Another supplementary faction.


Blame my renewed Castlevania fixation for this one.


[table][row][/row][row][cell][center][h2][b][color=black]THE[color=2e2c2c].[/color]BROTHERHOOD[/color][/b][/h2][hr][img]https://i.imgur.com/w2aPWF0.jpeg[/img][hr][sup][b][i]"In Tenebris Fortitudo."[/i][/b][/sup][hr][/center][/cell][cell][color=2e2c2c].[/color]
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[indent]The Brotherhood is a secretive order of knights founded during the medieval era of Europe, a time marked by superstition, fear of the supernatural, and rampant violence wrought by malevolent Apparitions and Aberrations. A coalition of brave warriors, scholars, and clerics gathered to ally to safeguard humanity from these dark forces. They established their first sanctuaries in the crumbling ruins of ancient monasteries and hidden cathedrals, drawing upon knowledge and ancient texts to develop their combat techniques and magical practices. This early formation emphasized martial prowess and the understanding of magic as a force to be respected and wielded responsibly. Over the centuries, as Europe transformed through the Renaissance into the modern age, the Brotherhood adapted, remaining vigilant against evolving supernatural threats and maintaining its mission in an increasingly skeptical world.

Recruitment into the Brotherhood is a selective and often tricky process. Candidates are typically individuals who have encountered the supernatural firsthand, whether through personal tragedy, the loss of loved ones to Aberrations, or as witnesses to horrific events. Prospective members often come from diverse backgrounds and initiates undergo rigorous trials that assess their resolve, intellect, morality, and ability to wield magical artifacts. Those who pass are bestowed the rank of Acolyte, tasked with learning the Brotherhood’s ancient rites, combat techniques, and magic secrets.

The Brotherhood’s hierarchical structure consists of several ranks, each representing different levels of mastery and responsibility. At the pinnacle is the Grandmaster, a figure shrouded in mystery, believed to possess extensive knowledge of the Paranormal and unparalleled combat skills. Beneath the Grandmaster are the Councilors, seasoned knights who advise on strategy, recruitment, and training. The next rank, Paladins, represents the elite warriors of the Brotherhood, skilled in martial combat and the use of magical artifacts, including legendary weapons such as the Vampire Hunter and the Undead Hunter. These artifacts are steeped in the order’s history and designed to combat the undead and other dark forces. Paladins lead missions and are responsible for confronting powerful Apparitions, while the Acolytes, still in training, gradually take on field assignments under their guidance. The lowest rank, Novices, are the newest recruits who have yet to prove their worth.

The Brotherhood's operations are often shrouded in secrecy, with members conducting missions that range from small-scale reconnaissance to full-scale assaults on strongholds of evil forces. They combine traditional combat techniques and magic, often relying on artifacts steeped in their order's history. These artifacts are carefully guarded, each possessing unique powers that enhance the wielder’s abilities and safeguard against dark forces. The Brotherhood also gathers intelligence, maps out areas where Paranormal occurrences are reported, and tracks activity to strike before chaos ensues preemptively.

Some members advocate for a more aggressive approach, arguing that striking decisively against Apparitions and Aberrations is the only way to send a clear message and deter future threats. Conversely, others within the Brotherhood urge restraint and deliberation. This philosophical divide creates tension during council meetings, where strategies are debated and missions planned, reflecting the Brotherhood's struggle to balance aggression with caution in an ever-changing world of supernatural threats. The membership primarily consists of Adepts, and there is a stigma against Aberrations, including those who are Adjoined, Abominable, and Afflicted, further complicating the dynamics within the order.

The Brotherhood's arsenal includes a cornerstone weapon known as the Knight's Edge, a mass-produced artifact that serves as both a sword and a versatile tool. Forged from a unique alloy with magical properties, it can adapt to the wielder’s needs, shifting between forms such as a traditional blade or a ranged whip. It is customizable to imbue it with elemental properties or temporary enchantments. Alongside the Knight's Edge, members employ specialized weapons like enchanted crossbows, spears, axes, shields, etc. As time progressed, the Brotherhood transitioned to more modern weaponry, integrating firearms enhanced with enchantments to maintain their effectiveness against supernatural foes.

While the Brotherhood primarily operates within Europe, its influence and reach extend to other continents whenever the threat of Aberrations arises. This expansion is marked by careful planning as they connect with local groups and individuals who share their mission. Through meetings and cooperation with other factions, the Brotherhood ensures that the knowledge and tools required to combat supernatural threats are shared, creating a web that spans borders. This adaptability reflects their understanding that evil knows no bounds and that their vigilance must extend beyond the confines of Europe to protect humanity from the encroaching darkness.[/indent][/cell][/row][/table]