Its members would say that The Shoal is a welcoming oasis within the parched expanse of Tarisia, inviting only those with a natural gift for Psi into the safety and wisdom of its secret meeting halls. Its detractors would call it a fanatical cult with an enigmatic and controversial leader who proselytizes an unproven, universal consciousness theory.
The Shoal’s followers adhere to the belief in a universal psionic shared consciousness that binds all living things. They call this shared consciousness The Shoal and it’s their namesake. With an ideology that promises harmony and unity through a submission of individual thought and surrender to the collective mind, their teachings espouse the greater good of groupthink.
They believe that the corrupting sorcery of the Thrones is only a symptom of a poisoned shared consciousness that chooses to believe in the magics in the first place, and that through a concerted, universal effort to rebuke and eradicate the magic tradition, can Tarisia be returned to the paradise of legend.
Led by a shadowy figure that goes by The Mentarch, rumored to possess immense psionic powers, The Shoal operates with a charismatic, yet insidious, charm that draws followers into its depths. The Mentarch’s true identity remains shrouded in mystery, prompting whispers of chthonic origins and hidden motives by outsiders, and instilling a sense of awe that fuels the cult’s fervent devotion.
Despite the guise of benevolence, The Shoal’s practices have led to speculation regarding its true intentions. Some suggest that the organization’s pursuit of unity relies on aggressive recruitment strategies, and even more nefarious retention techniques, employing mind-altering powers and illusions to sway those who try to leave the organization. The Shoal’s allure lies in its promise of a greater interconnectedness, yet beneath the surface, a darker undercurrent of control and manipulation runs deep, and even challenges the delicate power structures of the Thrones.
Those who dare to unravel the secrets of The Shoal find themselves ensnared in a labyrinth of deception, where the boundary between reality and illusion blurs, and the true nature of the cult’s leader remains an elusive mystery waiting to be unveiled.