The Council - Site-wide sub-plot

They're in charge of commemorating the foundation of the town. Unofficially, their true goal is to protect the town from the threat of the supernatural. They've always known of the existence of werewolves and other supernatural threats to the town. The Council was created by the Founding Families a short time after the events of 1864. It's purpose was to protect the town against any and all supernatural threats.

Founding Fathers left their descendants journals containing information on how to fight them, such as the secret of the vervain and the Gilbert compass to track them, but it was separated into two parts: one held by the Gilbert's and one by the Lockwood's. They're practically a cult. What were they doing all that time before the vampires returned? Having a yard sale? No! They were training future council members to hunt and kill supernatural beings, which in normal circumstances would land them in the funny farm. But they're not normal, are they...?

There are thirteen members on the council at all times. Membership is hereditary, and is usually passed down to the eldest male. Barring that, it can be passed to the eldest daughter, but that's a rare occurrence. Regardless, all children are groomed for it in case a replacement is needed. In the past they've allied themselves with witches in order to acquire both protection and weaponry for their purpose, though they don't fully trust them either.

Though they've hunted certain species to near extinction, they've been preparing for an eventual resurgence. The return of their prodigal children is tipping the balance and putting them in a position of power they've never had before. Their ultimate goal is the eradication of anyone and anything they perceive as a threat to mankind's continued existence. Mystic Falls is only the tip of the iceberg.

There's a darker and more sinister side to them as well. They've made unsavoury alliances through the years in order to acquire what they need and, in a way, make themselves as indestructible as the things they hunt. The Gilbert rings are one such item, though their creator has been lost to time. There are other trinkets, but they are well hidden. Who doesn't have their little secrets?

With the resurgence of creatures here, there's suspicion, scandalous whispering, and redoubling of effort from the council to put a stop to things once and for all. They've begun to delve into their history to find ways of generating better, more effective weapons and devices. They're not above torture and murder to get what they want and don't discriminate between men, women and children. They truly are a force to be reckoned with.

What with the attacks on Halloween, the council is more aggressive than ever before. That caused a lot of persuasion to be put upon Ice to join the council, because he's the last person anyone would suspect. His older brother's refusal and lack of belief prevented his recruitment. With him on the council, and his arrangements with Katherine, that puts Katherine in the position to tear Mystic Falls apart from the inside-out while still remaining in the shadows.

Their loyalty to one another and vast knowledge of the supernatural puts them at an advantage, but some of their relationships are fraying due to some in the know beginning to wonder if there is a better way. With twists and turns along the way anyone could be a suspect, even one of their own. Will you ally with them and join the crusade or turn against them and fight?