Order of Nirvana

After you have passed on, or perhaps you are in a unique position while living, to have trained as a Spirit Guardian. Spirit Guardians start off souls, otherwise known as Pilgrims, that have passed away and have taken the road in the afterlife to have been given a Faobhar and trained at the Soulbringer Academy to become what they are. War against many dark entity has risen, and Spirit Guardians give aid where they are permitted to. However, their true enemy is the Daybrem and their cured spawn, the Arcbrem. It is a Spirit Guardian's sworn responsibility to eliminate any and all Arcbrems and prevent the next coming of the Daybrem while maintaining the balance to the natural order of life, death, spiritual travel and reincarnation. This has been your life for as long as you care to remember. You trained diligently, studied the use of weapons and armor, learned basic survival techniques, including how to stay alive on the battlefield. You have been part of 1 of the 13 Divisions of the Order of Nirvana within the Positive Plane; its capital and base of of Spirit Guardian operations is known as Nirvana, it's capital and main stronghold for the 13 Divisions is known as Caisteal Sorcha.

When you choose this background, work with your DM to determine which Division organization you were a part of, how far through its ranks you progressed, and what kind of experiences you had during your Order of Nirvana military-like career. Other backgrounds work well for the Spirit Guardian class, such as Knight, Noble, Sage or Soldier. Work with your DM to come up with an appropriate title and determine how much authority that title carries within your Division. A title doesn’t stand on its own—it’s connected to an entire Division; which is much like your new found family, and whatever title you hold carries weight around areas of high influence if the rank you hold is adequate.

 

13 Sovern Knight Captain Divisions - Duties and Responsibilities 

1st Division, Command- This division is the head of Sovern 13 and the ones responsible for relaying Hall of Heralds, dealing with Nirvana law and monitoring the other divisions. The captain of the 1st Division is also the head of all other captains and the leader of Sovern 13, given the rank of Sovern Knight Captain-Commander. Likewise, the 1 Division vice-captain is leader of the vice-captains and has authority over all vice-captains, next to their own captains and the General Knight Commander. This division has the least number of Spirit Guardians. Art’Zonna, son of Rorzach, remains the 1 and only Sovern Knight Captain of the 1 Division. His power is said to me unmatched by non-transcended beings.

Special Duties

No special duties have been noted for the 1 Division. The First Division is ranked highest among the 13 Divisions. Even subordinate members of the First Division are considered model Spirit Guardians. Emergencies must be dealt with swiftly; quick decisions and quick actions are essential. The division is able to ascertain a situation and mobilize quickly even before an order is issued. That is the true value of the First Division.

Barracks

Like all the other barracks, the 1 Division Barracks house the offices and living quarters of the Spirit Guardians of the 1 Division. In addition, due to the 1 Division being the division of the Sovern Knight Captain-Commander, the barracks hosts the assembly hall where the captains gather for their meeting. The barracks also has a room set aside for Lieutenants' meeting. Sovern Knight Captain-Commander Art’Zonna’s office within the barracks commands a wide, sweeping view of Nirvana. Directly underneath the division's barracks lies the Central Great Underground Prison.

 

2nd Division, Shadow Forces / Assassination & Undercover Operations- The captain of the 2nd Division is also captain of the Shadow Force; one of Nirvana’s two other military fractions except for the Sovern 13. Members of the 2nd Division are mainly dealing with stealth and assassination, and many of them are also members of the Shadow Forces as well. They also handle all undercover operations regarding Nirvana security. Shadow Forces applicants take additional two-year training after Spirit Guardian Academy. Eirik Lionheart was the creator and 1 Sovern Knight Captain of the 2 Division.

Because the Captain of the 2 Division also leads the Shadow Force, the 2 Division's duties are directly tied in with the Shadow Force, each of the top 5 seated officers is in charge of a certain division of the Shadow Forces in Squad Teams. At this time, it is known that the Sovern Knight Captain is in charge of the Executive Militia, the Lieutenant is in charge of the Patrol Unit, and the 3 Seat is in charge of the Detention Unit.

Special Duties

No special duties have been noted for the 2nd Division. Since the linking of the Shadow Forces with the 2 Division well over thousands of years ago, its role may have changed from its original duty. As such the special operations of Nirvana has become the full measure of what the division involves itself in primarily. Members are tasked with assassination, policing, detention and message couriers.

Shadow Forces

Although by nature in their origin they were disliked from the Sovern 13, the clan which possessed superior abilities as Spirit Guardians on par with the four Noble Families to hold the needed roll and become the last and 5 Royal Family was the Lionheart Clan, filled the role of the Shadow Knight Commander throughout the generations, while also having their clan leader take the post of division captain within the Sovern 13. Having served his post as 2 Division captain, the then Shadow Knight Commander and Sovern Knight Captain of the 2 Division, Eirik Lionheart had strengthened the image of the organization's direct influence of the 2 Division, as every head of the 2 division have all been ranking officers within the 2nd Division. There has never been a Sovern Knight Captain that commanded the 2 Division that has not been anyone other than members of the Lionheart Clan.

Mission of the Shadow Forces

The Shadow Forces is 1 of the 3 forces under the direct supervision of the Hall of Heralds. If the Sovern 13 operate openly, the Shadow Force patrols and conducts surveillance in enemy territory and carries out top-secret operations, such as assassinations and the execution of Spirit Guardians who have broken the law. If the Sovern 13 are considered an exterior guard, then the Shadow Forces is an interior, covert guard.

Barracks

Like all the other barracks, the 2nd Division Barracks house the offices and living quarters of the Spirit Guardians of the 2nd. The buildings are amazingly luxurious due to the reconstructing offices using private fortunes. The offices are said to boast automatic doors and heated floors. The barracks even have a hot spring. Inside the divisions barracks the Lionheart family crest is embossed into the wall of the audience chamber. The division grounds also hold the Grim Gallows.

