The Hidden Ones
In the depths of secrecy and darkness, the Hidden Ones emerge as an elusive and chilling congregation of assassins, devoted followers of the dread deity Revani, the implacable goddess of death. Cloaked in shadows and driven by an unholy devotion, this clandestine order is tasked with enacting ruthless vengeance upon those who have earned the icy touch of fate, offering their lethal services in exchange for a sinister currency: blood-stained coin.
Within their hidden sanctuaries, the atmosphere is suffused with an eerie and morbid aura. Cryptic symbols etched into stone walls depict scenes of mortality and decay, a chilling homage to the deity they revere. Dimly lit corridors wind through the labyrinthine catacombs, each twist and turn seemingly leading deeper into the heart of the abyss. The air is heavy with the scent of incense, a scent often associated with death and ritual.
Adorned in macabre attire that mirrors their devotion, the assassins of the Hidden Ones are a chilling sight to behold. Their garments, a mix of shadowy black and deep crimson, are adorned with bone and skull motifs, an unsettling homage to their grim purpose. Strapped to their forms are an array of implements designed to expedite death: daggers honed to razor-sharp perfection, poisoned darts, and sinister contraptions concealed beneath flowing robes.
Hierarchy within the Hidden Ones is an elaborate dance of power and devotion. The Cryptmaster, a figure shrouded in mystery and draped in ceremonial vestments, stands as both spiritual guide and master tactician. Initiates seeking entrance into the order undergo a series of harrowing trials, emerging from each ordeal with a newfound understanding of the goddess's implacable will. Upon acceptance, they are marked with a deathly sigil, signifying their eternal servitude to Revani's grim cause.
Contracts, transmitted through darkly encrypted channels, arrive as ominous missives bearing the names of those destined for the cold embrace of death. The targets are often individuals who have eluded the grasp of justice or escaped the retribution of the aggrieved. As avatars of doom, the Hidden Ones carry out their lethal assignments with calculated precision, embodying the very essence of the goddess they worship.
Though they are sinister zealots, the Hidden Ones are not bereft of strategy. They are consummate professionals, orchestrating elaborate schemes to eliminate their targets, often exploiting their victim's darkest fears and vulnerabilities. In the aftermath of each grim execution, a whispered legend takes root, attributing the demise to the unseen hand of the Hidden Ones, ensuring that the fear of their dreaded presence continues to spread.
In the realm of shadows, where life and death converge, the Hidden Ones stand as devoted disciples of the goddess Revani, exacting her merciless will with chilling expertise. They traverse the precipice between the living and the eternal abyss, embodying the specter of death itself. As agents of vengeful retribution, they epitomize the inexorable cycle of mortality, a constant reminder that no soul is beyond the grasp of Revani's embrace.
Structure
The hierarchy of the Hidden Ones is a structured and intricate system designed to maintain order, devotion, and the efficient execution of their grim tasks.
Cryptmaster:
The enigmatic and revered leader of the Hidden Ones, the Cryptmaster serves as both the spiritual guide and the ultimate authority within the organization. Cloaked in ominous robes and adorned with symbols of death, the Cryptmaster is a figure of awe and fear, holding the divine connection to Revani herself. Their decrees are considered unquestionable, and their decisions shape the destiny of the order.Reapers of the Veil:
The elite inner circle of the Hidden Ones, the Reapers of the Veil are the highest-ranking assassins who have proven their devotion, skill, and loyalty over time. They carry out the most critical and challenging assignments, often involving high-profile or heavily guarded targets. Reapers of the Veil also play a role in mentoring and training the lower ranks, ensuring the continuity of the organization's legacy.Deathshadows:
The core body of experienced assassins within the Hidden Ones, the Deathshadows are responsible for executing the majority of contracts. They have honed their skills to lethal perfection and possess an innate understanding of the art of death. Deathshadows often operate in pairs or small groups, allowing them to leverage teamwork and strategic coordination to ensure the success of their missions.Veilstalkers:
The next tier of assassins, the Veilstalkers are skilled operatives who have proven their worth through successful missions and unwavering dedication. They are entrusted with contracts of varying complexity, ranging from high-risk targets to those of lesser importance. Veilstalkers undergo continual training and are encouraged to specialize in specific techniques, weaponry, or infiltration methods.Silentblade Initiates:
The entry-level members of the Hidden Ones, the Silentblade Initiates have demonstrated potential and commitment but lack the experience of their higher-ranking counterparts. Under the guidance of more seasoned members, they undergo rigorous training and undertake less complex contracts to prove their worth and devotion. Initiates are marked with the sigil of Revani upon acceptance.Shrouded Aspirants:
