Veilkeepers - Revision history

Twonakria: add info about Sinagra-McCune PLC

2023-10-07T22:05:19Z

add info about Sinagra-McCune PLC

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:05, 7 October 2023
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	\|name=Veilkeepers of Offetstine		\|name=Veilkeepers of Offetstine
	\|cognomina=Veilkeepers		\|cognomina=Veilkeepers
	\|logo=[[File:Veilkeepers ~~logo~~.png]]		Sinagra-McCune PLC
			\|logo=[[File:Veilkeepers and SMC logos.png]]
			\|logo_caption=Left to right: the logo of the Veilkeepers of Offetstine, and the logo of Sinagra-McCune PLC.
	\|industry=[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Financial_services Financial services] ''(front)''		\|industry=[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Financial_services Financial services] ''(front)''
	Maintaining the [[Masquerade]] ''(private)''		Maintaining the [[Masquerade]] ''(private)''
	\|owner=[[Clarise Ledford]]		\|owner=[[Clarise Ledford]]
	\|num_employees=Approx. ~~100~~ (<abbr title="circa">c.</abbr> 1998)		\|num_employees=Approx. 90 (<abbr title="circa">c.</abbr> 1998, SMC), 14 (<abbr title="circa">c.</abbr> 1998, Veilkeepers)
	}}		}}
	The Veilkeepers are not a centralized organization or effort, but instead a collection of loosely associated branches associated by their subjection to the same magical forces and, thus, their shared magical powers and ideology. New branches of the Veilkeepers are created by the magic of the Masquerade itself, in response to problematic areas where the Masquerade is habitually threatened, or on a global scale to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_security information fronts] which similarly threaten it.		The Veilkeepers are not a centralized organization or effort, but instead a collection of loosely associated branches associated by their subjection to the same magical forces and, thus, their shared magical powers and ideology. New branches of the Veilkeepers are created by the magic of the Masquerade itself, in response to problematic areas where the Masquerade is habitually threatened, or on a global scale to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_security information fronts] which similarly threaten it.
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	=== Veilkeepers of Offetstine ===		=== Veilkeepers of Offetstine ===

	The Veilkeepers of Offetstine are the respective branch of the network in the [[Greater Offetstine Area]], headquartered in [[Offetstine]]. They are led by [[Clarise Ledford]], a human mother who was first introduced to the demi-human world through her husband, a werewolf. In order to operate effectively in the otherwise treacherous environment created by [[Criminal organizations\|gang warfare]] in Offetstine, they maintain a corporate front nominally focused on stock trading. Many other branches of the Veilkeepers are comparatively more subversive or grassroots.		The '''Veilkeepers of Offetstine''' are the respective branch of the network in the [[Greater Offetstine Area]], headquartered in [[Offetstine]]. They are led by [[Clarise Ledford]], a human mother who was first introduced to the demi-human world through her husband, a werewolf. In order to operate effectively in the otherwise treacherous environment created by [[Criminal organizations\|gang warfare]] in Offetstine, they maintain a corporate front nominally focused on stock trading. Their front, '''Sinagra-McCune PLC,''' commonly referred to as '''SMC,''' was founded by and named for the late former leader of the branch, Silvester McCune, and his long-time partner and aide, Miriana Sinagra. Many other branches of the Veilkeepers are comparatively more subversive or grassroots.

			The existence of the Veilkeepers of Offetstine's corporate front was subject to criticism from other branches of the Veilkeepers; however, as McCune and his successor Ledford note, has helped manage funds and gain leverage in the mundane aspect of maintaining the Masquerade, a task that they claim would otherwise be impossible, as they are not granted any innate mundane privilege the same way they are empowered by the magic of the Veilkeepers. Similarly, the cash flow of SMC has been cited as the main point of leverage of the Offetstine branch in the broader Veilkeepers' community.

