AURORAL SHIELD

Every culture has some concept of magic if you look far enough into its history. While magic is a useful tool in the hands of the initiated, it has potential to cause catastrophic harm in the hands of the irresponsible. It is for this reason that the first lesson for any student of any magical tradition is always the same: do not ever underestimate the power of magic. The second lesson is to never share its secrets with those incapable of using it responsibly. We, the Auroral Shield, are a group who concern ourselves with these fundamental principles, working diligently to safeguard the world from rogue magical threats.

Recently, our world has seen artifacts and objects of power once believed lost suddenly reappear. We work together to track down these magic items, ascertain their potential for harm, and then nullify or seal away those deemed too dangerous. While practicing magic is not a requirement, unwavering vigilance, a sense of duty, and a strong moral compass are essential. 

As the Shield’s influence grows, we invite new members to stand with us, take up the mantle of protection, and join our relentless mission to safeguard both Kindred and kine. Through various operations and campaigns, we have sealed away dangerous and powerful artifacts, safeguarded the Masquerade, and kept our cities and domains safe. Do you have the dedication and will to take up the shield? Join us, and keep our world safe from the threat of rogue magic.

San Antonio - Auroral Shield

To deny magic is to deny life. Long before humanity could make sense of reality, magic has existed, and over the centuries we have learned ways to supplant, change, and manipulate it. These forces envelop our world, and always will, long after the gates of Gehenna open and long after the sun devours the earth. Where once magic was dominant and science was secondary, now science has its say but magic lies behind it. With the widespread exploration of the past century, there is a greater need to safeguard  objects of power from those who would misuse them. These objects are relics, centuries old, born from tales of war, heroism and sacrifice; the product of faiths long dead and gone. They contain portions of gods worshiped in the dark corners of the night, since gone dormant. We collect them to protect them, to contain the madness, decay, and tyranny lest they take root in people’s hearts. It is both our proudest honor and highest calling to secure these objects, so that we may gather the knowledge they hold, and assure that they can be used for no harm.  Our path is not for the weak of will or the hobby occultist, requiring devotion to the betterment of all through duty and service. A healthy respect and a working knowledge of the arcane is necessary, to better protect our siblings in the shield. When you become an Auroral Shield, you have chosen to protect and guide kindred society from ancient horrors and malevolent magics. Take arms with us, seek objects of power, and make the world safer with knowledge and sacrifice. What Occurred in San Antonio The Shield, raised to defend kindred and masquerade alike, rose together to hunt, contain, and destroy relics and magic too grim, powerful or esoteric for the general kindred population. In the halls of one of their reliquaries of knowledge they gathered and discussed the evening and the chances they knew were coming to perform their sacred duty. Working diligently, members of the shield gathered relics and items of power including pieces of a mysterious mask, a mysterious black pearl, warding charms, and a relic called the Sphere of Souls. As part of their role as protectors, the faction held an intense debate on what to contain, destroy, and research.  Some artifacts they decided were too powerful to risk their misuse. Their conclusion was to destroy the mask, and the pearl, but the Sphere of Souls was deemed too important by the prince. The Sphere of Souls was warded by a mage against spirits and and currently sits inert and waiting, under the guardianship of one of the members. Toward the end of the night, the Auroral Shield performed the Ritual of Oroborus, a powerful magic which rendered the most dangerous of artifacts dead and devoid of magic. The prince noted the faction’s bravery and persistence, they were rewarded with additional pieces of the mask to keep protected or destroyed as soon as they are able. The Auroral Shield Persists, protects and learns

Chicago – The Auroral Shield

Prodigious protectors of veils within veils, we, the protectors of the Auroral Shield, continue our mission of magical containment for the betterment of all kindred. This past year, the Shield rallied in the streets of San Antonio, crippling the machinations of the methuselahs and ridding the region of artifacts of destructive power. Now in the “city of big shoulders”, winds of sinister magic whip and wind through the streets, threatening to rise once more. Our order is composed of kindred with conscience, those who have seen the effects of mystic powers placed in ignoble hands. While we all dare to fight against these powers, our members need not practice magic themselves. The only requirement to join us is to be vigilant, dutiful, and have the will to serve kindred of all creeds. However, strong ideals and a sense of right and wrong are a great help as well. While we have members throughout the country, more are always needed. The shield we identify with is a tool of protection, a ward against those who seek to disrupt, disarm, and harm our people. Our gaze is long, our vigilance is constant, and our efforts are necessary to keep the tyranny of powerful magics away from both kindred and kine. New eyes are always needed to stand vigil in the creeping alleys and shadowy corners of our world. Take up your shield and don the mantle — join us in Chicago. 

Las Vegas- The Auroral Shield

Following the success of San Antonio and Chicago, Las Vegas brought a new venture for the Auroral Shield. While the group was able to dismantle most cursed objects in the field, more dangerous objects required a longer-term solution. The faction had its sights set on the Yucca Mountain depository, originally designed to serve as a warehouse for spent nuclear fuel throughout the United States. To achieve this, the members of the Auroral Shield had to make contact with and appease one of the triumvirates in exchange for permission to secure the facility. 

The Auroral Shield garnered favor with the head of mortal affairs, Elizabeth Dimetros. Through various tasks and deals made, they gained her trust. They lent their services, obtaining a set of canopic jars, gaining boons from the other two triumvirate members, and by aiding in the eradication of cursed objects placed by an angry spirit. One of the few remaining members of a  FIRSTLIGHT garrison was caught by some goons connected to an Auroral Shield member and brought before Elizabeth. When interrogated, it was learned he was one of 6 members left for monitoring operations. The captive's resolve was strong, but through forceful interrogation, he provided useful intelligence which will help to make the city safer. 

The group’s services were in demand throughout the weekend, as several cursed artifacts were identified. The group worked diligently to collect them and identify their nature, working on Elizabeth’s behalf. 

By Saturday night, they had proven to Lady Dimitros that they were both loyal and capable. Elizabeth gave the rights to Yucca Mountain to the Auroral Shield on the condition that she would be given updates and reports on what the faction stored away in the depths of the repository. The group now has a means to secure even the most powerful artifacts for the betterment of all.