It's not enough for a successful Bauhauser to tell you what his name, rank, title and occupation might be. Another important definition for the Bauhauser is what organizations he belongs to. These are known as "Orders"

There are countless orders in Bauhaus society, some of them being little more than just a "club" of people who happen to share a common profession or common interest, and being inducted into such an organization is a sign of approval from one's peers. The Professional Orders are the most common and best known of these - You might find the "Honorable Company of Bakers", or the "Respectful Order of Master Opticians", for example - and being a member of one is a matter of prestige, as well as a source of potential contacts. (The Capitolians would call this "networking".)

There are also the Orders Militant, which consist of several Templar Chapters. These are paramilitary organizations with their own purposes, typically to fight a certain enemy, or defend a certain area. The Bauhaus megacorporation tolerates these organizations, while the Brotherhood actively encourages them, seeing them as an extra fighting force against the Darkness. Also included would be the Guard Orders, which are the private troops of the Noble Houses.

Lastly would be the Secret Orders, of which no one claims to be a member. (If he does, he's lying.) These are hidden groups with their own political and perhaps military aims - perhaps a secret cabal of officers dedicated to getting revenge on Imperial, or Heretics scheming to overthrow the Duke Electors.

Joining an Order

Orders are exclusive organizations. In the official Mutant Chronicles RPG rules, you might qualify to enter an Order if you meet the minimum requirements, and a Special Event comes up during background generation, or a 10 on a Promotion Roll. However, for this campaign, since we're using a modified version of the SinaiMUCK character generation rules, there is no background generation phase. Joining an Order is either a possibility during game-play, at the GM's whim, or else it is something that you can purchase during character creation as a specific sub-type of the "Status" perk. (It's conceivable to be able to buy this during game play, but more likely it will be only if the character does something really noteworthy that he'll be approached and tested and granted admittance as a course of game-play, not by spending points on a perk.)

There are countless possible orders, but those covered here are listed either because they may be of interest to adventurers, or because it might be useful information for a Bauhaus player to know about - either as conversational "color" for light role-play, or else out-of-character knowledge to help him shape his world-view about how things work in the realm of Bauhaus, even if his PC doesn't "know" any of this, per se.

Order of the Iron Gauntlet

This is a larger order that draws its membership from serving members of the Bauhaus military. Once they finish their military career, they often go on to hold high positions in civilian life, so this order has a web of influence beyond the military. It takes care of its members once they retire from active service. In club houses in all of the major cities, members of the Order gather around to lounge about, smoke pipes, and swap tales about the "glory days".

Prerequisite: At least a Rank of 4 in the military; if retired, an honorable discharge.

Cost: 2

Benefits: Access to exclusive clubs, a chance to hobnob with those of higher station, beyond one's social status, on account of common ground as a former military officer; contacts within the Bauhaus military, active and retired.

Order of the Pauldron

This order is comprised of those who have been recognized for achievements for the good of Bauhaus as a whole, and its membership is drawn from all manner of military and professions in which loyal citizens have advanced the Bauhaus cause. Recipients of this honor have the right to wear the distinctive chrome-steel shoulder pauldron of the order at all times (worn on the left side) which is a status symbol that earns one considerable respect when dealing with Homebuilders.

Prerequisite: None, per se, save that the character presumably has performed some deed worthy of recognition in the service of Bauhaus, either in his background write-up, or during game play.

Cost: 1

Benefits: Increased prestige when dealing with Homebuilders, and a snappy-looking pauldron that gives AV 8 protection to the left shoulder.

Bauhaus Legion of Honor

This award is given to those who have performed above and beyond the call of duty in the military service of Bauhaus, in any branch of the armed forces, including the Reserves. It consists of a medal in the form of a small iron cogwheel (the corporation logo). Members of this order are regarded as heroes of Bauhaus society.

Prerequisite: Must have served at some point in the military, having performed some heroic deed in his background write-up, or during game play, in the service of Bauhaus.

Cost: 1

Benefits: Aside from the prestige of being a decorated war hero and having a right to wear the cogwheel medal at all times, this recognition does wonders for one's self-esteem. MST is increased by 2.

Honorable Company of Scribes

This may be a humble name, but it's far from a humble organization. Members of this order are top Administrators and Diplomats within the corporation, and they trade a great deal of gossip, news, and favors worth more than money. If you want to know what's going on within Bauhaus, these are the people who know - or know how to find out.

Prerequisite: Background as a diplomat or administrator; Etiquette of Average or better.

Cost: 1

Benefits: Contacts among administrators and diplomats, who can be helpful to dig up useful information about political goings-on within the Bauhaus corporation.