Aspiring members who have been selected for initiation into the order, Shrouded Aspirants undergo a series of grueling tests and trials to demonstrate their dedication and suitability. These trials are designed to push them to their limits, testing their physical prowess, mental fortitude, and ability to embrace the darkness. Successful completion leads to their acceptance as Silentblade Initiates.Oracles of Shadows:
Within the culture of the Hidden Ones, there are revered individuals known as Oracles of Shadows. These seers are believed to possess the ability to commune with Revani herself, receiving cryptic visions and prophecies. Oracles guide the order's actions, interpreting signs and omens from the goddess and ensuring that her will is carried out through their deadly endeavors.The Weeping Scribe:
A unique role within the Hidden Ones, the Weeping Scribe is responsible for chronicling the deeds and legends of the order. This individual maintains the records of assassinations, histories of fallen members, and the sacred texts that detail the worship and philosophy of Revani. The Weeping Scribe ensures that the legacy of the Hidden Ones endures, even as individual members come and go. This hierarchical structure fosters a sense of purpose, loyalty, and discipline among the members of the Hidden Ones. Each level serves a specific role in the organization's operations, and advancement is achieved through a combination of skill, experience, and unwavering devotion to the goddess Revani and her unrelenting quest for vengeance.Culture
The eerie and somber culture reflects the reverence for death as both a spiritual force and a method of retribution, shaping their rituals, practices, and beliefs into a haunting mosaic of the forbidden.
Death Rites and Communion:
The Hidden Ones view death as a sacred passage and a direct connection to their goddess. They conduct elaborate death rites to honor fallen members, complete with somber processions, mournful dirges, and symbolic offerings to Revani. The dead are laid to rest in crypts adorned with intricate carvings depicting scenes of mortality, ensuring that even in death, they remain within the embrace of the order.Veil of Silence:
Silence is a revered aspect of the Hidden Ones' culture. Members communicate primarily through gestures, whispers, and coded symbols, fostering an atmosphere of introspection and mystery. Conversations are conducted in hushed tones, their words carried like secrets on the wind, reinforcing the notion that the true power of the order lies hidden within the shadows.Deathly Attire:
The attire of the Hidden Ones is a reflection of their devotion and their macabre connection to death. Members don robes adorned with symbols of mortality, such as skeletal motifs, shrouds, and skull ornaments. Black and deep crimson dominate their wardrobe, echoing the darkness that envelops their actions. Each member wears a death mask during rituals, representing their unity with the eternal void.Art of Poison and Decay:
The Hidden Ones possess a deep understanding of poisons, toxins, and decay. They revere these elements as embodiments of Revani's power, using them in their assassinations and rituals. Poison is considered an intimate form of connection with their goddess, a method by which they release her vengeance upon the world. The order's alchemical expertise is both feared and respected.Sculptors of Death:
To further honor their goddess, the Hidden Ones are skilled in the art of mortuary sculpture. They craft intricate and hauntingly lifelike effigies of the deceased, which serve as both memorials and reflections of their mastery over life's transience. These sculptures are often displayed in their sanctuaries, where they bear silent witness to the order's solemn devotion.Eclipse Ceremonies:
The Hidden Ones hold Eclipse Ceremonies during lunar eclipses, a time they believe the veil between the mortal realm and the afterlife is thinnest. These ceremonies involve elaborate rituals, including chanting ancient incantations, donning ritualistic attire, and performing symbolic acts of sacrifice to evoke Revani's presence. It is during these eerie moments that the members feel closest to their goddess.Oracles of Shadows:
Within the culture of the Hidden Ones, there are revered individuals known as Oracles of Shadows. These seers are believed to possess the ability to commune with Revani herself, receiving cryptic visions and prophecies. Oracles guide the order's actions, interpreting signs and omens from the goddess and ensuring that her will is carried out through their deadly endeavors. The macabre culture of the Hidden Ones is a reflection of their unswerving dedication to the goddess Revani and her embodiment of death's inevitability. In their rituals, attire, and beliefs, they embrace the darkness and decay that define their existence, seeking to bring the power of death to bear upon those who have evaded justice and earned the goddess's wrath.Public Agenda
To the outside world, the Hidden Ones present themselves as dedicated practitioners of cultural preservation and the arts of funerary rituals. They claim to be guardians of ancient traditions, meticulously documenting and restoring burial sites, monuments, and mortuary sculptures. They promote the importance of maintaining ancestral legacies and preserving the memory of the departed, portraying themselves as a solemn and respectful group.
