Edge of Darkness Wiki - User contributions [en]

File:Statler-and-waldorf.jpg

2019-03-25T16:02:04Z

ErlangShen:

Circle of the Crone

2019-02-01T01:16:39Z

ErlangShen:

{{header|vtr}}{{Vampire/CC}}
The Circle of the Crone is a Kindred Covenant dedicated to worshiping the Crone through her many aspects. 
* Advantages: [[Affinity::Cruac]]
* Current Hierophant: Krieg {{#ask: [[Concept:Active Vampires]] [[Circle of the Crone Title::Hierophant]]}}
* Location: [[Circle of the Crone Farm]]

{{Askpc/Rank|Vampires|Covenant|Circle of the Crone}}{{clear left}}

==Titles==
* '''[[Adhvaryu]]''' ([[Status]] {{dot1}}): The Adhvaryu leaves the Chorus and attends to the ritual needs of the Hierophant.
* '''[[Chorus]]''' ([[Status]] 0): A vampire is untrained and untested in the ways of the covenant.
* '''[[Haruspex]]''' ([[Status]] {{dot2}}): The Haruspex is meant to obtain the approval of the gods for that which is happening now.
* '''[[Hierophant]]''' ([[Status]] {{dot4}}+): The Hierophant, above all, is a spiritual leader.
* '''[[Rex Nemorensis]]''' ([[Status]] {{dot5}}): The King of the Grove is generally an elder Acolyte who is the keeper of much forbidden knowledge.
* '''[[Skald]]''' ([[Status]] {{dot1}}): The Skald is a poet and storyteller, also used as messengers and as liaisons.

* '''[[Vala]]''' ([[Status]] {{dot3}}): The low priest, just below the Hierophant in the hierarchy, attends only to the religious leadership necessary within the cult.
* '''[[Valkyrja]]''' ([[Status]] {{dot2}}): Ritual warriors within the ranks who are not merely capable combatants, but vampires mad with a lust for war.

{{Links|Circle of the Crone|Scenes}}{{footer|vtr}}

File:Krieg.jpg

2018-02-18T18:49:14Z

ErlangShen: uploaded a new version of "File:Krieg.jpg"

File:Krieg.jpg

2018-02-18T18:47:18Z

ErlangShen: uploaded a new version of "File:Krieg.jpg"

File:Krieg.jpg

2018-02-18T18:35:28Z

ErlangShen: uploaded a new version of "File:Krieg.jpg"

File:Krieg.jpg

2018-02-18T18:34:31Z

ErlangShen:

File:John Doe.jpg

2018-01-31T19:13:32Z

ErlangShen:

Skeleton Keys

2015-07-16T18:52:56Z

ErlangShen:

{{header|vtr}}{{Infobox Scene
|Location = Avalon
|Date = Spring 2011 - Present
|Image = Nox.jpg
|Storyteller1 = Steven
|Storyteller2 = Wolven Pryde
|Storyteller3 = West
|Cast = {{Cast|Alessandra}}
{{Cast|Peter Baldwin}}
{{Cast|Tracy Burns}}
{{Cast|Hildegarde Bingen}}
{{Cast|Erika Brady}}
{{Cast|Amelita Cardoso}}
{{Cast|Asa Clarke}}
{{Cast|Juan Cordoba}}
{{Cast|Jacqui Cotouri}}
{{Cast|Dog}}
{{Cast|Angel Ducard}}
{{Cast|Freddrick}}
{{Cast|Kenneth Gilroy}}
{{Cast|Conner Greyson}}
{{Cast|Zachary Griffiths}}
{{Cast|Roxie Hart}}
{{Cast|Max Heinz}}
{{Cast|Sergei Lukyanenko}}
{{Cast|Gabriel D'Angelo}}
{{Cast|Anthony Marroletti}}
{{Cast|Ciara Maskelyne}}
{{Cast|Callum McCann}}
{{Cast|Aileen McFarlane}}
{{Cast|Muir}}
{{Cast|Teodor Raluca}}
{{Cast|David Regan}}
{{Cast|Konrad Roth}}
{{Cast|Daniella Sage}}
{{Cast|Josephine Sterling}}
{{Cast|Tobias Straiphen}}
{{Cast|Twist}}
{{Cast|Anasztaz}}
{{Cast|Martha Villiers}}
{{Cast|Wilhelm Von Schusten}}
{{Cast|Chris Wooding}}
}}{{TOC left}}

{{See also|Hotel Homicide|Robbing a Bank}}

=== Introduction ===
Skeleton Keys is a venue wide plot that has been going on for a long time, and a lot of Kindred have participated in it's many investigations, adventures and dangers. It has links to other plots as well, showing only how widespread the story is. 'The Prequel' on this page thus only shows us the last scenes of the [[Robbing a Bank]] plot. Because, as turns out later, it may have links to Skeleton Keys!

=== 2011 ===
====[http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?11460-The-Low-Places The Low Places]====
{{quote|God does not play dice.}}

[[Anasztaz|Anastaz Veres]] stands at a silent, lonely corner of Freeport Boulevard. A scant few decades before, a plane crashed on the spot, killing entire families enjoying an ice-cream under the summer sun. Realizing what he is looking for is there, he calls [[Amelita Cardoso]] a [[Mekhet|Shadow]] Slave of the [[Ordo Dracul]].

