The Knives of Artemis - Possible Expanded Canon?

I was reading over Manticore's canon fodder thread again and came upon the question about the Knives of Artemis. I've had a character that (like Indigo) is a former Knife of Artemis. She was higher up on the totem pole so to speak however. Since she's been a heavy RP character for a long time, a good while back I came up with an expanded Canon for the Knives of Artemis. I tried to avoid any conflict with existing lore (other than the group's size, which even Manti admits is up for debate) and expand upon then based upon what was made known in-game and in the real world about some of Artemis's more militant followers.

I know some players find the Knives annoying due to their constant rain of caltrops. Personally I'd like to see less of the caltrops and a bit better defense to make them more viable opponents. That said, I think the group has a TON of potential and is definitely under-represented in the game. My expaned canon at the very least makes for alot of RP potential. I'm throwing it out here for all to see and possibly use. POLITE critiques are certainly welcome as well. If I missed some official canon that conflicts strongly, let me know here. Keep in mind however, that with alot of this I'm expanding on what HASN'T been said. The worship of Artemis goes back thousands of years for example, so why not give the Knives a longer history as well?

Anyway, polite critique good, troll poop bad


THREAT REPORT: The Knives of Artemis
Filed by: Moon-Huntress


Organization Type: Religious Order Operating as Mercenary and Terrorist Force
Total Membership: Uncertain, estimated to be 50,000+

Headquarters Location: Somewhere Near Ephesus, Greece
Area of Operation: Worldwide

Background:
The Knives of Artemis have existed for several thousand years, dating back at least hundreds of years before the reign of Imperious in Cimerora. The Knives, as their name suggests, were founded as a religious order dedicated to the goddess Artemis. It’s uncertain if they started out militant and following a twisted version of her teachings, or they became that way over time.

By the time of Imperious’s reign, they were already a militant order actively working to promote their beliefs and undermine the government. In this day, magic was quite common and the group had a wide cadre of priestesses as well as warriors. These priestesses specialized in nature and necromantic magics.

Due to their violent teachings and activities, the cult has been outlawed since ancient times. The amount of active opposition the Knives have faced has varied over the ages, largely based on how openly the group operated. Imperious’s army was quite active in opposing them after a coup attempt that I myself helped prevent. The group was eventually driven into exile from Cimerora and re-oragnized in the remote wilderness areas of Greece. There, they worked quietly to promote worship of Artemis in general as well as their own militant agenda. They are said to have been responsible, at least indirectly, for the overthrow of more than one city-state.

As worship of the Greeks gods declined, the Knives went further underground and many assumed they ceased to exist until the group began operating more openly in modern times. The modern Knives are however the same organization that always existed, and NOT an offshoot or copycat organization. It’s said that several queens over the millennia have come to power by the Knives assassinating their husbands. Sometimes covertly, sometimes with the knowledge and cooperation of the Queen.

Over the centuries, they’ve maintained their militant core beliefs while making use of increasingly modern tactics, training and equipment. They’ve also managed to quietly grow their numbers over the years through psychological manipulation, indoctrination and the kidnapping of young girls. Currently they’re headquartered somewhere near the Greek city of Ephesus, where the great Temple of Artemis (one of the seven wonders of the ancient world) was built. The exact location of their headquarters remains unknown however.

Beliefs/Goals:
The Knives are not simply a mercenary force hiring themselves out to the highest bidder as is commonly believed. They are first and foremost a religious order founded on a militant feminist version of the worship of Artemis. Most are quite fanatical in their beliefs. It should be noted however that their fanaticism does nothing to decrease their effectiveness or the intelligent planning & execution of their operations.
They look upon men with disdain, but will work with individual men and male dominated groups such as Malta if it furthers their goals. As with most fanatics, anything can be justified so long as it furthers their goals.

Their ultimate goal is for world domination and for their religious views to be the new worldwide religion. They dream of a world where Artemis is the only god, and men are reduced to nothing more than servants or slaves. Women who view men as equals or fail to share the Knives’ militant views are also viewed as weak or enemies, and to be eliminated.

More short term goals are centered on promoting the worship of Artemis and growing the membership and influence of the Knives of Artemis. Needless to say, acquiring the resources to do so also figures prominently in their goals.

It should be noted that even their equipment reflects their ideals. Green and black are their colors because they symbolize nature and the night respectively. Both are Artemis’s dominions. Modern versions of archaic weapons are preferred because they are the tools of a true huntress; making a woman stronger mentally and physically through their use. Other equipment, such as the night vision optics they frequently use, is seen as useful tools so long as there’s no outright dependence upon them. Guns, on the other hand are, are seen as a weapon anyone can use requiring little skill or self-mastery. Guns can be used and are if the need is great or a special mission requires as much.


