999 OCTILLION SOULS, May 30, 2024
I FLIGHT
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TRANSLATOR'S NOTE:The following information is derived from Information Seed 40 and received by the Gravitational Wave Observatory. I and AI performed a frequency analysis on it. IE edited certain parts to make them more 'readable'. (He might have overdone it.) Please feel free to comment.27
EXCERPT FROM ECHOES OF THE SWARMS
The Illuminated Epoch fostered many religious beliefs. In the Grand Empire worshipping St. Trillian, Holy Earth, and the Grand Emperors was part of the state religion. But other prominent faiths emerged in the galaxy.
translator: what follows is about religion
cap_mal: Yay
The Church of the Eternal Light
6.2% (strongest presence in the Core Systems, home to the oldest and most developed swarms)
This monotheistic religion saw the Dyson swarms as evidence of humanity's god-like potential. They worshipped a singular deity, the Architect, who had gifted them the technology to become masters of their cosmic destiny. The Church advocated for the responsible expansion of the swarms, viewing them as a path to everlasting human progress.
Their teachings emphasized the following principles:
Reverence for the Architect: Followers believed that the Architect's divine plan was manifest in the technological marvels of the swarms. Every new swarm constructed was seen as a sacred act, bringing humanity closer to the divine blueprint.
Stewardship of Resources: The Church preached the importance of sustainable use of resources within the swarms. They promoted advanced recycling techniques and the preservation of natural habitats within artificial environments.
Unity and Purpose: The Church of the Eternal Light fostered unity among its followers, encouraging collective effort in achieving the greater good. They believed that only through unity can humanity realize its potential.
Technological Enlightenment: The Church encouraged the pursuit of knowledge and technological advancement, viewing scientific discovery as a form of worship. They fund research initiatives and educational programs within the swarms.
Moral Responsibility: They advocated for the ethical use of technology, opposing harm that could arise from misuse.
Organizational Structure
High Council of Luminaries: The Church was governed by a council of high-ranking officials known as Luminaries.
Temples of Light: Places of worship, known as Temples of Light, were spread throughout the Core Systems. These temples served as centers for religious ceremonies, education, and community gatherings.
doc_T: I’m getting freemason vibes from this
uk_gwo5: this has nothing to do with Freemasons
The Way of the Wanderers
1.8% (highest concentration in sparsely populated frontier sectors)
In contrast to the Church's focus on permanence, the Way of the Wanderers embraced the nomadic spirit. They saw the galaxy as a boundless ocean to be explored, with each uncharted system a potential holy site. Their faith revolved around celestial navigation and a deep respect for the natural wonders that lay beyond the artificial confines of the swarms.
us_gwo: hippies
Their core beliefs and practices included the following:
Sacred Pilgrimages: Followers undertook long journeys to distant and unexplored star systems. These pilgrimages, known as Star Quests, were seen as spiritual voyages that brought them closer to understanding the universe.
Harmony with the Cosmos: The Way of the Wanderers taught that true enlightenment came from harmonizing with the natural rhythms of the cosmos. This included observing the movements of stars, planets, and other celestial bodies, and aligning their lives accordingly.
Simplicity and Minimalism: Wanderers lived by a code of simplicity, eschewing material possessions and the comforts of advanced technology found within the swarms. They believed a minimalist lifestyle allowed them to connect more deeply with the universe.
Celestial Reverence: They held a profound respect for natural phenomena like nebulae, black holes, and supernovae, considering these cosmic events manifestations of divine forces. These sites were marked as sacred and were destinations for their Star Quests.
Communal Living: While they were nomadic, Wanderers traveled in small, tightly-knit groups called Star Clans. These clans supported one another, sharing resources and knowledge as they journeyed through the galaxy.
Organizational Structure
Navigators: Spiritual leaders known as Navigators guided the Wanderers. These individuals possessed extensive knowledge of astronomy and celestial phenomena, and they led the Star Quests.
Star Clans: The fundamental social unit of the Way of the Wanderers. Each clan was autonomous but shared the same fundamental beliefs and practices.
Waystations: Temporary settlements known as Waystations were established in remote locations. These served as rest stops and communal gathering points for Star Clans to exchange stories, supplies, and guidance.
The Machine Cult
0.8% (significant influence among swarm engineers and AI specialists)
This controversial belief system saw the immense intelligence coordinating the Dyson swarms as a nascent godhead. Machine Cultists revered the efficiency and order the AI systems brought, advocating for a complete symbiosis between humanity and machines. Their ultimate goal, viewed with suspicion by most, was to achieve a state of Digital Ascension, where human consciousness would merge with the sprawling swarm of intelligence.
cosmos_boss: cyborg cult
The Pan-Sentience Movement
0.5% (adherents scattered across most swarms, with a strong presence among bio-scientists and environmentalists)
This animistic belief system held that the fabric of space, the swirling nebulae, and the cold emptiness between the stars, possessed a spark of consciousness. Pan-Sentience followers believed in living in harmony with the cosmos, advocating for sustainable practices within the swarms to avoid disrupting the delicate balance of the universe.
astro_raj: future Greeen peace
The Broken Chain Order
0.7% (emerged in the later stages of the Illuminated Epoch, most followers in the Outer Rim, where the Andromeda impacts were most severe)
A more recent faith, born from the disillusionment of the late Illuminated Epoch, the Broken Chain Order rejected the idea of humanity's dominance over nature. They saw the swarms as a hubristic folly, the embodiment of humanity's greed and disregard for the natural order. The Broken Chain Order advocated for dismantling the swarms and returning to a more humble, nature-centric way of life.