When she arrives, [[Anasztaz|Veres]] stresses that assertive direction is paramount before explaining the significance of the place they stand on. The land remembers. Strong emotions leave psychic marks in the land that while they have many names, the [[Ordo Dracul|Order of Dragons]] call them '''Wyrm's Nests'''.

As part of the lesson, [[Anasztaz|Veres]] asks [[Amelita Cardoso|Cardoso]] to focus and expand her senses. Touching a piece of earth, [[Amelita Cardoso|Cardoso]] is treated to images of the fiery crash, which alarms her beast but she remains in control. Just after, out of the corner of his eye, [[Anasztaz|Veres]] notices an engraving '''Cyphers. Suttle, & Sterling.'''

Not believing in chance [[Anasztaz|Veres]] thinks the words hold significance and mistakes them for names of the monument's makers. [[Amelita Cardoso|Cardoso]] uses [[Auspex|The Spirit's Touch]] upon the names directly, and sees an [[Muir|old man]] with the tip of his finger in an unfinished name. Intent on investigating further, the pair leave, missing the true meaning of a ''warning'' left many years ago.

=== 2012 ===
====[http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?17831-Meeting-at-Uni Meeting at University]====
This is a short scene where [[Regent]] [[Erika Brady]] meets with [[Max Heinz]]. She has an ancient text with her, written on human skin. It is what she retrieved from the Kindred that robbed a bank for her. She asks Max Heinz to study it. He is able to discern that the text is in fact written in an ancient Hungarian dialect. Then, to his surprise, she translates it before him.

{{quote|"...Through the souls of my enemies, I will be free."|[[Erika Brady]]|[http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?17831-Meeting-at-Uni&p=218674&viewfull=1#post218674 Ancient Hungarian Translated]}}

Curiously enough, she gives him the text and a suitcase with a box in it. The box contains the old helmet. She trusts he'll take care of it.

====[http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?18438-Up-in-Flames Up In Flames]====
The same night that Max Heinz got the skin and the helmet from Erika Brady, he decides to destroy the text, and let the helmet sink to the bottom of a lake. The one who wrote the text was probably a Diablerist, and Max doesn't want anyone to become inspired by it. Or worse, he suspects that Erika Brady wants to say more by giving this to him. In any way, he prefers to hide the helmet and keep the text only safely in hidden in his memory.

====[http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?18824-Reeve-Office-Hours-12 Reeve Office Hours 12]====
[[Callum McCann]] stops by the Office of the [[Reeve]] hoping to make a good impression and to offer his services. After questioning the new, potential recruit, [[Reeve]] [[Conner Greyson]] shows [[Callum McCann|McCann]] a picture of an ancient skeleton while inquiring if the [[Daeva]] knows anything about the “Vampire” skeletons of Bulgaria.

Normally, this would be of no consequence half a world away, but [[Conner Greyson|Greyson]] reveals that one of these Skeletons escaped examinations by kine and Kindred in Europe and has landed in Sacramento. The [[Reeve]] admits that this is curious and worth investigating and with this in mind, offers [[Callum McCann|McCann]] two tickets to a social event at the museum currently housing the Skeleton.

====[http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?19409-Reeve-Office-Hours-13 Reeve Office Hours 13]====
Hoping that the [[Priscus]] of her clan would shed some light on her situation with her [[Dream Visions]], [[Aileen McFarlane|Aïleen McFarlane]] visits [[Conner Greyson]]. He advises her to study her clan's faculty with [[Auspex]] and though she is inwardly frightful of the [[Auspex|Sight]] she thanks him for his thoughts.

[[Aileen McFarlane|McFarlane]] then asks if there is something she might be able to do for the [[Reeve]] in return, which inspires [[Conner Greyson|Greyson]] to ask if the [[Mekhet]] knows anything about the “Vampire” skeletons of Bulgaria. She does, and [[Conner Greyson|Greyson]] asks her to assist [[Callum McCann]] with his assigned task in investigating the one “Vampire” skeleton that has made it to Sacramento.

====[http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?19534-Aileen-McFarlane-calls-Callum-McCann Aileen McFarlane calls Callum McCann]====
Right after her discussion with [[Conner Greyson]], [[Aileen McFarlane|Aïleen McFarlane]] calls [[Callum McCann]]. Though tentative and unsure of herself, [[Aileen McFarlane|McFarlane]] requests they meet up and compare notes. Suggesting they meet up at Temple Coffee, they agree to meet within the hour.

====[http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?19545-Putting-the-team-together Putting the Team Together]====
At Temple Coffee and armed with a Sacramento Bee and a Travel Mug full of coffee, [[Callum McCann]] makes it first. Eventually, [[Aileen McFarlane|McFarlane]] arrives, unsure of herself but prepared to meet an unfamiliar beast.

Once settled, [[Callum McCann|McCann]] explains that since the [[Reeve]] has given him tickets to a black-tie event at the museum currently housing the skeleton, they should become comfortable with one another. [[Callum McCann|McCann]] then describes that the pair of Kindred will arrive together and that he will deal with the people, if she can investigate the area; impressing on her that this could be a Masquerade breach in progress.

A quick look on the internet reveals to [[Aileen McFarlane|Aïleen]] that the event is a supposedly mundane charity fundraiser for the arts. What ''is'' interesting is that there is nothing stated anywhere about the Skeleton the museum may have in its possession.

