Skrell Faith

Skrell Faith

The Skrell have largely followed the core tenants of Qeblak, with some minor schisms occurring throughout the ages. An overlapping theme across these religions is the reverence of the stars that represent the various cosmic entities in which the Skrell recognise. Whilst most other species eventually outgrew this early form of religion, the Skrell have managed to maintain for millennia.

Qeblak

Qeblak is considered the oldest faith by the Skrell. It is a mixture of both astrology and astronomy, the doctrines of the faith revolving around both giving divinity to astronomical object but to also study them in great detail. The central theme of the religion has since bled into skrellian culture, and has resulted in those that follow the Qeblak to be highly celebrative of the pursuit of knowledge, exploration, science and innovation.

Followers of Qeblak believe that through intricate calculations, it is possible to predict terrestrial events from celestial observations. It is believed that Qeblak has its roots in the calendrical system known as the Nral'oqq, which was used to predict seasonal shifts. It would eventually evolve into the first rudimentary faith after it was believed that these celestial changes were in fact a method of divine communication provided by the cosmos surrounding them.

Members of Qeblak come together on a biweekly basis at an Observatory Dome. It is a structure that tends to exist in urban centres, with the Jargon Federation doing its best to ensure all citizens have reasonable access to. They are typically hosted by Starkeepers, who ensure the maintenance of the dome and host events whereupon members of the community gather for an in-depth demonstration of a galactic entity ranging from stars, planets, nebulae and so on, all using the latest available holographic projects, permitting attendees to experience what is being covered. Many non-Skrell describe the experience as ethereal.

Leadership

Qeblak is governed by only particular Skrell, those demonstrating extraordinary psionic prowess. It is believed that only the most powerful of psionics are capable of accurately gleaning information from astronomical objects, and translating the information received from them. The clergy, known as the "Qyu-Nyala", is composed of different ranks depicting how far a Skrell is on their journey as religious leaders.

Qe'Puu - Starsquires

The Qe'Puu are the youngest, usually around the ages of 20 - 30 years old. They are typically Skrell with high psionic potential that have chosen to devote their lives to Qeblak, and will undergo apprenticeships to observe and learn from those that have come before them. They will remain as Qe'Pluu until they successfully pass a series of tests - both in knowledge and psionics. They usually tasked with menial labour, such as organizing a higher-ranking member's astrological charts or cleaning the places of religious worship - a massive temple that has a glass ceiling to enable transparent viewing of the sky above known as "The Observatory Domes".

Qe'Naho - Starkeepers

The Qe'Naho are above the Qe'Puu, and are described as the 'protectors of Qeblak'. The Qe'Naho are seen as the next generation of Skrell that will lead the religion and as such are expected to ensure the protection of the faith through rigorous studying of the doctrines, and uphold it at all times. Qe'Naho can only ascend the ranks of Qeblak if a higher-ranking member retires, which shifts the hierarchal system that guides the faith. Starkeepers act as counsellors, advisors and community spiritual leaders.

Qe'Bqak - Starchanters

The Qe'Bqak are the highest-ranking members of Qeblak, and are considered masterful psionic wielders. They study astronomical objects, transcribing them into Lu-Qsi (Abyss Journals). Skrell that receive this position are expected to retire once they believe they have completed their work, with the culture of the Skrell usually resulting in them retaining the position until their death. Qe'Bqak are the only members of the clergy allowed to give advice to the Grand Councillor.

Holy Prayers of Qeblak

Miasmic Cluster (Gaqq-qu'ya)

From the path one fell,
where their duty lay neglected,
there is only forgiveness to ask,
of the cosmos that has yet to be traversed,
allow one time to re-ascertain their goals,
and return to the path aligned for them.

Beginning of the Protostar (Wetl'qu-Qih)

The humble beginnings of all,
the start of a process anew,
all that one asks is for the stars to align,
and grant aid in the future to come, 
so that one can travel the path created, 
for it is only through obedience,
can one strive for success. 

