The Veil Weavers is an elusive and influential organization, born in the University of Bologna during the Age of Enlightenment and evolving to wield power across multiple realities. The organization believes in a twisted form of humanism, asserting the supremacy of the privileged and the indispensability of maintaining the "natural order". With their roots firmly planted in the world's oldest educational institutions and their influence spread across universities worldwide, the Veil Weavers act as shadowy puppeteers guiding world events and, in later years, events across multiple realities. Their power is derived from a unique blend of science and magic, enabling them to traverse and influence different dimensions.
Members of the Veil Weavers embark on a lifelong commitment, progressing through a hierarchical structure of roles that include Scholars, Enforcers, Marauders, and Guardians, amongst others. These roles are fundamental to the organization's functioning, demanding a mastery of different facets like dimensional studies, resource acquisition, and the protection of Veil Weavers' interests. As members ascend, they become entwined deeper within the organization, making loyalty a natural consequence of shared knowledge and responsibility.
At the apex of this intricate hierarchy stands the council of nine Sovereigns, each tracing their lineage back to noble bloodlines within the organization itself. These individuals bear the mantle of leadership, having surpassed rigorous trials that test strength, intellect, magic, secrecy, and dedication. Their position reinforces the Veil Weavers' belief in eugenics and the supremacy of 'superior' bloodlines. This secretive organization thrives on its members' unwavering loyalty, skillful mastery of roles, and the shared understanding that their actions—however ethically questionable—shape not just their reality but many others as well.
Values
The Veil Weavers are guided by a set of values that espouse supremacy of privilege, power preservation, elitism, and a belief in their superiority due to lineage and capabilities. These values influence the way they wield their privileges, often employing them to protect and further the organization's interests across multiple realities. Member responsibilities are intricately intertwined with their privileges, resulting in an escalating cycle of loyalty and commitment. The fulfilment of their duties, which involve resource acquisition, protection of Veil Weavers' interests, and secrecy maintenance, serve not only as a test of dedication but also ensure a constant enhancement of their benefits. The organization's entrenched belief in eugenics further reinforces their commitment to their responsibilities and the pursuit of their privileged status.
- Elitism and Hierarchism
- Born in the Age of Enlightenment, the Veil Weavers rejected the period's populist ideals, instead embracing a form of warped humanism that valued the experiences and capabilities of the privileged above others. This concept evolved into their adoption of Social Darwinism, which posited the survival and supremacy of the socially fittest.
- Preservation of Power
- The Veil Weavers are committed to maintaining existing power structures and hierarchies. They believe in the 'natural order' and have worked tirelessly to uphold it, even as revolutions and rebellions challenged these structures.
- Imperialism and Euro-centrism
- Until the late 19th century, the Veil Weavers were largely Euro-centric, spreading their influence primarily across Western nations. They have historically supported imperialism and colonization, viewing these as extensions of their own power.
- Eugenics
- This group's belief in societal control extends to the genetic level. Their support for eugenics, guided by the principles of Social Darwinism, aligns with their desire to influence the creation of 'superior' offspring among the powerful.
- Expansion and Influence
- Whether spreading their roots from a single university to a global network or later navigating the Multiverse, the Veil Weavers continuously seek to expand their reach. They are committed to wielding influence, manipulating events, and steering societies from behind the scenes.
- Syncretism of Technology and Magic
- Following the 1940s breakthrough at Stanford, the Weavers integrated the supernatural into their operations. This melding of science and mysticism underlines their willingness to adopt unconventional means to achieve their goals.
- Multiversal Diplomacy
- In the later part of their history, the Weavers evolved from a global cabal into a multi-dimensional network. They demonstrated an aptitude for forging alliances and maintaining diplomatic relations with their counterparts across various realities.
