c) Societies of the Pax Concordat BLOOD COVENANT Nickname: Cultists The oldest Society, the Blood Covenant used to be the greatest Illuminati on the planet. However, time has not been kind to the Blood Covenant and much of its former glory and power as been diminished. The first sign of decline came when long before the Pax Concordat, when many of its "colonial" Societies, seeded to provide new areas for Covenant control, became independent and formed their own Societies. As time went on, these new Societies would steal valuable holdings from their former masters. The most debilitating force came from Christianity, nominally controlled by the Celestial Chorus and secretly influenced by the Pantheon. Placing all faith in priests and popes, not mystics and shamans, the growing power of Christians ravaged Covenant control while boosting the Pantheon's influence. Over the years, the Blood Covenant has tried to regain some of its former distinction, supporting the Barbarians against Rome, sponsoring the Viking Wars, and even going so far as to back the Order of Hermes during the Mythic Age. Yet the Vikings were eventually lost in a Challenge of Dominion to the Pantheon, and the Order of Hermes eventually collapsed. When the Court voted to ignore the Techomancer's manipulation of reality, the Covenant was furious. It had totally been against the idea, the only dissenter in the Pax Concordat. They were sure it was some plot by the other Societies to steal their holdings and power. They even wondered if the Technocrats (and the fabled "Architects of Reason") hadn't subverted the Court and its members. The relationship between the Blood Covenant and the other societies is strained even to this day. They also share an arch-rivalry with the Pantheon, whom they blame for the Christian destruction of Paganism. With the Age of Reason, it seemed that the Blood Covenant would be swallowed by the other Societies, but that was not the case. Instead of destroying mysticism, it just forced it underground. Blood Covenant gained control by bringing powerful individuals into secret Occult circles, both hidden and overt. This ensured that even though Mysticism was not widely accepted, the Covenant still had influence over the mundane world. Every once and a while these groups would attempt to gain acceptance in the open, sparking organisations as the Rosicrucians, the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, and individuals such as Aleister Crowley. The success of such incursions varied widely, though they are gaining more recognition as the hold that the church has had on society has weakened. The Blood Covenant is not only involved in "curses" and spells. Since they control Psychics from around the world, they can convince a superstitious populace of anything (through tarot readings, etc). The emergence of older religions, particularly those called "Neo-Pagan", have given the Covenant reason to believe a new age of power and control might be at hand. The most prominent of these new (or perhaps really old) religions, that of Wicca, has become a prime target for the Blood Covenant...and a great source of consternation. Without any rigid hierarchy, such as is found with the Catholic Church, the Covenant finds it very difficult to gain widespread control. Also, the Wika (a Verbena sub-tradition linked closely to Wicca) have thwarted the Illuminati at every turn. Though their cover is secure for the time being, the Blood Covenant must be careful lest the Wika stumble on dangerous information. Many other Societies have remarked that the Society is desperate enough to risk anything for power, even break the unbreakable rules of the Pax Corcordat. Already some have accused this Society of consorting with Infernal powers, some going so far as to say have totally fallen under demonic influence. Whatever the case, they are being watched closely. The term Blood Covenant refers not to their mystical rituals, but the blood oath that each new member swears to the Society. This rite is practised in every Society in one form or another, but none has the history and meaning as that of the Blood Covenant. Goal: Mystical forces have created the Supernatural that threatens us now. Therefore it will only be by unearthing the greatest Arcane secrets, that will give us the key to our salvation. The control and influence of all Occult, Psychic, Pagan, and Neo-Pagan organizations and societies are important to reaching our goals, though me must make them more acceptable if we are to use them to influence the mundane world. Basilica: A tomb located near the Giza Pyramids, Egypt. Suspected Holdings: Warlock Covens, Order of the Golden Dawn, the Rosicrucians (elements in both the Sleeper and Mage sects), the Arcanum, Psychic hot-lines, various Paranormal research institutions, Masons