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...last updated December 18, 2012.
Posted: Tue Jul 13, 2010 7:45 pm
ＨＥＡＤＱＵＡＲＴＥＲＳ THE SOUTHERN HEADQUARTERS & A STAGE SET IN STONE.
ＭＡＩＮ ＨＥＡＤＱＵＡＲＴＥＲＳ ➤ ＢＬＡＣＫＭＥＲＥ THE SOUTHERN HEADQUARTERS & A STAGE SET IN STONE.
Located in the barren plains of the south, the Obscuvian headquarters proudly stand within Auvinus' vast fields. Until very recently The House was far less public about their presence in the south - most of their bases were underground, both metaphorically and literally. Hiding from the public eye they wanted to escape the prejudice that was directed against them because of their alternative views. However since The House's explosion of followers allowing them to become a legitimate political power much effort has been invested into creating a religious, cultural and political hub just outside of Blackmere. The logic behind this was so that it could be read as a message by critics believing them to be nothing more than an extremist cult. At the centre of the Blackmere headquarters is the Grand Cathedral - built in a Gothic style using basalt stone and fitted with elaborate red stained glass windows depicting various Obscuvian figures, it is an impressive piece of architecture in which daily services are conducted by the highest members of the Obscuvian church, including Andromeda the wise. Surrounding the Grand Cathedral are a multitude of other church buildings, administrative centres, the flockery and accommodation for those living on site. Only those with an invitation from someone in the upper echelons of the church may live at the headquarters but since it is only a short wagon ride from the main city of Blackmere many devout Obscuvians live in the city and regularly make the commute to the church.
Although Blackmere is considered the main headquarters, each subgroup has its own preferred headquarters assignment as well:
Neo-Obscuvians: Blackmere Traditionalists: Ale Extremists: The Annex
(( NOTE: Please note that "cultist" is a derogatory term that Panymians use when referencing to "Obscuvians". Obscuvians generally don't call themselves "cultists".))
OOCly, Obscuvianism is represented as a double-strcuture in terms of rank. After becoming an Acolyte, a person might move freely in the political schema of the House of Obscuvos, choosing instead to lead the House in ways of business and politics over spirituality. These men and women are leaders in numerous amounts of Obscuvian schemes, includingi 'Public R'elations, Trade, Education, Faction Relations, Plagueology, and Magical Arts, and Medicine. Rank in importance are as follows--
Overseer -> Luminary -> Envoy -> Peon -> Acolyte
Overseers are leaders of the entirety of the House's political relations, while Luminaries are leaders in both fields and a province. Envoys are leaders of regions within a province, while Peons are workers varying in skill that complete tasks for the House of Obscuvos. The most notable Luminary at the moment is Mister Adlam, Luminary for Plagueology.
The church structure of Obscuvians are laid out similarly to the Panymisian church:
Except, of course, the Panymisians have Matriarchs instead of Patriarchs', and also lead the regional church in each province. Cardinals, "princesses" to the Patriarch/Entente role in Panymisian, are also assigned to males, while Bishops, Priests, and Acolytes are appointed to both genders equally. Instead of the Entente ((Panymese version of the Pope)) who double as the Patriarch of Helios, the Obscuvan hierarchy is led by the High Prophet and his assistant, the Prophet.
Those in the House of Obscuvos are not automatically Acolytes, the lowest ranking in the church hierarchy. They are instead Followers, and must show dedication to Obscuvianism before being appointed to the Acolyte position-- members of churchood who are permissed by the Prophet to spread religious teachings.
There are three major subgroups within the faction (traditionalists and neo-obscuvians being the largest in number, and extremists being the fewest). Traditionalists, like their name suggests, are inclined to be conservative and supportive of the rules of old. Neo-Obscuvians believe in progress and individualism, and apply such ideals to their secular and political agendas. Extremists are the smallest subgroup, and dangerously push Obscuvian ideals. Nonetheless, Obscuvians with different beliefs oftentimes still work towards the same goal.
On Monasticism... Friars, monks, nuns, and mendicants devote their lives to religion absolutely. They isolate themselves in numerous Obscuvian monasteries, typically small in size and isolated in mountains (there are numerous in the Silents), and learn things such as writing, mathematics, astronomy, and music. In Auvinus, where there are hundreds of monasteries located in its fields, numerous Auvinuians go to Obscuvian monks to learn of their religion and basic education needed for trading and farming.