Ranks
Membership in the Veil Weavers is a hierarchical journey of mastery and loyalty, defined by an ascending series of ranks, each presenting a distinct role integral to the organization's mission. Every member begins as a Neophyte, engaging in the study of the organization and its multi-dimensional interests. Progression through the ranks is contingent on demonstrating mastery at each level; from Scholar, delving deeper into the study of various realities, to Enforcer, tasked with protecting the organization's interests. As members ascend, they enter the more complex, often ethically challenging roles of Marauder and Guardian, carrying out covert operations and gathering resources across realities. This escalating immersion serves a dual purpose: nurturing members' commitment to the Veil Weavers and binding them to the organization with shared acts of questionable legality. Advancement to the strategic roles of Seer, Diplomat, and Weaver places members at the core of decision-making processes, solidifying their allegiance to the organization. Ultimately, those who demonstrate an unwavering commitment and superior mastery of their roles can ascend to the highest rank of Sovereign. This journey through ranks embeds a deep understanding of the Veil Weavers' principles, fostering loyalty born out of shared knowledge, responsibility, and the risks inherent in the pursuit of their overarching goals.
| Rank | Description | Time Spent |
|---|---|---|
| Neophyte | The new members of the organization, learning the basics of the Veil Weavers. | 2-3 Years |
| Scholar | Members who have begun to engage in the study of various realities. | 4-6 Years |
| Enforcer | Members responsible for ensuring the directives of the organization are followed and its interests protected. | 3-5 Years |
| Marauder | Members tasked with gathering resources and artifacts from different realities. | 4-7 Years |
| Guardian | Members responsible for protecting the organization's secrets, members, and resources. | 5-7 Years |
| Seer | Scholars and researchers who study and predict potential outcomes of actions across different realities. | 6-8 Years |
| Diplomat | These members are not only responsible for maintaining relationships across realities but also heavily involved in decision-making processes. | 7-9 Years |
| Weaver | High-ranking members who shape the organization's course of action across multiple realities. | 8-10 Years * |
| Sovereign | The ultimate authority within the Veil Weavers, responsible for the overall direction of the organization. | Life |
- * = It's important to note that for the vast majority of members, Weaver is the zenith of their journey within the Veil Weavers. Progressing further to become a Sovereign requires not only successfully challenging an existing Sovereign, but also demonstrating superiority in strength, skill, magic, intellect, secrecy, and dedication – a feat that extends the timeline considerably and is achieved by a select few. In total, a member's journey within the Veil Weavers can span several decades, each rank serving as a testament to their unwavering loyalty and dedication.
Ascending the ranks of the Veil Weavers is a journey that spans decades, reflecting the substantial commitment, mastery, and loyalty required at each level. From the early years as a Neophyte learning the basics, to evolving as a Scholar delving into the study of various realities, members typically spend between 3 to 6 years in each of these ranks. As an Enforcer or Marauder, roles that deal with enforcing directives and gathering resources respectively, members commit another 3 to 6 years. Guardian service, protecting the organization's secrets and resources, may require 5 to 7 years, while Seers may spend 6 to 8 years predicting outcomes across realities. Diplomats, involved in decision-making processes and relationship management, typically contribute 7 to 9 years. Weavers, high-ranking members who shape the organization's course of action, may spend up to 8 to 10 years in their role. Most members are recruited by the time they are 20, or at least are being vetted to become Neophytes. The system is designed so that only those who are truly exceptional can climb the ranks before they are near 70, ensuring that only the most dedicated, ruthless, devious, and opportunistic of members can become a Sovereign. Below that, only the best of the rest can actually become a Weaver.
Membership
Being a member of the Veil Weavers is a complex dance of privileges and obligations, entailing an enduring commitment to a powerful, multi-dimensional organization. Rooted in elitism and preservation of power, membership bestows upon individuals unprecedented influence across realities, fortified by a wealth of intellectual resources and a strong network of influential members. This, however, is paired with significant responsibilities, from upholding the Veil Weavers' secrecy and promoting their agenda, to expanding their influence, and most critically, to gathering and protecting the organization's resources. Moreover, members are expected to champion the organization's eugenics programs, reflecting their belief in the propagation of 'superior' individuals. This commitment to the Veil Weavers is lifelong, demanding unwavering loyalty, intellectual superiority, and a profound dedication to their cause. In essence, being a Veil Weaver is an intricate balance of power and duty, shaping societies and realities, all while navigating the shadows of the multiverse.