	The Veilkeepers of Offetstine generally worked closely with the [[Coalition]], and presently with the [[Ringleaders]], both criminal organizations that focus on the importance of the Masquerade to facilitate their respective goals. Both organizations cite the importance of protecting the Masquerade in allowing them to continue to rule from the shadows. While Ledford has personally opposed this move, citing the unintended consequences of allying with criminal organizations, the move has previously been reinforced as despite the threat the organization poses, the actual Veilkeepers branch lacks power on its own to safely effect its influence.		The Veilkeepers of Offetstine generally worked closely with the [[Coalition]], and presently with the [[Ringleaders]], both criminal organizations that focus on the importance of the Masquerade to facilitate their respective goals. Both organizations cite the importance of protecting the Masquerade in allowing them to continue to rule from the shadows. While Ledford has personally opposed this move, citing the unintended consequences of allying with criminal organizations, the move has previously been reinforced as despite the threat the organization poses, the actual Veilkeepers branch lacks power on its own to safely effect its influence.

Discord-317484070127009793: elaborate on concept of branches, decentralization and cultural interference

2023-08-08T05:05:36Z

elaborate on concept of branches, decentralization and cultural interference

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:05, 8 August 2023
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	The Veilkeepers claim the power to selectively erase parts of history. The exact mechanism of their power is unclear even to veteran members of the organization, but it is nonetheless their hallmark ability. Upon erasing history, the world attempts to heal around the erased area, effectively allowing insurgent attempts by rogue mages and demi-humans, and unwary spectator humans, from disturbing the Masquerade. In the process, it often costs the Veilkeepers their own memory of the event, and as a result their bookkeeping is often lackluster at best.		The Veilkeepers claim the power to selectively erase parts of history. The exact mechanism of their power is unclear even to veteran members of the organization, but it is nonetheless their hallmark ability. Upon erasing history, the world attempts to heal around the erased area, effectively allowing insurgent attempts by rogue mages and demi-humans, and unwary spectator humans, from disturbing the Masquerade. In the process, it often costs the Veilkeepers their own memory of the event, and as a result their bookkeeping is often lackluster at best.

	Members of the Veilkeepers are usually indoctrinated through the [[Will of the People\|Will of the People]], specifically that of local Veilkeepers branches. While some branches operate on a global scale and attempt to regulate information pathways and telecommunications networks such as radio and internet communications, most branches operate locally with the stated goal of protecting the demi-human populations of individual districts. New Veilkeepers usually awaken to their powers and duties ~~in a spontaneous moment~~, and are further introduced to their responsibilities when contacted by members of their respective branch.		Members of the Veilkeepers are usually indoctrinated through the [[Will of the People\|Will of the People]], specifically that of local Veilkeepers branches. New Veilkeepers usually awaken to their powers and duties spontaneously, and are further introduced to their responsibilities when contacted by members of their respective branch.

			New branches of the Veilkeepers are created by the magic of the Masquerade itself, in response to a threat to the Masquerade along some information front. Branches are typically relatively small local organizations, which work to prevent the exposition of magic across a local area, primarily using their power to undo events that threaten the Masquerade on a good-faith basis, and using their mundane influence to reinforce the importance of the Masquerade among mages and demi-humans. In other cases, however, branches arise to address a global concern.

			== Branches ==

	{{Infobox company		{{Infobox company
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	\|num_employees=Approx. 100 (<abbr title="circa">c.</abbr> 1998)		\|num_employees=Approx. 100 (<abbr title="circa">c.</abbr> 1998)
	}}		}}
			The Veilkeepers are not a centralized organization or effort, but instead a collection of loosely associated branches associated by their subjection to the same magical forces and, thus, their shared magical powers and ideology. New branches of the Veilkeepers are created by the magic of the Masquerade itself, in response to problematic areas where the Masquerade is habitually threatened, or on a global scale to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_security information fronts] which similarly threaten it.

	The ~~'''~~Veilkeepers of Offetstine~~'''~~ are the respective branch of the network in the [[Greater Offetstine Area]], headquartered in [[Offetstine]]. They are led by [[Clarise Ledford]], a human mother who was first introduced to the demi-human world through her husband, a werewolf. In order to operate effectively in the otherwise treacherous environment created by [[Criminal organizations\|gang warfare]] in Offetstine, they maintain a corporate front nominally focused on stock trading. Many other branches of the Veilkeepers are comparatively more subversive or grassroots.		Branches are typically relatively small local organizations, which work to prevent the exposition of magic across a local area, primarily using their power to undo events that threaten the Masquerade on a good-faith basis, and using their mundane influence to reinforce the importance of the Masquerade among mages and demi-humans. In other cases, however, branches arise to address a global concern. These branches operate locally with the stated goal of protecting the demi-human populations of individual districts. Members of local branches are usually civilian humans, usually exhibit more mellow and supportive sentiments, and collaborate more habitually and openly with other branches.

