Keeper of Lights - Sinovirsi fe Tokuq
The city of Supki is embedded within a mountain, where the majority of its buildings and infrastructure is inside massive caverns carved out from magma bulges in the ancient past. In order to simulate daylight, hundreds of shafts were carved into the ceiling and walls and embedded with mirrors to reflect sunlight directly into the cavern from the outside world. These shafts are in turn covered by translucent rain sheets during storms to avoid the influx of too much water into the caverns.
These mirrors were tended by the Sinovirsi fe Tokuq -- the Keeper of the Light -- faction, where they would use their Ability to keep the mirrors in perfect alignment as the Sun moved through the sky during the day. They had partners who would take up their shift to mirror the moons' light into the cavern and project star patterns on the ceilings.
The maintenance of the light tunnels is essential infrastructure for much of the city of Supki. This means the Keepers of the Light hold significant roles in the politics and government of the city. There are emissaries from the Keeper villages that go down to the government sector of Supki and attend crucial Vezisik, where policies are put forward for debate by the representatives of the local government. There are alcoves in the Speaker Dome, where the Vezisik takes place, that hold hammocks and/or hanging vines for the emissaries to step away for their rituals. A moment of silence is always held out of respect for those moments.
A good portion of the city's infrastructure budget goes to the Sinovirsi due to the critical need of their work.
To become part of the Sinovirsi fe Tokuq (SiFeTo acroynym), years of training was required in addition to the usual education levels required by all citizens of the Sunik Nation. The specialized training involves intense Ability training as well as practice runs through the shafts and knowledge on how to repair the technology that runs the light systems. All Keepers of the Light are traditionally of the Tokuntinetori Ability. The sect also developed its own language -- a mixture of signs and verbal responses -- to aid in effective work in the long tunnels during maintenance days.
Over time, more and more of these mirror light system became automated, so then the Keepers of the Light evolved to include those with the Tijantinetori Ability, but due to the sensitivity of the Light systems, it was discovered that Keepers needed to also have at least have Level 1 Tokuntinetori, particularly for night shifts. So those with both Abilities were often favored in recruits within the present day.
Much of the philosophy within the Keeper of the Lights can be found in the oral tradition of Tazihăvasi, which was written down on papyrus in 411 E.
More Information:
Are they a powerful and highly regarded class? Or are they viewed as ordinary professionals, like doctors, lawyers, merchants, etc?
The Keeper of the lights is a highly respected class. They hold a lot of sway in government policies, especially around technology that affects light and energy. This is why an automated system has never been set up in the tunnels as the Keepers of the Light subtlety kill any mention or research that could automate the mirror system. The Sinovirsi fe Tokuq do not want their roles or sect to be eliminated by automation, though they do allow for some newer tech to replace the aging clockwork mechanisms in some of the oldest tunnels. However, they still maintain that humans must be present for maintenance regardless.
They are viewed as highly skilled artisans by the general populace, and much of their political influence is done behind the scenes.
Are they the sole keepers of secular knowledge? Do they use it to advance their own agenda?
No. They only advance their own agenda if the livelihood of the Keepers is threatened (such as in the automation of the mirror system debates that crop up periodically when technology advances in specific fields).
Are they scholars of philosophy, theology, and sacred history (type 1)? Or are they focused on preaching, building, and maintaining their congregation (type 2)?
They are scholars and artisans of their work, art, and philosophy. They are not focused on preaching or building their congregation. People will flock to be part of their congregation, especially those of the Tokuntinetori Ability or the Titjaninetori (a recently amendment to their doctrine) Ability. However, even if a Tijantinetori Ability user applies, they still need, due to the sensitivity of the Light systems, at least have Level 1 Tokuntinetori, particularly for night shifts. So those with both Abilities are often favored in recruits within the present day. Is the religion large and organized enough to support priests of both the previous types?
There are no priests. The sect has a horizontal structure with little to no hierarchy. All people within the Keepers of the Light are held in the same regard with the same power and authority. Even recruits are brought into the fold and viewed in the same manner -- recruits often have mentors that train them, but the community itself is the ultimate teacher for recruits as everyone pitches in to assist in their training.
