The Covenant

"'Open your eyes, see the truth. Protection and a chance at true power come only at the price of loyalty. Let us guide you into the fold, unmarred by the squabbles of those so far, far below.'" "The Covenant" Loyalty and order, ritual and absolute devotion, The Covenant seeks those who would serve it -- offering immense strength and the backing of all within it.

This strength is wrapped in requirements and ritual — difficult to gain without near adherence to the doctrine put forth by the Kith, accepting the will of those above without question. Goals and intentions, whatever they may be for The Covenant, aren't always shared freely and may appear questionable to those expected to carry them out.

Joining The Covenant
The Covenant freely, and openly, accepts anyone. Those of little Presence, or skill are as welcome as any into the fold -- so long as the right Tithe is given.

Because only Outsiders are able to directly create a Pact with the Archaeon, others seeking to join The Covenant must use these Outsiders as an intermediary. Any who join — either in need of this intermediate or not — are granted the longterm aid of the Outsider who helped form the Pact (or, if chosen, another Eparch).

There are no restrictions on Mundane or Cambions other than a willingness to give reverence to those higher than them and devotion to the Archaeon. Any may join in freely, but upon entering it is hardly an extravagant life — and working up in rank through fidelity beneficial of the whole will gain an individual access to the deep well of power the Archaeon gifts. Still, even those barely entered into a Pact have access to a strength which few other Kiths boast.

Pacts & Tribute
See Kith Pacts

Roles & Structure
Within The Covenant, rank is acquired only through personal deeds and reverence to The Kith. This system allows for any to move upwards — regardless of Type, Tier or Presence; Loyalty holds a greater importance than strength.

Convert
Anyone who pledges themselves to The Covenant, regardless of Type, Tier or strength of Presence is considered a Convert; All new members begin at the same rank.

As Converts, those of the Kith are expected to both seek the help, and seek to help, those of higher status. Converts are often given mundane, even menial tasks when not being guided directly by another, and are expected to put forth the effort to do what they can to learn.

Converts do not fall into a Specialty Sect; Converts are expected to aid wherever is needed under the direct guidance of others. A Convert may show interest in a Sect, and is expected to seek those of higher status within a role they hold interest in gaining, though they can only take part in it upon raising to a higher rank.

Converts are housed together within the Barracks deep within Sanctuary and are expected to stay within Thrones most of the time.

Acolyte
Those who have pressed past simply entering into the fold, those of this role work to oversee new converts. While less often required to perform harsh labors, they watch over and supervise these lower tasks.

An Acolyte is expected to choose at least one Sect they will serve in. There are no requirements for any Sect, other than approval from at least one existing member of the Sect, and entering into Apprenticeship. Once a member has entered into a Sect, they will be moved to their shared living quarters of their chosen Sect.

Ordained
A role of reverence and importance within The Covenant. Having demonstrated great shows of loyalty in some form, those of this role are afforded great respect.

Eparchic Priest
The guiding hands of Quell, affording great respect as they speak the will of the Archaeon. Within The Covenant, they are considered caretakes and peacekeepers who aid in correcting any disputes. Eparchic Priests take many of the long halls that can be found in the underbelly of Thrones to hold lectures. Most ‘Versing’ is done with the aid of (or at the very least approval) of a Priest.

Emissary of The Vessel
''A Storyweaver role for those helping to lead The Covenant, IC and OOC. Storyweavers may also use this rank for NPC characters.''

The direct voice of Quell who speaks their will and guides all beneath. Only those who have shown the utmost loyalty are granted such a title.

Specialty Sects
Sects are the specialty roles which a member of The Covenant might have, dictating what tasks they must do. Sects are not required, though a member who never shows any interest in aiding in a Sect is unlikely to raise higher than Acolyte. To join a Sect, upon reaching Acolyte status, an individual must seek out Apprenticeship.

Curator
Aiding in the research and knowledge gleaned and put to use by The Covenant. Toiling in the Libraries, those of this sect seek to gain a greater understanding of Unreality and the countless realities spilling into it.

Curators are frequently sent outside of Thrones with the intention to seek and gather new information -- written texts, technology, organic specimens which might be made useful, or simply studied and added to the collections.

Grafter
Aiding in the creation and upkeep of Thrones and Sanctuary through the sculpting flesh and bone. Grafters practice the art of molding living tissue through the creation of objects, and structures the Covenant resides within -- as well as the control of anything which has grown out of control.

Apothecary
Aiding in the care and healing of those within the Kith, through everything from medical help, spiritual aid, and physical needs.

While the most important task those of the Apothecary hold is through their medical aid of those within The Covenant, they are also expected to aid in the upkeep of living quarters, and other needs such as the preparation of food.

Vanguard
Aiding in the protection and punishment of those of The Covenant, Vanguards are trained in more martial skills. Sent out with Curators, as well as expected to keep guard over Sanctuary.

Punishment through Versing is a task given to Vanguards of higher Rank.

Other Titles
Structure for The Covenant is very important, and those who move up are considered worthy of respect. Those of lower role — while expected to be devout — are to be taken care of and aided. Sometimes aid means doing what a member does not know they need — though it is always with good intention and consideration for welfare of the whole.

Unversed
Versing is a type of disciplinary re-education done to those who have been shown to need it -- usually because of an act of apostasy or outright sedition. Versing may be ordered upon any member of any rank or role, though only by an Eparchic Priest.

Versing is often painful and physically harrowing — more akin to torture than any classroom lecture. While in the process of being Versed, a member is considered to have no Rank other than that of Unversed and will remain this way until the Versing is complete as decided by the Priest who originally ordered it.

Archaeon: Quell the Vessel
Main Article: Archaeon: Quell The Vessel

Quell is many within one -- an entity slipped between the fabric of reality from a world barren by their own hand. Molding themselves back together — patching up a ruined self with parts and pieces and other souls, Quell seeks the lonely and forgotten. Coming from a land of desolation, Quell reaches a hand out to touch the ‘many’  and join with those willing.

Relationships
The Covenant is insular and reclusive towards others — close relationships with those of other Kiths, regardless of which, is discouraged. Unity is to be found together and tight bonds should remain among those within the Kith. Those outside the Kith are frequently wary, oftentimes disturbed by how fervent many of The Covenant press others to join them

The Hive
While there are no true hostilities, there is also little love towards The Hive…and while the Covenant cares little for The Hive, the other Kith provokes hostility

The Veil
Open contempt brews when it comes to this Kith. It is uncommon to see members of either in spaces the other has authority over. Conflict between these Kiths is frequently, with open attempts at drawing members from The Veil into Pacts.

The Seeming
Disdain towards those of The Seeming is visible and known — though this discontent rarely extends beyond sharp words and avoidance. This young Kith is considered senseless in how loose their bonds are and how senseless their ambitions are.