By Terry French
The Brotherhood of Shades or Druids as they are known to many, is a strange and mysterious group. They tend to their own needs, and will leave others alone, but will not tolerate those that trespass or plot against them. Though others know little of them, and at times believe them to be working for dark forces, they know little of the Shades true nature. Their appearance leads many to believe they are evil. They dress in large cloaks, from which blackness seems to ebb, and their faces (if they have them!) are hidden in darkness. For some bizarre reason, Shades hold dear their true identity, and will rarely show their faces, though they have been know at times, when they walk among the mortals, to take the guise of a monk. Whether the face we see then is real or not we will probably never know.
The true purpose of the Shades is far from what others believe. Though they would seem to be symbols of the dark, they are truly seekers of life and knowledge. They work their own magick, as well as watch over the ebbing tide of darkness and light. They have been known to gather mortals through the centuries to fight off the evil that would foreseeable encompass the world. They have made few allies due to their own nature...but have also made few enemies. They seem to be true seekers of knowledge, and try to understand each being's views.
Within the folds of the Traditions they are still thought to be evil enigmas, though a select few members of the Traditions know otherwise. Even the Euthanatos fear the Shades. However, the Shades have worked with certain individuals in the Traditions, to fend off the Technocracy. What is strange in this behavior, is the Shades do not fight the Technocracy because they are thought to be evil, but for the simple reason that they do not understand them.
The Shades are for the most part true enigmas, they believe knowledge is sacred and release it slowly to their pupils. They are said to have many Chantries, but there is no one Shade that knows the location to all. The Shades believe the study of the Mind and Forces are the true paths to Ascension. They believe that everything is a part of nature, and that man is one extension of nature. The mind is used to tap into the nature, to become one with the forces. The Shades believe that before one can control the forces they must first learn to control there self, therefore, to control the mind. Each student of the Shades, must first undergo rigorous exercise of the mind, and must reach the level of Adherent*, before being allowed to delve deeply into the art of Forces.
The Shades are foreboding creatures, seemingly well built and averaging 6 feet. Though in good physical condition, they do not practice any physical art, such as do the Akashic Brotherhood. Instead, they concentrate more on the study of power. Though being extremely tall, they may blend in with the shadows or their milieu if they so desire. The Shades practice the art of Penumbra , the art of remaining hidden...to blend with the ones surroundings...to become a Shade. The Shades at times have been known to wield large wooden staves made of oak, whether they are instruments used for channeling power, or for fighting purposes is not known.
* Adherent: The Adherent is a rank between Disciple and Adept. The role of an Adherent is many...amoung these roles is to teach the underlings. Adherents will also spend a large amount of time in travel, on quests for their teachers, to seek out followers, or to bring equilibrium to the ebbing tide of darkness and light.
Philosophy: The study of all things will bring enlightenment, and one closer to Ascension. To strengthen the mind, and become one with the forces of nature. Man is simply an extension of nature, we are born of the dust of nature and will return so. The world is like a circle, and will eventually meet and overlap its end, or shall we say its beginning, however, there are many crossroads that will take one there much sooner.
Organization: The organization of the Shades is a well kept secret, though it is believed to operate in the form of a monastery. There Chantries are even more secret, and are believed to exist around the world. Within each Chantry their exist huge libraries that the Shades call Chambers.
Meetings: Many believe they constantly seek knowledge, and thus spend most of their time in meetings with elders...who teach, or help in the study of the rotes.
Initiation: If there is an initiation, very few know of it, though it is known that they send out individuals whom they call Walkers to bring followers to their fold.
Chantry: The Shades Chantries are extreme secrets, and are said to exist in the strangest areas, areas one would never think a Chantry would exist.
Acolytes: students, scientists, monks, philosophers.
Sphere: Mind...Forces.
Foci: Mind-Mind/Forces, Penumbra-Mind/Forces Language, Weapon-Mind/Forces, Staff
Concepts: students, scientists, monks, philosophers.
Quote: "Through observation, one gains knowledge...through this knowledge one knows how to act."