And so Nathaniel gazed over the worlds, and all he saw was evil. The worlds were filth and waste, decay and destruction. Civil wars were waged on endless battlefields, and brother fought brother in the chaos we had inherited. We had turned the cradle of humanity into a burial pit. Traitors and renegades hid in the dark. Outside the borders of the cities, mutants and beasts from the pits of Darkness roamed.
The the veil was lifted, and Nathaniel saw the Light. He saw the winding road to salvation and he felt the warmth of the cleansing fires that would burn the filth away and once again brighten the world. A great power surged through Nathaniel, and he found that he could shape the powers of the Light at will. He once again gazed over the world, and spoke:
"Let this be the end of Darkness and the beginning of the triumphant Light that will shine over the human worlds forever."
And around him he gathered those of faith, and they called him their leader. So it was that the Brotherhood was formed to do battle against the Darkness. Nathaniel was the first of our sacred Cardinals.
He raised the banners of the just and right and lit the fires of redemption. And their light did shine over the worlds, filling the skies. And the fallen did end their wars and looked to the Light and wondered what it would bring.
- The First Chronicle, the Arrival of the Darkness and the Calling of the Cardinal / Alexander Horatio
The the veil was lifted, and Nathaniel saw the Light. He saw the winding road to salvation and he felt the warmth of the cleansing fires that would burn the filth away and once again brighten the world. A great power surged through Nathaniel, and he found that he could shape the powers of the Light at will. He once again gazed over the world, and spoke:
"Let this be the end of Darkness and the beginning of the triumphant Light that will shine over the human worlds forever."
And around him he gathered those of faith, and they called him their leader. So it was that the Brotherhood was formed to do battle against the Darkness. Nathaniel was the first of our sacred Cardinals.
He raised the banners of the just and right and lit the fires of redemption. And their light did shine over the worlds, filling the skies. And the fallen did end their wars and looked to the Light and wondered what it would bring.
- The First Chronicle, the Arrival of the Darkness and the Calling of the Cardinal / Alexander Horatio
THE CLEANSING FLAME OF THE CARDINAL
One might say that the formation of the Brotherhood rewrote the course of history. The Brotherhood was formed in 2275 AD by the first Cardinal, Nathaniel Durand, following the end of the First Corporate Wars. Its formation drew all the corporations together in unity. A new calendar was begun in the year of the Cardinal's inauguration and dates were henceforth written as YC - in the Year of the Cardinal.
The power of the Brotherhood quickly grew as thousands flocked to the rallying cry of Cardinal Durand I, but it was to be another fifty years before the position of the Brotherhood, as supreme power in the Solar System, was irrevocably established. For in the year 51 YC the Dark Legion fell upon all humankind. There is no question that it was the presence of the Brotherhood that saved mankind in that terrible time. Without their guidance and spiritual fortitude, mankind would not have been able to resist the dreadful fear and corrupting despair that are the Dark Legion's most powerful and effective weapons.
It was also the Brotherhood, led by Cardinal Durand I himself, that led the combined forces of humanity to their victory against the Dark Legion during the Venusian Crusade. Since those glorious and tragic times, the power and influence of the Brotherhood has grown to include far more than just the spiritual well being of humanity. They are now a vast worldly power, almost a megacorporation in their own right. They certainly have the resources to qualify, but their prime directive remains spiritual and not commercial, and thus they are set apart from the other corporations.
The Brotherhood was weakened somewhat by the divergence of Mishima some three centuries ago, and more recently by the open defiance of the Cybertronic corporation. Now, in the bloody turmoil of the Second Corporate Wars, their diplomatic skills are stretched to the limit. But with the reemergence of the Dark Legion, their star is rising once again. Because, with all other things aside, when it comes to combating the evil of the Dark Legion, the Brotherhood remains humanity's best and only hope for victory and survival before the power of the Dark Soul.
One might say that the formation of the Brotherhood rewrote the course of history. The Brotherhood was formed in 2275 AD by the first Cardinal, Nathaniel Durand, following the end of the First Corporate Wars. Its formation drew all the corporations together in unity. A new calendar was begun in the year of the Cardinal's inauguration and dates were henceforth written as YC - in the Year of the Cardinal.
The power of the Brotherhood quickly grew as thousands flocked to the rallying cry of Cardinal Durand I, but it was to be another fifty years before the position of the Brotherhood, as supreme power in the Solar System, was irrevocably established. For in the year 51 YC the Dark Legion fell upon all humankind. There is no question that it was the presence of the Brotherhood that saved mankind in that terrible time. Without their guidance and spiritual fortitude, mankind would not have been able to resist the dreadful fear and corrupting despair that are the Dark Legion's most powerful and effective weapons.
