By Anders Sandberg
The members are mostly from the Akashic Brotherhood, Celestial Chorus and Order of Hermes, but it is open to all traditional mages who sincerely seeks knowledge about Ascension. Most of the members have a scholarly or mystical bent, and most are Masters in at least one sphere. There is no formal membership; students who show promise and devotion are simply thought of as members when they have established themselves well enough.
The Brotherhood lacks any central organisation, and is divided into small groups around respected mages, not unlike the antique philosophical schools. The mentors discuss the philosophy and lore of Ascension with their circles of students, sometimes with a clear teacher-student relationship, sometimes as a free discussion group. Joining and leaving such groups is voluntarily, although sometimes a mentor asks somebody to join or try to make disruptive students leave. Most of the mentors reside at well established chantries, especially centres of education (like Order of the Burning Light, which is closely allied to the Brotherhood. Abelard himself is a member). Students sometimes travel to other chantries to learn from their masters, or to try to apply their knowledge.
The groups meet on a larger scale at irregular intervals to discuss what they have learned. These convocations are generally called by the most respected mentors, and are held at the chantry of the mentor. These deep philosophical discussions can become extremely complex and occasionally even rather heated. However, most members frown upon such displays of childishness, and prefer quiet and reasonable discussions.
The Brotherhood is very involved in philosophical and mystical pursuit, and keep an eye on all kinds of things, ranging from the theories of obscure sociologists to the latest discoveries of the Masters. Regarding philosophy, cosmology and other arcane arts the Brotherhood is second to only the Oracles in amassed wisdom. Unfortunately it's not always easy to find when it is needed, since most of the wisdom is transmitted orally or in the libraries of the mentors.
Many members work outside the chantries, some living solitary lives of meditation, others as observers or researchers of different things. Most have a mystical bent, sometimes making them rather impractical, but it is often made up by their wisdom and knowledge. Having a visiting member is often an honour for a chantry, and they are generally treated very well by most traditions. Only the newest or most anarchic groups ignore the Brotherhood.
The Brotherhood is very well respected. Most members have already mastered much magick, and have turned to deeper things. That has given it an overabundance of older, experienced mages with an mystical bent. Especially the Celestial Chorus and Order of Hermes revere them greatly, and gladly support the Brotherhoods activities.
However, the prestige of the Brotherhood has also given it a political side. Its members generally supports forces in the traditions which promote peace, stability and conservatism. Since it is so well respected, its influence is rather profound. Some opponents have pointed out that the Brotherhood's well-meaning meddling weakens the traditions further against the Technocracy.