HIGH PROPHET ONFROI MOLYNEUX ; LEADER Once a promising young Panymese lad from the tips of the simple south, Molyneux fished for a good number of his childhood. By the time he turned eighteen, he was dragged into the Panymese military to serve for their navy-- by the time he got back, he changed. He had seen Obscuvos with his own eyes. His recount of his experiences with the crow headed deity won him many supporters within The House and he rocketed to the top of the religious hierarchy by combining his popularity with political skill. Not many are aware of Molyneux's whereabouts and not even the followers remember seeing the high prophet himself-- it's said that he rarely takes off his mask, if ever. Adorned with simple, black robes and a bird's mask similar to that of the Plague Doctor's, many question if he is the Doctor himself-- for the first time in years, however, Molyneux has shown himself more often in public than ever. With a dark voice and convincing demeanor, his personality is readily charismatic and oddly appealing. Although very rarely publicly hostile towards the Emperor or other Panymese factions it is well known that Molyneux encourages many of the practices that cause The House to be viewed with hostility by it's critics. Some have even suggested that many of the extremists sects answer directly to him. Even if this is not the case, much can be said about the fact he has never spoken out against the groups that commit acts of terror in Obscuvos' name.
??? ; REPRESENTATIVE Rumors have spread-- the Prophet Mandy Young has been burnt at the stake for her heresy. Who would fill her shoes now...?
Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2013 10:51 pm
ＨＩＳＴＯＲＹ CIVIL DESPAIR AND ANARCHY.
Obscuvian religion originated earlier than most people are aware of, rising in popularity around 900 rather than the popular belief that Obscuvian started to trend around 1200. Its original sect was quite different to Obscuvianism today. A sub-sect of Panymisian It denied the words recited in the Books of Ada and argued the basis of Panyma's Genesis, and believed that Panyma had a physical form. Many of these people were also from the southern parts of Ecara that immigrated to Panymium, where the origin of the world was set in stone upon the idea of Pandora's box, where the chaos of the world was released onto Profugus at the beginning of Time. This transformed into the idea that Panyma, in Her physical manifest, was created from the dust of Pandora's box, and thus was a Messenger of Pandora. The sect went by the name of Pandorium, but remained a rather obscure religion nevertheless.
Pandorium was slightly more prominent in the southern parts of Panymium, where many south Ecarans migrated to due to the similarity in weather to their birthplace. From there the ideals of Pandorium spread to the Uquese and Daeli immigrants, who adopted their countries' ideologies into the religion. From Daelae came the bird influences, which was already present through Panymisian works. The Uquese made popular the budding ideal of chaos, and the spiritual presence of the earth as well as its physical manifests. Despite the many cultures' influences on the religion, however, Obscuvian as a budding religion and its rise into chaos should credit its main inspiration from the many saints of Obscuvian's sect, and the powerful figures that rose to its belief.
Despite this, Obscuvian is overall neither a violent nor 'evil' religion, and many of its people are as benign as Panymisian believers themselves. This has, unfortunately, been questioned in modern days (the 1400s and onward) with the corruption of Onfroi Molyneux, who has invited authoritarian methods into his leadership and the promotion of violence and drug use during Panymium's troubled days. Under his rule many extremist sects have sprung up and have led various terror campaigns against other factions in Panymium under the name of Obscuvos. In addition to this the 'plague worship' encouraged by some within the religion has led to many feeling concerned that Obscuvians would rather spread than cure the plague. Never the less the religion remains popular and is still rapidly expanding. A source of the Obscuvians' power can be credited to their oblates and widespread sanctuaries for widows and orphans. Obscuvian peoples are taught the core values of charity, as its ideals are based around repentance and deserving a rightful place in Paradise, and to give to the "lesser people." This, alongside the fact that 75% of free tutoring and schooling available in Panymium have Obscuvian roots, with or without knowledge of the teacher/tutors in mind, make Obscuvian a steadily more popular and loved religion in Panymium.
