The Xarinthian Alliance
An ancient order of diplomats, trained in both the art of war and the art of peace. The Xarinthian Alliance, often abbreviated to XA and pronounced “ZAR”, serve to ensure the Communion of Man continues, no matter the cost.
In times of war, they are soldiers who command the military. In times of peace they are diplomats who keep society in check. At all times, they are leaders of religion, guiding the collective spirit of mankind back into the Will of the Universe.
They date back to the First Schism, a period of global discord on the planet which is now called Centarion. How far back the XA go is unknown, but it is agreed that they are the oldest surviving organisation to exist.
Formed from an ancient peacekeeping organisation in the last free city of Xarinthia, the XA have fought for peace at every epoch. Planetary, interplanetary, interstellar, they have been the sole guardians of human conduct.
Armed with turbine blades and words of peerless faith, the XA strike fear and respect into all hearts. Their white robes, synonymous with their order, mark them as angels amongst men. Trained from young in the way of the sword and the gun, they are disciplined and ready for anything.
There are six branches of the XA.
The Body of the Will makes for the bulk of the order. These are the servants who carry out any tasks given to them by their superiors. They are responsible for everyday duties, like patrolling, settling civilian disputes, and policing.
The Voices of the Will are the main spiritual branch. They interpret the Will of the Universe on behalf of humanity, and all heed is paid to their sanctified utterances.
The Hands of the Will are the administrative branch. They have a major foothold in government and are the hook that keeps the XA tethered to society. Without the expert political prowess of the Hands, the order would have died many millennia ago.
The Light of the Will are the diplomatic branch of the XA. They are responsible for communications with groups who have broken away from the Communion, as well as foreign groups. They have been one of the main forces keeping the Raptid threat at bay for so long. Some of the Lights are also aware of other alien species. However, this is a closely guarded secret.
The Undying Faith are the secret weapon of the XA. Composed of highly trained operatives who work in pairs, they can and will tackle anything thrown at them. Ground to orbital warfare. Deep undercover operations. Military command. Tough diplomatic missions. Individual operatives have differing levels of knowledge about the galaxy and human society.
The Nameless Truth are the highest authority amongst the XA. Few amongst the XA even know of their existence. They govern the Communion Secret Service from the military system of Matrik, and command the entire military of the Communion. They are aware of Elder Space and have been fighting with their human neighbours for thousands of years. They have intimate knowledge of other alien species than the Raptids and work tirelessly to keep them secret, lest humanity’s singular faith be damaged beyond repair. The Nameless Truth have the authority to disband the Committee of the XA without reason. They have the power to assume leadership over the Parliament House and issue martial law. The Nameless Truth are the unseen order that has not just allowed the XA to survive for so long, but the Communion itself.