Members of the Cult of Illumination at worship of the Dark Gods.
The Cult of Illumination is a Chaos Cult dedicated to the service of the Chaos Gods Tzeentch and Slaanesh that secretly operates among the artists and politicians of the Empire.
Within the large cities of the Empire, groups gather to celebrate the various arts of music, literature, painting, sculpture, and architecture. Men and women demonstrate their works for each other in an innocuous fashion, purporting to serve the arts above all else. At the same time, sister groups of the influential and powerful gather to observe these great and secret concerts and offer patronage to their favourite artists. These groups work together on a public level to promote the beauty and pleasure the arts present to the people of the Old World. Yet their public face is only a thin mask hiding a much more sinister purpose.[1a]
The Cult of Illumination is an underground fraternal organization that works for the good of its members and the advancement of their lives and careers. This sect of enormously powerful individuals in both politics and the arts commit heinous acts worshiping the Dark Gods Tzeentch and Slaanesh. The cult works for clear purposes: power, money, and fame. Everyone in the innermost circle is well known to the Imperial public in their normal lives, but it is unknown to the majority of members who the Circle members are. Many members have risen to prominence in the Empire through the machinations of the Cult and those that openly oppose it rarely survive the experience. Within the cult's brotherhood are the aspiring, the famous, and the infamous of both the political world and the artistic world, combining efforts to raise the notoriety of all involved and to continue the legacy of the Cult.[1a]
The reach of this cult is Empire-wide, stretching between the cities of Altdorf, Nuln, and Talabheim. The destruction and constant fighting in Middenheim makes it an undesirable place for most artists. Smaller cities and seats of power throughout the Empire have come under the influence of this cult as well. Whilst brave warriors battle for good and right, these men and women of the Cult of Illumination fight only for their own egos and position within the Empire.[1a]
At the lowest levels of induction, the various branches of the cult are separate and unique. Members usually are led to believe they are joining a fraternal order that supports their chosen artistic profession. Both brotherhoods provide seed funds for campaigns and new projects. Higher up members of the political arm offer jobs to artists and famous artists support smaller campaigns. Over time, members who gain some bit of renown on their own are invited to move up in the organisation. Once the blasphemous nature of the cult is revealed, members are given the choice of worshipping the Dark Gods or becoming the next sacrifice. Nearly everyone bows down before their new masters.[1a]
Further up the fraternal ranks are a group of men who will do anything for power and fame. These individuals have taken that unforgivable step to become worshippers of two distinct Ruinous Powers: Tzeentch and Slaanesh. Politicians and merchants call upon Tzeentch to further their careers, twist intrigue in their own direction, and bring fate to their doorsteps. Singers, actors, and writers ask for Slaanesh's blessings to grant them aberrant talents and charm audiences into following their baser instincts and support the hedonistic acts they espouse as art.[1a]
Tzeentch -- the Lord of Change -- is worshipped for his blessings as Master of Fortune and the Great Conspirator. The politicians and public figures who turn to his service want nothing more than the power and money he can offer through his manipulation of others. Artists seek the blessings of Slaanesh to bring pleasure that their usually mediocre talents could never provide. Without the Dark Prince's unholy blessing, the blasphemous worshippers would most certainly starve in their roles as unsuccessful playwrights, bar musicians, and interior decorators.[1a]
Men and women are lured into the cult with promises of fellowship, brotherhood, and career advancement, but are ultimately led slowly to their doom at the hands of the Chaos Gods. Some never reach a level high enough to become more than hapless pawns at the hands of the more powerful. Some fail the test of will and become unwilling sacrifices to the Ruinous Powers. Others still step beyond their bounds and receive hideous mutations for their insolence. In the Cult of Illumination, only patience and caution can lead the self-serving to riches and glory. Those who fail in this are punished by the twisted hands of the Grand Illuminator himself and his Illuminate Guard.[1a]
In Altdorf, the Grand Union for the Fostering and Furtherance of Art, Rhetoric, Sciences, and Enterprices is an organisation which operates as a front for Cult of Illumination patronage.[2a]
History[]
Rumours abound as to the actual foundations of the Cult of Illumination, even among the high-ranking members. In truth, there are multiple versions of the Chaos Cult's founding history that serve to keep the shroud of constant mystery in place. The truth behind the legend is older than most imagine and begins with a singular, sinister individual: Constant Drachenfels.[1a]
The Great Enchanter Constant Drachenfels began the cult as a method of influencing others to his nefarious ends without direct interference. It was he who set the first Grand Illuminator Johannes Graumann in place. "The Grey," as he was often called, recruited the first Circle of the All-Seeing and brought a few key, hand-selected Imperial nobles into the fold of the cult.[1a]
