Chantries that Never Sleep
Purpose
Perhaps nowhere else in the world can an Awakened man or woman acquire and wield so much influence over the world than in New York City. Unsurprisingly then, the mages of both major chantries in the City that Never Sleeps are constantly active. In both local and global affairs, these sorcerers are intent on influencing the grand arena of mankind.
Many of these mages are commercial magnates and brilliant, peerless innovators. And powerful and determined Masters guide them towards that ever-elusive Ascension. Well-entrenched in everything around them, both Masters and Disciples stay fearless, smart, tough, and wise. In New York City, it is not because they can be, but because they have to be to just survive!
Luckily, the Big Apple is a highly diversified city, and that plays right into the hands of the Council of Traditions. With such diversity availing their propagation, perhaps they can aim higher than mere survival. They can work to insure their enemies don’t get their fingers wrapped around this apple at least. And as more powerful foes flock to the city, the Awakened realize they have a stiff battle facing them in the near future.
Chantries' Policies
In the Tourmalae Chantry, the ancient protocols of the Traditions are enforced today as rigorously as ever. As conservative and traditional as these sorcerers are, it is no secret that they have no patience for radical law-changers. The few laws that the Traditions obey were put there for a reason, after all. Secrecy is paramount! And the more rebellious Glass Lightning chantry agrees with that. Secrecy is indeed paramount, so at the very least the Rule of Shade is observed. As for proper titles and rituals of respect…pff. You earn respect, you don’t demand it.
Because the Glass Lightning’s Masters are of a more laidback mindset, the younger mages do not realize that the Masters of Tourmalae are more than capable of shredding their souls and taking respect by force. Fortunately for both chantries, they are united in their opposition to a far greater foe: the Technocracy! The bond of that common enemy will always guide both chantries’ ultimate policies.
Quiet and almost aloof from their more Western brethren, the Court of Whispering Leaves keeps to itself. Chi’n ta, mostly Akashayana, mind their own business and pursue their own brands of Ascension. Although quite traditional, they are not as forceful about their rules of mutual respect and secrecy. However, they have joined forces with Tourmalae and Glass Lightning in the past, and are willing to do so again.
Special Events
Special events are annual (or more frequent) holidays or special ritual days that the main group or groups observe as a whole community. Attendance and participation is often expected of all members, and sometimes required.
Rooftop Revelries
From September 12th to the 25th, the two major chantries of New York, Tourmalae and Glass Lightning, participate together in a series of social gatherings entitled Rooftop Revelries. These events are held on high-rise buildings’ open roofs, especially those furnished for outdoor use (patios, pools, et cetera). These gatherings are primarily social, an opportunity for a classic Hermetic chantry to connect with a modern technomantic one. On occasion, an up-and-coming Adept showcases some spectacular new rote or innovation.
Chinese New Year
The Court of the Whispering Leaves engages in, oversees, and protects the annual Chinese New Year festivities out of Manhattan’s Chinatown district, which begin on the new moon of January or February, and last for two weeks. The New Year is a vital time, and also serves as Mythic Threads for chi’n ta in the area.
“When opportunity knocks, you knock back harder.”
-- Bruce Josce bani Tytalus, Master of the Tourmalae Chantry
