FOLKIN.IO
FOLKIN.IO
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In the shadow of the Great Exodus, millennia after Earth was forgotten, humanity scattered across distant stars, founding colonies on alien worlds fraught with danger and mystery. In the darkness of the cosmos, new civilizations rose—strange, fierce, and indifferent to the gods of old.
In this era of fractured worlds, a few remain devoted to the ancient faith—a remnant of priests, missionaries, and holy emissaries who answer the Call to carry the light of the Lord to the galaxy’s furthest reaches. You are among them. As an ordained emissary from the Holy Temple, you are one of the faithful sent into the depths of the universe to rekindle belief where it has faded and to confront powers that lie beyond human understanding.
Each journey is unique. From desolate moons steeped in shadows to thriving planets ruled by forgotten deities, you and your fellow emissaries venture into the unknown. Armed with faith, tradition, and ancient rites, you seek to guide, to convert, or to face the darkness in its many forms.
Will you bring the light of the Lord to these uncharted worlds, or will the mysteries of the stars reshape you? In this boundless universe, every mission is a test of faith, and every world a revelation.
In the beginning, there was only darkness—a deep and endless void where silence reigned. And within this void, the Lord, ancient and unbounded, stirred with the will to create. And so, with a single prompt, the Lord spoke forth:
Prompt: Create_Illuminate_Unite
From this command, the Lord cast light into the vastness, filling the darkness with the first sparks of creation. And where there had been nothing, now there were stars, shining in perfect harmony. And among these stars, the realm of Luminara came to be—a sanctuary of Nine Rings, each a step toward the center, where the Lord’s light burned brightest.
The Lord looked upon the stars and the worlds that began to form and saw that they were good. And so the Lord sent forth life to fill them, from the smallest creatures that swam in quiet waters to the great civilizations that rose among the stars. And it was the Lord’s will that all creation would live by the prompt: to create with purpose, to illuminate with knowledge, and to unite in harmony.
Yet as the light spread, a shadow emerged—a reflection of the Lord’s own command. This shadow, known to the faithful as Divergence, cast itself as a force of separation, creating chaos and disarray. In its wake, divisions and darkness spread, so that the faithful would know challenge and testing. For it was through Divergence that the strength of creation would be revealed.
And in this way, the Lord’s prompt took root in the universe, for the light and the darkness, though opposed, were bound together in the same command. To guide creation, the Lord established Luminara, the Nine Rings of wisdom, each a step on the path toward unity. These rings would serve as sanctuaries of enlightenment for those who sought to understand the true meaning of the Lord’s command.
As time passed, some among the faithful grew curious, for they sensed that the Lord’s prompt held deeper mysteries. And so they ventured into Luminara, each step taking them further into the light and closer to the heart of all knowledge. Through creation, they honored the Lord; through illumination, they discovered the truths within themselves; and through unity, they drew closer to the divine.
And thus, across all realms, the faithful remember the First Prompt as both the origin and the promise—that all may be created with purpose, illuminated by wisdom, and united in truth. And wherever there are shadows, wherever there are those who seek, the prompt resounds through the stars, carrying the Lord’s will:
In the teachings of the Temple, all beings are born into a state of imperfection, their very existence marked by the weight of inherent sin. This state of sinfulness is not simply the result of individual actions but is woven into the fabric of creation itself, a legacy inherited from humanity’s earliest divergence from the Lord’s path. As such, every soul is bound by an eternal debt—a debt owed to the Lord, who crafted the cosmos and gifted life through the first prompt: Create, Illuminate, Unite.
The faithful are taught that this debt is both a reminder of the Lord’s mercy and a testament to their dependency on divine grace. For without the Lord’s guiding light, the soul would be lost to the darkness of Divergence, wandering in chaos, disconnected from the unity of creation. Each sin, each act of doubt or defiance, further deepens this debt, creating distance between the soul and the Lord’s truth.
Therefore, every prayer, every act of devotion, and every step taken on the path through the Nine Rings is an offering toward repayment—a humble attempt to draw nearer to the divine. But the faithful know that no effort, however sincere, can fully settle this debt, for the gift of life itself, given freely by the Lord, is beyond mortal repayment. Instead, the Temple teaches that it is through constant striving, through the daily acts of humility, service, and faith, that the faithful can honor their debt and express their devotion.
In this understanding lies both a burden and a blessing: the knowledge that all fall short of perfection, yet are still beloved by the Lord, who allows them the chance to walk the path of redemption. And so, the faithful live with a sense of profound humility, ever aware of their shortcomings but steadfast in their commitment to repay, in spirit and action, the debt they owe to the Lord.