The Grim Gallows

Overview. Located in the north-west section of the Second Division's grounds, it is surrounded by a thirty ken (approx. 54.54m) wide moat and a high wall. It is accessible by a wooden bridge. On the inside, it resembles a cave, with an area for prisoners. Treatment for the prisoners is mostly lenient; they can walk freely and converse with one another, but the bleak setting drives many to madness. Prisoners are not held inside a cell and are free to roam the Gallows, but they may not set foot outside of the facility.

When a Spirit Guardian becomes a potential danger to other Spirit Guardians, Nirvana or the Order of Nirvana, that Spirit Guardian is brought to the Grim Gallows for imprisonment, regardless if they were put on trial, and even if they did not actually commit any crimes; this is to ensure no danger will be brought to Nirvana. Allowing darkness to exists in the positive plane would be like allowing a cancer to enter the fabrics of reality. And since Spirit Guardians are linked to the positive plane and turned evil, this could spell disaster for the cosmic balance or have the potential to cause unfathomable amount of chaos, turbulence and wounds upon the Material Realm and beyond. Neither the staff of the Detention Unit nor any other visitors are permitted to carry a Stuart, Faobhar or weaponry of any kind into the Grim Gallows. This measure means the wardens are required to be able to control the prisoners with bare hands. If a Spirit Guardian desires to enter and is not adept at hand-to-hand combat, they may not enter. This is to prevent rebellions and escapes from the prison.

 

3rd Division, Intelligence & Information- The 3rd Division is the unit that are responsible of the act of sending out Spirit Guardians to gather information, and sometimes work in cooperation with 2nd Division agents on more serious missions. They are also the ones that sort all outgoing and incoming information before sending them to the 12th Division for storage. Adding to this, they are in charge of the Omen Butterflies monitoring and message system. Omen Butterflies are black butterflies used by Spirit Guardians to serve a variety of purposes.

The bodies of Omen Butterflies are completely black, while the wings are purple with a black outline. They guide the Spirit Guardian through the Grand Door (the door to the Material Realm) when traveling between Nirvana and the Material World, thereby saving them from the inconvenience of passing through the Garganta, which could be dangerous given its defenses. Omen Butterflies are also used as messengers among Spirit Guardians, often carrying important orders. Omen Butterflies are taken care of by Spirit Guardians in Nirvana, this task usually being carried out by new and inexperienced members of the Sovern 13. Omen Butterflies, like the Spirit Guardians themselves, are only visible to spiritually aware beings. Adamendel Harkson was the creator and 1 Sovern Knight Captain of the 3 Division.

Special Duties

The 3rd Division is linked to the Guided Soul Core, the top 5 craftsmen among Spirit Guardians. The 5 Spirit Guardian craftsmen are referred to at the Spirit Fist. A member of the Spirit Fist is a Lieutenant. The head Lieutenant of the Spirit Fist is known as the Lieutenant Knight Architect and is 2 only under the Sovern Knight Captain. Whomever of among the Spirit Fist that produce the best revenue and in quality of life is deemed to be the Lieutenant Knight Architect by the 3 Sovern Knight Captain. Once every 100 years, a review is conducted to see whom becomes the Lieutenant Knight Architect. Proceeds from the Guided Soul Core help the Order of Nirvana if needed.

Barracks

Like all the other barracks, the 3rd Division Barracks house the offices and living quarters of the Spirit Guardians of the 3rd. During his captaincy, Adamendel is said to have planted Red Wood trees in the barrack grounds and used the wood himself to craft wonderful works of functional art around and inside the barracks grounds. Adamendel took on apprentices to help aid to improve life quality for his division, which he shared with other divisions. The Guided Soul Core is the elite craftsmen’s guild within Nirvana and produce high quality works based on their craft.

 

4th Division, Medical Assistance & Supply- The 4th Division deals with the brunt of the healing when it comes to Spirit Guardians or other spiritual entities. While the Spirit Guardians in this division use medicines for their healing, they do have the ability to use their energies for curative purposes, something unique to those that are in or have been in the 4th Division, because the average Spirit Guardians can only use their power for combat. This unit is assigned many of the menial tasks in Nirvana, such as cleaning the subterranean canals located under Nirvana. Additionally, this particular division is considered the lowest in the Sovern 13 hierarchy, albeit the fact that they heal almost all the injured in Nirvana.

4th Division members are taken from the Spirit Guardian Academy at their third year, after proving exceptional, non-violent resolve, and then takes an additional study of four years to become medics. The Division is further divided accordingly into Advanced Relief Teams; the Relief Squads are determined by Healing skills and overall experience. There are a total of 20 Relief Squads, with the 4 Sovern Knight Captain apart of the 1 Relief Squad. Keasce-Jay Hiromori was the creator and 1 Sovern Knight Captain of the 4 Division, she remains the Captain to this day.

Special Duties

The 4th Division is the medical/supply division, and have special assigned enchanted Nurse Uniforms. They are responsible for both treating the injured and doing most of the manual labor, such as cleaning the halls of Nirvana. The 4 Division is further divided into teams that have specific assigned jobs. Other division members use their spiritual power only for fighting. Members of the 4 Division possess spiritual powers that are used to tend to wounds and provide relief. They use these special powers and the benefits of their daily training to act with precision and speed to aid injured comrades. 4 Division administers emergency first aid to injured division members and transports them to the General Coordinated Relief Hospital.

They are slightly becoming more appreciated by the 11 Division who usually bully them around in the past because they believe that the 4 Division were just a weak medical team, as opposed to the 11 Division, which is combat-focused, although most members of the 11 Division are afraid of the Sovern Knight Captain Hiromori.

Barracks

Like all the other barracks, the 4 Division Barracks house the offices and living quarters of the Spirit Guardians of the 4. However, the 4 Division Barracks also houses the General Coordinated Relief Hospital, which is the primary medical facility of Lighthold, the Order of Nirvana, Nirvana and Positive Plane at large.

