Brotherhood of the Oil
| Brotherhood of the Oil | |
|---|---|
 Emblem | |
 The Great Arena of Vharnhold, headquarters of the Brotherhood of the Oil and site of annual Hand Trials | |
| Full name | Brotherhood of the Oil |
| Founded | 1340 |
| Founding location | Ulmarka, Orylia |
| Founder(s) | Various clans; formalized by the 1340 unification |
| Headquarters | Great Arena of Vharnhold, Colby |
| Parent organization | Ulmarkan Empire (2032–present) |
| Ideology | Martial supremacy; state worship of Colby |
| Leadership | Imperial Champion / Emperor Torvald Hesk |
| Membership | Formerly open to wrestlers; now restricted to imperial officials and cultists |
| Status | State institution of the Ulmarkan Empire |
| Notable members | Torvald Hesk, Emperor Torvald II (legendary), Austin (persecuted sympathizer) |
| Related organizations | Oiled Compact, Grand Circle League, Free Circle League, Cult of Landon |
| Dissolved | |
Brotherhood of the Oil is a martial and religious order originating in ancient Ulmarka, which historically served as the governing fraternity for oil-wrestling competitions before evolving into a totalitarian state apparatus under the Ulmarkan Empire. Founded in 1340 to standardize rules and unify warring clans, the organization peaked in influence during the late centuries with the formation of the Oiled Compact. Following the Night of the Oil coup in 2031, the group seized control of Vharnhold, dissolved its previous political autonomy, and proclaimed itself the state cult of the new empire. Today, it operates as a branch of the imperial government, enforcing martial law and promoting the worship of the legendary founder Colby.
The order's hierarchy is traditionally centered on the Great Arena of Vharnhold, with leadership historically held by reigning oil-wrestling champions who simultaneously served as war leaders. Since 2032, ultimate authority has been vested in Emperor Torvald Hesk, who is proclaimed the Heir of Colby. Internal politics within the Brotherhood remain divided between traditionalists who oppose modernization and reformers advocating for deeper integration with the military-industrial complex. Membership, once open to wrestlers, is now restricted to imperial officials and cultists loyal to the state ideology of martial supremacy.
History and theology
[edit]The Brotherhood of the Oil originated as a small private ritual society during the early 20th century within Oryllia. Its theological roots trace back to claims of descent from the companions of Duke-Overlord Colby, who traditionally founded Vharnhold in 871. The society spread rapidly through Thymara and eventually went public in 2020 with the publication of The Oil, a manifesto describing a hidden lineage of ancient philosophers who preserved wisdom through secret ceremonies.[1] The book outlined a vision for the future that emphasized physical purity and martial discipline as paths to divine favor.
Formal founding occurred in 1340 when various clans coalesced to standardize the rules and prestige of oil-wrestling competitions, transforming the loose ritual society into a formal organization.[2] The Brotherhood's influence peaked in 1789 with the creation of the Oiled Compact, which united Ulmarka under the leadership of a single champion selected by the organization. This era marked the transition from a sporting fraternity to a quasi-political entity, setting the stage for its eventual role as a state apparatus. The theology evolved from simple veneration of athletic prowess to a complex state worship centered on Colby's legacy and the divine right of his heirs.