====[http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?19356-SK-Tracking-the-Package Tracking the Package]====
Quiet, anxious, and far from excited, [[Anthony Marroletti]] drives a group towards Rio Linda Airport. '''Catherine Keys''' is irritated but would rather not be at fault for a Masquerade breach. [[Daniella Sage]] attempts to bring the conversation towards overcoming Airport's security, while [[Zachary Griffiths]] wonders about kine security guards in particular. Finally, ''Deputy Reyes'' attempts to get a handle on the situation.

The group is on a mission to retrieve a briefcase, with suspicious contents.

Arriving at the airport, [[Daniella Sage|Sage]] takes the device that tracks [[Anthony Marroletti|Moroletti]]'s package and the group heads in: two in the front door and two to the back door. With [[Zachary Griffiths]], [[Daniella Sage]] is able to easily pick the lock to her door. Meanwhile at the other door, ''Catherine Keys'''s then as they move away, [[Daniella Sage]]'s heightened senses catches a deal in progress.

As they enter the large room, [[Zachary Griffiths]] and [[Daniella Sage]] find the men behind the voices: '''Gabriel D'Angelo''' and the [[Wilhelm Von Schusten|other]], a coiled spring of lethality.

Stuck at another door, '''Deputy Reyes''' attempts to break down his door with one swift kick. He's successful but the door is booby-trapped, a fact both Kindred find out too late taking the full iron wrath of a shotgun to their bodies.

[[Wilhelm Von Schusten|Angry Man]] warns [[Zachary Griffiths]] and, to some extent, [[Daniella Sage]] off one last time while drawing two short-swords. Under cloak, [[Daniella Sage]] frantically searches for the box and once '''Deputy Reyes''' appears issues three short words: 'Take him down.' However, [[Wilhelm Von Schusten|Angry Man]] is far more attuned to the battlefield and far quicker, slashing [[Zachary Griffiths]] from shoulder to hip.

Finally, in the office, [[Daniella Sage]] finds her target.

At the same time, the [[Wilhelm Von Schusten|Angry Man]] rips the light panel from the wall, killing the lights immediately and draws the [[Obfuscate|Cloak of Night]] around himself. A ploy that both '''Catherine Keys''' and [[Daniella Sage]] see through. Annoyed his ambush on [[Zachary Griffiths]] has been foiled, the [[Wilhelm Von Schusten|swordsman]] delivers viscous blows to both [[Daniella Sage]] and '''Catherine Keys.'''

Though, '''Deputy Reyes''' grapples at the [[Wilhelm Von Schusten|swordsman]] electricity runs through the Mexican Lord's body, destroying his cellular phone. Sensing the strength of the Mexican Lord, [[Wilhelm Von Schusten|the swordsman]] bites into ''Deputy Reyes'' attempting to remove the man's vitae.

Backtracking, [[Daniella Sage]] takes the package and uses her faculty with [[Obfuscate]] to hide it.

With the situation spiraling out of control, the [[Wilhelm Von Schusten|Angry Man]] breaks his grapple, and blurs away into the darkness of the hangar.

But, the danger has not subsided. A droning sound gets louder and louder, until it resolves to be part of an airplane, driving down the tarmac, straight for the hangar and the group of Kindred. Only ''Ricardo'' manages to see who is at the plane's controls – '''Gabriel D'Angelo''' – while the group flees from the hangar, package in hand.

====[http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?19764-Skeleton-in-the-Closet Skeleton in the Closet?]====
The upper-crust of Sacramento have gathered, hoping to outdo one another in their 'appreciation' of the arts. Among them is [[Callum McCann]] and [[Aileen McFarlane|Aïleen McFarlane]] who have a whole other motive in mind. Unfortunately, their target is not on open display.

Splitting up, [[Callum McCann|Callum]] puts out his feelers and hobnobs easily through the small knots of conversations, eventually arriving at knot holding Mrs. Lewis, the museum's curator. Meanwhile, [[Aileen McFarlane|Aïleen]] searches for a place to simply disappear and eventually falls from sight.

Hoping to impress the Daeva with Movie Star good looks, Mrs. Lewis lets slip to [[Callum McCann|Callum]] that they just got in a pristine – lovely if you are morbid – piece.

Beneath her cloak, [[Aileen McFarlane|Aïleen]] overhears staffers talking about the 'vampire skeleton' as well as a large sarcophagus that none dared to open. Curiosity piqued, the Mekhet moved with the staffers but stops as she hears Mrs. Lewis offer to show the rock-star the “Vampire Skeleton” – in private. Unknowingly, all three enter the large room, while Mrs. Lewis propositions the potential Deputy.

That, however, is about when things take a turn for the strange. [[Callum McCann]], Mrs. Lewis, and the cloaked [[Aileen McFarlane|Aïleen McFarlane]] come upon an open sarcophagus being carried by a woman much too small to do so. The mysterious [[Rahyna|woman]] immediately puts Mrs. Lewis to sleep. In the tension that follows, [[Callum McCann|Callum]] informs the [[Rahyna|woman]] that she is trespassing, to which the [[Rahyna|woman]] responds by attempting to dominate the hopeful deputy to sit down and be quiet.

This fails and the world explodes into furious strikes and hits.

