Sentinels of the Sacred Stone

The Sentinels of the Sacred Stone, a faction within the Clerical Order of the Sacred Stone, champion dwarven warriors as the ideal embodiment of Tetsu's tenets. Thus, they hold The Stoneward Sentinels in the highest esteem. There are some differences in the religious law from the Clerical Order of the Sacred Stone that the Sentinels preach, but their interpretation emphasizes the warrior's role as the ultimate representation of Tetsu’s tenets, leading to debates and adjustments within the broader order. The Sentinels prioritize warriors as the ultimate embodiment of Tetsu’s ideals, emphasizing martial prowess and physical strength, contrasting with the Clerical Order's broader focus on diverse skills and knowledge.
The Sentinels were founded before the Age of Horrors in 960 DA, but their influence and prominence grew significantly during the turmoil, as they championed the ideals of strength and resilience amidst the chaos. Since Wyvernview Kingdom has opened their gates the Sentinels of the Sacred Stone are gaining popularity amongst the dwarven people who feel that the Sentinels are right in their belief that dwarven warriors are the epitome of Tetsu's tenets. This is creating tensions amongst the artisans who believe they are the epitome of Tetsu's tenets, and leading to internal conflicts within the Clerical Order of the Sacred Stone, as well as disputes over the allocation of resources and honors. 

Structure

• High Priest: The leader, responsible for spiritual guidance and overall direction.Warlord: Second-in-command, focusing on military strategy and operations.
• Champion: Elite warriors, exemplars of martial prowess and Tetsu’s tenets.
• Guardian: Seasoned fighters responsible for training and mentoring lower ranks.
• Warrior: Core members, experienced in battle and embodying the Sentinel ideals.
• Acolyte: Novices in training, learning the ways of combat and Tetsu’s teachings.

While most ranks require examples of military and combat achievements, the High Priest is not always chosen based on military and combat experience because the position also requires deep knowledge of Tetsu's tenets, religious rituals, and the ability to interpret and teach the principles of the faith. This dual requirement creates tension between the clerical and martial aspects of leadership. The Sentinels are led by a High Priest, but their leadership is often challenged by influential warriors who believe their own combat prowess and battlefield achievements make them better suited to lead the faction. They see the High Priest's position as overly focused on religious and clerical aspects, which they feel might detract from the martial excellence they prioritize. This tension arises from a desire to ensure that the leadership truly embodies and champions the warrior ideals they hold dear, rather than being led by someone who may not have proven themselves in combat to the same extent.

Culture

The core beliefs of the Sentinels of the Sacred Stone are strength in combat, recognition of sacrifice, dedication to combat skills, and tenacity in the face of adversity.  They are a brotherhood of valor in order to honor Tetsu.  In contrast, the Clerical Order of the Sacred Stone balances these aspects with a broader emphasis on spiritual wisdom, artisan craftsmanship, and the philosophical understanding of Tetsu’s teachings.
An example of this would be the Sentinels of the Sacred Stone's Trial of Valor ceremony.  In this trial, warriors must face a series of intense combat challenges designed to test their strength, endurance, and strategic acumen. Unlike the Clerical Order's more balanced and contemplative ceremonies, the Trial of Valor focuses solely on physical prowess and martial skills. Success in the trial is seen as a demonstration of true dedication to Tetsu's martial ideals and personal sacrifice, reflecting the Sentinels' emphasis on combat and tenacity.

Public Agenda

They emphasize martial prowess and physical strength, seeking to elevate warriors above other professions. This focus often creates tension with artisans and clerics who interpret Tetsu's teachings differently.  The Sentinels promote their agenda through public demonstrations of martial skill, prestigious ceremonies honoring warriors, and influential sermons highlighting their strength as Tetsu’s ideal. They also exert pressure on the Clerical Order to prioritize warrior achievements and advocate for policies that elevate combat excellence over artisan skills and other pursuits.

Assets

The Sentinels of the Sacred Stone share the temples of the Clerical Order, but they utilize these spaces primarily for martial training and combat rituals, while the Clerical Order focuses on spiritual ceremonies and philosophical teachings.

