Organization

Pharos is a world wide organization. The WARD INSTITUTE and the SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTE are just a few of it's many fronts. These are often well known organizations in the business of archiving, housing the majority of it's branches across the globe. It is due to this fact that members of Pharos in our setting will be registered as employees to these fronts, their PHAROS designation is only used when working in an official capacity in the field.

PHAROS is now known to the world (revealing itself around the time of the Resonance in 2010) but it still remains secretive. THEY CAN ONLY BE CONTACTED THOUGH VERY SPECIFIC CHANNELS and It is unknown just how extensive the organization is. While their involvement with such Institutions as the SMITHSONIAN the extent of their assets in unrealized by the general public, factions and government organization alike. Since going public there are now some facilities throughout the world that bear the 'Pharos'. These are usually research based operations using their resources to understand and help the world deal with the 'Resonance', but in short, most people have no idea what in the hell Pharos does.

The reality of it's power is staggering. For centuries it has covered up many of the Earth's secrets, helping to enforce order by maintaining a mundane fog over society. Their agents have policed the paranormal long before the existence of one of their primary modern patrons, the WARD INSTITUTE.

Pharos members were once referred to as 'Archivists' but even back in the mid 19th century the term was used interchangeably with 'Agent' and in time the latter became more popular.

• ALL MEMBERS CARRY IDENTIFICATION - The form of this varies in accordance with the capacity in which they work but they all have a way of identifying themselves. Some ways more secretive than others.

• BADGES - Agents that work in an OFFICIAL CAPACITY carry badges. It symbolizes that they are recognized consultants with certain privileges within organized law enforcement.

Pharos' role in our world can be most appropriately described as 'Defending and Perserving Knowledge'. They safeguard, preserve and nurture knowledge through investigation, documentation, support, and collection. That which they seek in our 'altered world' are often magical items and creatures which may or may not be threats to our society. Preserving relics is their highest priority but in lieu of being able to collect, they will document every detail possible for further analysis. They also strive to further knowledge by bringing magic and science together.

Agents are trained to carry out this role. Not only will their investigations involve the procurement of said items or creatures, but often involve their protection as well. When law enforcement or other agencies encounter a problem of a magical or otherworldly nature they MAY BE inclined to call Pharos. HIGHER ON THE LIST are the Magus of the Order of First Light or ARMA in North America. Law enforcers will basically call whom ever they are most comfortable with. In New York, the NYPD have a good working relationship with both ARMA and Pharos. Whom they call depends on the nature of the situation and the person doing the calling.

In short, PHAROS DOES NOT deal directly with 'Joe Public'. It is NOT a household word. Only people in certain positions will have an understanding of what PHAROS does but even that will be limited, and that's just the way the organization likes it to be. PHAROS dabbles in all sorts of taboo subject areas that the public eye would simply hinder.

OFFICIAL vs. UNOFFICIAL

This is a question that comes up A LOT. The Pharos Agent working in an official capacity compared to an unofficial role. Quite simply an agent/archivist works in the position they are best suited for and at any time they can be called upon to act in an official manner. Those that specifically work in the public eye are Badge totting Field Agents operating much like any other higher form of law enforcement. Pharos is an incredibly extensive organization offering you character a variety of roles to choose from. The limits are really your own imagination.

ARCHIVAL FACILITIES

One of the most important roles of Pharos is storage. Their methods of archival are unrivaled but realistically they would be foolish to store all of their most valuable and powerful relics in a location known to the public. All of their known facilities are used for research and temporary storage of dangerous artifacts. Antiquities and those artifacts deemed 'safe' for public display are exhibited but all that are considered dangerous are locked away in secret storage facilities known only to certain members of Pharos. The organization has developed an ingenious method of transporting and storing that prevents anyone one agent at a time from knowing specifically where shipments are going and where those destinations may be.

The Smithsonian Institute and all it's affiliates have provided storage for decades but the most classified secrets have always been hidden away.

THIS IS PHAROS' SOLE PURPOSE AND AS SUCH THEIR METHODS OF PROTECTING AND HIDING THEIR RELICS IS INCONTESTABLE. UNLESS ONE HAS RECEIVED EXPRESS PERMISSION OF SITE ADMINISTRATION NO ONE CAN INFILTRATE PHAROS ARCHIVES. This especially includes the predictable tactic of capturing and torturing a PHAROS agent until they reveal the location of an archive. The true reasons why the archives are hid so well are never known, it is left to the imagination of the 'reader'. No matter what methods a villain will employ the end result will always be the same, THE ARCHIVE WILL NOT BE FOUND.

This rule has to be enforced because without it PHAROS simply becomes a treasure trove for people to raid. It becomes too convenient a way for characters to obtain 'magical items' and that story gets old in a hurry. It's already quite old.

POSITIONS

BOARD OF GOVERNORS

In the beginning PHAROS was dependent on a board of individuals who financed their operations. It was thus operated like a private club for exploration and scientific research. Through the years it had evolved, and while these investors will always be apart of the organization's history they are no longer required.

