Conspiracy Theories
“The very word "secrecy" is repugnant in a free and open society; and we are as a people inherently and historically opposed to secret societies, to secret oaths and to secret proceedings...Our way of life is under attack. Those who make themselves our enemy are advancing around the globe...no war ever posed a greater threat to our security. If you are awaiting a finding of "clear and present danger," then I can only say that the danger has never been more clear and its presence has never been more imminent...For we are opposed around the world by a monolithic and ruthless conspiracy that relies primarily on covert means for expanding its sphere of influence–on infiltration instead of invasion, on subversion instead of elections, on intimidation instead of free choice, on guerrillas by night instead of armies by day. It is a system which has conscripted vast human and material resources into the building of a tightly knit, highly efficient machine that combines military, diplomatic, intelligence, economic, scientific and political operations. Its preparations are concealed, not published. Its mistakes are buried, not headlined. Its dissenters are silenced, not praised. No expenditure is questioned, no rumor is printed, no secret is revealed.” ― John F. Kennedy, 1961
We've all heard it before, that there are secret groups of people that actually control the world and the fate of nations. The Masons, The Mormons, The Illuminati, The Elders of Zion. The world abounds with conspiracy theories about secret groups, satanic magic, black rites and ceremonies which should horrify the average person.
The truth is, these organizations do exist, and while hardly plentiful in a world full of billions, there are nonetheless hundreds of thousands of followers of these unorthodox faiths, participants in secret societies, some of which have roots that stretch back into antiquity and into legendry days. Some are organizations of the powerful, the elite, and the power hungry. Others are gatherings dedicated to knowledge or magical lore. Some are benign, others are malevolent and others still are simply indifferent.
The Illuminati
What can be said about the Illuminati that is not already suspected, or known? One of the younger secret societies, the Illuminati has existed since the 15th century. Initially designed to serve as a shield for men of science against the vigorous persecution of the Catholic Church, the Illuminati rapidly darkened from a shield into a weapon. From there they decided that the only way to fight the power of the Church was with power of their own, adopting approaches intended to infiltrate, subvert, and gradually assert control over the institutions of the world. In the intervening centuries, the Illuminati has forgotten its original goals, and embraced the concepts of 'Might is Right', believing that their vision of the world is the correct one.
The Illuminati are believed to be almost entirely human, and potent magicians the equal of the Men of Letters and the Grand Coven.
Read more about the Illuminati †.
The Circle of Shadow
The Circle of Shadow is one of the few organizations which was built and is governed by Necromancers and Magi. Founded in the early days of the Greek Republics, the Circle existed then to understand and master the Shadowlands, Ghosts, and anything else that got in their way. Over time, the leaders of the Circle decided that if their power over the dead could be expanded to include the living, they could and would rule the world. After a much contemplation it was determined that the only way to expand their power was to break the Veil between the Skinlands and the Shadowlands and make the two worlds one. Once they did this, everything would be both living and dead all at once, which would bring the living under the power of the dead, and thus under the power of the Circle. Methods for this differed and the overall idea remains sound, but members remain divided over how best to bring about the desired unification of the two worlds.
Read more about the Circle of Shadows †.
The Men of Letters
The Men of Letters consider themselves to be neutral observers of the supernatural world, chronicling the rise and fall of all manner of creatures, documenting their strengths and weaknesses, cataloguing their sins and actions. Despite this, the Men of Letters boasts of several powerful Magi among their members as well as a nearly encyclopedic knowledge of the supernatural world including Lore, Mysteries, and Secrets that few other beings know and which many would kill to get their hands on. They do not admit supernatural members to their order and each member is thoroughly investigated by all means available.
The Men of Letters have a deep and abiding hatred of Demons and are actively engaged in destroying them wherever they find them.
Read More About the Men of Letters †.
The grand Coven
The Grand Coven is a collection of Magi and Witches that has its roots in the distant reaches of history and owes its continued existence to its willingness to include differing cultures, its philosophy of promoting magical understanding, and cooperation in magical endeavors. The Coven is considered to be the world’s leading practitioners of magic and has embraced multiple magical traditions and paradigms from all over the globe and from all historical periods. While the Grand Coven does not wield any sort of open or formal power in any country, the Council of Witches governs the affairs of its members and many of its members donate their time to stopping individuals who use magic for overly destructive purposes.
Read More about the Grand Coven †.
The Searing Wind
The Searing Wind is a sect that has its roots in Asia and India, which is dedicated to the evolution of humanity out of its current base state and into Godhood. Melding together the ideas of reincarnation and the Left Hand Path of magical theory, the Searing Wind has decided that in order to achieve their goal of Godhood now, they must first absorb and destroy demonic souls, and then turn this newfound power against the angels. Once absorbing the essence and graces of angels, they believe they will have the right combination of powers in order to Ascend, and then Transcend this reality.
Read more about the Searing Wind †.
The Cauldron
The Cauldron of Storms is an organization that began with a stated interest in preserving the world from the incredibly ancient and powerful vampires that were believed to be sleeping somewhere in the earth or oceans. The Cauldron believes that the recently demolished Vampire Council were not the actual Soudre d'Sangs of the various bloodlines, but rather those chosen by older vampires to speak for them. With the recent rise and destruction of both Marmee Noir and the Dayfather, this group has received proof of their beliefs and has begun to take a much more active stance against elder "evils". This organization is old, perhaps as old as vampires themselves, and over time has evolved to incorporate the idea that humans and the supernatural are both natural facets of the world that must share the world together. While advocating for the destruction of elder menaces such as Marmee Noir, the group acknowledges that there may be other concerns than just ancient vampires rising from torpor.
The organization is comprised of other supernatural beings, which the organization calls the "Night People", and believes that the Night People must be protected from the humans and that the humans deserve to be protected from the Night People that grow abusive or contemptuous of human life.
Read More About the Cauldron of Storms †.
The Seekers of Light
The Seekers of Light are an esoteric group of diverse humans and supernatural creatures that believe in the eventual return and ascension of the Lightbringer. While not "devil-worship" in a traditional sense, the Seekers do worship a God-Like being they name Lucifer, who they say was one of the finest of divine creations and who was cast out for daring to love too much. The Seekers view this Lucifer as the next God, and as a symbol for individual freedom, enlightenment, and power. Magical practice is common to the Seekers, who see magical power as just another tool to use in the pursuit of their individual freedom.
They are favorite targets for demon possession and are often willing to allow themselves to be possessed.
Read More About the Seekers of Light †.