.
    - Politicians/Leaders want to exploit this new reality to claim greater titles and power. After all, they can prepare for it, while all others are oblivious to the coming change.
  - Clergy:
    - Want to ruin and manipulate people's lives until they are essentially forced to embrace Shar - who then spins her lies in an attempt to make them true believers.
    - Want to spread
- Suggestion:
  - Shar is the “Nightbringer” - one of the beliefs they spread when recruiting is that one must first go through the night (i.e. a time of hardship - a time where a lot of hard and difficult choices must be made for greater purpose - and to create greater prosperity in a new age. An age which they will control, and make sure remains right.) before one reaches the dawn (i.e. before they can bring about their new better reality)
  - Shar is the goddess of Darkness and Loss - She has dominion over the darkness that corrupts mortal souls – the darkness of secrets, loss, and pain.

GOALS v2:

- Shar:
  - Is displeased with the world being allowed to just exist relatively peacefully and, mostly out of her reach. She wants to shatter the seal placed on the world, in a way that gives her an advantage over the other gods, thus giving her the advantage in trying to claim the world.
- Herald:
  - Please Shar - get back to her embrace.
- Members:
  - Bring in a new - better - age, in which they hold positions more favorable then what they currently have.
  - Others don't care about the better age stuff, and just wants to create a more advantageous position for themselves.

Excerpt from one of their gospels: (I-BL037) (OLD VERSION)

"Know that your troubles and misfortunes are not simply by chance. Know that your unjust reality is not simply caused by those who have forced it upon you. Yes, they are corrupt - but they are but a product of a far greater crime thrust upon us all. We live in a false age - one unjustly forced upon us by the very deities we all now worship. They have given us a false age. An age where our true potential, where our just rewards - where what we all justly deserved - have been stolen from us. We live in an world where everything we were meant to have - where everything we were meant to become - where everything we were meant to achieve - were stolen from us before we even take our first breath in it.

Empty your heart of falsehoods. Give up on following your hopes, and the promises they give you of success. Quench the light - for it is a falsity. It is a lie. It is in the darkness of night that you'll see the truth. Let the darkest night descend upon our world, so that we may guide it onto a new dawn - to an age that is true. One where the world is as it was supposed to be.

Let secrecy be your shield. It is in the night we must act. It is in the shadows we'll work to bring about our dawn. Many will work against us - for they are blinded by the false and the corrupt. Fear not what must be done. Much will be asked of you. For as the darkest of night comes before the dawn, so too must we traverse Night's darkest paths to reach our dawn. Fear not the darkness. Fear not the night - for Night is our mistress. Let Night's song guide you. Walk Night's path faithfully, and you'll be guided onto our new dawn. Know that whatever terrible deeds that may be asked of you will be worth it. Know that whatever doubts you'll have will be quenched by the first rays of our dawn. We will reach our dawn - a start of a new age. An age that is right. An age where the world is as it was supposed to be. A age where all that was kept from us - all that was stolen from us - will once again belong to us. To all of us.

As sure as night will fall, so will Night's will be done."

Meanings to different people:

- Cabal leader / cleric : Make about an age where people get to the afterlife
  - Pretty good selling point to get members also: Everyone are damned to an eternity as wandering tortured ghosts - as the way to the afterlife is closed. In the new age, this way will be open again. So you can either serve the Cabal, in order to get an afterlife. Or you can not, and risk damning your soul to an eternity of meaningless, torturous wandering as a ghost trapped between the material plane and the afterlife.
- Mages: Make about an age where magic is more prevalent, letting them accomplish that which they cannot do currently.
- Kaszin etc: Make about an age where they are given what they believe they justly deserve - for Kaszin this means an age in which he is justly given a more prevalent position in the Wayfarer's Union.

As sure as night will fall, so will night's will be done.

are asked of you in the night will all be worth it at the first rays from our new dawn.

Empty your heart of falsehood.

Give up on following your hope or promises given of success.

Quench the light - for it is a falsity. We will create our own dawn, one that is not based on false hope or promises, but one that is true.