The community is in the thousands in modern time, but they host community gatherings in each sector of their domain (the ceilings and walls of each Supki level -- there are four completed levels of Supki with a fifth in a construction phase). In these gatherings they discuss political topics, such as regulations or bills that may impact their work and lives in general, and discuss how to handle these and what they should support or if they should refrain from involvement. They also discuss philosophy and technology, as well as discussion on any issues within the mirror system. They come to a consensus through voting with a 60% "yes" vote needed to advance that agreement into the adoption of the sect's response and activities to outside influence and to internal maintenance of their sect. The community gathering then decides on a representative to bring their ideas and agreements to the larger overall sect gathering.
The "Oni-sinovirsi" gathering, the overall gathering, is held in the top level of Supki, in a gathering spot in the catwalks of the ceiling. Here representatives bring forward the majority agreements for various topics, policies, philosophy topics, technology, and maintenance of the sect -- each share their case, their reasoning on why that gathering came to their consensus, and then there is a vote. This time a 100% agreement is needed to pass. In most cases, those that dissent are able to discuss why and work out compromises. It is rare to lack of agreement that fails to come to a compromise; however, in event that this does happen, the representatives return to their gathering and explain why the dissent happened. The gatherings then discuss the other perspectives and vote on possible compromises. Or the topic/policy is abandoned and a new approach is discussed.
How resistant are they to social change?
They are only resistant to automation that impact light systems and energy systems. They are reluctant to upgrade their systems unless the new technology involves a human component and evidence is shown that it can improve their ability to do their jobs effectively. They are an evidence-based sect when it comes to adopting new ideology and technology.
These mirrors were tended by the Sinovirsi fe Tokuq -- the Keeper of the Light -- faction, where they would use their Ability to keep the mirrors in perfect alignment as the Sun moved through the sky during the day. They had partners who would take up their shift to mirror the moons' light into the cavern and project star patterns on the ceilings.
The maintenance of the light tunnels is essential infrastructure for much of the city of Supki. This means the Keepers of the Light hold significant roles in the politics and government of the city. There are emissaries from the Keeper villages that go down to the government sector of Supki and attend crucial Vezisik, where policies are put forward for debate by the representatives of the local government. There are alcoves in the Speaker Dome, where the Vezisik takes place, that hold hammocks and/or hanging vines for the emissaries to step away for their rituals. A moment of silence is always held out of respect for those moments.
A good portion of the city's infrastructure budget goes to the Sinovirsi due to the critical need of their work.
To become part of the Sinovirsi fe Tokuq (SiFeTo acroynym), years of training was required in addition to the usual education levels required by all citizens of the Sunik Nation. The specialized training involves intense Ability training as well as practice runs through the shafts and knowledge on how to repair the technology that runs the light systems. All Keepers of the Light are traditionally of the Tokuntinetori Ability. The sect also developed its own language -- a mixture of signs and verbal responses -- to aid in effective work in the long tunnels during maintenance days.
Over time, more and more of these mirror light system became automated, so then the Keepers of the Light evolved to include those with the Tijantinetori Ability, but due to the sensitivity of the Light systems, it was discovered that Keepers needed to also have at least have Level 1 Tokuntinetori, particularly for night shifts. So those with both Abilities were often favored in recruits within the present day.
Much of the philosophy within the Keeper of the Lights can be found in the oral tradition of Tazihăvasi, which was written down on papyrus in 411 E.
More Information:
Are they a powerful and highly regarded class? Or are they viewed as ordinary professionals, like doctors, lawyers, merchants, etc?The Keeper of the lights is a highly respected class. They hold a lot of sway in government policies, especially around technology that affects light and energy. This is why an automated system has never been set up in the tunnels as the Keepers of the Light subtlety kill any mention or research that could automate the mirror system. The Sinovirsi fe Tokuq do not want their roles or sect to be eliminated by automation, though they do allow for some newer tech to replace the aging clockwork mechanisms in some of the oldest tunnels. However, they still maintain that humans must be present for maintenance regardless.
They are viewed as highly skilled artisans by the general populace, and much of their political influence is done behind the scenes.
Are they the sole keepers of secular knowledge? Do they use it to advance their own agenda?
