The Brass, right after Clarissa's initiation, decide to throw away the values Clarissa just sacrificed her own body and mind for and join the cult in the search for Infusion.
Future References:
Castles. "The Medieval Castle: Life in a Fortress in Peace and War" by Philip Warner. Bran Castle. Rupea Fortress. Also, this is where rank and recognition are determined. The cloaks, the rank stripes, etc.. The brass are wearing them.
"The Illustrated History of Military Insignia" by Peter Taylor
Play: Julius Caesar by Shakespeare