Cercle de Roi-Chevalier
Secret societies like to belive they're ancient. Evertime a new one pops up, they claim lineage from some Egyptian or Hittite cult. For the most part, this is nonsense, even for the ones who use ancient texts. Ironic, because sometimes fragments of these societies remain. Yet none of them are more than a thousand years old, except for one. The Cercle de Roi-Chevalier is, as far as I am aware, the oldest surviving secret society. Founded in 805AD by Charlemagne himself just a few years after his coronation as Emperor. It is his paladins whose stories live on today, but it was this order, the Circle of the Royal-Knight, that did the hardest work. Europe was... in chaos. The Roman Empire had collapsed, barbarians pounded on the gates, and the entire world seemed to be plunging into chaos. Unnatural creatures reemerged from the depths of the European forests reemerged, throwing villages and even smaller castles into chaos. Concerned with unifying the realm and securing his borders, Charlemagne had no soldiers or armies to spare for the task, let alone any capable of the task. So, he broadened his search and established a new order-- a secret one of individuals capable of handling the danger. So thus began the Cercle de Roi-Chevalier. For over a thousand years, they hunted monsters, hid dangerous secrets from the populace, and hid away artifacts that would have made the Knights Templar jealous. We believe in the value of public knowledge, of sharing discoveries, and using them to make the world a better place. The Circle does not. Anything out of the ordinary, according to their mandate beliefs, is a threat to the world, especially after the Great War. Much of their resoruces and supply caches were destroyed in the fight against the Central Powers' own paranormal and secret organizations, much like ours were. The difference is, where we decided to make a fresh start and stay true to our ideals, the Circle went to extreme measures. Technically, they're still on our side, if there were only two sides, but don't trust them and don't rely on them for assistance. For them, this mission is sacred, and nothing else matters. Even the Templar's won't go to the lengths the Circle will.
Structure
The Twelve Peers: The most experienced members of the Circle, the Peers are modeled after Charlemagne's Peers (or Paladins). They run the Circle, leading missions, overseeing training, and ensuring that the Circle's mandate is accomplished. The Peers hold the most information about the Circle, often run its business fronts, manage the money, and ensure the artifacts they recover are safely disposed of.
The Companions: Historically, each peer had only one companion, but that has shifted and grown. Essentially, these are the middle-management of the Circle. Usually, two or three of them will answer to one of the Peers, ensuring day to day business is accounted for, leading teams, running the actual training sessions, securing mundane equipment, and analyzing whatever intelligence they've been gathering.
Footmen: The main body of the organization, these are the volunteers who serve the Circle. They act as muscle, spies, and whatever else the mission may require. They do the grunt work and are the ones most likely to be encountered by outsiders.
Assets
Once incredibly wealthy, they lost all government affiliation and funding during the French Revolutions, and while briefly supported by Napoleon, his fall left the Circle destitute and broken. Ever since, they have relied on private donors, generational wealth accumulation, seizing the assets of their enemies. Much of this was again depleted over the course of @The Great War. They have since resorted to organized criminal activity in France, Germany, and Belgium to rebuild their wealth.
Their members are hardened in combat from fighting on the frontlines of the Great War, both in France and abroad, while many were members of the French Foreign Legion and have experience and skills for work further afield. They have the best weapons, training, and supporting equipment available. Numerous private vessels, both ship and air, are in their possession.
History
Founded by Charlemagne soon after his crowning as Emperor, the Circle initially served as his organized spy-ring and the ones who would handle unusual missions dealing with the supernatural, technologically advanced, and delicate natures. They rooted out spies, rogue knights, and the monsters of folklore and myth that still preyed on the inhabitants of his empire.
So they remained for centuries, accumulating wealth, resources, and political influence. As the empire broke apart, the Circle remained in France, working amongst the French aristocracy to continue their mandate, even when much of the ruling class had forgotten they existed. This, they found more convenient, for they could accomplish their missions without worrying about stepping on political toes, or offending the Church with their methods.
It became the status quo until the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. During these tumultuous decades, the Circle went further underground, recognizing that the old way of governance was dying out in the world. They cut all ties with the French government and disappeared. Instead, they began cultivating their own intelligence networks, income stream, and supply lines, to be able to act independently of the government. This shift proved even more effective and they went deep underground, utilizing code words and spycraft to communicate. So-called "gambling debts" were covers for cash transfers.
Then came the Great War. The exploits of the Circle are too many to list here, but they proved themselves worthy of their far more famous predecessors that served Charlemagne but at a heavy cost. Much of the organization was destroyed, although a young member, Charles de Gaulle, rose to prominence within the Circle and began calling for reforms to adapt to this new modern world.
Ferro Cruce
Founding Date
AD 805
Type
Secret, Brotherhood
Alternative Names
The Circle
Training Level
Elite
Veterancy Level
Decorated/Honored
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