The Brotherhood

The Five. The Brotherhood. We all know who they are. We all know they arrived in Perth unannounced, and were not turned away. We all know that they overthrew the old Prince Marius, a feat previously considered impossible. We all know that, despite fierce opposition from the court, they maintained their rule. We all know that they rule still. Yet, for all we know about the Brotherhood’s deeds, and despite the countless confrontations, the battles, the politics and the perpetual life-or-death intrigue, we still have very little idea how they achieved these ends.

The tools they employed were obvious of course. Boons, blackmail and disciplines no doubt played their part (just as likely, we presume well timed assassinations and frame jobs). The mystery is how they accomplished so much, with so little, in such a brief time. One thing is abundantly clear and universally agreed upon; the Brotherhood is exceptionally well informed.

Their methods and successes are far from the only enigma surrounding The Five. They rarely engage directly with Kindred that are not senior officers of their court. Each member is a mystery. Their clan, covenant and familial affiliations are the subject of constant speculation. Indeed, only three members of The Five have ever actually been seen by many of the cities Kindred at all. These two are unknown to such an extent that some dismiss their existence entirely. There have been confirmed sightings, but the circumstances surrounding these encounters are hazy, and often unreliable.

The Brotherhood has been five in number for as long as it has been known. Prince Kardyva, Seneschal Benedict and Sheriff Lanz are, although mysterious, all well known and active. The two remaining members of this enigmatic coterie are almost completely unknown. Some kindred claim to have seen them briefly, but insist they are always obscured by long black hooded robes. Other kindred claim they are complete fabrications; deliberate rumours, made to quash thoughts of rebellion and make The Brotherhood appear stronger than it actually is. There are vast amounts of speculation surrounding their identities and their part in The Brotherhoods ascendancy.

Rumours

• The final two exist, but have met final death. The living members still communicate with them.
• The final two are actually the secret rulers of The Brotherhood, the other three being mere pawns.
• The final two are active Kindred in the nomad lands, hidden in plain sight.
• The final two are kept locked away and released when things need to die.
• The final two do not exist at all.
• The final two are exceptionally potent, subordinate ghouls that gather information and undertake activities during the day.
• The final two possess unusual powers that cause them to be mostly forgotten soon after they are seen.
• The final two are in eclipse.
• Old Prince Marius is one of The Brotherhood.
• The final two are to record and watch the city, not interfere.
• The final two do not traverse the material realm.
• The final two are actually supernatural entities other than Kindred.
• The final two are empty positions in The Brotherhood, who are looking for recruits.
• The final two, are in fact far more numerous. Upwards of 200.