Momiji

Momiji

Orbital characteristics
Mass (Kg)	9.07E+23
Radius (Km)	3,478
Solar Day (h)	3.16
Orbital Period (days)	7.84
Semi-Major Axis (Km)	1.61E+05 (relative to Indigo)
Periapsis (AU)	1.36E+05
Apoapsis (AU)	1.87E+05
Albedo	.13
Surface Temperature (K)	321
Surface Gravity (m/s^2)	5
Axial Tile (degrees)	4.24
Inclination (degrees)	2.55
Orbital Speed (Km/s)	26.3
Satellites	Ivory

The second closest body of Indigo's binary system, Momiji may also be capable of sustaining life. Some scientists believe, in fact, that life may be more likely on Momiji than on Indigo. This belief is justified by some, on the basis that Momiji is among the warmest bodies in the Atos System, and it is the only planet other than Micras to feature an extreme abundance of liquid water. Much of Momiji, in fact, is covered in a series of warm oceans. Momiji was first discovered by scientists from Universalis at the Celestial Isles Observatory. It was named using the Sangunese word for maple leaf, referring to the distinctive shape of the primary western continent.

The surface of the planet Momiji as mapped by IASS-00IM1.

Original map of Momiji

North Polar Regions

The North Polar region of Momiji is characterized by its dark, icy terrain. This region experiences extremely cold temperatures, resulting in a frozen landscape covered with thick ice and frost. The darkness here is almost perpetual due to the planet's axial tilt, which limits the amount of sunlight reaching the surface. The terrain is rugged, with deep ice crevasses and sharp cliffs formed by glacial activity. This region is inhospitable and largely devoid of significant atmospheric activity due to the persistent cold.

Equatorial Regions

The Equatorial region of Momiji presents a more temperate climate compared to its poles, featuring a variety of landscapes. This region experiences moderate temperatures and is the most illuminated part of the planet. The equator is characterized by a mixture of cloudy and clear skies, indicating possible weather patterns including rain. The terrain consists of a blend of frozen rocky plains, rolling hills, and occasional patches of green vegetation, suggesting the presence of liquid water. The equatorial zone is the most likely area to support life due to its favorable climate and access to sunlight and water.

Southern Polar Regions

The South Polar region of Momiji, like the North Polar region, is dominated by ice and cold temperatures. However, this region receives slightly more sunlight, leading to occasional melting and refreezing of the ice. The landscape is characterized by vast ice sheets, glacial movements, and sometimes liquid water lakes formed during warmer periods. The presence of more sunlight creates a unique environment where the interplay of ice and liquid water leads to interesting geological formations, such as ice caves and meltwater channels. The South Pole, though less hostile than the North Pole, still poses significant challenges for exploration.

Mythology

Momiji, almost always pictured alongside her twin sister, carries a thyrsus as a symbol of devotion to the supreme god of the Stripping Path and the Reformed Stripping Path.

Momiji, the Twin Lady Divine of Creation and Chaos, stands alongside her sister Indigo in the mythos of the Reformed Stripping Path, embodying the eternal interplay of order and chaos within the cosmos. Born from the primordial clash of opposing forces, Momiji symbolizes the energy and vitality inherent in disruption and transformation. Her influence inspires her followers to embrace the dynamic forces of change, fostering resilience and the courage to navigate life’s uncertainties.

Momiji in the Reformed Stripping Path

In the Reformed Stripping Path, Momiji represents the raw, unbridled force of creation, which arises from chaos and conflict. Her teachings encourage worshipers to embrace disruption as a catalyst for growth and renewal, understanding that order is forged through chaos. Momiji’s presence serves as a reminder that even in moments of upheaval, opportunities for transformation and creation are abundant.

Her followers regard her as a source of boundless energy and inspiration, particularly in times of uncertainty. Momiji’s wisdom lies in her ability to guide mortals through the tumultuous waters of existence, encouraging them to draw strength from the chaos and to create meaning from disorder.