 

5th Division, Reshi Corps / Reshi Tactics & Control- The captain of the 5th Division is also captain of the Reshi Corps; one of Nirvana’s two other military fractions except for the Sovern 13. Members of the 5th are in general Reshi experts, and are often stationed together with 11th Division members, 2nd Division assassins as well as 4th Division healers to form an all-around military group. They are also responsible for all sealing and magical workings inside Nirvana, as well as recording and storing any new Reshi. Members of the Reshi Corps are handpicked from the best reshi-users of the Spirit Guardians, and undergo additional training. The Fifth Division has been raised to have a gentle atmosphere, where every member gets along well with one another. The division is also said to excel at nurturing Spirit Guardians of immense talent. Dairose’Amore Rosensun was the creator and 1st Captain of the 5 Division. The talent of her command over Reshi, Chakra and the general Arcane were said to rival the God of Magic himself. It was her whom battled Garon, the God of Magic to a battle of wits. There was no victor for a stalemate had come within the challenge. For knowing what could be his equal, Garon gave Rosensun the gift of knowledge; the understanding of the command of Reshi, forbidden knowledge of the Positive Plane, and the power to create Grimoire’s for the 5 Division.

The Grimoire is made from the Positive Plane within the realm of Nirvana. Within the sacred halls of Nirvana in the domain of the 5 Divison Bellows, locked away chambers, special books, scrolls and tombs are subjected to its power and become charged with overwhelming Reishi and other benevolent and grand power, giving it unbelievable capability. The Sovern Knight Captain of the 5 Division is also captain of the Reshi Corps; and is the one whom takes the responsibility to see to it that the new recruits of the 5 Division are worthy of a Draiocht Grimoire or not. If a book, scroll or tomb does not choose a Spirit Guardian as a part of the ritual to become a member of the 5th Division, you are unable to be on 5th Division.

The Spirit Guardian’s Grimoire will then be named (example. Grimoire Umberfang). This Grimoire works much like a wizard’s spell book works but is unlike any normal spell book. As a Spiritual Guardian now given the potential to me a grand student of powerful Arcane Magic, they would then have a Spellbook of their own, a named Grimoire, containing Spells that show the first glimmerings of their true power.

Special Duties

The Reshi Corps leader is the 5 Sovern Knight Captain. The 5 Sovern Knight Captain has 4 Lieutenants. The top Lieutenant is referred to as Lieutenant Arcanist. Other Lieutenants are just referred to as a Lieutenant. The Lieutenant Arcanist candid is selected every 30 years. A selected Lieutenant will test against the current Lieutenant Arcanist for their rank, roll, responsibilities and benefits in a test comprised by the current 5 Sovern Knight Captain. If the current Lieutenant Arcanist fails, they then take upon the victorious Spirit Guardian’s Reshi Way Domain. There is a Lieutenant for each Reshi Way. There are three main types of labeled Reshi spell classes: Binding spells known as “Way’Bako” Destruction spells known as “Way’Evo” and Support spells known as “Way’Aidin”. If a Spirit Guardian Lieutenant of the 5 is to become a Sovern Knight Captain, they are to have mastered their respective Reshi Way along with the other 2 Reshi Ways. This is done by rotating the revolving the Lieutenants every 10 years, so the Lieutenants gain experience needed in their incoming Reshi Way. It is expected for Lieutenants to study and practice not only their mastered Reshi Way, but all paths of the Reshi Ways. Cross training such as this allows for a more harmonized unit that can take upon another’s tasks and responsibilities if called upon.

The Reshi Corps is a group of specialists presiding over spiritual law. It is one of the organizations within Nirvana that is allowed the use of force along with the Sovern 13 and Shadow Forces, and is also a special organization comprised of experienced Reshi users. Even the Sovern 13 put their trust in their skills. The Reshi Corps takes students from the Soulbringer Academy that excel in Reshi use and trains them to further their abilities in said area. Its operations are executed in absolute secrecy. It is very rare it was to see anyone from the Reshi Corps, especially the 5 Sovern Knight Captain.

1. Domain of Way’Bako (meaning "Way of Binding"): These are a broad category of defensive spells which block/repel attacks or freezes enemies in place. This class of spells include Reshi Barriers & Seals.
2. Domain of Way’Evo (meaning "Way of Destruction"): These are offensive spells which harm an enemy or cause damage to objects. They can also perform formattable defensive spells.
3. Domain of Way’Aidin (meaning "Way of Support"): Sometimes healing spells do not have known names, numbers, or incantations to cast, and simply heal the target. As the user holds his/her hands above the patient's wounds, his/her palms glow with green spiritual energy to facilitate healing. The mechanics of this healing technique involves the replenishment of the patient's Spiritual Pressure first, then using the body's Spiritual Pressure with the healer's Spiritual Pressure in order to heal the patient's body. Users of Way’Aidin are also known utilitarians of Reshi spells and are often the rarest users to find and the hardest to become masters within their field.

Barracks

Like all the other barracks, the 5 Division Barracks house the offices and living quarters of the Spirit Guardians of the 5. The barracks also contain at least one "Special Confinement Detention Cell for prisoners of considerable power, such as Lieutenants with mastery over Reshi.

 

6th Division, Internal Affairs- The 6th Division handles all of Sovern 13's internal affairs, such as monitoring Spirit Guardian activity and handling any disturbances from other Spirit Guardians. They are responsible for apprehending Spirit Guardians that breaks Nirvana’s laws and also detaining them until the Hall of Heralds has given their verdict in the matter. Their division has the most holding cells, which is used to detain criminal offenders until they are judged. 6 Division Spirit Guardian elites are distinguished by wearing a white, sleeveless haori (shorter than the ones captains wear) with purple edges and held together at the opening by a red string, over their standard Anam Vail uniform. Jacob St.King was the creator and 1 Sovern Knight Captain of the 6 Division.