THE WARD INSTITUTE — North American Sector

The WARD FAMILY are one of the last financiers of the organization that have retained power in the organization. It is the MOST prominent branch in the Eastern Alliance and why it used as the main backdrop for PHAROS. There are in fact many other 'fronts' but we have chosen this fictitious corporation as our main setting for New York's and Los Angeles' branches of PHAROS.

The WARD INSTITUTE is the most powerful of the corporate fronts in North America. The Ward Family thus are one of the last financiers from the Board of Governors to retain power in the organization. Essentially they have evolved into the primary controllers of PHAROS in North America, but in reality, with or without them, the faction would continue to run smoothly. It's that extensive.

You are of course welcome to choose any suitable 'front' for your Pharos character that you choose. They may be part of the Smithsonian, a Field Agent working out of an office, a Relic Hunter tromping through wild and exotic lands. It's up to you. They can be as close or as far removed from the Ward Institute as you wish, but in the end the Wards still hold control over most of the facets of Pharos in the North American Sector.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND NORTH AMERICAN SECTOR DIRECTOR

 • CEO - Christopher Ward administrates the corporate conglomerate that is the Ward Institute and reports to the Board of Governors. His role is mainly corporate, but he is also the North American Sector Director of Pharos. While the organization is world wide and Christopher's responsibilities extend overseas he also directly oversees the entire North American operation.

DIRECTORSHIP

There are two branches: New York and Los Angeles.

Currently, the directorship of both branches falls on the shoulders of the Grace Family. Cousins to Christopher Ward, Stone directs the New York branch while his sister, Sapphron has taken on the responsibility of Los Angeles. Both are highly qualified despite the fact that there are those who believe their positions are solely reliant on their lineage. If such were actually the case they would have retained their silent positions on the Board, instead, they have both chosen to step out into the light with their cousin.

The controlling positions of Pharos are canon:

• Director of Pharos NY - Stone Ward

• Director of Pharos LA - Sapphron Ward

HEAD OF OPERATIONS (CONTROLLER)

 • CONTROLLER - Deirdre Park - This (co-star-only) position is run out of the New York branch and reports directly to the CEO. This position is meant to head the Tactical teams as well as serve as a liaison for the various Field Offices.

LEAD AGENT / ARCHIVIST

REQUIRE 8 MONTHS OF SITE ACTIVITY TO QUALIFY FOR THIS POSITION (AND YOU SHOULD BE SOMEWHAT FAMILIAR WITH THE FACTION).

Oversee the various Field offices or Research facilities spread around the globe, Supervising all operation of his or her office personnel. They are loosely coordinated by the Head of Tactical Operations as each field office basically operates independently. The term agent or archives which is often used interchangeably is reliant on the nature of the 'office' itself. Those which are more research based tend to refer to their head as a LEAD ARCHIVIST.

Lead Agents are very experienced. It usually takes several years to attain this position which is pretty much office bound. These supervising agents don't spend a lot of time in the field, they spend most of their time coordinating agents and overseeing investigations.

They have a minimum Level 4 security clearance.

Due to the importance of their positions the Branch Office Lead Agents are co-stars and are not playable.

• LEAD AGENT NEW YORK BRANCH - Connor MacBride

• LEAD AGENT LOS ANGELES BRANCH - Anand Dayal

AGENT

REQUIRE 2 MONTHS OF SITE ACTIVITY TO QUALIFY FOR THIS POSITION.

Field agents of Pharos are often both Investigators and researchers. They are trained in basic combat and tactics for their own security and those around them that may require defending or apprehending. They are all trained in the proper documentation, handling and storing of various kinds artifacts and events as this is the main part of their task.

Agents are sent out to investigate, document and possibly retrieve. In some cases they serve as mediators between the 'altered' and 'non-altered'.

Some agents who are specialized in certain areas tend to be assigned to those cases that will benefit most from their skills. There is not a high demand for Pharos agents acting solely as law enforcers. While they will protect and serve the public when needed they DO NOT operate only in that capacity. These are investigators, not special armed forces patrolling the streets. Agents dress professionally NOT tactically. The only time they will carry heavier arms or wear body armor is during a tactical mission in which they expect to face hostile forces.

APPRENTICE

NEWCOMERS TO THE SITE WILL BEGIN AS AN APPRENTICE.

New recruit who recently graduated from the new training program, learning on the job alongside a Grade 4 or higher Agent assigned to him or her. For those who already qualify to be an Agent it is entirely up to you whether you want to start at this level.

SPECIAL OPERATIVE (Tactical Operations)

REQUIRE 4 MONTHS OF SITE ACTIVITY TO QUALIFY FOR THIS POSITION.

These are 'special forces', trained for tactical support and special operations. They ARE NOT investigators but highly trained soldiers. Special Op's teams are called in for specialized situations or when agents require reinforcements. There objectives are usually very simple and direct.

RESEARCHERS (ARCHIVISTS)

While most agents can also serve as researchers there is not a demand for members to solely work in this capacity. There are, however, always a few around who specifically specialize in archiving and documentation. These generally are doctors who work for the foundation and spend all their time in the lab and/or archives.

TECHNICIANS

This is mainly a non-agent role. Techs are simply employees of Pharos who work in the limited capactiy of their field, however, there are agents who specialize in this field.