Venerable Order of Savants

This order is made up of the top scientists and researchers of Bauhaus, and it has collected an extensive library of information, rivaling that of the Stone Archives of the Brotherhood. All sorts of interesting things can be found in these libraries, such as documents on the nature of the Dark Technology, anatomy notes of dissected creatures of the Darkness, locations of "lost" cities on Venus, records of pre-Exodus Earth, and even stranger things.

Prerequisite: A scientific skill at Good or better.

Cost: 1

Benefits: Contacts amongst top Bauhaus scientists and researchers; access to a network of extensive libraries and other information warehouses in any major Bauhaus city or domain.

Order of Wayfarers

This order is made up of those who have embarked upon Pilgrimages to visit all the Cathedrals of the Brotherhood in the solar system, thus showing their peity and devotion to the cause. Members of this order get to stay in Pilgrim lodgings near the Cathedrals at no cost, which significantly cuts down on travel expenses. Furthermore, it tends to serve as a bonus, however slight, when dealing with members of the Brotherhood, by impressing them with one's devotion.

Prerequisite: Must have embarked upon a pilgrimage to the Cathedrals in one's background; must be exceptionally faithful to the Brotherhood (worth a -1 Disadvantage). At least 2 points spent on "traveler" type skills (languages, area knowledge, lore).

Cost: 1

Benefits: May stay in Pilgrim lodgings for free; bonus of +3 to MST due to increased devotion to the Brotherhood.

Order of the Silver Discus

This order is sponsored by the Ministry of Health, and is comprised of those who exemplify Bauhaus standards of superior physical prowess in various fields.

Prerequisite: At least 2 points spent on Agility, Toughness, Strength or Running.

Cost: 1

Benefits: Access to gymnasiums and health centers in all major Bauhaus cities; chance to compete with the top athletes in Bauhaus; access to discounts and free passes to Bauhaus sporting events.

Order of Oxia Palus

This is a somewhat sinister order, sponsored by the Ministry of Fear, devoted to the rooting out of Heretics wherever they might be found. It is open to military officers, Magistrates, and - oddly enough - to Inquisitors and Mystics operating in Bauhaus territories.

Prerequisite: Inquisitor/Mystic in the Brotherhood, military rank of at least officer level, or else background as a Magistrate of any rank.

Cost: 1

Benefits: Contact with the Ministry of Fear.

High Order of Merit of the Templar Knights of Venus

All of the Elector Dukes of Bauhaus are members of this order, as well as most of the movers and shakers of Bauhaus society. It's as exclusive and powerful an order as one can find, and a priceless honor to be inducted into its membership. In addition to the highest nobility, especially noteworthy business leaders and artisans can be found in its number - those who somehow exemplify the best of what Bauhaus has to offer.

Prerequisites: "Adept" in some professional, non-combat, non-magical skill. There are other ways to be in the society, but this is the only way a PC is likely to get in.

Cost: 2

Benefits: Contact with the rich and powerful in Bauhaus, even beyond one's social station.

Knights of the Fiery Sword

This Order is is the first of, and fairly representative of the various Templar Orders. Lothar Mathias was the first grand master of this order, back during the dark days of the Legion's first incursion into Venus, when it seemed that all of humanity would be crushed. He had faith in the shining light of the Cardinal, and went among the warriors of Bauhaus, rallying them with such fervor that they pledged to fight alongside him, whether it take them into the deepest depths of the Darkness to take the battle to the Enemy. The Knights of the Fiery Sword repeatedly fought at the side of the first Cardinal Durand, until the dreadful, climactic battle when the Cardinal fought with Algeroth himself. Lothar Mathias fought toe-to-toe with the Nepharite Overlord Alakhai, and though he himself died in that duel, he struck such a grievous wound to the Nepharite that the monster was forced to retire from the battle.

The Order was recognized by the Cardinal himself, and the Dukes Elector granted the Order its own domain near Heimburg, where its base of operations has remained for millenia. To this day, the Order has chapters near all the known Citadels on human worlds, and any other incursions of the Darkness, continuing their vow to take the fight to the Dark Legion, wherever it may be found. When not fighting the Dark Legion, its members can be found as bodyguards of powerful members of the Brotherhood, or traveling as "knights errant" to seek out causes to champion for the sake of the Light.

Other orders are largely similar in scope and requirements, with different areas of focus. For example, the Order of the Staff and Hand is known for its warriors that wear armored masks sculpted to the features of their own faces, and an ebony staff, who are dedicated to the never-ending challenge of protecting pilgrims as they make their journeys to the Cathedrals, and to defending Pilgrim Houses in far-flung, contested regions. The Order of the Ice Bear - easily identified by their arctic-white armor, and white-furred cloaks - was formed to protect the city of Mundberg, in the far southern region, against the Dark Legion and other threats.