Special Duties

No special duties have been noted for the 6 Division. The 6 Division is seen as a model division by every Spirit Guardian and is known for its strict adherence to rules.

Barracks

Like all the other barracks, the 6 Division Barracks house the offices and living quarters of the Spirit Guardians of the 6. The barracks also contain a division prison ward known as Teisharō; the “Silent Detention Area”. A wide cell containing a single mattress, window, and ornate chair where prisoners of any division are held until they are transferred to a more secure facility like Repentance Palace. The office of Jacob St.King is notable for having shelves of books lining its walls along with the best sized office outside of the 1 Division’s office.

 

7th Division, Nirvana-Lighthold Diplomacy- The 7th Division maintains peace between Nirvana and Lighthold, the largest portion of Nirvana and the most populated. They make sure Spirit Guardians don't go causing chaos in Lighthold, and are completely responsible for keeping Lighthold civil… or at least the area closest to Nirvana. When souls have complaints/suggestions/questions/etc, whatever, their sent to the 7th Division where it is read, ignored, taken into consideration, and decided upon. They often act on their own, but also work with various other divisions. Vincent Jubell was the creator and 1 Sovern Knight Captain of the 7 Division. Vincent Jubell intensely believed in living by a strong sense of duty and have passed this moral characteristic on to the lower-ranking Spirit Guardians. The chivalrous men and women of the 7 Division respect honor above all else and in order to live by their honor, they will offer their blades and even throw away their own lives if they must to fulfill their duty. The division's atmosphere is one of passionate energy, with fine men and women who take pride in being well-built.

Special Duties

No special duties have been noted for the 7 Division. This division is made up of sincere, unpretentious people who live life with gusto. Both former Sover Knight Captain Jubell and current Sovern Knight Captain Circos Sintos believe strongly in moral obligation and compassion. This ethos has been passed down through the ranks of the 7 Division.

Barracks

Like all the other barracks, the 7th Division Barracks house the offices and living quarters of the Shinigami of the 7th. Komamura keeps his dog, Gōrō, at the barracks.

 

8th Division, Reserves & Backup- The 8th Division is the mass reinforcement division. Their Spirit Guardians are split into groups that are talented in Reshi, offensive tactics, or defensive tactics. When any of the other divisions require extra Spirit Guardian or reinforcements, the 8th is the division they turn to first. Aside from the 11th and 13th, the 8th Division has the most amount of Spirit Guardians. Deckard Arkensin was the creator and 1 Sovern Knight Captain of the 8 Division.

Special Duties

No special duties have been noted for the eighth Division.

Barracks

Like all the other barracks, the 8 Division Barracks house the offices and living quarters of the Spirit Guardians of the 8. 8 Division Barracks have the largest Meal Hall known as Soul-Lounge and is often open to anyone hungry within the Order of Nirvana. It is also a good place to mingle, relax and enjoy the company of one another. Members from other Divisions will also eat, drink and relax here as well.

 

9th Division, Counter Intelligence- The 9th Division prevents information from leaking, as well as information being stolen. Their Spirit Guardians work close with the 12th Division research facility, to protect it from outside influence. They also prevent important information from leaking into Lighthold, especially information that could cause an uproar or mass panic. Adding to this, they are also in charge of dealing with tactics and warfare against intelligent beings and massive enemy gatherings, and are the ones responsible for any counter tactics when Nirvana is under attack. 9th Division is also in charge of the memory-replacing that has to be done after a Spirit Guardians fighting in the living world. Sir Shawn O’Reconson was the creator and 1 Sovern Knight Captain of the 9 Division.

 

Special Duties

The mission of the 9 Division is to protect Nirvana. It is always on standby for combat because it is the security force of the Sovern 13. Traditionally, 9 Division has overseen arts and culture. For this reason, it is known to be in charge of the media and news within Nirvana, the Order of Nirvana and Lighthold.

Barracks

Like all the other barracks, the 9 Division Barracks house the offices and living quarters of the Spirit Guardians of the 9. The editing department of the Nirvana Communication Magazine-Network is also part of the 9 Division Barracks as well as a radio station that can communicate to anywhere that often plays music while revolving with pieces of news, information, culture and humor.

 

10th Division, Large-Scale Operations- The 10th Division is in charge of planning, coordinating, and executing large missions. Everything is run through their division first, and if approved, the 10th Division gathers the required Spirit Guardians from each division, assembles them, assigns duties, plans the attack, coordinate the Spirit Guardian according to the mission, execute the attack, and then keep maintenance over it. That includes sending out more reinforcements and information regarding the mission. Jorzanji Srextorin was the creator and 1 Sovern Knight Captain of the 10 Division.

Special Duties

Dawnfire City is under the jurisdiction of the 10 Division. No other special duties have been noted. Dawfire City is a city on the Material Plane that has a strong connection to the Positive Plane. It has a mysterious link to Nirvana that has still been unexplained to this day. Spirit Guardians use this to their advantage to interact with the world of the living and those upon the Material Plane.

Barracks

Like all the other barracks, the 10 Division Barracks house the offices and living quarters of the Spirit Guardians of the 10 Division. The Sovern Knight Captain and their Lieutenant share an office, the 3 largest office of the Sovern 13.

 

11th Division, Offensive Tactics- The 11th Division is the frontlines. They are the most skilled in physical combat and work mainly with other divisions. They rarely work on their own since they currently lack much coordination. During times of danger, the 11 Division is flooded out in mass numbers to immediately subdue problems, which include invasions of Nirvana. The 11 Division works with nearly every other division, since they are the most powerful and offer the most defense and offense. 11 is the division with the largest number of Spirit Guardians. (It is also the division with the highest mortality rate.)