Setting up the cult's base in Altdorf gave The Grey easy access to the nobility he desired to control. He found issue with convincing these low-level leaders that joining the cult was desirable and right. They found no direct gain for themselves and were loathe to hand over such control as the cult wished to anyone, let alone someone named The Grey. Johannes brought together his Circle and fashioned new, intermediary steps in which they could further deceive new members and eventually turn them towards the desires of Chaos.[1a]
Many in the Circle of All-Seeing knew the sway held by artists throughout both the lower and upper classes of the Empire and understood the important role that properly placed propaganda could take. With the addition of these new mouthpieces, the cult could recruit and control the fates of politicians, nobles, and the wealthy by singing their praises or by spreading vicious rumours and lies. Johannes' understanding of perception being reality brought noble recruits to him in droves to become a part of his new order. Soon enough, the Cult of Illumination had enough members to begin its true purpose: serve as an agent for Chaos in the Empire.[1a]
Patronage Cycle[]
Begun by the first Grand Illuminator Johannes Graumann early in the cult's development, the patronage cycle allows members to use one another for personal gain in a pleasant and altruistic manner. Wealthy nobles and merchants within the cult become patrons for painters, sculptors, writers, and musicians outside the cult. The more money spent in this manner, the happier the supported artists will be to sing the praises, so to speak, of their generous benefactor. Well-known artists and musicians within the cult compose works dedicated to up and coming nobles, exaggerating their prowess and importance. Having cultural works dedicated to oneself certainly increases one's standing among Imperial society's elite.[1a]
Through this cycle of money and power, new members are recruited into the cult. More money flows through the cult's coffers and more power comes into the hands of the Circle of the All-Seeing and the Grand Illuminator. Appropriate members can be culled in this fashion to shape the cult in the manner befitting its current needs. If more nobles are needed to round out the ranks, more artists are sent to fluff egos and recruit members and vice-versa.[1a]
Young nobles and artists often look to their elders for support and admire their achievements. More experienced members of the cult bring new students and protégées into the confines of the cult and the bright-eyed youngsters are eager to follow in their heroes' footsteps. The patronage system demands this of each and every member.[1a]
Members who do not recruit or support these endeavours will, at the least, never progress further. Those who continue to abuse the system by taking and never giving back occasionally disappear, their hearts lying as a midnight snack for the next Daemon summoned by the Order of the Star.[1a]
Punishment[]
Cult rules are rarely broken. Most members understand the consequences of being a part of a secret organisation by itself, let alone one with such a dark past. Punishment is dealt swiftly for violations. Any who reveal the basic secrets of the Cult of Illumination to non-members are usually fined a great deal. Members of the higher levels who reveal dark secrets are removed from the cult and from life itself. Most end up as sacrifices, but some are put on display as public signs of the cult's displeasure.[1a]
Assassination plots are inevitable in such a self-serving group, and the Grand Illuminator has had many attempts on his life. Those members of the Circle of the All-Seeing who dare to cross that boundary are cursed by the Grand Illuminator and usually fed whole to summoned Daemons. The cult's enforces, the Illuminate Guard, metes out any punishments requiring a mundane hand such as murder, mutilation, or other methods of corporal punishment. These violations crop up now and again, but one public execution usually quells such problems.[1a]
Structure[]
The Cult of Illumination is organised in a strict hierarchy beginning with the "Grand Illuminator" who sits in residence at the cult's main home in Altdorf. There are no public temples for the cult, nor are there any outward signs of the cult's singular purpose: the furthering of its members' own ambitions and goals above all others at any cost.[1a]
Beneath the Grand Illuminator are eleven "Prefects" of the Circle of the All-Seeing. The Circle elects new Prefects with input from the Grand Illuminator. The Grand Illuminator is always chosen by the Circle from amongst its own. The Grand Illuminator is the end authority on all matters related to the cult. Disobeying his will is to anger the Ruinous Powers worshipped by the cult's members and to incur the merciless wrath of the Grand Illuminator himself through his personal enforces, the "Illuminate Guard." The Circle is divided into quarters with governance over the cult members in the cities of the Empire in which the cult functions. Three Prefects oversee cult activities in Talabheim, three in Altdorf, three in Nuln, and the final two have influence in the camps of multiple Elector Counts.[1a]
The eleven Prefects and the Grand Illuminator are the only people who know the identity of each and every member of the Cult of Illumination. Close tabs are kept on potential recruits and even closer records are kept once the hapless pawns have sworn their allegiance. At a moment's notice the cult can call in innumerable favours and immediately discredit any member they deem to be in poor standing amongst the order.[1a]
After the scandal, the miserable wretch left behind is given a final opportunity to serve the Dark Gods to whom they swore fealty. Their sacrifice and public shame are more than enough to please Tzeentch and Slaanesh and to serve as an example for all other members who consider betraying the cult.[1a]
Membership[]
Cultists of the Cult of Illumination
Members move up the ranks of the cult through three separate orders that designate their status within the Cult of Illumination.
