Story Spotlight: Obsidian Covenant
In the world of Astarath, the Obsidian Covenant stands as the dominant power, its influence spreading far and wide across the continents. Unlike most other nations and organizations, the Covenant is not ruled by a king or queen. Instead, it is governed by the religious order devoted to the deity Obsidian.
The Obsidian Covenant is a theocratic society where spiritual authority surpasses all other forms of governance. The ruling body, known as the Obsidian Conclave, comprises powerful, demi-godlike figures regarded as the most devout among Obsidian's followers. These leaders are not chosen by birthright but through their unwavering faith, profound understanding of the sacred texts, and demonstrated commitment to the principles of Obsidian.
This religious order is structured with meticulous precision, ensuring that every aspect of society aligns with the divine will of Obsidian. From the grand temples that dominate the cities to the humble shrines in rural villages, the presence of Obsidian's influence is ubiquitous. The Covenant’s laws, cultural practices, and even daily routines are steeped in the teachings of Obsidian, fostering a unified and orderly society.
The social fabric of the Obsidian Covenant is woven with a sense of purpose and duty. Citizens are assigned roles that best serve the needs of the Covenant, whether in the military, the clergy, or various guilds and crafts. This rigid structure ensures that every individual contributes to the greater order, reflecting the divine harmony that Obsidian seeks to impose upon the world.
The followers of Obsidian adhere to a set of core beliefs and creeds that shape their lives and guide their actions. These creeds are not mere words, but profound principles that govern every aspect of their existence:
- Divine Sovereignty: We believe in the almighty Obsidian, the sovereign of creation, who, with divine wisdom, brings forth order from the abyss of chaos.
- Sacred Toil and Suffering: We humbly dedicate our toil to Obsidian, each hardship a sacred offering. In our suffering, we find His grace, and through our sacrifice, His bounty unfolds. Our pain is His strength, our labor His blessing.
- Warriors of Faith: We pledge to rise as warriors, to fight not for our glory but for the revered name of Obsidian, who inspires valor and courage within our souls.
- Denouncing Heresy: We hold steadfast to the sacred doctrine that belief in any entity other than our divine Obsidian is heresy, a betrayal of faith, a fall from the path of truth.
- Divine Teachings: We submit ourselves to Obsidian's divine teachings, allowing its wisdom to purify our minds, align our hearts, and lead us toward the path of righteousness.
- Spreading the Faith: We profess our divine commitment to disseminate the sacred word of Obsidian to the furthest reaches of the lands. Under the sanctified banner of Obsidian, be it through the power of His divine word or the might of His holy sword, we vow to usher in a reign of order amidst the chasms of chaos.
The military might of the Obsidian Covenant is another key element of its dominance. The Covenant’s army is organized into ten distinct orders, each with a specific mandate to protect, expand, and enforce the divine will. These orders are not merely warriors but are also seen as holy crusaders, spreading the word of Obsidian by both persuasion and force. Their dedication to the cause is unmatched, driven by the belief that they are instruments of divine justice.
In essence, the Obsidian Covenant is more than just a nation; it is a living embodiment of its deity's will, a society meticulously crafted to reflect the order and unity that Obsidian demands. Its dominance is not merely a result of military conquest or economic prowess, but is deeply rooted in the spiritual devotion and disciplined lives of its people. Through their unwavering faith and collective efforts, the Covenant continues to shape Astarath, bringing its vision of divine order to every corner of the world.
This is a mere introduction to the Obsidian Covenant. In this series of articles, I will be highlight each aspect of Obsidian society. You can discover more about the Obsidian Covenant and the world of Astarath at www.veilofobsidian.com or you can begin the adventure with the novella "The Scythe".