As sure as night will fall, so will night's will be done. The dark/night is a time to act

Let secrecy be your shield. We will work in the shadows to bring the world onto a new dawn. Many will work against us, for they serve the false and the corrupt. Much will be asked of you, for just as the darkest night comes before dawn, so to must we walk through the darkest night to reach our new dawn. Fear not the night, for night is our mistress. Let her song guide you, as you walk the path she lays out for you faithfully. Know that whatever terrible deeds are asked of you as you traverse the night will all be worth it to reach our new dawn - to reach a new age for our world, an age which is right. An age that is how the world was intended to be.

Shadowheart: Blessed Nightsinger, witness our adoration. See how we serve you, only you. We have emptied our hearts of falsehoods. We have vanquished your foes. In darkness, we see your truth. Embrace us, your loyal warriors. Cloak us in your shadow. Guide us to your victory. Shar's will shall be done. As sure as night will fall.”— Shadowheart's prayer to Shar[32]

https://frc.fandom.com/wiki/Shar?so=search - dogma: Reveal secrets only to fellow members of the faithful. Never follow hope or turn to promises of success. Quench the light of the moon (agents and items of Selune) whenever you find it, and hide from it when you cannot prevail. The dark is a time to act, not wait. It is forbidden to strive to better your lot in life or to plan ahead except when directly overseen by the faithful of the Dark Deity. Consorting with the faithful of good deities is a sin except in business dealings or to corrupt them from their beliefs. Obey ranking clergy unless it would result in your own death.

TITLES:

By the mid–14th century they had changed to:

- Flame of Darkness, an archpriest or direct servant of the Lady of Night.[2]
  - Overgold dude
- Nightseer, the overpriest for the faithful within a given realm.[2]
  - Certain board members
- Darklady/lord, a senior priest that led a single cell.[2]
  - Most prominent members.
- Hand of Shar, an experienced priest that led Sharrans in battle or on quests for the church.[2]
- Watcher, the lowest-ranking order of the priesthood.[2]
- Adept of the Night, the title given to novice priests and priestesses.[2]

taken from: https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Church_of_Shar

### Notes regarding Beliefs:

#### NOTE FROM FORUM:

- worshipping Shar comes very much from a place of being disillusioned with the World, only being able to see the worst in other people and his/her own insecurities
- My perspective on Shar worship is that it’s a religion existing pretty much in opposition to most other widespread faiths. As such, I can think of one possible reason to worship Shar: resentment or complete disillusionment. A person who used to believe in some sort of cause, but was left feeling betrayed, or feeling that all their labors were for nought, seems like a possible Shar worshipper. Resentment and fatalism replace all the positivity, and someone trying to change things for better becomes a subject of loathing. Individual Shar worship can be a result of personal trauma (see Vikonia example), on a wider scale it can be done in opposition. Say, if a small country suffered a devastating defeat from a larger nation whose main deity is, say, Selune, the people of that smaller nation could turn to Shar in great numbers - to spite and oppose their conquerors, and maybe because Shar’s bleak worldview corresponded better with country suffering from afterwar depression.
- List from another person:
  1. Pure power. Evil power.
  2. Political gains, likely as a secret sympathizer
  3. Truly evil interests, sadism, psychopathic tendencies, etc
  4. Revenge. Need some useful other evil people to achieve individual goals.
  5. tricked into it, dont realize the extend of the evil.
  6. Just along for the ride and the sense of belonging, probably wouldnt be evil on their own.

Shar gains power from every lie told; from every betrayal; from every apology left unsaid. etc. (Greater Deity after all)

“She is said to have the power to make folk forget their pain or become inured to a loss, and many people in distress pray to Shar for such a blessing.” - Many who follow Cabal have lost something dear. They dulled the pain, and in many cases being released from said pain has made them loyal - as they don't want to go back to feeling the pain

Nihilism - “life is meaningless” - in this case, life in the current system is meaningless. Continue living in this false reality has no meaning. Better to die trying to fix it than live in it. If they succeed fixing it, then it's all worth it after.

Nobody in the organization has any notion of what Shar wants with the world after its been “fixed”, only that she seeks to fix it, and be the dominant force in this fixed world. She's the goddess of lies/deceit, so everyone in Castigian Cabal are also being lied to in aa way - even the leadership.

