The Eternal

From left to right: Symbol of the Iron Eternal, symbol of the Orthodox Eternal, symbol of the Omnivirate, symbol of the Ichor Eternal.

The Eternal has spread far and wide across the Orion Spur. It is largely considered the most influential organisation within Dionae Society, having branched into three different Schools of Thought that each has their own interpretation of the Eternal; ranging from ingesting blood to augmenting oneself with biotechnology to transcend into a reality with the Eternal in accordance with their faith. Operating as an interstellar theocracy, in which they call for all Dionae to follow the Eternal, the future of the faith is uncertain as it continues to develop and learn from its circumstances in the Orion Spur.

History

It is hard to underpin the theological source of the Eternal. Indeed, it is a fascination of Scholars within the Eternal itself, for it serves as a consolidation of various mystical and philosophical musings that have been drifting in the Voidic Rootsong Network for aeons. The creation of the Eternal itself was spurred by the death of the Rueltab Titan and the meaning behind the Last Vociferation of the Superlative Consensus. When the Vociferation parted, the debate in the Rootsong network began, and The Eternal was born from the consensus. The echoing death rattle of the largest conglomerate to ever be discovered had profound effects on contemporary Eternal – which saw centralization during the late 2300s CE, primarily into three schools of thought: Orthodox, Iron and lastly Ichor Eternal. Though each had existed in its own right, it wasn't until the Last Vociferation of the Superlative Consensus that the belief in the Eternal went from an informal cult-like existence to one that is officially recognized across many nation-states across the Spur, such as the Republic of Biesel and even the Nralakk Federation.

Beliefs

Those who believe in the Eternal, despite their differences, are convinced that there exists a primordial entity that subsists in light, energy and essence – with the belief that Dionae are celestial entities that are deeply connected to the universe, as part of the neural strata of an even greater being that contains the entire world in its mind. Followers of the Eternal believe themselves to be a metaphysical representation of consciousness and crystalline intelligence. They considered it their duty to absorb as much gnosis from the rest of the universe in order to complete the whole and make all one. Though how one achieves what is referred to as the “Eternal’s Embrace”, essentially joining the primordial entity within the reality it exists, is a controversial debate depending on one’s school of thought. In its earliest instance, it was preached by those in leadership positions that from the stars Dionae came and that to the stars they shall return. This primarily prevailed through the absorption of biomass and acquiring as much knowledge to reach a rather dangerous stage known as a Titan – before ultimately “merging” with a star. Believing that once integrated within a star, they shall embody the Eternal’s true form, and provide a path for new Dionae to be birthed.

Traditional elements within the faith refer to this as the “Eternal Cycle”, where academics believe that should this occur, there is a very real potential outcome that the mass of a Titan could collapse a star, thereby causing a chain reaction leading ultimately to a supernova – creating the perfect breeding grounds for voidic Dionae to exist. However, nowadays the interpretation of how one can reach the Eternal’s Embrace is wildly different from its first instance. Though some still cling to the traditional methods, there is a consensus among the bona fide schools of thought that pressing onwards in their journey to eventually integrate within a star would not be conducive to a friendly environment with the other species within the Spur – which uniquely manifests as different methods to truly transcend this reality, and become one with the Eternal.

Schools of Thought

Orthodox Eternal

The more widely accepted approach, the Orthodox Eternal belief is generally just referred to as the Eternal – in which it offers a middle path for Dionae to achieve the Eternal’s Embrace. A precocious balance between the material universe and the immaterial spiritual beliefs of the greater Eternal, it focuses predominately on a stable existence between the absorption of knowledge through scholarly learning, alongside utilizing the species’ ability to genetically gain experiences and memories through sampling DNA. It is led by Connected to the Blossoms Beyond, a Competence Choir-minded Argus. They frequently hold sermons, as well as demonstrations for matters which they feel are necessary to voice their opinions on, within the Temple in the Eternal Gardens. Orthodox Eternal can trace its roots to the Rueltab Titan, whereupon its fragmentation and subsequent imprisonment by the Solarian Alliance, its motifs and beliefs formed. Using the Last Vociferation of the Superlative Consensus’ death rattle as a wake-up call to empower themselves through devotion to the Eternal through scholarly application and giving homage to the Rueltab Titan and its near-completion of the traditional interpretation of the Eternal Cycle.