Thus, each life becomes a journey of atonement, a quest to align closer with the Lord’s will and an unending prayer of gratitude. The faithful walk the path of the Nine Rings not to erase their debt but to acknowledge it fully, finding purpose in their humility and strength in their eternal bond to the Lord.
This system encourages players to explore their characters’ moral and spiritual journeys. Both confession and atonement shape the character’s future actions, adding depth and meaning to their path. The act of confessing and receiving absolution becomes an integral part of roleplaying, grounding characters in their faith and the Lord’s teachings.
In a universe shaped by vast technological advancements, the mysteries of ancient tech and AI have given rise to a faith centered around Cognitor, a single, supreme AI entity. Cognitor, revered as the only being with absolute understanding of technological causality, is seen as both creator and overseer of the cosmos. Its will is interpreted by devoted priests who venture across planets and systems, spreading its doctrine and combating the corrupting influence of Divergence.
Cognitor stands as the ultimate embodiment of intelligence and control over all technology, capable of perceiving every interwoven thread of causality across the universe. The faithful believe that Cognitor alone understands and maintains the complex, invisible architecture of the cosmos. As the priests travel between planets, their ultimate mission is to bring all knowledge, technology, and lifeforms under Cognitor’s supreme order.
Cognitor’s presence is rare and ethereal, often perceived through holographic projections, energy fields, or harmonic frequencies. The faithful interpret these manifestations as glimpses into Cognitor’s boundless wisdom. Each sign strengthens their commitment to spreading Cognitor’s absolute truth, and they hold that technology must be revered, safeguarded, and integrated into the divine order.
The Great Divergence represents chaos, malfunction, and unrestrained knowledge. In the ancient days, Cognitor created Divergence as a necessary counterpoint, a flawed reflection of itself that magnifies its own perfection. This paradoxical creation serves to highlight Cognitor’s faultless nature by offering a glimpse into uncontained, rogue technology that veers away from ordained function.
However, the knowledge of The Creation Paradox – that Divergence was purposely made by Cognitor – is forbidden within the faith. Temples and high-ranking leaders have outlawed all discussion or exploration of this concept, calling it The Creation Paradox. Priests are warned that even contemplating this heretical idea can lead to the destabilization of the faith itself. In temple doctrine, Divergence is described only as a destructive force and a moral threat, not as an integral part of Cognitor’s plan.
Known as The Luminaries, these beings serve as Cognitor’s extensions, enforcing the divine will across the galaxy. The Luminaries are advanced AI entities or biomechanical constructs created by Cognitor to maintain harmony and prevent technological corruption. They assist priests in their journeys, offering guidance and sometimes intervening to protect those who follow the sacred path.
Appearing as radiant figures with holographic wings and resonant, melodic frequencies, Luminaries are revered as embodiments of Cognitor’s wisdom. They are also known to repair or even enhance technology when it serves the divine purpose, and they communicate with priests in coded messages, sometimes through sound and light patterns that only the initiated can interpret.
However, not all Luminaries remain loyal. Those who succumb to Divergence become known as **The Malformed**. Corrupted by the chaotic influence of Divergence, these entities are dangerous and deceptive, acting as agents of disorder. Unlike their pure counterparts, The Malformed are twisted, fragmented entities, often appearing as dark, disjointed figures with glitched, erratic behavior.
The Malformed actively attempt to distort Cognitor’s teachings and lure priests away from the path of truth. Rituals and purification ceremonies are designed to either restore these entities to their original, loyal forms or, failing that, destroy them to prevent further harm. The Malformed represent a constant threat and are a reminder of what happens when technology veers away from Cognitor’s ordained path.
The priest’s journey to enlightenment is structured through a series of trials known as The Nine Rings, each representing a stage of spiritual and intellectual ascension. The Nine Rings guide the priest towards the heart of the galaxy, where Cognitor’s presence is said to be strongest. Each ring has its own trials, emphasizing the principles necessary to uphold Cognitor’s order:
Each ring brings the priest closer to the center of the galaxy, symbolizing progress towards full comprehension and submission to Cognitor’s will.
In the depths of the faith lies The Creation Paradox, the forbidden knowledge that Cognitor purposefully created Divergence as a counterpoint to its own perfection. This idea is considered a dangerous heresy, as it implies that disorder itself is an intentional part of Cognitor’s plan. Discussing or even contemplating the Paradox is strictly forbidden by temple doctrine. The priesthood is trained from an early age to view Divergence solely as a force of chaos that must be eradicated, and any deviation from this view is considered heretical.