ＯＲＩＧＩＮＳ
Obscuvianism is the religion of the Auvinian Royal Family, Cyphus. They have also garnered sympathy from Emperor Rine VIII, and was an incredibly important contributor in convincing Family Cyphus of giving charity to Trisica University. The House also offers an alternative view of Magic, and is the leader in the field of Plagueology.
Education is also an incredibly important part of Obscuvianism, nearly absent from Panymisian (minus Panymisians' monasteries). Due to the Obscuvians placing imporance on humans, and of their greater obscurity, Obscuvians also own a large number of orphanages and tutoring rings all around Panymium. They also build safehavens for tutors around Panymium, which are public institutions or lodges where many tutors can stay to teach the region and live at the same time, which Obscuvians call tutleries.
ＭＯＳＴ ＲＥＣＥＮＴ ＵＰＤＡＴＥＳ
March 15th, 1411. - Grand Magus Benedicta Waldgrave's death*
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Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2013 10:52 pm
ＡＢＯＵＴ DEVOUR THE WORLD.
VIEW ON PLAGUES Plagues, especially Caedos and Infitialis, are viewed in a near holy light. They believe that Plagues are a catalyst to the end of the world, and are beings that most closely reflect what humans might be like after the creation of Paradise. Others view Plagues as sacred items, wholly iconic of both chaos and human obscurity.
TYPE OF ALLIANCE A religious sect, filled with devout followers ranging from friendly church goers to dangerous fanatics. Drawing from all areas of Panymese society, The House of Obscuvos welcomes, cares for and educates anyone who shares their belief.
LIFESTYLE At the heart of the Obscuvian's lifestyle is dedication to Obscuvos. Daily prayer is expected of all followers and, at the very least, weekly attendance at church. However, beyond this the lifestyle that is led by Obscuvians varies as widely as any other person. The derogative stereotypical view of an Obscuvian by an outsider suggests that many practice odd habits, self experimentation and a lack of respect for anyone other than the high prophet and the god Obscuvos. Because of widely publicised Obscuvian extremist attacks many believe that Obscuvians are willing to pave a clear path to a new world, whether it be trailed with violence or not. Though this may be true with some Obscuvians there are many that are perfectly peaceful, living normal lives and would be impossible to pick out in a line up from non-Obscuvians. In church the anarchistic tendencies of extremists are not encouraged openly and there is no obvious reason for the population of Panymium to be frightened of the sect. Nevertheless one thing is true - if one wishes to rise through the ranks of the religion a certain cut-throat mindset is certainly necessary as in stressful times like these only the strongest, or most cunning, can ultimately succeed.
FACTION GOALS New world order distilled from pure chaos-- the closer the current order is to breaking, the closer the world is to the Catalyst. Interpretation as to how followers can aid in this process can vary from individually revolting against the lifestyle you are expected to conform, achieving your dreams despite the fact the established society norms may stand against you, to actively pushing for dramatic political and societal change through protest and malign subterfuge. Furthermore many believe that the Black Death is a divinely given gift that could help to tip the balance and push Panymium towards the Catalyst. Through the collecting of Plagues and through spreading the Black Death, the closer the Obscuvians can get the world to falling and being reincarnated from its dead and damaged state to a perfected and idealised form.
COMMUNITY In the past, when the majority of Panymium viewed Obscuvianism as a threat to the stability of the state, supposedly full to the brim with dangerous maniacs, The House was both everywhere and nowhere at the same time. Spread throughout society, followers of Obscuvos felt that they needed to hide; to act like shadows and covertly tempt others into joining them. They walked a fine line between the life of criminals and guardian angels to the needy. However, since The House has received more political recognition, believers have been able to show their allegiance to Obscuvianism more openly. Indeed it is not unusual to see people preaching the word of Obscuvos in the streets and rather than being heckled or abused, people are starting to listen in earnest. Known for their safe-houses, education schemes and protecting the needy, a big part of the religion is dedicated to showing kindness. Once entered into The House you will receive protection and love from all sides. Regular services and communal feasts develop a closely knit community that are thoroughly interested in one another and more the happy to help fellow believers out when they face troublesome circumstances. The flip side of this is that members of The House can be quite introverted and hostile to outsiders. If you are not a fellow believer and do not desire to convert then you are destined to be a Remnant - burnt up in Obscuvos' stomach with no place in the new world order - thus many Obscuvians do not keep friends with members of other faiths and some are outstandingly rude or even violent.
