Expose in Red

Hello everyone, and welcome to another Ruby Review. I know usually I go about talking all things bondage and whatnot, but with Mistress' most recent injuries I've taken to looking to things outside the field and have come across something rather fascinating. An organization simply known as the Followers of Red. A group that most have come to consider a cult and, given my attempt at an unbias approach upon my subjects, I've decided to research this a little with assistance from one of its own members, Cyndi Sullivan. A former porn star turned Follower.

History in Red

So, for starters, the Followers of Red worship and follow the guidance of an entity simply known as the Red Lady. (It's been requested all mentions of Her are to be in red) I say entity because there are rumors, even among the Followers themselves that there is no physical embodiment of the Red Lady. There are stories to counteract this, but nothing that can still put a complete physical description to their Goddess. In fact, anyone who claims to have seen Her is quite often black listed from the organization as to “Gaze upon the Red Lady is to forcibly attempt to answer more questions than necessary”.

Aside from that there's no one who can directly pinpoint just when the organization came to be. To get an idea of this, some theorize that it predates Christianity while others say its earliest records only go back about a decade or so.

Their core beliefs are, like any similar organization, guidance. The Red Lady preaches, through passed words, a path to clarity and understanding of self. (More on this in Path to Red)

Hierarchy of Red

To describe what they do is to describe who they are and, like most major organizations, there is a ranking structure. Cyndi informs me that rather than a chain or pyramid, the structure (when written out) comes to look more like a human body.

The head is, obviously, the Red Lady Herself. The control centre of the organization.

The neck is the Caretaker, a position currently held by a woman named January living within Twilight Manor (more on that in Gifts of Red). She works as the connecting point between the Followers and the Red Lady. No one questions her about the Red Lady's presence and, because of her unbridled closeness, there are some that believe she is the embodiment of the Red Lady herself. Though these claims are quickly dismissed by January herself.

The shoulders and arms are the Handlers while the hands are Charges. These are the most prominent members of the organization and work as representatives of their Goddess. The most famous pairing of this example is Domino and Etsuko, respectively, of Ladies All Star Wrestling. Cyndi has described the Handlers as being the shoulders and arms because there is no subjugation within the ranks of the Followers. There is only teamwork and as hands cannot function without the arms and shoulders, the arms and shoulders hold no function without the hands.

The torso and legs are the general Followers themselves. The backbone, the heart, the legs, they are the ones who spread the word and keep the organization going forward. It is thanks to them that the Followers find themselves with over a thousand members worldwide. Yes, this is not just some national phenomenon but rather a worldwide sensation.

Path to Red

At times it is quite difficult to become a full member of this organization. You must know a member and prove yourself. Otherwise you're scouted and persuaded to join. Though persuasion, as assured by Cyndi, is not forced. As mentioned above there is no subjugation within the ranks of the Hierarchy. No one is forcibly taken from the streets to bolster weak numbers. To even try is quickly frowned upon and results in one or both of the following; immediate expulsion (guaranteed) and legal action. Kidnapping is still very much a crime, after all, despite the victim's history and “to force you to worship hardly makes you a worthy Follower”. One must believe if they are to be accepted.

So how is one scouted? Research. Loads upon loads of research are put into potential Followers by either other Followers or Handlers themselves. When they feel they have enough information they move into the potential's life. It sounds invasive and there have been claims that this was the case. However, invasive as it is, many Followers claim that having an understanding individual with them through varying degrees of trying times helped them understand their purpose and necessity in following the Red Lady. Simply put they felt guided, helped from their horrible positions into a better one. While some would consider this a form of brain washing, hence the cult status outsiders have labeled it as being, the Followers claim that joining is no different than being given mandatory AA sessions. Something, most Followers tend to agree, is more of a cult than the Followers of Red.

When a potential Charge (and only a potential Charge) has been properly scouted and they are willing to understand and learn more they are asked to give something of themselves first. Not money or possessions, but rather something they are willing to give in exchange for the guidance. It is at this point they are presented with their first Red Mask, which they must use to signal their sacrifice. There is no call for blood or anything greater. In fact, anything above blood is often cause for immediate expulsion. When this ceremony has been performed, the Charge is given a Handler (most often the individual who worked with them throughout the early stages of their understanding) and they begin their service.

Gifts of Red

Throughout the years there have been many gifts given to the Red Lady. Either to the Red Lady herself or upon the group as a whole. While most were comparably small, yet charitable donations, there have been some massive gifts laid upon the doorstep of the organization.

Twilight Manor – Said to be the first gift, Twilight Manor is known by all within the Followers of Red to be the home of the Red Lady. Centred in Los Angeles, Twilight Manor has also become known as a forbidden ground even among the Followers themselves with entry only granted by invitation. Even then, however, their visits are completely controlled and monitored by the silent house maid, Sevah. Any attempt at departing from the tour is met with immediate expulsion so people tend to stick close to the red haired maid. The manor itself is massive in scope and, despite being in the LA area, is still kept secluded from the world. It's massive land holds a lake, Summer Lake (although the naming has been lost information) and a cabin set by the woods. Often the only place Followers can stay when they make their pilgrimage to Twilight Manor.

Sacrifices – This is definitely the most known gift from the outsiders. These are only carried out by the Charges as a further showing of their devotion. There is no blood or death involved, but instead a Red Mask is simply placed upon the face of those being offered. Some have viewed this as both “degrading” or “worse than losing” but the Charges feel they need their opportunity to make their own voices heard. Sacrifices are also a manner of joining (As mentioned in Path to Red).

First Church – Built just outside the LA area as well is the First Church, a cathedral like structure built solely for the purposes of worship and performances. It's home to the choir as well as the centre and basis for the next potential gift. For those wondering, the First Church is an open structure, meaning anyone (Follower or not) are welcome to attend sermons or to simply tour around and obtain a better understanding of the organizations beliefs.

Red Hall – A recent gift bestowed upon the Goddess, Red Hall is a structure as big as Twilight Manor but owned and operated by former Steele Media CEO, Victoria Steele. Apparently, after her company went bankrupt, Victoria managed to gift her assets to the Followers of Red in exchange for a buyout? Not a business major. Suffice to say, Red Hall now acts as a home to the tag team Velvet Stampede as well as a learning centre for those new to the Followers' beliefs.

Religious Status – Yes, this is in fact being worked on by a number of Followers as we speak. They feel, by now, they meet the qualifications and have submitted to be recognized as a real religion. Given how this whole thing has come about since its inception, it's difficult to think of any reason why their application won't be accepted. Perhaps then the Red Lady might grace her Followers with a special sermon at the First Church.

Afterward

There's a different reason I've taken an interest in explaining all of this, as I'm sure by now you've gathered by the fact that there's an afterward to all of this alone. In all honesty, I've been feeling lonely since arriving at Mistress' abode. This is of no fault on her or Miss. Zahara, but my own. As some would know being a slave isn't something I've been wanting to do my entire life. At some point I do wish to be free again but...in what manner I don't yet know. It's also troubling given my string of failed relationships. But now I do. Talking with Cyndi I've found my calling. I can't afford a church, I don't know how much more I can do than sign the petition in getting the Followers of Red recognized as a religion, but I can do this. I can relinquish any misunderstandings about our beliefs and offer welcome to peace and understanding. The Red Lady will guide you. You need only allow our Goddess the opportunity to try.