The Council of Venice

Description
Originally, the Council was formed for the protection of the Secret Societies; under threat of exposure through larger and bloodier wars, representatives from each society convened to form an impartial governing body, which would set the 'rules' of the so-called Secret War, as well as when and where such battles can take place.[3] The accord is little more than a 'gentleman's agreement' - that is, each member society obeys the accords out of fear of the remaining societies turning on them.

Additionally, it gives the societies a place to debate policies and issues of the Secret World, functioning in a manner similar to a Secret World equivalent to The United Nations. Indeed, as part of their function, the Council of Venice has its own impartial military force that can be deployed when approved war-zones get out-of-hand or cells of a secret society go rogue. Each secret society has a number of delegates proportionate to size and importance. The Illuminati, the Templars, the Dragon, and the Phoenicians have three each. The others have one or two. The Council itself has its own neutral delegates.

A Chief Councillor is elected every seven years. This Councillor cannot belong to a specific cabal, must abandon his or her allegiances.

History
The Council was formed some time between 3,000 BC and 1,300 AD - based on the fact that it was formed in Jerusalem and moved to Venice some time in the 13th century. It was formed in response to some sort of magical or occult disaster most likely caused by one of the secret societies.

Mechanics

 * Standard NPCs who are part of the Council of Venice will be wearing white to signify their faction. Important NPCs will have something to signify their allegiance to the Council, but may not be wearing white.

Other Information

 * Today, the various secret societies are chaffing under the rules and restrictions imposed by the Council. They begin to doubt that there is a need for the council. They also see that the Council ends in deadlock more often than not, unable to come to a binding decision.