Obsidian Brotherhood

The Obsidian Brotherhood is a shadowy organization that thrives within the underbelly of the Tahosian Dynasty. Operating primarily in the bustling coastal cities and remote coves near the Ak’tuin Gulf, the Brotherhood deals in the rare and heavily regulated Infused Obsidian, a prized anti-magical material unique to the Dynasty. Though Infused Obsidian is not inherently illegal, its extraction and trade are tightly controlled by the government, making the Brotherhood's smuggling operations both dangerous and immensely profitable. The Brotherhood’s operations revolve around the illicit trade of Infused Obsidian, a material prized for its ability to disrupt and negate magical abilities. This resource is strictly regulated by the Dynasty due to its strategic value in crafting anti-magical weaponry and artifacts. To circumvent these regulations, the Brotherhood has built an intricate network of smugglers, black market traders, and covert agents who move the material through secret routes, hidden tunnels, and isolated coves along the coast.
In addition to Infused Obsidian, the Brotherhood deals in rare magical items, including stolen or forbidden artifacts. These items are sold discreetly to wealthy buyers and powerful criminal factions, enhancing the Brotherhood’s power and influence. Their expertise in moving these goods undetected has made them one of the most feared and respected groups in the criminal underworld, always staying a step ahead of the Dynasty’s enforcers.

Structure

The Obsidian Brotherhood operates with a strict hierarchical structure, with members bound by blood oaths to ensure loyalty and secrecy. The organization is divided into specialized cells—smugglers, artifact appraisers, and enforcers—each handling specific aspects of their operations. Only the highest-ranking members know the full extent of the Brotherhood’s activities, ensuring that the network remains secure and insulated.

• Obsidian King. The ultimate authority in the Brotherhood. His power is unquestionable, and he governs the entire organization from the shadows. Few ever see the Obsidian King, and his true identity is the subject of much speculation.

• Dark Shepherd. The right hand of the Obsidian King. The Dark Shepherd commands the Brotherhood’s military wing and enforces internal discipline. He is feared not only for his ruthlessness but for his cunning and ability to maintain the delicate balance between criminal ambition and obedience.

• Shadows. The Shadows are the lieutenants of the Brotherhood, each overseeing specific regions or cities. They are responsible for managing smuggling operations, dealing with local authorities, and ensuring that the Brotherhood’s influence remains strong. Shadows are often recruited from the most cunning and ambitious members, and they maintain direct communication with the Dark Shepherd.

• Glassmongers. These are the master blacksmiths and artisans responsible for refining Infused Obsidian. They are among the most trusted members of the Brotherhood, as their skills in working with the precious anti-magical material are crucial to the organization’s power.

• Brothers. The lowest-ranking members of the Brotherhood, the Brothers are responsible for the day-to-day operations, including smuggling, theft, and handling goods. They are often street thugs, minor thieves, or desperate individuals looking for protection.

• Sailors and Couriers. Given the Brotherhood's reliance on coastal and sea-based trade, they employ a fleet of smugglers and pirates who transport the Infused Obsidian and other contraband to hidden ports and coves across the Tahosian Dynasty. Couriers are trusted messengers who ensure communication between the Shadows, Glassmongers, and Brothers.

Despite this rigid structure, internal rivalries are common. Ambitious members frequently compete for power and favor with the Obsidian King, and betrayals, though rare, are met with swift and brutal consequences. These internal power struggles keep the Brotherhood sharp and constantly evolving, as members seek to rise through the ranks.
Externally, the Brotherhood faces competition from rival factions such as the Fire Roses and the Reavers, but they avoid direct conflict whenever possible. Instead, they prefer to manipulate events from the shadows, weakening their rivals while maintaining control of their own operations. Through these tactics, the Obsidian Brotherhood continues to expand its influence, biding its time until they can fully assert their dominance over the Dynasty.