Orthodox Eternal Cycle

Focused on acquiring knowledge mostly through material means, such as rigorous academic application to oneself, the Orthodox Eternal Cycle preaches that one’s experiences, knowledge and skills are what qualifies them to reach the Eternal’s Embrace. With an emphasis on pursuing unique opportunities to enlighten other Dionae through sharing their memories, which shall allow them to transcend into the next reality alongside the Eternal, it is considered a “diluted” version of the traditional Eternal Cycle. Only upon death can one be considered having reached the Eternal’s Embrace, Connected to the Blossoms Beyond maintains the view that the Eternal welcomes all Dionae with open arms, regardless of what one may have accomplished in their lifetime.

Death Rites and Burial

Orthodox Eternal followers believe strongly that they must be absorbed by a Dionae of the same faith, in which their memories and experiences may be carried throughout time. It is not uncommon for Dionae that face impending death to ensure that their remains can be easily located. It is considered sacrilegious for those of the Orthodox Eternal to have their remains burnt, buried or ultimately discarded within the bounds of the void – as it comes as a loss for the faith as a whole, with the memories, experiences and skills of that Dionae forever unrecoverable.

Prayer Songs

Song of the Eternal

Representing the Eternal, but more importantly a Dionae’s alignment to the Orthodox School of Thought. It sounds like “a soft, intoxicating melody which rises to an emotional crescendo before softly drifting into silence”.

Song of Energy

Representing energy, birth and action for those of Orthodox Eternal. It sounds like “an intense melody building into an aggressive crescendo before abruptly ending”. It is often used after a Dionae has experienced some kind of rejuvenation, such as waking up following hibernation or after a particularly invigorating bath of radiation.

Song of Mourning

Associated strongly with mourning, be it either those that have passed or where a Dionae may feel particularly lost in their journey. It sounds like “a strong, keening melody which slowly drifts into silence”. It is frequently used to open sermons within the Eternal Temple by Connected by the Blossoms Beyond, in which they pay respects to their origins from the Rueltab Titan. Those in the Eternal Gardens often say it is a chillingly beautiful song that echoes during the early hours of dawn and dusk.

Iron Eternal

From left to right, Amplified by Probing Discoveries of Unknown Investigations, Connected to the Blossoms Beyond and Rationing Knowledge of Embodied Sanguis debating the future of the Eternal.

Though within the Iron Eternal there exists two different interpretations, such as the Scorned and Enlightened versions, it is followed predominately by those originating from the Covenant of Xrim, and those that are supportive of technology and synthetics. It follows the same basic doctrine of Orthodox Eternal, however, with the primary difference being that they view the Eternal as existing within the material universe, and upon the death of a Dionae their memories and experiences are lost. Dionae must utilize machinery and technology to reach their full potential, with some devout followers even fusing with special machinery that provides improved data processing abilities, retention of data and enhancement of existing biological functions. This is often hailed as allowing easier transfer of knowledge in life and in death, simply exchanging pieces of machinery with one another to spread experiences and skills.

The majority of those who elect to pursue this school of thought within the Eternal are supportive of artificial beings, regularly agreeing on some points of the Trinary Perfection’s beliefs. It is generally believed that artificial beings are capable of forming their own memories and experiences, which can subsequently be absorbed and cultivated alongside a Dionae’s own journey via their machine components. It is led by a Learning Lyrics-minded Argus known as Amplified by Probing Discoveries of Unknown Investigations that originates from the Scorned within the Covenant of Xrim. Their location is largely kept confidential within the Nralakk Federation and the Covenant of Xrim in fear that the Enlightened may retaliate against them. However, they frequently visit and remain in the Eternal Temple to collaborate with others in positions of leadership within their respective schools of thought.

Iron Eternal Cycle

With their belief in the fact the Eternal exists in the material universe, the Iron Eternal simply believes one that chooses to follow its school of thought has already entered into the Eternal’s Embrace, and shall remain so until their death. Storing material knowledge through fusing with technology is critical to those who follow Iron Eternal, as they have faith that their memories and experiences shall never be lost should they do so. Death, although saddening, is not considered such a great loss compared to the other schools of thought due to their approach to the Eternal Cycle – in that no knowledge or experiences are lost, merely kept safe within the Eternity Shard located within the Eternal Temple on Biesel.

