Disclaimer: The following document fragment is presented from an in-character perspective, it should not be taken as the truth of the setting.
Context: Compared to the Turm, this cabal of mages – the Luceferians, take a very different view of morality. Instead of a responsibility, they see working for the benefit of humanity as a defiance of human nature. A sentiment that is easy to misunderstand, but to them, the conclusions they reach are all too rational.
Oh, Morning Star, Bringer Of Light
Peccatum unius est peccatorum omnibus.
~Lucianus of Thessalonika
Upon the path to wisdom, the first step is self-reflection.
Humans are powerless, ignorant and malicious things. Though we often lie to ourselves that it is not so, it is undeniably the nature of mankind. Born into this world with no power of our own, no wisdom of our own and no virtue of our own. We grow, and along our path, through the years they are granted to us by others.
Understand then, that by mantling power, you defy your nature.
Understand then, that by accruing wisdom, you defy your nature.
Understand then, that by acting benign, you defy your nature.
In defying your nature, you seek an ever grander existence.
That is the path to enlightenment.
To accept your nature and to reject it.
In knowing what you are, who you are, the path will open to you.
That is the creed of your pride.
May it liberate you.
~ Credo Superbia, Unknown Author
The Luciferians are one of those organisations we see, we ask about, and yet about whom we often know very little. They are those who wear black garb, cast over crimson, and who decorate themselves only in silver. They have no sign to distinguish them among us, only this rule of dress and their actions.
So then, the young mage sees the man or woman in black, and asks: who are they?
They are the Luciferians, the Synod of the Morning Star. Perhaps one of the most misunderstood and yet romanticised cabals among us. Ever present in the hierarchies of our most dearly held Secret, their signature appearance can be beheld almost anywhere mages congregate, both by actual members and imitators.
To understand why this is the case, one must look no further than one of their central principles states no less, than that all of humanity is inherently evil — a bold statement to be sure. But with this perspective, comes a different look at the more sociable, empathic and cooperative behaviours humanity exhibits. Doing good is one of the means by which we affirm our capability to deny and transcend our nature.
To the Luciferians, life is lived to the fullest, when every moment is this kind of affirmation of power. They seek for themselves status, knowledge and responsibility to prove the mastery they hold over themselves and the world. That is the fabric from which they cut their mantles of providence.
Esoteric Musings... 