Shades

Origin
The exact origin of Shades is a secret that the Imperium holds till this very day. However, it is believed that it dates back to the days of the fall of Arlathan. When the Imperials invaded the great elvhen city, and discovered the magic of the Arcane Warriors, they began experimenting with it. Through a procedure of research, as they were trying to gain a better understanding of Arcane Warriors, they came across the power of manipulating darkness and, combining it with techniques only rogues knew how to use, they founded the Shades.

The organization
It soon became clear, that not everyone was able to become one with darkness or adopt the fighting style of a rogue. The Shades had always been small in numbers and they continue to be so in Tevinter Imperium. An organization was created. Everyone who’d withstand the hard training and would make it to the world of shadows, was considered part of it.

The organization is strict with the greatest value being the absolute, unconditional loyalty to the Imperium. Its members are used either as a weapon against the Qunari or as part of Tevinter’s spying system. It has to be noted that not all Shades become spies and, those who do, differ from what one could describe as a typical spy. Official Tevene members who are closely associated with the Archon and the Imperium, contact those Shades they deem worthy, after they have spoken to the Tenebrae Dominis, and assign them spying contracts. Their role as spies differs from the roles in other countries, like Orlais for example. They cannot be hired by the nobility or by Tevinter Magisters for personal use and schemes. Shade spies belong to the Tevinter Imperium, serve the Archon and carry out only official orders. Their use varies but they can often be seen investigating internal problems that occur in the Imperium or, as far as foreign policy goes, they are usually occupied with the Qunari.

How Tevinter’s society views the Shades
In Tevinter, the average Imperial citizens may or may not believe in the existence of Shades, depending on how skeptical they are. Imperial Mages and Magisters though probably know or have heard of them. However the information which they may have varies and is closely associated to whether they have witnessed a Shade in action (e.g. against the Qunari) or not. Nevertheless, what remains a guarded secret is the training of Shades. Any sharing of details regarding either their role in the Imperium or training is forbidden by the organization. Those who break this rule are treated as traitors and the Shades make sure they get punished accordingly.

How the rest of the world views the Shades
Across Thedas, Shades are mostly unknown. One who has travelled in Tevinter might be aware of their existence but they could not know anything more than that.

Recruitment
One cannot choose to become a Shade. The ones who are high in command (Master and Expert Shades) choose mages that they believe they have the potential of joining their ranks. They approach them, offer them a place in the darkness and ask for a lifetime dedication to the organization and the Imperium in return. Since it takes years of training, and the magic the Shades use cannot be combined with any other, the novices are usually young boys and girls.

Organization’s Mechanics
There is an hierarchy in the organization. Usually, in Tevinter, everything is a matter of status. Within the Shades though the only status that matters is the mastery of darkness. The ones who have dedicated their entire lives to study the dark are higher in command, with the Master Shades being the current leaders.

Current hierarchy
 The Tenebrae Dominis  (singular → Tenebrae Dominum)

The Tenebrae Dominis are the leaders of the organization. They have spent their entire lives studying the ways of shadows and have achieved its complete mastery. As of 952 DA, the Tenebrae Dominis are three and are in close association with the Archon and prominent members of the Magisterium. Apart from carrying out official orders and running the organization, the Tenebrae Dominis are also teachers for the Shades who are less experienced than them. Following Tevinter’s tradition, although they are teachers for all, it is not uncommon for them to choose personal apprentices. It has to be noted that when the Archon’s associates wish to give a spying contract to a Shade, they need to speak to the Tenebrae Dominis first.

 Tenebrae  (singular → Tenebrum)

The Tenebrae are the second in hierarchy. Their level of mastery is that of an expert and they all strive to achieve mastery. The Tenebrae are responsible for the training of the Manibus Umbrae and the Novitiorium. They are also the main recruiters of the organization. They watch and study mages whom they deem worthy of becoming Shades and offer them a place in their world. The Tenebrae are usually in lead of any missions and duties the Shades must see through. Apart from this, they are often asked of their opinion in important decisions. Especially those three who are apprentices to the current Tenebrae Dominis.

 The Manibus Umbrae  (singular → Manum Umbrae)

The Manibus Umbrae are the Shades who have trained only for a few years in the ways of shadows (adept Shades). They take no part in decisions neither are they able to train younger members. They are the ones who will be sent on missions and serve as the hands of the organization, fulfilling whatever task is assigned to them. In the meanwhile, they keep studying and dedicating their life to the mastery of the Shade techniques.

 The Novitiorium  (singular → Novitius)

The Novitiorum consists of the new recruits who have just joined the Shade ranks and have none to little experience. It is rare for one to be sent on a mission unless a Tenebrae or a Tenebrae Dominum takes them as their apprentice. The Novitiorium spend their time studying and improving.

Training
Only Shades are allowed during the training. They protect their secrets and they forbid their sharing to their members. The training starts with introducing the Novitiorium to the rogue fighting techniques. They learn how to wield dual daggers and how to survive in combat. As the years pass, they slowly become familiar with darkness’ manipulation.

The Shades’ training grounds are beneath Minrathous’ surface. There are three main entrances to the underground settlement. One of them is located in the Imperial Circle and it is known only to those who have access to it. The training grounds consist of a library with studies and documents which are related to the Shades, grand room where Shades improve their fighting skills, dorms and private quarters. Some of the Shades though choose to live in their family estates or in the Circle.

Breaking the organization’s laws
One can break the organization’s laws either by betraying the Imperium in any way (for example selling cargo to the Qunari) or revealing any kind of information regarding the Shades to the public or anyone who is not part of their ranks. Plotting against or hurting another Shade is also considered a violation of the organization’s laws. Such actions are treated as crimes. Once the traitor has been located, the Tenebrae hunt them down. The punishment is death.