			Other branches of the Veilkeepers instead operate on a global scale, and attempt to regulate information pathways and telecommunications networks such as radio and internet communications. Due to the scope of these branches, they often deal with events which their magic, the power to erase events from history, may not be effective or possible, or may not address the root cause. Global branches of the Veilkeepers, as such, tend to adopt a more proactive and [[#Cultural impact\|cultural]] approach, and attempt to instill practices in their constituent body which will itself ensure the Masquerade is upheld, such as the use of encrypted telecommunications. These branches are often born from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intelligence_agency intelligence agencies] and are more likely to adopt stricter [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zero_tolerance zero-tolerance] approaches to enforcement.

			=== Veilkeepers of Offetstine ===

			The Veilkeepers of Offetstine are the respective branch of the network in the [[Greater Offetstine Area]], headquartered in [[Offetstine]]. They are led by [[Clarise Ledford]], a human mother who was first introduced to the demi-human world through her husband, a werewolf. In order to operate effectively in the otherwise treacherous environment created by [[Criminal organizations\|gang warfare]] in Offetstine, they maintain a corporate front nominally focused on stock trading. Many other branches of the Veilkeepers are comparatively more subversive or grassroots.

	The Veilkeepers of Offetstine generally worked closely with the [[Coalition]], and presently with the [[Ringleaders]], both criminal organizations that focus on the importance of the Masquerade to facilitate their respective goals. Both organizations cite the importance of protecting the Masquerade in allowing them to continue to rule from the shadows. While Ledford has personally opposed this move, citing the unintended consequences of allying with criminal organizations, the move has previously been reinforced as despite the threat the organization poses, the actual Veilkeepers branch lacks power on its own to safely effect its influence.		The Veilkeepers of Offetstine generally worked closely with the [[Coalition]], and presently with the [[Ringleaders]], both criminal organizations that focus on the importance of the Masquerade to facilitate their respective goals. Both organizations cite the importance of protecting the Masquerade in allowing them to continue to rule from the shadows. While Ledford has personally opposed this move, citing the unintended consequences of allying with criminal organizations, the move has previously been reinforced as despite the threat the organization poses, the actual Veilkeepers branch lacks power on its own to safely effect its influence.
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	Some analysts suggest the Masquerade has limited the scope of scientific and technological progress in Offetstine, by preventing advancements in the world of magic from tricking back to the world of mundane science. Furthermore, many analysts suggest the Masquerade has exacerbated the fundamental problem of discrimination and fearmongering about demi-human populations, and prevented humans from coming to terms with the world exactly as it is.		Some analysts suggest the Masquerade has limited the scope of scientific and technological progress in Offetstine, by preventing advancements in the world of magic from tricking back to the world of mundane science. Furthermore, many analysts suggest the Masquerade has exacerbated the fundamental problem of discrimination and fearmongering about demi-human populations, and prevented humans from coming to terms with the world exactly as it is.

			==== Cultural interference ====

			Members of the Veilkeepers are generally implicated in the propagation of the cultural realization of the Masquerade. Analysts recognize that without the cultural interference of the Veilkeepers, the broad sentiment in magical hotspots such as the [[Greater Offetstine Area]] would be that the Masquerade is undue and oppressive. While some demi-humans and mages ascribe to the Masquerade for their own perceived safety, and the popular creation myth suggests the Masquerade arose for the safety of weaker demi-humans, it is often considered unnatural that the Masquerade would be self-sustaining for so long.