It was also the Brotherhood, led by Cardinal Durand I himself, that led the combined forces of humanity to their victory against the Dark Legion during the Venusian Crusade. Since those glorious and tragic times, the power and influence of the Brotherhood has grown to include far more than just the spiritual well being of humanity. They are now a vast worldly power, almost a megacorporation in their own right. They certainly have the resources to qualify, but their prime directive remains spiritual and not commercial, and thus they are set apart from the other corporations.
The Brotherhood was weakened somewhat by the divergence of Mishima some three centuries ago, and more recently by the open defiance of the Cybertronic corporation. Now, in the bloody turmoil of the Second Corporate Wars, their diplomatic skills are stretched to the limit. But with the reemergence of the Dark Legion, their star is rising once again. Because, with all other things aside, when it comes to combating the evil of the Dark Legion, the Brotherhood remains humanity's best and only hope for victory and survival before the power of the Dark Soul.
THE CALLING OF THE CARDINAL
The Brotherhood has been endowed with a mission to eradicate the Darkness around and within us. This is the "Calling of the Cardinal". This mission is the all-governing policy of the Brotherhood. Anything interfering with the Calling is dealt with swiftly and with extreme measures.
The mission is based on the Word, as it is interpreted by the Cardinal, and the Third Directorate. The Calling of the Cardinal is central to the mission, and the Brotherhood relies heavily on its charismatic leaders to personify the Calling.
The phrase the "Calling of the Cardinal" can be found all over the system, shouted on the battlefields, sprayed as graffiti on walls and spoken in the preaching of the Inquisitors.
The Brotherhood has been endowed with a mission to eradicate the Darkness around and within us. This is the "Calling of the Cardinal". This mission is the all-governing policy of the Brotherhood. Anything interfering with the Calling is dealt with swiftly and with extreme measures.
The mission is based on the Word, as it is interpreted by the Cardinal, and the Third Directorate. The Calling of the Cardinal is central to the mission, and the Brotherhood relies heavily on its charismatic leaders to personify the Calling.
The phrase the "Calling of the Cardinal" can be found all over the system, shouted on the battlefields, sprayed as graffiti on walls and spoken in the preaching of the Inquisitors.
THE CHRONICLES
In the early days, Cardinal Nathaniel Durand recognized the influence of the Dark Symmetry in the written word. When studying the ancient tomes, registers and scrolls summarizing the history of humanity, everything he read was perverted by evil and infested by the Darkness.
So Cardinal Durand summoned his Lord Scribe Alexandros to appear before the Curia and assigned him the task of compiling the knowledge of the Brotherhood into a Chronicle. As the first Cathedral was erected, Alexandros personally carved into its sacred marble walls the First Chronicle, out of the reach of the Darkness.
To further deny the Dark Symmetry any chanced to distort the flow of history, there was an order from the Cardinal himself on the handling of the Chronicles. No man or woman for times eternal would be allowed to duplicate the Chronicles.
As more Cathedrals were erected, further Chronicles came to adorn their indestructible walls. The Chronicles were inscribed so that they would be untouchable to the Dark Symmetry and to last as long as the Brotherhood itself.
Today, the number of Chronicles has reached eight, each one engraved into the walls of a Cathedral. The Chronicles are forbidden words to speak or write, and not even the Keepers of the Art themselves dare at any time divulge even one word of the sacred scriptures. It is forbidden to speak the Chronicles on penalty of death.
The pillared halls of the Cathedrals are always filled with apprentices of the Brotherhood who silently learn the Words by heart. Commoners and visitors are allowed entrance under very strict surveillance only. Photographers are executed on the spot.
In the early days, Cardinal Nathaniel Durand recognized the influence of the Dark Symmetry in the written word. When studying the ancient tomes, registers and scrolls summarizing the history of humanity, everything he read was perverted by evil and infested by the Darkness.
So Cardinal Durand summoned his Lord Scribe Alexandros to appear before the Curia and assigned him the task of compiling the knowledge of the Brotherhood into a Chronicle. As the first Cathedral was erected, Alexandros personally carved into its sacred marble walls the First Chronicle, out of the reach of the Darkness.
To further deny the Dark Symmetry any chanced to distort the flow of history, there was an order from the Cardinal himself on the handling of the Chronicles. No man or woman for times eternal would be allowed to duplicate the Chronicles.
