Brotherhood of the Watching Eye
Though many believe the Brotherhood to be nothing more than a thieves’ guild with delusions of grandeur, those who are faithful know that there is greater purpose to their actions than simple extortion and theft. Almost unheard of outside of the major cities, the Brotherhood attracts a strong following in some of the larger cities.
The precepts of the Brotherhood are simple; do not allow the unenlightened to know your true self, and whatever you do, be successful at it. Though these two commandments have led to a vast array of different practices, there are many commonalities across cities and peoples. Few of the Brotherhood are exclusively thieves; most maintain legitimate business or occupations. Some are even quite prosperous. For those who do practice on the far side of the law, getting caught is seen as the ultimate failure. To be suspected but not proven, however, is considered high success.
By the more common thieves and ne’er-do-wells, the Brotherhood is seen as elitist and overly rigid. Their edicts of deception are often seen as a challenge by other underground organizations, some of which actively work to expose members of the Brotherhood. It is rumored that the Brotherhood may have played a part in the death of followers of the God of Thieves in the Dascean Gods' War. Whether this is the case or not, the Brotherhood is mum. Regardless, they have been quick to move in to the territory left vacant by the recent purges.
For a member of the Brotherhood, darkness is the time for action. The double lives led by its members are often as distinct as night and day. Nights with no moon are favored, though many will act when just a sliver of the moon is out to make sure the divine is watching. Some will hold impromptu contests at this time, with the victor holding the highest regard amongst his fellows; at least until the next challenge is held.
As long as a thing is done well, it is done in the Brotherhood’s name. Success is the determining factor in a dispute, not some abstract concept of right or wrong. This has led many to settle their differences with a challenge. In the case of an open challenge, the challenged decides the conditions. In the case of a dispute between two parties, an arbiter agreed upon by both sides will set the challenge. Regardless of the conditions, the victor is judged in the right and the matter is settled. To continue to pursue the matter is considered very bad form and will often result in the offender being punished by the victor as he sees fit.
The precepts of the Brotherhood are simple; do not allow the unenlightened to know your true self, and whatever you do, be successful at it. Though these two commandments have led to a vast array of different practices, there are many commonalities across cities and peoples. Few of the Brotherhood are exclusively thieves; most maintain legitimate business or occupations. Some are even quite prosperous. For those who do practice on the far side of the law, getting caught is seen as the ultimate failure. To be suspected but not proven, however, is considered high success.
By the more common thieves and ne’er-do-wells, the Brotherhood is seen as elitist and overly rigid. Their edicts of deception are often seen as a challenge by other underground organizations, some of which actively work to expose members of the Brotherhood. It is rumored that the Brotherhood may have played a part in the death of followers of the God of Thieves in the Dascean Gods' War. Whether this is the case or not, the Brotherhood is mum. Regardless, they have been quick to move in to the territory left vacant by the recent purges.
For a member of the Brotherhood, darkness is the time for action. The double lives led by its members are often as distinct as night and day. Nights with no moon are favored, though many will act when just a sliver of the moon is out to make sure the divine is watching. Some will hold impromptu contests at this time, with the victor holding the highest regard amongst his fellows; at least until the next challenge is held.
As long as a thing is done well, it is done in the Brotherhood’s name. Success is the determining factor in a dispute, not some abstract concept of right or wrong. This has led many to settle their differences with a challenge. In the case of an open challenge, the challenged decides the conditions. In the case of a dispute between two parties, an arbiter agreed upon by both sides will set the challenge. Regardless of the conditions, the victor is judged in the right and the matter is settled. To continue to pursue the matter is considered very bad form and will often result in the offender being punished by the victor as he sees fit.