Fiction:Spodism

"The questions of a million years oppress us. Who am I? Why was I made? What is my purpose? What is the purpose of the universe? Shall I survive after death? Can I be happy? Scientists can only tell us about forces and matter. Philosophers chase each other in circles. None of them can really answer the questions that we really care about. Only Spode has the answers. Follow the Law of Spode, and all shall be clear."

- Scrolls of Faith

Amongst the largest and oldest religious traditions that permeate the Gigaquadrant, the Path of Masaari (from Radessic mas'ar-i, "sworn willingly to truth"), also known colloquially as Spodism, is a pantheistic religion originating from the species.

Origins
Religious historians theorise without end on the origins of the Spodean faith. These debates are almost as ancient as Spodism itself, having started with the theologians of the old Church, and despite all the work of scholars both secular and religious, even after 100,000 years consensus is yet to be reached. One of the reasons behind this is the convoluted early history of the s, known to be the first species in the modern era to revere Spode, if not the founders of Spodism in general. Indeed, the origins of the Radeon race are deeply connected with both the Rades precursors and the Isio'Nar, and it is thus impossible to speak of the origins of Spodism without taking into account the belief systems of these two ancient civilisations, which are themselves quite enigmatic. One cannot also disregard the biases that all researchers, Spodist or otherwise, have towards this issue. With the great impact Spodism had on the modern Gigaquadrant's early history, such as the Jaharani Crusades, few civilisations are ambivalent towards it, and this lack of ambivalence inevitably skews the perception of scholars.

For centuries, the only accepted "theory" that explained the origins of Spodism was the gospel found in the Scrolls of Faith themselves: today this view is referred to as Literalism. For literalists, the Faith had always existed, unchanged, and was simply revealed to chosen mortals through its Messengers, as described in scripture, The Radeon prophet Al'khear is universally seen as the first of these chosen, and the line of prophets then continues through various other enlightened beings, depending on the branch of Spodism in question. Literalists may argue amongst themselves about the validity of different prophets and their revelations - the first Clericarch Seranai, Jaharan, Tadjamad and many others - but none would dare even suggest that the Scrolls of Faith may be, in some way, incorrect. While still espoused by some hard-line Spodists, Literalism with its fundamentalist ideas is widely rejected nowadays as outdated and dogmatic.

However, one reformist branch of Literalism, once deemed heretical during the early days of the Church, survived and became widely accepted today. Known as Viatorism, it originated back on Vendespode with the Anointed Society, but only truly gained traction when the s first encountered other sapient species and realised, for the first time, that they were not a unique phenomenon in the universe. Viatorism rejects the notion that the Radeons were the first to receive Spode's revelation: they were preceded by countless other enligthened species, and their prophet was but one of many. The Messengers that appeared to Al'khear were merely members of these enlightened species who sought to spread the word of Spode to the Radeons, just as the Radeons themselves spread it to other civilisations.

Viatorism enjoys great popularity in many Spodist communities, from to the  and the s, and is even accepted by some non-Spodist scholars, particularily in  where it is conflated with the local belief in the. It is perhaps because of this popularity that Viatorism is one of the most diverse theories on the origins of Spodism. Traditional Viatorism postulates that the line of prophets is "like a chain with no beginning and no end", and rejects the idea that the first enlightened beings can be found at all. This belief is promulgated, for example, among the Corgel in the, who believe that Spodism is simply one form of the "natural drive of sapient beings towards greater order". Nunciary Viatorism, closely related to the Spodist sect of Eolanai, believes that the first Spodists were ascended beings in Andromeda, who were enlightened in their spiritual ascension and then proceeded to spread their truth to other species. Radessic Viatorism gives the mantle of first Spodists to the instead, with their belief in the Universal Truth: it is popular among the more chuavinistic Andromedan Radeons who see themselves as natural leaders of the Spodist world as heirs to their creators.

Alongside these spiritual explanations of Spodism's origins there exist more secular theories, which seek to understand it through the lens of religious comparativism and historiography. The ideas of Shai-Pragmatism, for example, are particularily popular in among s and in the. Pragmatists commonly believe Spodism to be descended, one way or another, from the so-called Death Cults of Shai. A monotheistic mystery religion that coexisted with worshippers during the early days of the Radeon species, members of the Death Cults were said to reject the voices of the plant-gods, and instead communed with the collective spirit of the Vendespode's dead, which they referred to as Shai, Classical Radessic for grave. According to pragmatists, the Shai cultists were not exterminated by the Ley'harites as it is described in Radeon chronicles, but instead survived by syncretising the Ley'har faith with their own beliefs, eventually creating Spodism. While popular, this theory is extremely offensive to Spodists and is thus sometimes avoided by scholars, especially in Andromeda.

