Subject-78: The Lions of Judah

This monastic order of monks and friars is probably one the strangest and most worrisome reactions to the Rifts the Associates have come across thus far. The Rifts inspired many conspiracies and fledgling religious sects. Among more conservative communities, a new breed of hunters emerged to cleanse the world of Rifts and whatever these spawn. But these Catholic zealots are a whole new category. On the surface, their sermons preach the typical fire and brimstone and how the Rifts and a sign of the end times. But once the Association discovered its convents, a whole new image was formered.   According to their scripture, the order came into being around the dawn of the 19th century. One night a catholic priest from Italy, father Abraham Albert, was awoken by an angel. The being guided him to a Rift, which led to a paradise, which the Lions claim to be the Garden of Eden. then Alberti was led through another Rift. This one led directly to one of the circles of Hell. The angel explained to the priest the Rifts are either divine or satanic portals. The Lions believe there are nine such Hellgates to be used by satan's legion, waiting for the seven trumpets to be sounded that announce the Apocalypse. The only way for humanity to redeem its wicked ways is by destroying these gates, so the way to the Lord's embrace, Heaven's Gate, will reveal itself. Until then, these Hellgates will continue to corrupt the minds of men. Religious beliefs aside, the Association's biggest concern is the Perfecti. The most senior members of their order, in order to serve the Lord, have given up their human form to combat satan's forces in their monstrous form. Although they are articulate and capable of reason, their likeness is that of Tier III Outsiders, whose shapes are grotesque to most. But to the friars of the Lions, they look upon them as if they were angels and hope that one day they are pious enough you join their ranks.   The Associate's relationship with the Lions is complex, as their goals align. Their methods, however, resemble those of the Old Testament.