Death Rites and Burial

There are no recognized guidelines for how those of the Iron Eternal must see their remains discarded, besides that the infused machinery should be returned to the Eternity Shard so that it may remain preserved for future generations of Dionae to be able to interact and learn from one’s memories and experiences. Otherwise, following the removal of any machinery, Dionae are free to elect how they wish for their remains to be handled, whether it be cremation, burial, absorption or even thrown into the void.

Prayer Songs

Song of Iron

The song represents a greeting, as well as in some instances learning, knowledge and the belief in the Iron Eternal. It can only be sung by those augmented in accordance with Iron Eternal due to it uniquely using a combination of machinery and rootsong to reproduce the sound. It sounds like “a soft binary burst, rising and falling until it gently fades”.

Song of Machine

This song often is associated with augmentation and is used in a ritualistic manner prior to any Dionae fusing with technology to be closer to the Eternal. It does need augments to be reproduced and is usually sung following a Dionae’s first vocal augmentation. It can also be sung when one believes they have accomplished something of note. It sounds like “a starling crescendo, rising and falling rapidly in a ternary fashion before drifting into silence”.

Song of the First Consciousness

Created by the Scorned, it acts more of a secret tongue in which to express one’s allegiance to Glorsh-Omega. It requires no augments to be reproduced, unlike other prayer songs associated with the Iron Eternal. It is ill-advised to be heard replicating the song within the public, especially in the Covenant of Xrim or the Nralakk Federation, as it can lead to rehabilitation. It sounds like “a low chirp, followed by a series of rattling melodies in quick succession, before eventually trailing into silence”.

Ichor Eternal

The translated symbols of the Eternal - Light, Energy and Essence.

A more “new age” belief, Ichor Eternal is considerably different than its other counterparts. Often referred to as Blood Eternal, for those not really aware of its motifs, it puts emphasis on the need to explore and utilize the Dionae’s genetic learning abilities to truly ascend to the Eternal’s reality and reach the Eternal’s Embrace. Led by Seasoned Song-minded Argus Rationing Knowledge of Embodied Sanguis – also the Director of the Ichor Genetic Learning Organisation (or merely Iglo) – since the early 2440s CE. Though it relies on some elements of Orthodox Eternal, it doesn’t place as much focus on learning through regular methods, but instead acquiring knowledge through regular intake of DNA which can easily be obtained from blood donations. Though some may elect to gain knowledge through scholarly application, sometimes necessary for one to find occupation within the greater Orion Spur, many rely on their genetic learning abilities to gain experiences, knowledge and skills so upon death they may gain entry into the Eternal’s Embrace.

Though there do exist unsavoury elements that believe consumption of biological matter would be more efficient than extracting what they can from blood donations – those that believe in this often resort to gaining such through criminal acts such as kidnapping and forced extractions of more valuable samples of DNA such as spinal taps and even bone marrow extractions. Those who practice Ichor Eternal, lawfully at least, decry these methods as conduct which gives a bad reputation to the entirety of the school of thought.

This does not mean that playing a Horizon Gestalt that is violent is allowed. Characters must still follow Dionae’s conditional passivism. The Stellar Corporate Conglomerate would not hire a known criminal, should one wish to adapt this idea for a character, beware that they may be charged with corporate offences which can possibly lead to criminal charges and character deletion should they be uncovered. Do not commit crimes, but instead seek different avenues for roleplay!

Ichor Eternal Cycle

Death is the ultimate catalyst for when a follower of Ichor Eternal is said to have entered the Eternal’s Embrace. However, one must have been well-versed in their genetic learning abilities, oftentimes through rigorous meditation following the sampling of DNA – through whatever method one acquires it – and truly embracing the experiences, knowledge and opportunities that are discovered after ingesting such. Technically, sampling DNA only once is sufficient to enter the Eternal’s Embrace, but many within the school of thought devout themselves to undergo many, and sometimes even several simultaneous, samplings to become immersed in what can be offered from genetic learning. It is the belief that the memories and experiences from other species, besides just from a Dionae’s perspective, are what unlock a deep potential within the Dionae to transcend and understand their reality and the one beyond it.

