Order of the Golden Dawn (Neophyte Series 2)

1. The Bishop Dynasty

        MANY YEARS AGO, I learned a lesson that I could scarcely forget—one that would echo through my mind whenever a moment stilled. During the course of my unusual and macabre existence, it has become abundantly clear that all of humankind could be profiled into three distinct categories, and the perception of this grouping is of utmost prudence. Woe to the ignorant and wayward—those who ignore the wisdom of this warning, for the hour is late, and like a villainous fog, the day of judgment creeps closer with every swing of the pendulum.

First and foremost are the Sheep; they are the average humans, the majority of the population. Oblivious and naive to their surroundings and swayed with little effort, they are a prime target of social and political manipulation and absent-minded persuasion. Trends are by far their greatest weakness, flaws seeped in the seven deadly sins, too distracted to even notice the wolves gathering at the gates, however rabid and salivating for their flesh. Perhaps the truth is simply too terrifying for the mind to accept, and so they ignore what they see with their own eyes; a forfeited logic in lieu of a promised security that could never be more than a delusion. Remaining in their controlled, naive bubble is much simpler than facing the reality of this ruse, and make no mistake . . . their moment draws nearer with every turn of the cheek. After all, a simple mind is the greatest tool to those who plot against the light, and a heart of want is their catalyst. Those who are caught unaware are always the first to perish; lambs to the slaughter.

Then we have the Shepherds; these rare personalities prioritize the best interests of the flock, although their guidance tactics are often misplaced, as the blind simply cannot lead the blind. While their hearts are in the right place, the arrogance of their unwavering certainty is all too common. Shepherds will fiercely protect those close to them, often assuming roles of moral authority such as clergymen, law enforcement officers—or even soldiers. They are willing to sacrifice themselves for their flock, showing little hesitation to put their lives in peril if the cause proves adequately noble—a perilous sentiment for those lacking wisdom. Many who embark on the path of righteousness find themselves lost along the way, surrounded by influential corruption—the injustices and tyranny of evil men. And so they must tread carefully lest the darkness take them, little-by-little becoming what they detest above all . . . indifferent.

Lastly, there are the Wolves. Dangerous, cunning and ever scheming, an instinctive sense of survival is their most notable trait. These predatorily motivated individuals typically thrive in packs, making them all the more difficult to kill, yet equally predictable. Enemies of the wolf must always expect to be outnumbered, as fighting fairly is not in their nature.

Within the pack, there are only ever temporary allegiances, as it is the nature of a wolf to constantly push its boundaries, inching closer with every plot towards the coveted alpha state, fueled by envy and often hatred. Therefore, the alpha must always be suspicious of those who intend to take his place, as even their closest allies will not hesitate if the opportunity presents itself, and weakness will not be tolerated. Concepts like loyalty or obedience are never more than an illusion—a ruse to climb their way up the ladder and nothing more. The defensive strategies of the alpha are simple: trust no one and control the pack with brute force and primal fear.

Understanding the three basic classifications of human personality is a crucial lesson, and outright devastating to learn the hard way. There is simply no empathy for those who put stock in foolish sentiments such as loyalty or friendship. A lamb may confuse itself for a wolf or a shepherd, and when put to the test, no fate is more common than utter destruction.

So, where do I stand? This is a complicated question, considering the complexities of the life I have been cursed to endure in my short but questionable cycle. Perhaps judgment is best left to the perception of the beholder.