Chapter Two : Setting

The World of Darkness has already been adequately handled in the other White Wolf games. This work does not change the scope of that work. What this does is add a new force into that bleak landscape. A force which doesn't have claws or fangs, cannot dominate or toss fireballs. This force has existed for centuries, though none of its members are immortal. They rarely confront their enemy directly; never allow themselves to be discovered. They are the Secret Societies of Humanity, collectively known as the Illuminati.

Collective History of the Illuminati.

Though it has faded into the racial memory of Humanity, the real beginning of the Illuminati can be traced to the Impergium, the empire of Werewolves that culled mankind's growth. Sometime near the end of the Impergium, village elders started groups to maintain a history of their people and also to chronicle the terrible things the Werewolves had done. This was, of course, an oral history and was passed down from generation to generation. These small groups would later fade in the background of society as the Garou ended their reign of terror and allowed the unchecked expansion of humanity.

The oral history would continue to be spread until the rise of the Egyptians. Up to (and including) this time, these people had been long considered Sages and men of wisdom. Their knowledge was desperately sought, and was a valuable commodity. A small group of these oral historians, to preserve their legacy for future generations, wrote down their millennia-long legacy on papyrus sheets. They then took the many books and hid them away in a false tomb for safe keeping, to prevent the unworthy from gleaning its secrets. This tomb was the first Basilica, the storehouse of the first Secret Society which would be later called the Blood Covenant.

The secret societies sprung up over the millennia, growing from areas seeded from the Blood Covenant. These Secret Societies saw the atrocities committed by the supernatural world, terrible things that brought back memories of the Impergium. The Battle between Set and Osiris, and the Mythic Age of Magedom were only two of the horrible things which scarred humankind. The societies had once thought only about advancing mankind, the power gained being fringe benefits. Now they realized that humanity was not capable of handling its own affairs unguided. Now they would control mankind for its betterment, subverting the supernatural influence and eventually utterly destroying those abominations.

Thus The Conspiracy was formed, the plan for the saving of mankind. They would control society from the shadows, never taking a direct hand in anything. Instead they would let the humans serve as pawns, with them not even knowing that they were being controlled. From their secret positions they would lead humanity against the supernatural, erasing their power and privilege from the mundane world. The abominations would not be able to strike back effectively, for they would be unable to find the true source of the enemy.

Around the 15th century, when the great age of expansion was taking place, the Secret Societies (now calling themselves the Illuminati) were beginning to clash on a regular basis. When countries and people had little contact with each other, the Illuminati could easily work in their respected circles without difficulty. Each society had its own goals, which rarely involved another society's "holdings". Now the world was getting smaller, travel between locations would soon be much easier and less risky. Already some Illuminati were threatening their cover by hiring thugs to attack another's holdings. It seemed as if the Illuminati would go to war if something wasn't done. Thousands of years of work could be undone in but a few short years.

In the year 1492, just as Columbus was reaching the shores of the New World, the Four Major Secret Societies of the Illuminati (Global Elite, Blood Covenant, The Pantheon, and The Keepers of Secrets) met to avert major disaster. A treaty of peace, called the Pax Concordat was drawn up between the powers. This document laid out a framework in which the Secret Societies could function without risking the Conspiracy. A non-violent means of acquisition and take-over of another Society's holdings was implemented, as well a strict code of conduct for those engaged in those activities. Basilica were updated to guarantee that all Societies knew the reason for their actions and what their goals were . Finally, the Pax Concordat set up a united front against the Supernatural. No Illuminati would be alone against the Abominations.

The Illuminati have expanded steadily over the last half millennia. Two new Societies have been introduced into the Pax Concordat, the Shadow Bank and the Enigmatic Stratagem (though it's in doubt whether the latter actually follows its precepts). Since ancient times, they have remained largely unnoticed by the general populace. No one has even suspected they may exist...until recently.

It is fashionable in these days to believe in conspiracies (more so in the World of Darkness). Since Kennedy's assassination, there have been those who theorized there is a phantom government in the United States (and elsewhere). This paranoia has only intensified with the apparent coverup of UFO abductions and sightings. However, the views of these people are not seriously shared by the general populace and are not considered a threat by the Illuminati. The real threat is the Supernatural themselves, specifically the two great powers in the world: The Vampire Elders and the Technocracy. If anyone can find what is going on, these two groups can.

The Technocracy has been generally oblivious to Illuminati activity, generally attributing any strange activity to the Traditions, Garou, or Kindred. They, in their arrogance, could never believe a human could ever reach their power. It's this "mage supremacist" attitude that has hindered their investigation into Illuminati-sponsered activity.