SEE ORGANIZATION AND TITLES FROM HERE: https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Church_of_Shar

# OLD

- The Clandestine
- The Conglomerate
- The Hand of Venality
- The Castigian Cabal ("The Retribution Cabal" - Reference to Matori's retribution on the other gods and goddesses)
- Description
- Members
  - Clergy
  - Opportunists
  - Forced
- Beliefs:
  - Clergy: Shar's Dogma
  - Opportunists: Supremacy
  - Forced:
- Activities and tactics
  - Not uncommon for Herald to cause an individual it wants into the fold great misfortune, and then come forth as the only chance of salvation. Will "save" the individual, and make them devoted, essentially breaking their will and try to make them devoted followers.
  - Organization is secretive. Those outside the clergy know very little of what's going on inside it. Few know much of what's going on in the organization in general, only being given the information they absolutely need. The Herald, and the devoted, continuously try to make its members more or more radically devoted to Martori/Shar, slowly converting them to devoted.
  - Also does the same to those they extort. They often bring them to the edge secretly, and then appear as the only salvation, but for the terrible price of eternal servitude afterwards. Will also come to those who are ambitious and greedy, or those on the brink, giving them grand promises (which they can fulfill) in return for being indepted to the Cabal forever. Wrong the Cabal when indebted to them, and you'll face ruin.
  - Also utilize memory altering magic to either suppress memories, or alter them. Any dirty trick one can think of to manipulate people into doing one's wish is fair game in the Castigian Cabal.
  - The Cabal take good care of those they offer aid, making sure their troubles are taken care off. This is to make them useful to the Cabal, so that the Cabal can make more impactful demands on them.
  - Specific activities:
    - They are the instigators behind the Vessaia; fueling them in secret to create instability and distrust towards the current rulers (but focused mostly away from its own members from the ruling class. Not entirely though, as that would be too suspicious)
    - Seek to bring the Conciri entirely under their influence.

1. Those who are devoted to The Herald of Martori, and as such true believers and followers of the goddess Martori (which is a fake goddess, used as an alias by Shar). They act on the direct order of the Herald of Martori, assisting in its plans to personally become ruler of Marcandria.
2. Those who have joined due to the promise of power and position, but are members out of opportunity, not out of belief.
3. Those who are forced to cooperate with the Cabal through coercion and extortion. These individuals have commonly received aid from the Cabal, and are now forced to comply with the Cabal's every demand as repayment.