and the Royal Family of England. Suspected Holdings: Various Occultists, the Arcanum, possible involvement with Infernal groups (including the Wyrm, Nephandi, and Demons of the Inferno). Preferred Backgrounds and Skills: Occult is the only skill that is required of Blood Covenant members, though Investigation is also highly prized. Covenant Knights, if they have Numina, generally choose Hedge Magic. Stereotypes: Enigmatic Stratagem: Mysterious and arcane, they could be our brothers, if we could ever contact them. Global Elite: Politics and diplomacy is not the answer. Their bureaucracy slows the pace of the Conspiracy, while the actions of the Black Storm threaten to breech our veil of secrecy. Keepers of Secrets: Though they conspired against us with the other Societies, we have no quarrel with them. They seek knowledge, like us, but not in the right places. Pantheon: Foul butchers, these Illuminati have purposely sought to destroy our power. Their religion has done much harm to us, but its time is now past. We will see how they like being persecuted. Shadow Bank: Money, stocks and bonds will not answer the questions needed to overpower the Abominations. You are wasted assets, ones that are best liquidated. ENIGMATIC STRATAGEM Nickname: Aliens Of this Illuminati, there is almost nothing known. It doesn't even have an official name. The current moniker used to identify this reclusive group was first coined by the Global Elite's Queen, saying "Of them we no nothing; neither their name or anything about their enigmatic stratagem". The name somehow stuck. Though officially part of the Pax Concordat, it does not sit on the Court. It has only met with the Court once, when its Queen (?) arrived unannounced and told the council "[They] would abide by [the Illuminati's] laws". The Court voted the Stratagem into the Concord of Peace only because its power now rivalled theirs. There still are many who are sure that one day the Court will have to call Righteous Fury upon the Stratagem, once their real aims are revealed. The group now called the Enigmatic Stratagem first appeared around the mid to late 1800's. It came without warning, from no apparent source. The other Illuminati suddenly began to loose holdings in rapid succession. Not a general takeover, but singular specific organizations. Zoological societies and other groups involved in biological research were targeted first. The Stratagem's other targets, reclusive scientists and theorists, seemed to defy explanation. It would be until the two world wars that the its goals were beginning to come to light. From its early, unimportant acquisitions, the Enigmatic Stratagem had a firm foothold in the advanced technology and biological research market. It had predicted the great rise of technical achievement of the world wars almost a century previous. It would also be evident later on that the Stratagem had already prophesied the biological and genetic revolutions of recent years. Some have wondered whether the Stratagem had inside information on the aims of the Technocracy. Perhaps the Enigmatic Stratagem has influence over the Technocracy, or is under its influence... What bothers the Court is that Stratagem has taken upon itself to further its biological knowledge through very strange and dangerous means. The rash of "Alien Abductions" over the years is not wholly the work of Technocrats or Umbral spirits. Some are the experiments of the Enigmatic Stratagem, accomplished through the mysterious creatures some mundanes call the "Greys". These drab, frail-bodied creatures have extended craniums and large eyes. They have been present in a number of abduction cases in North America in the last few decades. Though they are not a proven reality, the Societies are certain they are the first fruits of the Stratagems decade long technological and biological research scheme. These "Greys" seem to be endowed with great psychic ability and heightened intelligence. Are these things real? If so, how much of their creation lies in mundane knowledge and how much lies with the sphere of life, used by the Technomancer Progenitor Pawns. In addition, the Enigmatic Stratagem has some very advanced aircraft, possibly incorporating Technomancer technology, or technology melded with the mind powers of the Greys. Despite what the tabloids print, there is evidence that only a dozen "saucers" are operated the Stratagem. Other craft stem from the Void Engineers and possibly creatures from beyond the Gauntlet. Many other sightings are complete hoaxes. The hoaxes keep the mundanes from acknowledging the presence of aliens on the planet, though the number of believers are growing. This increasing belief in alien abduction and the presence of the supernatural has only been stemmed by the Stratagem's influence in strategic