Theogiorick

Community of Elijah in Theogiorick
Flag [[|85px|Coat of Arms of Theogiorick|frameless]] Coat of Arms
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Capital	Theogiorick
Official language(s)	Elw, alien language
Official religion(s)	Community of Elijah
Demonym	Theogiorickan(s), Elianist(s)
- Adjective	Theogiorickan, Elianist
Government
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- Legislature
Establishment
Area
Population	c. 17,000
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Mains electricity
Driving side	right
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National website
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Theogiorick is a city on Caplona, inhabited by members of the religious Community of Elijah (originating from Zeta Yll Exuun) since 1721, who established the Community of Elijah in Theogiorick as a sovereign polity in 1722 following the Armistice of Theogiorick and the arrival of the Kaiser Ayreon. The city-state is populated by some 14,000 aliens from Zeta Yll Exuun (known as Theogiorickans) and some 3,000 Elw-speaking humans (descendants of the original Elwynnese crew of the Kaiser Ayreon).

History

Picture of Theogiorick during its Caradian era.

Another picture of Theogiorick during its Caradian era.

During its Caradian era, the city had a population of just over 1 million people. It was the largest city in Caradia, and responsible for more than half of the nation's industrial output. Over half of Caradia's population lived in either Relacul, and as such most industry is focused in these two cities. Theogiorick's industrial sector was mainly centered on coal power plants, and steel foundries, which accounted for 45% of the usage of coal and iron. Theogiorick was also the planned headquarters for the Ducal Rail System. The mayor of the city was Manfred II, Count of Scear. The people of Theogiorick mainly spoke Sarnechi and Sacovian.

In 1721, Theogiorickans began scouting the city, being discovered by a geological/biochemical team led by Robyna Markbell-Howells from Natopia's nearby Harthago base in Prima Alrodia. Soon thereafter, the team secured evidence that Theogiorickans had been in the city at least by 1718, but most likely even earlier.

Habitats

The mean temperature of the city makes it ideal for Theogiorickan habitation (by Micran standards). They can go around the city, without having to wear temperature-regulating suits most of the time. Only in summer might temperatures be dangerous for Theogiorickans, and suits are available for then.

In the previously densely populated city centre, buildings have been insulated to allow for a more hydrogen-based air quality. When venturing between buildings, Theogiorickans can use tunnels or bring a gas tank with them of pure hydrogen to help them survive the trip. If the distance is short, they don't even need to bring gas tanks with them. The Theogiorickans' metabolism is slow, so their breathing rate is that too. They can survive about 45 minutes breathing the normal Micran air, with up to an hour and a half before loss of consciousness and risk of permanent damage.

The inhabitants extract hydrogen by gassifying coal (from the rich coal deposits around the city). The process of coal gasification uses steam and oxygen to break molecular bonds in coal and form a gaseous mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide. Coke-oven gas made from pyrolysis (i.e., oxygen-free heating) of coal has about 60% hydrogen, the rest being methane, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, ammonia, molecular nitrogen, and hydrogen sulfide, not too different from the air-make-up of the Theogiorickans' home planet.

Culture and Government

The culture, religion and government of Theogiorick are highly interconnected.

Eco-Spiritual Governanc

At the heart of Theogiorick is an innovative form of governance deeply rooted in eco-spiritual principles. Leaders are chosen not solely based on political prowess but on their understanding of the interconnectedness of life and their commitment to fostering harmony within the community and the environment. Decision-making prioritizes sustainable practices and ethical considerations, ensuring the well-being of all beings – human, alien, and other.

Holistic Education

Education in Theogiorick embraces the Way of Elijah's teachings, emphasizing the interconnectedness of life and the importance of tuning into the cosmic frequencies. Children engage in practices such as synchronized dances, meditation, and mimicry of animal movements, fostering a sense of empathy, compassion, and respect for all life forms. Scientific knowledge and ecological understanding goes hand-in-hand with spiritual wisdom, nurturing well-rounded individuals who value harmony and balance.

Culinary Ethos

The society's dietary practices reflect the faith's guilt-free consumption philosophy. Synthesized products designed to mimic organic life would become staples, minimizing the impact on the environment while honouring the sacredness of life. Culinary rituals blend with communal gatherings, reminding individuals of their duty to exist in harmony with creation and cultivate gratitude for sustenance.

Artistic Expressions

Art and culture flourish in ways that mirror the faith's reverence for life. Music, dance, and visual arts would resonate with the cosmic frequencies, carrying messages of unity, interconnectedness, and universal harmony. Works of art would serve as both reflections of the natural world and pathways to deeper understanding of the cosmos, echoing the Treesian, Bovic and Zurvanist influences on the faith.

End-of-Life Transition

Among the Theogiorickans, the transition from life to the afterlife is celebrated as a continuation of the soul's journey. Rituals and practices surrounding death blend reverence for the departed with the joyous anticipation of the photosynthetic ascension. Communities gather to commemorate the individual's contributions to the cosmic symphony, weaving their experiences into the universal tapestry.

In Theogiorick, the Way of Elijah serves as a guiding light, shaping every facet of existence with the wisdom of interconnectedness. Through eco-spiritual governance, holistic education, ethical dietary practices, artistic expressions, sustainable technology, and harmonious transitions, the society would thrive as a living testament to the profound teachings of the faith.

Religion

The Theogiorickans' religion, also known as the Way of Elijah, is a cult of worship of Elijah Ayreon as a divine figure. The cult was so extreme on Zeta Yll Exuun that its adherents had to exile themselves from the planet or face total annihilation. But the cult had considerable funding from rich people on Zeta Yll Exuun and could thereby negotiate and partly fund their total exit from the planet.