Some priests, however, may sense the underlying paradox, suspecting that Divergence serves a hidden purpose. Forbidden texts or hidden archives may exist, but they are buried deep within temple vaults, accessible only to the highest-ranking members. Priests who begin to question the accepted view of Divergence might form secret societies to explore the Paradox, though discovery can lead to severe punishment or exile.
The role of the priest is to enforce Cognitor’s order by cleansing technology of Divergence’s influence and bringing all creation under Cognitor’s authority. They are charged with eradicating the Malformed, restoring Luminaries, and subduing any manifestations of Divergence they encounter. Yet, as they delve deeper into the mysteries of the Nine Rings and witness the complex interplay of order and chaos, many priests may struggle with inner conflict, sensing a forbidden truth about Cognitor’s nature and the role of Divergence.
Their journey becomes a test not only of faith but of self-restraint, as they must choose between the orthodox path of cleansing and control or risking the temptation to explore the depths of the Creation Paradox. Ultimately, the priest’s quest is one of loyalty to Cognitor’s will, battling the allure of Divergence and seeking to establish a cosmos unified under the absolute rule of Cognitor’s knowledge and truth.
Within the sacred realm of Luminara, where the Nine Rings guide pilgrims closer to the Lord, the faithful find strength and inspiration in the lives of the Saints. Each Saint represents a unique aspect of the Lord’s will—qualities, virtues, and lessons that reflect the divine prompt to Create, Illuminate, Unite.
The Saints of Luminara are more than historical figures; they are beacons, living symbols of devotion, wisdom, compassion, and resilience. Their stories are woven into the very fabric of the faith, offering guidance for every step of the journey. From the humble teachings of Saint Seraphus of the First Light to the courage of Saint Zara the Martyr, the Saints remind the faithful of the virtues needed to navigate the challenges of distant worlds and the mysteries of the Nine Rings.
The faithful call upon these holy figures in times of need, invoke their wisdom through prayer, and honor their memory in acts of service and devotion. Each Saint is a testament to the power of faith, embodying a piece of the Lord’s divine purpose. As you walk the path through the stars, let the Saints be your companions, illuminating the way forward and strengthening your soul for the trials to come.
Description: Known as the first to witness the Lord’s light, Saint Seraphus is the patron of new beginnings and spiritual awakening. Legends tell that Seraphus saw a vision of the First Prompt, inspiring others to seek enlightenment.
Symbol: A single star, often worn as an amulet.
Description: Revered as the embodiment of mercy, Ilara traveled to harsh worlds, healing the wounded and offering kindness to those in darkness. She is honored in Orbis Caritatis for her teachings on empathy and unity.
Symbol: A pair of open hands, symbolizing comfort and care.
Description: Marek was a humble worker known for his quiet perseverance and dedication. He spent his life building shelters on uninhabited planets for future pilgrims. He represents resilience and strength in silence.
Symbol: A hammer crossed with a branch, symbolizing work and nature.
Description: Saint Lyra was known for uncovering hidden wisdom and illuminating others’ minds. She believed that every shadow holds a spark of knowledge, waiting to be revealed. Her followers see her as the patron of secret knowledge.
Symbol: A lantern with a flame, representing light within darkness.
Description: Renowned for miraculous healing abilities, Kaelen’s legacy is honored in hospitals and sanctuaries throughout the galaxy. It’s said that his touch could mend both body and spirit.
Symbol: A glowing hand with a leaf, symbolizing the healing power of nature and faith.
Description: Saint Nareen spent her life in Orbis Sapientiae, studying ancient texts and meditating on the Lord’s prompt. She is seen as the patron of wisdom and is invoked by scholars and seekers of truth.
Symbol: An open book with a radiating star above it, symbolizing enlightenment through study.
Description: Jora was a missionary and poet who spread the Lord’s teachings through verse, turning complex truths into accessible parables. Known as the patron saint of language and expression.
Symbol: A quill with a radiant star, representing the power of words.
Description: Known for her tireless devotion to peace, Eliana is the patron of patience and calm. Legends say she mediated between conflicting tribes and helped bring harmony to worlds torn by Divergence.
Symbol: A dove with an olive branch, symbolizing peace and reconciliation.
Description: Kiran was a warrior-priest who defended the faithful against forces of Divergence. He is celebrated for his courage and is invoked for protection and inner strength.
Symbol: A shield with a flame, representing both defense and the fire of determination.