History
he history of the Hidden Ones is one shrouded in darkness, mystery, and a twisted sense of devotion. Founded in the year 199 PD as an offshoot of the Angels of Death, a group that embraced the concept of death as a means of liberation, the Hidden Ones emerged from the depths of Serinon, a gloomy city veiled in perpetual twilight. Their origins and subsequent evolution weave a tale of sinister transformation and unwavering dedication.
Foundation and Separation (199 PD - 201 PD): The Hidden Ones were born from a schism within the Angels of Death. A faction of the latter, led by a charismatic and enigmatic figure known as the First Veil, began to diverge from the core tenets of the original group. This faction believed that the worship of death should transcend mere mindless killing and instead be harnessed as a tool of retribution. Discontent with the direction of the Angels of Death, they established the Hidden Ones as a separate entity within the grim alleys and hidden corners of Serinon.
Embrace of Revani and the Cult of Vengeance (202 PD - 210 PD): With the establishment of their new order, the Hidden Ones turned their devotion from Yxtarr towards the goddess Revani, a deity known for her association with vengeance and the inexorable march of death. The First Veil, a deeply charismatic leader, claimed to have experienced a divine revelation that guided them towards this path. The cult of Revani became central to the Hidden Ones' philosophy, molding them into avatars of vengeance and enforcers of divine retribution.
Expansion and Influence (211 PD - 220 PD): Over the next decade, the Hidden Ones expanded their reach beyond the confines of Serinon to the corners of Idorin. Their reputation for delivering swift and unrelenting justice garnered them a network of connections, both allies and those who dared not oppose them. Through skillful manipulation of rumors and legends, they cultivated an aura of fear, ensuring their reputation as relentless agents of death spread throughout the realm.
The Veiled Eclipse (221 PD - 230 PD): A defining moment in the Hidden Ones' history was the "Veiled Eclipse." During a rare astronomical event where the moon's shadow engulfed the sun, the order conducted a grand ceremony in the heart of Serinon. This eerie spectacle was witnessed by many, and rumors of dark rituals and ominous chants swirled around the event. The Veiled Eclipse solidified their presence and further embedded them in the city's history.
Infiltration and Manipulation (231 PD - 240 PD): The Hidden Ones perfected the art of infiltration, using their public facade and seemingly benign agenda to influence various aspects of society. They insinuated themselves into scholarly circles, cultural institutions, and even charitable organizations, all the while continuing their shadowy work as assassins. This dual identity allowed them to manipulate events to their advantage, often orchestrating assassinations that aligned with their own objectives.
Unveiling and Ongoing Legacy (241 PD - Present): As the decades passed, the Hidden Ones' activities became increasingly difficult to conceal. Rumors and whispers of their true nature circulated, drawing the attention of both curious investigators and potential adversaries. Despite this, the Hidden Ones remained elusive, adept at maintaining their mystique and operating within the shadows. Their legacy continued to thrive, with each generation passing down their dark traditions, ensuring that the order endured as both a symbol of fear and an instrument of vengeance.
The history of the Hidden Ones is a testament to their ability to thrive amidst secrecy, manipulation, and unwavering devotion to their twisted ideals. From their inception as an offshoot of the Angels of Death to their emergence as enforcers of divine retribution, their story is one of darkness, intrigue, and a relentless pursuit of their sinister purpose.
Whispers in the Night, Echoes of Fear; We Embrace the Darkness, Demise Draws Near.
Founding Date
199
Type
Secret, Brotherhood
Alternative Names
The Disciples of Death
Predecessor Organization
Demonym
Mortuaries
Leader Title
Divines
Location