			For instance, the Veilkeepers of Offetstine are generally noted as responsible for enabling the [[Coalition]] and later [[Ringleaders]] to gain its tenure in the Offetstine underground, by erasing the events that would have led to the dominance of riskier organizations. Though the Veilkeepers of Offetstine are not themselves criminally affiliated, it is widely regarded that they implicitly supported the Coalition and Ringleaders for their attitude in enforcing the Masquerade, most prominently observed in the Ringleaders' [[Ringleaders#Cleanup_crews\|cleanup crews]] and advocacy for demi-human independence.

			Certain branches of the Veilkeepers are furthermore implicated in the strong sentiment of privacy and information security seen in demi-humans. The Veilkeepers of Offetstine are also recognized as responsible for the popularization of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/End-to-end_encryption end-to-end encryption] in the Coalition and Ringleaders in the form of [[CREST]], again through the same methodology, preventing more typical means of communications vulnerable to surveillance from arising. From the perspective of the respective organizations, there is no noted difference aside from the successful and widely accepted solution usually being the one which enables the Masquerade the most readily.

	== Culture ==		== Culture ==

	Veilkeepers are often entirely willing to ~~allow~~ individual encounters between humans and demi-humans ~~slide~~, in part because it would be a meticulous ordeal to strike every such happening from the historical record, and partly because it is broadly understood that exposure to the demi-human world on a per-person basis is not antithetical to the spirit of the Masquerade. This belief is especially pertinent in the Veilkeepers of Offetstine, where their leader [[Clarise Ledford]] was herself a human married to a werewolf before being indoctrinated into the organization. This belief usually goes hand in hand with [[magical epistemology]], the belief that magic and mundane science have an inherent duty to benefit each other even if they cannot overtly communicate.		Veilkeepers are often entirely willing to permit individual encounters between humans and demi-humans, in part because it would be a meticulous ordeal to strike every such happening from the historical record, and partly because it is broadly understood that exposure to the demi-human world on a per-person basis is not antithetical to the spirit of the Masquerade. This belief is especially pertinent in the Veilkeepers of Offetstine, where their leader [[Clarise Ledford]] was herself a human married to a werewolf before being indoctrinated into the organization. This belief usually goes hand in hand with [[magical epistemology]], the belief that magic and mundane science have an inherent duty to benefit each other even if they cannot overtly communicate.

	Veilkeepers often show a caring and motherly disposition to humans and demi-humans alike. Some branches of the Veilkeepers go so far as to formalize the filial relationship between them and their subjects, addressing human populations regularly as their "children".		Veilkeepers often show a caring and motherly disposition to humans and demi-humans alike. Some branches of the Veilkeepers go so far as to formalize the filial relationship between them and their subjects, addressing human populations regularly as their "children".

	The color blue is symbolically important to most branches of the Veilkeepers. Following the original creation myth, it is stated that the witch who was initially responsible for the Masquerade had vibrant blue eyes. However, the veracity of this claim is disputed, as the myth is largely held as fiction to begin with. Many branches of the Veilkeepers that operate out of a corporate front often prescribe blue uniforms, including the Veilkeepers of Offetstine.		The color blue is symbolically important to most branches of the Veilkeepers. Following the original creation myth, it is stated that the witch who was initially responsible for the Masquerade had vibrant blue eyes. However, the veracity of this claim is disputed, as the myth is largely held as fiction to begin with. Many branches of the Veilkeepers that operate out of a corporate front often prescribe blue uniforms, including the Veilkeepers of Offetstine.

Discord-317484070127009793: fix typos

2023-07-18T04:17:36Z

fix typos

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:17, 18 July 2023
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	The Veilkeepers of Offetstine generally worked closely with the [[Coalition]], and presently with the [[Ringleaders]], both criminal organizations that focus on the importance of the Masquerade to facilitate their respective goals. Both organizations cite the importance of protecting the Masquerade in allowing them to continue to rule from the shadows. While Ledford has personally opposed this move, citing the unintended consequences of allying with criminal organizations, the move has previously been reinforced as despite the threat the organization poses, the actual Veilkeepers branch lacks power on its own to safely effect its influence.		The Veilkeepers of Offetstine generally worked closely with the [[Coalition]], and presently with the [[Ringleaders]], both criminal organizations that focus on the importance of the Masquerade to facilitate their respective goals. Both organizations cite the importance of protecting the Masquerade in allowing them to continue to rule from the shadows. While Ledford has personally opposed this move, citing the unintended consequences of allying with criminal organizations, the move has previously been reinforced as despite the threat the organization poses, the actual Veilkeepers branch lacks power on its own to safely effect its influence.

