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

HBW/Eirus/Marcandria/Factions/Castigian_Cabal.html

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 title: The Castigian Cabal
 description: 
 published: true
-date: 2024-10-05T19:29:19.369Z
+date: 2024-10-05T19:49:25.605Z
 tags: game-master, castigian cabal, cabal
 editor: ckeditor
 dateCreated: 2023-01-23T20:52:16.031Z
@@ -83,52 +83,8 @@ dateCreated: 2023-01-23T20:52:16.031Z
 <p>Members within the Cabal hold the titles of Veiled Initiate, Veiled Magistrate, and Veiled Hierarch. In addition there are the Shades and the Veiled Enforcers, who consists primarily of Nightsworn Concalian servants of the Nightsinger, &nbsp;that 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 its 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 who's responsible for leading discussions amongst the Veiled Hierarchs, and who's responsible for acting as the Nightsinger's voice when the Veiled Hierarchs discuss and coordinates the Cabal's future plans. Members of the Cabal, both 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, though will have a varying degree of knowledge into the endeavors undertaken by the one they serve. The Cabal's member will rarely be able to perform all aspects of the schemes they've been assigned personally, thus necessitating the use of servants and mercenaries, though these are never told anything tangible about a larger force being behind it all.</p>
 <p>All new members start out as a Veiled Initiate, who work either under a Veiled Magistrate or directly under a Veiled Hierarch, albeit they will in both cases rarely know the identity of this superior. 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 from the Veiled Hierarchs directly if they are particularly suitable in meting out said 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 in the first place. The 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 quickly simply due to all the means they have 8at their disposal 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 this 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 to ensure the person holds absolute loyalty and devotion to the Cabal's cause and its beliefs before advancing them to the rank of Veiled Magistrate.</p>
 <p>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 the breach 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.</p>
-<p>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. Once one such large scheme has been developed, it will be delegated to a Veiled Hierarch who'll be responsible for meting it out. In cases where the scheme is deeply connected to several Veiled Hierarch's areas of influence, they may instead be delegated the scheme as a group. Similarly, in cases where a Magistrate or Initiate typically under another Veiled Hierarch holds a key resource for meting out said scheme, said individual will often be temporarily given over to the Hierarch the scheme was delegated to. Because communication to these subordinates occur through the use of Shades, the Magistrate or Initiate will be none the wiser that this temporary handover has taken place. To them, they're simply receiving orders as usual.</p>
+<p>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. Once one such large scheme has been developed, it will be delegated to a Veiled Hierarch who'll be responsible for meting it out. In cases where the scheme is deeply connected to several Veiled Hierarch's areas of influence, they may instead be delegated the scheme as a group. The Veiled Hierarchs will also determine what resources will be given to mete out said scheme. This may include delegating more Shades or Veiled Hierarchs to assist in certain aspects of the scheme. Similarly, in cases where a Magistrate or Initiate typically under another Veiled Hierarch holds a key resource for meting out said scheme, said individual will often be temporarily given over to the Hierarch the scheme was delegated to. Because communication to these subordinates occur through the use of Shades, the Magistrate or Initiate will be none the wiser that this temporary handover has taken place. To them, they are simply receiving orders as per usual. Veiled Hierarchs are not explicitly given knowledge of who the other Hierarchs are. However, they all need some level of insight into the Cabal's, and thus the other Veiled Hierarchs', capabilities, in order to make informed decisions when deliberating on new schemes. Coupled with what type of scheme is generally delegated to each Hierarch, this results in most Veiled Hierarchs typically having a rough idea of who the other Hierarchs are. They may not know their exact identities, but can usually narrow down each other Hierarch to be one of a couple highly influential people within a certain organization or grouping.</p>
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+<p>The Nightseer leads discussions between the Veiled Hierarchs. It is he who acts as the Nightsinger's representativ, 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>//YOU ARE HERE</p>
-<ul>
-  <li>Large and important schemes will be delegated to a Veiled Hierarch, who'll further delegate parts of it to the Magistrates and Initiates below them. Larger schemes will often involve cooperation between several Veiled Hierarchs, particularly when they or some of their Magistrates or Initiates</li>
-  <li>WIll not be given explicit knowledge of who the other Veiled Hierarchs are, but will generally have a good idea on who some are simply based on the interactions they have with them, and what schemes they are made responsible of.</li>
-  <li>Veiled Hierarchs delegate Shades and Veiled Enforcers, and if there's a need for a large number of Veiled Enforcers, it's they who decide to employ them.</li>
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-<p>– Veiled Hierarchs will typically know what kind of influence the other Hierarchs Have, but &nbsp;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.</p>
-<p>– 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.</p>
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-<p>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.</p>
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-<p>needs to wield a certain amount of influence in Marcandrian society to be eligible for a higher rank.</p>
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-<p>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.</p>
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-<p>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.&lt;/p&gt;</p>
-<p>&lt;p&gt;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.</p>
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-<p>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.</p>
-<p>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.</p>
-<p>The Castigian Cabal adheres to the following structure, with ranks listed from lowest to highest: <strong>Shadow Initiate, Veiled Magistrate, Veiled Enforcer, Shade, Veiled Hierarch, and Nightseer.</strong></p>
-<p>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.</p>
-<p>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.</p>
-<p>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.</p>
-<p>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.</p>
-<p>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.</p>
-<p>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.</p>
-<p>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.</p>
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