In the stalemate that follows, the [[Rahyna|woman]] escapes in a bout of blinding speed and only after she leaves, does [[Aileen McFarlane|Aïleen]] drops her cloak. Knowing that they cannot leave the sarcophagus in the museum with a Kindred bent on taking it, [[Callum McCann]] calls [[Martha Villiers]] who sends '''Deputy Reyes''' with a hearse to pick them all up.

As Mrs. Lewis begins to stir, [[Callum McCann]] works quickly to staunch any potential breaches with the cougar and the group hits the road; sarcophagus in tow.

====[http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?20824-A-Skeleton-and-a-Ford-in-the-Key-of-E A Skeleton and a Ford in the Key of E]====
In the Ford E-350, [[Callum McCann]] and [[Aileen McFarlane|Aïleen McFarlane]] look into the plain sarcophagus finding a desiccated corpse within. To [[Aileen McFarlane|Aïleen]] it is a well preserved male skeleton or rather, a torpid elder dressed in Spanish armor from the 17th Century. What's more, is that it bears a particular heraldic symbol with the Latin phrase 'plus ultra.'

The pair's initial examination is cut short by ''Deputy Reyes'' alerting them to a follower on a motorcycle.

The [[Rahyna|woman]] is persistent and intent on getting her prize.

With ''Deputy Reyes'' pulling into an unattended parking lot, the [[Rahyna|woman]] seems to reconsiders her options and after pulling along side the van and getting a good look, speeds away.

It gives the group some time to escape with the sarcophagus, pulling into [[Cedar Fields Funeral Home]] where [[Martha Villiers]] awaits.

=== 2013 ===
{{quote|This to bears pain.}}
====[http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?22029-Skeleton-Keys-A-gathering-at-the-Reverence A gathering at Reverence]====
Nervous over who might be listening and having lost trust in [[Erika Brady]], [[Martha Villiers]] sends a text message summoning a few trusted members of the Domain to her air. Under the guise of a research seminar, the group of Kindred investigate a mysterious torpid elder, dressed as a warlord, as well as an enigmatic metal puzzle box.

The group discover that both torpid elder and metal puzzle box carry with them the markings of an 11th century Spanish Kingdom of Castille. Further investigation of the coffin itself, proves potentially deadly. After [[Teodor Raluca]] notices that one side of the coffin is thicker than the others, [[Chris Wooding]] slides a knife into a thin opening... triggering a trap of razor sharp blades to remove the Hierophant's fingers.

Cowed by the apparent danger, the group turns to the metal [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lock_puzzle lock puzzle]. As this commences, [[Martha Villiers]] attempts to draw parallels to other happenings within the domain; bringing up [[Heathcliff Staley]], and the slayings of [[Sarah LaFleur]] and [[Thomas O'Connor]]; and summarizing the events of [[Hotel Homicide]]. As she speaks, [[Martha Villiers | Martha]], brings up former Princes [[Tobias Straiphen]] and [[Freddrick]] in tones of fear and awe and trying to wrest some common thread with all of these possibilities.

With this in mind, the Kindred agree to meet in two nights time, this time at Avalon.

====[http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?23045-SK-A-Plan-of-Action A Plan of [[Action]]]====
Just [http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?22029-Skeleton-Keys-A-gathering-at-the-Reverence after some of the Kindred] depart Reverance leaving [[Chris Wooding]], [[Callum McCann]], and [[Daniella Sage]] remain to further mull over the mysteries in front of them. [[Callum McCann| Callum]] and [[Chris Wooding| Chris]] agree that the best place to start, would be to track down the [[Rahyna|woman]] who attempted to steal the Torpid Elder from them. However, with most businesses close ideas to track her through her motorcycle fall apart.

Their second idea is to see the curator of the museum again. Using pull within the Academic community, the trio are able to secure a late-night meeting under the guise of philanthropy.

====[http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?23018-SK-Grimm-Tale Grimm Tale]====
As [http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?22029-Skeleton-Keys-A-gathering-at-the-Reverence agreed], two nights later at the [[Avalon Underground|Avalon]] [[Elysium]], the investigative group comes back together. '''Dr.Swift''' came prepared with the book of Grimm Fairytales, found at the conclusion of [[Hotel Homicide]]. The good doctor explains that while the book is an English Translation, the message 'This to bares pain' was hidden in the text. While the book does not give up its secrets easily, '''Dr. Swift''' does notice that the book is bespoke and the suspicion that there is something ''else'' other than pages sneaks in. With this in mind, '''Dr. Swift''' convinces staff at a nearby University to allow him to use a laboratory.

====[http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?22941-SK-Anthony-s-Package Anthony's Package]====
Battered but alive, a group of kindred including [[Daniella Sage]], '''Catherine Keys''', [[Zachary Griffiths]], and '''Ricardo Rodriguez Reyes''', recover a briefcase before '''Gabriel D'Angelo''' rams a plane into a building.

Once in [[Anthony Marroletti]]'s car however, the Daeva makes his own play for the briefcase. Turning the car towards the inferno of the building, he threatens [[Daniella Sage]] and '''Catherine Keys''' with fire. Both women decide to jump from the car with wildly different results: '''Keys''' is rendered torpid by the fall, while [[Daniella Sage|Sage]] lands without a scratch while still holding onto the briefcase.