- It was the Cabal who orchestrated the assassination of the Marcandrian Royal family, and who ultimately started the current Succession Conflict in Marcandria.
- The Cabal is actively causing rifts between the noble houses in Marcandria in order to destabilize the nation. This both weakens their enemies, while also puts more people in a position where they either have or are in risk of loosing their livelihood. This gives the Cabal a larger base to recruit from, as some of those people will seek vengeance either on rivals, or on the current system.
- The Cabal is actively throwing fuel on the fire in regards to the emerging rebellious cliques around Marcandria, notably The Vessaia Salzione/Salvatore. They also plant holy symbols, with hidden symbols to Martori in them, on the most vulnerable Vessaia members in order to radicalize them into becoming devoted pawns to Martori and her Herald.
- Specific activities:
  - They are the instigators behind the Vessaia; fueling them in secret to create instability and distrust towards the current rulers (but focused mostly away from its own members from the ruling class. Not entirely though, as that would be too suspicious)
  - Seek to bring the Conciri entirely under their influence.
  - Cause much of the destabilization to cause more people to hate the status quo, and thus make more people willing to join the Cabal.
  - Nobility - bring enemies in disfavor, and those who are members in favor
  - Vessaia plot
  - Meranzeum - largest competitor in terms of clergies.
  - Fulcrum and Wayfarer's Union - largest financial competitors, though have infiltrated their ranks.
  - V2:
    - Nobillity
    - Meranzeum + Conciri
    - Cavaliers
    - Vessaia ++ Description of Manipulation of Vessaia cliques here. Including how they tempt the Devoted members of the Vessaia.
    - Fulcrum
    - Wayfarer's Union
    - Pirates of Wayfarer's Sea - funded uprising. Huge briberies.
    - Rest of Underworld
- "The Nightsinger guides our hand."
- The Herald of Martori
- Council Members:
  - Non-Devoted:
    - Giullen de Vesci of House de Vesci, who rules Revanna.
    - Gaelean de Cadro of The Celadon Mercenary Company - Fulcrum board of Nine member
    - Endymion Benetti of the Benetti Family - Fulcrum board of Nine member
  - Devoted:
    - Aleus Faerber, Overgold of Divinity - Also highest ranking Clergy member, and thus right hand of The Herald of Martori
- Other Non-Clergy Members:
  - Non-devoted:
    - Colina de la Mare of the de la Mare Ensemble - Fulcrum board of Nine member
    - Jacobe Capelli - Fulcrum member
  - Devoted:
    - Pelliccia of Pelliccia's Furs and Hides - Fulcrum board of Nine member
    - Te'Lik, changeling posing as
- "The Nightsinger guides our hand."
- The Herald of Martori Avatar of Martori - This is not an actual person, but rather a Mask. When an individual dons the mask, Martori is able to take control of their body, using it as a puppet from which she can communicate with her devoted. She is also able to channel a small portion of her power through the puppet. While the amount of power depends on the individual being made into the puppet, the amount of power she can channel through it will always be incredibly small compared to her real power. The location of the Avatar of Martori is a closely kept secret, though she tends to move about, staying in the facilities owned by the Board-members whenever possible.
  - Shar wants to take hold of Marcandria, making it a stronghold for worship to her, to act as a springboard for her taking control of the world. As a deity's power is based on how much worship they receive, by taking Marcandria, she aims to tip the balance in her favor. The Marcandrians, being so well connected to the rest of the world due to their trade, works as an excellent point to spread her influence from.
  - The mask holds a tiny fragment of Shar's divine being, and thus acts with her personality?
  - NEW: Give Avatar of Martori a name. Shar flicked a tiny fragment of her divine, creating a powerful and dangerous being that she imbued into a Mask and threw into the Material Plane.
    - This fragment is its own independent persona, but with a personality strongly linked to the personality of Shar.
    - Has a god-complex, seeing itself as superior to everything due to being made out of a fragment of a god.
    - Call it the Herald of Martori?
- Clergy Members
- Board Members:
  - Nobility:
    - Giullen de Vesci of House de Vesci, who rules Revanna.
  - Fulcrum:
    - Gaelean de Cadro of The Celadon Mercenary Company - Fulcrum board of Nine member
    - Endymion Benetti of the Benetti Family - Fulcrum board of Nine member
  - Meranzeum
    - Aleus Faerber, Overgold of Divinity - also devout clergy member
- Other Non-Clergy Members:
  - Nobility:
    - .
  - Fulcrum:
    - Colina de la Mare of the de la Mare Ensemble - Fulcrum board of Nine member
    - Jacobe Capelli - Fulcrum member
- Devoted/Clergy Members:
  - Pelliccia of Pelliccia's Furs and Hides - Fulcrum board of Nine member
- Core clergy:
  - Those who know off Shar's true nature and intentions.
- The Veiled Hand
  - Master Assassins and information gatherers. Often enlisted by the board (or other prominent members) to get rid of troubling individuals.
- The Clergy (temp name)
  - Serves as the clergy dedicated to Martori
  - Has a huge influence on the board. Their views and decisions are based on their communications (vision etc) with Martori.
- ++
- ++

Aliases:

- The Clandestine
- The Conglomerate
- The Hand of Venality
- The Castigian Cabal ("The Retribution Cabal" - Reference to Matori's retribution on the other gods and goddesses)

Note when going through: Clergy and Avatar are influencing the Vessaia to rebel more. Make "mini shrines" to false deities that they give to desperate + influencial members. This makes it so the Vessaia form several small cults. These mini shrines have the Symbol of Martori somewhere on them, so that she may communicate through it, and grant some power, making it more enticing for the members of the Vessaia.

NEW: Created by the Herald of Martori. 3 levels of membership: Those devoted (essentially the clergy), those who are members due to opportunity, and those extorted into cooperating with the Cabal. The Herald is the reason for many becoming members, mostly through manipulation. Also slowly converts skeptic opportunists into devoted through manipulation.