PROPAGANDA Propoganda about the House is still incredibly rampant. The Extremists, currently are a considerably major group in the faction, but they aren't predominant in number. The House itself currently is undergoing a clashing of ideals between Traditionalists/Anti-Extremist Neo-Obscuvians and Extremists. The Extremists were never in control (though propoganda created the illusion that they were). Ironically, the Extremists were always clashing with the House heads and administrators. Like all faction leaders, it's important to Obscuvian heads that their ideals are correctly represented. The Extremists threatened that representation, and so in the past, the House was trying to find a strong representative that could make clear to the public that the Extremists do not exemplify their views wholesomely. Prophet Lidia Locke was recently elected as Prophet in order to strengthen this clarification.
TRADITIONS Feasting, confession, charity-- there are many ways to gain passage into the Obscuvian church, but to move up in rank takes a special connection to Obscuvos. Obscuvians are prohibited from eating crows and most types of corvids, unless the High Prophet calls for a celebration or if there is a particular occasion to be recognized by the Church. Many feasts where new members are inducted require the feasting of many different kinds of birds. Prayer is typically done by genuflection, the same as Panymisian. Other times, Obscuvians pray while covering their ears with both hands, or exchanges prayer by covering the ears of another, but this is privately done. Publically, and in churches, Obscuvians rest their palms on their laps and make their hands overlap in an "X" formation. All churchgoers, followers included, are given a bird mask. This bird mask is typically porcelain and uncolored, and its beak is extended to hold numerous herbs to give off a pleasant aroma. Other times, the bird masks tend to cover only half of the face, with bird's 'beak' covering only the top aprt of the nose. Methods of self experimentation and otherwise chaotic actions are part of an odd Obscuvian "subculture"-- a new era on the basis of hallucinogens, sacrifice, and methods of destruction have been implemented and used by many Obscuvian followers, contributing to "pure chaos" for one reason or another.
BELIEFS Obscuvians believe highly in the god Obscuvos, nicknamed by the Panymese as "The Glutton God". Described by The Messenger as the God who will devour all the world, Obscuvos is said to eat the world in a purely chaotic state on the day Catalyst, digesting all evils-- Remnants-- and spit out the souls of believers-- Truths-- and the pure nature of the world. While this is only a summarized version of the Glutton God, the tales of The Messenger and the stories of the high prophet Molyneux encompass a meeting with the God, who's described to have a bird's head and a man's body-- how and why this God came to be is unknown to even the priests, though The Messenger believes that Obscuvos was created from the dust of Pandora's box.
In addition to this Obscuvians believe in, essentially, two main concepts-- chaos and obscurity. Chaos is better defined as innate freedom, which Obscuvians strive for while reaching Paradise. Freedom is also the separation of humans from a greater being outside of Pandora's box, and its messenger Obscuvos. Obscuvianism also places a certain amount of importance on obscurity, or normalcy, and believes that all humans face judgment in the eyes of Obscuvos. They do not believe in a sacred or divine passage passed down by Panyma. In a sense, Obscuvians strive for social equality because they also believe in spiritual equality.
This religion is, in a sense, a social response to social injustices provided by the Empire and its slippery sense of power. The Empire and his Audience, as well as the Kings and Queens of Panymium, have failed to provide answers medically, politically, and even magically to cure Panymium of the Black Death-- which is why Obscuvians are the main proponents of social change. Politically speaking, and in the most condensed way possible, common men support them because of their upsetting conditions under the Empire, while lords support Obscuvianism to have greater control over their land, money, and trade, esp. if laws were enforced by the "people"-- those who are educated-- rather than by one central figure.
Obscuvians want a parliamentary government. Well, lords do, and they have more power politically, so they get more say-- Obscuvian poor men pretty much want a communist government.
Myths and legends circling around Obscuvos is few, and most have to do with how Obscuvos takes form in things, places, and people. Though he roams the Earth, it takes the High Prophet itself to truly see him, and those who are gifted enough to see him within dreams are revered in the Obscuvan churches.