Vampires are the supreme manipulators, or so they thought. Princes have become increasingly worried by the strange increase of Hunter activity and the manipulation of Kindred-held organizations. Like the Technocracy, the Elders of the Clans have been looking to their enemies the Garou (especially the Glass Walkers) for these attacks on Vampire power. They certainly don't believe that Warlock Beltane and his mistaken beliefs about "powerful human secret societies..."

Illuminati have always been in a delicate position. The Societies must remain active to prevent the further domination of mankind by the Supernatural (as well as cement their own brand of control on the populace) but must be very careful to maintain the veil of secrecy which ensures their existence. Unless the Cadres of the Court maintains its level of vigilance, the Societies existence could eventually be threatened.

Lexicon

Common Parlance

Acquisition: The taking over of an Supernatural or Mundane-Influenced holding by one of the Secret Societies.

Basilica: The Headquarters and storehouse of knowledge of a Particular Illuminati Society. It is also the teaching ground for new Agents (Knights) and helps enforce the single-minded purpose of the Conspiracy.

Bishop: The Teacher of New Recruits and Keeper of the knowledge contained within the Basilica.

Cadres: Groups of Knights and Pawns, under control of the Court, who seek out potential breeches of the Pax Concordat and "fix" them.

Challenge of Dominion: The formal name for the process of taking over another Society's Holding through non-violent means.

Cliques: Similar to a Cadre, but composed of Knights and Pawns loyal to only one Society.

Conclave: A lesser council made up of Bishops and Rooks which reports to the Court. They handle matters to menial or unimportant to call a full meeting of the Court.

Conspiracy, The: Plan of action in which the Societies of the Pax Concordat subvert Supernatural influence on Humanity while increasing their grip on mortal society.

Court: The council which is made up of the Queens of all the major Illuminati of the Pax Concordat (except the Enigmatic Stratagem). They judge infractions of the Concordat and interpret its laws.

Creed: Inter-Society groups who share common view on the Conspriacy and the goals of the Illuminati in general. They are often at cross purposes with the Court and the Societies.

Holding: The Name for any organization or business under the control of a Secret Society.

Hostile Takeover: An illegal practise in which a Society wrests control from a rival Illuminati (or seize control of a Supernatural or Mundane Holding) by violent means.

Illuminati: The Collective name of all Secret Societies

Initiation: The creation of a new member of the Societies by brainwashing or other coercion.

Junctions: Small Societies which serve as intermediaries and buffers between two different Holdings.

King: The head of a particular Society.

Knight: Semi-visible Agents of the Societies. Made up by Mortals gifted with special abilities (Numina).

Mundane: Polite term for Humans. The same as Sleeper/Mortal terms used by Mages and Vampires.

Pawn: Lowest rank of the Illuminati. The only rank in which Supernatural are allowed. Considered nothing but tools.

Pax Concordat: The Concord of Peace. A peace treaty signed by the major societies of the Illuminati. Contains the rules by which the Societies operate.

Phantom Veneer: Interchangeable with Masquerade/Veil/etc. Its a term (some say cliche), denoting the secrecy practiced by the Illuminati.

Prime Holding: The most important Holding in a Society with direct links to the Basilica. All other Holdings stem from this one source.

Queen: Members of the Illuminati that have separated themselves from the affairs of the Societies to become representatives to the Court.

Righteous Fury: The equivalent of Society Genocide. The destruction of an entire Society or Throng by the whole of the Pax Concordat. Called many times on Throngs but never on Societies, its the only time Hostile Takeovers are sanctioned.

Rook: Controllers of Holdings, they enforce the Illuminati's will on a dominated business. Rarely seen except when dealing with its Holding.

Shepherd: Codeword used to denote an Illuminati agent, typically a Knight.

Societies: The term for each of the major Illuminati groups involved in the Pax Concordat.

Throng: Small Societies, not part of the Pax Concordat but forced to follow its precepts. They hold no influence in Court (but are influenced by that body). Its status compares to what Bloodlines are to Vampire Clans.

Old Form

Fabula: The bishop's art of interpreting the texts of Basilica.

Latebra: All Supernaturals who hide from public view.

Lingua: The Knights language of verbal communication.

Quaesitor: Term borrowed from the Order of Hermes (House Quaesitoris). Term once used for a Society's Queen.

Vulgar Argot

Abominations: Any Supernatural who has his origins as a human being (Mage, Vampire, Werewolf, Wraith, etc...).

Carnac: A traitor, scum, worthless

Dead Poets Society: The Camarilla (often specifically targeted at the Toreador)

Parasites: Vampires

Warlocks: Mages

Sheep: Mundane humans

Spectres: Wraiths

Organization in the Illuminati

While there are still many differences between Illuminati, the signing of the Pax Concordat created many standard institutions common to all the Societies. The following is an overview of these common organizations in general.