- Description
- Members
  - Clergy
  - Opportunists
  - Forced
- Beliefs:
  - Clergy: Shar's Dogma
  - Opportunists: Supremacy
  - Forced:
- Activities and tactics
  - Not uncommon for Herald to cause an individual it wants into the fold great misfortune, and then come forth as the only chance of salvation. Will "save" the individual, and make them devoted, essentially breaking their will and try to make them devoted followers.
  - Organization is secretive. Those outside the clergy know very little of what's going on inside it. Few know much of what's going on in the organization in general, only being given the information they absolutely need. The Herald, and the devoted, continuously try to make its members more or more radically devoted to Martori/Shar, slowly converting them to devoted.
  - Also does the same to those they extort. They often bring them to the edge secretly, and then appear as the only salvation, but for the terrible price of eternal servitude afterwards. Will also come to those who are ambitious and greedy, or those on the brink, giving them grand promises (which they can fulfill) in return for being indepted to the Cabal forever. Wrong the Cabal when indebted to them, and you'll face ruin.
  - Also utilize memory altering magic to either suppress memories, or alter them. Any dirty trick one can think of to manipulate people into doing one's wish is fair game in the Castigian Cabal.
  - The Cabal take good care of those they offer aid, making sure their troubles are taken care off. This is to make them useful to the Cabal, so that the Cabal can make more impactful demands on them.
  - Specific activities:
    - They are the instigators behind the Vessaia; fueling them in secret to create instability and distrust towards the current rulers (but focused mostly away from its own members from the ruling class. Not entirely though, as that would be too suspicious)
    - Seek to bring the Conciri entirely under their influence.

Description

The Castigian Cabal; coercers, clandestine, and at the same time the underlings of a single being known as The Herald of Martori. The Cabal was founded by The Herald of Martori itself, to serve its endeavors towards breaking the Seal on the Material Plane, and bring forth an age of Darkness, to the glory of Shar (Martori). Through coercion, extortions, enticing promises, devious manipulation, and even brainwashing, the Herald of Martori and its most devoted followers have grown the Castigian Cabal into a massive clandestine. The Cabal acts as a shadow government that are pulling the strings behind the scene in every facet of Marcandrian society.

Officially, the Castigian Cabal seeks to take control over Marcandria, filling all the influential positions of Marcandrian society with its members. Unknown to all but the most devoted of followers, is the Herald of Martori's plans for what to do when in control. The Herald and Martori seek to place itself on the throne, and then imprison and replace all influential individuals with its most devout followers. It will thus have control over Marcandria, and will then start converting the populace into worshipping Martori/Shar. Those other members who no longer serve a purpose are thrown under the bus. Only those useful will be kept around, either cooperating willingly or forced into submission.

The internal structure of the Cabal is in and of itself secretive. Most members believe the Cabal is led by the Council, having only heard vague rumors of a so-called Herald that sits on top. While the Council does most of the decision making, they must ultimately conform to the Herald of Martori's wishes, should it disagree with their decision. There is a constant power-play between those completely loyal and devoted to Martori and her Herald, and those who are not, with the devoted acting as "a cabal within the Cabal".

Members

The members of the Castigian Cabal can generally be placed into one of 3 groups:

1. Those who are devoted to The Herald of Martori, and as such true believers and followers of the goddess Martori (which is a fake goddess, used as an alias by Shar). They act on the direct order of the Herald of Martori, assisting in its plans to personally become ruler of Marcandria.
2. Those who have joined due to the promise of power and position, but are members out of opportunity, not out of belief.
3. Those who are forced to cooperate with the Cabal through coercion and extortion. These individuals have commonly received aid from the Cabal, and are now forced to comply with the Cabal's every demand as repayment.

Those coerced or extorted into cooperating with the Cabal can come from all facets of Marcandrian society, and are picked by the Cabal out of the influence, resources, or services they can provide the Cabal as repayment. This includes nobles, wealthy merchants, skilled artisans, respected figures, and so on. The Cabal will find such individuals on the brink of collapse. The Cabal will offer them a way out, and continual support. In return, they are forever beholden to the Cabal, and must carry out their every command in perpetuity. Failure to do the Cabal's bidding is punished harsly, with repeat defiers being threathened with their and their loved ones' undoing.

