dragon-magic-oef

flowed. This attitude grew as the original Fangs died and
were replaced by more fanatical underlings, who likewise
chose to keep the secret of their ruler from lower-ranking
members. A mythology developed within the cabal that associated
blind service with success and power. Senior members
only hinted at the organization’s true purpose, portraying
the Shadow’s Fangs as the humanoid agents
of a mysterious faction of dragons. Indeed, as Vaeratrux
gained allies and draconic servants, he loaned
groups of Fangs to other dragons as a reward for loyalty.
Thus, the secretive Shadow’s
Fangs became known as an order
dedicated to the service of
dragonkind.
Today, the organization exists to
serve Vaeratrux and his dragon allies,
and to make its senior members rich
and powerful. These ultimate truths are
kept from the rank and file, who simply
learn that the Fangs serve various dragons
in exchange for access to rare draconic lore
and abilities.
Enemies and Allies: The Shadow’s Fangs
attempts to keep its very existence hidden whenever
possible, and its size and goals secret at all
times. This behavior allows its members to maintain
cover stories of vague connections with unknown
dragons that need mortal agents. In this way, the
Shadow’s Fangs builds alliances with many other organizations.
Often, it courts opposing groups, telling each
side that it is a true ally, and that its dealings with their
foes is a ruse. Because of this heavy veil of secrecy,
few organizations trust the Fangs, but similarly few
consider them outright foes, either.
There are exceptions to this state of affairs.
Many individual nobles, good-aligned dragons, and
churches see the Shadow’s Fangs as thugs or liars
who deal with anyone that can give them a momentary advantage.
In addition, the Harrowers have seen the Shadow’s
Fangs conspire with evil dragons far too often to consider
them anything but villains. The Fangs happily return the
favor; the groups are implacable enemies.
Members: The Shadow’s Fangs recruit members of all
classes; they never know what expertise a mission might
require. However, since much of the work calls on agents
to be stealthy, clever, and possibly subtle, most members
of the Shadow’s Fangs have at least a few levels of rogue,
ranger, or bard. Sorcerers are also common, lured into the
ranks easily with the promise of new and better draconic
powers.
Once recruits have been accepted into the Shadow’s
Fangs, they’re never allowed to leave. The group depends
on a cloak of mystery to function, and quitters might reveal
its secrets. What’s more, the Fangs don’t want new
members to think they can simply walk out after receiving
whatever benefit prompted them to join in the first place.
Thus, if the cabal suspects that a member might try to
leave—or worse, if a member announces his intention to
do just that—it silences him, permanently. The same punishment
befalls members who fail to carry out their tasks
one too many times.
Secrets: The pyramid of Fangs membership is built on the
promise of secrets. Upon joining, a new recruit learns only
that the group serves unknown dragons as their agents in
humanoid society. With each ascension in
rank, he is told a little more of the truth
and led to believe that he’ll learn everything
after gaining just one more rank.
All the while, he grows more and more
comfortable with carrying out darker and
darker tasks.
A Lesser Fang is told that the organization’s
work is extremely important, and that valued
members will earn great rewards. But his superiors
hold back specific details, claiming that
they cannot reveal more until he has proven his
loyalty.
A Bloody Fang is trusted to undertake illegal
missions and told that he now answers to a higher
law. A spellcaster might be granted access to one
new spell or feat, with the promise that unimaginable
mystic powers lie just ahead. Again, his superiors
withhold greater truths, this time until he has broken
numerous laws.
A Dark Fang learns of the existence of the Master
Dragon, but not its name, color, or agenda. The
Master is described merely as a godlike (or at least
supernaturally powerful) creature with many important
goals.
A Dread Fang is told that while most of the group’s
Emblem of the
Shadow’s Fangs missions directly serve the needs of the Master, some
tasks are carried out simply to train new recruits, fill
the organization’s coffers, or personally enrich the highestranking
members.
When a Dread Fang is deemed ready, he is told the whole
truth and brought before Vaeratrux to cut a deal with the
red dragon. Now a Lord of the Fangs, he is trusted to remain
silent out of self-interest, and few Lords want to risk their
hard-won place at the table of luxury and power.
Type: Cabal.
Scale: 9 Regional (Barony).
Affiliation Score Criteria: The Shadow’s Fangs trust
no one until they have proven loyal and able. Gaining any
affiliation with the group requires a willingness to accept
orders without demanding explanations and to respect what
few truths are doled out. If anyone is caught sharing Fang
secrets with nonmembers, his affiliation score immediately
and irrevocably drops to 0. Depending on the nature of
the secret revealed, the culprit is also harassed, banished,
or—most likely—killed.
Illus. by M. Schley
CHAPTER 5
DRACONIC
CAMPAIGNS
145