Terminus Cult Makes Inroads in Citadel Space

Terminus Cult Makes Inroads in Citadel Space

By Tobias McKaffer, Presidium Sun

Tayseri Ward, Citadel- The comparatively recent relaxation of tariffs, bans, and restrictions on trade with the Terminus Systems has seen a dramatic uptick in the exchange of goods, raw materials, technology, and information between two very different regions. Various cultural groups finding new homes in the transition is far from unusual in such circumstances, however until now few have attracted any significant following or engendered substantial local development on their own.

The religion known as the Va’liat has, thus far, defied the current trend; claiming four Ward councilmen from Tayseri, a not insignificant portion of Terminus expatriates on the Station, and no less than fifteen Tier Twenty Hierarchy officials as converts. According to notable political scientist Foles Ialdrik this development, while startling for its relative speed, is also worrying.

“A kind of social osmosis is inevitable in this situation” he stated in an interview earlier today, “that is to be both expected and accounted for. However, the main issue with this is that, like most religions, this ‘Church of Flame and Void’ promotes a sense of community and direction to people who feel adrift. Given the group’s origins, their predilection for extremist action and what could charitably be called war crimes when threatened, and connection to and cultivation of radical elements and warlordist states, it is only reasonable to be concerned about the potential impact they might have on this Station and throughout the rest of Citadel Space.”

It would appear that no few individuals agree with Mr. Ialdrik’s position, in recent days plans by the followers of the Va’liat, or the “Va’liavas”, to open a joint temple and community center in lower Tayseri have drawn criticism and fiery condemnation from other citizens of the Station’s arm.

“We don’t want these people sticking around and putting down roots, we want them gone.” Stated Ward resident Aloysia T’Sulo at the picket line outside the construction site “It’s not enough that they’ve sent our crime rates spiking up higher than they’ve been in centuries, it’s not enough that they’ve made everyone in the Wards afraid to leave their homes off-cycle, but now we have to host fundamentalists and cultists too? No. No we’ve had enough.”

“This Temple exists for the faithful of Tayseri, a place for them and their families to worship, to meet, to celebrate, to mourn, and to simply pass the time. No one is forced to come here and no one is retained against their will.” said the ranking and religious official Kirsjval, or “Cleric”, Valiheirex Amalsinia in a press release also held today.

Despite the Cleric’s words, reporters from the Sun were barred from accessing the Va’liat’s temporary Temple in Tayseri’s eight hundred blocks and deterred from seeking an interview with Amalsinia by security staff. Requests for interviews among other members of the community have yet to be answered.

It's a theocracy you dumbfuck.
No. Not in the slightest. Do you know why?

Because they don't have to.

Because they are actually something approaching popular.
...So, by that logic, we should discharge all representatives of sovereign nations from the Citadel (which effectively exists for the representation of sovereign nations and cultural groups) on the basis that you do not agree with them.

It will be very lonely for you having only Keepers around for company. And, sadly, I don't think they're fans of your decidedly self contradicting brand of xenophilia.

Hey, don't diss Keepers. They keep to themselves, they don't bother anyone, they don't try to talk to you or sell you anything, and they don't smell. Sounds like the perfect kind of person to be around to me.

So for you "keeping a skeptical mind when cults come making offers" means "Turn them against this religion in particular". Right. You know if you're going to entirely change what I write you might as well post in my stead.

Quick! Somebody get the Citadel Defense Force! It might actually work this time!

...May I? May I really.

I have been waiting for this day for months.


I'm

I'm so happy.

At which point did I say I want them expelled? Nowhere. Stop putting words into my mouth.

I said I'm wary of them. If they're chill, then I'll be chill. If they cause trouble (that is, unprovoked and first), well enjoy C-Sec's custody then.

What about their places of worship then if they're a theocracy? Do they cater to both spiritual and administrational needs on the Citadel? If yes, why should they get an embassy on the Wards like that when other species have to wait for years or decades for that to happen?


How voluntary is the conversion if it's been brought by a marauding warlord adhering to said faith to territories he conquered? The church of flame and void might be popular alright, but if it was offered at gunpoint, how valid is the claim really?

I apologize, that was a gross exaggeration on my part. Clearly you had only the best and most open minded of intentions with your statements:


To take them in order. Firstly: probably yes though I imagine they would defer to Citadel laws like every other transplanted religion on the Citadel since basically ever. And secondly: because it's informal and dedicated to that specific community.

Hence: community center.

I am not in the mood for the hardcore libertarian dream "damn the government and enforced laws" speech right now.

I'm really not.

It was stupid the first three times it happened on this forum, it will be stupid again.

Well then I don't have problem with the Valiat.

Hallelujah.

Sir, I don't have a picture of myself clapping, but I plan on having one made just for this alone.

It's not a cult you idiot.

And I think we'd all be much happier if he went ahead and did that.

I believe that this thread, taken as a whole, rather proves my point about trouble from a new religion in an area. However after some cursory reading I feel my reservations about the Va'liat were without foundation. Though I still don't expect I will be converting.

Indeed. We had a hanar Kirsjval visit the embassy today, invited, in an attempt to discover more about the Va'liat. The other was a most gracious guest, explaining the origins of the hanar diaspora in the state, as well as what general life was like.

It must say it does not quite see what the problem is. Many of the points raised against the Va'liat could equally be applied to the Illuminated Primacy, yet nobody (at least none of any significant numbers) wants us out of the Citadel. The major differences it can see is the racial diversity of the Church and the Primacy's allowance of schisming.

The answer, Haseri is simple.

'T-Space bad, C-Space good.' Same old shit.