The division is also set up so that to become the Sovern Knight Captain of the Eleventh, the candidate must do so through the third method of becoming a captain, killing the previous captain in front of 1,000 members of the Division, which is almost the entire Division. Upon defeating the previous Sinmukai, the new captain takes on the name of Sinmukai; the Spirit Guardian with the most battles won and opponents slain of each generation typically, but the name Sinmukai means Invincible Warrior in celestial. It is an ironclad rule that there can be only one Sinmukai per generation, meaning that the predecessor must die for the killer to succeed the title. In order for a Spirit Guardian to join the 11, one's Faobhar must be a melee-type. Skyzin Riazhill Sinmukai was the creator and 1 Sovern Knight Captain of the 11 Division.

Special Duties

The Eleventh Division is a direct-combat Division with a specialization in melee-only combat, forgoing the other Shinigami arts and thereby being one of the most specialized divisions in the Sovern 13. As such, it is common practice for members to be carrying their Faobhar at all times. The division's doctrine of dominating in battle is what appeals to its members; they believe that fighting is what makes life worth living. This is what separates the 11 Division from the others and makes them the strongest division. Everyone in the 11 Division is highly skilled in fighting. They believe if they are going to die anyway, they have to go down fighting gloriously.

Barracks

Like all the other barracks, the 11 Division Barracks house the offices and living quarters of the Shinigami of the 11. The 11 has the best training facilities in Nirvana. There is a vault within the office of the Sinmukai that holds the most dangerous Faobhar’s that has ever existed. The weapons have been confiscated and sealed for classified reasons to uphold peace within all realms.

 

12th Division, Research & Development- The 12 Division is in charge of gaining new information through experimentation. They research information that is sent to them from the third division before storing it. They are also in charge of storing a mass amount of information known to Nirvana in their database. The 12 Division also develops new technology to aid the Order of Nirvana in their missions. Josh’Zhor’Jost was the creator and 1 Sovern Knight Captain of the 12 Division.

Special Duties

The 12th Division develops new technology and spiritual tools and it’s been the home of the S.R.D.I. (Spirit Guardian Research and Development Institution) for well over 600 years. As such technological and scientific research has become the full measure of what the division involves itself in primarily. Members are tasked with research and collection of data and samples, something both the current and previous captains are very enthusiastic about, though not to the same extreme.

Barracks

Like all the other barracks, the 12 Division Barracks house the offices and living quarters of the Spirit Guardians of the 12. New buildings appear to have been erected for the Spirit Guardian Research and Development Institute, complete with its own gate and all. It is an ever slow expanding space of advanced, talented and curious mindsets. The labs on the 12 Division grounds are nothing short of legendary and dangerous.

 

13th Division, Defensive Tactics & Nirvana Protection- The 13th Division is the ones that actually send out patrols on a daily, frequent basis to survey Nirvana and Lighthold. If a threat occurs, they find and take care of it, sometimes with help from other divisions. They also work together with various divisions. If a threat is a large enough, the 13th Division is in charge of sending out Spirit Guardians, assembling them, assigning them duties, and other things. Their job is similar to the 10th, except on a smaller basis. This is because of their assignment over watching over Lunafall, a town somehow linked to the Negative Plane.

Special Duties

The town of Lunafall is under the jurisdiction of 13 Division. No other special duties have been noted.

Barracks

Like all the other barracks, the 13 Division Barracks house the offices and living quarters of the Spirit Guardians of the 13. The Barrack grounds all contain the Ugendō, or the “Rain Dried Hall Quarters”, which is set aside for use by the Sovern Knight Captain of the 13 Division. The Sovern Knight Captain is known to rest there to recover from their frequent bouts of illness from the Negative Plane. The pond around the Ugendō Quarters is filled with large celestial Koi gifted from the God of Dragons, Tora’Quill. Each one of these 20 Koi can transform into an Ancient Gold Dragon.

 

The Spirit Guardian Lore and History

The Spirit Guardians are a peace keeping society based in the afterlife, it is their jobs to come back to the world of the living, and help the lost souls of the dead reach the afterlife through process of purpose and rebirth. Aside from being guides to the lost souls, they are also their judges, and juries. They alone possess the power to read their lives and decide whether they are to pass on to heaven, or be put to eternal damnation in hell, other souls of more complex mater are brought to the Nirvana, where Spirit Guardian's call both their home and fortress under the God of Death, Redemption and Judgment; Rorzach the Soul Judge.

Thus, Spirit Guardians train themselves in the ways set before us in his realm of Nirvana, beings of lines of defense for those whom fight their destiny in the natural order or worse... become fiends. The first Spirit Guardian was the demi-god son of Rorzach, whom created the order in the aftermath of the war against the Daybrem to help delegate souls better in the cycle of rebirth and in their judgement. Impressed by the loyalty and love by his son, Rorzach blessed his son to retain his godlike power while still taking mortal form and immortality. Rorzach's empire and infrastructure within Nirvana was largely made in part by his son, Art'Zonna, whom remains the head leader of the Order of Nirvana. The Order of Nirvana houses themselves within Nirvana at their base home of Caisteal Sorcha (Pronounced Kash-Tyall, meanling the Castle of Light)

Overview of Caisteal Sorcha

Caisteal Sorcha is a circular shiro with four main entrances, ten days walk apart, each guarded by one of the Gatekeepers. These gates are collectively called the Four Great Pure Soul Gates. These gates are made up of the Northern Black Ridge Gate (Kokuryōmon), the Eastern Blue Stream Gate (Shōryūmon), the Southern Red Hollow Gate (Shuwaimon), and the Western White Way Gate (Hakutōmon; ex."White Road Gate"). The gates are so heavy that it takes the full might of Jidanbō Ikkanzaka to lift one. There are, however, doors within the gates, to allow passage of individuals when needed, such as those of smaller size passing through. A possible reason would be to enter the Academy.