Those who join out of the promise of power and position usually do so out of opportunity, not belief. Those are commonly individuals who believe they deserve more (power and influence) that they've been given, and who are willing to go to any means to obtain what they believe themselves to deserve. They are willing members of what they see as a clandestine, who'll topple the status quo and place its members as the new rulers of Marcandria. Individuals such as these are only allowed into the Cabal if the Cabal bellieve they can be of use.

The last of the three groups, are those devoted to Martori, and her Herald. These members are often people who have suffered some great loss or betrayal. They are often nihilistic and/or anarchists, and seek vengeance upon the world. It is commonly people who seek to tear down what they see as the lies the world is trunk on; the institutions people trust; the so called gods they cling to. They want to topple and destroy everything they see wrong about the world.

Beliefs

The "deity" Martori is an alias used by Shar, and as such, the doctrines that are passed onto the devoted very much mimic that of Shar's true doctrine. Many of the devoted members are people who have suffered great betrayal or loss. Martori's doctrine dictates that one should seek out vengeance against all who have wronged you. One should savor and enjoy it, and let it fuel ones ambitions. However, vengeance is best met out from the shadows.

Core to the belief in Martori is that there is only Martori. She is the one true deity. All other deities are false and corrupt, as are their followers. Institutions that follow them are blind and corrupt. All of them, every false god and every corrupt institution, should be eradicated. Those who refuse this truth are themselves blinded by this corruption and falsity. The corrupt state exists only to limit ones freedoms. It is inherently immoral and should be crushed, and rebuilt in Martori's image. Only the believers of Martori have seen the truth of this corruption, and are as such superior to non-believers. Any believer in Martori should serve only Martori, faithfully and forever. The faithful should tear down the lies the world is drunk on; the institutions they trust, and the so-called gods they worship. They should destroy false idols, topple corrupt organizations, and fight heretics wherever they're found.

The doctrine places great importance on secrecy, and puts intrigue and deception as superior to brute force. Instead of parading one's forced in a frontal assault, one should instead pull the strings from the darkness, felling one foe at a time. Intrigue, deception, and subterfuge revel in the darkness. One should keep people afraid and in strife, pull wedged between friends and allies, and driving them towards causing their own doom. Let others charge blindly to fight one another, while you plot and scheme from the shadows. One should step beyond one's fears and loss, and revel in the darkness. Pain, hope, and the promise of better days are all heavy burdens. Burdens that should be shred; for the only future is the one envisioned by Martori.

They also believe that the The Herald of Martori, as described by its title, is Martori's primary representative on the Material Plane. It is the one who brings the devoted the will of Martori.

Those who join out of opportunity rarely believe in all of the doctrines of the devoted. In fact, they rarely even told what most of the doctrine entails. A part of the doctrine that the devoted deem the individual may have his/her reservations against is simply kept from them, so that they may more easily be used as pawns in the Cabal's grand game. Many in this group believe in the notion "by any means necessary". They may be individuals deeply wronged or betrayed, who seeks vengeance at any cost. They may be individuals who believe themselves to have been cheated by their peers; cheated out of what they themselves believe they deserve. They often seek to crush their rivals, and in doing so, climb the ladder of Marcandrian society.

Core to all members is the notion of supremacy. The notion that you, and to an extension the Cabal, is superior to all others.

Those who are being extorted into cooperating with the Cabal rarely share the belief in their doctrine. They are rather people who simply believed taking on the Cabal's offer would be a better option than facing ruin.

All actual members of the Cabal are required to pray to Martori, to have her as their sole deity. However, the level of devotion varies greatly, especially among those who only joined for the promise of power and prestige. The Herald of Martori and the devout tolerate those less-devoted as long as they're ultimately being useful.

Activities and Tactics

Martori (i.e. Shar) favors secrets, underhanded tactics, subterfuge, intrigue, deception, and quiet revenge. Any means is justified as long as it brings one closer to Martori's vision. The Cabal will use any tactic necessary, no matter how underhanded, to reach their goal(s). Bribery, intrigue, extortion, deception, assassinations, anything that may bring the Cabal closer to its goals is allowed. The activities and means the Cabal partake in deeply reflect this. The Cabal has a massive amount of resources at its disposal, to the point where very few actions are out of their reach. The Cabal will often use bribery, intrigue, and extortion in order to diminish their enemies, while using the same tactics to elevate their allies. They may use deception, subterfuge, and forgery to drive wedges between friends and allies, breaking up enemy alliances and making them focus their efforts on each other. They may also result to utilizing memory altering magic, to either suppress or alter memories, in order to make people do the Cabal's bidding.