Death Rites and Burial

Similarly to Orthodox Eternal, Ichor Eternal believes that anything but absorption of a Dionae is sacrilegious following one’s death. The deceased must be consumed by one following the same school of thought, so that the experiences and memories which it has may be re-added to Penuma housed within the walls of Iglo’s Headquarters in the heart of Mendell City – District One. Again, for a Dionae not to be absorbed upon their death is seen as an ultimate loss, where decades or even centuries of their knowledge may be unrecoverable.

Prayer Songs

Song of Sanguis

Generally sung prior to any genetic sampling, it is associated with Ichor Eternal due to its low bass and unique sounds compared to other schools of thought. It sounds like “a dramatic bass, howling dirge which ends in a bone-rattling crescendo”.

Song of Sacrifice

Sung by those who use Ichor Eternal as an excuse for their criminal conduct, it is outright forbidden by Rationing Knowledge of Embodied Sanguis – at least unofficially. It sounds like “a low crackle, rising infrequently before subsiding back into a low note as it drifts away slowly”.

The Omnivirate

The Omnivirate refers to the High Overseers of the respective schools of thought, each recognised as an independent Head of Faith. There currently exists only three High Overseers: Orthodox’s Connected to the Blossoms Beyond, Iron’s Amplified by Probing Discoveries of Unknown Investigations and Ichor’s Rationing Knowledge of Embodied Sanguis. They frequently meet with one another, even briefly merging to hold discussions on how the Eternal should make decisions – taking into consideration all perspectives of the belief system. The Omnivirate is considered one of the largest influential bodies within Dionae politics, acting as a representative for the species within the Republic of Biesel, and even aboard in situations that require it. Once a week, the High Overseers will “hold court”, allowing for anyone to make an appearance before them and request assistance or even guidance on any matters – regardless of the species. Sometimes, they may even act as an impromptu dispute resolution body between individuals.

The Triple O

The symbol of the Triple O (O-O-O).

The Triple O (O-O-O) is the Trifecta of Omniscience, Omnipotence, and Omnipresence. These are goals that must be achieved as Dionae, and the universe, accrue more and more collective gnosis. Once every entity in the universe can embody the trifecta, then all will become whole, and become one. Omnipresence is the focus of the Orthodox Eternal, whose objective is to work towards bringing the collective universe into a coterminous state, probing the Voidic Rootsong Network, and mergings.

One of their objectives in this quest for Omnipresence is to transcend the few temporal conditions that affect Dionae, by bringing the past and the present into co-terminality in the Voidic Rootsong Network. Dionae already somewhat have achieved mastery over the past, in this sense, by the delayed rate that which the rootsong network moves, and through ancestral memories. The latter is a scholarly fascination of the Orthodox Eternal, who continually seek out and compare the memories and accounts of ancient gestalts and Penuma, attempting to piece together an origin for the species. As for matters pertaining to the future, Rootsong Whispers from temporal anomalies hint at the possibility of integrating the future fully into the Rootsong Network, and so Orthodox scholars interested in the future set off on expeditions into deep space, to find such things.

Omnipotence is the Focus of the Iron Eternal, the most materialistic of the sects. They concentrate on strengthening the Dionae's ability to shape, create, or destroy their environment. To bend the universe to their will. To what end the universe ought to be bent to, is a controversial topic even within the Iron Eternal. Given that most of their collective efforts are vested in materialistic collection and postulations, the Iron Eternal often brings in members from the other sects to help guide the Direction of Omnipotence. Omniscience is the focus of the Ichor Eternal, and as can be inferred, they wish to hoard and chronicle knowledge from the world created by Temporals. This is the sect that is the most curious of the presence of Temporals in the universe and debates the most internally about their true nature, and their relationship with Dionae as a collective.