The walls of Caisteal Sorcha, known as the Seireiheki, or the “Pure Soul Wall”, and are made of Sekkiseki (Spirit Reducing Stone), a rare type of stone known to negate all Reshi, similar to magnetic lodestones. The stone also forms a spherical barrier around the city, extending above and below, stopping anything spiritual from breaching it from ground level, from the sky or from underground.

The wall that surrounds Caisteal Sorcha is commonly held up, only closing down when there is an emergency. When it is not down protecting Caisteal Sorcha, the wall protects the Soul Judge God’s Palace, located in an inner dimension.

Information about Caisteal Sorcha is confidential. What is known is that in the center of Caisteal Sorcha is a white tower known as the Senzaikyū, where criminals are imprisoned; on the hill adjacent to it is the Sōkyoku, where prisoners are executed. Those permitted to live in the tranquility of Caisteal Sorcha are Spirit Guardians and the Noble Houses. Spirit Guardians live in the Division barracks, while high-ranking officers commute from their own homes.

 

Faobhar Society Placements

The Faobhar of low-ranking Spirit Guardians are called Stuarts and do not have names, but the Faobhar of high-ranking Spirit Guardians do have names. In its sealed state, a Faobhar has the thematic form of either a Japanese or Celtic sword or quarterstaff. Such weapons are unique and generated from their owner's souls. Its shape differs depending on its owner.

Faobhar are the trademark weapons of the Spirit Guardian. Capable of damaging and aiding spiritual and other bodies, they are among the few weapons which can be used to combat Fiends, Undead, Celestials and Daybrem. Each Spirit Guardian carries a Faobhar, and each Faobhar is unique: the weapons are reflections of a Spirit Guardian's power and soul, and sentient beings unto themselves. The Faobhar's name is the name of the living spirit which empowers the weapon and lends its strength to the Spirit Guardian who wields it. These beings can vary greatly in appearance, and have their own distinct personalities, which are similar to their owner's.

A Faobhar's shape and abilities are based on their Spirit Guardian's soul. Once a Spirit Guardian learns his/her Faobhar's name, they can communicate with one another and grow stronger together. Faobhar are born with their Spirit Guardian, and they die along with their Spirit Guardian. Spirit Guardian’s use them in battle as a reflection of their heart, passion and what they hold most within their souls. When released, they can display a vibrant power. They are one with the Spirit Guardian, and they share a Spirit Guardian's conviction. Inside each Faobhar is an incarnation which manifests itself upon the Faobhar’s transformation. The first step is to acquaint oneself with this incarnation.

 

Obtaining a Faobhar

Stuarts are actually the potential ultimate Faobhar, for they have the potential to become anything. There are over 300,000,000 members of the Nirvana Order, all of whom are loaned one of these nameless Faobhar upon first entering the Soulbringer Academy, and this same weapon is officially given to them upon joining a division. All Spirit Guardians must spend every waking moment with their own Stuarts, and as they progress in their training, they slowly and methodically imprint the essence of their soul into their Stuarts. This is how they guide and mold their own unique Faobhars and help future graduates become true wielders of Faobhars and Spirit Guardians.

Although Stuarts are normally given to Spirit Guardians upon joining the Soulbringer Academy, others can take an Faobhar from a dead Spirit Guardian. Upon death, it is a 80% chance that the Faobhar will be left behind (becoming a +1 weapon of its type) and made it their own without ever entering the institution.

 

13 Sovern Knight Captains

The 13 Sovern Knight Captains, or the “Sovern 13”, is the primary military branch of Nirvana and the main military organization most Spirit Guardians join after graduating from the Soulbringer Academy. While the history of the Sovern 13 remains largely hidden, the organization was founded by Art'Zonna, who has stood at the head of the group since its inception.

The first generation of the Sovern 13 consisted of 1 Art'Zonna and the current power scale of the Sovern 13. 1 being the strongest and 13 being the weakest. Art'Zonna considers this generation to be the strongest version of the Sovern 13.

 

Art’Zonna of the 1 Division, Eirik Ensom Lionheart of the 2 Division, Adamendel Harkson of the 3 Division, Keasce-Jay Hiromori of the 4 Division, Dairose’Amore Rosensun of the 5 Division, Jacob St.King of the 6 Division, Vincent Jubell of the 7 Division, Deckard Arkensin of the 8 Division, Sir Shawn O’Reconson of the 9 Division, Jorzanji Srextorin of the 10 Division, Skyzin Riazhill Sinmukai of the 11 Division, Josh’Zhor’Jost of the 12 Division, Loraline Cellfire of the 13 Division.

 

Mission of the Order of Nirvana

The Sovern 13 serves as a military force with its primary responsibilities consisting of:

• The defense of the Nirvana, the center of Positive Plane.
• The deployment of Division members into enemy territory for combat operations.
• The deployment of Task Forces as defensive measures in the Human World.
• The guiding of souls Nirvana.
• Hunting down and destroying all Daybrem and Arcbrems.
• Stay ever vigilant and prepared of the Daybrem. Only the Sovern Knight Captain-Commander contains the power to bring forth the Core Key, a powerful Artifact that opens up a door to the realm of the God of Death, Redemption and Judgment; Rorzach the Soul Judge. It is within this realm of Rorzach a Daybream is locked away, the Daybrem Commanding General, Athenromma the Cosmic Wrath.

 

General Operation

The Sovern 13 does not normally operate as a cohesive unit. The command of the divisions is generally left to the discretion and oversight of its particular captain, who commonly runs it whatever way they see fit, allowing for the change of a division's traditional duties to an entirely new set and even the creation of a separate institution connected to the division. The Sovern 13’s main duty is to defend Nirvana from hostile threats, but they are allocated districts in their outer domain to defend. In addition to these duties, Spirit Guardians have to deal with the business of being assigned to the Human World.