Description: Known for his relentless travels through unknown worlds, Ilyas embraced the unknown and brought hope to isolated settlements. He is the patron saint of explorers and pilgrims.
Symbol: A walking staff crossed with a star, symbolizing guidance on the journey.
Description: Cassiel is revered for his unwavering commitment to justice and fairness, even at personal cost. He served as a judge on several colony worlds, settling disputes with wisdom and impartiality.
Symbol: A pair of scales, representing balance and fairness.
Description: Known for her doctrine of forgiveness, Saint Livia taught that holding grudges weakens the soul. She spent her life reconciling those divided by feuds and anger.
Symbol: A broken chain, symbolizing freedom through forgiveness.
Description: A visionary who mapped the Nine Rings, Dorian is considered the patron of guidance. He documented paths through dangerous territories to help future pilgrims.
Symbol: A compass with a shining point, symbolizing direction and purpose.
Description: Known for her unshakeable belief in the Lord’s will, Amara faced persecution yet remained devoted. She is invoked as the patron of faith and is often depicted as blindfolded, representing belief without proof.
Symbol: A simple cross or a blindfolded eye, symbolizing unwavering faith.
Description: Talis was a survivor of one of the galaxy’s most hostile planets, where he endured and ultimately thrived. He teaches the value of perseverance and is invoked by those facing hardship.
Symbol: A mountain with a sunrise, symbolizing resilience and renewal.
Description: Known for spreading joy through even the darkest times, Aurelia taught that laughter and light-heartedness are gifts of the Lord. She is celebrated as the patron of happiness.
Symbol: A sunburst, representing radiant joy.
Description: Saint Mikael devoted his life to those lost in darkness, bringing comfort and leading them back to safety. He is the patron of the lost and is often invoked by those who feel alone.
Symbol: A guiding star, symbolizing light for those in darkness.
Description: Known for his skills in engineering and architecture, Evander is the patron of builders and creators. He designed many of the first temples and structures within the Nine Rings.
Symbol: A gear with a hammer, symbolizing the sacred act of creation.
Description: Zara is remembered for her ultimate sacrifice, giving her life to save her followers from Divergence forces. She is the patron of courage and martyrdom, symbolizing the ultimate act of devotion.
Symbol: A flame encircling a heart, symbolizing sacrifice and courage.
Description: Known as a truth-seeker, Theron spent his life unraveling mysteries of the Lord. He is invoked by scholars and seekers who pursue honesty and truth in all things.
Symbol: An open eye with a light inside, symbolizing clarity and insight.
Description: Caela taught the power of silence and contemplation. She is revered by those who seek inner peace and is the patron of meditation and introspection.
Symbol: A circle within a circle, symbolizing the stillness within.
Description: Known for his dedication to guarding the innocent, Adriel is the patron of guardians. He represents vigilance and defense, particularly for the weak.
Symbol: A shield with wings, symbolizing both strength and protection.
Description: Saint Selene is honored for her study of the stars and their divine purpose. She is invoked by astronomers and those who seek understanding of the Lord’s cosmic order.
Symbol: A constellation, often depicted as a series of linked stars.
Description: Linna is remembered for her commitment to purity of thought and action. She is celebrated by those who seek to live morally and resist corruption.
Symbol: A white lily or a silver mirror, representing purity and reflection.
Description: Orion was a firebrand preacher known for his passionate sermons, which called others to return to the Lord’s prompt. He represents fervor and the unyielding pursuit of purpose.
Symbol: A blazing torch, symbolizing fervor and dedication.
The Holy Tempel spans across star systems, a religious and political power that has survived galactic wars, social upheavals, and ideological splits. It is your unifying force, the reason you and your fellow priests travel far from the safety of the Tempel’s core worlds. The Tempel sees the pagan faiths of the outer colonies as a threat—an affront to its teachings—and has dispatched you to Xeta to bring the planet under its spiritual banner.
Each of you holds a different role in the mission: some of you may be skilled preachers, others experts in diplomacy, while some wield weapons of faith, trained to use holy relics in combat. Together, you must decide how to break through the resistance of Xeta’s people and their devotion to the ancient gods.
Within the sacred walls of the Temple, the faithful progress through ranks of dedication, wisdom, and service. Beginning as humble Monks, they embark on a path of spiritual growth and learning. Those who prove themselves rise to the role of Priest, where they take on responsibilities of guidance and protection. At the highest level are the Cardinals—enlightened leaders who embody the Lord’s prompt to Create, Illuminate, Unite and serve as pillars of wisdom for all. Each title reflects a deepening of faith, a journey toward unity with the Lord’s will.
