Lords of RPG

Obsessing

There it was…the shadow that quickly darts across the background as they’re leaving the complex. Adamn went back and watched it again, in slow motion, and then again and again. Taking notes, making sketches, and trying to piece together this overlooked mystery from his past. How had he never seen it before?

The creatures on Veridian at the biolab were too similar to the one in the video for it to be coincidence and the priest just couldn’t shake that feeling of unease one gets when unearthing secrets. Best to keep studying the data he had. If only they had a drone, he could get some pictures of the ones at the lab.

Adamn spent a couple of days obsessing over the complex sets of information and rewatching the video before hitting a wall and needing a break. Knowing they had passed at least one church on their way to visit Big Tony and curious as to what snippets of wisdom he might learn, Adamn decided to venture out and see what the local religion was like. His conversation with Mad Morgan had set in motion a journey whose destination was a long time from being realized…and he was hungry.

A Needed Break

Lunch had been particularly good at the little shop just across the plaza from a care center of sorts, where he had been able to purchase and download several journals and books on various medical procedures, biology, genetics, and cybernetics. After stowing his new datapad inside his robes, he strolled two blocks towards the spaceport and up the steps of the largest church he had ever seen. Time to see what 'drives' Veridian.

<Mark, I'll leave it to you as to what he sees and who he encounters. Let me know if I should change anything.>

CONTINUED BY MARK STINSON

Adamn approached the church he had seen on the trip to Tony Gold’s Nebula Club.  The church was an orderly slab of glass and metal, rising up from the city street toward the stars above.  Above the doors the words “Order of Veridian.”  While Adamn was approaching, a few people left the church, and one person went in, so he knew the church was open to visitors.  Adamn entered.  The inside matched the outside, in that everything was glass and metal, and very symmetrical.  It was grand, and it make an impression, but it was more a product of math than spirit.

Adamn was greeted by a man in his 50’s, with grey hair and grey eyes, and he was thinning on top.  He was wearing a robe, cinched at the waist with a leather belt.  Adamn could not help but notice that the priest’s robe was the same color and material as the military-style uniforms that Adamn had seen on both Veridian soldiers and Luminar Nexus police.  “How many serve you, young man?”

Adamn thought the man’s tone and words were kind, but his eyes and the lines of this face suggested a rigid personality.  Adman had no doubt this man cold give a good scolding if so motivated.  “Well, I'm been curious about the Order of Veridian.  I was not raised on Veridian and don’t know as much about it as I would like.  Could you share a bit about your beliefs with me?”

“Of course, comrade!  Welcome to the sacred teachings of the Order. Our faith is woven around a few core tenets that guide us in our journey through this cosmic expanse.”

The priest continued, “At the heart of our beliefs is the recognition of a divine order in the universe, orchestrated by higher powers. We believe in a cosmic ballet where stars, like obedient souls, align in a sacred hierarchy, each playing its part in the grand composition of existence.  And we, as reflections of these stars also must align with the sacred hierarchy.  We must each play our part in the grand design of our society, our government, and our miltiary.”

Adamn took this in.  The blending between their faith, their government, and even their military seemed rather convenient for those at the top of the hierarchy.  “So, there's a definite sense of structure and hierarchy in your faith?  In all parts of a person’s life?”

The priest smiled.  “Precisely! We find inspiration in the disciplined order of the military, an earthly reflection of the celestial hierarchy. It's about maintaining order and discipline in our lives, respecting authority as each star obeys its place in the cosmic arrangement.”

The priest continued.  “Struggles are the crucible of spiritual growth. In the cosmic ballet, stars face challenges, yet their unwavering light persists. So, too, are we encouraged to confront life's challenges with courage and perseverance, believing that through struggle, our souls are refined and enlightened.  By overcoming these challenges and embracing the struggle that life brings, we burn brighter in the cosmos.”

Adamn could see how a religion such as this could develop on Veridian during the early years of its settlement.  When life was very hard and survival uncertain.  He could also see how the powerful government and military of Veridian would continue to tolerate such a faith.  “I see.  If you could sum up your faith, so that I may take something away to thing about, how would you sum it up?”

The priest took a paper book from a table nearby.  “Please take a copy of the Codex of Celestial Discipline with you.  Read through it.  And feel free to bring me any questions you may have about the truth you find in the Codex.  You can also get a copy of the Codex on Veridian’s net-web.  Allow me to share a verse from our sacred teachings, As stars in the cosmic expanse, arranged in divine hierarchy, so shall the faithful adhere to the sacred order. In the battle of life, as each star obeys its place, let each soul honor authority with unwavering fidelity."