Finally, the Syncretist view combines both pragmatist and Viatorist tenets, and views them all as valid, and Spodism as having been created by all these factors. The Rades belief in the Universal Truth may have influenced the Spodist pantheism, while the may have formed the Spodist idea of celestial order. The Ley'harites and the cults of Shai may have influenced the visual aspects of Spodism, especially for Radeons. For instance, the traditional anthropomorphisation of Spode as an old woman in a cloak holding a scale could be based on the similar personifications of Shai, while the concept of Spode's prophets could be taken from the avatars the Ley'har created to direct their worshippers. This theory is less controversial than Shai-Pragmatism, and is even accepted by some faithful Spodists who are conscious of how much their religion was influenced by outside sources, yet see some truth in it nonetheless. It is also widespread in the, where it is seen as both reasonable scientifically and respectful towards the nation's closest ally.

Development
Radeon religion dates back to the ancienttimes of their history, presumably to explain the natural events and powers of Essence they had. It was also a philosophy of self-control, taught to young Radeons so they will follow the tribal laws. Their religion was also influenced by, who find the young species interesting. The aliens were worshipped as messengers of Spode, and Eola'Nar used the fact they were worshipped to their benefit, manipulating Radeons.

As Radeons advanced, the religion began to serve its new purpose - to be an instrument of power. The church became the ruling class which held all other Radeons into the iron grip. However, during the Radeon "Age of the Heretics" (equivalent to humans' 18th or 19th century), a large group of Radeons split from the rule of the Spodist church and formed their own republican goverment, called the Argentis State. During Radeon "Age of the Crusade" (equivalent to humans' 21st or 22nd century), a world war broke out between two factions, and most of Vendespode was devastated by the nuclear weaponry. From the ashes of the conflict, the followers of Spode emerged - they were victorious. The Church of Spode was formed, and it was spreading its influence towards the stars. It was fighting, dying and rising again, but finally it became a formidable force in the universe, like the Rambo Nation and the Delpha Coalition of Planets. However, it was nearly completely devastated during the Second Coming, by Zazane, Cult and Vartekian forces. As a result, the religion lost its connection to the goverment as there was none. There was now Temple of Spode, a politically neutral religious organisation only.

Some leaders of the Temple were not pleased - the power was taken from them, slipped from their hands. One of the Temple high priests, Iovera, left the Temple and formed their heretical movement - they decided to restore the Church of Spode and take the glory of their faith back. They formed, a flourishing empire in the Andromeda Galaxy.

Mythology
Masaari, is, strangely, has little mythology. The reason for this is primarily that Radeons, the originators of religion, were more concerned with philosophical pursuits rather than cosmology and how the universe was created - in these matters, they prefer to believe in science. Despite this, a bit of cosmology exists in Masaari myths.

Generally, Masaari followers believe that the universe was not created; it existed from the beginning of time and will exist for eternity. However, they believe in the Circle of Time: the universe goes through infinite cycles of creation and destruction, coming from the ultimate perfection, then falling towards corruption and eventually collapsing - but in this collapse, the cycle starts anew and the new universe rises from a clean slate. Some believe that the universe collapses itself from the moral decadence and separation, but others think that it is Spode who destroys the corrupted universe and then recreates it as a punishment - akin to the terrific Kamik'Shi.

Ceremonies
Masaari has a few ceremonies, and only twoof them are truly major - the ceremony of birth, where a newborn is inducted to the religion, and the ceremony of death, where the clergy prays for the dead's souls that would reunite with Spode in afterlife. Both of these ceremonies are rather small in comparison with their counterparts in other faiths of Gigaquadrant, as its spiritual aspect is far more important in these rituals.

Festivals
Masaari followers have no religious festivals. The reason for that is that Masaari philosophy cares little about a single person; it is the work of many that is remembered. Same goes for all things in their culture; no day or year is truly important: only the eternal flow of time is.

Prayers
Prayers and meditations are highly common in Masaari faith. The followers of Spode should spend some time meditating and thinking about enlightenment and faith daily, in a form of prayer - it is said that during these meditation, Spode itself is talking with its followers.

Beliefs
The Masaari philosophy is deep and encompassing, covering all aspects of its followers' lives. The main belief that they follow is "We comes from divine, I comes from demonic." - a belief that the society as whole is greater than an individual. Spode, in that way, is seen as the ultimate unity, the conciousness of the whole universe. A person who disregards the others' wishes for his or her own is seen as heretic and is to be taught the right ways. However, it is not unknown for Masaari followers to go too far, trying to destroy any concept of freedom and pesonality. Most of the faithful, however, strive to balance the freedom and unity to keep them in harmony. Neverthless, this belief guided the society of Masaari followers, particularily the Radeons who started the religion, in all aspects of their life. In the Divinarium, a theocratic Masaari state, the society is equalised; there is little to no private property and something similar to a caste system exists where the duty of a person is chosen based on his or her skills and talents.

Another tenet of the Masaari is determination. Tenacity is seen as highly important to the true believers; to lack willpower is to lack everything. A true believer should be always ready to do whatever is required for self-perfection; pain and fear are to be forgotten. Third important part of the religious philosophy is that emotions should always be kept under the control; one whose feelings guide him/her cannot comprehend the greater whole, the unity; nothing but himself or herself.

