The Path of Obsidian

The Sword Against Mad Kings

The Path of Obsidian is a set of spiritual beliefs modeled after the virtues and ideals of a spirit known as Obsidia. Obsidia appearred once and only once in physical form, spearheading a rebellion against the local tyrant of the Zanhor Kingdom, a champion of it's people. She is seen as essentially a patron guardian of Astana's catfolk, as well as liberation, honor, self-discipline, and battle.

The Path of Obsidian is a system of beliefs sacred to many catfolk populations in Astana. Obsidia, as well as her followers, dedicate themselves to being beacons against tyranny in any form, and believe in the value of endurance in the face of adversity, a dedication to self-discipline through routine and practice. Protecting the oppressed is a general motif of the belief system.

Mythology & Lore

The Obsidian Path centers around the worship of Obsidia, the enigmatic catfolk goddess of rebellion and freedom, revered as the eternal nemesis of tyranny. Her origin is cloaked in mystery, but followers believe she emerged from the dark veil of the night sky, her form shimmering like starlit obsidian, answering the anguished cries of Zanhor during its bloodiest revolt. This uprising, marked by unparalleled suffering and rivers of blood, tore through the land as the oppressed masses rose against their despotic king. According to the faith, Obsidia descended upon the battlefield at the revolt's climax, her presence igniting a wave of courage among the downtrodden and striking fear into the hearts of the tyrant’s forces. Her teachings—etched in shadow and fire—champion the relentless pursuit of justice, the breaking of chains, and the enduring strength of the oppressed. For her followers, Obsidia is not just a goddess but a symbol of resistance, inspiring those who walk the Obsidian Path to challenge all forms of injustice and oppression.

Divine Origins

The origin of the faith in Obsidia is a tale of divine intervention, justice, and unrelenting resistance against tyranny. Long ago, the kingdom of Zanhor was ruled by a cruel and corrupt king who hoarded wealth and power while his people starved and suffered. The oppressed masses, driven to desperation, rose in rebellion, but their pleas for justice were met with brutality. The king unleashed his soldiers to crush the uprising, and the streets of Zanhor ran red with the blood of innocents. As despair reached its peak, the sky, moved by the enormity of the injustice, shed a single tear—a dark, starlit droplet filled with celestial fury. This tear fell upon the largest pile of the fallen, and from the mingled blood and divine essence, Obsidia was born: a goddess of war, justice, and liberation, with dusky, star-flecked skin and eyes burning with purpose. Armed with an obsidian dagger and an unshakable will, Obsidia carved her way through the king’s forces, her combat honorable yet unyielding. Upon reaching the palace, she confronted the tyrant in a terrifying form—a giant jaguar with gleaming fangs and a voice that thundered with divine wrath. She condemned him to a life of loneliness and despair, his legacy doomed to crumble and his wealth stripped away to empower the very people he had oppressed. As her final act, Obsidia cast a spell that caused both herself and the king to vanish from the mortal plane, leaving behind only her teachings and the promise that she would rise again wherever tyranny sought to crush the will of the oppressed. The rebellion, inspired by her divine presence, prevailed, dismantling the king's forces and igniting a transformative era of political upheaval. Thus, the legend of Obsidia’s birth became the cornerstone of the Obsidian Path, a faith dedicated to justice, resistance, and the eternal struggle against oppression.

Tenets of Faith

The Obsidian Path is a faith rooted in resistance to oppression, the pursuit of justice, and the eternal struggle for the freedom and dignity of all beings.

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Defy tyranny in all forms. Followers of the Obsidian Path are called to challenge and resist any form of oppression, whether it comes from kings, governments, or individuals. Injustice, no matter how small, must be confronted with courage and resolve.

Protect the innocent. The weak, the downtrodden, and the voiceless must be shielded from harm. Followers are obligated to stand as shields for those who cannot protect themselves.

Rise when others fall. Just as Obsidia emerged from the blood and suffering of the innocent, followers are encouraged to rise in moments of despair to become symbols of hope and action. Resilience and perseverance are sacred virtues.

Wield strength wisely. Power is a tool, not a privilege. Whether physical, magical, or political, strength must be used to protect, liberate, and uplift, never to dominate or exploit.

Balance the individual and the collective. While personal freedom is vital, the well-being of the community must also be upheld. Selfishness and neglect of others are contrary to the teachings of the Obsidian Path.

Worship

Many worshippers of Obsidia build temples or shrines dedicated to the goddess, where they can perform rituals and offer up sacrifices. These temples often feature obsidian altars and statues of the goddess.

Ancient worshippers of Obsidia, especially those who traveled or who held positions as warriors or knights, believed that they could invoke the goddess's power by wielding a weapon made of obsidian. These worshippers often carried an obsidian blade with them at all times and use it in battle as a symbol of their devotion to the goddess. This practice has fallen in actual use in warfare, but it is still customary for clergy and justicars of the Obsidian Order to carry a ceramonial obsidian weapon, with a dagger hung off the belt the most common.

Sacrifices of food are typically bestowed at Obsidian altars, upon which during the evening the food is distributed around the community to the poor. Prayer typically is the main form of reverence that is practiced, with practitioners offerring one of various different prayers in front of an Obsidian Altar.

Type

Religious, Organised Religion

Contributors: Kaslin