Modus Operandi:
The Knives of Artemis have learned from past near defeats and operate almost completely in a covert mode. Most of the general population is completely unaware of their existence. Those aware of the Knives’ existence are primarily familiar with them as a covert mercenary force. Given their tactics and preference for archaic weapons over firearms, they’ve often been compared to or mistaken for ninjas. Tactically, there is some truth to the comparison. It’s even said that the Knives at some point in the past had a contingent in Japan that received training as Kunoichi (female ninja) by one of the clans there.

There’s probably some truth to this, as it seems roughly 600 years ago the Knives became more open to the subtle tactics that Kunoichi are known for. Seduction of a target either for assassination or blackmail became a much more accepted tactic, and their infiltration tactics improved greatly. Whatever the exact truth, the Knives are not a part of a formal ninja clan, nor are they allied with one or follow any of their spiritual and philosophical teachings.

The Knives, as already stated, commonly hire themselves out as a mercenary force. Due to their success rate, they command top dollar for their services. They will refuse any contract that actively works against the promotion of Artemis or their order’s goals. Otherwise they will take on almost any assignment that can add to the wealth of the organization or otherwise expand their power. Their mercenary work brings them a good deal of financing, but it not their only source of income.

They gain recruits and finances through dummy organizations supporting militant feminism, as well as infiltrators in the pagan and Wiccan communities trying to twist women and girls to their dark version of Artemis’s teachings. Seduction and blackmail of wealthy or powerful men is also an accepted tactic. Likewise manipulation and subversion of wealthy women to their cause is also used when possible.

Beyond their efforts at financing, spread of their doctrine is accomplished by subverting women and girls vulnerable to their message, and eliminating men or women they see as opposing their views. Sometimes victims are chosen almost at random to make a point or as an offering to Artemis.

One added point on recruiting tactics. Most females over the age of 18 are viewed by the Knives as too old to fully absorb their rigorous field operatives training. Therefore, the Knives gain many of their new recruits by the kidnapping and indoctrination of young girls. Their parents are commonly murdered as part of the abduction and the child’s death faked as well so that people are less likely to look for the child. Indoctrination is done by psychological brainwashing. Magic was used in former times and is becoming a bit more common again as an aid with it’s return to the world. However, magic is not the preferred method, as a spell can be broken. Therefore it’s typically only used to weaken the girl’s resistance to indoctrination. A girl who’s fully given herself over to their teachings is much harder to break of their conditioning.

The ideal girl will be attractive, and show early signs of exceptional physical or mental development, or (if very young), will come from parents noted for such. Their ultimate prize is a girl gifted with what the Knives call the Aphrodite gene. Such a girl will be guaranteed to be exceptionally beautiful, and gifted with at least borderline superhuman physical attributes if not some limited degree of metahuman powers. They make ideal infiltrators and warriors.

Older girls and women, as has been noted elsewhere, are tested as a candidate for elite Special Forces teams. If they pass, they’re put through the same grueling training that the younger girls are put through.

Organization Structure:
Since ancient times, the Knives of Artemis have been lead by their High Priestess of Artemis. She has traditionally been given the title of High Mistress of the Moon and first daughter of Artemis.

Next in the hierarchy is the Council of the Moon. These are 6 of the strongest huntresses and 6 of the strongest priestesses in the organization, and they act as counselors to the High Mistress and enforcers of her will.

From there, the organization breaks down into a terrorist cell type structure with each group of cells being isolated from the others for the greater security of the Knives. There is a middle layer of command structure that is carefully isolated from the cells.

All through the organization, the priestesses work with the warriors, sharing a similar rank structure. In ancient times, there were far more priestesses than now. The disappearance of magic reduced them to a small number of largely ceremonial roles. With the reappearance of magic, their ranks have begun to fill out again over the last 100 years. Unlike ancient times, priestesses are almost never seen in the field however. They remain behind the scenes operating as support and spiritual counselors to the warriors. This helps mask the true nature of the Knives and keeps their small cadre of priestesses better protected.

Outside of the cell structure, there are a handful of elite priestesses and warriors who take orders directly from the High Mistress herself. They usually operate independently and are given the most dangerous and difficult tasks.

The lesser ranks are known to many of those already aware of the Knives of Artemis:

New recruits who have not proven themselves and been fully ordained into the Sisterhood are simply known as Mercenaries. Priestesses at this level are known as Initiates of Artemis

A mercenary who has proven herself and been through the rituals of ordination is simply known as a Sister of the Knives of Artemis, or Sister. Priestesses at this level are known as Adepts of the Moon and are also called Sisters or Sister Adepts. Initiates wear solid dark green robes & Adepts wear dark green robes with light green trim.