History

980 DA: Establishment of the first martial combat trials, solidifying the Sentinels' reputation for combat excellence. 1020 DA: Rising tensions with artisans and other factions over the Sentinels' emphasis on combat over artisan crafts. 1100 DA: Increased influence and recognition due to successful military campaigns and battles against Astral Horrors. 1121 DA: The Sentinels face the Plague of Shadows, showing their martial prowess but struggling with non-combat challenges. 1150 DA: Assisted The Stoneward Sentinels in the defense of Shadowhall.  1300 DA: Period of instability and frequent leadership changes due to internal power struggles and differing interpretations of Tetsu’s tenets, as well as the loss of Wyvernview Kingdom's prominent leader. 1475 DA: Successful combat against the Plague of Shadows, restoring some respect and proving their effectiveness in defending the dwarven realms. 1503 DA: Ongoing internal disputes and leadership changes, reflecting tensions between combat-focused ideals and broader dwarven values.

Mythology & Lore

The Sentinels and the Clerical Order disagree on the foundational mythology about Tetsu, and while the Sentinels emphasize his role as a warrior and combat leader, the Clerical Order focuses on his aspects as a deity of craftsmanship and knowledge.
Sentinels’ Mythology: Tetsu, the Eternal Warrior, waged relentless battles against the forces of chaos. His scars, etched from countless conflicts, symbolize his unyielding strength and sacrifice. In every fight, Tetsu's resolve inspires the Sentinels, who believe his greatest honor lies in martial prowess and enduring adversity on the battlefield.
Clerical Order’s Mythology: Tetsu, the God of Balance, forged the world with his mighty hammer, shaping both the land and its inhabitants. His strength in battle and craftsmanship embodies his dual nature—creating order through combat and wisdom. The Clerical Order venerates him as the source of both physical might and intellectual mastery.
The Sentinels use the same sacred texts and temples as the Clerical Order but emphasize Tetsu’s combat exploits and personal sacrifices. They focus on relics like Tetsu’s battle-worn armor and weapons, interpreting his scars and victories as proof of his divine embodiment of martial strength and tenacity.
There are no other mythological differences between the Sentinels and the Clerical Order, and their primary divergence lies in their interpretation of Tetsu’s teachings, with the Sentinels focusing on martial prowess and personal sacrifice, while the Clerical Order emphasizes balanced strength, wisdom, and the broader scope of Tetsu’s influence.

Divine Origins

The Sentinels diverged from the Clerical Order in 960 DA after the Astral Horrors began to attack the Wyvernview Kingdom. Most of their teachings, beliefs, and rituals developed during the Age of Horrors as a reaction to the terror, suffering, and existential threat posed by the Astral Horrors, emphasizing martial valor and resilience as crucial for survival and honor.

Tenets of Faith

• Martial Valor: Emphasize courage and strength in combat as the highest virtues.
• Combat Excellence: Dedicate oneself to continuous improvement and mastery of combat skills.
• Tenacity: Exhibit relentless determination in the face of adversity and threats.
• Resilience: Cultivate mental and physical endurance to withstand prolonged challenges.
• Leadership Through Strength: Assert that true leaders are those who demonstrate superior combat prowess.
• Unity Through Struggle: Foster unity and camaraderie among members through shared trials and battles.
• Endurance: Embrace enduring hardships as a path to greater strength and skill.
• Reverence for Fallen Heroes: Venerate those who have fallen in battle, celebrating their sacrifices.

Ethics

Sins:

Cowardice in Battle: Failing to show bravery or retreating in the face of danger is seen as a betrayal of Tetsu's ideals. Disrespecting Combat Tradition: Ignoring or undermining the established martial customs and rituals of the Sentinels. Neglecting Training: Failing to continuously improve one's combat skills or abandoning martial discipline. Failure to Honor Fallen Warriors: Not properly commemorating or acknowledging the sacrifices of those who have died in battle.

Priesthood

Priests in the Sentinels of the Sacred Stone come from the main Clerical Order of the Sacred Stone.  Those priests, monks, and clerics who lean towards a martial focus often choose to specialize in the Sentinels in their worship of Tetsu. 

Strength Embodied

Founding Date

960 DA

Type

Religious, Sect