There is a group of powerful mages that attempt to keep the balance (both magical and political) in the region. One of the functions they have deemed necessary is the collection and storage of powerful magical objects. Some are devilish and strange and some are merely dangerous to the owner. The group captures them, studies them and stores them in a secure location.
The sub-group responsible for the capture and storage is called The Brotherhood of the Veil. The public knows nothing about the secret group and powerful figures can only guess at it's existence. If it were to become known that such a group existed they would be hunted by every powerful creature on several plans in an attempt to gain access to the storage location. The PC's are all members of the brotherhood. They work for a member of the mage council. Their normal contact with the mage is through his aide, Samuel. He will direct, guide and help the PC's in their missions to capture and secure the dangerous objects.
The council of exteremly powerful and secretive. It's known that the council exists, but membership of the group is not public. There are several well known mages on the council. They do not normally engage in outright battle or warfare. Preferring to use intermediaries (i.e. adventurer's) rather than direct action.