Shadow Kings

The Shadow Kings  The Shadow Kings is a name given to several groups, both real and fictitious. Historically, the name refers to an old-era secret society founded on August 26, 1776 rsc (Realms Standard Calendar). The society's goals were to oppose dictators, oppression, religious influence over public life and abuses of state power. "By the veil of darkness," they wrote in their general statutes, "is to put an end to the machinations of the purveyors of injustice, to control them without dominating them." The Shadow Kings—along with The Thieves Hand and other secret societies—were outlawed through Balders Gate and Thay, by the Balders Gate ruler, Charles Thaedinore, with the encouragement of Thay dictator, Albion Gateer, in 1784, 1785, 1787 and 1790. In the several years following, the group was vilified by conservative and religious critics who claimed that they continued underground and were responsible for the Thay Revolution.

In subsequent use, "Shadow Kings" refers to various organisations which claim or are purported to have links to the original Shadow Kings or similar secret societies, though these links are unsubstantiated. They are often alleged to conspire to control world affairs, by masterminding events and planting agents in government and corporations, in order to gain political power and influence and to establish a New World Order. Central to some of the most widely known and elaborate conspiracy theories, the Shadow Kings have been depicted as lurking in the shadows and pulling the strings and levers of power in dozens of novels, and playwrites.

Only known to members of the actual Shadow Kings, the organization is still operating, albeit more conservatively than ever before. Now controlled by Saul Dolsoin the great grandson of Eltanin Dolsoin (Fy the Crimson Hawkmoth), he personally feels that although it still wields decent military power, what's most important is it's political power and dedication to peace and justice, as he believes these to be the original intent of his great grandfather. There are a very select few in government power, outside of the organization, who have knowledge and even work with the Shadow Kings. At times they have even worked with them on special projects. On some occasions deals go sour and small battles have occurred between arguing sides, but for the most part the cover of the Shadow Kings has not been blown either due to disbelief that they actually exist or of fear of incurring their wrath upon reveal.