(pp. 44-46 MTA)
Magic is a secret Art. The Guardians of the Veil keep it that way for a reason. The order believes Atlantis was defined by its humanity. It rewarded the fruits of human brilliance and reflected its flaws. It was as close to Utopia as ever existed, but was not perfect. Perfection belongs to individuals, societies are always flawed. Even that near Utopia needed its killers, spies, and thugs. This world is no different.

Save for Seers of the Throne and Banishers, no order is more hated than the Guardians. They are mistrusted, and despised, however valuable they may be as allies. Even The Free Council is more well liked, as its chaotic nature still lends itself to discovery rather than repression.

Guardians have for centuries lived among the Sleepers in a mundane guise, dropping hints, and spreading memes and rumors through society. A Guardian may on occasion receive help by dropping a secret word into the ear of a Sleeper who learned it through the rites of a secret society created by the Guardians centuries ago.

They are much like the CIA or KGB in their ability to move by way of subterfuge toward their goals. Never underestimate the motions of a Guardian.

Also know that they have a very ritualized method of initiation where the initiate must demonstrate their willingness to lie, kill, and die for the order, while still retaining strong individual moral judgement.

Philosophy
Paradoxes strengthen the Abyss as punishment answers pride
Sins for a just end grant wisdom to the Awakened
Merit must guide the Fallen World

Rituals and Observances

The Masque
The Masque is more than a new identity; it is a layer of false being that a Guardian uses to perform a particular task. There are said to be 49 archetypal identities, ranging from the Skull Priest, who makes killing holy to the Scepter, who assumes command. History provides numerous variations on these identities. Symbolically, the Masque teaches Humility, because he must suppress his own egoism to fit the part.

The Labyrinth
The Labyrinth is one name for the web of secret societies, fifth columns and spurious cults that the Guardians of the Veil create to conceal magic from the unworthy and exert influence over sleepers. A novice is initiated through the Labyrinth, finding his way through the false societies, penetrating the deceptions, to discover the true order.

Titles and Duties

Interfector
Interfectors are executioners and interrogators who serve a Consilium. At official functions, the Interfector is masked. Mages are expected to ritually deride her by refusing to touch her or step in her shadow. It is common to rotate mages through the position (each wears the mask of office) so that the role retains an impersonal quality. Interfectors are usually employed by very old or repressive Conciliums. The office grows less common with each passing year, and many mages argue that it is obsolete.

Epopt
Epopts (“beholders”) perform two functions. They manage the Labyrinth, upholding the order’s network of influence and misdirections, and recruit new members, sending them through the Veils. An Epopt rarely works alone. She directs other Guardians to support conspiracies and initiate novices through the three Veils. Epopts are always experienced Guardians, but rarely of the highest ranks of the order. Epopts have a tendency to become enmeshed in the mundane politics of the office, and show reluctance to leave it for the esoteric concerns of the higher ranks.

Views on other Orders

The Adamantine Arrow
Let them deal with the obvious enemies, we’ll take care of the rest.

The Free Council
Ignorant blunderers

The Mysterium
Some secrets should remain so

The Silver Ladder
We repair their mistakes without complaint