Forum of Shadows

Forum of Shadows is a clandestine organisation within the world of Honour, dealing in matters such as commercial and political espionage, high-profile theft and assassination. Based in Lanniston, it's reach and influence are widespread.

Description
The Forum was founded two centuries ago, by Gregory Hatchot, an enterprising criminal, under the manifold support of Lanniston's trading families.

At this point of time, it is a highly secretive organisation dedicated to the trade and aqusition of both material and intellectual goods. It is marked by it's high standards and matching level of resources.

The headquarters in Lanniston are located deep underground. The lavish, gothic architecture encompasses multiple training facilities, office rooms, quarters, halls and most importantly, the cavernous libraries, cathedrals of literature. Core members of the order spend most of their time here, others appear only for briefing, research and occasionaly celebration.

Secondary offices also exist around the continent, but are decidedly more spartan, if still carrying the dark, brooding baroque.

Membership and Hierarchy
The highest and most secretive post of the organisation is that of the grandmaster. Their identity is not disclosed to anyone but the masters and their orders are absolute. Only a majority of the masters can veto the decision of the grandmaster and since neither are discussed with the rest, whether this ever happens is a mystery.

Masters are chosen through their dedication to the Forum, as well their skill and intelligence. Most spend their entire lives within the Lanniston headquarters, administrating tasks, allocating funds and providing consultation. Their authority can only be called in question against other masters, or the grandmaster himself.

The rest of the Forum's ranks are divided upon their professions. While those may encompass the civil fields of teachers, managers or diplomats, most are field agents, the task force of the Forum.

Agents are trained, usually from adolescence in the art of diplomacy, infiltration and combat. Granted access to the Forum's funds and knowledge, they are no mere brigands. Based on their specialisation, preferences and gifts, they are assigned to tasks by masters and receive the utmost support of the Forum in it's execution.

Recently, more and more of these agents are being replaced by so-called Chimaeras. Genetic combinations of mythical beasts in human form. These, while unnatural in many ways, are, on the surface, treated in an equal way as other agents, however their nature prevents them from building any kind of life outside of the Forum.

The rest of the members are the 'peripherals'. These are the sleeper members of the Forum that provide their favors in secret as informants or suppliers. While their concentration in any given field is low, they account for enough political, financial or personal power to cover the Forum's need. Their numbers are scattered almost around the entire world, especially in larger centers of population, yet a significant falloff in the numbers can be seen outside of Jaredon.