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The Hidden [Prestige Class]

History

The Empire of Kar-thone was founded upon the principles of honesty, openness, and trust. But the first Emperor, Daran the Keen, knew that other places were not. He realized that to maintain the safety of his newly forged nation, his fledgling government would need to be able to deal effectively in the subtle arts. And thus, over time he drew together those to whom stealth and guile were second nature. He chose only men of character, however, and so the Imperial Legion was formed. These men advised him in the ways of misdirection and subterfuge, and never again was Kar-thone caught unaware by an untrustworthy ally.

That is all the Imperial Legion, an ENTIRE DIVISION of the Kar-thonian government, gets in Bartumnus’ Imperial Primer , the most widely used textbook in the Empire. What’s worse, this is a big improvement! Twenty years ago, no one would even admit that there was such a division. And still, this is only a half of the smallest kernel of the truth.

If you were smart, you would ask questions.

"But who was still around at this time that would mandate such an organization? "

Excellent question, faithful reader! Those who maintain the power in this land would have you believe that there was no one ­ that Daran and his troupe of hearty souls came prancing out of the north, met some Jolly Olde Barbarians, and then spent the rest of their lives basking next to Ynis Glas and eating Saelean shrimps. This is, alas, a misconception.

In fact, things were very tense for quite some time after the Empire was initially founded. What did you expect? After the initial rush of freedom wore off, people began to get testy. And tired. Daran’s group spent several years wandering south from the ruins of Kaeron civilization (Bartumnus has it at 6 months, I believe). During this time, harsh words were exchanged. People’s tempers flared. Enemies were made.

When all the running was finally finished, and it was time to divide up the new lands, things became even more divided and hostile along racial lines. The elves believed that they should get far more land allotted to them. The dwarves thought that they should be given control of the whole of the Empire’s underworld. The humans believed that, as they were the leaders of the resistance, and as they outnumbered all the other races three-to-one, they could do what they bloody well wanted. History does not show what the halflings and gnomes thought. It probably involved lunch.

From this volatile situation, Daran Kar-thone learned something. (He was not called Daran the Keen for nothing! According to Colanx Ursulan’s personal journal, the First Emperor was a man of dizzying intellect as well as physical strength and presence). What he learned was that he needed more people like himself. Of all his men, it was said only he could keep his wits about him when the Saedhe ambassador Shal’que’shahar came to the negotiating table.

It is from THIS volatile situation that what was to be known as the Imperial Legion was formed.

Next Question.

"But why would the Empire try to hide this from us? Why would they lie? "

Most excellent question indeed! It is simple, really. The best sort of lie is one that is disguised as a secret. If someone thinks that you don’t want them to know something, they will believe it, no matter how outrageous.

The Imperial Legion has nothing to do with national security, and national security should count itself lucky. The IL is rather sad, really. Not a single one has any idea what their true contribution to their country really is.

I assume that since you are still reading this, you would like to know more.

You ARE being watched, you know.

Look behind you.

Slowly.

Description

The Hidden are a secret organization affiliated with the Imperial Seat of Kar-thone. They operate independently of regular government channels, and answer only to the Emperor himself. Though their primary goal is to promote the interests of the Empire, they have also been tasked with watchdogging those who run it, and are authorized to take action against government officials if they deem it necessary. As a result, only the Emperor and a trusted few know the list of its members.

Scattered throughout the various kingdoms, the Hidden keep the Emperor abreast of all the news from across land. It is rumored that he has agents hidden among the thieves’ guilds, and even in the gangs of Mellik itself!

The Hidden are so called because that single word describes everything that they are. When one joins, (and the Hidden accept new members by invitation only), one becomes Hidden. Often, after her training is complete, the initiate is required to sever all ties with her former life. If she has relatives within the ranks of the Hidden, she is sent far away from her family, and they are not told where she is. She becomes a secret weapon, and can be called upon at a moment’s notice to perform her duties from behind anonymity’s shroud.

Or, conversely, the group sometimes approaches heroes of renown, champions of good, and offers them membership. When such a person becomes Hidden, however, they cannot disappear. Instead, they are compelled to keep their newfound allegiance a secret (giving the group powerful members, and the ever-powerful element of surprise). Thus, it is quite possible for several different Hidden to be operating in a single city at the same time, without any of them being aware of one another.

At least initially.

The membership of the Hidden is made up of the best and brightest the Empire has to offer. When they think they have a candidate for membership, someone will be assigned to watch that individual for days, often setting up small challenges then evaluating the ways in which the problems are dealt with. If the performance is satisfactory, they are approached anonymously, (usually with a bit of dramatic flair), and are made an offer. If they refuse, the offer is never made again.

If it is accepted, the individual is taken into the group and begins his training. Perfected over generations, the Hidden teach to their charges social, mental and physical disciplines designed to take advantage of the extraordinary intellect that is the earmark of an agent. Once his training is complete, an agent can perform in the tensest of situations with calmness and precision.

Cold, deadly precision.

Requirements

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