The OSS

The Order of the Sworn Swords (OSS)

The Order of the Sworn Swords (OSS) is a mysterious and influential faction, operating mostly in secrecy throughout the capital city and surrounding territories. Founded in antiquity under the banner of the Seven, the Order was created as a militant extension of the Vale’s religious faith. The OSS is dedicated to maintaining order and protecting the Vale from both external and internal threats—often through extreme and violent methods.

Though publicly, the OSS is seen as a protector of the people, its methods, motives, and leadership remain clouded in shadow, with few knowing the full extent of its power and influence.

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History

The OSS was originally formed during the early days of the Vale's establishment, with the intent of upholding the will of the Faith of the Seven. In the centuries since, the Order has grown from a humble religious militia to a full-fledged organization with significant political influence. Its mandate has evolved over time, from defending the faith to investigating perceived threats to the Vale's safety—whether they be rogue magic users, demonic incursions, or other perceived dangers.

However, the OSS has undergone a transformation since the Blackwater Witch Trials, which saw the destruction of many so-called “witches” in the Vale, and the OSS’s covert role in the suppression of these trials has led many to suspect darker affiliations. Over time, many agents of the OSS have adopted an even more extreme stance in their mission to cleanse the Vale, eventually forming secret alliances with fiends and even manipulating city politics for their own ends.

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Structure and Leadership

The Order is a highly secretive organization, and the identities of many of its senior members are only known by a handful of trusted individuals. The OSS is structured in a way that is similar to a secretive religious military order, with a hierarchical system of ranks, all held by sworn members who have proven their loyalty to the cause.

At the top of the hierarchy is the Supreme Commander, a role currently held by Seraphine, a figure rumored to have ascended quickly through the ranks. The Supreme Commander is the de facto leader of the OSS, controlling operations, executing strategic decisions, and maintaining order within the organization. Seraphine is said to have been an enigmatic figure, previously working in the shadows of the OSS before rising to prominence after the assassination of Kael Draven, a previous leader of the OSS.

Beneath Seraphine are several Commanders—including Kael Draven's successor, Father Beric, and others who manage different branches of the OSS's operations. These Commanders are the Order's top agents and usually lead smaller factions or special task forces.

The majority of OSS members are Enforcers, tasked with carrying out various operations and missions across the Vale, ranging from investigating magical disturbances to dealing with suspected traitors. Enforcers are often seen as the "face" of the OSS in the public eye, often disguised as typical city guards or undercover agents.

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Purpose and Goals

The primary goal of the OSS is to protect the Vale and its people, as defined by the Faith of the Seven. However, over the years, the OSS has expanded its remit far beyond the originally intended scope. The organization is now dedicated to eradicating anyone who poses a threat to the faith, even if that means using questionable tactics, such as secretive manipulation, coercion, and assassination.

Key goals include:

• Protecting the Vale’s People: The OSS sees itself as the ultimate protectors of the people and often take actions that are seen as extreme by others to ensure the safety of the nation.
• Suppressing Magic: One of the OSS’s major tasks is to suppress magic that is not aligned with the Faith of the Seven. The organization will not hesitate to wipe out magical practitioners, especially those they deem as rogue or dangerous.
• Eradicating Demons and Fiends: With the growing influence of fiends in the Vale, the OSS has taken on the role of fighting against demonic threats, even at great cost to its own operatives.
• Eliminating Corruption: The OSS sees corruption as a cancer within society. They actively root out corruption within the government, nobility, and clergy, though often using drastic and violent methods.

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Key Figures

• Seraphine – Supreme Commander of the OSS. She is a ruthless and calculating leader, whose primary motivation is to maintain the power of the OSS. Little is known of her past, but she is widely feared and respected within the organization.
• Kael Draven – Former Supreme Commander of the OSS. Draven’s reign ended in an internal coup, and his death has allowed Seraphine to rise to prominence. Draven’s legacy includes expanding the OSS’s covert operations and forming alliances with devils.
• Father Beric – A high-ranking OSS member who oversees various missions and has a long history within the Vale’s religious community. His role in the OSS is shrouded in mystery, though he has served as an influential figure in shaping the order’s policies.
• Giddeon – A former party member who is now possessed and aligned with the OSS. His possession ties him to the shadowy forces controlling the Order and presents a moral dilemma for the party.

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Role in the Campaign

The OSS will be a central figure in your campaign, as it plays both a direct and indirect role in shaping the political landscape of the Vale. The party’s interactions with the OSS could range from an uneasy alliance to outright confrontation, as they work to navigate the faction’s growing influence and ambitions.

Session Notes:

• Draven’s Death and Seraphine’s Rise: Following Kael Draven’s death, the party may encounter Seraphine’s agents trying to track down any remaining associates of Draven’s faction. Seraphine is an ambitious leader and will do whatever is necessary to secure her control over the OSS.
• OSS Agents: The OSS may send agents to track down the party if they are seen as a threat. They will not hesitate to use force or coercion to eliminate those who stand against them.
• The Battle for the Vale: With the war between demons, devils, and celestials breaking out above the city, the OSS will likely find themselves in an awkward position. While ostensibly aligned with the forces of good, their methods often lead to them crossing paths with both celestial and demonic factions, making them unpredictable players in the war.

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Further Reference Materials:

• Faith of the Seven – A guide to the religious beliefs and practices that influence the OSS, including the witch trials and the rise of the Faith Militant.
• The Blackwater Witch Trials – An article detailing the historical witch hunts that brought the OSS to prominence, showcasing the Order's darker side.
• Kael Draven’s Rise and Fall – A historical breakdown of Draven’s time as Supreme Commander and how his demise shaped the current state of the OSS.