Member Responsibilities
Members of the Veil Weavers are bound by a lifelong commitment to serve the clandestine organization, carrying significant responsibilities that encompass many dimensions. At the core of their duties is the unwavering obligation to uphold the organization's secrecy, ensuring their operations and existence remain hidden from public knowledge. Members are entrusted with the group's overarching goals of maintaining power, promoting elitism, and manipulating societal structures across multiple realities. This duty extends to fostering diplomatic inter-reality relations, expanding the organization's influence, and driving its eugenics programs forward. As seekers and guardians of knowledge, they are expected to continuously broaden their intellectual horizons while also gathering and safeguarding the Veil Weavers' vast resources, including advanced technologies, mystic artifacts, and knowledge. The delicate balance of these responsibilities signifies the hallmark of a true Veil Weaver, their role demanding discretion, intellectual prowess, and a profound dedication to the organization's values and objectives.
- Lifetime Commitment
- Membership in the Veil Weavers is not a temporary alliance; it's a lifelong commitment. Once a member, individuals are expected to serve the organization for the rest of their lives. Leaving the organization or betraying its secrets is considered the highest form of treachery and is dealt with severely. This ensures loyalty and long-term dedication to the group's goals and values.
- Upholding Secrecy
- At the top of the list is the requirement to uphold the secrecy of the organization. Members must exercise absolute discretion in all their dealings and ensure the operations and even the existence of the Veil Weavers remain concealed from the wider public.
- Working for the Cause
- Members are expected to work actively toward the Veil Weavers' overarching goals of preserving power, promoting elitism, and manipulating societal structures. This could involve anything from influencing political policies to orchestrating socio-economic trends.
- Maintaining Inter-reality Relations
- Given the multi-dimensional nature of the organization, members are expected to engage diplomatically with their counterparts in other realities, fostering relationships that ensure the stability and prosperity of the Veil Weavers across the Multiverse.
- Expanding Influence
- Members have a responsibility to extend the influence of the Veil Weavers. This could involve recruiting new members, establishing new nodes of power, or simply promoting the organization's agenda in their areas of influence.
- Pursuing Knowledge
- As a group that values intellectual superiority, members are expected to continuously pursue knowledge. They must remain at the forefront of their respective fields, whether that be scientific research, arcane studies, or strategic planning.
- Ensuring the Success of Eugenics Programs
- Members are expected to contribute to these programs, either through personal involvement or by influencing others to participate. This responsibility reinforces their belief in the propagation of 'superior' individuals.
- Gathering and Protecting Resources
- Members are tasked with the procurement and protection of the organization's vast resources. This includes seeking out new technologies, mystical artifacts, knowledge, and even individuals of interest that can benefit the organization. Once procured, members must ensure these resources are safeguarded and used wisely to further the organization's goals.
- Personal Conduct
- Lastly, members must conduct themselves in a manner befitting a Veil Weaver. This means embodying the organization's values, displaying intellectual superiority, and acting with the finesse and discretion that their role requires.
Member Selection
The process of member selection is meticulous and secretive, often involving a period of rigorous vetting and observation. Potential recruits may not even be aware they're being considered until they're finally approached with an invitation to join the Veil Weavers. With their operations now spanning across realities, the Veil Weavers have a vast pool of potential members to draw from, each one handpicked to uphold and further their far-reaching ambitions. The Veil Weavers' process of member selection has evolved over time, but a few core principles have remained:
- Pedigree and Influence
- The Weavers tend to recruit from the upper echelons of society, seeking out individuals who come from influential families or occupy positions of power in various spheres such as politics, academia, business, and the arts. They believe that these individuals, due to their inherent social standing, are more capable of influencing their respective societies.
- Intellectual Superiority
- Intellectual prowess is highly valued among the Weavers. They believe that superior intelligence is key to managing and influencing societal structures effectively. Prospective members are often outstanding scholars, innovators, strategists, or philosophers.