The Cabal is also deeply secretive in nature, with each member only being given what knowledge is deemed absolutely necessary for them to perform their function.

The Cabal exists at two distinct levels. As the Cabal as a whole deceives to reach their goals, so does The Herald of Martori and the devoted deceive the rest of the Cabal, secretly using them as pawns just like the Cabal use everyone else as pawns. Both "levels" cares much about the recruitment of influential and/or powerful individuals, that may help the Cabal tighten its grasp on Marcandria. The Cabal as a whole will seek out members that can help them in their "official" goals of taking control of Marcandria, while The Herald of Martori and the devoted will seek individuals to convert into true believers of Martori. The devoted often seek out members already part of the Cabal, but who are not already true believers, slowly converting them into fanatical followers of Martori and her dogma. It is not beyond the devoted to turn to brainwashing and memory manipulation to turn a stubborn individual into a true believer. These methods are of course kept secret from the rest of the Cabal.

Recruitment into the Cabal in general is not done fairly. It is common for the Cabal to approach an individual, such as a skilled merchant or artisan, an influential persona, or a noble, who'se on the brink of collapse, and offer them their support in return for eternal servitude. Their promises often include social and economic guarantees. The Cabal promises this because the more influence and power these individuals have, the more the Cabal can use them for. Should the individual refuse to join the Cabal willingly thrugh this lucrative deal is then instead forced into cooperating. Methods here can range from bringing about financial ruin, that can only be remedied by accepting the Cabal's deal, to taking loved ones hostage to use as leverage for cooperation. In fact, while an individual's first meeting with the Cabal will commonly be when they offer salvation from imminent collapse, it is often the Cabal who'se secretly brought about said imminent collapse in an effort to marinate the individual into being more receptive towards their offer. This fact is of course kept secret from the individual, even after they've joined. The Cabal's goal when doing this is most often to instill a wish for vengeance into the individual, directed towards supposedly corrupt peers, institutions, and beliefs.

The Cabal also seeks out members not on the brink of collapse, but who have similar mindset to that of the Cabal. These are commonly people who already have some spite of wish for vengeance against the Marcandrian society, such as people who have been deeply wronged or betrayed, or people who believe they have been treated unfairly by a corrupt society. This goes both for recruitment into the devoted, and the rest of the organization.

Failure to comply with the Cabal's orders are punished harsly, both for members and non-members. A minor first infringement may result in a stern reminder, and a threat of undoing should it happen again. Continuous defiance will result in more extreme methods to keep the individual in line, such as kidnapping or threathening to hurt loved ones. Those who do not fall in line are disposed of, as the Cabal does not want to deal with them potentially leaking what they know about the organization.

The devoted also act as the eyes and ears for The Herald of Martori, usually by wearing an enchanted porcelain mask which The Herald of Martori can perceive through.

Specific events/activities the Cabal is involved with

- It was the Cabal who orchestrated the assassination of the Marcandrian Royal family, and who ultimately started the current Succession Conflict in Marcandria.
- The Cabal is actively causing rifts between the noble houses in Marcandria in order to destabilize the nation. This both weakens their enemies, while also puts more people in a position where they either have or are in risk of loosing their livelihood. This gives the Cabal a larger base to recruit from, as some of those people will seek vengeance either on rivals, or on the current system.
- The Cabal is actively throwing fuel on the fire in regards to the emerging rebellious cliques around Marcandria, notably The Vessaia Salzione/Salvatore. They also plant holy symbols, with hidden symbols to Martori in them, on the most vulnerable Vessaia members in order to radicalize them into becoming devoted pawns to Martori and her Herald.

Goals

Officially/Publicly, the Cabal's goal is to amass enough power/influence so that it may seize control over Marcandria, placing its members in all the prominent positions of power within the nation. For the opportunistic members (non devoted), who seek power and prestige, this is a means for them to reach their personal goal of being granted a more prominent position in Marcandrian society, which they believe they deserve.