The Pax Concordat

To understand the Illuminati Society, you must first understand the Pax Concordat. It is Illuminati Society. It is the guide to which all agents follow, the cornerstone on which the Conspiracy is now resting. Everyone in the Society believes that the Pax Concordat is the only reason why the Illuminati have kept their secrecy for all these years. The Pax Concordat is contained in a large leather-bound tome in each of the Society's Basilica. It is a work that is encoded and filled with misleading passages that only a trained Bishop can understand. Though the work has long and specific rules, the Illuminati hasn't the time needed to contact the Bishop every time they wish to initiate an acquisition. So the Societies have condensed the Pax Concordat into several common sense rules that listed below.

I) Secretum: No Illuminati agent, no matter what his station, can reveal the existence of the Secret Societies to an outside member.

This rule is the most steadfast law. Like the Vampires and Werewolves, the Illuminati are very strict in upholding this edict, for a breech in Secretum could be the end of the Illuminati's existence. The penalty for breeching this law is a lengthy, painful death (which could be dragged out for months). Many of the Societies have invented terrible fates for traitors, generally ensuring that secrecy will be ensured.

II) Principalis: The first priority is the Conspiracy. All other duties, whether personal or the work of the Societies is secondary.

This rule basically states that if there is a choice between furthering the Conspiracy and other possible goals, that the Conspiracy comes first. In practise, the Societies rarely let anything get away from their own plans and ambitions, even the Conspiracy.

III) Dominus: If an Illuminati has influence over the decisions of a Holding, it is theirs. No other Illuminati can exert influence over it unless it is a Challenge of Dominion.

If a Society controls enough of a Holding (say by controlling the President/Chairman or a majority of stockholders) to make decisions unimpeded, then the whole Holding is theirs. No sabotage can be made by rival Societies, unless they formally declare a Challenge of Dominion. Again, in practise the Illuminati rarely let another's conquest run smoothly, though they make sure the problems cannot be directly traced back to them.

IV) Gravitus: When undergoing an Acquisition or a Challenge of Dominion, violence is expressly forbidden. Influence and all other non-violent means are the tools you must use.

Violence garners too much attention, opening the Illuminati to possible scrutiny by the outside world. Therefore influence through bribes, brainwashing, blackmail, etc. are the only means to get Holdings. Of course, violence is used in illegal "Hostile Takeovers". Societies are not quick to accuse another of such tactics, however, due to the fact that some past sin (such as a previous Hostile Takeover) might be dredged up by those blamed.

V) Solus: Against the Supernatural hordes, the Illuminati will be as one force. No Society may deal with the Latebra, to attack a rival Society or to further their own goals.

Another steadfast rule of the Illuminati. Breaking this rule has similar consequences as rule I. Against their mortal enemies, the Societies must work together as a team, using their special talents to their best advantage. Not to do so could be catastrophic.

VI) Prudentia: The Court has supreme authority in all matters brought before it. To ignore or defy its rulings bring misfortune on the guilty.

If a breach of the Pax Concordat, or at the very least a matter of interpreting its rules, is brought before the Court, then its ruling is made law. If it is openly defied or questioned, the perpetrator will be punished. This includes censure and lost of rank, to torture and possible death. The Court will not be questioned, though many Illuminati only give lip-service to this law. In recent history, the Court has lost much of its power to control its members. However, the recent problems with Beltane and his followers have given the Court new resolve and power. This power has been transferred onto their Cadres.

The Conspiracy

The Conspiracy, as stated numerous times before, is a scheme that involves all the Societies. Though the current method of influence and control of society from the shadows is thought to stem from the Conspiracy, it really has more to do with the Pax Concordat than anything else. Remember, the Conspiracy outdates the Pax Concordat by centuries.

This Conspiracy is not as much a plan as it is a list of goals. The Court believes these goals are to be met at any cost, the Illuminati are merely at tool to that end. The Societies, on the other hand use the Conspiracy as a tool for their own plans. This often creates a rift in the Society hierarchy as the Queens of the Court and the Kings of the Illuminati clash over courses of action.

In short, the Conspiracy has three broadly-worded precepts, each interpreted by the Societies to fit their own goals:

1) The end of Supernatural dominance over humankind.
2) Completely influence the course of the mundane world
3) Raise humanity to an intellectual and enlightened state

These lofty goals sound very noble, but it must be stressed that while the Court wishes to see all three precepts followed, many of the Illuminati only care about number two: Dominance of the humankind. The Creeds (see Chapter 4) within a Society often debate what Conspiracy precepts are important or redundant, often leading to heated arguments and even outbreaks of violence.

The Court

The Court is the supreme tribunal of the Illuminati. It is composed up of five Queens, one from each of the Societies of the Pax Concordat except the Enigmatic Stratagem. Its not even known wether the Stratagem even has a Queen, or follows any of the trapping of Illuminati Society.