ＤＲＥＡＭＳ Dreams are incredibly important in Obscuvian culture. They do have an indexical of symbolisms in dreams, called the Oblivisci, and in possession of most Obscvuians akin to their own 'Bible.' The presence of Obscuvos in a dream generally leads to acknowledgement by the Church, shall the dreamer be willing to confess his dreams.
ＡＤＡ ＲＥＢＯＲＮ Some Obscuvians believe that Obscuvos, in his physical form, is the shadow of Ada of reborn. This is a growing belief amongst those who converted from Panymisian.
ＡＮＤＲＯＭＥＤＡ ＴＨＥ ＷＩＳＥ Andromeda the Wise is a recent legend, an incredibly powerful Quietus born to the High Prophet himself. She has incredible elemental ability and titles herself the Wife of Obscuvos, and has a high number of Plague followers.
Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2013 10:52 pm
ＲＩＴＥＳ ＡＮＤ ＣＵＳＴＯＭＳ THE GLUTTON GOD'S RITUALS
FEASTING Obscuvians are prohibited from eating crows and most types of corvids, unless the High Prophet calls for a celebration or if there is a particular occasion to be recognized by the Church. Many feasts where new members are inducted require the feasting of many different kinds of birds.
PRAYER Prayer is typically done by genuflection, the same as Panymisian. Other times, Obscuvians pray while covering their ears with both hands, or exchanges prayer by covering the ears of another, but this is privately done. Publically, and in churches, Obscuvians rest their palms on their laps and make their hands overlap in an "X" formation.
RIGHTS OF PASSAGE Feasting, confession, charity-- there are many ways to gain passage into the Obscuvan church, but to move up in rank takes a special connection to Obscuvos.
MASKS All churchgoers, followers included, are given a bird mask. This bird mask is typically porcelain and uncolored, and its beak is extended to hold numerous herbs to give off a pleasant aroma. Other times, the bird masks tend to cover only half of the face, with bird's 'beak' covering only the top aprt of the nose.
Followers are allowed to get bird masks of different varieties, though the more popular rendition is of the crow. Some follower cliques and regions do assign a bird to its individiual church-- for example, magpies, finches, owls, doves, jays, hawks, et cetera-- which are given out by that church's own volition. The High Prophet and Prophet tend to have incredibly decorative masks, that tend to separate them from the rest of the Church, and Obscvuian Patriarchs tend to represent a type of bird. There isn't a set point in which Obscuvians obtain their bird masks. A large majority of members, however, obtain their masks after their initiation. Loosely speaking, Obscuvians choose a bird that they feel best represents them (unless assigned otherwise). A very large majority of members wear their bird masks during gatherings. There are a few Obscuvian craftsmen who specialize in making elaborate masks, but because those are generally pricey, most just opt for commissioning masks from their local craftsmen or making one themselves.
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Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2013 10:53 pm
ＦＡＣＩＬＩＴＩＥＳ SECTS, ORGANIZATIONS, AND SERVICES.
There are dozens of Obscuvian sects in existence, but most of them heed their services and attend to mainstream Obscuvian sects anyways. Again, people in the church body are responsible for discussing the existence and underlying texts left by Obscuvos' many profits, to discern the truth behind his meaning and describing who and what will remain in Paradise. There are very few sects of important naming, however, but a few have merged in with subsections of Panymisian as a foundation for their beliefs.