Prerequisites: At least 4 points invested in physical attributes (Enhanced Strength, Agility or Toughness), and lack of Disadvantages in those areas (Weak, Clumsy or Fragile); at least Good in three different weapon types (at least one should be a melee weapon, and at least one a firearm); demonstrated loyalty to the Order (-1 Disadvantage)

Cost: 4

Benefits: +2 to rolls to resist the Dark Symmetry; members with MST of 15 or greater may be trained in one Aspect of the Art by the Brotherhood (with appropriate skill costs)

The Order of Secret Crusaders

This is one of the "secret orders", officially declared illegal by the Elector Dukes ... but privately found sometimes to be fairly useful, which is why the Ministry of Justice has not moved to crush them. This order is dedicated to keeping Bauhaus free of any taint of alien influence, and to rooting out Heretics, traitors and spies. They also sometimes take "revenge" for terrorist acts committed by other corporations (particularly Imperial). They are often wrong about their targets, however, and innocent people get hurt. They consider this an acceptable risk. After all, it's a war, in their minds, and in a war, that's just the way it is.

Prerequisites: No trace of dishonorable behavior, and no bad record. Rank of 4 or higher, or noble birth. Must keep membership in this order a secret, under punishment of death.

Cost: 1

Benefits: The character will be asked from time to time to "execute" Heretics and other interlopers. In exchange, the Crusaders will use their extensive influence to see to it that the character receives promotions and other perks. Add +1 to the character's Social Status; if the character performs well, there may be additional benefits through play.

The Ancient Order of Blood and Honor

This is another secret order, comprised of members of the Noble Houses who are concerned about the rise of commoners into the ranks of nobility and by other factors that tend to reduce the power of the old Noble Houses. They use their influence to see that such "interlopers" get discredited, and that the "right" people get into positions of power.

Prerequisites: Noble birth (Social Standing of 8 or higher). Must not betray the secret of the order, and must take advantage of any opportunity to assist in the advancing of the prestige of the nobility and the hindrance of the advancement of "unworthy" commoners in the Bauhaus hierarchy.

Cost: 1

Benefits: Once and only once, if the character is ever disgraced, the Order will see that it is hushed up. Repeat offenders won't be helped, however. Other members of the Order tend to lend a hand to see that the character's career enjoys proper promotion and other perks.

Order of the Unsleeping Eye

This secret order is actually an unofficial branch of the Ministry of Justice. It was set up to protect the order system from being abused by infiltrating Heretics and spies. Members of this order infiltrate and monitor other orders and make sure that they don't carry the taint of Darkness, and that they aren't acting as a front for hostile powers.

Prerequisites: Membership of another order; demonstrated, utter, knee-jerk, robotic dedication to the Bauhaus cause: faced with a decision between Bauhaus' interests and any other, your character MUST choose the Bauhaus way, period. (-2 Disadvantage) At least 2 points each in Unarmed Combat and Stealth. Must keep the existence of this order secret, under penalty of swift death.

Cost: 2

Benefits: Direct contact with the most powerful of all Bauhaus's ministries, which will provide the character with forged documents, assassination weapons, immunity from prosecution and just about anything else that is necessary for the eternal fight against the Darkness.

The Hermetic Order of Ancient Light

If proof were gained of this order's existence, the Brotherhood would mobilize all its resources to see to it that it is promptly stamped out. This secret order was formed by Michael Lucius, a renegade Brother and Keeper of the Art over four centuries ago. Michael Lucius taught that the Art was not a mere gift granted to the Cardinal's servants by the Light, but a manifestation of a new psychic phenomenon which could be studied and mastered by anyone. He also claimed that there was a spell that could make its caster immortal.

Such heresy led to him being declared an Apostate and hunted down by the Inquisition. Brother Lucius traveled to Venus and founded this secret order. The Order since that day has worked secretly against the Darkness, forever trying to expand humanity's knowledge of the Light ... or so their inductees are told. The Grandmaster of this order is known to this day as Michael Lucius. Some members speculate that he may in fact be the same man.

Is the order secretly carrying on the fight against the Darkness, or might it in fact be a tool of the Dark Apostles? On the GM knows for sure!

Prerequisites: MST of 15. Must never have been an Inquisitor or a Templar. Must contain no trace of the Darkness or any stigmata. Must keep the existence of this order secret, under penalty of death.

Cost: 2

Benefits: May study any one Aspect of the Art, at the appropriate skill costs.

Heretical Orders

Some orders that approach a Bauhauser are actually fronts for the Darkness. The prospective inductee might be told that he's being asked to serve the interests of the corporation, to secretly spy on his fellows for any traces of heresy. He may be asked to obtain documents, purportedly for investigation by the Ministry of Justice. He's also told that serving the greater interests of Bauhaus can also do wonders for one's career.