The only general authority to call forth a combined front is an edict from the Hall of Heralds, or more often the Sovern Knight Captain-Commander. It is not uncommon for division captains to not see each other as a whole group for long periods of time, except for cases involving a threat to all of Nirvana required unified efforts, a captain's punishment, or, to a lesser degree, a captain's promotion. On a regular basis, the captains are spread out all across Nirvana doing their divisions' duties, whatever they may be. They are so far spread out, getting the captains together as a group, or even getting their lieutenants together as a group, could normally take a day to accomplish.

Unless specifically ordered by the Sovern Knight Captain-Commander, captains can choose whether or not to attend meetings (at their own risk) or not even involve themselves in the daily situations of Nirvana. Captains are not allowed, without permission, to carry out activities outside of their normal jurisdiction or their division. The captain of one division also cannot punish the subordinates of another captain.

 

Organization Structure

The Sovern 13 is made up of thirteen divisions, with several divisions having certain specializations. The Sovern 13 is led by the Sovern Knight Captain-Commander, who has the statutory authority to conduct all the affairs of the Sovern 13 while deferring to the authority of the Hall of Heralds in civil and legislative matters involving the Order of Nirvana.

As with any army, the Sovern 13 has ranks. There are 20 ranks for officers, but no ranks for non-officers. The lower the number is, the higher the rank. The ranks and their descriptions are below, from highest to lowest in terms of strength. The Sovern 13 is an organization with a merit-based hierarchy based on demonstrations of skill, experience, and power, and has disposed of the system of rank based on seniority. Abilities and efficacy to obtain results are the only criteria used to determine one's rank.

 

Captain's Council

The captains congregate in the main hall of the First Division Headquarters to discuss important issues involving their specific divisions and matters which affect Nirvana. This council is highly formal, with the captain-commander leading its proceedings. All captains are considered equal (with the exception of the captain-commander), and determine the course of their individual division unless dictated otherwise by the captain-commander. Votes are carried out via a unanimous consensus.

The Sovern Knight Captain-Commander is the supreme leader of the Sovern 13. The position requires the Sovern Knight Captain-Commander to oversee the overall operations of the Sovern 13, Lionheart Clan and Reshi Corps when the well-being of Nirvana and the Positive Plane is at stake. During wartime, the Sovern Knight Captain-Commander has the authority to grant Captain-Class and Lieutenant-Class Spirit Guardians to wield their Faobhar openly in Nirvana. The Sovern Knight Captain-Commander (or referred to as the Knight Commander or Captain Commander) is the only person in Nirvana who knows the truth about the Core Key, which is passed down orally. The only power the Captain-Commander answers to is the Hall of Heralds, who elect the successor of the current Captain-Commander in the event of their death. A Sovern Knight Captain is the leader of one of the thirteen divisions (with the special case of the Captain-Commander).

Captains are generally the most respected and powerful Spirit Guardians within Nirvana, with the leaders of the Reshi Corps and Lionheart Clan possibly being of equal status. Initially with one exception, all captains are able to utilize the final stage of their Faobhar, and are far more powerful than even their lieutenants. Knowing Mórga’Scao from their Faobhar gives captains an average of five-to-ten times the strength of Spirit Guardians who are unable to perform it. They have extensively trained, if not mastered, their Mórga’Scao, allowing them to use its enormous power effectively in battle. Most captains are skilled in the use of their respective martial art form and Reshi mastery, and generally have extensive knowledge of Spirit Guardian history and battle tactics. All of these factors create a vast power gap between captains and lower-ranked officers.

They function as Chief executive officers, and they determine the course, organization, tactics, and policy of their division. The power a captain has over his/her division is absolute and cannot be questioned by subordinates or the captains of the other divisions. A captain can choose to change the division specialty but rarely do. Due to captains having supreme authority in their respective division, the divisions are separate entities and not a cohesive military. In this way, they only have the right to punish the actions of their subordinates and not those of other divisions unless the division in question has no current captain or the subordinate's actions are against the laws or rules of Nirvana.

The true power of the Order of Nirvana lies in the captains of the Sovern 13, as they are the leaders of its military arm and the vanguards against any threat Nirvana may face. With them at full strength, Nirvana is deemed safe and almost unbeatable. If they are broken and disjointed, their strength dwindles, making them highly vulnerable.

 

There are three different ways to become a Sovern 13 captain:

1. Captain Proficiency Test: A test which requires the ability to perform Mórga’Scao. Nearly all Spirit Guardians become captains using this method. At least three existing captains, including the Sovern Knight Captain-Commander, have to witness the test.
2. Personal Recommendation: To have personal recommendations from at least six captains and approval from at least three of the remaining seven.
3. Trial by Combat: To defeat and kill an already acting captain in one-on-one combat with at least 200 witnesses from the captain's division. This method is seen as being the exceedingly rarest and the least refined of the three.

The method is commonly looked down upon by some captains as barbaric and outdated compared to the other refined methods. This method allows one to bypass having the mastery of Mórga’Scao or other possible abilities which a captain would otherwise be required to have knowledge of, for it allows no judgment from captains who would require those skills as a prerequisite to join their ranks. Though rare in other Divisions, the Eleventh Division has been set up to exclusively utilize this method, with each captain attaining their rank by killing their predecessor in combat.

 

Lieutenant

A Lieutenant is the 2nd seated officer in a division. Lieutenants function as executive officers for their division, taking care of or supervising day-to-day operations. Along with their captains, they are not assigned to one specific squad. They generally only know the Chéa’Scao of their Faobhar but they are still the second strongest in their division. In the case of a division captain's death, departure, or other circumstances making them unable to perform their duties, the lieutenant acts as the "substitute captain" until another can be assigned.

The authority to appoint or dismiss a lieutenant lies solely with the captain of the respective division, a privilege which was granted to them with the support of the Hall of Heralds. Captains reserve the right to appoint multiple lieutenants at a single time, though this is rarely done due to it being both considered highly unorthodox and heavily frowned upon by the Hall of Heralds. Though rarely exercised, any potential candidate retains the right to decline the nomination.

