Bleak Cabal: Difference between revisions
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The '''Bleak Cabal''' is one of the Factions that contest for the minds | The '''Bleak Cabal''' is one of the Factions that contest for the minds and souls of [[Sigil]]ites in the [[Planescape]] setting for [[Dungeons & Dragons]]. Well... sort of. | ||
One of the more out-there Factions, and probably something that would have been written better if Planescape had come out a couple of years later, the Bleak Cabal's philosophy is essentially one of nihilism; the Bleakers cement themselves around the shared belief that there is no "great plan" to the multiverse, that there is no "purpose" to anything. This is similar to yet different from the "the universe is random" philosophy of the [[Xaositects]] or the "everything exists to fall apart" philosophy of the [[Doomguard]]; it cements itself around the idea that the only meaning the universe has is what a person chooses to give to it. | One of the more out-there Factions, and probably something that would have been written better if Planescape had come out a couple of years later, the Bleak Cabal's philosophy is essentially one of nihilism; the Bleakers cement themselves around the shared belief that there is no "great plan" to the multiverse, that there is no "purpose" to anything. This is similar to yet different from the "the universe is random" philosophy of the [[Xaositects]] or the "everything exists to fall apart" philosophy of the [[Doomguard]]; it cements itself around the idea that the only meaning the universe has is what a person chooses to give to it. | ||
This is seen as a very bleak and grim philosophy, hence the name, and is reflected mechanically by the idea that Bleakers are at severe risk of falling into melancholy-induced catatonia because they have no "higher meaning" to hold onto. As a result, active proselytizing isn't something they place a lot of emphasis on; most people are drawn to the Bleak Cabal of their own, rather than coaxed into joining. | This is seen as a very bleak and grim philosophy, hence the name, and is reflected mechanically by the idea that Bleakers are at severe risk of falling into melancholy-induced catatonia called the Grim Retreat because they have no "higher meaning" to hold onto. As a result, active proselytizing isn't something they place a lot of emphasis on; most people are drawn to the Bleak Cabal of their own, rather than coaxed into joining. | ||
At the same time, though, the Bleakers are one of the most sincerely altruistic factions in all of Sigil; if there is no reason to be good and kind, then that means it's all the more important when you choose to commit kindness, because you're making the choice to do so. The Bleakers operate the sanitariums, hospitals and soup kitchens of Sigil, struggling constantly against the indifferent cruelty of the city around them to make the lives of the poor a little less miserable. | At the same time, though, the Bleakers are one of the most sincerely altruistic factions in all of Sigil; if there is no reason to be good and kind, then that means it's all the more important when you choose to commit kindness, because you're making the choice to do so. The Bleakers operate the sanitariums, hospitals and soup kitchens of Sigil, struggling constantly against the indifferent cruelty of the city around them to make the lives of the poor a little less miserable. The current Factol of the Bleakers, a half-orc named Lhar, is planning on greatly expanding the facilities of the Faction to prepare for what he believes to be a great influx of Bleakers who undergo the Grim Retreat, as well as build a political network for the normally apolitical Faction. After this Lhar plans to succumb to the Grim Retreat. However, he is fully intending to return from it, which would make him the very first person to do so. To this purpose he has enlisted four members of the Faction to see him through this approaching madness. | ||
After the Faction War, the Bleakers simply shrug their shoulders, say "okay, we're not a faction", and just keep on working the same as they did before. | After the Faction War, the Bleakers simply shrug their shoulders, say "okay, we're not a faction", and just keep on working the same as they did before. | ||
{{Planescape-Factions}} | {{Planescape-Factions}} | ||
Revision as of 17:50, 20 September 2016
The Bleak Cabal is one of the Factions that contest for the minds and souls of Sigilites in the Planescape setting for Dungeons & Dragons. Well... sort of.
One of the more out-there Factions, and probably something that would have been written better if Planescape had come out a couple of years later, the Bleak Cabal's philosophy is essentially one of nihilism; the Bleakers cement themselves around the shared belief that there is no "great plan" to the multiverse, that there is no "purpose" to anything. This is similar to yet different from the "the universe is random" philosophy of the Xaositects or the "everything exists to fall apart" philosophy of the Doomguard; it cements itself around the idea that the only meaning the universe has is what a person chooses to give to it.
This is seen as a very bleak and grim philosophy, hence the name, and is reflected mechanically by the idea that Bleakers are at severe risk of falling into melancholy-induced catatonia called the Grim Retreat because they have no "higher meaning" to hold onto. As a result, active proselytizing isn't something they place a lot of emphasis on; most people are drawn to the Bleak Cabal of their own, rather than coaxed into joining.
At the same time, though, the Bleakers are one of the most sincerely altruistic factions in all of Sigil; if there is no reason to be good and kind, then that means it's all the more important when you choose to commit kindness, because you're making the choice to do so. The Bleakers operate the sanitariums, hospitals and soup kitchens of Sigil, struggling constantly against the indifferent cruelty of the city around them to make the lives of the poor a little less miserable. The current Factol of the Bleakers, a half-orc named Lhar, is planning on greatly expanding the facilities of the Faction to prepare for what he believes to be a great influx of Bleakers who undergo the Grim Retreat, as well as build a political network for the normally apolitical Faction. After this Lhar plans to succumb to the Grim Retreat. However, he is fully intending to return from it, which would make him the very first person to do so. To this purpose he has enlisted four members of the Faction to see him through this approaching madness.
After the Faction War, the Bleakers simply shrug their shoulders, say "okay, we're not a faction", and just keep on working the same as they did before.