As more Cathedrals were erected, further Chronicles came to adorn their indestructible walls. The Chronicles were inscribed so that they would be untouchable to the Dark Symmetry and to last as long as the Brotherhood itself.
Today, the number of Chronicles has reached eight, each one engraved into the walls of a Cathedral. The Chronicles are forbidden words to speak or write, and not even the Keepers of the Art themselves dare at any time divulge even one word of the sacred scriptures. It is forbidden to speak the Chronicles on penalty of death.
The pillared halls of the Cathedrals are always filled with apprentices of the Brotherhood who silently learn the Words by heart. Commoners and visitors are allowed entrance under very strict surveillance only. Photographers are executed on the spot.
Chronicles and Chroniclers
The First Chronicle (the Luna Cathedral): the Arrival of the Darkness and the Calling of the Cardinal, by Alexander Horatio
The Second Chronicle (the Heimburg Cathedral): Ilian and the Dark Symmetry, by Plinius Varro
The Third Chronicle (the Longshore Cathedral): the Corporate Wars, by Valerius Catullus
The Fourth Chronicle (the San Dorado Cathedral): the Arrival of Semai and Muawijhe, by Lapidius Asolvos
The Fifth Chronicle (the Burroughs Cathedral): Algeroth and Demnogonis, by Horka Mikhalos
The Sixth Chronicle (the Volksburg Cathedral): the Crusades and the Inquisition, by Galileo Achrostidies
The Seventh Chronicle (the Gibson Cathedral): the Venusian Fury, by Pius the Elder
The Eighth Chronicle (the Fukido Cathedral): the Megacorporations and the Cartel, by Lucretius Marcellianus
The First Chronicle (the Luna Cathedral): the Arrival of the Darkness and the Calling of the Cardinal, by Alexander Horatio
The Second Chronicle (the Heimburg Cathedral): Ilian and the Dark Symmetry, by Plinius Varro
The Third Chronicle (the Longshore Cathedral): the Corporate Wars, by Valerius Catullus
The Fourth Chronicle (the San Dorado Cathedral): the Arrival of Semai and Muawijhe, by Lapidius Asolvos
The Fifth Chronicle (the Burroughs Cathedral): Algeroth and Demnogonis, by Horka Mikhalos
The Sixth Chronicle (the Volksburg Cathedral): the Crusades and the Inquisition, by Galileo Achrostidies
The Seventh Chronicle (the Gibson Cathedral): the Venusian Fury, by Pius the Elder
The Eighth Chronicle (the Fukido Cathedral): the Megacorporations and the Cartel, by Lucretius Marcellianus
THE ART
Under the guiding light of the Cardinals, the Brotherhood learned how to tap into ancient powers long lost to common folk. When this source of power was opened up, the Mystics devoted their lives to understanding and ultimately controlling this new force.
Though several lifetimes have been spent studying this force of life, precious little has been learned. It is known that is can be controlled by beings pure of thought and soul, and shaped into different forms, both for offensive and protective purposes. And it is not only for destruction that the power can be used.
Mystics who have devoted their life to the Art of Premonition have achieved powers of perception far beyond the normal senses. These Mystics spy into the future, trying to predict the flow of time. They search the minds of millions upon millions, searching for even the most meager trace of Darkness and evil. They peer into the darkest chambers of the Dark Legion, trying to find the way to their undoing.
But the future is not their only domain. The Mystics also search the past, scribing the events that shaped our present age.
Under the guiding light of the Cardinals, the Brotherhood learned how to tap into ancient powers long lost to common folk. When this source of power was opened up, the Mystics devoted their lives to understanding and ultimately controlling this new force.
Though several lifetimes have been spent studying this force of life, precious little has been learned. It is known that is can be controlled by beings pure of thought and soul, and shaped into different forms, both for offensive and protective purposes. And it is not only for destruction that the power can be used.
Mystics who have devoted their life to the Art of Premonition have achieved powers of perception far beyond the normal senses. These Mystics spy into the future, trying to predict the flow of time. They search the minds of millions upon millions, searching for even the most meager trace of Darkness and evil. They peer into the darkest chambers of the Dark Legion, trying to find the way to their undoing.
But the future is not their only domain. The Mystics also search the past, scribing the events that shaped our present age.