No. They only advance their own agenda if the livelihood of the Keepers is threatened (such as in the automation of the mirror system debates that crop up periodically when technology advances in specific fields).
Are they scholars of philosophy, theology, and sacred history (type 1)? Or are they focused on preaching, building, and maintaining their congregation (type 2)?
They are scholars and artisans of their work, art, and philosophy. They are not focused on preaching or building their congregation. People will flock to be part of their congregation, especially those of the Tokuntinetori Ability or the Titjaninetori (a recently amendment to their doctrine) Ability. However, even if a Tijantinetori Ability user applies, they still need, due to the sensitivity of the Light systems, at least have Level 1 Tokuntinetori, particularly for night shifts. So those with both Abilities are often favored in recruits within the present day. Is the religion large and organized enough to support priests of both the previous types?
There are no priests. The sect has a horizontal structure with little to no hierarchy. All people within the Keepers of the Light are held in the same regard with the same power and authority. Even recruits are brought into the fold and viewed in the same manner -- recruits often have mentors that train them, but the community itself is the ultimate teacher for recruits as everyone pitches in to assist in their training.
The community is in the thousands in modern time, but they host community gatherings in each sector of their domain (the ceilings and walls of each Supki level -- there are four completed levels of Supki with a fifth in a construction phase). In these gatherings they discuss political topics, such as regulations or bills that may impact their work and lives in general, and discuss how to handle these and what they should support or if they should refrain from involvement. They also discuss philosophy and technology, as well as discussion on any issues within the mirror system. They come to a consensus through voting with a 60% "yes" vote needed to advance that agreement into the adoption of the sect's response and activities to outside influence and to internal maintenance of their sect. The community gathering then decides on a representative to bring their ideas and agreements to the larger overall sect gathering.
The "Oni-sinovirsi" gathering, the overall gathering, is held in the top level of Supki, in a gathering spot in the catwalks of the ceiling. Here representatives bring forward the majority agreements for various topics, policies, philosophy topics, technology, and maintenance of the sect -- each share their case, their reasoning on why that gathering came to their consensus, and then there is a vote. This time a 100% agreement is needed to pass. In most cases, those that dissent are able to discuss why and work out compromises. It is rare to lack of agreement that fails to come to a compromise; however, in event that this does happen, the representatives return to their gathering and explain why the dissent happened. The gatherings then discuss the other perspectives and vote on possible compromises. Or the topic/policy is abandoned and a new approach is discussed.
How resistant are they to social change?
They are only resistant to automation that impact light systems and energy systems. They are reluctant to upgrade their systems unless the new technology involves a human component and evidence is shown that it can improve their ability to do their jobs effectively. They are an evidence-based sect when it comes to adopting new ideology and technology.
History
When the Supki city was founded, the Keepers of the Light formed immediately after, and the first group of Keepers worked for days to locate the light tunnels and replace the shattered components. Most of the tunnels had been in place already, before the work on the city's four levels began. These light tunnels originate from the period when the Dragios ruins had been active. It is likely that the clockwork mechanisms were remote controlled with one-site maintenance as a back-up, but the remote controlled aspect was unable to be recovered. The remote controlled tech within the tunnels was unusable, although the salvage was placed in the care of a museum for research. So the Keepers of the Light were formed.
Over the centuries, the tunnels expanded into the other levels, to create an automated system of light to represent day and night. The Keepers began to separate themselves from society, forming their own sub-culture. They mostly lived in the spires of the tunnels, the catwalks grew to become a hub of homes, creation centers, and trade hubs. Ladders and then soon elevators wound their way up the massive columns of stone that held up the city levels. Traders would send apprentices up to trade with the Keepers of the Light and share stories of the city and outside world with them.
As the centuries wore on, the Keepers of the Light became a meditative religious group that honored the sun and moon. Anyone could join their ranks as followers, but only those with the Tokuntinetori Ability became true Keepers of the Light. With the onset of more advanced technology, this ritual was amended to include Tijantinetori, who had an affinity with quantum particles and the technology reliant on quantum processing.