Devourer of the Cosmos (Eqqa-Luyal)

Hallowed cosmos,
custodian of life and death,
the price has been paid,
align the stars and guide,
the souls of stardust,
that have since left our world.

Star-Bright (Qu-qu'qu)

Shining bright amongst,
the most blessed of stars, 
it is the cosmos one calls,
to give it praise and admiration,
its beauty ever-unfolding,
its rage known, 
one can all but ask,
for protection. 

Marriage & Death

Marriage is considerably different for Skrell, as their relationships are typically not as monogamous as the other species found within the Orion Spur. Ancient followers of Qeblak created a ceremony for the joining of various Skrell, eventually calling it the "Pairing of the Stars" or "Quy-aqa", which has survived for thousands of years and evolved to what it is today. The ceremony is considered incredibly intimate, and a sign that the Skrell within the newly forming Quya respect the foundations of the union. The actual planning of the ceremony can take years, with minute details considered highly important to the result of the ceremony. Most will take place within the Observatory Domes, hosted by the same number of Starkeepers as there are Skrell willing to form a union.

The actual ceremony will commence just after sunrise, and is expected to occur throughout the whole day. Skrell from the Quya will select a Starkeeper, who will eventually be told about the respective Skrell's wishes and desires in regards to the formation of the Quya. After the process has concluded the various Skrell will be escorted to a circular altar, where they will each stand opposite of another and join hands. The Starkeepers will then circle around the union, each psionically expressing the knowledge given to them by those within the forming Quya. After this is done, the Skrell will psionically bond through the use of a process known as "mind-melding". This process is the final step in the ceremony, and is meant to symbolize the attachment to each Skrell within the Quya. Should they wish, the Quya will then be registered within the Jargon Federation.

Death is not considered the end by the Skrell; merely a temporary transition between what is here, and what is within the cosmos. Qeblak describes death as being an invitation to join the cosmos, whether as the smallest comet or the largest quasar, all Skrell are said to join those who have already departed. The most common method for post-mortem instructions is burial, so that the body can be reabsorbed back into the environment it stemmed from.

Doctrines

The Doctrines of Qeblak, or known as the Qrikiqi, is a set of virtues which constitute the major practices of Qeblak. They are:

• Waaq Qrikiqi: Studious (Nral'Malic: Wa'Pii)

Studying and the gaining of knowledge is a cornerstone of both Skrell culture and the Qeblak faith. In context, this virtue is the studying of the stars and constellations, and divining meaning from the viewers interpretations.

• Laqiq Qrikiqi: Obedience (Nral'Malic: Laqiq)

The virtue of obedience can be interpreted in many ways, but is normally recognised by practitioners as viewing and accepting the teachings of Starkeepers and Starchanters. Another interpretation commonly held is obeying the will of the universe.

• Qowii Qrikiqi: Tolerance (Nral'Malic: qo'Wiq)

Like obedience, tolerance can be interpreted in multiple ways. Most accept that its meant in a more general form, and that followers should show tolerance to those not of the Qeblak faith as well as non-Skrell. Alternatively, it can also be seen as tolerance for what the constellations say, and how sometimes you may not receive the interpretation you wanted.

• Vri'Wii Qrikiqi: Diligence (Nral'Malic: Vqiwii)

Diligence is one of the more straightforward doctrines of the faith. The proper study of the constellations must be made in order to receive the most accurate interpretation.

• Nlamo Qrikiqi: Patience (Nral'Malic: Nlaq'Wo)

Patience, like above, is a straightforward doctrine. Patience, diligence, and study are all needed in order to properly read the constellations, but patience is taught in particular as rushing to conclusions ultimately leads to false readings.

Weishii

A relatively "newer" belief within the Jargon Federation; Weishii is a schism of Qeblak that flourished during the first colonial expansion of the skrellian empire. Weishii follows a similar belief of that of Qeblak; with slight distinctions. Those of the faith believe that there is a more spiritual path that can be travelled in order to gain insight of the galaxy, mostly revolving around the various constellations spotted from the Homeworld. The constellations are mostly observed, and then meditated upon for further understanding of oneself.

