# [[The Luminaries]] > [!infobox] > # The Luminaries > ![[Lanterns.png|wsmall]] > Banner of The Luminaries > ###### General Info >**Headquarters:** [[Lake Hope]] >*Presence:* [[Fortuna]], spread throughout [[Ibir]] > ##### Leadership > **Leadership:** Council of Solars >*Influential cultures:* [[Settler]], [[Vesperite]] The Luminaries are a network of some of the most influential economic elite of the colonies with shared interests that lobby for greater economic freedoms and a more liberal economy and political environment, mirroring the developments in [[Vesper]] after their independence from [[Aurora]] after the [[Reign of Terror]]. They host events with nobles and senators and fund think-tanks that publish treatises supporting their agenda. Many of the members of the Luminaries have found their fortunes after the [[Reign of Terror]] and with the dismemberment of the [[Golden Horizon Trading Company]], though it is likely that some fortunes are inherited from previous eras. ## Membership Any person that owns a business is able to buy their way into a membership with [[The Luminaries]]. The members are divided in a hierarchy based to their contribution to the organization. * **The Candles** are anyone that joined through the most basic membership. They are entitled to the monthly printed newsletter and can join special gatherings for members. * **The Torches** are sponsors of adventuring parties, usually earning their initial wealth exploring ancient sites. Expeditions sponsored by the Torches are usually tying to locate magical items to power the next generation of technologies for the business ventures of the Luminaries. * **The Lanterns** are members of great repute, usually business- or community leaders, they tend to help organize local chapters, have speaking engagements in gatherings, and support the organization efforts more directly. * **The Council of Solars** is a group of the most influential Lanterns, responsible for all important organization projects, including direct lobbying with governments. The council rotates every few years, when they decide on a new **Director**. ## Controversies regarding Independence movements Some people that know of [[The Luminaries]] speculate that they are ultimately interested in the independence of [[Fortuna]] (or whichever territory they are present in) from the [[Empire of Light]]. While they are inspired by the ideals of [[Vesper]] post-[[Reign of Terror]], most Directors have come public through their newsletter and to local newspapers to say that they do not support any coup attempt, as it would be detrimental to their businesses. Despite the public declarations of leaders, the [[Court of Fortuna]] has arrested and prosecuted members of the organization in the past (usually Candles) that were in possession of seditious materials, empowering the rumors about secret circles within the organization with their own agendas. In reality, there are plenty of currents of thought within the organization that will defends drastically different paths to achieve the same goal, and members of different currents are always vying for power within the Council of Solars to guide the organization through their own vision.