Obsidian Septagram of Dominion

Template:Infobox The Obsidian Septagram of Dominion is a symbol of the Obsidian Order, and can often be found on their architecture. Perhaps the best known use, however, is imprinted on the Crowns of the Obsidians.

File:CotO-Design-Front-and-Back.jpg

This symbol features a septagram, or seven pointed star. In the center of the star is the Obsidian Eye, composed on three concentric circles, two barred lines, and two semicircles (totaling seven lines). Above the Obsidian Eye are seven rays of illumination. At least on the Crowns, the septagram is surrounded by a ring of fifty dots; it is unknown if this ring is featured in all architecture.

The reverse face of the coin features the Obsidian symbol of two upraised hands with three shards above, surrounded by seven cogs. On each cog is a Runic letter, in order from top moving clockwise "S P F T E R D". Around the outside appears to be a striped pattern of light and dark, totaling twenty seven of each (fifty four in total).

Lore

The front, of course, showcases the symbol for the former primary ruler of the order, called the Obsidian Eye, designed by Andy Cortez when creating iconography for the Tower of the Shuttered Eye, and was then used beyond that as a decorative element in the Epitaph and other Obsidian areas and objects around our world. This eye symbol, overlaying the inner portion of a larger symbol I developed later, called the Obsidian Septagram of Dominion (aka the “Obsidian Star”), represents the illuminated vigilance of the Obsidian Eye during his years of rule, during which these coins would have been originally minted.

The back of the coin is derived from further use of the Septagram of Dominion, encircling the already-established symbol of the Obsidians, created by Stephen Daniele, based on the source of their power, the magical obsidian shards which fell from the shattered moon.

File:Obsidian-septagram-of-dominion.jpg

The runes found in the Obsidian Septagram of Dominion, whose seven points correspond with the seven lords of the sorcerous Cabal and their thrones in the Epitaph, also represents the proactive aspects of rulership required to obtain power and command obedience, which are the core tenets of the Obsidian Order (though they were not specifically showcased in the "Sword of Midris" tale, since these were nailed down by me for the sake of game fiction expansion after that was complete). At the center of this symbol, the culminating energies of illumination and vigilance, supposedly manifest within the former ruler of the Order, who was called the Obsidian “Eye”.

A ruling body must be:

• Strategic - thus having a firm understanding of an overall plan of success.
• Tactical - thus understanding what must be done in a particular moment.
• Desirous - thus yearning for greater glories and grander achievements.
• Fierce - thus inspiring respect and fear among allies and enemies alike.
• Renowned- thus having forged a name and reputation from these traits.
• Persistent - thus reinforcing and maintaining renown with consistent acts.
• Endeavorous - thus striving to perform monumental tasks of worth.

This symbol with all its implied meaning, was used as the starting point for the Obsidian Sigil.

Trivia

• The symbol was named The Obsidian Septagram of Dominion in a development post by Scottie Jones. It has previously appeared in Obsidian architecture, and on the Crown coins, but without being named.
• The back of the coin can be seen by placing one as a decoration on a shelf with the edge sticking out, positioning the camera below it, and rotating the coin.

External Links

• Heptagram, redirected from Septagram on Wikipedia
• Seven Pointed Star on Template:SotA Forum