There are a variety of techniques, for those who follow Weishii, that can be utilized in order to gain the deeper upstanding. Meditation, reading of multiple sacred texts united within a book known as the Ron'tor-Aq, and the use of special brews created with wulumunusha extract being the most common. It is encouraged by those of the faith's cloth to combine these techniques in order to better the chances of one's capability in discovering a deeper understanding of themselves, and the galaxy they find themselves within.

Many believers of Weishii do not believe in consecrated buildings designated for their faith; instead utilizing established sanctuaries within the wilderness. These sanctuaries eventually prompt the creation of Weishiin communities, who spread and share their knowledge with other believers, with many simply "touring" the various communities within the area. The process of the touring is known as Kon'ra'Qii, with the literal translation being "to move and talk".

Leadership

Weishii's hierarchy is based on age stratification; where the eldest, in terms of being a believer, are usually those that oversee the faith. The "clergy" is split into three categories, each being a distinct telling of how far a believer has progressed within Weishii. The entirety of the "clergy" is known as the "Weishiiq". It is a very decentralized hierarchy, with the eldest of the Weishiiq typically left to make their own minor choices in regards to a sanctuary and how to teach.

Wei'Qii - Apprentice

An apprentice is a young believer, who either has yet to learn about the faith or is in the beginning stages of their studies in regards to the faith. They are frequently assigned to journeymen in order to be mentored in regards to Weishii, mostly associated with the Ron'tor'Aq and the brewing of wulumunusha extract within various liquids - mostly Dyn tea.

Wei'Rii - Journeyman

A journeyman is an older believer within the Weishii faith, and has managed to successfully provide evidence of their teachings to a Master. They are considered to be the mentors of Weishii, and are obliged to tutor the fledgeling apprentices. They are typically well-versed in the teachings of the Ron'tor'Aq and are expected to obey the doctrines set forth by the holy text.

Wei'Vii - Master

The masters of Weishiiq have essentially passed through the chain from the lowly beginnings of an apprentice all through to the final stages of becoming a master; producing their own text that will be evaluated by the eldest of masters through the process of Kon'ra'Qii. Only upon the clearance of five grandmasters, will a journey be accepted to become a master. Masters are also obliged to begin their own sanctuaries and foster a community in which believers can thrive and learn.

Holy Scriptures of Weishii

"For when there existed both light and darkness, 
 there existed the cosmos. The benevolent energy,
 shared across the all-covering galaxy that would,
 be embued within the Skrell. It is only through,
 the understanding of oneself that one can,
 truly begin to ascend spiritually."

"Defiance goes against the teachings,
 even in its simplicity. One cannot be defiant,
 and obedient to the teachings. It is only through obedience,
 can one achieve excellence."

"Meditation within solace will yield,
 greater results than that of meditation,
 within the spur of a cacophony. Remaining,
 serene, even after the process of meditation,
 is a vital aspect for all students of the faith.
 Intrapersonal conflict must be dealt with,
 for the teachings to be useful." 

Marriage & Death

The views on marriage for Weishiin are very liberal. It is considered not as a religious duty, and Weishii does not compel a person to be married. It does not force somebody to remain as a bachelor. It is not laid down anywhere that followers must produce children or regulate the number of children that they produce. It allows each individual the freedom to decide for themself all the issues pertaining to marriage.

Despite the faith not considering it a religious duty, there are various traditions and customs that are expected to be followed by those that wish to form a Quya. The ceremony is considered incredibly private, with most being only witnessed by the Wei'Vii initiating the Quya. The process is rather intimate, as the Skrell will all drink from a singular chalice spiked with wulumunusha extract - where they will then meditate and form a "Nlom'akk" or a "Psionic Link". This is meant to emphasize that the Skrell are no longer individuals, but a Quya.