“You will also find in the Codex, the story of the Celestial Commander, a man who walked a path not unlike Jesus.  As you read the Codex, pay special attention to the militaristic valor of the Commander, a man willing to show great compassion or to lead battles against chaos, very much like the Son of God.  My name is Montrose Frater.  You can find me here any time you need me.”

Adamn took the paper copy of the Codex from the priest.  “That's a beautiful sentiment. Thank you for answering my questions and showing me your path.”

Montrose put his hand on Adamn’s shoulder.  “It is my pleasure. If you ever wish to delve deeper, the cosmic truths are always here for those with seeking hearts. May the celestial order guide your path.”

Adamn took his leave from the Order of Veridian.  He ran a few more errands.  But later, back at the Odyssey, he thumbed through the Codex of Celestial Discipline.

The Codex was organized into various sections:

• Book of Authority:  This section elucidates the divine order of the universe, emphasizing the importance of hierarchical structures and obedience to authority. It draws parallels between cosmic hierarchy and the military chain of command.
• Chapters of Adversity:  Focused on the struggles of life, these chapters delve into the virtues of resilience, perseverance, and unwavering commitment in the face of challenges. Stories of legendary battles and military campaigns serve as allegories for personal struggles.
• Verses of Vigilance:  The Codex stresses the need for constant vigilance against internal and external threats. It outlines strategies for both spiritual and martial preparedness, encouraging followers to remain vigilant guardians of order and righteousness.
• Tales of Cosmic Conquest:  Narratives of great victories and conquests symbolize the triumph of order over chaos. These tales often feature revered military leaders whose exploits are held as examples of devout service to the divine order.
• Litanies of Discipline:  These litanies serve as prayers and mantras recited during daily rituals. They emphasize the importance of discipline, self-control, and adherence to the rules of both faith and military life.
• Parables of Unity:  This section explores the unity of the cosmic order and the interconnectedness of all life. Parables emphasize the need for collaboration and harmony within the community, reflecting the belief that unity strengthens the collective spirit.
• Apocrypha of the Stars:  Considered supplemental teachings, the Apocrypha delves into esoteric aspects of the faith, exploring the mysteries of the cosmos, celestial phenomena, and the interconnectedness of spiritual and cosmic forces.

The Codex described that the head of the Order of Veridian was the High Marshall.  This meant that the head of the Order was none other than High Marshal Adrian Kain, the leader of Veridian’s government and military.  Kain was seen as a living embodiment of the Celestial Commander...and in turn...the Order’s rather militaristic version of Jesus Christ.  Adamn also found more information about the Celestial Commander, as told in the Codex, the form of The Parable of the Celestial Commander:

"In the cosmic expanse, where stars dance in orchestrated brilliance, there emerged a commander of celestial legions – a beacon of radiant authority and unwavering discipline. His name was spoken in celestial hymns, and his presence stirred the very fabric of the cosmos.

As the Celestial Commander traversed the astral realms, his journey mirrored the earthly sojourn of Jesus, for he too walked among the cosmic masses, sharing wisdom and enlightenment. He healed the wounds of celestial souls and offered the balm of cosmic order to those adrift in the chaos of existence.

Yet, the Commander was not only a shepherd of lost stars but also a warrior clad in the celestial armor of righteousness. When cosmic adversaries threatened the divine order, he did not shy away from the cosmic battlefield. With a sword forged in the crucible of celestial valor, he faced the cosmic tempests and chaos with steadfast courage.

His teachings, like Jesus' parables, echoed in the hearts of celestial beings, resonating with the call for disciplined living and the eternal struggle against cosmic entropy. The Commander's words were a clarion call for the faithful to stand as celestial sentinels, embodying the virtues of authority, order, and valor in the face of cosmic trials.

In the final cosmic confrontation, the Celestial Commander faced the embodiment of cosmic chaos. The battle raged with cosmic tempests swirling, but with disciplined strength and celestial valor, the Commander triumphed, restoring the divine order to the celestial realms.

As the Commander ascended to the cosmic firmament, his radiance merged with the eternal light of the celestial constellations. The Codex teaches that the Celestial Commander, like Jesus, remains an eternal guide – a symbol of compassionate authority, disciplined strength, and the perpetual struggle against cosmic adversities."

Adamn always found it interesting how religion was influenced by the lives of its adherents, almost as much as the lives of its adherents were influenced by the teachings of the religion.  He had more reading to do, and another talk with Montrose Frater might be in order at some point.  But for the moment, a lot of his questions about the religion of Veridian had been answered.