- Alignment with Core Values
- The Weavers seek out individuals who share their core values of elitism, preservation of power, and societal control. Prospective members are expected to subscribe to the group's overarching philosophy of Social Darwinism and their belief in a 'natural order' of hierarchy.
- Ability to Maintain Secrecy
- Due to the clandestine nature of their operations, prospective members must demonstrate a capacity for discretion. They should be able to operate within the shadows, ensuring that the existence and actions of the Veil Weavers remain hidden from the world at large.
- Multiversal Potential
- Since their evolution into a multi-dimensional network, the Weavers also consider an individual's adaptability to different realities. They seek people with open minds, capable of understanding and navigating the complexities of alternate universes.
- Commitment to the Cause
- Prospective members must show a deep commitment to the Veil Weavers' cause. This isn't a group for casual affiliation; members are expected to dedicate their lives to the group's goals.
Perks of Membership
Membership in the Veil Weavers confers a myriad of unique benefits, each deeply intertwined with the responsibilities borne by the organization's members. At the heart of these advantages lies the promise of power and influence, extending from their immediate societies across multiple realities. However, wielding this power necessitates the careful preservation of the Veil Weavers' secrecy, the burden of which falls upon every member. The pursuit of knowledge, a core duty within the organization, rewards members with access to a vast trove of intellectual wealth, spanning from scientific breakthroughs to arcane lore. Moreover, this responsibility propels members to the forefront of their respective fields, further enhancing their personal growth. The extensive networks of influence members gain access to not only amplify their individual power but also serve the organization's expansion, a duty incumbent upon every Veil Weaver. The security and protection afforded by the organization are reflective of its commitment to its members, expecting in return their lifelong dedication. Lastly, the chance to shape future societies and realities is perhaps the most enticing benefit, provided members faithfully uphold their commitment to the organization's agenda and protect its valuable resources. These intertwined benefits and responsibilities define the experience of being a Veil Weaver, blending privilege with duty in a balance as complex as the realities they navigate.
- Power and Influence
- Members of the Veil Weavers wield significant influence in their respective societies and, by extension, in their realities. They often occupy positions of power and are given the resources and support to maintain and extend this power.
- Access to Knowledge
- The Veil Weavers have accumulated vast amounts of knowledge over centuries, ranging from arcane mystic lore to cutting-edge scientific research. Members have access to this wealth of information, providing them a significant advantage in their pursuits.
- Networks of Influence
- Being a part of the Veil Weavers means access to an extensive network of influential people across multiple realities. This allows members to forge beneficial relationships, collaborate on projects, and exert their influence on a global, even multi-dimensional scale.
- Security and Protection
- Membership in the Veil Weavers comes with a degree of protection. The organization has the means and the will to protect its members from threats and to help them out of challenging situations. The veil of secrecy around their operations also provides members a layer of immunity from societal scrutiny.
- Advanced Technology and Magic
- Members get to interact with and utilize the advanced technology and magic that the Veil Weavers have developed or acquired. This could include everything from technology for traversing realities to occult artifacts of power.
- Personal Growth
- Membership in the Veil Weavers encourages intellectual development and personal growth. Members are constantly challenged to push their limits, adapt to new circumstances, and learn new skills.
- Shaping the Future
- Perhaps the most intoxicating benefit of being a member is the ability to shape the course of societies, nations, and even realities. Through their actions, members can influence the trajectory of entire worlds, creating a legacy that spans across dimensions.
Leadership
The Veil Weavers are led by a supreme council of nine Sovereigns, individuals of immense power and influence who stand at the apex of the organization's hierarchy. Each Sovereign can trace their lineage back to the noblest bloodlines, linked to distinguished figures from history including royals, influential business tycoons, and renowned scholars. This lineage is not merely a matter of aristocratic heritage, however; it signifies a direct line of descent within the Veil Weavers' own ranks. The bloodlines of the Sovereigns run deep within the organization's storied history, infusing the leadership with a profound sense of continuity, loyalty, and a shared destiny. The mantle of Sovereign is thus a unique synthesis of power, prestige, and an intimate connection to the organization's past.