It's all for nothing though, as [[Anthony Marroletti]]'s force of personality causes love to blossom in Daniella's mind resulting in her willfully offering up the briefcase to the [[Daeva]]. With '''Catherine Keys''' torpid on the ground and sirens rapidly approaching, the Kindred allow their hard-won prize to slip off into the night.

====[http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?23212-SK-Returning-and-Reporting Returning ] and [http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?23076-Escaping-into-Elysia/ Reporting] ====
Driving [[Anthony Marroletti]]'s car, [[Zachary Griffiths]] attempts some levity with [[Daniella Sage]] wondering what the punishment for failing the Domain is. They consider getting the torpid '''Catherine Keys''' a drink, but talk is interrupted by a text from '''Erich Passions''' as they reach [http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?23076-Escaping-into-Elysia/ Elysia]. Eventually, after being intercepted by [[Erika Brady]] and '''Erich Passions''' on other matters, [[Zachary Griffiths|Griffiths]] and [[Daniella Sage|Sage]] are able to report to [[Martha Villiers]].

[[Ciara Maskelyne]] covers the Masquerade by seeding the Media with the tragic story of Equipment failure and arson.

The torpid '''Catherine Keys''' is delivered, finally, to Cedar Fields.

====[http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?23410-SK-A-Night-at-the-Museum A Night at the Museum]====
Successful in setting up an appointment at the museum, [[Chris Wooding]], [[Callum McCann]], and [[Daniella Sage]] arrive hoping to uncover a clue or two at ground-zero. However, oddities happen immediately. Mrs. Lewis, who [[Callum McCann]] had bent to his whim, does not recognize him.

For the museum matron, Mrs. Lewis sees an opportunity to 'cultivate new donors,' especially with their request to see a private exhibition. After a bit of tit for tat, the group comes to an uneasy agreement and easily gives the group a tour of the museum including a collection of positively ''fascinating'' landscapes.

But, not the exhibition the group wanted to see.

After [[Daniella Sage]] excuses herself to the bathroom, [[Chris Wooding|Chris]] and [[Callum McCann|Callum]] attempt once more to gain entry. Though Mrs. Lewis is able to get her pound of flesh from [[Callum McCann|Callum]], neither man is able to see the exhibit they come to see and all three leave the museum as uninformed as they came.

====[http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?23620-Skeleton-Keys-Academic-Digging Academic Digging]====
With '''Dr. Swift''' having used his influence in the Academic Community to secure some laboratory time, the other half of the investigative team including [[Aileen McFarlane|Aïleen McFarlane]], [[Teodor Raluca]], and [[Martha Villiers]] congregate. Their mission is much the same as the group at the Museum, though they are unaware of the Museum Group's failure.

'''Dr. Swift''' is prepared with a battery of tests to perform on the Brother's Grimm manuscript, and the first tests conclude that the manuscript is a skilled forgery. It is then that '''Dr. Swift''' realize that the covers, themselves, may hold a clue. After painstakingly prying the covers apart the group find two things. The first, is a sheaf of papers – sealed with a wax seal of a stylized S. The second, is a desiccated hand – crushed as flat as it could be.

Using her gifts to see past the mundane [[Martha Villiers]] sees a jumble of strong emotions. From the supreme focus of '''Dr. Swift''' to the hatred of the woman who assembled it. As talk once again moves back to [[Tobias Straiphen]], [[Martha Villiers|Martha]] fears inwardly that he is aiming to seize back his throne.

Turning her attentions to the desiccated hand, [[Martha Villiers|Martha]] bears witness. She is witness to it helping remove the Torpid Elder; witness to it supping from another; witness to the hand holding a sword against another; witness to the hand's severing and a woman watching coldly with out of sync reflections. The woman is [[Erika Brady]] while [[Wilhelm Von Schusten]] slides the hand into the cover.

Immediately distrustful of the group around her, or who could be listening, [[Martha Villiers|Martha]] only mentioned [[Wilhelm Von Schusten]] and resolved to speak with the Prince immediately. To the group, the [[Martha Villiers|Herald]] notes that they locate [[Wilhelm Von Schusten|von Schusten]] and takes care to mention his combat prowess and stands to the side to draft a letter to [[Asa Clarke]].

Meanwhile, as '''Dr. Swift''' attempts to pry secrets from the sheaf of letters he finds the wax trapped. It bursts into flames which cause the [[Mekhet]] in the room to stay away. Due to quick thinking, the sheaf is saved and what's left, is that the nine pages form a diagram – or map though without any appreciable markings, is hard to tell what it is a map ''to'' and only [[Martha Villiers|Martha]] feels the spark of recognition while studying the map.

Deciding to break to run computer searches with the intention of reconvening, the group disperse.

====[http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?24450-A-sealed-letter-handed-to-Asa... A letter to Asa.]====
In a lengthy letter to [[Asa Clarke]], the [[Martha Villiers|Herald]] tries to appraise him of the investigation as well as how dire things are looking. [[Martha Villiers]] admits that they are uncertain as to who to trust and that the scale and depth of the treason is potentially unknowable.

She goes on to overview the last few years of investigation, name checking who she believes are part of the cabal – [[Erika Brady]], [[Wilhelm Von Schusten]] – while also suggesting it is on the behest of [[Tobias Straiphen]]. Finally, the [[Martha Villiers|Herald]] theorizes as to the capabilities of the 'enemy.'