Weishii have similar beliefs to that of Qeblak in regards to death; it is merely a transitioning stage. Once a Skrell has passed, a small ceremony will be held within a sanctuary, where both the Quya and Clergy will sing various hymns. This meant to draw the spirit of the Skrell out of its body, before the final process of the funeral rites - cremation. If the hymns had not drawn the spirit out, the cleansing burn will force it out.

Doctrines

The Doctrines of Weishii, or known as the Wei'Priqi, is a set of virtues which constitute the major practices of Weishii. They are:

• Agrok Wei'Kriqi: Determination (Nral'Malic: Agro'Qi)

Determination is a key component to the Weishii faith. Determination to one’s self and one’s future but also determination to the faith and the community as a whole. This doctrine is focused on bettering the individual and those around them.

• Ziroq Wei'Kriqi: Serenity (Nral'Malic: Zi'ro-Qii)

Serenity ties directly into the core tenets and practices of Weishii. This doctrine is often associated with the many meditations and tea ceremonies that are held by the Weishii faith. Followers of Weishii are often encouraged to be peaceful and serene in any situation.

• Qanhe Wei'Kriqi: Honesty (Nral'Malic: Kan'Chiq)

Being honest is the way of the Weishii faith. Lying is frowned upon due to the impacts it can have on the community and the individual alike. For a community to arise and respect each other, everyone must be honest and forthcoming with their feelings and grievances.

• Qlonii Wei'Kriqi: Wisdom (Nral'Malic: Wronoqi)

Wisdom is highly regarded within the Weishii faith and it is said to be the hardest doctrine to fully understand. What wisdom means is ultimately up to the individual; however, those who consider themselves wise may be shocked to hear that others may not view them the same. This leads wisdom up to the interpretation of the individual, but also the community.

• Wra'Qos Wei'Kriqi: Acceptance (Nral'Malic: Qonros)

Acceptance is fairly straightforward. Those with an open, and friendly, mind will be accepted into the faith with no issue as long as their intentions are pure. Weishii is also accepting of those willing to change and align with the core tenets. Being welcoming to those of all backgrounds is extremely important to the followers of Weishii and the community around them. Those who participate in deductive behaviors within the Jargon Federation are said to be impure by the Weishii faith.

Shared Constellations

The constellations deemed important by both Qeblak and Weishii followers:

The Island

Meanings: Loneliness. Introspection. Earth. Rising above, or, in certain orientations, sinking beneath. Reality.

The Hatching Egg

Meanings: New beginnings. A fresh start. Youth. Life. Excitement. Ignorance. Foolishness. Joy.

The Star Chanter

Meanings: Wisdom. Spirituality. Connection with the stars. Connection to history. Aloofness. A rigid path. Air.

The Jiu’x’klua

Meanings: Art. Creation. Loss. Sadness. Longing. Communication. The imaginary.

The Stormcloud

Meanings: Conflict. Shock. Surprises. Tension. Endurance. Strength. Force. Fire.

The Gnarled Tree

Meanings: Age. Wisdom. Sickness. Frailty, or, in certain orientations, toughness. Rigidity. Tradition. Plantlife. Balance.

The Poet

Meanings: Communication. Progress. Science. Advancement. Longing. Art. Expression. Loneliness. Contentment. Dreams.

The Bloated Toad

Meanings: Greed. Arrogance. Wealth. Success. Smugness. Laziness. Accomplishment. Adulthood.

The Void

Meanings: Death. Endings. Mystery. The unknown. Fear. Danger. Creation.

The Qu’Poxiii

Meanings: Love. Friendship. Company. Opposites. Teamwork. Happiness. The material. Safety. Progress. Support.

The Fisher

Meanings: Hard work. Stagnation. Embarrassment. Water. Patience. A long, but productive wait.

