Illuminated Pentad
Contrary to what its name might seem to indicate, the Illuminated Pentad is a cabal of only three willworkers. Rather, the Pentad refers to the five precepts on which the cabal is founded. First, that its members shall support one another in all endeavors that expand the power of the cabal without compromising it to outside influences. Second, that the cabal shall strive to re-establish the Boston Consilium, free of the control of Salem’s Ebon Noose. Third, that the cabal shall become the dominant faction in this resurrected Consilium. Fourth, that no action, either from within or without the cabal, that erodes its power or esteem shall be tolerated. And fifth, that the secrets of the cabal shall be kept, on pain of death.
The Pentad has many Masonic and hermetic overtones to it, with its members putting a great deal of stock in sacred mathematics and geometry, as well as subtle control over Sleeper institutions. Many wonder if the cabal has not somehow inherited some of the mystic writings and Artifacts once held by the local Guardians of the Veil, since the Pentad seems to have adopted so many of the trappings of Boston’s early 20th century incarnation of the order. Despite the Pentad’s mission statement, the cabal holds membership in the Consilium and works to win Boston’s freedom through civil, legitimate channels.
Sanctum: The Lodge of Eight Chambers
Sanctum Size ••; Security •••; Hallow •••
The sanctum of the Illuminated Pentad, the Lodge of Eight Chambers is located on the top two floors of one of the skyscrapers in Boston’s downtown. Its title, like that of the cabal, is something of a misnomer. It refers to the eight chambers that surround the Hallow, representing the Sun, the Moon, Earth, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn (the celestial bodies most familiar to ancient astronomers and astrologers). All of the rooms are richly appointed. Alchemical symbols and tremendously intricate geometric patterns dominate the sanctum’s décor. The whole place has a vaguely claustrophobic feel to it, as though the lighting is too dim, the air too thick and the walls too close.
At the center of the top floor of the building in which the Lodge located is a circular room with a clear skylight. In this room there is a short granite pillar, where a swatch of red cloth covers a large, heavy chalice of alloyed lunargent and orichalcum. Every night, at precisely midnight, the chalice must be filled with powdered obsidian, which is then infused with tass (a 3-point shared Hallow). The Lodge’s library spans a number of rooms on both floors and is broken up into a shelf or two here and there. Specific architectural progressions lead from one topic to the next, and none of the books are in English, making it virtually impossible for any save a devoted researcher (or one completely familiar with the library) to benefit by its use. The topics it encompasses are: Alchemy, the Boston Consilium, Sacred Geometry, Secret Societies and the Seers of the Throne.
Notable Members
Other Links
Return to Boston Mage
Return to Silver Ladder
Return to Boston Cabals