[[Martha Villiers]] closes the letter with a list of people she believes are still friendly to the domain.

====[http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?25761-Skeleton-Keys-More-Pieces-More-Puzzles More Pieces More Puzzles]====
The scene opens with a realization that the map rescued from both book and fire, are ley-lines and potentially from a memory that is much older than the tangible map in their possession. It is [[Aileen McFarlane|Aïleen McFarlane]] who's mind goes back to Kogaion [[Muir]], wondering if there is a link and [[Dog]]'s insinuation that he is still alive.

[[Martha Villiers]] thinking his knowledge and insights might be of some help, texts [[David Regan]] requesting that he go to the Chapter House. He arrives just as the scene fades.

=== 2014 ===
[http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?26519-Skeleton-Keys-What-s-in-the-booooox! SK - What's in the booooox] 
[http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?26938-Skeleton-Keys-The-Abandoned-Causality SK - The Abandonned - Causality] 
[http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?27228-Skeleton-Keys-Keyhole Keyhole] 
[http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?27297-Skeleton-Keys-Nursing-time Skeleton Keys - Nursing Time] 
[http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?28443-Skeleton-Keys-The-Summons Skeleton Keys - The Summons] 
*[http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?29395-Skeleton-Keys-The-Enemy The Enemy]
*[http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?30347-Skeleton-Keys-Reopening-the-Case Skeleton Keys - Reopening the Case]
*[http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?30508-Skeleton-Keys-Needful-Action Skeleton Keys - Needful [[Action]]]
*[http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?31156-Skeleton-Keys-Quest-for-the-Kogaion Skeleton Keys - Quest for the Kogaion]
*[http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?31233-Skeleton-Keys-Few-Return Skeleton Keys - Few Return]

===2015 ===
*[http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?31468-Skeleton-Keys-Drones-and-Dragons Drones and Dragons]
*[http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?31671-Skeleton-Keys-Ill-Tidings Ill Tidings]
*[http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?31922-1502-Reeve-s-Office EC 1502 Reeve's Office]
*[http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?31978-1502-Brady-and-Wooding EC 1502 Brady and Wooding]
*[http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?32059-Skeleton-Keys-Confluence Confluence]
*[http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?32113-The-Brady-Bunch The Brady Bunch]
*[http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?32269-Skeleton-Keys-Tangled-Webs Tangled Webs]
*[http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?32295-Skeleton-Keys-Lyke-Wake-Dirge Lyke Wake Dirge]
*[http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?32382-Skeleton-Keys-Dark-Water Dark Water]
*[http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?32487-Skeleton-Keys-Cutting-Gordian-Knots Cutting Gordian Knots]
*[http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?32638-Skeleton-Keys-As-Above-So-Below As Above So Below]
*[http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?32876-Skeleton-Keys-Hunting-Coturi Hunting Coturi]
*[http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?32786-Skeleton-Keys-Princes-and-Rabbit-Holes Princes and Rabbit Holes]
*[http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?33233-Skeleton-Keys-Skeletons-in-the-Closet Skeletons in the Closet]

{{Navbox
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|group1 = 2011
|list1 = [http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?11460-The-Low-Places The Low Places]

|group2 = 2012
|list2 =[http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?17831-Meeting-at-Uni Meeting at Uni]{{·}}[http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?18438-Up-in-Flames Up In Flames]{{·}}[http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?19545-Putting-the-team-together Putting the Team Together]{{·}}[http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?19534-Aileen-McFarlane-calls-Callum-McCann Aileen McFarlane calls Callum McCann]{{·}}[http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?19409-Reeve-Office-Hours-13 Reeve Office Hours 13]{{·}}[http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?19764-Skeleton-in-the-Closet Skeleton in the Closet]{{·}}[http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?20824-A-Skeleton-and-a-Ford-in-the-Key-of-E A Skeleton and a Ford in the Key of E]

|group3 = 2013
|list3 = [http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?22029-Skeleton-Keys-A-gathering-at-the-Reverence A gathering at the Reverence]{{·}}[http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?23018-SK-Grimm-Tale Grimm Tale]{{·}}[http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?23620-Skeleton-Keys-Academic-Digging Academic Digging]{{·}}[http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?25761-Skeleton-Keys-More-Pieces-More-Puzzles More Pieces More Puzzles]

|group4 = 2014
|list4 =[http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?26519-Skeleton-Keys-What-s-in-the-booooox! What's in the booooox]{{·}}[http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?t=26938 Causality]{{·}}[http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?27228-Skeleton-Keys-Keyhole Keyhole]{{·}}[http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?27297-Skeleton-Keys-Nursing-time Nursing Time]{{·}} [http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?26976-Skeleton-Keys-Skin-and-Bones Skin and Bones]{{·}}[http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?28443-Skeleton-Keys-The-Summons The Summons]{{·}}[http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?29395-Skeleton-Keys-The-Enemy The Emeny] {{·}} [http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?30347-Skeleton-Keys-Reopening-the-Case Reopening the Case] {{·}} [http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?30508-Skeleton-Keys-Needful-Action Needful [[Action]]] {{·}} [http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?31156-Skeleton-Keys-Quest-for-the-Kogaion Quest for the Kogaion] {{·}} [http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?31233-Skeleton-Keys-Few-Return Few Return] [http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?31468-Skeleton-Keys-Drones-and-Dragons Drones and Dragons]

|group5 = 2015
|list5 = [http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?31671-Skeleton-Keys-Ill-Tidings Ill Tidings] {{·}} [http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?31922-1502-Reeve-s-Office EC 1502 Reeve's Office] {{·}} [http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?31978-1502-Brady-and-Wooding EC 1502 Brady and Wooding] {{·}} [http://nwod.org/forum/showthread.php?32059-Skeleton-Keys-Confluence Confluence]

