Way of the Starfolk

Overview

The Way of the Starfolk is a Kepek religion which states that the talbek are the creators and gods of the universe. They believe they and the other space-fairing races, whom they refer to collectively as "starfolk", were the chosen of the Nulekib (an alternate word for the talbek that translates to “the creators”) - and were allowed to ascend and live among them. But their holy texts tell of many cases where, once their brethren ascended to the stars, they grew cocky and arrogant. They labelled the Nulekib as mere beasts and thought themselves superior, claiming that their own ingenuity allowed them to leave their planetary prisons. So the Nulekib turned their backs on all the starfolk. However, the true starfolk stayed loyal, and while the Nulekib were still mad, they forgave their true followers, on the condition that they would not have true enlightenment again until they brought the rest of the starfolk back to them.

Divine Origins

The Way of the Starfolk origonated from the Kepek, specifically within the Tebraki in the early days of space exploration. the Tebraki who followed the Way eventually split off and founded their own ship fleet and colonies, becoming the Nabrai. The region the ICF.Nabrai travels within is notably very close to a few Eberanu colonies as well, and so as a result, The Way was spread to them during the species first few interactions.

Tenets of Faith

Every Starfolk must choose a Matabit - a code - to follow. Each Matabit is said to be the will of one of the Nulekib, written down and recorded by a loyal follower. How this information is conveyed is unknown to non-starfolk.
Some of the more common Matabit and their most basic tenants include:

The way of Vat'Patver

Vat'Patver is a powerful Nulekib that has power over the stars themselves, and the heat they emit. Within The Way of the Starfolk, it represents a sense of home, somewhere that offers stability and comfort and even life-bringing warmth, like how the planets are anchored to and warmed by their stars. Simultaneously, it embodies their explosiveness and power - should a star wish it, it could destroy all that is anchored to it in brilliant displays of power and strength. Followers of Vat'Patver often include politicians, military and police forces, as well as those with particularly dangerous occupations. It's followers are expected to adhere to the following tenants:

• Where you go, others follow. Create safe paths for them, provide them with warmth and destroy dangers who get too close.
• Never show fear - courage and unfaltering confidence are just as much an asset as any weapon.
• Your emotions, both positive and negative, are useful tools, but should never be left unchecked. When the circumstances call for it, be explosive and let your power flow, but know when to keep it calm.

The Way of Ara'tu

Ara'tu is another powerful Nulekib with power over the minds of the living as well as emotions. Followers of Ara'tu include doctors of the mind such as psychologists and therapists, as well as anyone else who's occupation revolves around understand the way people's minds work. It's followers are expected to adhere to the following tenants:

• The emotions of all beings, no matter how primitive or complex are sacred and a necessary aspect of survival, and as such should be respected.

Granted Divine Powers

To aid them in this mission, it was said that loyal starfolk who won the favour of Nulekib would be given powers. What powers they were given would depend on who's favour they won. Claims of starfolk being granted everything from the ability to make fire in their hands to the power of gravity control have been recorded. Those granted these powers were referred to as Vux.

Political Influence & Intrigue

The Way of the Starfolk is the dominant religion on both the ICF.Tabiren and the ICF.Nabrai and, as a result, has an awful lot of power onboard both ships and among the colonies they command, especially on the ICF.Nabrai, where Starfolk priests even determine who is and isn't allowed to mate and produce children.

Type

Religious, Cult

Demonym

Starfolk

Related Species

• Kepek