Every year is a meeting in some neutral place, chosen randomly from a list of hundreds of locations. These locations are owned by the Court and are sometimes used as safe-houses for agents in danger. Meetings are also held every time a breech of the Pax Concordat is brought forth, or when a rule must be interpreted. At attendance in the Court are all the Queens of the Societies, the Archbishops of each Basilica, and possibly some high-ranking Rooks (acting as personal representatives of the King).

To best describe the court is to think of it has a debating club. When a matter is brought forth, the evidence is presented, people give testimony (if you are subpoenaed, you had better show up!), and then the topic is thoroughly debated. Finally, a vote is taken an the result is recorded by the resident Bishops for their respective Basilica. The matter is then closed. Their rule is final and there is no recourse for appeal. To defy them is a dangerous game, though it is one that all the Illuminati have learned to play very well.

While the Court handles all important matters in the Illuminati, it takes too much organization to organize a meeting for every seemingly important occurrence. Therefore, the Court has smaller "Conclaves", made up of Bishops and Rooks, which handle lesser matters. Conclaves are made up of ten members, one Bishop and Rook from all recognized Illuminati (except, of course, the Enigmatic Stratagem). The Conclave makes a detailed report to the Court every year and has a right to convene a Court session if the need arises (though they better have a good reason!). They also have lesser Court powers and any decisions rendered are only cancelled a Queen. There is at least one Conclave for each of the five Societies which sit on the Court, plus at least a dozen Conclaves which handle threats to the Illuminati has a whole (a quarter of which are devoted to keeping tabs on the Enigmatic Stratagem).

Basilica

Originally a small underground tomb or hidden structure, the modern day Basilica are huge complexes underneath the ground. They are multi-story structures, crammed with natural and man-made obstacles to intrusion. Mundane forces will meet (if they ever found the Basilica, unlikely as it may be) a horde of fanatical, heavily-armed Knights, remote machine guns and flamethrowers, and tripwire grenades and claymores. Supernaturals could find their Umbral passage blocked by a Garou or Dreamspeaker Pawns, and Correspondence will often be blocked by interesting Technomancer constructs. While successfully invading a Basilica is possible, its almost always a suicide mission.

Most of the Basilica is dedicated to the vast library, composed of stone tablets, papyrus, leather-bound tomes, and even computer programs. Connected to the Library is an extensive complex of sleeping quarters, recreation and entertainment complexes for the Bishops. There are also dark areas for Initiation and torture, as well as extravagant floors dedicated solely for King and Queen use.

Note that player characters, unless working for the Illuminati (and brainwashed into loyalty), will likely never find a Basilica, let alone successfully penetrate it.

Society Hierarchy

At one time each society had its own ranking system, each corresponding to their unique world view. The Pax Concordat set up a standard system of Society status to be followed by all Illuminati in emergency situations. During those important occasions, when they were fighting against supernatural forces, it's important to know everyone's place in their own Society. There is enough rivalry between the Illuminati already without adding the arguments over leadership. Over the years this ranking system has been integrated into the Society's power structure. Though they may be referred to by different names and have slightly different arrangements, most societies now follow the standard Concordat ranks.

The current hierarchy was based on the game of chess. This was how most of the Society leaders thought of the Conspiracy at that time. The King was the leader of the Society, given authority questionable only by the Court. The Queen (also called a Quaesitor) was given a seat on the Court and no longer concerns themselves with Society affairs. Rooks control the holdings of the Society, while Knights act as its enforcers. Bishops are the true "sages" of the Illuminati and are the keepers of the Society's Basilica. Finally the term Pawn was given to all those who are under the control of the Society, whether directly or indirectly. More on the hierarchy in Chapter Three.

Cadres

The Cadre are the elite troubleshooters of the Court, created to help solve the growing problems facing the Societies. Each Society represented in the Court must donate a number of promising Knights and Pawns to form Cadres. This multi-society band of agents, numbering anywhere from four to more than a dozen, must swear their allegiance to the Court and them alone. Failing to do so results in the Court's own brand of Initiation (involving very unpleasant Brainwashing techniques).

The Cadre's responsibility is to fix any problem the Court thinks is a possible threat to Illuminati security. This includes potential rogue agents (rare as they may be), lost texts from a Basilica, and possible uncovering of Society activities by supernatural or mundane sources. The Cadres are spies, assassins, interrogators, commandos, and terrorists all at the same time. Though their importance is great, Cadres know almost nothing about the Societies they work for. They are gathered together secretly and told their mission via tape recorder or video tape (watch Mission: Impossible for ideas). They may know their objectives, but will never know the reasons behind them.

With the success of the Cadres, it wasn't long until the individual Societies began fielding similar groups as the Cadres filled with only their own faithful agents. Called Cliques, these groups fill similar roles as the Cadres, though may also be called on in Acquisitions, Challenges of Dominion, and Hostile Takeovers.