Order of Whispers

" 'Wherever there be mages who bring the world to the brink, we shall be there.' A catchy enough mandate, but I wonder who polices the Order of Whispers from magical malfeasance." - from the journals of Old Jass

Structure

The organization has three levels of membership. Aspirants, Orderling, and Six. However, there is a fourth classification of member called Devoutee, which is described at the end of this section. Aspirants are those who are seeking initiation into the organization. They are tested rigorously, both in skill and loyalty. Those few who are allowed to enter will ascend to the rank of Orderling. Orderlings undergo the ritual of ascension which involves the swearing of oathes before the individuals mouth is stitched shut with course thread. The stitching of the mouth is a symbolic act that all of the Order's secrets will be kept. An orderling has access to most of the forbidden knowledge and history of the sect so that they can know what magics to look out for. Individuals at this rank are placed in communities to watch over and serve mages. Most mages will capitulate to employment of an Orderling so it appears as though they have nothing to hide. Also, and perhaps more importantly, access to a trained and skilled spellcaster can be invaluable in the researching efforts of many mages. An Orderling is to serve faithfully at their master's side unless they threaten the mandate of the Order of Whispers. Sixes are the highest rank within the order. As the name implies, there are only six individuals who can ascend to this rank at any time. They have full access to all of the lore and forbidden tomes that the organization has at the House of Whispers. They dictate where each Orderling will be placed and oversee the selection process of aspirants. While there technically are only three levels of membership, there is a fourth level which each Orderling and Six ascends to upon their death. Part of the oaths each member of this rank takes involves the submitting to undeath in service of the Order of Whispers for eternity. The Sixes claim all newly dead members and perform the necromantic rituals required to bring back their fallen comrades for perpetual, undead servitude. Dependent on the level of prestige within the organization, the member may come back as a mindless zombie or skeleton. However, if they were valued, loved, or had the correct political leverage, their return would be as a more powerful, sentient undead such as a vampire or revenant. No member of the Order of Whispers would ever come back as a lich as this is one of the forbidden magics that they seek to prevent.