The Ark of the Covenant is an ornate gold-plated, acacia-wood chest with four staves for carrying. It was built to contain the original stone tablets of the Ten Commandments. Depending on legend, it also contains Aaron's Rod (a miraculous staff) and pot of manna (miraculous bread, results may vary).
The Ark may be a type of reality shard with how often it shows up in Christian and Christian Mythos worldlines, and Warehouse 23's is no exception.[N 1] It is the container of the Commandments (an artifact in itself) and the physical representation of the covenant between a group of Levites and a supernatural entity. An important part of that covenant is having that particular entity as a sole patron, rather than one of a polytheistic religion.
Handling[]
General Handling[]
The Ark of the Covenant is a cultural artifact and physical representation of a key metaphysical connection between a given people and a deity--it should be handled as such. Certain levels of... irreverence have resulted in numerous injuries and accidents. If you respect the box, the box will respect you. Our insurance does not cover Acts of God. -- Dr. Tailor[1]
The Ark weighs somewhere between 180 and 200 lbs, allowing it to be carried by four bearers. Eight seems appropriate. for long journeys.
Cleaning[]
You may notice while cleaning that the Ark tends to be surrounded by dead insects, this is normal. Smaller vermin tend to expire around a small radius around the Ark, and can be easily swept away with a broom. If a larger animal, such as a rat, has perched upon the Ark, do not panic--let it finish whatever it wishes to tell you, and it will leave shortly. Do not attempt to pet the animal--it is still a rat. -- Dr. Tailor[1]
General notes[]
In realities where sanctity exists consider the Ark an Object of Power (Major). It will likely have Enchantment Through Age and Deeds as well as Creation as Deed powers as well.
Safety Notes[]
- It is not a good idea to store this with religious artifacts outside the Abrahamic religions unless the Ark is given a position of importance "above" that of these other artifacts due to the commandment "Thou shalt have no other gods before Me"[2]
- ↑ While the scenario is unlikely, do NOT attempt to store more than one Ark in any Warehouse. This may result in a Class 10 Waveform Crash Event
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 written by this person
- ↑ Exodus 20:2; Deuteronomy 5:6