Religious Holidays and Events

Coming of Age

Qeblak Ceremony

For Qeblak believers, this ceremony is more like a religious exam. The Skrell who is going through the ceremony will enter their local observatory with their Starkeeper. The Skrell must then recite the Wetl'qu-Qih, or 'Beginning of the Protostar'. Once this is done, they will have to go through a rigorous exam where their knowledge of the faith is tested, before finally being given a set of constellations to identify. After identifying the constellations they must state what each constellation means to them while their mind is being read by the Starkeeper. Once the ceremony is finished, the Starkeeper will divine a 'fortune' for the Skrell, giving them a glimpse of what their life will be like using the interpretations given earlier, as well as advice on how to ensure or alter this path. Afterwards, they are given a shoulder cape and greeted by their close friends and family as they celebrate.

Weishii Ceremony

For Weishii believers, the ceremony is a lot more relaxed, with an emphasis made on the person's spiritual readiness to become an adult, rather than testing. The ritual is hosted normally by a Wei'Vii, a Master of the faith, and is more communal than the Qeblak ritual. The Skrell going through the rite will imbibe a special tonic made from wulumunusha extract while engaging in a spiritual discussion telepathically with the Master. Observers will then look on and chant; producing a low melancholy of warbling and croaking. The purpose of the discussion is for the Master to gauge the Skrell’s understanding of themselves and the cosmos. Using this information, the Master will give them parting advice at the end of the ceremony for them to reflect upon, with the aim of improving themselves as a person.

Bright Nights

Bright Nights is a term used for two times of the year where the constellations important to the Qeblak and Weishii faiths are most visible on Qerrbalak; this is due to the orbit and rotation of the planet showcasing the optimal view of the constellations. In the summer, the constellations Hatching Egg, Jiu’x’Kula, Gnarled Tree, Poet, Qu’Poxii, and Fisher can be seen. In the winter, the constellations observed consist of The Island, Star Chanter, Stormcloud, Bloated Toad, and Void are most visible.

Now that the Federation has expanded outside of the homeworld, Bright Nights have evolved into a religious ceremony where observers gather inside their local observatory and stargaze; often looking for their planet’s constellations. This is normally accompanied by hymns of warbling and croaks as well as the sharing of interpretations of constellations observed that night.

Minor Faiths

These beliefs were, until the rise and fall of Glorsh, mostly extinct, with the amount of followers being negligible to none. With the upheaval and separation of skrellian society, these have gained traction and more followers. Due to the fact these beliefs go against the core values of the Federation, they are outright banned, and people discovered to adhere to them suffer extensive economic penalties.

Suur’ka

While it is true that the Skrell society does not resort to violence unless necessary, there have been exceptions to this in various circumstances. This belief abhors what it views as the present complacency and docility of the Skrell, instead pushing for a more aggressive and brutal way of conflict. It values strength and force as guiding principles for society. This belief has gained traction in the Traverse following the fall of Glorsh and by some Skrell living beyond the Federation. These followers within the Federation tend to be shunned, with authorities claiming their brutal and ‘uncivilized’ ways set a bad precedent for Skrell throughout the galaxy. Moreover, most Skrell are not physically gifted, and are often outclassed by most other species. Still, followers of the Suur’ka beliefs train their body and mind to handle a variety of different circumstances. Training centers exist but are usually privately funded and require membership access. Mental dojos are often tranquil, recluse places where Skrell learn and adopt the tenants of self-preservation and weapon-use.

Kir’gul

Kir'gul is the belief that emphasises the focus on the full individuality of a Skrell, suppressing the Wake as to not push people into thoughts that were not truly their own. This belief has mainly gained traction among the Skrell that live amongst alien dominant species, where the Federation fueled collective emphasis is not as prevalent. After the fall of Glorsh-Omega, this belief has seen significant traction amongst both foreign Skrell and domestic, as many Skrell are now wary about the threat of a collective entity, whether that be artificial or biological. This belief system enforces the Ya’Qu, or ‘the right to live’, a saying that is similar to the human ‘live in the moment’. As such, the Skrell following the Kir’gul belief system often are explorers, artists, or other such creators, and reject authority in favor of individuality.