Unlit Candles[]
These members are the initiates of the cult who use its contacts and influence for modest personal gain. Their symbol is a silver candle, still whole with the wick intact. It is usually worn as a small pin on the lapel. Unlit Candles have no specific duties to the cult beyond paying an annual tithe -- usually a percentage of total earnings -- and attendance at various rituals throughout the calendar year. They generally see the cult as a way to further their own career through fraternal interaction.[1a]
Unlit Candles know of only three ranks above their own and have no knowledge of the existence of the Circle of the All-Seeing, the Illuminate Guard, or the Grand Illuminator himself. They are never exposed to the Chaos Sorcery or rituals performed by the Grand Master and his hidden superiors. The severe rhetoric of high-ranking members of the cult is never loosed upon the Unlit Candles so as to keep them in the dark about their selfish intentions. This keeps the rank and file members of the cult complacent in their roles and serves to raise the image of the cult amongst those in both the political and artistic community.[1a]
The Unlit Candles are split into two separate groups that only interact on High Ritual days. Members are recruited from two very different classes: artists and politicians. Many are recruited for their talent and potential but all have the element of desire within them. All desire fame, fortune, glory, and power, and will do what it takes to get them. The cult sees their ambition and brings them into its fold.[1a]
Artistic training is given by older members and the wealthy nobles donate money to support the various arts produced. This seed money is usually considered a gift to the cult itself so everyone stays in its good graces. Young, upstart politicians are taken under the wings of older, more experienced statesmen and are led along the necessary paths.[1a]
Well-to-do artists and musicians give campaign donations and gifts to these individuals allowing them to challenge authorities not under control of the cult. Most Unlit Candles never rise above this rank. They serve their time and are useful in their own manner, but never show the true talent for further progression. Some, however, desire more.[1a]
Beacons[]
Only about one-fourth of the Unlit Candles ever reach the next level of cult membership. These men and women are hand-selected and instructed in the ways of the cult. They still are given no indication of the cult's darker purposes. They are raised up to the status of Beacon through a secret ritual involving a blood oath of loyalty to the cult and everlasting fellowship to its members. The symbols used throughout the ritual are those of the Lord of Change, Tzeentch. Blood traced in his ever-altering symbols gives the cult more direct control over a person and their fate.[1a]
Beacons are marked by the symbol of a burning torch made from bronze. It is usually worn on a chain around the neck. They consider themselves to be the evangelisers of the Cult of Illumination and are charged with recruiting new members. The personal and financial commitment to the cult rises when one becomes a Beacon, and the members are usually more than happy to pay the cost. Beacons are more likely to be tapped for specific jobs within the cult and are more directly supported in their worldly endeavours.[1a]
Order of the Star[]
The third level of the Cult of Illumination is called the Order of the Star. Very few cult members make it this far. Perhaps one out of every ten is tapped to join the Order of the Star. These hand-selected members are the ones who show the most potential for growth and the most moral ambiguity on how they reach their goals. At a special ceremony in front of all the cult's members, twenty names each year are read out as nominees for the Order. They are called into a special session where they must stand a daylong vigil. At the end of the day they are brought before the entirety of the Order of the Star and shown the true nature of the cult.[1a]
They are shown the altars to Tzeentch and Slaanesh and told of the blood sacrifices that accompany the political and cultural accomplishments held by members. Each person individually must speak their choice: will they stay and join the Cult's inner circle or will they become the cult's next sacrifice to the Ruinous Powers.[1a]
The Order of the Star is represented by an eight-pointed star etched with a diamond in the centre. The star pin is made from pure gold and is worn on the left breast. Members of the Order are responsible for the day-to-day workings of the cult, recruitment of new Beacons, higher-level political manoeuvring, and furthering the cult's agenda. Many members of the Order of the Star choose to dedicate their lives to the cult itself and keep the cult's headquarters organised.[1a]
