docs: update HBW/Eirus/Marcandria/Factions/Castigian_Cabal

HBW/Eirus/Marcandria/Factions/Castigian_Cabal.html

@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
 title: The Castigian Cabal
 description: 
 published: true
-date: 2024-10-05T19:59:13.089Z
+date: 2024-10-06T15:36:32.657Z
 tags: game-master, castigian cabal, cabal
 editor: ckeditor
 dateCreated: 2023-01-23T20:52:16.031Z
@@ -87,7 +87,136 @@ dateCreated: 2023-01-23T20:52:16.031Z
 <p>The Nightseer leads discussions between the Veiled Hierarchs. It is he who acts as the Nightsinger's representative, and is thus the one informs the Veiled Hierarchs on the next steps laid forth by the Nightsinger, and the actions necessary to reach these. The Veiled Hierarchs will deliberate on how to mete these out, and from this develop and plan their larger schemes. Veiled Hierarchs may also come up with their own desired actions and schemes, which they'll inform the Nightseer about, who'll then add it as a topic of discussion for an upcoming deliberation. The Nightseer is also the one who handles Shade and Veiled Enforcer delegations. When the Veiled Hierarchs decide that a scheme needs the assistance of additional Shades or Veiled Hierarchs, it's the Nightseer who goes and actually delegates this task to the additional Shades and Veiled Enforcers.</p>
 <p>&nbsp;</p>
 <h2>Operations and Endeavors</h2>
-<p>asd</p>
+<p>Operations carried out by the Cabal are all designed to in some way increase their grip on Marcandrian society, either by increasing their own resources or influence, or degrading that of one of their adversaries. Members are usually given tasks based on the resources and influence they hold in either another faction, group, or Marcandrian society in general, with the Cabal always seeking to maximize the usefulness of each piece they have on the board. Operations include both that associated with specific schemes. It also includes tasks the member does on a regular basis, for example by reporting on what's going on inside another faction. All members of the Cabal are information gatherers, forming a vast information network that lets the Cabal grip its talons into whatever facet of society they choose.</p>
+<p>Common tasks and operations carried out by the Cabal's members are included below. The actions listed may be performed by the member themselves, or through servants/mercenaries they have in their personal employ:</p>
+<ol>
+  <li><strong>Information Gathering</strong>: All members are responsible for gathering information, with Shadow Initiates often having it as one of their primary responsibilities. Whatever faction or group the member is affiliated with or has access to outside the Cabal are naturally areas the member is tasked with gathering information about. Members are also tasked with gathering information about other parties' suppliers, partners, and customers, especially if influential individuals are involved. This information gathering typically involves monitoring communications; discretely access and copy documents, letters, ledgers, and the likes; listening in on and reporting on important conversations, including who it was between; tracking transactions; identifying vulnerabilities the Cabal can use to coerce; and identifying key individuals the Cabal would be interested in. identifying potential new recruits and people who might be susceptible to the Cabal's coercion tactics are also important parts of information gathering, as it allows the cabal to grow and extend its reach.</li>
+  <li><strong>Influence and Manipulation:</strong> Members are often tasked with subtly influencing decision-making processes within other factions or groups that they are part of. This involved strategically providing (potentially falsified) information or recommendations that steers the faction or group in a direction benefiting the cabal. They will selectively manipulate the information that reaches decision-makers, and present information in a manner that favors the Cabal's preferred course of action. They may also work to subtly sway opinions within a faction or group, sowing mistrust, creating schisms, and nurturing environments where more people of said group/faction become susceptible to being indoctrinated into the Cabal's beliefs.</li>
+  <li><strong>Sabotage and Obstruction:</strong> Members will frequently, and discretely, carry out acts of sabotage or create obstacles for rival factions and groups. The Cabal aims to have such actions hinder and delay, and ideally stop initiatives made by their adversaries entirely before they can be brought to fruition.</li>
+  <li><strong>Internal Conflict Instigations:</strong> Members will instigate internal conflicts&nbsp;<ol>
+      <li>most often to either create mistrust towards certain high-ranking people within the faction/group, or to try create a schism in said faction/group. Actions related to influencing and manipulating other groups and factions are most often part of a larger scheme or strategy, as randomly seeding of mistrust and misdirection can turn out detrimental to the Cabal's overall plans.</li>
+    </ol>
+  </li>
+</ol>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<ul>
+  <li>&nbsp;</li>
+  <li><strong>Influence and Manipulation:</strong> 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.</li>
+  <li><strong>Sabotage and Obstruction:</strong> 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.</li>
+  <li><strong>Internal Conflict Instigation:</strong> 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.</li>
+  <li><strong>Propaganda and Disinformation: </strong>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.</li>
+  <li><strong>Financial/Resource Manipulation:</strong> 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.</li>
+  <li><strong>Coercion and Extortion:</strong> 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.</li>
+  <li><strong>Strategic Positioning: </strong>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.</li>
+</ul>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h3>Typical responsibilities and tasks given to each rank</h3>
+<p>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.</p>
+<p>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:</p>
+<ul>
+  <li><strong>Information Gathering:</strong> 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.</li>