STRUCTURE
The hierarchical structure of the Brotherhood is rich and complex. At the head of the organization is the single most powerful man in the Solar System, the Cardinal himself. The Cardinal holds supreme control over every aspect of the brotherhood, including their considerable military forces of which he is considered divine commander in chief.
Immediately beneath the Cardinal is the advisory body known as the Curia. Consisting of highly esteemed and spiritually impeccable brethren, the Curia manages all aspects of Brotherhood affairs through the Four Directorates. Even though the Four Directorates are further divided into subdivisions, known as cells, they encompass the four prime elements of the Brotherhood's holy purpose.
The Four Directorates are: the Mystics, charges with the stewardship and nurturing of the Art, that mystical energy force, which first manifested itself in the person of Nathaniel Durand, the first Cardinal. The Inquisition, the Brotherhood's righteous blade of faith, charged with combating the Dark Soul's minions, whether on the battlefield, or by hunting down Heretics wherever they may hide. The Mission, the blessed evangelists, charged with bringing the word of the Brotherhood and the teachings of the Cardinal to even the most blighted corner of the Solar System. The Administration, the heart of the Brotherhood, charged with nothing less than the welfare of the whole, from managing resources to the maintenance of diplomatic relations.
Advancement within the Brotherhood is achieved through dedication, devotion and the virtue of faith. Generous donations to the Brotherhood's cause have also seen many individuals rise to eminence but only when the offering comes from one who's heart if sincere and who's love for the Cardinal is beyond question. Indeed, it is surprising just how many people hold high office within the upper echelons of the Brotherhood.
The hierarchical structure of the Brotherhood is rich and complex. At the head of the organization is the single most powerful man in the Solar System, the Cardinal himself. The Cardinal holds supreme control over every aspect of the brotherhood, including their considerable military forces of which he is considered divine commander in chief.
Immediately beneath the Cardinal is the advisory body known as the Curia. Consisting of highly esteemed and spiritually impeccable brethren, the Curia manages all aspects of Brotherhood affairs through the Four Directorates. Even though the Four Directorates are further divided into subdivisions, known as cells, they encompass the four prime elements of the Brotherhood's holy purpose.
The Four Directorates are: the Mystics, charges with the stewardship and nurturing of the Art, that mystical energy force, which first manifested itself in the person of Nathaniel Durand, the first Cardinal. The Inquisition, the Brotherhood's righteous blade of faith, charged with combating the Dark Soul's minions, whether on the battlefield, or by hunting down Heretics wherever they may hide. The Mission, the blessed evangelists, charged with bringing the word of the Brotherhood and the teachings of the Cardinal to even the most blighted corner of the Solar System. The Administration, the heart of the Brotherhood, charged with nothing less than the welfare of the whole, from managing resources to the maintenance of diplomatic relations.
Advancement within the Brotherhood is achieved through dedication, devotion and the virtue of faith. Generous donations to the Brotherhood's cause have also seen many individuals rise to eminence but only when the offering comes from one who's heart if sincere and who's love for the Cardinal is beyond question. Indeed, it is surprising just how many people hold high office within the upper echelons of the Brotherhood.
THE CARDINAL
The Brotherhood is led by a worldly and spiritual leader, the Cardinal. His power and enlightenment are unquestionable and he has been given the authority to rule the Brotherhood until he is called into the light. His Calling, and final goal, is to purge our Solar System of all infestations of evil, be they the Dark Legion, mutants or cesspits of plague and degradation. This eternal Calling is carried on from Cardinal to Cardinal and will be their eternal mission until they have succeeded.
The powers invested in the Cardinal gives him an insight into the spiritual world unequaled by any living being within the sphere of light.
The Cardinal is the absolute supreme leader. He is at the same time supreme commander of the military forces of the Brotherhood, the High Inquisitor, the wisest and most powerful of Mystics and the foremost preacher of the Word.
The Brotherhood is led by a worldly and spiritual leader, the Cardinal. His power and enlightenment are unquestionable and he has been given the authority to rule the Brotherhood until he is called into the light. His Calling, and final goal, is to purge our Solar System of all infestations of evil, be they the Dark Legion, mutants or cesspits of plague and degradation. This eternal Calling is carried on from Cardinal to Cardinal and will be their eternal mission until they have succeeded.
The powers invested in the Cardinal gives him an insight into the spiritual world unequaled by any living being within the sphere of light.
The Cardinal is the absolute supreme leader. He is at the same time supreme commander of the military forces of the Brotherhood, the High Inquisitor, the wisest and most powerful of Mystics and the foremost preacher of the Word.