}}

{{Links|Skeleton Keys}}{{footer|vtr}}

Guardians of the Veil

2015-07-10T18:26:47Z

ErlangShen: /* Members */

{{header|mta}}{{Mage/GV}}
Save for the Seers of the Throne and the Banishers, no order is as hated as the Guardians of the Veil. Mages see them as a necesssary evil - valued, but distasteful allies. Even the Free Council is more respected, because its own chaotic ethos still empahsizes discovery instead of repression. Awakened wills are trained to shatter barriers and seek freedom, so most mages have an inherent distrust of anyone who would shackle human desire.
* '''Location:''' [[Hostel Hi]] 
* '''Leadership:''' [[Epopt]] {{#ask: [[Concept:Active Mages]] [[Position::Epopt]]}}
{{Askpc/Rank|Mages|Order|Guardians of the Veil}}
{{TOC box}}
==Members==
The Guardians of the Veil choose their members carefully, through a process of slow indoctrination that begins as soon as the order senses a combination of Awakened potential and the necessary mindset. At first, they lure novices into a conspiracy filled with other Guardians and Sleepers. Senior members test a novice's ability to keep secrets from the unenlightened, and to commit questionable acts for a greater cause. This stage is called the Gray Veil, the least important curtain over a web of plots that test a mage's dedication and condition her ethics to accept the order's methods. The second stage is the Crimson Veil. Here, a mage must be willing to kill for the conspiracy. Sometimes a sorcerer actually murders someone whom the order has already marked for death, but any demonstration of sincere intent does.

Yet the Guardians don't want mindless servants. They want mages to believe in an ideal so strongly that they will kill, lie and die for it, but they don't want them to totally abandon individual moral judgment. The final Black Veil therefore presents a quandary to the initiate, asking her to perform an act that is immoral by the order's own standards. If the mage obeys, she can never join the order. The secret society she once knew vanishes. She is not killed, but the Guardians watch her for life. If she refuses to obey, the order lifts the final deception and she becomes a true member.

Many people believe that the order prefers initiates who used to be spies, killers or conspirators in the Sleeping world, but this is based on a misunderstanding. The Guardians of the Veil use mundane intelligence agencies and secret brotherhoods as proving grounds, but most prospects are lured to join the order. Consequently, Guardians often come from innocuous backgrounds before the order takes them. The society would rather mold a moral, pragmatic factory worker into an accomplished spy than hire a government-trained psychopath.

==Philosophy: Necessary Secrets and sins==
The Guardians of the Veil have few ancient writings, because writing is a secret shared with anyone who reads. They keep an oral tradition instead. This [[Law of the Mask]] is introduced among the earliest Veils, but is only taught completely to a mage who graduates to full knowledge of the order.

===Exoteric Tenets===
Tales from the Law of the Mask urge the order to expound on the so-called Exoteric Tenets: '''philosophies that the order wishes to publicly identify itself with and promote among other mages'''. The Exoteric Tenets are first learned by initiates who pass the final Veil. These mages soon hear rumors of more guarded beliefs and gradually immerse themselves in the deep philosophy of the order. All the same, the Exoteric Tenets are not lies, and are the heart of the Guardians’ belief system. Loyal members of the order never reject them, but might eventually learn to approach them from a new point of view.
* ''Paradoxes strengthen the Abyss as punishment answers pride''
:: A Paradox is more than a discontinuity in reality. It is a flaw that opens the Fallen World to the poison of the Abyss. Guardians point to anomalies and manifestations as proof of this, as well as traditions that seem to show that astral journeys were once far less arduous. The order discourages vulgar magic; Guardians who casually fling reality-defying spells about risk censure or worse. Symbolically, the Supernal World itself is too pure to tolerate vain blandishments. Even as hidden masters, mages have a place in the cosmic order. If they cannot use subtle talents to subdue the Fallen World, their souls might let the darkness in.

* ''Sins for a just end grant wisdom to the Awakened''
:: Wisdom is a real force, not a subjective concept. The Guardians of the Veil hold that enlightenment is an impersonal entity that can be generated and transferred among Awakened seekers. Most mages hone their Wisdom by using magic carefully and clinging to compassion, because magic is the art of perfecting humanity - not abandoning it. Guardians take another path. Lies and killing are sins, but if they are offered up as sacrifices for the good of the Awakened, they create wisdom - for other mages. The order recognizes that their ways erode the integrity of their own souls, but they also provide safety and justice for the enlightened. Though the classical doctrine claims that there is an actual metaphysical transfer of merit, most Guardians are satisfied with knowing that their sacrifice helps mages.