For all but the most devoted members, this is where the goals of the Cabal ends; its ultimate goal achieves. For The Herald of Martori and its most devoted followers however, this is but the first step. They seek to place The Herald of Martori itself on the Marcandrian throne (posessing the monarch), and have the devoted take up all of the most influential positions. From there, they seek to convert Marcandria into the worship of Martori (Shar). This is to increase her following, and as such grant her and her Herald more power.

When the Herald has amassed enough power through the Marcandrians' worship, it aims to cast a great ritual that will break the Seal around the Material Plane (See Year 0 : The Great Disaster / The Cleansing), allowing otherworlders to once again more easily invade the material plane, and bring forth a new age of darkness and loss (the domains of Shar). The Herald of Martori plans to cast this ritual in the Ruins of Concalia, in the old capitol of the Concalian Empire. This is the place of one the Seal's larger cracks, which bleeds predominately into the Shadowfell; a realm in which Shar has much influence.

Organization

The Cabal is lead by The Herald of Martori. It is it's absolute, but one that most of the Cabal's membership has only heard vague rumors about. Only the higher-ranking members, such as the Council-members, have definitive information about its existence. However, only the most loyal and devoted members have ever met it personally, and only the most loyal and devoted members.

The most powerful members of the Cabal makes up the Council, who act as the leading body within the organization. The only exception to this is The Herald of Martori, who holds absolute authority and can therefore force the Council into doing whatever it wants. However, the Herald tends to only interfere directly when absolutely necessary. The Council includes both devoted and non-devoted members, and as such, the Herald prefers to use the devoted members to manipulate the decision making of the Council. This is all in an effort to keep the Herald's nature secretive, so that the Council appears as the authorative figure, not some indescribable being in the shadow.

The hierarchy below the Council is rather flat. When a new member is recruited, that member is given an appropriate task, with perhaps a few partners. These will then work toward some specific goal given to them by the Council, and will have little knowledge of specifics regarding the rest of the organization. They will commonly only be given enough information about the rest of the organization to keep them confident and loyal in the Cabal's power. If that member is an influential individual, such as a noble or wealthy merchant, then how they use their subordinates is up to them. The Cabal have dedicated cliques/groups whose task is to relay orders between the Council and these smaller cliques of members.

The devoted serve The Herald of Martori directly, acting as its eyes and ears, as well as being assigned tasks by the Herald itself. While all members are required to worship Martori (i.e. Shar), only those who've shown absolute loyalty and devotion towards Martori and her Herald are to be considered "devoted" and thus brought the deeper plot. While their duties include roles similar to that of other members of the Cabal, they also serve as spies for The Herald of Martori within the Cabal, and manipulate other members into being more favorable to positions the Herald favors. The Herald and the devoted are sort of "a cabal within the Cabal".

Orders within the Cabal is absolute, both for members and for those being extorted by the Cabal. If an order is given by the Council, they have to obey that order. The only exception to this is if the order will bring about their own death. The Council, again, must obey The Herald of Martori. There are several non-devout members of the Cabal who would prefer to be rid of The Herald of Martori and the devout altogether.

Locations

Members of the Castigian Cabal can be found all throughout Marcandria, in all facets of society.

Visual Identifiers of members

Most members of the Cabal have no distinct visual identifiers. Their organization is meant to be a secretive network that should be next to impossible to root out. This is also what makes the organization so dangerous, as one can never know when one's dealing with a member of the Cabal for certain.

Devoted members, when working on the order of The Herald of Martori, and wanting to be known as such, wear while porcelain masks, often with the symbol of a black disc with a deep-purple border.

Relations with other factions:

Besides the Herald and the most devoted of its followers, no-one knows the entire extent of how large the Cabal is; not even the other members. While some of those with more insight into what's happening beneath the surface of Marcandrian society may describe a festering corruption that's pulling the strings, none can say to what extent.

The Cabal has gone to great lengths to keep the very existence of their organization secret, to the point where even if a member was to betray them, they would not hold enough information to accurately describe what the Cabal is. In this sense, the Cabal doesn’t really have any official relations to other factions directly. For other factions, this means their view of the Cabal is best described by how they view such a faction in general. While another faction may not know of the Cabal, they can nonetheless have a very intimate relation, with the Cabal having infiltrated its member-base; either by having full-on cabal members in its midst, or by having members on their extortion-list.