+  <li><strong>Influence and Manipulation:</strong> 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.</li>
+  <li><strong>Sabotage and Obstruction:</strong> 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.</li>
+  <li><strong>Internal Conflict Instigation:</strong> 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.</li>
+  <li><strong>Propaganda and Disinformation: </strong>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.</li>
+  <li><strong>Financial/Resource Manipulation:</strong> 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.</li>
+  <li><strong>Coercion and Extortion:</strong> 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.</li>
+  <li><strong>Strategic Positioning: </strong>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.</li>
+</ul>
+<p>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:</p>
+<ul>
+  <li><strong>Information Gathering:</strong> 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.</li>
+  <li><strong>Influence and Manipulation: </strong>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.</li>
+  <li><strong>Sabotage and Obstruction:</strong> 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.</li>
+  <li><strong>Internal Conflict Orchestrator: </strong>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.</li>
+  <li><strong>Propaganda and Perception Management:</strong> 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.</li>
+  <li><strong>Resource Acquisition:</strong> 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.</li>
+  <li><strong>Strategic Positioning:</strong> 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.</li>
+  <li><strong>Cell Leadership:</strong> 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.</li>
+  <li><strong>Scheme Coordinators:</strong> 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.</li>
+  <li><strong>Expansion and Recruitment:</strong> 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.</li>
+</ul>
+<p>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.</p>
+<p>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.</p>
+<p>The following list outlines the typical endeavors in which Shades excel:</p>
+<ul>
+  <li><strong>Communication Facilitation:</strong> 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.</li>
+  <li><strong>Surveillance:</strong> 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.</li>
+  <li><strong>Counterintelligence:</strong> 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.</li>
+  <li><strong>Delicate Covert Operations:</strong> 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.</li>
+  <li><strong>Training and Skill Development:</strong> 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.</li>
+  <li><strong>Liaison with External Parties:</strong> 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.</li>
+</ul>
+<p>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.</p>
+<p>Key aspects of the Veiled Enforcers' responsibilities and skills include:</p>
+<ul>
+  <li><strong>Assassinations:</strong> 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.</li>
+  <li><strong>Kidnappings and Coercion:</strong> 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.</li>
+  <li><strong>Interrogations and Information Extraction:</strong> 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.</li>
+  <li><strong>Discrete Violence:</strong> 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.</li>
+  <li><strong>Protective Security:</strong> 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.</li>
+  <li><strong>Training and Skill Enhancement:</strong> 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.</li>
+</ul>
+<p>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.</p>
+<p>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.</p>
+<p>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.</p>
+<p>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.</p>
+<p>The following list outlines the typical responsibilities and activities of Veiled Hierarchs and Nightseers:</p>
+<ul>
+  <li><strong>Scheme Development and Coordination:</strong> Veiled Hierarchs and Nightseers conceive and refine the Cabal's major schemes and efforts, overseeing their execution and coordinating the actions of their subordinates.</li>
+  <li><strong>Information Gathering and Manipulation:</strong> 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.</li>
+  <li><strong>Perception Management: </strong>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.</li>
+  <li><strong>Strategic Decision-Making:</strong> They collectively decide on strategies to be employed against each adversary, meticulously planning and strategizing to advance the Cabal's goals and counter opposition.</li>
+  <li><strong>Leadership and Influence:</strong> 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.</li>
+</ul>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h3>Specific efforts, schemes, and endeavors</h3>
+<p>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.</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<ul>
+  <li>Assassination of royal family</li>
+  <li>Controlling Ravanelli family</li>
+  <li>Test ritual beneath Alatri</li>
+  <li>Instigate orc invasion of brevora to occupy “The Bear”</li>
+  <li>Di Vesci's aim at becoming new monarch</li>
+  <li>Go through plans and status for remaining nobility<ul>
+      <li>What their plans are for each major family.</li>
+    </ul>
+  </li>
+  <li>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.</li>
+  <li>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.</li>
+  <li>Ritual spanning entirety of Sion<ul>
+      <li>Gathering and fusing of Concalian Power Cores to act as batteries and conduits.</li>
+      <li>Gathering of magical items and things with high levels of magic to charge up the power cores and ritual.</li>
+      <li>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.</li>
+    </ul>
+  </li>
+  <li>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?</li>
+</ul>
+<p>&lt;Chapter on Shades and chapter on Enforcers next&gt;</p>
+<p>Shades:</p>
+<ul>
+  <li>Basically shadow operatives. Planting evidence, stealing documents, etc are their forte.</li>
+  <li>Also does communication and distributes orders.</li>
+</ul>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
 <p>&nbsp;</p>
 <h1>OLD</h1>
 <h2>Description</h2>