The Enlightened Seekers of Valhalla

-=San Francisco=-

The Temple of the Mother of Vision is a former organization based loosely on Norse theology that has been unknowingly transformed into a pigment cult that is a front for the Missionary Works of the Holy Ghost.

The Temple's founder is Thomas Hornady, a man who considered himself prone to "mysical visions", while others saw him as prone to being a nutjob. During one of his experiments, she tried pigment and saw a world both terrifying and fascinating. Hornady was so amazed by his experience, he encouraged others to try the drug; soon, some of her detractors became followers. As they saw many of the same things, such as the ghosts of certain people or demons lurking in the shadows, many saw him as a pioneer. The group began attracting some small-time press.

Soon after, an God named Helnger appeared to Hornady, pigment miraculously appeared everywhere in her house, and she soon formally formed the Enlightened Seekers of Valhalla. None of these were miracles; Helnger was, of course, a Flatliner by the name of Jason Hein, and was responsible for the extra pigment and her strange visions.

The God worshipped by many in the cult (at least in the beginning, anyway), is primitive god who encourages others to seek the answers behind life and death so that their lives might be more richly fufilled. Pigment is a large part of the "vision blessing", although some cultists just enjoy the free pigment and could care less about the so-called God. Higher levels in the cult see a cataclysmic event in the future, and are training many of these initiates as guides in the afterlife.

The cult uses isolation as a way to find new members, and uses a variety of methods, such as pigment addiction, diet and environment, and even plain old intimidation, to keep them in line.

The Enlightened Seekers has ten levels of initiation; the highest is only attainable through death when a member "becomes one with Helngr". Most members never go past level three; anything above falls only to truly loyal cultists who are capable of controlling and manipulating the lower levels. The ninth degree includes only three people, one of whom is, of course, Thomas Hornady.

Like the other front cults of the Missionary Works, particularly gifted members and sensitives are "promoted" to a higher cause: the dirty hands of Uriah Bishop himself.

Cult Organization

The cult is divided into several levels, or circles. Membership in each depends on the loyalty and service shown to the cult. In some cases, a member must "sacrifice" themselves to Grandmother to progress as well.

The Blessed Associates is the outermost circle of the cult. These are not members so much as allies, informants, and others who have helped the Enlightened Seekers become what they are today. Some member of this circle are undercover, trying to find out as much about the cult as they can without actually taking pigment themselves.

The Reborn is the first "real" circle in the cult. These are the newest recruits. Among the first thing they experience is pigment, during which they see Warriors of Valhalla (actually a manifesting Bishop) for the first time.

The Sons and Daughters of the Enlightened Seekers are the next circle and among more faithful followers. Many of these members are missionaries, recruiters, and mentors for those in the lower circle. They are the closest things to actual priests the cult has. Most cultists only make it to this rank; if they die while in this circle, their souls are generally sent to Spectral hives.

The Council of the Word is also known as the Persuasion Circle or the Persuaders. In this level, the members act as both propaganda generators for existing cult members to keep them believing, and as the Inquisition force for those that are harder to persuade. They are strong believers in Valhalla, tend to be paranoid and strict, and will frequently resort to violent means of revenge for cult members who have betrayed them. There are a few spirits at this level.

The Council of Wardens are among Hornady's most loyal followers. There are only about 10 members in this circle, and they serve as “bishops” of a sort. They also receive regular visits from the Helngr. This is the highest circle in which living members can serve.

The Council of Blessed Guardians consists of spooks and Spectres (including several Chupacabras) who act as Hornady's personal bodyguards. This circle was also present at the destruction of Orpheus Group.

The Council of Ministers are made up of ghosts who have undergone ritual-assisted suicide or who have died by other means and since allied themselves with the Enlightned seekers. They are among Hornady's most trusted advisors and ardent followers.

Grandmother’s Eye is the innermost circle and consists solely of the six Flatliners.