	To this extent, the Coalition and later Ringleaders frequently engage in "cleanup", the task of ensuring rogue demi-humans and mages do not leave behind overt traces of their nature in otherwise human ~~establsihments~~. Notable figures in the demi-human community have received direct consultation from Coalition or Ringleaders members in the past, including [[Eliza Teak]], vampire and founder of [[Eliza Teak#Sophos_International\|Sophos International]]. The agreement between these organizations and the Veilkeepers is not overt; in fact, most members of the Coalition and Ringleaders remain unaware of the existence of the Veilkeepers. However, it is argued that it is through external influence that the foremost ideology in these organizations is to uphold the Masquerade rather than to fight it.		To this extent, the Coalition and later Ringleaders frequently engage in "cleanup", the task of ensuring rogue demi-humans and mages do not leave behind overt traces of their nature in otherwise human establishments. Notable figures in the demi-human community have received direct consultation from Coalition or Ringleaders members in the past, including [[Eliza Teak]], vampire and founder of [[Eliza Teak#Sophos_International\|Sophos International]]. The agreement between these organizations and the Veilkeepers is not overt; in fact, most members of the Coalition and Ringleaders remain unaware of the existence of the Veilkeepers. However, it is argued that it is through external influence that the foremost ideology in these organizations is to uphold the Masquerade rather than to fight it.

	== History ==		== History ==
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	=== Creation myth ===		=== Creation myth ===

	As per the myth, in approximately the third century BC, a relatively powerful human witch adopted and cared for a number of demi-human children. While the group was ultimately benevolent and harmless, they faced ~~contiued~~ antagonism from the local people citing prior encounters with more vengeant demi-humans. (Depending on the specific version of the tale, these vengeant demi-humans are usually cited to be [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rakshasa rakshasa] or, more abstractly and especially in western iterations, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ogre ogres].)		As per the myth, in approximately the third century BC, a relatively powerful human witch adopted and cared for a number of demi-human children. While the group was ultimately benevolent and harmless, they faced continued antagonism from the local people citing prior encounters with more vengeant demi-humans. (Depending on the specific version of the tale, these vengeant demi-humans are usually cited to be [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rakshasa rakshasa] or, more abstractly and especially in western iterations, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ogre ogres].)

	Due to the persecution increasingly endangering her family, the witch grew isolated from the local human population and, eventually, unable to resist it much longer and adamant on protecting her children, used her power to separate local mundane and magic civilization. Again, the exact fate of the witch or her children vary by version. While the effect was initially local, it spread over the course of centuries to most corners of the world through the [[Will of the People]]. Rather than being upheld by nature itself, nature called upon people to uphold the nascent Masquerade, and they dubbed themselves the Veilkeepers.		Due to the persecution increasingly endangering her family, the witch grew isolated from the local human population and, eventually, unable to resist it much longer and adamant on protecting her children, used her power to separate local mundane and magic civilization. Again, the exact fate of the witch or her children vary by version. While the effect was initially local, it spread over the course of centuries to most corners of the world through the [[Will of the People]]. Rather than being upheld by nature itself, nature called upon people to uphold the nascent Masquerade, and they dubbed themselves the Veilkeepers.

Discord-317484070127009793: tentatively revise to help clarity, as to the fact the Masquerade was not instant, and that the Coalition/Ringleaders had their hand in upholding it

2023-07-18T04:07:44Z

tentatively revise to help clarity, as to the fact the Masquerade was not instant, and that the Coalition/Ringleaders had their hand in upholding it

