Verdant Veil

The Verdant Veil is a terrorist group founded by the Kociak twins, Sasha and Sonya. It had its beginnings as a research project as the sisters were studying how industrialization effected the nature of the islands. They traveled all through the archipelago for years, speaking with tribal catfolk and rural villages that were suffering from the pollution produced by factories. Their project caught the interest of a handful of eco-conscious individuals. Together, they established an activist group known as the Sentinels of the Wild. The Sentinels put the problem with pollution front and center, exposing companies for their reckless behavior that endangered the local wildlife. They staged protests outside of the factories, refusing to leave even when their lives were threatened. Given the Kociak twins' connection to the queen of Basilla, they held sway with the Basillian Council, which they used to their advantage. The Sentinels of the Wild considered themselves guardians of nature, and therefore, they were also the guardians of their communities. Fearing that advances in medicine were actual lies to keep the public complacent, the Sentinels shunned mainstream medicine in favor of holistic remedies. With money needed to fund their cause, the group opened up small shops that offered enchanted trinkets that allegedly prevented most illnesses and dispelled curses. After Sasha and Sonya discovered records of a forgotten force of nature, they began to worship her with the hope that Kosenta would prevent further industrialization on Basilla. The goddess had been fading into obscurity within the Far Realms, but their attention was the spark that reawakened her. The Sentinels of the Wild began to adopt Kosenta's ideals on community and turning away from the luxuries of the modern world. With more people joining their cause, the Sentinels of the Wild became the Verdant Veil. The name change drew in the curiosity of others and it didn't take long for the group to capitalize on their newfound fame. They were compassionate activists offering a safe place for social outcasts, the marginalized, and those seeking purpose in their lives. They offered counseling to their troubled recruits and cast no judgement to bring comfort to them. The Verdant Veil was a tight-knit community of people who felt like they didn't quite fit in with the world around them. They took care of their own, but we're distrusting of outsiders. Sasha and Sonya had successfully convinced their followers that society looked down on them and the ridicule they felt was because they were seen as "mistakes". The twins had flipped the script religiously, painting Kosenta as the mother of all catfolk. Their mother made no mistakes. Everyone was created the way they were intentionally and with love. They struggles they faced throughout their lives were others trying to snuff the divinity within them. The Verdant Veil continued operating several side businesses such as Joyful Synergy, which was a group of self-help gurus that specialized in reuniting one's soul with the earth. They published books to share their philosophies, which involved giving up material possessions, and finding joy in Mother Kosenta's gifts. They also published much more mundane books, like guides to homesteading and gardening. The Rebels of Nature was a group of artists associated with the Verdant Veil, but not necessarily a follower of their code. Much of their views aligned with the cult, which led to frequent collaborations between the groups. This connection to a network of beloved artists appealed to the younger generation of catfolk, who were inspired to help nature reclaim what was rightfully hers. The newest recruits were urged to invite their friends into the Verdant Veil, as well as outspoken critics. After years of cultivating a massive following, the Verdant Veil began to show a much crueler side. Members whose loyalty to Kosenta was called into question were often abused. Those who obviously had no loyalty to the goddess were maimed and exiled. When these victims found their way home, if they made it back, had their tongues cut out or their throats slit. Those that were deemed absolute failures among the cult would receive further disfigurements before they were turned loose. Members were encouraged to speak out against dissenters and report them to the Blades. The Blades, led by Sonya Kociak, were the highest members of the order. They kept their followers in line by any means necessary, even if that meant killing a follower as a warning to the others. Sasha Kociak took up the mantle as the cult's leader, believing herself to be Kosenta's chosen. She claimed that Kosenta spoke through her and granted her visions of things to come. In an effort to feel closer to the goddess, Sasha mutilated and permanently blinded herself. In recent times, the Verdant Veil has turned to necromancy to punish those that they deem unfit for Kosenta's grand design. Hidden tribes of kitsune were targeted because of their prowess with elemental powers, which the cult believed they had stolen from Kosenta. Acts of terrorism became commonplace, leaving many Basillians displaced or dead. The Basillian Council has established Basilla and Bellery as safe zones and called in outside forces to help with the growing crisis. The Grayveils of Necropolis have provided skilled combatants, both mortal and undead, that were trained by Jordeira Ferus himself. They sent mages as well to keep hostile undead from reaching the archipelago's safe zones. The Society of the Sapphire Lotus wasn't known for being combatants, but several key members have been seen on the battlefields. They've been rendering the Verdant Veil's undead forces useless or even turning them against their masters. The queen's sister, Sanna, joined the war as well. With her, she brought her druidic circle, the Bramblebound.