The Order is also responsible for the vast wealth of information gathered by and about the cult's members. A group within the Order keeps these records and uses valuable bits of information to their advantage. Any time a political rival needs to be ruined, the Order steps in. Whenever an Unlit Candle steps above their station, the Order pulls them back to the flock or humiliates and expels them.[1a]
Members of the Order of the Star who show particular aptitude are instructed in the lore of Chaos and aid in the secret rituals. Daemons are summoned at these rituals in order to show the intense power of the cult and prayers are made to both Tzeentch and Slaanesh for power and glory. Some gladly take on the risk of hideous mutation to gain these magical powers and influence over common men.[1a]
Those who do receive the dubious "blessings" of the Ruinous Powers are kept out of sight in the back rooms of the cult's Altdorf headquarters to keep their secrets safe. They are given life-long assignments and careful treatment by the cult as they are truly the blessed of the Lord of Change and the Prince of Chaos.[1a]
Grand Master[]
One man stands above the Order of the Star. He is the cult's Grand Master and he is the highest-ranking officer in the guild as far as the membership is concerned. He is selected by vote of the Order of the Star from amongst its members and he represents the perfect cult member. Shortly after rising to the position, the Grand Master is brought before the Circle of the All-Seeing and the Grand Illuminator himself. He is instructed as to his duties and his true role as a puppet in their hands. Once again, he is given the opportunity to refuse. Death does not await his refusal this time, however.[1a]
The powers of the Grand Illuminator allow him to control the minds of those weaker than himself and he gladly will do so to the Grand Master if need be. The Circle of the All-Seeing, the Illuminate Guard, and the Grand Illuminator are all members of a cult within the cult. They are the puppet-masters pulling the strings of members across the entire Empire. They pose as normal members of the Order of the Star and never show any open movement for more power. They seem content with their work inside the cult's headquarters. Their purpose is to keep the secret of the cult safe and secure at all costs.[1a]
This structure means that even under the direst of circumstances, the Grand Illuminator and the Circle of the All-Seeing could escape and begin the cult anew.[1a]
Careers[]
Since few cult members ever reach true career status within its confines, many other careers are desired by the cult leadership to strengthen the ranks. Many lower-ranked members among the political arm of the cult are burghers or nobles and most in the artistic wing are entertainers. Those further along the path to enlightenment through the cult are more often artisans, courtiers, guild masters, merchants, minstrels, noble lords, politicians, or stewards. Although the most-desired members are from these careers, others may be influenced by the cult to aid in completing one of the cult's goals.[1a]
Certain careers are wholly unwelcome in the Cult of Illumination. Any of the poorer, baser careers offered throughout the Empire leave little to desire for the upper-class cult members. Few nobles would care to be part of an organisation that allowed the lowly equal access. Agitators and demagogues are particularly despised by the cult leadership. The last thing the cult desires is a vocal proponent. Advertising the cult's very existence is against its rules and very nature. Having loud mouths shouting in the street would only peel off some of the layers of mystery, which could damage the very existence of the cult.[1a]
Cult Skills and Talents[]
Cult members are required to learn the secret symbols and their meanings used by the cult's members, and learn more the higher up in the cult's organisation they rise.[1a]
Notable Cult Members[]
Very few people realise the far reach of the Cult of Illumination in the Empire. The current Grand Illuminator is Klaus von Talber, an advisor to Duke Berndt Wechsler, a mid-level Noble Lord in Altdorf. Von Talber's constant influence and use of Chaos Sorcery have left him in virtual control of the duke's holdings. No one in the court cares much for Wechsler, but they find his advisor a calming sort who constantly reassures them to the duke's desires.[1a]
Among the followers of the Cult of Illumination, several notable figures emerge. Burgomeister Gerhard Rabe of Averswald, Guild Master Norbert Cullen of the Merchant's Guild in Altdorf, and the famed Tilean tenor Iacoppo Cento are all members of the Order of the Star. They have each given large donations to the cult and have risen greatly in prominence since joining.[1a]