government agencies. Yet the other Societies are watching them closely just in case government leverage is not enough. There are at least half a dozen Cadres permanently assigned to protect the Stratagem (whether the like it or not) form the peering eyes of the mundane and supernatural world. If there is going to be a serious breech of the Concordat, the odds are good that the Stratagem will cause it. This Society also has a unique and baffling hierarchy, nothing like the others in the Pax Concordat. It is clear that the Stratagem has leader(s), so they will have some sort of King. They also seem to have a Queen, though its uncertain whether it is a full time position or one of convenience. Rooks are definitely in use by the Society, filling duties that emulate their society brethren. If anything, the Rooks are the only thing common the Stratagem has in common with the Illuminati, besides the Pawns. What position the Greys fit in the Society is anyone's guess, though it is possible they are Bishops or Knights. It is also known that the Society operates converted "Men in Black", specially ordered to discourage investigations into the supernatural. Whether the MiB are Pawns or Knights is also unknown. Goal: Unknown. Generally seems to involve radical biological research, genetic engineering, and advanced technological testing. The reason for this, their plans, or even the accordance to the Pax Corcordat is a complete mystery. Basilica: Believed to be somewhere under Area 51, also known as Dreamland, an semi-secret air base located on Groom Lake, Nevada. Suspected Holdings: Bio-technical and Technological firms around the world, US Air Force. Preferred Backgrounds and Skills: Again, unknown. Is not even understood if they have requirements or preferences. Human Knights (?) which have been encountered have extensive psychic powers. Stereotypes: All Societies: We acknowledge you. Do not get in our way. GLOBAL ELITE Nickname: Plutocrats The Global Elite came from the same Seeded Society as the Pantheon. From influential members within Roman society, the group split up at the height of the Roman Empire. The factions disagreed on which organizations in Rome were the best platforms for world dominance. The faction which would later become the Global Elite thought that one should control the Senate and the powerful Families which influenced Imperial politics. The group which would form the Pantheon wanted command of the powerful priesthood of the Roman gods. They parted on good terms and retain amicable relations (along with a friendly rivalry). The Global Elite have remained dynamic throughout the past 2000 years, and now are the most powerful Illuminati in the World. The Elite is the most direct of all Societies when it comes to the Conspiracy. "If you must control something", these Illuminati say, "go straight to the top". They control the most powerful people in society: Politicians, Heads of State, and the those with the most political influence . From Capitol hill to the heads of government lobby groups, if supernaturals involve themselves in the affairs of government, they inevitably lock horns with agents of the Global Elite. When trouble brews, the Global Elite deals with the threat in a forward manner. Of any in the Pax Concordat, the Elite is the most guilty of Hostile Takeovers and blatant assassinations. Their hit squad cliques (the infamous "Black Storm" brigades; so- called because of their Nazi-style black uniforms, complete with jackboots) and widely known and feared in the Pax Concordat. They are the first troops to be sent in when a Righteous Fury is called down upon a Throng. Though they are guilty of breeches of the Concordat due to their violent methods, no Society would dare accuse them of such wrongdoing. Being the most powerful Society in the world, the Elite could cripple any Throng and give any Society much grief. Accusers often meet terrible ends (often involving very regrettable "accidents"). Strength has its privileges... Goal: To sweep away those of paranormal existence requires firm leadership. We must first control the decision makers, the respected and admired people of this world. Once we have controlled the planet through them, we can then unshackle the world from the supernatural powers. Basilica: Somewhere near the United Nations Building, New York State Suspected Holdings: Government offices in many countries, the political lobby, defense contractors. Preferred Backgrounds and Skills: To succeed in the Global Elite, most characters should have some skills in Bureaucracy and Politics. Knights of the Global Elite are the only enforcers of the Societies in which Numina is NOT encouraged. Instead, Knights are trained in mind and body strengthening techniques (Merits such as Iron Will and Hand of God). Stereotypes: Blood Covenant: Occult rituals and mystical incantations may give you solutions to our current problems, yet you will never be able to implement those solutions without our help. Enigmatic Stratagem: They meddle in our affairs at every turn! If we could find out the sources of control, we would deal out personal Righteous Fury on them! Keepers of Secrets: Information is the future. If we do not stem the control of these Illuminati, our rightful place in the Pax Concordat could be usurped. Pantheon: We are from a common past, though not common ideals. Religion is not a reliable means of control. Though they alone rival our power, we hold no grudges against them. Shadow Bank: They are the cornerstone of all our power, even if they do not act upon it. Be warned bankers, if you attempt to use your sphere of influence for leverage, you will soon enter personal bankruptcy. KEEPERS OF SECRETS Nickname: Lurkers The Keepers are perhaps the only Society actively helping enlighten mankind. Once lowly throngs, the Keepers of Secrets were a confederation of small societies from around the globe. They were keepers of libraries and caretakers of the centres of world knowledge. From the ancient library of Alexandria to the lands of the far east, the Keepers sought out the mundane secrets of the ages. In the 15th century, as the Pax Concordat was being negotiated, the Throngs gathered together and formed the Keepers of Secrets. It was a defense measure against the encroaching Illuminati as well as move to enter the arena of the greater societies. Both moves were successful and the Keepers of Secrets became the second-last Society to sit on the Court. Besides controlling libraries, universities, and other organizations devoted to knowledge; they also invested time and effort to influence communication technology. Over time, the Keepers gained considerable power in mundane society as contact over long distances became easier and less costly. The Keeper of Secrets encouraged all forms of telecommunication and free transmission of thought, from the pony express, telegraph and telephone, to the modem, Internet and the ever-expanding information super-highway. Currently, the Keepers are a rising power in the Illuminati. The Global Elite is trying desperately to stem the Keeper's power, trying to discourage free speech across the Internet and police the telecommunication networks. However, such policies are not as successful as the Elite would like, causing many to see a shift of power from the Global Elite to Keepers in the next few years. The Keepers never use Hostile Takeovers and shy away from any direct approaches to problems. By utilizing their libraries, databases, and telecommunication taps, they have collected much damaging material on both the supernatural and mundane world. They use these "skeletons in the closet" to blackmail potential holdings or discourage any adversaries. They could easily destroy a person, business, or multinational if they so planned. Of any of the Illuminati, they have had the most success in stemming the Technocracy. Many Progenitor, Iteration X, and Syndicate business have had damaging information leaked when they investigated Illuminati affairs. The loss of reputation, company holdings, and billions of dollars have so far persuaded the Technocrats to abandon _active_ inquiry of the Lurkers. Goal: Every question as an answer, every person a hidden secret. The supernaturals are not an exception. All that is necessary is to find those secrets and use them to their best advantage. Basilica: Somewhere near the ruins of the Library of Alexandria, Egypt. Suspected Holdings: Information Gathering sources (TV/radio stations, newspapers, Internet sites, post offices, phone companies, government think-tanks, etc) Preferred Backgrounds and Skills: Contacts and Allies are prized by the Lurkers, for a personal information network can augment the Keepers gathering sources. Additionally, Knowledges of all types (except for skills such as Occult) are helpful. Stereotypes: Blood Covenant: No mystical secret will cure our ills. The mundane information of this world will be the tool that controls the uncontrollable. Enigmatic Stratagem: This Illuminati seem to have information beyond even our great scope. They deserve more investigation. We will learn what they know. Global Elite: Brutal Pencil-pushers! The world under their control has done little to throw off yoke of supernatural oppression. Their reign is at an end. Pantheon: They have long suppressed information, for they know its power. Ignorance and superstition are their tools, but only we know the light of truth. They never got out of the Dark Ages. Shadow Bank: Money and Stocks? You only the others knew the truth. We know much more about you than you suspect. Watch your step, bankers, or