THE CURIA
Directly under the Cardinal is the Curia. This council is made up of highly esteemed brothers appointed to govern parts of the Brotherhood's sphere of influence. The Curia directly governs the Four Directorates and is vested with the power to perform internal inquisitions, investigations and purging at will. The Curia only answers to the Cardinal and the High Inquisition.
Directly under the Cardinal is the Curia. This council is made up of highly esteemed brothers appointed to govern parts of the Brotherhood's sphere of influence. The Curia directly governs the Four Directorates and is vested with the power to perform internal inquisitions, investigations and purging at will. The Curia only answers to the Cardinal and the High Inquisition.
THE CATHEDRALS
On places where the Brotherhood has established a strong presence and is supported by a large number of followers, it is customary to erect a Cathedral. Cathedrals are made up of towers of immense proportions, decorated with spires, painted lead windows and stone gargoyles. Arches and huge domes create an atmosphere of serenity and piety. Statues of holy martyrs and sacred warriors stand in the open courts, and in the endless hallways the Cardinals gaze down upon their followers. All to create the impression of force, power and invincibility. The Cathedral acts as a symbol of the movement and as a gathering place for the followers. All Cathedrals are sacred places and dedicated both to the faithful and as a base for the activities of the Brotherhood. The enormous Cathedrals house military bases, the secret departments and the dungeons of the Inquisition as well as vast halls devoted to meditation. In larger Cathedrals there are deep catacombs given to the Scribes for storing the immense libraries of the Brotherhood.
The largest Cathedral is of course the Sacred Dome on Luna, also containing the sacred tomb of Nathaniel, the first Cardinal. The second largest Cathedral - the Hieronymus Dome - stands in Fukido on Mercury and the third in size is in San Dorado, Mars.
On places where the Brotherhood has established a strong presence and is supported by a large number of followers, it is customary to erect a Cathedral. Cathedrals are made up of towers of immense proportions, decorated with spires, painted lead windows and stone gargoyles. Arches and huge domes create an atmosphere of serenity and piety. Statues of holy martyrs and sacred warriors stand in the open courts, and in the endless hallways the Cardinals gaze down upon their followers. All to create the impression of force, power and invincibility. The Cathedral acts as a symbol of the movement and as a gathering place for the followers. All Cathedrals are sacred places and dedicated both to the faithful and as a base for the activities of the Brotherhood. The enormous Cathedrals house military bases, the secret departments and the dungeons of the Inquisition as well as vast halls devoted to meditation. In larger Cathedrals there are deep catacombs given to the Scribes for storing the immense libraries of the Brotherhood.
The largest Cathedral is of course the Sacred Dome on Luna, also containing the sacred tomb of Nathaniel, the first Cardinal. The second largest Cathedral - the Hieronymus Dome - stands in Fukido on Mercury and the third in size is in San Dorado, Mars.
THE FIRST CATHEDRAL
The First Cathedral is far and away the most glorious of the eight. Composed of layers of intricately carved black stone draped over a framework of steel, the facade of the Cathedral if covered with gargoyles and statues of the various Brothers and Cardinals that served the Brotherhood well. Chimneys poke out of the surface everywhere, giving the neo-Romantic architecture a faintly Gothic feel. The steam used to heat this massive structure constantly pours out of these pipes, shrouding the upper levels of the building in an unearthly haze. The building towers over the surrounding overbuilt landscape, standing head and shoulders above even the home offices of each and every megacorporation that does business in the realm of humanity.
The Cathedral is over 200 stories tall, shaped roughly like the Brotherhood's symbol, and squats over dozens of levels scratched deep into the dermis of the moon. Colossal spotlights illuminate its sides at all times, making it a beacon of hope for humanity, even in the darkest night. The Cardinal himself makes his home at the top of the spire that juts out of the triangle-shaped base of the symbol far enough into space to make the gravity at the top even lighter than at the bottom.
Situated in the middle of the city, directly in the midst of the Ancient Quarters, the First Cathedral (often simply referred to as the Cathedral) is the social, spiritual and political center of the entire Solar System. All things rotate around the Cathedral, and everyone in the system is fully aware of it.
Most of the Cathedral consists of office chambers and living and training quarters for each of the Four Directorates. The sheer number of people involved in the Brotherhood is staggering. The Cathedral is like a mini-city unto itself. It has a hospital, schools, gymnasiums, underground stations and offices for every sort of professional occupation you could think of. Manufacturing facilities and the Brotherhood's own spaceport are located toward the fringe of Luna, as are some of the Brotherhood's farming communities, but almost all else is contained within the Cathedral's walls.
