As the recipient of this letter, you have the responsibility of disposing of it properly within twenty four hours of breaking the seal No pleasantries shall be wasted in this letter. As a member of the Hades coven, you should never expect such pretenses, so new recruits should get used to this mindset as soon as possible. The work can be harsh, and the work will be secretive. However, anyone who has pursued this letter has probably acknowledged the coven's ability in bringing about disciplined and well-rounded Warriors who believe that training the mind is just as important, if not more so, as strengthening the body. That is also why Unovan students might see more than a few of their old classmates within the base's halls.

Stefan Finley is the supreme leader of the coven. His words is law, although there will be a coven handbook that will be distributed to you shortly. Obedience is to be expected within this coven, so be sure to read the handbook thoroughly. You will not be warned if you violate one of its edicts. From the moment that you set foot within the base, you will be considered one of its own and therefore subject to all of its laws.

The base is located at [words are blotted out by water damage]. Be sure to show up promptly at eleven in the evening, the time when we usually accept new members.

Be punctual.

Law of the land

1. Stefan Finley's (Hades) words are absolute. His executive orders are above every other rule in this handbook.

2. Bono malum superate is paramount, unless a member's life is threatened. Exceptions are nearly never granted, and life-or-death situations are investigated very closely. Those who needlessly take life in this coven can be punished in a multitude in ways ranging from solitary confinement in Tartarus (the dungeons) to expulsion to death.

3. Secrecy is highly valued within this coven. Do not speak of your assignments, or the coven's going-ons to any outsiders. Orders that are given to members by Hades are not to be spoken of to anyone. Not to your fellow coven member, not to your mother, and not even your pet dog. Even if you're running an errand for eggs. The rules are not to be subjective, as to lessen the risk for slip-ups during important assignments.

4. Hades is highly pragmatic. Although important tasks are delegated by rank, by no means should any member be surprised if they are asked to perform a task that is below their rank. That means that even a full-fledged Warrior can be asked to clean the toilets or pick up an extra pack of napkins from the convenience store. There is no shame in performing menial tasks here, since this rule applies to everyone. However, assignments take greater priority. All chores are assigned every week based on a fair lottery drawing. The leader occasionally takes part on the weeks that he isn't swamped with work.

5. Assignments are paramount. Anyone who is caught slacking will be given demerits. Punishments that come after three demerits are to be determined by Minos.

6. There are several special positions within Hades. They are exceptionally high ranked, with only the leader above them. These members are only to be granted by the leader, and they hold their own unique powers. Their orders come from the leader alone.

Nemesis - Nemesis is the one who takes care of internal affairs. Killings that are committed by coven members are to be investigated by Nemesis, and the same goes for traitors. Executions are not to be made without the leader's consent. No other coven member is allowed to infringe upon the business of another coven member.

Thanatos - Enemies from outside of Hades are to be eliminated by Thanatos, who is the only member who is above the second clause. He or she is not allowed to act on their own. Rather, their targets are only determined by the leader. If either Nemesis or Thanatos is caught violating the terms of his or her contract, then the leader will usually ask one of them to take care of the other.

Minos - He or she is the one who determines the punishments for demerits, although they are never to be particularly cruel or unusual, unless the bono malum superate is violated. Minos deals with confinement and expulsion. Capital punishment is to be carried out by Nemesis.

7. Alcoholism is expressly forbidden within the coven's bases. For those who wish to indulge while off duty, they ought to be aware that any information leakages or rule breaking that is done while intoxicated will be dealt with as if the member was sober.

8. If any member has particularly sensitive information, then the leader is willing to hear them out. His office hours are from six to eleven. However, anyone who wastes his time will be awarded four demerits.

9. Our coven is currently allied with the Zeus coven. That being said, be sure to treat our allies courteously and take care of their reasonable requests as you are able. However, Hades' orders are still the top priority. If there is a conflict in your orders in any way, then just remember that your own coven must never be compromised in any way.

10. Apprentices are valuable resources. Although they hold little to no authority, mistreatment is looked down upon. Those who infringe upon their wellbeing are to be taken care of by the officers.

11. Membership is not limited to humans, but entrance requirements for other species is slightly more complicated. Please see a recruiter for details.

12. The leader can amend the handbook at any time, and the new rule will take effect three days after its announcement.

Stefan Finley leader
Lili Balsereit apprentice