The group's identity shifted dramatically following the Night of the Oil coup in 2031. On November 15, 2031, led by then-young minister Torvald Hesk, the Brotherhood seized power in Vharnhold, effectively ending the political autonomy of the Grand Circle League.[3] On January 1, 2032, Hesk was crowned Heir of Colby and proclaimed Emperor of the newly declared Ulmarkan Empire.[4] This event marked the transition from a sporting fraternity to a totalitarian state apparatus, with the Brotherhood becoming the engine of imperial legitimacy. The empire's growth out of this centuries-old order saw its champions serve as war leaders, a role formalized when Hesk assumed the title of Imperial Champion in 2032.[5]
Structure and leadership
[edit]The organization maintains a hierarchical structure centered on the Great Arena of Vharnhold. Historically, leadership was held by reigning oil-wrestling champions who served as war leaders for the island. Following the restructuring under Emperor Torvald Hesk in 2032, ultimate authority is placed directly in the hands of the Emperor, who is proclaimed 'Heir of Colby'.[6] The leadership council, known as the High Circle, now consists of imperial officials and high-ranking cultists rather than active wrestlers. Membership was formerly open to wrestlers but is now strictly restricted to imperial officials and cultists.[7]
Internal factions remain a significant source of tension within the structure. Traditionalists oppose modernization efforts and seek to preserve the ancient rituals and the idea that Colby's spirit resides in the oil itself. Conversely, reformers advocate for integration with the military-industrial complex, arguing that the Brotherhood must align fully with the state's martial priorities to survive international sanctions. These factions often clash over issues such as the legalization of death matches and the treatment of dissident groups like the Cult of Landon.[8]
The Night of the Oil and imperial ascension
[edit]The seizure of power in Vharnhold on November 15, 2031, known as the Night of the Oil, was a bloodless coup orchestrated by Torvald Hesk. During this event, the Brotherhood dissolved the political autonomy of the Grand Circle League and assumed control of the island's military forces.[9] The coup was facilitated by Hesk's prior appointment as Minister for Foreign Affairs in 2021 and his victory in the national oil-wrestling championship in 2022, which provided him with a significant political platform.[10]
On January 1, 2032, Hesk was crowned Heir of Colby and proclaimed Emperor of the Ulmarkan Empire.[11] This proclamation marked the establishment of the Brotherhood as the state cult, linking imperial legitimacy directly to Colby's lineage. The transition from a sporting fraternity to a totalitarian state apparatus involved the immediate enforcement of martial law and the suppression of dissent.[12] The empire was widely regarded as the world's foremost military power following this consolidation, with an active force of nearly three million.[13]
Controversies and international relations
[edit]International backlash followed closely after the legalization of death matches in 2034 under the new Arena Law. In 2041, smuggled footage of the Hand Trials caused international outrage, leading to sanctions from the Cohesive Global Concord.[14] The regime's administration during the subsequent famine prioritized military spending over relief, resulting in an estimated 2.8–3.6 million deaths between 2042 and 2044.[15] These atrocities led to the expulsion of Ulmarka from the Cohesive Global Concord in 2044 after it left following economic sanctions.
The Brotherhood faces ongoing accusations of state-sponsored violence and persecution of minority groups, including Landonites. Tensions with the Brass Concord over ideological differences have escalated into alleged terrorism, culminating in the 2049 Sylvaris Transit Corridor Bombing. While Ulmarka blamed Landonites for the attack, Austin of the Brass Concord claimed responsibility later that year.[16] The smuggling of Hand Trials footage and the criminalization of gestures like the open-palm continue to strain diplomatic relations.
Legacy and memorials
[edit]The legacy of Colby is preserved through state-sponsored education and religious rites within the Brotherhood. The Colby Memorial Complex in Vharnhold stands as a central shrine where imperial officials perform rituals linking the current emperor to the legendary founder.[17] Debates over the morality of reviving a cult centered on a historical figure who allegedly killed his twin brother, Corvin, remain unresolved among scholars and theologians. Efforts to reconcile the Brotherhood's martial past with modern humanitarian values have failed to gain traction in the face of imperial dogma.
Despite the controversies surrounding the Hand Trials and the famine, the state maintains that the cult is essential for national unity and military strength.[citation needed] The construction of new temples and the continued worship of Colby ensure that the Brotherhood remains a dominant force in Ulmarka. However, the unresolved tensions between the state's violent history and its claims of divine purpose continue to haunt the institution.
See also
References
- ^ Hesk, Torvald (2021). The Oil: A Manifesto for the Future. Imperial Press.
- ^ Brotherhood Archives (2035). Annals of the Great Circle. Vharnhold Publishing House.
- ^ United Orylian Historical Commission (2048). Report on the Night of the Oil Coup. Official State Records.
- ^ International Sanctions Committee (2043). Summary of Sanctions Against Ulmarka. Global Concord Archive.
- ^ Memorial Council for Colby (2050). The Legacy of the Heir. Vharnhold University Press.