The First Cathedral is far and away the most glorious of the eight. Composed of layers of intricately carved black stone draped over a framework of steel, the facade of the Cathedral if covered with gargoyles and statues of the various Brothers and Cardinals that served the Brotherhood well. Chimneys poke out of the surface everywhere, giving the neo-Romantic architecture a faintly Gothic feel. The steam used to heat this massive structure constantly pours out of these pipes, shrouding the upper levels of the building in an unearthly haze. The building towers over the surrounding overbuilt landscape, standing head and shoulders above even the home offices of each and every megacorporation that does business in the realm of humanity.
The Cathedral is over 200 stories tall, shaped roughly like the Brotherhood's symbol, and squats over dozens of levels scratched deep into the dermis of the moon. Colossal spotlights illuminate its sides at all times, making it a beacon of hope for humanity, even in the darkest night. The Cardinal himself makes his home at the top of the spire that juts out of the triangle-shaped base of the symbol far enough into space to make the gravity at the top even lighter than at the bottom.
Situated in the middle of the city, directly in the midst of the Ancient Quarters, the First Cathedral (often simply referred to as the Cathedral) is the social, spiritual and political center of the entire Solar System. All things rotate around the Cathedral, and everyone in the system is fully aware of it.
Most of the Cathedral consists of office chambers and living and training quarters for each of the Four Directorates. The sheer number of people involved in the Brotherhood is staggering. The Cathedral is like a mini-city unto itself. It has a hospital, schools, gymnasiums, underground stations and offices for every sort of professional occupation you could think of. Manufacturing facilities and the Brotherhood's own spaceport are located toward the fringe of Luna, as are some of the Brotherhood's farming communities, but almost all else is contained within the Cathedral's walls.
THE BOOK OF LAW
The Book of Law is the ultimate storehouse of sacred knowledge for any member of the Brotherhood. It forms the basis of the entire organization, and every Brother, from the most humble to the most exalted, carries a copy at all times, with the obvious exception of anyone working undercover. More than just about anything else, the easiest way to identify a member of the Brotherhood is whether or not a copy of the Book of Law is in that person's hands or hanging from that person's side.
Each book is hand-crafted by the Mission's Cell of Scribes. The paper is made of paper specially prepared by the Brotherhood's Mystics, and each word is meticulously hand-copied onto each page by a Scribe.
It's the Scribe's life-work to make copies of the Book of Law for the rest of the brethren. Dark Symmetry has infested too many devices of technology for any but the most primitive methods to be used in creating the books. Other members of the Scribes hand-sew each book's binding, and for important Brothers, they emboss the Brother's name on the cover and inlay the letters with gold.
The Book of Law is everything to the Brotherhood. If a Brother has a question at any time, the book has an answer for it. This ranged from matters entirely having to do with the influence of Darkness upon human souls to the most tried and true method of tracking down and exterminating a Heretic inside a major city.
The Book of Law is the ultimate storehouse of sacred knowledge for any member of the Brotherhood. It forms the basis of the entire organization, and every Brother, from the most humble to the most exalted, carries a copy at all times, with the obvious exception of anyone working undercover. More than just about anything else, the easiest way to identify a member of the Brotherhood is whether or not a copy of the Book of Law is in that person's hands or hanging from that person's side.
Each book is hand-crafted by the Mission's Cell of Scribes. The paper is made of paper specially prepared by the Brotherhood's Mystics, and each word is meticulously hand-copied onto each page by a Scribe.
It's the Scribe's life-work to make copies of the Book of Law for the rest of the brethren. Dark Symmetry has infested too many devices of technology for any but the most primitive methods to be used in creating the books. Other members of the Scribes hand-sew each book's binding, and for important Brothers, they emboss the Brother's name on the cover and inlay the letters with gold.
The Book of Law is everything to the Brotherhood. If a Brother has a question at any time, the book has an answer for it. This ranged from matters entirely having to do with the influence of Darkness upon human souls to the most tried and true method of tracking down and exterminating a Heretic inside a major city.
BROTHERHOOD SOCIETY
Brotherhood society is driven by the will of the Cardinal. The members of the Brotherhood are drawn from all the corporations and from every level of society. Officially, there are no class distinctions between those who serve the Cardinal, unofficially there is a direct relationship between the contributions that the faithful make and the prominence of the position they might attain.
