Cult
With the wave of catastrophes at the end of the Earth’s age, the survivors united under a single belief system, which became the Cult.
Earth Age
The Cult was a long-hidden society that brought together chosen individuals. Its mystery and rumors about the power associated with membership made it a subject of desire for many. The gradual rise in popularity, especially among those who craved power, eventually led to connections with organized crime. Especially at the end of the earthly era, the Cult gained significant influence by controlling humanitarian aid in vast regions of the world. In the last decades of existence on Earth, membership in the Cult became almost inevitable for survival.
The transformation from a secret organization to a public institution brought catharsis and turned the Cult into a new dominant religious force. During its growth, the Cult absorbed various religious trends, shaping its present form.
In this age, the Cult had an ambivalent relationship with technology. It was skeptical of the technological wonders brought by war conflicts, yet it recognized the potential of technology to uncover the mysteries of the universe.
Cosmic Age
With the dawn of the new era, the Cult entered a new phase. Human colonies scattered throughout the Solar System became the new targets for Cult members. In this untouched environment, the Cult became the leading religious, economic, and military force.
In the Cosmic Age, the Cult maintains some genetic traces of its past, which began as a criminal organization on Earth. Even though humanity no longer has contact with Earth, the Cult's DNA still resonates with its criminal origins. In the new era, the Cult seeks to create new structures inspired by the dogmas it inherited from ancient times, particularly from organized crime and the worship of Earth and the Sun.
During this period, the Cult began to accept the use of technology.
Beliefs
The followers of the Cult believe in the inevitability of the X Disease and are supporters of the Theory of Divine Destiny.
The faith in the Cult is based on the belief that the unification of all beliefs is the key to a new beginning. They believe that only uniting under one faith gives them the strength to face Evil.
Symbolism
The Cult emphasizes its unity through symbolism, drawing from various religious and spiritual traditions. By uniting, they also adopted the tradition of human sacrifices as a necessary condition for maintaining the balance of cosmic order.
Tattoos play a key role in the visual expression of status and devotion in the Cult. Each member has a unique tattoo that represents their position and achievements within the organization. Higher members may have larger and more complex tattoos, while lower castes may start with simpler patterns. These tattoos are considered sacred and are carriers of the Cult’s spirit and history, incorporating elements from pagan traditions and the symbolism of Earth and the Sun.
Faith in Gods
Within the Cult's pantheon, there is one supreme god and four lower gods associated with the elements, symbolizing key aspects of life and nature.
Marduk, the Supreme God
Within the Cult, Marduk is viewed as the supreme deity symbolizing victory over chaos and order in the universe.
Cult members worship the gods through rituals associated with human sacrifices to maintain the balance of cosmic order. The worship of Marduk reflects the belief in his power and protection, reinforcing their faith in the divine plan and the Cult’s mission in the universe.
The tattoos worn by Cult members may include symbols of Marduk, which are considered sacred and represent a connection to the cosmic order.
Agni, the Fire God
Agni is worshipped as the deity associated with fire, thermal energy, and stars.
Cult members attribute to Agni the meaning of energy, transformation, and the force that purifies.
Worshippers of fire are known for their purification rituals that cleanse X Disease.
Prithvi, the Earth God
Prithvi is viewed as the deity associated with solid earth and the matter of the universe. In the cosmic age, this is particularly relevant to asteroids.
Cult members worship Prithvi as a symbol of strength, stability, material abundance, and wealth.
Worship of Prithvi is especially common among miners.
Varuna, the Water God
Varuna is recognized as the deity associated with water and life.
Cult members believe that by worshiping Varuna, they gain life force connected to flowing water. Water makes up our bodies and is the basis of the cycle of life.
Everything related to organic matter falls under Varuna's power, including food, fertility, breathable air, biological processes, including black liquid, and X Disease.
Vayu, the Air God
Vayu is viewed as the deity associated with air.
Cult members worship Vayu as a symbol of space beyond matter, including outer space and the processes within it. They believe that even processes occurring in the universe demonstrate the power of Vayu.
He is worshipped by pilots, navigators, and astronomers.
Caste System
Leaders
The highest authority in the Cult. The leaders have absolute control over the entire organization, deciding the directions and priorities of the Cult.
Initiates
These members form the core of the organization and are divided based on their position and abilities. Older initiates may have greater responsibilities and significance within the Cult structure.
Brothers
A group of members who are at the same level in the hierarchy. These individuals form a strong connection between the different branches of the Cult and participate in decision-making within their group.
Novices
Novices must demonstrate their devotion and abilities. They are often mentored by older members to introduce them to the customs and values of the Cult.
Servants
The lowest caste in the Cult hierarchy. They serve higher members and are responsible for the daily operations of the organization. Their devotion and services may bring advancement in the hierarchy, but they usually remain at the lowest level of the social structure.
View on Exile
For the Cult, leaving Earth is not only a physical exodus but also a spiritual act symbolizing the departure from the past.
View on Disease X
Cult members see Disease X as an inevitable part of the divine plan and a trial that must be survived by those worthy of a new beginning. They believe that Disease X is a manifestation of divine destiny and an inevitable tool meant to advance human existence to a higher purpose. Infected individuals are referred to as "damned" and are viewed as those who have failed the test of the divine plan.
Cult members are concerned about Humanity’s attempt to cure Disease X. From their perspective, they view this as an interference with the natural development and the divine plan. They believe that such attempts to cure lead to the creation of "ghouls" – beings who are seen as distorted and contemptible versions of humanity. This concern is rooted in the belief that such actions are in contradiction with the divine will and damn those who should undergo Disease X.
h2>IntoleranceThis disagreement regarding the approach to Disease X and the creation of "ghouls" is one of the key reasons for the hostility between the Cult and Humanity. Cult members perceive Humanity's efforts to cure the disease as an attempt to resist the divine plan and control fate, leading to conflicts and tension between the two factions since the early days of the Cosmic Age.
Unlike Humanity, they do not consider other races, including Neanderthals or symbionts, to be inappropriate. Symbiosis is widespread within the Cult, and Neanderthals hold high positions within the Cult just like humans.
