ORDER OF THE CROSS

By Tim Coram (ShdwWlkr01@aol.com)

Author's Note

My major complaint with WoD: Sorcerer is that it is trite. Most annoying (and overused) of all are the intolerant, psychotic, Inquisition wanna-bes. My desire, therefore, is to create a group of mages that represents those people of true undersanding and faith (who, IMHO, are far more likely too develop the world view necessary to perform magic than those with such limited points of view.)

Description

The Order was founded by several Christian scholars and was based largely on the works of Saint Teresa of Avala and Saint John of the Cross. Though originally limited to the Carmelite Orders, the Order has spread to encompass Christians of every stripe as well as several Muslims and Jews. So far, no others have applied and the group is still almost entirely Christian, though others would most likely be welcome; Wiccans and Buddhists are both on the list of those likely to receive an invitation to join.

The tenets espoused by the Order are charity, mercy, modesty, and hope. They work in the World of Darkness in opposition to the Inquisition and its fanatical drive to kill. They are diametrically opposed, and are forbidden to take a life, even in self-defense (though non-lethal protection is allowed). Some will fight in the defense of others, but violence is always a last resort. They have, on occassion, actually taken in and protected Lost Cub Garou and Caitiff, as well as Chrysalids (newly awakened Fae). They work against the Inquisition by attempting to convince them of their errors, and have taken several of their most powerful sorcerers from their ranks, via conversion. Despite this, the Inquisition has never formally hunted them, though many were destroyed in the Middle Ages along with the other "undesireables," something which has endeared them to the Verbena.

All members of the Order take the "flaw": Pacifism, automatically. Despite their unwillingness to kill, their magics can serve to heal and protect and many serve as custos and acolytes to Celestial Choristers. A few have given their services to the Cultist of Ecstasy or the Verbena, but they are far rarer. Virtually all members have True Faith.

Their current goals are to continue to spread their message of mercy. They have met with some trouble though. They have made some in roads into Ireland. Unfortunately, the Astaru Futhark have decided they make easy prey and several members have been attacked, though so far none have lost their lives. The have made common cause with the Fenian in the area, however they are still gaining ground very slowly. The Inquisition is considering a strike against them, but currently it is considered impossible for them to justify. Their opinion is changing as their willingness to protect the "monsters" becomes apparent however. They are also preparing to make a move into Asia, where, as of yet, they have met no resistance.

Though as a group they are not strongly opposed, the individuals involved have often become targets of such groups as Pentex and the Nephandi. Most have refused to back down, however. Indeed, several of the groups newest members are Fomori (and ex-Fomori, there have been several miraculous healings), formerly in the service of either group who have sought to escape their pasts.

Internal Organization

The Order's members keep in contact via a system of correspondences and, locally, meetings in each others homes. Their are almost 500 members, though only 100 are thought to possess magic, and only a handful True Magick. Others may possess such traits as fae blood and the like, but none are particularly common. The teacher-student relationship is highly-valued and apprentices are treated with care and respect, assuming they are willing to show the necessary devotion.

Character Creation

(For hedge mages, though some are mundane mortals or True Mages) Attributes: 6/4/3. Mental or Social are usually primary

Abilities: 11/7/4. Theology is common, as is Mage Lore

Advantages: For those with Vampire the Masquerade, use the rules for Humanity. Otherwise merely use Willpower with a base rating of three.

Backgrounds: 2 in Allies, 2 in Library and 3 to place as desired

Preferred Paths: Their skills are diverse though Healing and Banishing are desired, a large amount of personal experimentation is encouraged as well. Divination is rarely practiced, however.

Freebies: They have 24 freebie points to spend (the based 21 +3 for Pacifism)

Opinions

The Traditions: Generally good people. I hope their unity is retained after their common foe is no longer a threat.

The Technocracy: Their magick is cruel and dehumanizing. They must be made to see this if they are to be stopped.

Nephandi: The Fallen are a tragic lot. They have such potential that is wasted in the darkness.

The Marauders: What can anyone say of the Marauders?

The Inquisition: Our shadows. They must be made to see the sinfulness of their actions before it is to late for them.