your little secret might slip out. THE PANTHEON Nickname: Preachers Splitting from the Global Elite during their schism, the Pantheon concentrated its control of the huge Imperial Priesthood of the Roman Pantheon. They infiltrated every temple with their influence, matching their sister Society, the Global Elite, holding for holding. As provinces were being added into the Empire, the Pantheon would attempt to convert them to the Roman gods or infiltrate their religious ranks. When Emperor Constintine made Rome a Christian nation, the Pantheon quickly shifted its attention from propagating the Roman gods to the God of the Judeo-Christians. They were responsible for the transformation from the Christian church from the non- aggressive collection of believers to the expansionist, intolerant, megalithic Catholic Church that exists even to this day. The original goal of the Pantheon was to unite the world under one religion, that of Christianity. Though the Society soon became the most influential force in Europe, they had very limited success in other parts of the world. The Crusades to take the Holy Land was the most ambitious of Pantheon plots. Its purpose, to begin to convert the world to Christianity and uniting it under the Pantheon-controlled Papacy. It had early success but in the end failed badly. They couldn't convert the Islamic nations to Christ, nor did they have any success with the invading Mongol hordes. They did, however, destroy the Celtic civilization and eventually convert the Vikings; harming the Blood Covenant greatly by doing so. The separation of the Eastern Orthodox church, the Protestant movement of Martin Luther, and the Age of Reason all harmed the Catholic Church greatly and devastated the Pantheon. The Pantheon had supported the Age of Reason grudgingly, for they knew that by doing would only hurt the mages (specifically, their nemesis, the Celestial Chorus). The Chorus had always had been a thorn in the side of the Pantheon, always interfering with their holdings. Several times the Chorus came very close to uncovering their Society. The Age of Reason permanently debilitated the Chorus control in the church and allowed the Pantheon to strengthen its grip on the populace. Currently, the Pantheon still seeks a one world church, but its not an immediate goal. Instead, its infiltrated each of the Western and Near Eastern religions, including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, and some Televangelists. The Pantheon now seeks to unify each nation under a particular religion. When this is done, they will then attempt create political religious blocks (such as the an Islamic Federation in the Middle-East). >From there, its believed the pantheon will attempt to create an World Ecumenical Council from which will spring forth a single World Religion. However, Eastern religions such as Buddhism and Shintoism have given the Pantheon great agitation. Perhaps its from the non-confrontation attitudes expressed by the Buddhist Priest. More likely, its from the Akashic Brotherhood, who is always vigilant for outside interference in its affairs. In the past they have attempted to convert them to other religions, with little success. Now, for the time being, the Pantheon has focused west, perhaps building up for an eventual religious Jihad. Goal: A Supreme Being. Whether we believe in it is not important, for its his power over the minds and hearts of the populace is all that's matter. Whether following God, Jehovah, Allah, or Buddha; they will all flock under our Earthly banner. Then, perhaps, we can wage Holy War on the Abominations that walk the Earth. Basilica: Jerusalem. The Centre of three of the world's great faiths: Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. Suspected Holdings: Religious men in most Western (and Near Eastern) religions, the Society of Leopold (?), the Knightly Orders (see the net supplement Church Knight). Preferred Backgrounds and Skills: Besides Theology (Vampire Players Guide Pg.67), character's should be appear to be upstanding and pious men in their respective communities. For the Pantheon, appearances are everything. Knights generally have True Faith as their Numina. Stereotypes: Blood Covenant: Magic is a tool for imbeciles. The masses need firm leadership, not obscure guidance. You are an aging dinosaur, soon to fall into extinction. Even the Neo-Pagans can't help you now. Enigmatic Stratagem: Aliens have no place in our world. They undermine our great plan. Cease now or suffer our wrath. Global Elite: Though they more powerful than us, a time will come when we will outshine even them. They will then be our enforcers, loyal Crusaders in the impending holy war. Keepers of Secrets: They know much, but are unwilling to share that knowledge. Nevertheless, they are a rapidly rising