Little does the fellow know that he's actually serving the interests of the Dark Apostles (most likely Semai) and before long, he has gotten himself in deep enough that should he think of trying to back out, he's done enough to have incriminated himself - or worse. Leaving the order, of course, isn't an option - It's far more likely, that, eventually, the member will be given an opportunity to become a full-fledged Heretic ... or else.

Anarchists

This isn't really an "order" at all, but more of a movement of sorts. Anarchists are publicly imagined as strung-out, shaved-head, wild-eyed, tattooed, cackling maniacs with a bomb in one hand, a machine gun in the other, and a can of spray paint tucked into a pocket for good measure. They're often portrayed as being part of some vast conspiracy. This is far from the truth.

In actuality, Anarchist cells are generally no larger than 10 members, and they tend to form around some charismatic leader who persuades his fellow associates (usually fellow thralls, and sometimes disgraced nobles) that the economic oppression and tyranny of the upper class must be stopped by any means necessary. And, of course, the most visible "any means necessary" will always be violence. Naturally, at times such things will be instigated by agents of the Dark Legion, or enemy corporations, or else other corporations will simply use the excuse of Anarchist activity as a cover for covert operations. (This is a favorite tactic of Imperial and Mishima to try to "soften up" the largest megacorporation.)

However, most of the time, it's genuinely some dissatisfied thrall, or perhaps a student who gets hold of some forbidden literature or hears a speech of some charismatic protester (shortly before he's hauled off by the Ministry of Truth) and is inspired to carry on the fight against the upper classes on his own. Some of them try to do so by peaceful means, such as distributing leader, staging protests, or perhaps sneaking onto corporate property and leaving a message spray-painted across the Bauhaus logo overnight. Sad to say, little distinction is made between these groups, whether peaceful or murderous; if they are found out, they are dealt with swiftly and brutally. Even if Anarchists are not simply shot for their crimes - real or presumed - being revealed as an Anarchist effectively kills any hope one has for holding a decent job in Bauhaus culture. It has the effect of being branded a traitor, and the Anarchists by and large do not have a network of contacts or resources to draw upon to see after their own. It's every man for himself.

Apocalyptic Cults

Ironically, Bauhaus considers its most faithful supporters to be the second greatest threat to its own security, second to that posed by the Dark Legion. There are numerous Apocalyptic Cults within every major Bauhaus city and domain. Their members, Zealots, share in common a vision that the last days of civilization are upon them, and that the Apocalypse is coming soon - when the forces of Light and Darkness will clash, and all will be left in ruin, whereupon a new world must be built from the ashes of the old. This may seem well and good, and it's not that hard to believe in some places where the Darkness has made its presence undeniably felt. However, the trouble is in the way the Zealots go about preparing for this final conflict. They seek to "purify" humanity, and hold themselves accountable to no one in carrying out this "divine edict".

The Zealots are fanatic and bigoted against anyone they deem to be insufficiently devout, driven to acts of violence by their leaders, the Visionaries. Vast crowds of them might strike against Cybertronic installations, claiming them to be a manifestation of the Darkness. Or, they may see Heretics anywhere, "cleansing" entire blocks of thralls with fire and lead. All the Visionary need do is make an accusation against another corporate holding, against "heretics" in the Bauhaus leadership, or even make wild claims that there are heretics within the Brotherhood itself, for violence to be unleashed. When public and religious leaders speak out against the violence, they too get branded as "heretics", and are subject to being targeted by the actions of the Apocalyptic Cults.

Once, several unarmed Capitolian tourists were massacred by the Cult of Final Light. The Council of the Duke Electors declared the cult to be illegal. The Visionaries of Final Light responded by claiming that the Electors had been possessed by Semai, and they spurred an armed uprising. Several units of the Reserve Army were loyal to their cause, and blood street fighting raged through the Venusian city of Heimburg for days. Even when the Order of the Silver Skull stormed the Final Light Mission and seized the cult's leaders, and even when it was revealed that the Visionaries were - down to the last man - Corrupters of Semai, the rebellion could not be halted. The cultists simply reasoned that it was a lie dreamed up by the Ministry of Truth. They fought to the last soldier.

The Brotherhood has petitioned the Council to ban all Apocalyptic Cults, seeing them to be a continuing threat, undermining the authority of the Cardinal. The Duke Electors have been reluctant to make such a sweeping condemnation, however, for the Apocalyptic Cults as a varied whole enjoy considerable popularity - Indeed, there are some "Apocalyptic Cults" that actually perform community services such as clinics or "city beautification" projects, and don't speak a word of violence. Furthermore, there are many within the active military and Reserves who secretly support one Apocalyptic Cult or another. It's a potentially explosive situation.