Execution
The tunnels with the light mirrors are carved out of granite with specks of various crystals. The tunnels are smooth and circular. The mirrors are old clockwork mechanisms that are wound by a lever to move the mirror in specific orientation (in the up/down direction). Another lever moves it in a horizontal direction. And a third lever moves it in a circular direction. A sightline allows the practitioner to look down the tunnel to sight the other mirror and align the light beams effectively -- the Ability of the practitioner allows them to sense the excitation of the light on the mirrors, which gives them the indication that the mirror has reached its most effective position. These mirrors are checked daily during the noon hour.
The mirrors are one-sided lens that are replaced every third year by highly skilled glass blowers. The technique was reverse-engineered from the remnants of the Dragios mirrors, and the blowing techniques handed down as exactly as possible through written word, diagrams, and oral tradition. The glass blowers hold the Ability to sense the particles in the glass, allowing them to maximize their technique down to the particle.
Components and tools
How ornate or simple is the architecture?
The clock work mechanisms are quite ornate with scripts carved into the metal, and the pieces various colors from the replacements to parts done over the centuries. The tunnels themselves have no decorations or color variations other than what the granite itself provides.
Where are they built? Are they close to residential areas, or far away?
They are built in the ceilings and walls of the Supki Cavern.
How many are there?
564 tunnels in total.
What items do people use to perform their worship as completely as possible?
Tools for maintenance on clockwork mechanisms. Packets of metal seeds that were grown into specific parts (or will be if the practitioner has the Ability) -- these are tiny parts that require tweezers and other tools to handle and install. any water is in a pack with a straw, so that none will fall in the tunnel. No food is allowed. Hands and feet covered with gloves and boots that assist the practioner in gripping. Gloves for handling the mechanism is also needed. All of the body is covered with at least a body suit or thicker/warmer clothing for colder days.
What are some things that would not be permitted inside these tunnels?
No food. No open containers of drink. No weapons. Objects that could crack or chip the tunnel must be thoroughly wrapped in the bottom of the belt pouch or pack.
Is there any other places of worship that perform additional services for the populace when worship is not in session?
The gardens are places for meditation and places to gather together for community cooking and/or music sessions. These gardens are situated in the walkways between the tunnels.
Observance
The mixture of moral code and spiritual meaning embued in the Sun, Moons, and Earth. Periodically through the day, small and/or short rituals are done to honor the spiritual significance of the might and care these celestial bodies give their world. Sometimes this can be singing, sometimes it can use fire or stone shaping, sometimes it can be in dance. In the tangle of bridges and platforms that criss-cross the ceilings of the city's caverns, there are gardens adorned with mushrooms and hanging plants, where these rituals are often done. Or the rituals are done in the quiet of the person's home.
The task of maintaining the mirrors to simulate the Day/Night cycles of the city is considered not only sacred but crucial to life itself. Those who are trained to work the tunnels are often held in higher esteem than those who are not trained or cannot work the tunnels. Even with this honor held position, the communities are very egalitarian and communal, where everyone works together to keep their existence running efficiently and independently.
There is the origin story of how humanity came to Elivera that ties all religions together; however, the Sinovirsi do not add much significance beyond honoring the ancestors that ended the Dragios reign and brought about the Silence. The Sinovirsi holds its own origin myths of how humans came to the caverns of Supki to build their city, and it is a mixture of adventure and cooperation between different enclaves of human survivors.
The task of maintaining the mirrors to simulate the Day/Night cycles of the city is considered not only sacred but crucial to life itself. Those who are trained to work the tunnels are often held in higher esteem than those who are not trained or cannot work the tunnels. Even with this honor held position, the communities are very egalitarian and communal, where everyone works together to keep their existence running efficiently and independently.
There is the origin story of how humanity came to Elivera that ties all religions together; however, the Sinovirsi do not add much significance beyond honoring the ancestors that ended the Dragios reign and brought about the Silence. The Sinovirsi holds its own origin myths of how humans came to the caverns of Supki to build their city, and it is a mixture of adventure and cooperation between different enclaves of human survivors.
Poetic Sagas
- Valarin (segmented into 52 stanzas)
- Sinovistoqun (106 stanzas)
- Avasinovisir (180 stanzas)
- The Keeper of Lights Doctrine (106 pages)
- Tokuvisi (224 pages)
- Qamavisi (388 pages)
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