star. Care must be taken, lest they overpower us. Shadow Bank: Money breeds greed. Greed diminishes faith. Faith is the root of our control. Yet, we have no quarrel with them. We will not harm them, unless the get in our way. SHADOW BANK Nickname: Gnomes Though the Global Elite, Keepers of Secrets, and the Pantheon dominate the world of the Illuminati, the Shadow Bank would appear to hold the strings. The masters of money, they have the power to cripple the other Illuminati's holdings with ease. However, they seeming have no interest in attacking their fellow Society members. If anything, they are the most stalwart supporters of the Court. This in itself has eased the fears of the other Illuminati, but has made them wonder... Though, the Shadow Bank only began to rise to Society status during the Industrial Revolution, it existed as a Throng since the early middle ages. The first holding of the Bank was the Knights Templar, stealing them from under the nose of the Pantheon. Under their influence, the Knights became very rich and powerful. Its even rumoured that the Knights found the Ark of the Covenant in Ethiopia, an artifact which the Shadow Bank is believed still to hold. Eventually, the Knights were destroyed, lost in a Hostile Takeover by the Pantheon. The fragments of the Templars not reeducated or killed by the Pantheon were saved by the Shadow Bank. They would later set the foundation for the sprawling Monetary Empire of modern day. Currently, they hold banks, stock markets, and fiscal agencies such as the IRS and Merril Lynch. In recent years, it has been alluded to that the Shadow Bank and the Syndicate of the Technocracy may know of each other, perhaps even sharing relations and resources. Some have gone so far as saying that the Shadow Bank IS the Syndicate, and that the two are following some unfathomable plan at present. With the recent rumours of the Architects (see Architects of Reason, below), some believe that the Lucidites remained in control of the Syndicate and have used that dominance to reinitialize links to their old Society friends. While this is not been proved, it has given the other Illuminati a lot to think about. Goal: The Golden Rule: He who has the gold, makes the rules. Money does make the world go round, and its influence extends even into the supernatural world. Once we master currency, the world will soon bow before our might. Basilica: Geneva, Switzerland Suspected Holdings: Various banks, stock brokers, stock exchanges, and commodity exchanges. Preferred Backgrounds and Skills: Finance and Resources are very important to both the Society and its followers. Its become a necessity (or at a very least a rite of passage) to get at least one dot in each. Knights who are part of the Shadow Bank have a mix of all Numina, but rely on their Financial Skills (all Shadow Bank Knights must have at least two dots in Finance) to fulfil their objectives. Stereotypes: Blood Covenant: They spent too much time using the tools of our enemies. Like the psychic hot-line idea, though... Enigmatic Stratagem: Hmmm, they always seem to have enough money their ventures, yet we have no records of transactions. I wonder if they've filed a tax return... Global Elite: The rich and powerful they may be, but we hold the purse strings. Keepers of Secrets: Information is nothing. Records are only important in transactions and contracts. Their methods are useless. Pantheon: Their idea of religion involves only two things: Control and money. They are very much like us, whether they believe it or not. ARCHITECTS OF REASON (DEFUNCT) Nickname: Lucidites Its not clear whether the Architects were a real Society, or a concoction of the Court to reinforce their dogma. Basilica documents due speak of another Society which existed before the Pax Concordat, but that society was never officially named. According to the official line, the Architects were a throng that wished to remove Supernatural influence once and for all. Thought to have begun in the late 12th century, it grew by recruiting members of the "mundane" Order of Hermes, especially those who were against the so-called Mythic age. However, instead of pawns, they were inducted as full members, filling the ranks of Knights, Pawns, and Rooks. It only took a few years, but the Architects power-base blossomed. They soon rose above the status of Throng, and caught the eye of most of the Great Illuminati. Their own Conspiracy, based on reason over mysticism was beneficial to all the Societies in the World and greatly hampered the supernaturals. They rapidly rose in power, their influence growing until they were large enough that it was destined to join the ranks of the Greater Societies of the Illuminati. However, by the 15th Century, the Architects had all but disappeared. In its place, was