Aspiring to join this revered leadership echelon involves overcoming a series of exacting trials designed to assess an individual's worthiness for such a coveted position. It begins with a bold challenge to an existing Sovereign, setting the stage for a rigorous competition that tests every facet of the aspirant's abilities. The challenge spans across numerous domains: it involves demonstrating superior physical and character strength to prove one's resilience; showcasing intellectual prowess to attest strategic decision-making capabilities; manifesting command over the mystical elements, including magic, intrinsic to the Veil Weavers' operations; and, asserting unwavering dedication and aptitude for maintaining the organization's secrecy. This rigorous challenge ensures that only the most exceptional individuals, both in lineage and capabilities, secure a place among the Sovereigns, further cementing the Veil Weavers' power and influence across multiple realities.
History
In 1722, amid the burgeoning Industrial Revolution and the dawn of the Age of Enlightenment, a group of ambitious young men from noble and wealthy families convened at the University of Bologna in Italy. It was a period of radical change, with societies transforming under the weight of scientific advancement and industrial expansion. Across the continent, people began to challenge the status quo and the traditional power structures of monarchy and church, favoring reason and empirical evidence. The university itself was a thriving hub of intellectual fervor, with its students passionately debating the merits of democratic ideals and the equality of all men. However, this group of young men held a starkly different view.
Believing in the inherent superiority of their own class, they rejected the democratizing spirit of the Enlightenment. They argued that privilege was not an accident of birth, but a sign of intrinsic superiority, that the wealthy and powerful were better suited to rule because their experiences and abilities were more valuable. This belief system was a perverse interpretation of humanism, asserting the worth of the individual but only within a strict hierarchy based on wealth and lineage. They started meeting in secret, sharing their beliefs and developing their own interpretations of the world's unfolding events. These meetings eventually solidified into a structured society, and they called themselves the Veil Weavers.
The name was symbolic of their mission: they sought to weave the veil of reality itself, subtly manipulating events and individuals to maintain the power and privilege of their class. Over time, this mission would expand and evolve, but at its heart, the Veil Weavers were born out of a fierce rejection of the Enlightenment's egalitarian spirit, a shadowy counterpoint to the luminous hope of the Age of Reason.
Spreading of Ideals
By the time of the Gordon Riots in 1788, the Veil Weavers had already begun their covert operations to extend their influence across the continent. Operating under the guise of academic exchange and scholarly camaraderie, the Weavers subtly interjected themselves into England's intellectual circles. The riots against Catholic influence in England served as a perfect catalyst for the Veil Weavers to step in, arguing for the preservation of the monarchy as a means to maintain stability and order.
As professors and academics traveled from Bologna to other European universities, including Oxford, they brought with them the ideals of the Veil Weavers. They carefully chose individuals who held promising potential, those with power, intellect, and a like-minded vision.
However, the rapid growth and broadening reach brought its own challenges. The international expansion caused internal disputes within the Veil Weavers. Disagreements over ideologies, methods, and the direction of the group's mission stirred turmoil. Yet, the core belief in preserving a 'natural order' of societal hierarchy underpinned the unity of the Veil Weavers.
When the Peterloo Massacre took place in 1819, the Veil Weavers saw it as a grave reminder of the chaos that could ensue when the lower classes rise against the established order. It was this event that cemented their resolve to spread their influence further. In the following decades, the group stealthily infiltrated the academic institutions of France, Germany, and eventually the emerging power across the Atlantic, the United States, thereby furthering their mission to maintain a stratified society, globally.
Order from Chaos
The Veil Weavers had long been a fixture within the intellectual circles of Europe when the ripples of global change began to reach their shores. With the American Civil War in 1861 and the later Spanish-American War in 1898, they found themselves bearing witness to seismic shifts in power dynamics and societal structures. However, these events were not seen as a call to adapt to a changing world, but rather as threats to the world order they held dear.