The daily life of members of the Brotherhood is divided into three parts: devotion, dedication and betterment. Devotion concerns a regime of prayer, attending mass and study of the Book of Law, which is the recorded teachings of Cardinal Durand I and the creed of the Brotherhood's righteous and holy mission. Dedication demands that brethren commit themselves dutifully to the work they are assigned and to spreading the Light of the Brotherhood wherever they find the opportunity or the need. Betterment requires that members of the Brotherhood should never be satisfied with either their level of achievement within the church or with their spiritual cleanliness.
There is a certain arrogance about members of the Brotherhood, a sense of moral superiority that many corporate citizens find offensive. Few voice their frustration however, for fear of being branded a Heretic and most forgive the Brotherhood a certain haughtiness because after all is said and done, they are the custodians of man's immortal soul.
Brotherhood society is driven by the will of the Cardinal. The members of the Brotherhood are drawn from all the corporations and from every level of society. Officially, there are no class distinctions between those who serve the Cardinal, unofficially there is a direct relationship between the contributions that the faithful make and the prominence of the position they might attain.
The daily life of members of the Brotherhood is divided into three parts: devotion, dedication and betterment. Devotion concerns a regime of prayer, attending mass and study of the Book of Law, which is the recorded teachings of Cardinal Durand I and the creed of the Brotherhood's righteous and holy mission. Dedication demands that brethren commit themselves dutifully to the work they are assigned and to spreading the Light of the Brotherhood wherever they find the opportunity or the need. Betterment requires that members of the Brotherhood should never be satisfied with either their level of achievement within the church or with their spiritual cleanliness.
There is a certain arrogance about members of the Brotherhood, a sense of moral superiority that many corporate citizens find offensive. Few voice their frustration however, for fear of being branded a Heretic and most forgive the Brotherhood a certain haughtiness because after all is said and done, they are the custodians of man's immortal soul.
THE MILITARY
From the earliest days of the Brotherhood, they have established themselves as a martial force and not simply a clerical order guiding humanity with words of wisdom and peace. The times are too dark, the enemy too prone to slaughter for such a charitable expression of faith. Did not the Cardinal himself lead an army of thousands against the Apostle of War and did he not smite down and cleave into bloody ruin many a hell-spawned demon sent against him? He did; and as in all things, the Brotherhood follows what Cardinal Durand I taught them.
The military wing of the Brotherhood, which forms the larger part of the Inquisition, is growing all the time. From the moment they joined the Brotherhood, they considered themselves part of a holy war and as such they are highly motivated. The Brotherhood military is very varied with a good pool of standard troops augmented by special assignment warriors, many of whom possess the mysterious power of the Art.
Troopers that excel themselves in battle can be raised into the ranks of the Sacred Warriors. Presented with the symbolic Avenger Swords, these ceremonial warriors are employed as Cathedral guards and also used extensively against the Dark legion due to their enhanced resistance to the influence of the Dark Symmetry.
Serving the Cardinal and members of the Curia as elite personal guards are the Fury, while performing the more specialized tasks of the Brotherhood's mission are such units as the much feared Inquisitors and Mortificators who are only spoken about in whispers. It is the task of the Inquisitors to seek out and hunt down those individuals that have shown themselves to be Heretics. people who by thought or action, have conspired with the Dark Legion or by deed or design, invited the corruption of the Dark Symmetry into the world of man. The Mortificators are assassins. Trained in the secret ways of death, they are the Cardinal's surgical blade, infiltrating a healthy body to cut out malignancy before it has a chance to spread.
Then, there are the Mystics and the Keepers of the Art, warriors who wield the power of faith as surely as any weapon. From the manipulation of matter, to the influencing of minds these students of the Brotherhood's deepest secrets are feared and respected by all and their powers are a great asset in the continuing fight against the Dark Legion.
From the earliest days of the Brotherhood, they have established themselves as a martial force and not simply a clerical order guiding humanity with words of wisdom and peace. The times are too dark, the enemy too prone to slaughter for such a charitable expression of faith. Did not the Cardinal himself lead an army of thousands against the Apostle of War and did he not smite down and cleave into bloody ruin many a hell-spawned demon sent against him? He did; and as in all things, the Brotherhood follows what Cardinal Durand I taught them.
The military wing of the Brotherhood, which forms the larger part of the Inquisition, is growing all the time. From the moment they joined the Brotherhood, they considered themselves part of a holy war and as such they are highly motivated. The Brotherhood military is very varied with a good pool of standard troops augmented by special assignment warriors, many of whom possess the mysterious power of the Art.
