Rosicrucianism

Basic Information

Rosicrucianism is the belief system of a secret society of mystics and alchemists which was said to be founded in late medieval Germany by one Christian Rosenkreuz. It holds a doctrine "built on esoteric truths of the ancient past", which, "concealed from the average man, provide insight into nature, the physical universe and the spiritual realm." It became widely known when two anonymous documents were published in 1607 (the Fama Fraternitatis) and 1616 (the Confessio Fraternitatis). These stated the existence of a secret brotherhood of alchemists and sages who were preparing to transform the arts, sciences, religion, and political and intellectual landscape of Europe.

Numerous conspiracy theories surround the Rosicrucians to this day.

Sources

Bibliography

1. Wikipedia entry

Game and Story Use

• Any major late-medieval to modern-era conspiracy will sound more authentic if you can build in some ties to Rosicrucianism.
• Can be related and/or opposed to the Bavarian Illuminati or, frankly any other mystical/occult society, German or otherwise.
• Traditionally a good source for a Christian magician - albeit a very high church one in most cases.