The Obsidian Blades

Origins

The Obsidian Blades were originally established by Horus after it became clear that the Voidborn were not a passing nuisance and posed a real threat to the Fae. This Summer-based organization, however, was always intended to be more than an elite unit of Summer warriors. Horus intended for the Obsidian Blades to have only the most skilled, capable warriors from every Court as the last line of defense against the Voidborn bringing harm to any fae Regent.

Purpose

The Obsidian Blades were designed to fulfill two duties: first and foremost was the protection and security of fae Regents, but because of their unique makeup, the Obsidian Blades also became a kind of diplomatic corps to the Regents as well. Protecting the fae Regents is something no Obsidian Blade takes lightly and it is their duty to oversee not just their physical security, but their mental and emotional wellbeing in addition. It is as common to find Obsidian Blades comforting their protectee after a long, arduous day in Court as it is to see them standing guard. Their secondary capacity, as diplomats and advisors, comes from the trust that establishes after many months ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the Regents they serve. Many Regents come to rely on the alternate perspectives and thought processes presented to them by their Obsidian Blades.

Makeup

Being a part of the Obsidian Blades makes one part of the most elite fighting force the Fea can offer. Only seventeen serve as Obsidian Blades at any one time, four from each season, and one Captain. The selection process varies from Captain to Captain, but the most common is for each open position the Courts each send five of their very best, with the final selection being up to the Captain. Things such as fighting capability, character, and discipline are all tested to their limits. Passing the selection process, however, comes with many boons.
First is the weapon. Masters at the Forge work with the new Blade to design and create a custom weapon for them. This weapon is crafted from obsidian, precious metals, and gemstones, and often contains strong, powerful magic. This weapon serves as the symbol of their status and each Fae takes a binding oath to never wield the weapon while not of the Blades.
Secondly, however, was the symbol they were allowed to take, though not required, and hold onto the rest of their lives: the black sun tattoo. Summer was a Court of bright colors and vibrant hues. The Obsidian Blades, however, served more than just Summer. Thus, the Black Sun was decided upon as the best way to pay homage both to the Blades being of Summer, but the black color pointed that they served beyond themselves. This tattoo, kept for life regardless of their current status, reflected their service to the Realms.

Current Assignments

Captain of the Blades: Drake Allesion Current Blades: Tarro Yamamoto, Raziel Tasserov, Ohmen Kathari, Ogma Declan Adair, Tate Copper, Eliza Aigean

Darina's Blades	Horus' Blades	Kieran's Blades	Kôsumera's Blades
Tate Copper	Eliza Aigean	Autumnborn	Winterborn
Tarro Yamaoto	Winterborn	Raziel Tasserov	Ohmen Kathari
Summerborn	Springborn	Winterborn	Autumnborn
Winterborn	Autumnborn	Ogma Declan Adair	Springborn

Oath of the Obsidian Blades

I vow to learn the true weight of my Blade. My strength lies not in my Blade, but in my heart.
I vow from this moment on, I kneel and obey only five: the four Regents, and the Captain of the Obsidian Blades. No other nobility, authority, or enemy hold sway over me while I serve as a Blade.
I vow to defend the Regents to my last breath. I will not surrender, I will not break.
I vow to protect, comfort, and soothe the Regents. Their safety is my safety, their wellbeing is my wellbeing, their comfort is my comfort.
I vow to be the first into danger before the Regents, and the last out of danger after the Regents.
I vow to be an example before all Fae of honor, kindness, and martial prowess.

Weapons of the Obsidian Blades

The signature piece of becoming an Obsidian Blade is the gift of the titular weapon itself. Each weapon is unique and each Obsidian Blade works with the Master of the Forge to design the tool of their trade. In the entire history of the organization, no two weapons have ever been precisely alike. While two members may have long swords, each of those swords is unique in style, ability, and magical properties. The one thing every weapon shares, however, is the obsidian edge. The obsidian on the edge of the weapons wielded serve a very singular purpose: destroying Voidborn. The magic and energy required to harden and strengthen obsidian so that it does not break is extremely costly and time consuming, preventing its widespread use throughout the Fae, but for the Obsidian Blades, and the protection of the Regents, the required energy and time is spent. Voidborn are highly susceptible to damage from obsidian weapons, though the reasons why still remain a mystery. A weapon can be anything with a bladed or pointed edge: swords, axes, spears, knives, polearms, and even a small batch of ammunition for ranged weapons has been done before. Unfortunately, due to the necessity to slice into Voidborn to get the effect of the obsidian, blunted weapons like hammers or maces are not qualified.
Etiquette for the Blade comes down to never drawing it unless absolutely necessary. The Blade is capable of dealing lasting harm to Voidborn and Fae alike, and it is considered nearly a crime to draw the weapon needlessly. As Obsidian Blades are meant to be exemplars of chivalrous Fae, arrogantly drawing a powerful weapon simply as a show of force is deeply frowned upon. It may even result in a Blade's dismissal from organization.
When leaving the Obsidian Blades, the Blades are unavoidably returned to the Forge to be broken down and recycled. This serves several purposes. First, the Blade is a symbol of the office, and if one is not of that office they should no longer hold the symbol. Second, the energy and magic required to harden the obsidian into a useable form requires that any unused material be returned so that it could be reused by the Forge for the next Blade. Lastly, surrendering one's most potent tool is a great sacrifice, as is leaving the Obsidian Blades, thus it also serves as a symbolic gesture of one's willingness or requirement to leave office.

Mounts of the Obsidian Blades

One of the blessings given to a new Obsidian Blade is a mount birthed, created, and nurtured purely on the magics of the Four Regents. Every mount is a unique companion to an Obsidian Blade. The Blades, beyond being the highest ranked personal guard to each Regent, also perform some of the most dangerous missions that require a Blades very unique skillset: high-stakes diplomacy, extremely dangerous missions such as search-and-rescue for Regents or other high value members of the Fae and mortal communities, and even message delivery that must remain eyes-only for Regents or the like.
These mounts often resemble more mundane creatures such as horses, pegasi, or griffons but their magical and elemental nature gives them a very special countenance. These creatures bond quickly with Obsidian Blades by instinct, training, and design, and even remain with their Blade after the Blade has left the service of the organization. These mounts often possess the ability to cross dangerous terrain unimpeded (such as deep water, lava, and even the cursed terrain of the Blasted Lands. Some are even capable of flight, depending on the form they possess.

Standard Armor for Obsidian Blades

While Blades are allowed to wear whatever clothing best suits them and their duties, there is a standard armor that is issued to every member of the Obsidian Blades. This armor is forged from an alloy of both Mithral and Adamantite, lending it a strength and rigidity, while also being incredibly lightweight. This armor is tailored to each Blade specifically, and is turned back in if one should ever leave the Blades.

Obsidian Blades' Armor

Perception

Social Status

The Blades are typically highly regarded and sought after for their skills, as warriors and diplomats.

Mark of the Blades

Alternative Names

The Blades

Type

Military

Demand

Rare, only the best of the best.

Used By

• Summer Court