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The '''Brotherhood of Horned Darkness''' are a [[Chaos]] [[Cult]] active in the [[Calixis Sector]] and quite possibly beyond. They are ruled over by a powerful [[Daemon]] known as [[Balphomael]]. The Brotherhood is classified by the [[Ordo Malleus]] as a daemon-worshiping Cult.^{{Fn|1}} The ability of the Brotherhood to act clandestinely, sparingly, and rationally as opposed to many of the less-organized and psychotic Chaos Cults has resulted in the [[Inquisition]] finding it difficult to stamp out the group once and for all.{{Fn|1}}

The Brotherhood has been smashed by the [[Inquisition]] time and time again, but has always endured. Appealing to the nobility and ruling elite of worlds who tend towards ambition and megalomania, the Brotherhoods inner membership consists almost entirely of the rich and powerful. The Cults greatest stronghold has always been [[Scintilla]], the heard of the Calixis Sector. The Brotherhood once caused a heresy so powerful and widespread, it nearly corrupted the Sector Government.<sup<>{{Fn|1</sup>}}

The Brotherhood takes the form of a secret conspiracy that takes great pains to keep its existence hidden from the outside world. It makes extensive use of go-betweens, unwilling agents, encrypted messages, and a rigidly enforced code of silence to maintain its cover. The masters of the cult are known as "servants", each of whom has a pact with their Daemonic master Balphomael. Balphomael's will in the Cult is absolute, and none dare question his orders. The Cult's principle goal is to further the power, wealth, and influence of its ruling cabal while also pleasing its hidden patron by conducting human sacrifices.^{{Fn|1}}

Below the central cabal of rulers are the worshipers, aspirants, and favored agents. Membership in the Cult is highly coveted by those who know of it, and assassination is often used to advance ones own position. Below these agents are the hired muscle: vagrants, cut-throats, and mercenaries that are ignorant of the greater purpose of the Brotherhood.^{{Fn|1}}

Though it loyally serves their Daemonic masters, the Cult does not seek to overthrow the greater [[Imperium]]. Rather, it seeks to rule it and wield ultimate power from behind the scenes. To many higher-ups within the Cult the Brotherhoods purpose is to help them dominate others and advance in power. This reflects the lust for power, greed, and megalomania of its mortal leaders. The Brotherhood considers the citizens of the Imperium as little more then objects and playthings, to be disposed of at their whim. As a result the Brotherhood uses violence, coercion, assassination, bribery, and exploitation as means to further their goals. However when it is forced to act violently, the Brotherhood prefers to disguise the act as a common crime.^{{Fn|1}}

The Cult has successfully spread corruption through the heart of many commercial empires and noble houses on [[Scintilla]]. It has also spread its tendrils into the apparatuses of the Imperial state: the [[Administratum]] and [[Ecclesiarchy]] have both been infiltrated by the Brotherhood. At the peak of its power the Cult almost managed to corrupt the [[Governor]] of the Sector before it was found out and destroyed by the [[Ordo Hereticus]].^{{Fn|1}}

The Cults Daemonic master, Balphomael, is eternally hungry. As a result the Cult maintains many hidden shrines to its daemonic patron with which it uses to commit acts of human sacrifice and ritual murder in the Daemons name. In exchange, Balphomael gives the leaders of the Cult portions of its power through Daemonic Pacts.^{{Fn|1}}

*^{{Endn|1}}: [[Dark Heresy: Disciples of the Dark Gods]] pg.137-143