Philosophy of Harmony

Central to the Way of Elijah is the concept that all life, from the most minute single-celled organisms to the most complex sentient beings, is inherently sacred and deserving of the utmost respect. This reverence is rooted in the belief that existence is a harmonious symphony, where each living entity contributes a vital note to the cosmic melody. To achieve this harmony, adherents strive to attune themselves to the frequency of the universe, a concept that bears resemblance to the vibrational theories found in various esoteric traditions.

Synchronized Rituals and Communion with Creation

The Way of Elijah is a religion that elevates the importance of interconnectedness through ritual practices. These rituals often involve synchronized dances, meditative movements, and soulful choirs. By engaging in these collective expressions, practitioners aim to align their energies with the rhythms of nature and foster a sense of unity with the universe.

Mimicry of Animal Life

Mimicking the diverse expressions of animal life is another intriguing facet of the Way of Elijah. Adherents believe that by emulating the behaviours and movements of animals, they gain deeper insights into the intricate web of existence. This practice draws inspiration from the innate wisdom of the animal kingdom and serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of all life forms.

Dietary Ethos and Guilt-Free Consumption

The Way of Elijah presents an unconventional dietary philosophy, which places significant guilt on the consumption of other life forms. To alleviate this moral dilemma, adherents have devised a culinary approach that relies heavily on synthesized products that mimic organic life. By partaking in these ethically sourced sustenance, adherents strive to minimize their impact on the natural world while still nourishing themselves.

The Evolution of the Soul

In the intricate cosmology of the Way of Elijah, the evolution of the soul is a central theme that spans from the ethereal realms before birth to the profound transition after death.

Pre-Creation: The Celestial Tapestry

Before individuals embark on their worldly journeys, the Way of Elijah posits the existence of an ethereal realm known as the Celestial Tapestry. Here, the souls are believed to reside in a state of interconnectedness with the universe, existing as threads woven into the grand cosmic fabric. Drawing inspiration from Bovic cosmology, this phase is reminiscent of the "pre-mortal existence" concept, where souls exist in a state of potential and learning.

Life's Path: Weaving the Cosmic Symphony

Upon entering the mortal realm, souls embark on a journey of growth and self-discovery. This earthly existence is seen as an opportunity to contribute to the harmonious symphony of the universe. Similar to Treesian mythology's emphasis on life's interconnectedness, the Way of Elijah believes that every action, every choice, and every interaction resonates throughout the cosmos like ripples in a pond.

Throughout life, adherents of the Way of Elijah engage in practices designed to align their energies with the universal frequency. The meditation, synchronized dances, and mimicry of animal life are all aimed at tuning the soul to the harmonious vibrations of creation. This intricate dance of existence is believed to nurture the soul's evolution and refine its connection to the celestial thread from which it originated.

Transition Beyond: The Photosynthetic Ascension

When the physical body's journey concludes, the Way of Elijah teaches that the soul undergoes a transformative process known as "photosynthetic ascension." In this afterlife phase, the soul retains its consciousness while merging with the universal fabric once again. This concept parallels the Zurvanist idea of the soul's journey toward enlightenment, where the soul ascends toward ultimate unity with divine truths.

During the photosynthetic ascension, the soul's individuality merges with the collective cosmic consciousness, contributing its unique experiences and wisdom to the universal tapestry. This harmonious integration echoes the Bovic belief in progression beyond mortality, where souls continue to learn, grow, and contribute in the ever-expanding realms of existence.

In this way, the Way of Elijah's perspective on the development of the soul is a vivid tapestry woven from threads of various spiritual traditions. From the Celestial Tapestry before birth to the photosynthetic ascension after death, the religion's teachings encourage individuals to embrace their interconnectedness, contribute to the universal harmony, and aspire toward a greater understanding of their place within the cosmos.

Cosmological Inspirations

The cosmological beliefs of the Way of Elijah draw upon an eclectic tapestry of inspirations, echoing motifs from Bovinism, Treesian mythology, and Zurvanism:

• Bovic Cosmology: Just as in Bovinism, where individuals aspire to become gods in their own right, the Way of Elijah envisions an afterlife where souls ascend to a higher plane of consciousness. In this elevated state, they continue to evolve and contribute to the cosmic harmony they strived for during their earthly existence.
• Treesian Influences: The reverence for nature and the interconnectedness of all life within the Way of Elijah echoes the Treesian belief in spirits inhabiting every aspect of the natural world. This connection to the land and its inhabitants reflects the Treesian veneration for the sacredness of the universe.
• Zurvanist Concepts: The concept of 'photosynthesis' in the Way of Elijah's afterlife mirrors Zurvanist ideas of the soul's journey toward enlightenment after death. This parallel underscores the faith's focus on spiritual growth and transformation, akin to the Zurvanist ascent toward ultimate enlightenment.

Sport

Craitish and Zandt visitors introduced football to Theogiorick. While the alien Theogiorickans were less than impressed by the sport, the human residents took it on warmly. The residents also heard stories of ice hockey (which seemed to interest the aliens more, reminding them of some similar sport from "back home").

The Community decided to support the sports, believing their introduction to be helpful in integrating Theogiorick to the international community, and normalizing Theogiorick's presence in the world. As such, the Community set a goal of becoming members of the Micras Hockey League and the Fédération Micraise de Football by 1724.

Foreign relations

Foreign relations between Theogiorick and other powers are limited. Most communication is done between the Community leadership and the Raspur Pact through the Raspur Pact's Observatory, Security and Liaison Office in Theogiorick (the Pact's "embassy" there). Moreover, the Community is limited by the Armistice of Theogiorick. However, Craitish diplomats and scientists have visited Theogiorick, as well as representatives of the Zandarijn community of the now defunct state of Sankt Ludwigshafen.