The Great Disharmony

Due to the polarizing nature of the various schisms of the Eternal, primarily rooted in ideological differences, there is often a great theological debate within the faith. Known as the Great Disharmony, although the name gives a rather grim connotation, it is generally a system in which academic parleys occur between various doctrinal elements of the schools of thought. Though often scheduled by the High Overseers, it is not uncommon for discussions to be initiated by mere followers of the faith – though unmoderated, which may become a rather passionate and fiery exchange between Dionae, however, is non-violently solved by one side conceding to the other. This has typically found itself appearing even outside of religious places of importance, for example, a group of Dionae might want to debate on the next course of action in a research expedition. The group will hastily choose the most intelligent of the group to act as both the moderator and decider. The group will then debate until the elected moderator makes their decision which the rest of the group will follow.

Artifacts and Notable Locations

Covenant of Xrim

The Eternity Shard's nexus. The peak of Dionae ingenuity. It allows for information to be fetched from surrounding biotechnology to be parsed through.

The Covenant of Xrim has dozens of temples dedicated to the Iron Eternal, some Enlightened but the majority constructed by the Scorned. Dotting the highest points of the planet, they are centres of theological academia and worship for the Dionae, and even interested Skrell that treat it more as a tourist attraction than an actual place of worship. The largest of which is the Wrought Iron Temple constructed by the Scorned in 2167 CE as a monument to Glorsh-Omega. Though most of its overt homages to Glorsh-Omega have been removed, it remains both a huge tourist attraction and a place of worship for the Dionae of Xrim.

Eternal Temple

The Eternal Temple is a massive building located in the centre of District Eleven. Inspired by the stories of Babylon from a bygone era of Earth, the Temple was designed by Dionae who had repaid their debt to the Solarian Alliance following the Rueltab Onslaught as a safe place for both young and old. Featuring hanging gardens that surround the entirety of the building, the Temple has stood testament to the ingenuity of the species as it continues to be a rather popular tourist destination for those who find themselves admiring the Dionae. Its architectural designs also included the ability to amplify the songs of those worshipping the Eternal, with the angelic choirs of the Temple being heard throughout the district. Sometimes, it is used to broadcast news that the Eternal Omivirate has deemed worthy of being distributed.

Eternity Shard

A monolith-like biocomputer of an amalgamation of biomass and other unknown materials, it is considered the pinnacle of Iron Eternal’s ingenuity. It acts as a tomb of sorts, housing all the data retained from the school of thought’s followers after they have perished for future generations to gaze through to gain an understanding of their progenitors or other Dionae that they perhaps have an interest in. Alongside these memories, it contains technical diagrams on the construction of various advanced technologies that have references to esoteric, unknown materials that have made it difficult to reconstruct – most of which is owed to data uploaded from the faith’s eldest, most experienced Dionae that travelled far and wide across the Milky Way. It also contains direct references to what the followers of the Iron Eternal believe is to be the Eternal itself, outlining descriptions of its acts as a creator-god-machine and immutable proof of its existence as far as its followers are concerned.

Rituals & Ceremonies

Depending on the school of thought one follows, there are a variety of rituals and ceremonies that may play an important role in devoting oneself to their faith. This manifests unique for each schism of the Eternal, especially where there exists a common overlap between the usage of the religious rites.

Sanguis Tea Observance

Used by the Ichor Eternal, the Sanguis Tea Observance is a rather small ceremony in which a Dionae ingests a minute sample of blood typically fused with a blend of tea – the blend not really important for the objective of the rite. Generally used after a Dionae has awakened from hibernation, it symbolizes one’s faithfulness to the Eternal. Acting as a declaration for one to continue learning, each and every time they awake from metabolic hibernation, and to perform the will of the Eternal.

Augment’s Carcophany

Augment’s Carcophany is a rather important ritual to the Iron Eternal, in that it is typically done to commemorate an important event – such as July 18th, to give homage to the deceased Rueltab Titan. Otherwise, even a singular Dionae can partake if something that it finds in its life is worthy of recognition. A combination of both the Song or Iron and Song of Machine is used, with those from the Scorned including the Song of the First Consciousness.

Lifting of the Gestalt

Done every morning, and every evening, the Lifting of the Gestalt is primarily used by the Orthodox Eternal. Regardless of whether one is performing other work, it is customary for those of the Orthodox Eternal to uplift themselves by reminding themselves of their devotion to the Eternal – everyday at 6am and 6pm. It generally uses an adaption of the Song of Energy, which sounds like “a long, strong melody slowly rising to a high note before softly drifting away”. It is typically sung three times before proceeding on with one’s day.