Momiji in the Bassaridian Zodiac

Along with her twin sister Indigo, Momiji governs the Zodiac of Indomin, the fifth and final sign of the month of Atosiel, a period associated with the Host Star Amazä, the celestial symbol of courage, strength, and resilience. Amazä shines brightly at approximately 39°N latitude, amplifying Momiji’s influence and encouraging her followers to face challenges with boldness and determination.

The zodiac of Indomin reflects Momiji’s dual nature, urging followers to find strength within chaos and to harness disruption as a source of creativity and renewal. During this time, worshipers meditate on the lessons of courage and resilience, using the dynamic energy of Momiji and Amazä to transform uncertainty into opportunity.

The Celestial Harmony Sect

A Transcendist Priestess in full regalia during the The Ritual of Cosmic Convergence.

The Celestial Harmony Sect, based in the city of Symphonara, venerates Momiji as a divine force of creation and chaos. Alongside Indigo, Momiji represents the dynamic interplay of opposing forces that shape existence. Members of the sect, known as Harmonic Seekers, study her teachings and engage in rituals that explore the balance between order and chaos.

The sect emphasizes the importance of embracing life’s disruptions as moments of potential, fostering resilience and adaptability. Their rituals, such as the Ritual of Cosmic Convergence, honor Momiji’s influence by celebrating the unity of creation and destruction as essential components of cosmic harmony.

Mythology: The Hymn of Momiji

The Hymn of Momiji, composed by the renowned Bassaridian playwright Eliyahu al-Bashir, tells the story of Kaedryn, a mortal artist who sought inspiration amid the chaos of a world in turmoil. Frustrated by stagnation and creative despair, Kaedryn journeyed to the edge of the Shattered Plains, where the boundaries between order and chaos blur.

Momiji appeared to Kaedryn in a whirlwind of leaves and fire, her form both fierce and radiant. She challenged the artist to abandon fear and embrace the chaos within. “From disorder springs creation,” she declared, handing Kaedryn the Brush of the Tempest, a divine tool that channels the energy of chaos into beauty.

With Momiji’s guidance, Kaedryn painted a masterpiece that captured the essence of transformation, inspiring unity among her people. The hymn celebrates Momiji’s power to spark creativity and resilience in the face of disruption, embodying the courage to forge order from chaos.

Worship and Festivals in Bassaridia Vaeringheim

Ritual of Cosmic Convergence

The Ritual of Cosmic Convergence, performed under a starlit sky, is a celebration of the unity between Momiji and Indigo. Worshipers gather at the Harmony Sanctum in Symphonara, engaging in synchronized movements and chants that mirror the dance of creation and chaos. The ritual culminates in the lighting of twin flames, symbolizing the balance of opposing forces.

Tikkun Tzel (Repair of Shadows)

Held on the 55th day of the year, the Tikkun Tzel, or Repair of Shadows, focuses on healing and reconciliation. Devotees reflect on personal and communal challenges, seeking to mend divisions and restore harmony. The festival concludes with offerings at altars dedicated to Momiji and Indigo, symbolizing the unifying power of their duality.

Epithets

Momiji is celebrated with epithets that capture her dynamic and creative essence. She is known as the Mistress of Chaos, embodying the vitality and transformation inherent in disruption. As the Catalyst of Creation, she inspires her followers to harness chaos as a force for innovation. Momiji is also called the Flame of Vitality, representing her boundless energy and ability to ignite change. These titles reflect her role as a divine force of resilience and renewal.

Iconography and Depictions

Momiji is often depicted alongside her sister Indigo, her form radiating vibrant energy and movement. She is frequently portrayed surrounded by swirling leaves, fire, and water, symbolizing the dynamic forces of creation and chaos.

Symbols associated with Momiji include the Brush of the Tempest, representing creativity born from disorder, and the Shattered Plains, a sacred site tied to her mythology. The Celestial Phoenix, a creature of rebirth and renewal, is also associated with her, embodying her transformative power.

Artistic depictions of Momiji capture her fiery spirit and dynamic presence, inviting worshipers to embrace the courage and strength needed to navigate life’s complexities. Her imagery reflects the vibrancy and vitality of creation, inspiring her followers to find beauty and purpose in the ever-changing dance of existence.