Not to be confused with Cloaked Brothers.
"Do we keep an eye on the Emperor? Yes, that is why we shroud him in our cloak. Does he know we do this? No, his court has many eyes and ears under our shroud. This cloak means we have access all over the Imperial Palace and all the palaces of the Reikland, though we never need go there. We have information about the highest ranks of nobility and we have knowledge of the Emperor’s activities and most intimate details. We find it very useful indeed. Oh, you mean protect the Emperor! Yes, of course, we do that, too."
- —Gavius Klugge, Grey Wizard, discussing The Cloak.
The Cloak is a small shadowy group within the Grey College that offers its protection to any who can afford it. If a moneyed personage thinks his life is threatened by magical (or worse) forces, he might also learn about the secretive order of wizards that can keep him from danger. Very few others even get to hear of this band of magical bodyguards and its existence is considered little more than rumour even among the other Colleges. But a number of wealthy nobles and merchants from across the Reikland and beyond pay handsomely for the protection of the Cloak.[1a]
But for such excellent security each client of the Cloak must pay with more than money. In order to guarantee their safety, the Cloak in turn demands to know the secrets and private dealings of its clients. And by this method the Cloak, and therefore the Grey College, gains ever more knowledge and influence.[1a]
Because of the nature of the organisation, and the smoke and mirrors required to perform its function, even wizards of the Cloak are not always aware of other wizards of the Cloak and those who might be under its protection. Rumours abound about the Cloak within the Grey College itself. Some think Gavius Klugge to be an officer within its ranks, but that is almost certainly untrue.[1a]
What is sure, though, is that information gleaned from the activities of the group finds its way into the highest echelons of the Grey College and offers important information that helps shape the dealings of the College.[1a]
What is also clear is that the Cloak is actually an effective and competent group that can deliver on what it promises. Members take their duties seriously and will lay down their life to protect a client because of their loyalty to their colleagues and because, however shrouded in mystery and intrigue, the reputation of the College is at stake.[1a]