A work in progress. [center] [h2][u]Gaian State of Arcadia[/u][/h2] [img] https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/0462b188-ca9d-437c-8a6d-2e0d023eb607.png [/img][/center] [b]Location [/b] [hider=Black Claim][img]https://i.imgur.com/PZNmyTt.png[/img][/hider] [b]Summary:[/b] A small slice of paradise out in far corners of the Western Froniter. The Arcadian State was the result of decades of a slow, insidious takeover of the local religion, the Gaia Church, an evolution of a now defunct Gaia-centric cult that had grew in influence on the planet over the decades, incorporating elements of Old Earth-based religions to craft their own. Now the Gaians have established a theocracy in their corner of the Western Frontier, and set their plan in motion to embark on a great crusade to enact the will of Gaia. [b]Resources:[/b] The Arcadian State is separated into several dominating institutions. [list] [*] The Central Government: The last trace of the Confederacy on Arcadia. In theory, it functions as the more secular portion of the Arcadian State, responsible for maintain the everyday functions of Arcadia, as well as law enforcement. In truth however, it it is but a shallow husk of its former self, serving the whims, and in turn, as an extension of the Gaia Church. [*] The Church of Gaia: Acting both as the State Church and the ruling Government of Arcadia. The Gaia Church main tenants is the worship of the personification of Mother Earth, Gaia, as a living Goddess. [*] The Arcadian Crusade: The combined military forces of Arcadia. The Crusade is an amalgamation of the former colonial militia and other assorted enforcers, various faithful civilian volunteers, Arcadian Xeno auxiliaries, and members of the Church's militant arm, the Order of Our Lady's Most Sincere Servicemen, or the Sincere Order as they're often referred to. [/list] [hider=Planets of Paradiso System] Arcadia Eden Fortuna [/hider] [b]Administration:[/b] [list] [*] [hider=Primarch Ezekiel Argus][img]https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/e21f5209-228d-46ad-8c23-bd7fefb2795d.png[/img] Ruling figure of the both the Church of Gaia and the Arcadian State. [/hider] [*] [hider=Lord Marshal Gaius Holden] [img]https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/36229ed8-27e6-4de2-ae2d-b9362fc6902c.png[/img] Supreme Commander of the Arcadian Crusade. [/hider] [*] [hider=Council of Cardinals][img]https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/47454147-0ecd-4953-b9bb-e6452d4e87d2.png[/img] The Ruling governing body of Arcadia below the Patriarch. [/hider] [/list] [b]Strengths:[/b] Dea Vult: The Dark Age brought about with the Confederacy's near collapse and the destruction of Earth has brought about a wave of fanaticism within the Arcadian State, leading to many very eager faithful to join the cause of the Crusade of the Western Frontier. Blessings of Gaia: The colony of Arcadia was, and is renowned of the bioengineering research its minds have often delved to, often leading to surprising and beneficial results. Such results include Superfoods to properly feed the colonists and import to other worlds in the Confederacy, effective medical materials and the like. In these current uncertain times, the bioengineering research teams, at the request of the Church, have begun using their minds for military applications. The military Research resulting in a semi-regenerative alloy, bioengineered from the extremely dense chitin of the Northern Jade Strider, a rather large species of insect. Papal Authority: As is the nature of any religion, the Church of Gaia's reach extends far beyond the Arcadian Borders, many going into the shadows, both missionaries and converts alike serving as the eyes and ears of the Church through known space. When the Primarch speaks of something he wishes to see on a grand scale, it seems to have weight outside of the jurisdiction of their own lands and into others, or at the very least his word and intentions travel far. [b]Weaknesses:[/b] Keep it green: The Gaia Church makes it a priority to preserve the natural serenity of Arcadia, however, this has led to crippling industrial reforms that keep in mind the carbon footprint that is left. Their meticulous new policies include but not limited to ensuring that the recycling industry is bolstered, that carbon emissions from vehicles and factories are kept in check and regulated, and with other standards of practice meant to help the environment. In many ways this helps Arcadia stay beautiful and mitigates pollution; however the industry in Arcadia struggles to conform to these standards while still being financially viable, leading to slower production time all across the board. Fanatical Ignorance: Many of the most devout and zealous followers of the Gaian church often have their heads buried in the sand and are not entirely cognizant of the larger picture of things. Though they will interminably listen and abide by the holy authority over them they often lack the critical thinking and capacity for discussion about whether or not things are as they ought to be, and often are not open to the conversation; this is a roadblock for those who wish to pause and ponder as well as foreigners who do not have such an obsession over the church of Gaia and wish to forego different solutions. Propensity For Peace: Not all share the bloodlust of the Crusade, a portion of the populace and some of those within the Church see the Crusade as a perversion of the First Prophet Tobias' teachings. The predecessor's of the Church had expressed that pacifism was the way to be one with Gaia. These differences on Church doctrines has led to some divisions that hinder the Crusade to some capacity, although they move with the approval of His Holiness, the disapproval from the masses proves to be a morale breaker. [hider=History] It was around the mid 21st century when dozens Gaia-centric cults sprang up throughout the Earth and soon off-world, their overall views being that the Earth itself was Gaia's firstborn among many across the stars. As time went on, the movement was scattered and disorganized, gaining very little traction among the many worlds in human space, sentenced to a life of obscurity among the masses. That would soon change decades later, in the year 2122, a common member of one of said cults, Tobias Stardust, had claimed to receive a vision from Gaia herself, commanding him to seek the far corners of the stars to start a new church. Once he shared this with his fellow sect members, there was a small schism between those that wished to follow tobias, and those that remained loyal to their leader. Regardless, Tobias and his new disciples left earth for the western colonies, searching for a suitable world to start anew, to build their new Church. The world of Arcadia proved to be an ample starting point, the world was of equal beauty to Earth. After a few years of mingling with the population, Tobias had managed to attract a significant congregation, both on and off world, establishing the Church of Gaia, with tobias proclaiming himself as her First Prophet. Well over a century has passed since than, the Church of Gaia developing into a major cultural force in the Western Frontier. After the Scorching of Earth, Arcadia had exploded into a frenzy, the Primarch of the Chuch proclaimed crusade as a planet-wide uprising overwhelmed the colonial government, leading to the establishment of the Gaian State.[/hider] [hider=Extras][/hider]