Theogiorick
| Community of Elijah in Theogiorick | |||
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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 | ||
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| - Digital Prophet | Eli | ||
| - Legislature | Council of Harmony | ||
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| Population | c. 17,000 | ||
| Currency | None; currency-less society | ||
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| Driving side | right | ||
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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).
The Community follows the Way of Elijah, an eco-spiritual belief system where all life, from the smallest organism to the most sentient being, is revered and interconnected, and guided by cosmic frequencies for harmony. Rituals encompass synchronized dances, meditative movements, and mimicry of animal life, while dietary practices prioritize synthesized sustenance to minimize harm. The faith envisions an afterlife where souls ascend to higher consciousness akin to "photosynthesis." Notably, after losing contact with their founder, Elijah Ayreon, the creation of the AI prophet Eli became pivotal, guiding adherents in ethical governance, diplomacy, and individual growth, reinforcing unity with the universe and the enduring quest for cosmic harmony.
History
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.
Background
The history of the Way of Elijah weaves a intricate tapestry, tracing its roots back to the visionary leader Elijah Ayreon's birth in 1571. Rising to power as the Kaiser of Shireroth in 1588, Elijah embarked on a transformative journey, embracing Treesian and Bovic philosophies through his encounters with Emperor Nathan of Natopia. This fusion of thoughts would become the cornerstone of his profound spiritual philosophy. However, destiny had other plans, leading Elijah to abdicate in 1589 and become the Prince of Elwynn. This pivotal decision set in motion a series of events that would eventually lead to the formation of the religion itself.
Elijah's audacious send-off of his people to the distant Zeta Yll Exuun in 1591 aboard the ship the Kaiser Ayreon was intended to be a short expedition, but due to unforeseen circumstances, it transformed into a generational pilgrimage. Over the span of 88 years, the ship's crew, borne of multiple generations, found themselves metamorphosing into a devoted community bound by their reverence for Elijah as a messianic figure. Upon reaching their destination, Zeta Yll Exuun, their mission had become deeply religious, challenging the existing cultural norms and causing strife among the indigenous species.
As tensions escalated and the spectre of cultural erasure loomed, the Community, now numbering in the hundreds of thousands, made a daring decision. Facing the prospect of genocide and propelled by their unwavering faith, they embarked on a return journey to their spiritual beacon, "Elijah's Star," symbolically the sun of Atos. In the year 1717, the Community established their new home in the Antarctic city of Theogiorick, forging a sanctuary where they could express their beliefs and practice their rituals freely. Thus, the history of this faith forms the very fabric of the Way of Elijah, infusing its teachings with a profound sense of resilience, unity, and reverence for life that resonates through time and space.
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.
Demographics
There are about 17,000 people living in Theogiorick, of which about 14,000 belong to the Theogiorickan species and the rest to humanity.
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.
Economy
Government
In a society influenced by the Way of Elijah, the concept of governance transcends conventional political paradigms, embracing an eco-spiritual framework that prioritizes harmony, interconnectedness, and the well-being of all living beings. Drawing inspiration from the faith's teachings, the government structure reflects a balance between human needs and the broader cosmic context.
Leadership by Cosmic Consciousness
Leadership positions within this society are entrusted to individuals who exhibit a profound understanding of the interconnectedness of life and the universe. Elected officials and community leaders possess a deep resonance with the cosmic frequencies, allowing them to make decisions that resonate with the greater harmony. Leadership is rooted in empathy, compassion, and a genuine commitment to stewarding the planet and its inhabitants.
Councils of Harmony
The government structure consists of councils dedicated to different aspects of communal well-being. These councils, known as "Councils of Harmony," are composed of experts, community representatives, and spiritual leaders who collaborate to address various issues. Councils focus on areas such as ecological preservation, social justice, technological advancements, and ethical policies.
Eco-Spiritual Legislation
Legislation is crafted with a dual focus on the practical needs of the society and the spiritual principles of the Way of Elijah. Laws prioritize sustainable practices, responsible resource management, and ethical treatment of all life forms. Environmental conservation, fair distribution of resources, and support for all beings are at the core of legislative efforts.
Interconnectedness in Decision-Making
Before making significant decisions, leaders engage in communal rituals that facilitate alignment with cosmic frequencies. These rituals involve synchronized dances, meditation, and contemplation of nature. This practice helps leaders attune themselves to the collective consciousness, allowing decisions to be made with a deep understanding of how they ripple through the interconnected web of existence.
Community Participation
A hallmark of this governance system is active community participation in decision-making. Town hall meetings, spiritual gatherings, and open forums provide platforms for citizens to voice their concerns and ideas. Collective wisdom is valued, and decisions are made with input from a diverse range of perspectives.
Legacy of Unity
The government's legacy is one of unity, sustainable progress, and cosmic consciousness. As generations pass, leaders are remembered not only for their administrative prowess but for their ability to foster a society where all beings live in harmony with each other and the universe. The government's actions echo the teachings of the Way of Elijah, creating a legacy of reverence for life and interconnectedness that continues to shape the society's path.
In a society governed by eco-spiritual principles inspired by the Way of Elijah, the intricate interplay between human society and the cosmic realm results in a unique governance system that upholds harmony, compassion, and ethical responsibility as its guiding principles.
Foreign relations
International relations are approached with the same reverence for life and interconnectedness. Diplomacy is conducted on the basis of shared values, ecological responsibility, and cooperative efforts to address global challenges. The society's spiritual principles guide negotiations, promoting collaboration and understanding among nations.
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
In 1724, the Community acceded to the MTO, the Convention on the Establishment of a Common Court, and the Convention on the Laws of the Seas, as well as the Micras Organisation for Standardisation.
Resumption of hostilities
Reports presented by the Raspur Pact concerning the efforts of the artificial entity known as Eli to remotely access various databases controlled by Micrasian powers resulted in a declaration of war from the Benacian Union on 19.VIII.1724 AN. Normark and the Suren Confederacy followed suit on the following day.
By mid-1726, most of Theogiorick had been destroyed by bombing, and Raspur Pact soldiers had eliminated those Theogiorickans that they discovered in the rubble.