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:07, 18 July 2023
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	The '''Veilkeepers of Offetstine''' are the respective branch of the network in the [[Greater Offetstine Area]], headquartered in [[Offetstine]]. They are led by [[Clarise Ledford]], a human mother who was first introduced to the demi-human world through her husband, a werewolf. In order to operate effectively in the otherwise treacherous environment created by [[Criminal organizations\|gang warfare]] in Offetstine, they maintain a corporate front nominally focused on stock trading. Many other branches of the Veilkeepers are comparatively more subversive or grassroots.		The '''Veilkeepers of Offetstine''' are the respective branch of the network in the [[Greater Offetstine Area]], headquartered in [[Offetstine]]. They are led by [[Clarise Ledford]], a human mother who was first introduced to the demi-human world through her husband, a werewolf. In order to operate effectively in the otherwise treacherous environment created by [[Criminal organizations\|gang warfare]] in Offetstine, they maintain a corporate front nominally focused on stock trading. Many other branches of the Veilkeepers are comparatively more subversive or grassroots.

			The Veilkeepers of Offetstine generally worked closely with the [[Coalition]], and presently with the [[Ringleaders]], both criminal organizations that focus on the importance of the Masquerade to facilitate their respective goals. Both organizations cite the importance of protecting the Masquerade in allowing them to continue to rule from the shadows. While Ledford has personally opposed this move, citing the unintended consequences of allying with criminal organizations, the move has previously been reinforced as despite the threat the organization poses, the actual Veilkeepers branch lacks power on its own to safely effect its influence.

			To this extent, the Coalition and later Ringleaders frequently engage in "cleanup", the task of ensuring rogue demi-humans and mages do not leave behind overt traces of their nature in otherwise human establsihments. Notable figures in the demi-human community have received direct consultation from Coalition or Ringleaders members in the past, including [[Eliza Teak]], vampire and founder of [[Eliza Teak#Sophos_International\|Sophos International]]. The agreement between these organizations and the Veilkeepers is not overt; in fact, most members of the Coalition and Ringleaders remain unaware of the existence of the Veilkeepers. However, it is argued that it is through external influence that the foremost ideology in these organizations is to uphold the Masquerade rather than to fight it.

	== History ==		== History ==
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	Due to the persecution increasingly endangering her family, the witch grew isolated from the local human population and, eventually, unable to resist it much longer and adamant on protecting her children, used her power to separate local mundane and magic civilization. Again, the exact fate of the witch or her children vary by version. While the effect was initially local, it spread over the course of centuries to most corners of the world through the [[Will of the People]]. Rather than being upheld by nature itself, nature called upon people to uphold the nascent Masquerade, and they dubbed themselves the Veilkeepers.		Due to the persecution increasingly endangering her family, the witch grew isolated from the local human population and, eventually, unable to resist it much longer and adamant on protecting her children, used her power to separate local mundane and magic civilization. Again, the exact fate of the witch or her children vary by version. While the effect was initially local, it spread over the course of centuries to most corners of the world through the [[Will of the People]]. Rather than being upheld by nature itself, nature called upon people to uphold the nascent Masquerade, and they dubbed themselves the Veilkeepers.

	Demi-humans who travelled and traded on the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silk_Road Silk Road] vied particularly for the Masquerade, and by about 300 AD the Masquerade was present across the majority of Europe and Asia. Over time and with increased global trade, it became a global phenomenon, though, all the while, entirely unbeknownst to humans. ~~With~~ it, many more branches of the Veilkeepers appeared across the world, and their culture as an organization developed primarily during this period.		Demi-humans who travelled and traded on the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silk_Road Silk Road] vied particularly for the Masquerade, and by about 300 AD the Masquerade was present across the majority of Europe and Asia. Over time and with increased global trade, it became a global phenomenon, though, all the while, entirely unbeknownst to humans. Many regions were initially resistant to the Masquerade, although it usually spread along with the introduction of writing. This is usually attributed to the notion that, as written communication posed the greatest threat to the Masquerade, it carried the strongest form of the magic with it.

			As the Masquerade spread, many more branches of the Veilkeepers appeared across the world, and their culture as an organization developed primarily during this period. The specific ideology of each branch of the Veilkeepers derives from when they adopted the Masquerade, and under what circumstance. For instance, branches in England generally focus primarily on written communication and ally with local organizations, often of criminal nature, such as the [[Coalition]] to prevent rogue demi-humans and mages from outing their existence. Branches in the region generally make liberal use of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propaganda propaganda] to further the importance of demi-human and magic [[Magic#Secrecy\|secrecy]].

