The Veil

"'Play your cards right, and rise in rank to access control and opulence offered….though peril of sliding back down ever remains.'" "The Veil" Dredged in games of power and artful deceits that comes with them, this Kith offers opulence and hedonistic luxury but at a cost. With a strict Caste System founded on the higher stepping on and using those below, it’s a desperate climb upwards or being pushed down into shackles. The Veil offers all manner of physical comforts which can be dreamed up…but with a cost and open danger.

Joining The Veil Though requirements to simply enter The Veil may seem minimal, the cost to being in this Kith can raise fast. In a Kith based heavily on subservience, and principles of stratum with the internal caste system, joining may be simple but to reap the benefits of being in this Kith to the fullest requires ‘playing the game’ and growing in power is a must. Stepping on others and growing in strength is key….unless you want to be the one stepped upon. Many may join seeking material comforts or affluence afforded to the upper echelons…many more are shackled into this Kith through poor dealings or forced Pacts. However one joins, once in The Veil it can be a tangled web difficult to escape.

Because only Outsiders are able to directly create a Kith Pact with the Archaeon, Mundane may only enter using an Outsider as an in-between. These Pacts formed can be all-important as the Keepers of Pacts will frequently levy them against the Mundane.

For the Mundane desperate enough to attempt a Pact with the Veil (or forced in through bad luck or trickery), there is expectation that anyone low enough in the caste works for those higher — works to get higher. Various institutes exist for those of low caste to be assigned and work off their ‘debts’— the Bath House, Tower Theatre, Brothel & a scattering of other profit-making institutes under The Veil. Pacts & Tribute See Kith Pacts

The Veil treats rank as a Caste System in which those higher may freely lord over those lower. To move up in Caste, one must exert power over others — pushing another down to move up and take their place. Individuals are only ever able to get higher through a direct ‘swap’ between members — lifting one up while another is shoved down. Similarly, anyone may find themselves pushed downward suddenly. Primary Caste While there are only three primary Castes, each of these holds three sub-levels to them. An individual raises up in the Caste they hold, as a Third, Second and finally First of their Caste (Second Doll, First Lord, Third Master, etc.). A First Master would be the highest rank a Player Character could achieve; Other than Chattel, a Third Doll is the lowest rank. Doll Willing or not, a Doll is bound to The Veil, and respect to both the Kith and all within it is demanded. Dolls are not usually given a choice as to where or how they serve, expected to be given a place by their Keeper and then move upwards from there.

If an individual is exceptionally strong, they have every right to enter into The Veil at a higher position...so long as they are taking the place of another. To begin higher in the Caste, an individual must push another down to the status of Doll first.

Many Dolls are also considered Chattel, and because of this their Pacts are likely to change hands over time.

Lord The slow climb can be arduous, and while most Lords can’t afford much in the way of luxury they aren’t completely powerless. With enough sway and reputation to not be expected to forced into serving…it’s still often a good idea when dealing with those above.

Master Masters have shown they have a reason to have been elevated to this Caste through sheer force of will as they push others down so a space for them might exist. Those of this Caste guide the hand of The Veil, ruling the establishments run by this Kith and taking part in the fruits of all its labors.

Gatekeeper ''A Storyweaver role for those helping to lead The Veil, IC and OOC. Storyweavers may also use this rank for NPC characters.''

Gatekeepers have a great importance within The Veil they are wielders of Mother’s whim and enforcers of her will. Overseeing Masters of all types and Posts, Gatekeepers are also expected to hold Masquerade with frequency, as well as organize Auction to make up for any lost profit (or extra profit to pocket). Gatekeepers have dominion over all Castes within The Veil and are above all but the Archaeon herself. Specialty Posts Each person has their place within The Veil. Because of this, each individual must seek to find a Post which suits them...or else have an appearance of not holding as much power as they might otherwise. When given a Post, this title is added onto their existing Caste (Second Doll of The Gilded Cage, First Lord of Hearth's Repose, Third Master of Bone Picking). Everyone to know their place, and understands who holds dominion over what and what respect is afforded based on the current order of Caste. of The Gilded Cage Aiding in productions, management and services of a carnal variety; This predominantly includes Brothel Work, and the management of the establishments which offer this to both members of The Veil and those outside of it for profit.

of Dripping Ink Those of Dripping Ink deal in numbers, paperwork and contracts. Collecting, counting and redistributing the profits gathered from various establishments and ventures accomplished by The Veil, members of Dripping Ink write and record numbers, trades and deals, as well as issue debts and fees.

of Bone Picking Enforcing the policies upheld by The Veil, including status and order, payment and debt, and the necessity which comes from punishing misdeeds, those of Bone Picking utilize physical, mental and any other means necessary to impose order. Judgement, punishment, and torture are all decided by those of this Post.

Along with this, those of Bone Picking are called upon to act as martial aid in guarding from and punishing those outside the Kith.

of Hearth's Repose In care of all things which necessitate a comfortable life, those of Hearth's Repose work at everything from food and fabric production, the cleaning and maintenance of the facilities under The Veil's hand, and disposal of filth (be it byproduct or an expired individual).

of Ritual Aiding with all things health, and healing, life and death, those of Ritual are tasked with aiding in healing through medical restoration and production of curatives, and creation of the many drugs and other addictive substances used throughout the Veil (as well as sold widely to those outside the Kith).

of The Mask Tasked with both the recruitment of new bodies in the form of Pacts to the Veil, and the gathering of rumors and news; Those of the Mask are sent to make, trade, and buy Pact Contracts from anyone desperate enough (or Keepers looking to get rid of a Bound under their thumb.

While those of the Mask are known to offer things freely, host lavish parties and aid the Kithless who show interest, it's always with a quota for new Pacts in mind, or a desire to seek out rumors which may be valuable enough to sell to someone else; Honeyed words are edged in half-truths. Other Titles Chattel Anyone who refuses to play the Caste game is considered nothing more than Chattel, and are bound to serve however anyone above sees fit at a moment's notice. Those who have been forced unwillingly into The Veil, or have made attempts to undermine the current Caste System are shoved below all others in the position of Chattel. Main Article: Archaeon Mother Metis

Profoundly ambitious, Metis name is renowned and widely feared -- far reaching even beyond the Court she holds. Ages ago, having found her way into The Veil through an unfortunate pact made between her and the previous Archaeon of the Kith, Metis acted as bound conscript.

The Tower

Masquerade

The Theatre

The Veil has an often strained relationship with all but those within it. Founded upon a desire for personal gain and gratification, members of The Veil are seen frequently as nothing more than self-serving, hedonistic and quick to betray even their dearest ally.