Troopers that excel themselves in battle can be raised into the ranks of the Sacred Warriors. Presented with the symbolic Avenger Swords, these ceremonial warriors are employed as Cathedral guards and also used extensively against the Dark legion due to their enhanced resistance to the influence of the Dark Symmetry.
Serving the Cardinal and members of the Curia as elite personal guards are the Fury, while performing the more specialized tasks of the Brotherhood's mission are such units as the much feared Inquisitors and Mortificators who are only spoken about in whispers. It is the task of the Inquisitors to seek out and hunt down those individuals that have shown themselves to be Heretics. people who by thought or action, have conspired with the Dark Legion or by deed or design, invited the corruption of the Dark Symmetry into the world of man. The Mortificators are assassins. Trained in the secret ways of death, they are the Cardinal's surgical blade, infiltrating a healthy body to cut out malignancy before it has a chance to spread.
Then, there are the Mystics and the Keepers of the Art, warriors who wield the power of faith as surely as any weapon. From the manipulation of matter, to the influencing of minds these students of the Brotherhood's deepest secrets are feared and respected by all and their powers are a great asset in the continuing fight against the Dark Legion.
TOPOGRAPHY
The influence of the Brotherhood is not easily defined by their physical presence. One might say that the Brotherhood exists wherever their influence is felt, which must therefore include the larger part of all the inhabited worlds. The heart of the organization is in the city-state of Luna City on Luna. There stands the Sacred Dome, the most glorious of all the Brotherhood Cathedrals, home to the Cardinal and center of convention for the Curia. It is quite simply the grandest example of human architecture that has ever been constructed. But more than this, the Brotherhood Cathedrals are bastions of faith, fortresses of glass, steel and stone built to shelter the spirit of man from the incessant ravages of the Dark Soul.
Each of the corporations, with the notable exception of Cybertronic, has raised at least one Cathedral to the greater glory of the Brotherhood and in doing so, they have bound themselves to the Brotherhood cause. They have also provided the means for the Brotherhood to operate within their corporate borders, a situation that elevates the power of the Brotherhood far beyond that of any of the corporations.
In addition to the members of the Mission and the Administration that are require to carry out the Cardinal's work, the Cathedrals also provide a place of study for the Mystics and barracks for the growing military presence of the Brotherhood Inquisition. Some of the corporations are growing nervous at the strength of the Brotherhood's presence, so near the heart of their corporations, but with the reemergence of the Dark Legion, they are not about to object to the scrutiny of their spiritual guardians.
The Brotherhood now maintains a strong presence on all the inhabited worlds, they even have operatives working undercover in the Cybertronic "brain farms", though this is a perilous assignment. They also insist on the presence of the three Untouchable Sergeants during the assembly of the Imperial Chamber of Lords, lest this corporation should once again embark upon a mission that might court disaster.
The influence of the Brotherhood is not easily defined by their physical presence. One might say that the Brotherhood exists wherever their influence is felt, which must therefore include the larger part of all the inhabited worlds. The heart of the organization is in the city-state of Luna City on Luna. There stands the Sacred Dome, the most glorious of all the Brotherhood Cathedrals, home to the Cardinal and center of convention for the Curia. It is quite simply the grandest example of human architecture that has ever been constructed. But more than this, the Brotherhood Cathedrals are bastions of faith, fortresses of glass, steel and stone built to shelter the spirit of man from the incessant ravages of the Dark Soul.
Each of the corporations, with the notable exception of Cybertronic, has raised at least one Cathedral to the greater glory of the Brotherhood and in doing so, they have bound themselves to the Brotherhood cause. They have also provided the means for the Brotherhood to operate within their corporate borders, a situation that elevates the power of the Brotherhood far beyond that of any of the corporations.
In addition to the members of the Mission and the Administration that are require to carry out the Cardinal's work, the Cathedrals also provide a place of study for the Mystics and barracks for the growing military presence of the Brotherhood Inquisition. Some of the corporations are growing nervous at the strength of the Brotherhood's presence, so near the heart of their corporations, but with the reemergence of the Dark Legion, they are not about to object to the scrutiny of their spiritual guardians.
The Brotherhood now maintains a strong presence on all the inhabited worlds, they even have operatives working undercover in the Cybertronic "brain farms", though this is a perilous assignment. They also insist on the presence of the three Untouchable Sergeants during the assembly of the Imperial Chamber of Lords, lest this corporation should once again embark upon a mission that might court disaster.