	=== Modern effects ===		=== Modern effects ===

Discord-317484070127009793: initial

2023-05-15T02:31:59Z

initial

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:31, 15 May 2023
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	Members of the Veilkeepers are usually indoctrinated through the [[Will of the People\|Will of the People]], specifically that of local Veilkeepers branches. While some branches operate on a global scale and attempt to regulate information pathways and telecommunications networks such as radio and internet communications, most branches operate locally with the stated goal of protecting the demi-human populations of individual districts. New Veilkeepers usually awaken to their powers and duties in a spontaneous moment, and are further introduced to their responsibilities when contacted by members of their respective branch.		Members of the Veilkeepers are usually indoctrinated through the [[Will of the People\|Will of the People]], specifically that of local Veilkeepers branches. While some branches operate on a global scale and attempt to regulate information pathways and telecommunications networks such as radio and internet communications, most branches operate locally with the stated goal of protecting the demi-human populations of individual districts. New Veilkeepers usually awaken to their powers and duties in a spontaneous moment, and are further introduced to their responsibilities when contacted by members of their respective branch.

			{{Infobox company
			\|name=Veilkeepers of Offetstine
			\|cognomina=Veilkeepers
			\|logo=[[File:Veilkeepers logo.png]]
			\|industry=[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Financial_services Financial services] ''(front)''
			Maintaining the [[Masquerade]] ''(private)''
			\|owner=[[Clarise Ledford]]
			\|num_employees=Approx. 100 (<abbr title="circa">c.</abbr> 1998)
			}}

	The '''Veilkeepers of Offetstine''' are the respective branch of the network in the [[Greater Offetstine Area]], headquartered in [[Offetstine]]. They are led by [[Clarise Ledford]], a human mother who was first introduced to the demi-human world through her husband, a werewolf. In order to operate effectively in the otherwise treacherous environment created by [[Criminal organizations\|gang warfare]] in Offetstine, they maintain a corporate front nominally focused on stock trading. Many other branches of the Veilkeepers are comparatively more subversive or grassroots.		The '''Veilkeepers of Offetstine''' are the respective branch of the network in the [[Greater Offetstine Area]], headquartered in [[Offetstine]]. They are led by [[Clarise Ledford]], a human mother who was first introduced to the demi-human world through her husband, a werewolf. In order to operate effectively in the otherwise treacherous environment created by [[Criminal organizations\|gang warfare]] in Offetstine, they maintain a corporate front nominally focused on stock trading. Many other branches of the Veilkeepers are comparatively more subversive or grassroots.

Discord-317484070127009793: initial

2023-05-15T02:17:37Z

initial

New page

The '''Veilkeepers''' are a global organization of [[Magic|magically]] empowered and controlled beings, most often humans but occasionally [[Demi-human|demi-humans]], sworn to the protection of the human and demi-human communities alike, and responsible for maintaining the [[Masquerade]] Unlike other organizations in the world of Offetstine, the Veilkeepers were not formally instated nor have a traditional leadership structure; they are composed of a global, decentralized network of individuals who share the same magical powers and goals.

The Veilkeepers claim the power to selectively erase parts of history. The exact mechanism of their power is unclear even to veteran members of the organization, but it is nonetheless their hallmark ability. Upon erasing history, the world attempts to heal around the erased area, effectively allowing insurgent attempts by rogue mages and demi-humans, and unwary spectator humans, from disturbing the Masquerade. In the process, it often costs the Veilkeepers their own memory of the event, and as a result their bookkeeping is often lackluster at best.

Members of the Veilkeepers are usually indoctrinated through the [[Will of the People|Will of the People]], specifically that of local Veilkeepers branches. While some branches operate on a global scale and attempt to regulate information pathways and telecommunications networks such as radio and internet communications, most branches operate locally with the stated goal of protecting the demi-human populations of individual districts. New Veilkeepers usually awaken to their powers and duties in a spontaneous moment, and are further introduced to their responsibilities when contacted by members of their respective branch.