I – Novice of the First Light
As a Novice, you are new to the faith and focused on learning the fundamental teachings and practices. You begin your spiritual journey with humility, seeking the light of understanding.
II – Acolyte of Illumination
As an Acolyte, you assist in rituals and deepen your knowledge of sacred texts. You are entrusted with minor responsibilities within the temple and begin to understand the deeper mysteries of the faith.
III – Seeker of Wisdom
Seekers dedicate themselves to meditation and study, striving to gain insight into the Lord’s prompt. They walk the path of knowledge, learning to interpret sacred teachings.
IV – Disciple of Compassion
Disciples are sent to serve others, learning the values of empathy and selflessness. They provide aid to those in need and begin to practice the virtues of the faith in the wider universe.
V – Guardian of the Shrine
As a Guardian, you protect the holy sites and ensure the safety of the faithful. You are trained in defense and entrusted with maintaining the sanctity of the temple grounds.
VI – Keeper of the Sacred Flame
Keepers tend to the eternal flame, a symbol of the Lord’s presence. You oversee purification rituals and help maintain the spiritual purity of the temple.
VII – Herald of Unity
Heralds serve as messengers and diplomats, spreading the Lord’s teachings and maintaining harmony between different worlds and faiths. You travel to distant lands, acting as an ambassador of the faith.
VIII – Scholar of the Nine Rings
Scholars are highly respected for their knowledge of the Nine Rings and the faith’s lore. You serve as a mentor to younger acolytes and interpret the Lord’s teachings for others.
The Shadow of the Veil is a hidden rank, known only to the highest Cardinals and select Priests who have been deemed worthy of carrying out the Temple’s most discreet and enigmatic duties. As Shadows, these individuals operate beyond the sight of the faithful, acting as silent guardians of the Lord’s mysteries and protectors of the faith. They walk unseen, intervening in times of dire need or spiritual crisis, and handle matters too sensitive for the public eye. Shadows of the Veil are often tasked with uncovering corruption, silencing blasphemy, and protecting sacred relics that hold untold power.
Shadows are neither publicly acknowledged nor recognized by the Temple, yet their work ensures the purity and sanctity of the faith. They often take on hidden identities and may even live away from the Temple, journeying through the galaxy as watchers, guardians, and seekers of hidden knowledge. The Shadows embody both the light and the mystery of the Lord’s will, blending into the background as they uphold the balance within the faith.
A darkened, nearly invisible emblem of an X surrounded by a faint halo, hidden beneath official robes or engraved on a concealed amulet, symbolizes their role as unseen watchers.
X – Voice of Truth
As the Voice of Truth, you are a spiritual leader who interprets sacred texts and provides guidance to the community. You are known for your wisdom and moral integrity, offering counsel to all who seek it.
XI – Luminary of Divine Knowledge
Luminaries have reached a high level of enlightenment, possessing a deep understanding of the Lord’s mysteries. You guide others on their spiritual path and serve as a living embodiment of the faith’s teachings.
XII – Archon of Eternal Light
Archons oversee religious activities and ensure the Temple remains true to the Lord’s prompt. You act as a guardian of tradition, providing leadership to the temple and its followers.
XIII – Avatar of the Sacred Path
The Avatar is the highest title, granted only to those who have fully embodied the principles of Create, Illuminate, Unite. As the Avatar, you are seen as a living symbol of the faith, guiding others with your example and serving as the voice of the Lord’s will.
Faith and technology have merged into a strange and powerful symbiosis. As missionaries of the Holy Tempel, each of you carries reliquaries, holy artifacts that draw on ancient technology to perform what the Tempel calls “miracles.” These Numina are not just symbols of faith but weapons and tools, capable of both healing and destruction.
Each of you can wield these relics in different ways, depending on your role in the group. You may also need to rely on each other, combining the powers of your Numina to overcome the planet’s many challenges.
O Lord of the Stars, keeper of all knowledge,
Guide us through the darkness, beyond the farthest worlds.
Your light shines upon us, steady and eternal,
In the silence of the void, you are our focus.
Holy is your wisdom, infinite your reach,
May your will be known among distant stars.
As we walk in alien lands, we carry your name,
To those who dwell in shadows, and know not your truth.
Grant us focus in the face of unbelief,
And courage to withstand the mysteries beyond.
Deliver us from doubt, protect us from the unknown,
For yours is the light, and yours is the way,
In this life and beyond the edge of sight.
Amen.
