List of “Secret Societies”

I can see why an Elorii wouldn’t follow the Azure Way, but why not the Emerald Society?

Although the group’s existence is still a secret in-game, we members of the Confraternity of Solidarity across Empires (CSE) are making our existence known to players so they can decide if they want their characters to join. This is the player-formed secret society that I created during Living Arcanis. Look for more information this week and at ArcaniCon 2015.

About your list. From my understanding a player can only have one “major” secret society (and by major I mean the ones listed in the Codex of Heroes), but can join other secondaries ones.

Tony’s been clear that a player may only have access to one SS board here on the forums. Not sure if that’s what you’re referring to or not. A character arguably wouldn’t be part of multiple SS even in lesser capacities. Likelihood of conflict of interest are high. I could see being part of the overt Emerald Society without any ties to the SS, but I think that’s the closest I come to avoiding overlap.

Home campaigns are free to explore divided loyalties more directly and the consequences thereof.

With a sweep of his hat,

Paul

What is interesting about “Confraternity of Solidarity across Empires (CSE)” is, as I understand it, it is a collection of PC’s that belive that the greater good can be achieved by overlooking national, church, and societal goals. As a player created society, I don’t know how ‘secret’ it is or if it is just a heroic philosophy any player can subscribe to. Granted I am baseing this on a brief converstaion I had with Thomas at UCON so I may be off base.

Personally I see it as a philosophy without an adjenda not a Secret Society. So I don’t think that “membership” is strictly prohibited. Key to this is the absence of any NPC membership or NPC driven goals. BUT, as with many things player created, if it gets enough traction it could turn into something offical. The Legion of the Watchful Hunter’s prominance in mods (post illuhan betrayal) is clearly an example of player driven change. Likewise the Brood of Ven are another example. Once it is offical, then membership should be exclusive. Ahh, the wonderful corrupting nature of temporal power….

The Confraternity of Solidarity across Empires (also known as the Confraternity of Solidarity or the CSE) is an organization that puts the greater good of the peoples of Arcanis above squabbles over politics & religion, and they believe that grand issues call for solidarity. The confraternity encourages looking ahead to see potential larger results of short-term events. They value collecting knowledge and taking proper actions but discourage neutrality in the face of suffering by innocents. They will make personal sacrifices for the sake of long-term benefits to a broader group.

The Confraternity cites historical examples of the need for unity. In the Gods’ War, the Gods of Men put aside their squabbles and only together could defeat the strongest and worst foe that Men and Gods have ever faced. The First Emperor of Coryan united city-states to drive out the Infernal Horde and forge a shining new nation. At the Battle of Four Armies, three nations fought together against the Swords of Nier. At the end of the Coryani Civil War, rivals Emperor Calsestus and General Menesis put aside differences and sacrificed their lives for the sake of all people. Volunteers of multiple nationalities, races, and religions joined the Fifth and Sixth Crusades of Light. Prophecies from several disparate sources mention the need to work together as the End Times approach.

This secret society was founded by players of the shared Arcanis campaign. As such, members do not receive Fame, Experience Points, or other in-game rewards. The main reward is the satisfaction of working towards a good and righteous cause. Unlike official secret societies, members are allowed to belong to another secret society. Members rarely receive explicit orders but are expected to think on their feet. Members who take special actions in a game (e.g., delivering an item or sharing news with this society) should tell their GMs (especially for critical events summaries) and mark their campaign certificates. This organization had a positive impact on Living Arcanis and can continue to affect the Legends of Arcanis campaign.

Goals: Encourage union of peoples of all backgrounds when needed to help everyone on Arcanis in the greater good. “Actions have consequences that go beyond today.”

Detailed descriptions: (PDF files on DropBox)