* ''Merit must guide the Fallen World''
:: Rule falls to individual merit. The Awakened are wiser than Sleepers, and masters are wiser than apprentices. Mages should always foster greater wisdom among their charges, but never to the extend that they might overstep their bounds and endanger other quests for enlightenment. Arcane secrets and obscure symbolism must weed out seekres who aren't ready for the higher facets of mystic lore. Sleepers should not truck with the secrets of Atlantis or endanger mages. Mages should be sparing and even mysterious with their wisdom, and give humble but firm guidance to the less accomplished. This meritocracy has no room for chauvinism; sex, sexuality, ethnicicity and the like are almost never used to determine worth. Petty bigotry is beneath the Awakened perspective.

===Esoteric Tenets===
The Esoteric Tenets are beliefs that the order does not share with outsiders. Rumors trickle forth about the hidden doctrines, and evidence points to a cohesive, secret agenda that Guardians serve without the approval of [[Consilium|Consilii]].

The Esoteric Tenets are secrets for two reasons. First of all, practicing these Tenets openly risks the wrath of the other orders. The Guardians of the Veil are clever mages who can survive much hardship, but they know that they would never survive against the combined might of the other orders. Even if the Esoteric Tenets did not draw such unmitigated hatred, they would damage the already fragile trust of the other orders.

Secondly, the Esoteric Tenets are more sacred than their public counterparts. Guardians of the Veil revere the Esoteric Tenets. Unworthy mages would profane them just as they profane magic itself. A fool spouting a wise doctrine is little different from a fool tempting the Abyss with wild magic.

* ''All thrones are false; all souls are flawed.''
:: The order believes that mages are inherently unworthy to rebuild Atlantis. Paradoxes are a form of moral castigation. As all contemporary mages risk Paradoxes, no modern mages can be fi t to rule. Guardians do not need to recognize the historical legitimacy of any order’s claim to the Atlantean ways. Even the [[Silver Ladder]] is fundamentally impure. All orders are, except for Guardians of the Veil.

* ''There is a secret hierarchy of souls.''
:: Nevertheless, the truth (as the order sees it) is that some souls have more potential than others. The order’s duty is to test those souls and press them to do great deeds. A related doctrine is that souls are interrelated. Like families, some souls are destined to influence each other as they pass through the tests of life.

* ''The Hieromagus will fulfill the Diamond Wheel.''
:: Virtuous and mighty mages still suffer from essential failings, and their great works cannot last. Atlantis can only be restored by a perfect mage. The order sows and reaps the destinies of mages to bring a more worthy generation into existence, but ultimately, only one mage will achieve a perfect Awakening.

==Rituals and Observances==
The Veils have already been described. The Guardians of the Veil have many other rites. Two of the most common are:

* ''The Masque'' The Masque is more than a new identity; it is a layer of false being that a Guardian uses to perform a particular task. There are said to be 49 archetypal identities, ranging from the Skull Priest who makes killing holy to the Scepter, who assumes command. History and culture provide numerous variations, including the Black Suit, Wise Merchant and Wounded Soldier. These roles are sometimes assisted with actual enchanted masks, and some of the order's positions traditionally require mages to don them. In an abstract sense, the Masque is a series of spells that conceal a mage's identity in such a way that she may easily assume a particular role. Guardians don the Black Suit to appear to be government agents who suppress evidence of the supernatural, or take up the Scepter to assume command of a corporate or government office. Symbolically, the Masque teaches a mage humility, because he must suppress his own egotism to fit the part.

* ''The Labyrinth'' The Labyrinth is one name for the web of secret societies, fifth columns and spurious cults that the Guardians of the Veil create to conceal magic from the unworthy and exert influence over Sleepers. A novice is initiated through the Labyrinth, penetrating the Veils of deception until he finds the true order. Such organizations rarely assert direct command over Sleepers. Instead, government money pours into black budgets, businesses can't succeed without the support of a certain private club, and Sleeper investigators are diverted to cults willing to ply them with voluminous, useless information. On the occult front, the order showers disinformation upon would-be sorcerers and invents prophecies that Guardians will later fulfill. It is all too easy for Guardians to lord it over their dupes. More than one mage has become obsessed with garnering temporal power through the Labyrinth.

==Titles and Duties==
The Guardians of the Veil create many titles. Some are false elements of the Labyrinth and others exist only to deal with mages of other orders. In addition, the order may have secret ranks that are known only to its masters, who do not profane them by revealing them to the majority.

* [[Cultor]] : Cultors are the ones who weave the lies that turn into secret societies and religions.

* [[Emissary]] : The Emissary has a deceptively simple job description: relay communication and correspondence between Guardians of the Veil and other Orders.

* [[Epopt]] : Epopts ("beholders") perform two functions. They manage the [[Labyrinth]], upholding the order's network of influence and misdirection, and they recruit new members, sending them through the Veils.

* [[Interfector]] : Interfectors are executioners and interrogators who serve a [[Consilium]].

* [[Susceptor]] : Susceptors are the order’s elite spies.

==Legacies==
* '''All''': {{#ask: [[Category:Legacies]] [[Legacy Order::Guardians of the Veil]]}}
* '''[[Banned]]''': {{#ask: [[Category:Legacies]] [[Legacy Order::Guardians of the Veil]] [[Permission::Banned]]}}

{{Links|Guardians of the Veil|Scenes}}{{footer|mta}}