A Sister who has proven herself capable and loyal may challenge for rank. Promotion is through trial by ritual combat. At this level, the duel need not be to the death however, unless one of the combatants demands it. The winner is promoted to the rank of Blade of Artemis. The badge of their rank is a camouflage pattern Green and Black uniform. Priestesses attain this level through a strenuous test of their magical ability and knowledge of doctrine. Priestesses at this level wear pale green gowns with gold trim and are given the title Priestess of Artemis. They are always referred to as Priestesses and never Sisters (as a matter of respect to their roles).

Above the Blades of Artemis are the Hands of Artemis. These are the true field leaders of the Knives of Artemis and are likely to be at the Regional command level. Their uniforms are black with green trim. As with all promotions, the matter is a challenge settled by ritual combat. In this case however, a priestess decides if the combat is to the death or not.

Priestesses at this level also earn their rank via ritual magical combat. A higher ranking priestess (either the Sorceress of the Moon, one of her own adepts, or one of the six High Council priestesses), decides the setting of the combat and if it’s to be lethal or not. The winner is declared a Sybil of Artemis. They are awarded black gowns with green trim.



Significant Members:
The most significant member is the High Mistress of the Moon. She leads the Knives of Artemis, and rules as Artemis’s chosen as well as the most powerful priestess and warrior of the organization. She carries a ceremonial blade of great power known as the “Unyielding Blade of the Eternal Moon”. It’s her primary weapon and symbol of office. The only way it can be wielded is for another woman to defeat the current High Mistress in ritual combat. Even her defeat in a normal battle will not allow another to possess it

Next would be the Council of the Moon, the group of 12 that advises the High Mistress and acts as her messengers. The Council is made up of 6 warriors and 6 priestesses chosen for a combination of their strength, cunning, loyalty and time in service to the sisterhood. Wisdom and loyalty are primary attribute for these roles, but the members must have proven their strength as well.

The elite field operatives are the most likely significant threat to be faced by authorities or heroes. One of those roles is the chief field agent of the Knives of Artemis. This is a single honorary title awarded to the Sister who proves herself strongest in ritual combat. The winner is awarded the title of Huntress of the Moon and operates under the orders of the High Mistress or the Council. She’s given the most difficult assignments, and is expected to serve as a trainer and role model to the other Sisters.

The Priestesses have a similar role bearing the title Sorceress of the Moon. Their function is similar, serving as an example to and trainer of other Priestess Sisters, and given special missions directly from the leadership. Like the Huntress if the Moon, the title can only be gained through ritual combat. However the duel is fought solely with magic and physical combat is prohibited.

Both roles have 3 apprentices each underneath them; the next level of the best and brightest. There are also rumored to be a few other special roles with the Knives. The best known of these is the Blood Huntress. Her role is to eliminate Sisters who are found to have stained the honor of the Sisterhood in some way. I have yet to knowingly encounter such a Sister however.


Allied Organizations:
The best known ally of the Knives of Artemis is the Malta Group. It’s uncertain how much the leadership of each group tells the other. Most likely they simply work together because the relationship is mutually beneficial and their goals don’t directly clash, yet. Given that most of the Malta group consists of men, it’s only a matter of time before one group turns upon the other.

It should be noted however that the Knives also have a number of disillusioned wealthy women who quietly support them with money and other resources. Though typically not capable of joining the Knives as troops, they’ve still bought into their teachings and are as loyal as any full Sister. A few are even said to be priestesses.


NOTES ON THE APHRODITE GENE:
The Aphrodite gene takes its make from it’s original label of ‘Aphrodite’s Blessing’. That name was given to it by the ancient Sybils. Through their magic they were able to detect there was something different about a handful of the most beautiful women (and occasionally men). Often these girls were chosen as Sybils themselves, as well as sought after by the Knives for recruits. It was only when modern genetics came along that it was realized this was a special extra gene these select few were gifted with.

As noted above, the common factor with the gene is that the bearer will have exceptional physical beauty. To varying degrees, they’re also gifted with above average physical strength, stamina and dexterity. It’s uncertain yet if the gene varies that much or if it only allows increased potential, depending on the actual bearer’s work to reach varying degrees of that potential. Given the occasional appearance of metahuman powers in the bearer, it’s believed the first theory is more likely. Such powers tend to be weak compared to many metas out there. This is ideal to the Knives however on the rare occasion they find such a girl. She will make a powerful soldier, but not so powerful as to be a threat to the leadership.