The '''Veilkeepers of Offetstine''' are the respective branch of the network in the [[Greater Offetstine Area]], headquartered in [[Offetstine]]. They are led by [[Clarise Ledford]], a human mother who was first introduced to the demi-human world through her husband, a werewolf. In order to operate effectively in the otherwise treacherous environment created by [[Criminal organizations|gang warfare]] in Offetstine, they maintain a corporate front nominally focused on stock trading. Many other branches of the Veilkeepers are comparatively more subversive or grassroots.

== History ==

Little is known about the exact history of the Veilkeepers, although one common origin myth is largely accepted by individuals both in and out of the organization who are aware of its existence. As the myth is propagated primarily by oral tradition, several variations on the tale exist, but common threads exist between all iterations of the story. The exact location of the story is unknown, although it is often posited to have taken place in modern-day [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India India] or [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China China].

=== Creation myth ===

As per the myth, in approximately the third century BC, a relatively powerful human witch adopted and cared for a number of demi-human children. While the group was ultimately benevolent and harmless, they faced contiued antagonism from the local people citing prior encounters with more vengeant demi-humans. (Depending on the specific version of the tale, these vengeant demi-humans are usually cited to be [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rakshasa rakshasa] or, more abstractly and especially in western iterations, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ogre ogres].)

Due to the persecution increasingly endangering her family, the witch grew isolated from the local human population and, eventually, unable to resist it much longer and adamant on protecting her children, used her power to separate local mundane and magic civilization. Again, the exact fate of the witch or her children vary by version. While the effect was initially local, it spread over the course of centuries to most corners of the world through the [[Will of the People]]. Rather than being upheld by nature itself, nature called upon people to uphold the nascent Masquerade, and they dubbed themselves the Veilkeepers.

Demi-humans who travelled and traded on the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silk_Road Silk Road] vied particularly for the Masquerade, and by about 300 AD the Masquerade was present across the majority of Europe and Asia. Over time and with increased global trade, it became a global phenomenon, though, all the while, entirely unbeknownst to humans. With it, many more branches of the Veilkeepers appeared across the world, and their culture as an organization developed primarily during this period.

=== Modern effects ===

The Masquerade is an often frowned-upon aspect of the history of the world of Offetstine, even from within the membership of the Veilkeepers. However, as the Veilkeepers are magically bound to their duty, they do not as individuals have the power to release the Masquerade. Some scholars argue the Masquerade is a consequence of a broader tradition of demi-human isolationism, disregarding the common origin story. While the Masquerade arguably accomplishes its stated purpose of protecting demi-humans, it is often considered overwrought and tyrannical even by demi-humans and Veilkeepers.

Some analysts suggest the Masquerade has limited the scope of scientific and technological progress in Offetstine, by preventing advancements in the world of magic from tricking back to the world of mundane science. Furthermore, many analysts suggest the Masquerade has exacerbated the fundamental problem of discrimination and fearmongering about demi-human populations, and prevented humans from coming to terms with the world exactly as it is.

== Culture ==

Veilkeepers are often entirely willing to allow individual encounters between humans and demi-humans slide, in part because it would be a meticulous ordeal to strike every such happening from the historical record, and partly because it is broadly understood that exposure to the demi-human world on a per-person basis is not antithetical to the spirit of the Masquerade. This belief is especially pertinent in the Veilkeepers of Offetstine, where their leader [[Clarise Ledford]] was herself a human married to a werewolf before being indoctrinated into the organization. This belief usually goes hand in hand with [[magical epistemology]], the belief that magic and mundane science have an inherent duty to benefit each other even if they cannot overtly communicate.

Veilkeepers often show a caring and motherly disposition to humans and demi-humans alike. Some branches of the Veilkeepers go so far as to formalize the filial relationship between them and their subjects, addressing human populations regularly as their "children".

The color blue is symbolically important to most branches of the Veilkeepers. Following the original creation myth, it is stated that the witch who was initially responsible for the Masquerade had vibrant blue eyes. However, the veracity of this claim is disputed, as the myth is largely held as fiction to begin with. Many branches of the Veilkeepers that operate out of a corporate front often prescribe blue uniforms, including the Veilkeepers of Offetstine.