In the same era, the Indian Rebellion of 1857 echoed across continents, amplifying the Weavers' fears. They began to perceive threats not just within their European sphere but worldwide. They realized their Euro-centric influence was insufficient to curb global shifts, and so, their worldview began to shift, too.
This period saw a profound transformation in the Veil Weavers. They pivoted from being a Euro-centric, university-based fraternity to a global cabal with tendrils reaching into every sphere of power. Their expansion began covertly, embedding members in various colonial administrations, merchant companies, and native collaborator classes across Asia and Africa.
During this period, the Veil Weavers came to adopt Social Darwinism as their guiding philosophy, an ideology that provided them with a pseudo-scientific validation of their existing beliefs in hierarchy and power. They began to assert that the ability to seize and maintain power was the ultimate measure of one's worth.
This era marked a dark turn in the Veil Weavers' ethos. They began to openly support sexist, racist, and imperialist ideologies, justified under the banner of Social Darwinism. Eugenics, as a concept, fit neatly into their beliefs, and they started influencing the powerful to produce offspring that would uphold their ideals.
The Veil Weavers, once a group of privileged young men at a prestigious university, had now transformed into a global shadow organization, operating from the sidelines yet influencing the very direction of societies and nations. Their transformation was complete, and their influence, deep-rooted and wide-ranging.
Discovery of the Multiverse
In the year 1941, deep within the academic confines of Stanford University, a group of young and curious students stumbled upon an enigma that would forever change the trajectory of the Veil Weavers. The students, drawn to the allure of Spiritualism that was quite popular at the time, decided to experiment. Guided by ancient texts and cryptic occult symbology, they intended to bridge the gap between the living and the deceased. Little did they know the gravity of the breakthrough that awaited them.
Their experiment hinged on the power of an extraordinary Solar Crystal. This crystal, radiant and potent, was believed to possess supernatural capabilities, which the students hoped would facilitate their communication with the other side. As the students initiated their experiment, an unexpected event occurred. Instead of opening a pathway to the afterlife, the powerful energies emitted by the Solar Crystal tore a small rift in the fabric of reality itself. The students found themselves staring into not the realm of the dead, but into a completely different reality – an alternate universe.
News of this extraordinary discovery quickly made its way through the clandestine network of the Veil Weavers, reaching their innermost circles. The implications were mind-boggling; the potential, limitless. For the first time, the Veil Weavers glimpsed a reality that transcended even their grandest ambitions – a vast, uncharted expanse of alternate realities. And they knew they had to make this power their own. The stage was set for the Veil Weavers to ascend to an entirely new level of power and influence, opening doors to endless possibilities and countless realities.
Power Begets Power
The decades following the Stanford discovery marked a significant shift in the Veil Weavers' methods and objectives. Harnessing the powerful fusion of technology and occult magic, they developed the ability to traverse the boundaries of realities. This new capability marked the beginning of their expansion from a global cabal into a multi-dimensional consortium.
As the Veil Weavers ventured into these new dimensions, they found a multitude of alternate Earths, each with its own iteration of their society. Many were mirror images of the Veil Weavers, while others shared similar yet subtly different characteristics, shaped by the unique trajectories of their respective realities.
In the spirit of their shared purpose and origins, alliances were forged among these dimensional counterparts. Each society operated from the shadows, subtly influencing the course of their realities, and in union, they began to shape the direction of the entire Multiverse. The influence of the Veil Weavers, now a confederation of trans-dimensional power brokers, grew exponentially.
Simultaneously, the Veil Weavers continued to adapt and evolve. As they mingled with their counterparts, they absorbed new philosophies and strategies, adjusting their methods to suit the unique challenges of each reality. They expanded their scope from eugenics and societal manipulation to include inter-reality diplomacy and multiversal strategy.
By the 1970s, the Veil Weavers had become something far more complex and powerful than their founders could have ever envisaged. They were no longer just a secret society operating in the shadows of one world, but a sprawling, multi-dimensional network of societies, working together to shape the destiny of countless realities. The reach of the Veil Weavers was now truly infinite, spanning across dimensions and timelines, forming a tapestry of influence that touched every corner of the Multiverse.