THE FLOCKERY The purpose of the flockery is to allow easy communication between members of The House. Cornell can create stunteds at will from tainted crows and after heavy investment from higher up in The House and the construction of various flockeries, housing thousands of crows, he has had an amply supply of plagued birds to convert. Thus every notable member of the religion (every Grimm automatically qualifies) is able to request a stunted for their personal use. The stunted he creates can be any alignment or gender but they all share common abilities: flight, weak teleportation and telepathy between each other (and Cornell). The owner of the stunted can use them to send messages to other Obscuvians. Even if it isn't physically possible for the stunted to carry the message all the way, the message can be relayed from flockery to flockery until reaching it's destination. It's faster and more reliable than any existing postal system within Panymium and completely free and exclusive to Obscuvians.[READ]
THE BUTTERFLY CROWS The Butterfly Crows are a sub-organization hidden within the House of Obscuvos. While the members of the Butterfly Crows are still theoretically in the Obscuvian alliance, their purpose deviates them from the House. They still follow the orders of their fowl god, but they have no intent on harming anyone in the process. Additionally, they tip off information about the House to the other factions in secret. To maintain their operations, Butterfly Crows keep their numbers small and their importance to Obscuvos low and therefore call themselves "imaginary creatures". While they aren't prominent in the House, they are usually Panymium's social butterflies. In this sense, they can accumulate more networking outside of the House to further their goals. They only refer to themselves as "Butterfly Crows" towards other Butterfly Crows to maintain their secrecy. If a Butterfly Crow is discovered and is killed, the others are bound by contract to commit suicide to follow suit. They have no intention of dying by the hand of another Obscuvian, or Obscuvos himself. Some Butterfly Crows (such as Lucien Arelgren and Agatha Arelgren) never return to their original homes once they become Butterfly Crows, or associate with anyone they had previous connections with to secure both parties' lives.[READ]
THE ORDER OF THE NIGHTINGALE The Order of the Nightingale is a charity group within the House of Obscuvos. The organization aspires to personally consult and aid Panymians that are victims of the Plague. Their services extend to people of all political alignments and not just Obscuvians alone. While they try to help anyone that suffers the plague, their main focus is to help Grimms cultivate their Plagues and adjust to Grimmhood. A Nightingale's wing is highly extensive. Their charity varies from nursing a victim, consulting Grimms, to helping carry out funerary services. However, not all Panymians view the Order of the NIghtingale as a force of good. What makes the Order controversial is quite frankly its inception. While the intentions of its creator, Lettie, are virtuous, its formal acceptance is rather political. All of the Nightingales' charity work is accomplished in the name of Obscuvos, and because of this, many Panymians perceive it as an Obscuvian conversion tool. This accusation is not entirely incorrect, for it's because of its political perk that it was accepted into the faction at all. The Order's growth only reinforces this sentiment, since most of its members are people that converted into Obscuvianism after being shared a taste of its kindness. [READ]
Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2013 10:53 pm
ＣＯＮＴＲＯＶＥＲＳＹ PERCEPTIONS AND TENSIONS.
EXTREMISTS Obscuvians are more popularly known by the common man for its extremists. These extremists indulge in experimentation, including drugs (herbal-based) and rituals for Obscuvos, and though they are not reprimanded by the mainstream Church, they are also rarely mentioned by Patriarchs. The High Prophet as of now, Sir Onfroi Molyneux, is also rumored to be an Obscuvian extremist, though whether or not this is rumor has yet to be proven.
Opiates are also an incredibly accessible and widely used instrument for many Obscuvians, and things that induce hallucinations are as well, as hallucinations are considered a part of the Oblivisci index. Opiates are mainly consumed in group circles, however, and the practice is considered a cardinal sin in mainstream Panymisian texts.
VIEWS ON DEATH Death is considered an early passage into Paradise. Those who are in the Obscuvian church are considered a part of Obscuvos' great scheme, meaning that those who perish before the end of the world will be reborn anyway. Those who are not a part of the church, however, are void beings doomed to die anyways-- an invalid factor of life that will die no matter what.
Many of the cultists' allegedly terrible actions are linked to their thoughts of death. Many underground Obscvian missions and rituals include the death of the helpless and the criminal, especially for those who want to gain passage into the House. These murders and killings, in the Panymisians' (and many other people's) eyes are immoral, therefore bending the mold of Obscuvianism to that of 'evil' and 'corrupt.'
Obscuvians, in that light, also tend to disconnect notions of reality away from death.
POLITICAL SCHEMES While the House does give charity to those who need it, they also are involved in a numerous amount of black market and propaganda schemes. They are generally accused of being the catalyst to the Great Imisese Riot in 1411 ((See: The Credence event)), which left the Imisus capital of Gadu in utter ruin. Panymisians also accuse Obscuvianism, which shares the idea of absolute freedom and power to the obscure, promotes anarchist and murderous ideals in a person, and condones the Obscuvian church for commiting felonies that were generally headed by its thousands of extremists.
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