 

Seated Officers

Seated officers are the remainder of the officers in the Sovern 13 which hold ranks at or below 3rd Seat. Captains and lieutenants have the ranks of 1st and 2nd Seats, respectively. Next to that, there are 18 more seats (3rd-20th). In the Sovern 13, only one person can hold a senior officer rank (3rd-10th seats), but there are several holders of junior officer ranks (e.g. 20th seat). This varies from division to division, for there are two 3rd Seats in the 13th Division. Seated officers often lead sub-units within each division (for example, 3rd Seat Marcus Valentine is leader of the 4th Division's 14th Advanced Relief Team).

 

Transferring to Another Division

Officers do not necessarily serve in their assigned division for life. It is customary to be transferred to another division after gaining some experience, an event which often coincides with a promotion.

 

Size and Recruitment

Each Division is made up of just over 20,000 Spirit Guardians, with the Sovern 13's standing force being just around 300,000,000 total enlisted troops. The Spirit Guardians are typically recruited through the Soulbringer Academy, but it must be noted not all graduates make it into the Sovern 13. Graduates from the Academy are required to take an entrance exam for the Sovern 13, and only those who pass are allowed to join. This exam can be taken multiple times. The influence of the Noble Families can somewhat undermine this process.

 

Insignia

Each of the 13 divisions in Sovern 13 have their own symbol of a flower which represents the division's primary role. When a power limit is placed on a captain or lieutenant, their symbol appears on a certain part of their body until the limit is lifted. Each symbol has a specific meaning.

 

Uniforms

A Spirit Guardian’s uniform is known as a Anam Vail; appearance upon transforming takes on a semi-specific overall appearance. Like his Faobhar, is comprised of their soul, meaning that it can be repaired by the will of it's wearer, and is stronger than a normal robed uniform. As a Spirit Guardian increases in strength, so does the strength their Anam Vail. This uniform distinguishes a Spirit Guardian from souls and other spirits or spiritually aware mortals. In the living world, an Anam Vail also acts as in indicator of someone with Spirit Guardian powers.

On the other hand, a Anam Vail is merely symbolic in Nirvana, as any soul or mortal could disguise his or herself as a Spirit Guardian by wearing it. Nevertheless, a Spirit Guardian can wear any clothing in or outside Nirvana, therefore the only consistent indicator of a Spirit Guardian or someone with Spirit Guardian powers is the possession of a Faobhar.

Most Sovern 13 personnel wear the standard Spirit Guardian uniform, a black kosode (small sleeve), a black hakama, a white hakama-himo, white tabi (foot pouch), and waraji. The black kosode has its owner's division insignia emblazoned on the inside. Lieutenants sometimes wear an armband which carries their division symbol and its number, usually on their left arm. They are required to do this when they are summoned to a meeting, but apart from this, it is rarely compulsory. Captains wear a white special tailored haori over the usual black Spirit Guardian clothes, with the number of their division on the back inside the Sovern 13 symbol (a dodecahedron). Some captains have long sleeves, while the others do not. The color of the underside is division — or at least captain — specific, for every captain has a different color of it. The haori is meant to signify a captain's status, and Art’Zonna can become furious when Captains lose theirs in battle and act indifferent about it.

 

Skill Proficiencies: Athletics, Intimidation, History, Persuasion

Tool Proficiencies: One type of gaming set, vehicles (land)

Languages: You can speak, read and write Celestial and two other languages of your choice.

Equipment: An insignia of rank, a set of fine clothes, a trophy taken from a fallen enemy (a dagger, broken blade, or piece of a banner), a set of bone dice or deck of cards, a set of common clothes, and a pouch containing 10 gp.

 

Suggested Characteristics

The horrors of war combined with the rigid discipline of military service leave their mark on all soldiers, shaping their ideals, creating strong bonds, and often leaving them scarred and vulnerable to fear, shame, and hatred. However, some Spirit Guardians are born and raised to a very different lifestyle than most people ever experience, and their personalities reflect that upbringing. Becoming a great member of the Order of Nirvana as a Spirit Guardian comes with a plethora of bonds —responsibilities to family, to other nobles (including the sovereign), to the people entrusted to the family’s care, or even to the title itself.

d8	Personality Trait
1	I’m always polite and respectful.
2	I’m haunted by memories of war. I can’t get the images of violence out of my mind.
3	I’ve lost too many friends, and I’m slow to make new ones.
4	I’m full of inspiring and cautionary tales from my military experience relevant to almost every combat situation.
5	I can stare down a hell hound without flinching.
6	I enjoy being strong and like breaking things.
7	I have a crude sense of humor.
8	I face problems head-on. A simple, direct solution is the best path to success.

d6	Ideal
1	Greater Good. Our lot is to lay down our lives in defense of others. (Good)
2	Responsibility. I do what I must and obey just authority. (Lawful)
3	Independence. When people follow orders blindly, they embrace a kind of tyranny. (Chaotic)
4	Might. In life as in war, the stronger force wins. (Evil)
5	Live and Let Live. Ideals aren’t worth killing over or going to war for. (Neutral)
6	Nation. My city, nation, or people are all that matter. (Any)

d6	Bond
1	I would still lay down my life for the people I served with.
2	Someone saved my life on the battlefield. To this day, I will never leave a friend behind.
3	My honor is my life.
4	I’ll never forget the crushing defeat my company suffered or the enemies who dealt it.
5	Those who fight beside me are those worth dying for.
6	I fight for those who cannot fight for themselves.

d6	Flaw
1	The monstrous enemy we faced in battle still leaves me quivering with fear.
2	I have little respect for anyone who is not a proven warrior.
3	I made a terrible mistake in battle that cost many lives—and I would do anything to keep that mistake secret.
4	My hatred of my enemies is blind and unreasoning.
5	I obey the law, even if the law causes misery.
6	I’d rather eat my armor than admit when I’m wrong.