Exalted Knights of the Gryphon
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The Exalted Knights of the Gryphon
Serving as the mailed fist of the Brotherhood of the Ineffable Truth, the cabal known as the Exalted Knights of the Gryphon (so named for the mythical beast’s attributes of vigilant strength and courageous loyalty) is devoted above all else to mastery of the mystic arts of war and the Duel Arcane. Claiming descent from a number of the “Duelist cabals” that were particularly popular in some Awakened circles in western Europe during the 17th through 19th centuries, the Knights are, nevertheless, the product of modern ambitions. Due to unspecified pacts with the Ebon Noose, the services of the Knights are available to the Ebon Noose — Ferrum, the cabal’s leader, serves as a Sentinel of the Consilium — via the Brotherhood.
Founded by the Arrow mage known as Ferrum upon his defeat of his mentor Apollonia, the cabal finds its purpose in the elementary precept that mysticism and intellect alone are insufficient for the Awakened to survive, thrive and, ultimately, reclaim their rightful place as the sorcerer-kings of the Earth. Decision making for the cabal is by consensus, with irreconcilable differences resolved, rather unsurprisingly
Sanctum: The Temple of the Gryphon
Sanctum Size •
Occupying the north wing of the building that houses the Academy, the Temple of the Gryphon (also known simply as the Temple) is the barracks, drilling field and school for the Exalted Knights. The cabal has living quarters in the Temple, allowing its members to be on hand, should there be trouble; at least two members must be present at all times (unless the cabal as a whole is sent away on a mission). The Temple is spartan, with basic amenities and few real luxuries, though the Dueling room has exquisite architecture, reminiscent of Moorish structures just prior to the Spanish Reconquista. Other chambers are less interesting, emphasizing the austere warrior lifestyle of the Knights.
The Temple contains no Hallow of its own, but the Knights have Mana bestowed upon them once a month by the members of the Brotherhood (see “The Oath of the Knights,” below). The library is nowhere near as grand as that found in the Academy, and contains information on a very narrow range of subjects (the Awakened in warfare and the Duel Arcane).
Notable Members
Ferrum (Consilium Sentinel, Cabal Founder)
The Oath of the Knights
This oath has been taken by every member of the Exalted Knights of the Gryphon, sanctified by the Fate magic of Vajra, a former member of the Brotherhood of the Ineffable Truth only recently returned to his native India. The exact wording of the oath is as follows:
I, [cabal member’s full given name], known among the Awakened as [cabal member’s shadow name], swear to honor and defend the willworkers of the Brotherhood of the Ineffable Truth, and to faithfully serve Carlo Fendi, called Potestas, and Zachary Harcourt, called Aurem. I vow to perform any task demanded of me by either of these two men or any other offered authority over me by one of them. My obedience shall be given first to Potestas, then to Aurem and then to any other given leave by one of these two to command me.
In exchange for this service, I shall be given leave to access the resources of the Brotherhood in time of battle, and I and my companions shall have from the Brotherhood 40 measures of Mana for each full cycle of the moon. In addition to this, I shall be given quarters, in which to live and to hone my skills, by the Brotherhood, and enjoy the freedom to peruse its library of lore.
Should I defile this sacred vow in time of peace, and forsake my honor for lies, then let me be outcast from my cabal, branded with shame and banished from the Boston Consilium. Should I turn my back upon this oath in time of battle, then my life is forfeit, and may I perish in direst agony, as an example of the fate of those who swear falsely.
This vow was sworn under a Fate 4 “Sworn Oath” spell (see Mage: The Awakening 2e, pp. 137). While the language of the oath specifies all sorts of terrible consequences for breaching it, these are a matter for the Brotherhood and the other Knights to enforce.
Note that this pledge is not written down or recorded in a permanent form, since it reveals the real names of the parties involved. It is considered a breach of the oath to reveal those names to anyone.
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