La Lumiere

Often known by its English name, “the Enlightenment,” La Lumiere was established over a century ago in Paris, during the historical era that shares its name. Three previously separate qabals (the Alliance, the Society of Keepers, and the Sisterhood) became one, dedicated to the belief that learning, culture, science, art, and individual freedom are humanity’s best hope for a bright future—a future free of the Red Death’s control.

La Lumiere’s members work against supernatural evil in much the same manner as other qabals, but their main activities revolve around supporting those who wish to expand the frontiers of the arts, sciences, and other areas of learning. This tradition began with Andre Lescot, a relatively low-ranking French government official who was nevertheless able to subtly redirect resources and sponsor programs to transform the palace known as the Louvre into what it is today: the greatest museum on Gothic Earth.

Three smaller qabals unified around the vision Lescot espoused: That there can be no livable future in which human compassion and artistic expression do not advance at the same rate as scientific and economic progress. (Rumors say Lescot inherited this credo from his parents, who died mysteriously in 1719, having been involved in a similar previous qabal that disappeared not long after.)

Membership requirements are quite strict. This qabal includes a fair number of the world’s best-known artists and scientists, but most eschew fame, advancing their cause anonymously. To even be considered for recruitment, one must be of the highest intelligence, cultural awareness, and refinement. Only those with a deep belief in the priority of individual rights over the laws of society are invited to join.

Qabalists of La Lumiere have little respect for national borders, seeing people everywhere as belonging to one true community that includes all of humankind. Some members could even rightly be called anarchists. All strive for a new ordering of the world, the dawn of a more civilized age in which all people unite to end human suffering.

Despite their steadfast opposition to the Red Death— which directly undermines La Lumiere’s goals with its attempts to sow fear and ignorance—most of this qabal’s members abhor violence. Many could be called pacifists. When direct action against the great Evil is required, they must navigate their personal ethical codes, seeking to inflict no more harm than is absolutely necessary.