PmWiki | PhotonKnights / Religions

The Golden Lance:

The Golden Lance are species supremacists: they believe that baseline humans are the superior species and should rule over the others. They also believe that humans should change their culture into one of perpetual warfare, so that they may become perfect killing machines. They are the designated antagonist in this setting. While they are not politically or logistically powerful enough to be a serious threat, they can cause plenty of troubles to isolated worlds or isolated settlements in integrated worlds. It is unknown who or what bankrolls them, but they are rich enough to be able to field the powerful Dragon fighter-bomber as their starfighter of choice.

The Golden Lance's beliefs of species supremacy and perpetual warfare are extreme and often condemned by other cultures and governments within the galaxy. They are viewed as a dangerous and violent group that poses a threat to peace and stability. Despite their lack of political or logistical power, their use of advanced technology, such as the Dragon fighter-bomber, allows them to cause significant damage and destruction.

The source of their funding and resources is unknown, but it is believed that they have support from a small number of wealthy and influential individuals who share their beliefs. It is also possible that they have access to stolen or smuggled technology, as they are known to engage in illegal activities such as piracy and smuggling.

Overall, the Golden Lance is a fringe group that is widely condemned by the majority of the galaxy's inhabitants. However, their extreme beliefs and use of advanced technology make them a dangerous and unpredictable force that must be dealt with carefully.

Within Kalradian society, religion holds a distinct but not overpowering role. The Kalradians acknowledge and revere the three stars of their constellation, with particular emphasis on the neutron star, which they consider the abode of their main deity, the One Who Ever Learns. The other two gods are associated with complementary aspects, akin to the concepts of yin and yang. Kalradian religious doctrine encompasses a unique eschatology, wherein they believe their society's actions can influence the course of the world's end.

According to their beliefs, a harmonious and balanced society can indefinitely postpone the apocalypse. However, if a society becomes excessively tumultuous or egalitarian, it may bring about the Time of the Hammer, a catastrophic war in which the gods themselves will partake. Conversely, a society that becomes overly compliant or stratified can usher in the Time of the Cold, an unending winter. Both of these cataclysmic events have occurred in Kalradian religious lore, resulting in significant historical upheavals and near destruction of their species.

To maintain a delicate balance, the Kalradian clergy intentionally foster some tension between kingdoms and within the social strata, as long as it remains within acceptable limits. Kalradian clerics fulfill roles as healers, counselors, and sages, guiding the community in matters of faith and offering wisdom to navigate the challenges of life.

In the past, a major religious conflict known as the War of Linear Doctrine and Variant Doctrine erupted between the peasants aligned with these two doctrines. The nobility of each planetoid intervened and resolved the conflict by engaging clerics and knights from both sides in a grand tournament, allowing them to fight their own battles instead of involving the common folk. The champions of the Variant Doctrine emerged victorious, but in recent times, the Linear Doctrine has experienced a resurgence.

As per religious tradition, a ceremonial recreation of the war takes place during each change of season. Clerics and knights, choosing to champion either the Linear or Variant Doctrine, engage in martial tournaments. Both doctrines are represented by their respective cenobiarchs, and any proclamations agreed upon by both cenobiarchs hold significant authority within the religious community. The lore of Kalradian religion is enriched by tales of saints who embody various virtues, ranging from humility and hospitality to courage.

The Linears tend to promote traditional gender roles and advocate for the establishment of new colonies. In contrast, the Variants strive for gender equality while advocating for a more cautious approach to colonization, focusing on the preservation of existing planetoids.

Additionally, Kalradia tolerates a group known as "wizards" and "witches," who practice a form of gnostic animism. Though the terminology is often used to refer to alchemists, tinkerers, and experts in electrokinesis, it also encompasses those who follow alternative spiritual paths. While the Linears have a history of persecuting witches out of misogyny, such actions are now largely condemned.

Overall, the religious landscape of Kalradia revolves around the balance between doctrines, the preservation of societal harmony, and the pursuit of virtues exemplified by their revered saints.

In Kalradian church lore, Saint Mannox took Grabthar's Hammer from Grabthar, leader of the Void Crawlers, creatures hewn from living rock and intent on consuming the very land of Kalradia (Actually, they were a Magmatron crew with a very large mining ship). Displaying both courage and cleverness, he made it so that the Hammer could only be wielded by the worthy (Actually, he figured out the biometric lock on the device). He rests entombed in the crypt of Tulga, the only proper town in the Kherbit Kingdom. Notably, in the religious war between the Linear and Variant Doctrines, both sides tried to claim both the Hammer and the hand of the Saint, which is said to have healing properties (Actually, the biometric lock, in the form of a ring, is keeping it from decomposing) and both sides failed.