Culture

The Obsidian Brotherhood fosters a culture of fear, respect, and loyalty. Each member swears a blood oath to the Brotherhood upon initiation, sealing their loyalty under threat of death. Members who betray the Brotherhood face the Black Mark, a ritual where their souls are cursed with eternal unrest—a fate far worse than death, ensuring loyalty remains intact.
The Brotherhood is also deeply secretive. They use coded language and clandestine methods to conduct their operations, relying on an extensive network of informants and spies to stay one step ahead of the Dynasty’s authorities. While the organization is brutal in its enforcement of internal discipline, it offers protection, wealth, and influence to its most loyal members.
The Brotherhood’s culture is also one of opportunism. They are willing to strike deals with other criminal organizations when it benefits them but just as quickly turn on those same allies if it means furthering their own goals. Their motto, "Empire in Shadow" reflects their belief that true power comes not from open displays of force but from control in the shadows.

Public Agenda

Outwardly, the Obsidian Brotherhood maintains the appearance of a network of legitimate, high-end mercantile organizations. These fronts are known under different names in various cities, each with its own distinct branding and reputation. The Brotherhood owns luxury vendors, exclusive trade companies, and specialized suppliers of rare goods, all catering to wealthy clientele.
Each of these organizations has a well-crafted image, extensive paperwork, and backstories for inspections, creating an air of legitimacy. This network of fronts allows the Brotherhood to seamlessly move between the black market and legal trade. Most Dynasty officials are unaware that these various “businesses” are all connected to a single entity, allowing the Brotherhood to avoid government regulation and control over their Infused Obsidian operations.
Their meticulous attention to detail and the depth of their mercantile cover ensures that even when one front is uncovered or implicated in illegal activities, it is nearly impossible for authorities to trace the criminal dealings back to the Brotherhood itself.
The Brotherhood’s primary goal is to control the black market for Infused Obsidian and rare magical items. By monopolizing the trade of these coveted resources, they maintain significant influence over those who need them, from rogue mages to political factions. While profit drives much of their ambition, the Brotherhood’s long-term goal is to use their control of these materials to exert power within the Tahosian Dynasty itself.
At the helm of the organization is the mysterious Obsidian King, a figure shrouded in myth and rumor. Few know the true identity of the Obsidian King, but they are believed to wield powerful magical artifacts, making them a formidable force. Under the Obsidian King’s command, the Brotherhood seeks not only to dominate the underworld but to subtly influence the political and economic structures of the Dynasty.

Assets

• Infused Obsidian: The Brotherhood’s primary asset is its control over the illegal trade of Infused Obsidian. This anti-magical material is highly prized, as it can disrupt and negate magical abilities, making it a valuable weapon in a world where magic is prevalent.

• Seafaring Fleet: A fleet of smuggling ships equipped with hidden compartments to transport contraband. These ships are fast, agile, and manned by experienced sailors who are well-versed in evading the authorities.

• Hidden Outposts: The Brotherhood maintains a network of hidden outposts along the coasts, in remote coves, and even within the underbellies of coastal cities. These outposts serve as safe houses, meeting points, and storage locations for smuggled goods.

• Arcane Artifacts: Over the centuries, the Brotherhood has amassed a collection of powerful magical artifacts, many of which are considered too dangerous for public use. These items are often sold to the highest bidder or kept for the Brotherhood’s own use.

History

The Obsidian Brotherhood was born out of rebellion. Centuries ago, a group of blacksmiths and artisans discovered the secret of Infused Obsidian, a material capable of negating magic. When the Dynasty sought to control this material, the group went underground, using their knowledge to create a thriving black market. Over time, their operation grew into the criminal empire known as the Obsidian Brotherhood.
The organization has survived through a combination of ruthless efficiency, careful alliances, and a willingness to adapt to the changing political landscape of the Tahosian Dynasty. Despite numerous attempts by the Dynasty to root them out, the Brotherhood remains a powerful force, their influence reaching into the highest levels of society.

"Empire in Shadow"

Type

Illicit, Cartel

Alternative Names

The Silent Cartel, Darkstone Syndicate, Obsidian Smugglers

Demonym

Brothers

Leader Title

Obsidian King

Location

Tansia