I like the sound of this

If this does happen (and I really hope it does) it'd be pretty cool to see some of the 'original' KoA around Cimerora.

In Moon-Huntress's origin AE arc, she actually went back into the past and stopped the the Modern Knives from delivering explosives and modern weaponry to their ancient sisters. She fought her ancient counterpart too, and saved Imperious from being overthrown. The ancient priestesses were particualrly nasty AE characters because they were Plant Control/Necro MM combinations.

I really need to recreate that arc. I accidentally deleted it a while back.

I like it. I actually like it a lot. The organisations with long histories that seem nigh unkillable are usually the best, especially as you discover them. The slow reveal to suddenly coming to the conclusion of just how much trouble you are for finding out about this lot

The relationship with Malta...I've always raised an eyebrow to that. I always though they were completely seperate groups, until rather recently.
It'd make more sense to have them be pretty much Arch-Rivals. The Knights of Malta were, after all, mostly all men and (possibly) fairly biased about it. (IRRC, anyway, dont blame me for a bad memory :P )

So, have two quasi-merc groups working for pay and their own ideals, while also trying to gun down their rival group...I like the sound of it. A lot.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zwillinger GG, I would tell you that "I am killing you with my mind", but I couldn't find an emoticon to properly express my sentiment.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captain_Photon NOTE: The Incarnate System is basically farming for IOs on a larger scale, and with more obtrusive lore.

Let me know when this arc is up and running. I can guarantee at least 4-stars

OK, per request here is the republished AE storyline of Moon-Huntress's origin that lets players fight the ancient counterparts of the Knives of Artemis. I had to break it into two parts. I'm not sure where I went wrong detail-wise. Originally it was a 5 mission single arc. Too much customizng this time I think

This time I had to use two AE slots for it. The first arc is 3 missions and leads up to the battle against the combined forces of the modern and ancient Knives of Artemis in ancient Cimerora. The last mission is HUGE, but you're supposed to be fighting off a potential invasion. I wanted to give players ample opportunity to battle several of the Ancient Knives as well. Anyway, here are the Arc numbers:

379409 - The Origin of the Moon-Huntress
379410 - The Origin of the Moon-Huntress: Finale

OR search @Stardrive


Ok, first I'll add that this is meant to be truly played, not barreled through. I spent a TON of time telling Moon's story via the clues and mission accept/complete dialog. Read it all, and I'm hoping you'll have an enjoyable story as well as some good fights. And on the off chance I end up RPing on Virtue server (Moon's home) with anybody here, chronologically the events in the arc take place roughly a year ago.

Now... Mission warnings:
AVs in the second, third and final missions. Turn them down to Elite Bosses if needed
Elite Bosses in the first and third mission.

Yes there's an AV and EB both in mission 3. HOWEVER, you also get to team with Moon herself in mission 3. She has the exact same Pri/Sec powers as the real Moon-Huntress.

As for the AVs... The one in the second and third mission is the same character; the woman who was Moon-Huntress's first commander, before Moon had earned her title and was simply Sister Persephone. The AV is a Dual Blades/Willpower scrapper build. Defeating her is optional in mission 2 however.

I test drove the arc at +0 x1 with EBs just for the sake of being quick. At that level, Moon easily solo'ed her. It took a while, but that's what makes a fight fun to me.

The EB in mission 3 is Moon's former apprentice (if you remember that in the briefing above). She's claws/SR.

The AV in the Last Mission is the Cimeroran version of the Huntress of the Moon. She's an Axe/Willpower brute. Probably the toughest challenge of the whole storyline. Soaks up dmg fairly well and hits like a truck even at EB level. Expect a challenge. Again, Moon didn't have any real trouble soloing her at the settings above.

If you play it at anything more than +0 x1 you should have plenty of all six types of combatants mentioned for the Knives of Artemis, priestesses and warriors alike.

A couple of other points. First there's a bug where contacts or hostages won't activate till any caltrops around them fade. The caltrops for some reason are counted by the AI as part of the original guarding group.

Second; locations. The third mission is supposed to be a Knives of Artemis base. The way I visualized it, the closest thing that fit was the Fifth Column HQ map. It fit fairly well except for all the Fifth Column logos. Please just ignore those or pretend they're Knives of Artemis insignias. Minor diversion here, I also used the crescent moon insignia on the ancient Knives because it's the closest available thing to their logo.

The last location is supposed to be the forests outside/near Cimerora. Fot that, I used Croatoa for the closest available fit reasons again.

Hopefully you all can overlook those minor issues and enjoy a good story and a tough fight.

Awesome I'll be playing this alittle later today and about this part