In matters of afterlife, Masaari followers believe that upon death, virtous beings' souls are reunited with Spode. Little is said about what happened with those who are not virtous, but so far reincarnation is the most common belief, although others believe in a sort of hell for those who rejected Spode. This belief, however, is rather uncommon due to its extremism.

Sects
Masaari has many heresies and sects, something that is allowed and even encouraged. The absolute truth cannot be comprehended by mortal minds, after all, thus, there are various disagreements over the religion. Inter-sect conflicts, however, are strictly forbidden, as that would destroy any concept of order that all followers agree to be the cornerstone of the Masaari. So far, there are five of major sects, omnipresent in the Divinarium: Ecunai (Radessic: Universal choice) sect is fairly common in the Divinarium, especially in its Milky Way colonies. According to this sect's teachings, the path of Masaari is known by many, just by different names. Followers of Ecunai are highly interested in studying other species' religions to find similarities, and are generally more cosmopolitan. Telfar Au'jahali was notably the follower of this sect, and his beliefs have helped him to open relationships with many civilisations of Gigaquadrant. Ecunai sect is also farily common among Cyrannian Radeons. Maelnai (Radessic: Choice of Punishment) sect is a polar opposite to the ecunai sect, and while relatively rare in the Divinarium (though not unknown), is common among other, minor Spodist empires. It preaches that the order that is the cornerstone of faith should be set not only among themselves, but among others - by force. Maelnai followers glorify holy war, believing it to be "the purest way of showing your faith". Like no others Maelnai honour determination, believing it to be the most important to the Masaari faith. Other sects consider Maelnai to be dangerous and extremist, but their militarist ways are gneerally tolerated, especially during the way where they are honoured greatfly for encouraging people. Laurinn Ma'fest, Tadjamad and Geltastra (before her corruption) are all famous Maelnai followers. Eolanai (Radessic: Choice of the Supreme [Ones]) is a rather peculiar sect that has appeared fairly recently but quickly grows in power and influence. Eolanai sect's main teaching is the high importance of the Messengers to it. It teaches that ascension to become the Messenger is the greatest glory for the believer, and that Messengers are the physical representation of Spode's will. It generally allows its followers to be a bit more individual, although order is still highly important to the Eolanai. They hold a neutral stance towards unbelievers, generally not caring about them. is the most famous Eolanai follower so far. Many other sects exist in the Masaari, but they are not important enough to be mentioned here.
 * Ecunai sect
 * Maelnai sect
 * Eolanai sect
 * Other sects

Spode
Spode, also known as Eola'Nar or Dei'Nar, is the deity believed by Radeons to be the architect of the universe and the creator of its fate. It can be paralleled to the of the Cyrannus religions (in fact, many Radeon citizen of the URC turned to the belief in One God), and is believed to be origin of. However, Spode is also described as a pantheistic force, a sentient universe of some sort. It is also considered to be the representation of absolute unity, something that its followers strive to.
 * Role: The main and only Masaari deity
 * Recognition: The being that is the universe. The being that is unity. The being that is the creator. The being that is the destroyer.
 * Reality: ? ? ?
 * Weapons: Control over the reality's laws
 * Defense: Irrelevant; Spode is a force that cannot be stopped.
 * Tools: Irrelevant
 * Major events: None

Spode is described as omnipotent being without any physical form, incomprehensible but benevolent. For Masaari followers, any living, sentient being carries on a small shard of Spode; as such, the unity and order is the key to reunite with Spode and ascend upon death. However, what exactly is Spode is debated among Masaari clergy greatly. Some believe it to be a personified deity, others consider it a sentience of reality, third percieve Spode as an universal law of some sort, fourth as a force that unites the universe. Despite this, every Masaari folower agrees that Spode is a great power beyond imagination.

The Messengers
The true believers are said to be turned by Spode into the Messengers, also known as Spodelings. This is not exactly true, though - for the Messengers are in fact /, who were manipulating Radeons to serve their goals. There is said to be the greatest of the Messengers, called the Protector, as well as the fallen Messenger called the Great Enemy.

Quotes
"We follow the path of truth."

"Can someone tell me why they're praying to one of us?!"

- A common Tahar in an argument

"An interesting religion...I feel that with the current position the Zazane are in, we may just take this up..."

"This faith promotes community, spiritual enlightenment and willpower and discourages ego and selfishness. It has my blessing."

- Archcleric Torlonus of the Cult of Drakon

"WAT DA HELL MAN HOW DA HELL CAN ANY DUMBO BELEEV DAT"

"A way one can interpret the extradimensional spirits whom are involved in this universe. A very good practice, but one that been known to cause bad things in past"

"Where will you Spode be as your world lies desolate from the most holy powers of our lord Khuaviiraahz?"

- Overlord Kranov