The Cognisant

"The Crimson Order hunt magi in broad daylight but for the emperor's more political opponants the Cognisant are waiting amongst the shadows..."

Edmund Coldridge, Malvarri Noble.

  The Cognisant, commonly referred to as the Cogs, are a controversial organisation of modern legend.   Often linked to assassinations, disappearances, and violent interrogations, the threat of the Cogs nibbles at the back of most citizens' minds whether, noble or commoner, artisan or unfortunate drunken loudmouth.   Despite the widespread reputation of the organisation though, its very existence continues to be debated.  

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A shadowy inquisition

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"You wanna watch that loose tongue of yours, girl, and stop asking bloody questions. Unless, of course, you want us both on their list of personas non grata?"

Hal, the (frankly aggressive) barkeep at the Silver Dragon, Low Town

  The existence of the Cogs amongst the the empire's military complex has never been confirmed or denied by the Emperor or his followers, but rumours regarding the mystery organisation emerged sometime around the late 1370s.   The Emperor, then Lucianno's father Augustus, was said to be afflicted with overwhelming paranoia. He grew convinced that his court was full of traitors and political opponents seeking to remove him from the throne and re-establish The Duchy of Tarryn. Even members of his Kamrala thought him mad, as he swiped at shadows, confined himself to his palace quarters and executed many, including loyal friends and allies.   But Augustas was right to be concerned... Both he and his heir, Crown Prince Aurelius, were assassinated at the celebrations marking the 50th year of the empire in 1381.   On Lucianno's ascension to the throne, rumours began circulating that an unseen intelligence was gathering information in the capital regarding the murder of the new emperor's late father and brother.    

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The invisible cogs of the Malvarri war machine

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"You shouldn't be asking about tha', are you tryin' to get us both killed? Look, the Cogs... they're everywhere okay. Them whats get taken, the things they do to 'em, well it's just too horrible to talk about. Leave me be and forget about it. Gods, for all I know you could be one of 'em!"

An unknown malvarri commoner, the Wallows

  Military force is not always effective for maintaining law and order given the complex nature of Malvarri politics.   The empire is oppressive. It occupies many city states in Elvara, subjugating anyone who doesn't fit with Lucianno's ideal society or who threaten his position on the Azure Throne. Many people must disapprove of the regime, former Tarrynites and the like, yet pockets of resistance are quashed before they even gain a footing.   It stands to reason that there must be some truth to the rumours. An intelligent branch of the Malvarri Military which deals with the resistance to the regime.   Regardless, the very idea of a secret band of omniscient spies is a very effective method at keeping the general population fearful and compliant. Everyone from the emperor's court to the lowliest Wallower seems to know of someone supposedly 'taken by the Cogs,' never to be seen or heard from again.

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