Organizations · Mystical · Country/ State
The Cabal of the Dark Eye
If you are into the occult, you should also know the groups that are active in these shadowy parts of magic and reality, whether these are real or only rumours. One somewhat known group is the Cabal. Unlike other cults (if it is a cult), this sect seems to be rather benign, and actually offers useful services, for a price. Some experts mark them as occult freaks that do it only for the show and pretending, nothing more.
If you are into the occult, you should also know the groups that are active in these shadowy parts of magic and reality, whether these are real or only rumors. One somewhat known group is the Cabal. Unlike other cults (if it is a cult), this sect seems to be rather benign, and actually offers useful services, for a price. Some experts mark them as occult freaks that do it only for the show and pretending, nothing more.
Layer one: Occult geeks
The Cabalists, when contacted, arrive in stylish heavy black robes, the capes partially concealing their face with fitting white make-up, and of course only around midnight. They demand respect and good conditions for their work. Their specialty (and reason why they are hired) is ritual magic: tracking people and objects, all sorts of minor divination. And they do it big style - chicken killed, blood spilled, circles inscribed on the floor! The only reason they are so tolerated is their surprising success at detective work. Pity those rituals often include human blood (fresh of course) or other painfully-gained ingredients, and the 'masters' themselves won't supply it... you want to know, you have to pay. In hard cash and often also otherwise.
Layer two: True Darkness (optional)
(See The Dhampiri, a new look on Vampires.)
Some of the Cabalists are actually Dhampiri - vampires, immortal creatures, that feed on the living. The rituals they use are innovative ways to transfer life force. The information and money they gain are an added bonus, as well as the irony of their apparent harmlessness and the safety coming from it. Thus is the Cabal supplied with life force, protection, and potential apprentices.
But they make sure a Cabalist is now and then seen in daylight... less suspicious that way.
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Not your best work, but still better than most. It is a little cliche, with 'dark powers' hiding in the background of the organization. But it is an interesting on the secret magical organization, since this one is almost 'out in the open'
You are right... it is more of a speculation on how to add vampires into a city, even make them somewhat accessible, without falling back on the blood-sucking monster cliche. Vampires can be social, too... or at least to be around people without their lives being on stake too much...
Ehhh, Yeah. a bit cliche-ish, but with vampires, what isn't? That being said, I like the idea of the vampires getting their blood withou having to tear people throats out, that just seems so out of date. the creature of the night have evolved since the old days. From insane feral hunter into cultured feral hunters. Ignore the oxymoron.
The 'performers', because thats what they are, would probably be very good at illusions? Right.
You hire them to track someone down, they do this fancy ritual with random landmarks flashing up into the air, about 3 days later the guy you wanted is gagged and bound and paced on your doorstep. What you don't see is taht that blood that you thought was human was really the blood of a cow, while you weren't lookin he switched the jug of blood you gae him with a different jug. He brings the new jug bak to his 'master' and then the master does the real magi and finds the guy they want.
I know I didn't say that right, but I can't really say it right anyway.
I like this idea - a minor menace that could easily escalate in the right circumstances.