the society of static mages known as the Technocracy. The Court says that the Technocracy and the Architects are one and the same. The mages overcame the mundane Illuminati and took control of the Society, transforming it into the Technocracy. This party line has been used by the Court to strengthen their view that Supernaturals must always be dupes and pawns. To work with Supernaturals or allow them into the Pax Corcordat would be suicide. While this is the official account of the fate of the Lucidites, there are other theories. Some say the Architects were not overthrown, but merely split up. The mages left to become the Technocracy, while the humans left for who-knows- where. Perhaps they were reabsorbed into the other Societies or formed their own. A radical theory states that the Enigmatic Stratagem are the remains of the Architects of Reason, still following their radical programs under a new guise. Some have even gone so far as to say that the Architects of Reason are still controlling the Technocracy, but in the shadows. Often those who theorize this also believe that the Syndicate has joined/subverted/merged with the Shadow Bank. They also state evidence that the Architects (or whatever they were really called) were seeded by the Shadow Bank (as a Throng) while it controlled the Knights Templar. Is any of this true? One could say many things about the Architects, but there is little proof to back up their claims. Perhaps the Architects don't exist, or maybe they were just the Shadow Bank in a different aspect. Unless they can find the Lucidite's elusive Basilica, then the truth may never be known [Author's Note: This has been left vague intentionally. Storytellers are chose the origins and fate of the Architects.] Goal: They are believed to share the views of the technocracy. By creating static reality, you hamper the supernaturals ability to effect reality and humanity. It is much easier to kill a scorpion that has lost its sting. Basilica: Unknown. If it exists, it could be a treasure trove of information. It is believed to exist somewhere in Europe, presumably in some areas with a long history of technical/scientific achievement. Suspected Holdings: ???????????? Preferred Backgrounds and Skills: They no longer exist (if they ever existed...). Their preferred abilities and advantages are lost in myth and fable. Technical skills were probably important. Stereotypes: Their views are a complete mystery... d) The Throngs The Throngs are small up-and-coming Societies which are have not gained enough power to seek acceptance in the Court. However, the Court and members of the Illuminati force these smaller groups to abide by the Pax Concordat. Penalty for these Throngs ignoring the Concord of Peace is hostile dissolution of their assets. Some Throngs ally with those Societies which closest match its ideology, while others remain totally neutral. There are still others rumoured to fight against the unknown power of the Illuminati and risk total destruction at the Society's hands. In any case, there is much resentment in the ranks of the Throngs. Many believe that the Illuminati fear their power and use the Pax Concordat to prevent them from reaching full Society status. This is not entirely true, for the Societies fear that the ambition of the Throngs might cause them to breech the long- standing veil of secrecy. Still, when Society and Throng elements meet, there is plenty of tension but rarely any violence. This is the opportunity for the Storyteller to customize his particular campaign by adding his own secret organizations into the World of Darkness. These Throngs can be existing WoD organizations or you may make up your own devilish creations. There is no limit to the number oforganizations available to you, only your imagination. [Author's Note: There are plenty of Secret Societies in many RPG's that you could adapt/borrow/steal to use as Throngs. I especially suggest Nephilim for their secret societies and the Illuminati (GURPS, game, card game) from Steve Jackson Games] Here are a few societies (one of many ideas and information donated by Anders Sandberg) to give you ideas: The Synarcy: Originally called the Bavarian Illuminati. They seek to destroy the current political structures and unite the world into a meritocratic one-world government. They supported socialism and fascism, but has lost a lot of power since their golden days. Right now they are close to the Global Elite and enemies of the Pantheon (which claims they are secretly working for or with the New World Order). The Society of Light: A small society devoted to spiritual and technological growth of mankind, but also the removal of *all* secret control over mankind. They try to fight the societies, the Technocracy and everybody else. Not very strong, but irritating.