OTHER PERSONNEL

Security guards, Janitors, Cooks. These positions are usually NPC's.

SECURITY CLEARANCE

What determines the 'status' of member of Pharos is their 'CLEARANCE LEVEL'. There are eight grades and they are not restricted to one's position.

Security Clearance is awarded in accordance to a member's performance.

All positions in Pharos are listed and addressed along with their clearance: Agent Grade 3, or Researcher Grade 4, or people refer to someone as a Grade 2 Agent. Depending on their service record an Agent could spend their entire career at Grade 2 and this is not out of the ordinary. One's length of service DOES NOT determine their grade.

The higher ones security clearance the more they have access to, it's that simple. This protocol helps to ensure the security of their archives.

Most Pharos facilities grant almost three quarters of their area to security levels 1 to 4. Five and above are rare by comparison, but there are facilities only known to those at a Grade 5 or 6 level. It really all depends on your imagination. The Grade system is as much practical as it is entertaining for you to incorporate in your stories.

GRADE 8 (GRADE ∞) — TOP SECRET

Level 8 clearance is written as the infinity symbol. It is reserved for Directors and Board Members. This is extremely high clearance, the level at which ALL secrets are revealed. Player characters will NOT attain this level. It exists only as rumor and conjecture for them.

GRADE 7 — SECRET

REQUIRE 12 MONTHS OF SITE ACTIVITY TO QUALIFY FOR THIS GRADE.

Agents and Special Operatives cannot attain this level of clearance. Only Lead Agents and their equivalents can hold this rank. Even when accompanied by a member with Grade 8 clearance special permission is required for Level 8 access. This is the HIGHEST SECURITY LEVEL attainable by your character.

GRADE 6 — SECRET

REQUIRE 10 MONTHS OF SITE ACTIVITY TO QUALIFY FOR THIS GRADE.

Member at these grades have access to the 'hidden' areas of Gnosis.

MAXIMUM CLEARANCE: If accompanied by a member with Grade 7 clearance or higher they are granted access to Level 7 areas.

GRADE 5 — CONFIDENTIAL

REQUIRE 6 MONTHS OF SITE ACTIVITY TO QUALIFY FOR THIS GRADE.

Level 5 security clearance provide clearance to rarely seen areas that few members of PHAROS have heard of. This is the entry level into the hidden world of Gnosis.

MAXIMUM CLEARANCE: Grade 5 can gain entry to Clearance Level 6 when accompanied by a member with Grade 6 clearance or higher.

GRADE 4 — RESTRICTED

REQUIRE 4 MONTHS OF SITE ACTIVITY TO QUALIFY FOR THIS GRADE.

The mid-grade level starts to allow a member PHAROS access to those areas rarely seen by the general public. Level 4 security is still to extent common knowledge among Gnosis members and t they are now able to accompany higher grades into the confidential Level 5.

This is the minimum security clearance possessed by Lead Agents.

MAXIMUM CLEARANCE: Grade 4 can gain entry to Clearance Level 5 when accompanied by a member with Grade 5 clearance or higher.

GRADE 3 — RESTRICTED

REQUIRE 3 MONTHS OF SITE ACTIVITY TO QUALIFY FOR THIS GRADE.

The majority of Pharos members are Grade 2 or 3. Grade 3 gives access to approximately half or more of the areas of a standard facility.

MAXIMUM CLEARANCE: Grade 3 can gain entry to Clearance Level 4 when accompanied by a member with Grade 4 clearance or higher.

GRADE 2 — SEMI-RESTRICTED

REQUIRE 2 MONTHS OF SITE ACTIVITY TO QUALIFY FOR THIS GRADE.

The majority of Pharos members are Grade 2 or 3. Grade 2 gives access to approximately half or more of the areas of a standard facility.

MAXIMUM CLEARANCE: Grade 2 can gain entry to Clearance Level 3 when accompanied by a member with Grade 4 clearance or higher.

GRADE 1 — UNRESTRICTED

NEWCOMERS TO THE SITE START AT THIS LEVEL OF CLEARANCE.

Apprentices and new Agents are given Level 1 security clearance.

MAXIMUM CLEARANCE: They are allowed entry into Grade 2 areas if accompanied by an member with Grade 3 clearance or higher.

VISITOR PASS

The grade of a visitor pass varies. Common passes to the general public would grant access to only Level 1 and specially designated Level 2 areas. They are not allowed to be unaccompanied.

FACILITIES

FIELD OFFICES

PHAROS Field Agencies DO NOT exist off-continent but they are not without resources in other parts of the world.

A typical field office is often a stand alone building, the majority of it's space is used for temporary storage and research. In New York and L.A. the main branch office serves as the field office.

They are headed by one Lead Agent and contain approximately 7 to 12 Agents. They will also have a few researchers/archivists around as well as technicians and general staff.

TACTICAL INSTALLATIONS

There are 'Tactical Operations' throughout the globe, one for every five or six Field Offices. They operate as a standard military installation and have little to do with the day-to-day operations of Pharos.

* This is a necessary part of the faction but does not serve very well as a position for your character if you wish to have them participating regularly in daily routines of Pharos.