Dimensionalism ((Dialga/Palkia))

Have an idea for new religion and what to add it to our lore? Do so here!

Moderator: Lore Team

Post Reply
User avatar
Rosy
Posts: 1120
Joined: Mon Aug 26, 2013 11:33 am
MC name: Rosy

Dimensionalism ((Dialga/Palkia))

Post: # 13471Post Rosy »

NOTE: The information presented below may contain some controversial beliefs. It reflects the highly-conservative views of Alkiri Dimensionalism about 100 IC years ago, and has not yet been updated to the "modern" day after being shaped by significant IC events over time. If making a character who has been / will be shaped by these beliefs, put in a Lore Team ticket to discuss the character with us!

Name of Religion: Alikiri Dimensionalism

Legendary Pixelmon Worshipped: Palkia and Dialga.

Denominations(if any): The two large denominations are Palkian and Dialgan. There are a few small sects which worship and offshoot known as Giratan Dimensionalism; however, these are largely considered cults by mainstream Dimensionalists. The former two do not necessarily conflict philosophically on many cases, but rather offer alternative practices within the same faith.

Beliefs: ((TL;DR at bottom!))
According to Dimensionalist texts, Arceus was the grand creator of the universe and all things in it. However, Dimensionalists believe that neither Arceus nor his creation were perfect. They believe that Arceus was incredibly powerful, on the scale of being able to create entire universe, but he was not entirely omnipotent. He could not make any perfect universe, as there were always constraints that he could not overcome. Certain universes that would be perfect simply couldn’t exist for more than a few moments. The current Universe, his greatest and final creation, was created as a the best viable option; however, it was inherently flawed.

Arceus’s role in the Universe ceased there. He withdrew to his eternal sanctum to merely watch as it played out. He created Palkia, Dialga, and Giratina as wardens of his creation. Palkia was to watch over celestial bodies as well as the spatial dimension, Dialga was to watch over change and time, and Giratina was set to watch entropy, antimatter, and act as a force of vindication for Arceus’s will. After having been abandoned by Arceus, Palkia and Dialga made it their duty to guard and preserve the imperfect universe. Working together, the two manipulated the cosmos to ensure that the universe would flourish. Through their machinations, life was able to grow and flourish. They had built and designed several cosmic mechanisms on which the universe operates; however, the collection of all of these individual components is referred to as The Mechanism.

As such, the core tennant behind Dimensionalism is that nature is flawed. In fact, it is almost constantly in a unavoidable entropic state of decay, which Dialga and Palkia work tirelessly to prevent. Even so, the inherent imperfections of the universe constantly tick away, slowly leading to the universe’s eventual death. Dimensionalists do not believe in a divine day of final judgment, but rather a slowly fading apocalypse.

Consequently, while many decry man’s technological advancement as an affront to and attack against nature and its inherent perfection, Dimensionalists believe that nature itself is imperfect. Technology cannot harm nature more than nature harms itself. Because man cannot act outside of nature, no innovation can be made that breaks the laws of the universe. Therefore, any negative effects of man’s creations are not a result of man, but rather of the flaws of nature itself.

As Dimensionalism was formed in Alkir, by Alkir, and for Alkir many believers would point to the region itself as proof of these philosophies. Alkir is largely desertous. In itself, the region is hostile and arid. Though a few Pixelmon made the land its home, the region itself has flourished only by man’s innovation. Technology had turned this hostile, clearly imperfect, land into a thriving region.

Another result of this core tenet is that science and progress are held as a religious study. Science, the study of the natural world, is a study of Dialga and Palkia’s work. Technology and engineering are feets that mirror Dialga and Palkia’s acts of cosmic maintenance and improvement.

However, despite giving praise to those who study the universe, Dimensionalists accept that, beyond scientific reasoning - which in itself has its limits - it is impossible to accurately or fully depict the universe. They believe that time is non-linear and that space exists in higher dimensions than the three dimensional world we can observe. Human minds cannot grasp the glory of the mechanism in which Dialga and Palkia have built and conduct their work. Given that no human mind can rightly depict art of the true nature of physical objects - especially celestial bodies - is expressly prohibited. As a result, art produced by Dimensionalists - especially in Alkir - is typically very abstract. No direct representation of the universe is ever given. Rather, colors and patterns are used to capture emotions regarding certain objects.

Having said that, Dialgan Dimensionalists believe that the higher dimensions of space will one day be understood, but the non-linearities of time will never be comprehensible. In opposition, Palkian Dimensionalists believe that while time is nonlinear, but moreover a series of parallel actions and consequences that can be predicted, whereas space is entirely too large and the spatial dimensions too complicated to comprehend.

One of the most important practices within Dimensionalism are the Five Columns of Faith.

The first Column of Faith is called Alrrafd, or Rejection. This pillar describes the core philosophy of Dimensionalism, to reject Arceus and acknowledge that the universe is imperfect. One must put faith in Dialga and Palkia, that their Mechanism preserves the universe and all of nature.

The second Column of Faith is Salat, or Prayer. In the face of constant change and decay, Dimensionalism enforces the need for self reflection and connection to Dialga and Palkia to understand their work. As such, Dimensionalists pray ritualistically. Palkian Dimensionalists pray once per day, facing the city of Qel’Asem, and Dialgan Dimensionalists pray five times a day. The Palkian prayer is typically longer, consisting of praising the Gods, asking for guidance, and self reflection. Dialgan prayers are typically shorter, covering a single topic in each prayer.

The third Column of Faith is Zakat, or Charity. An important concept behind Dimensionalism is that the world is inherently almost cruel. To exist, there must be chaos and decay, and some are more afflicted by the misfortunes of life than others. As such, Dimensionalists are expect to give some of their earnings to the less fortunate, or offer some other form of humanitarian aid. This has resulted in a very strong sense of community within Dimensionalist practitioners. On top of donating to the needy, it is believed that the Church is the embodiment of The Mechanism on Earth, so donations to the Church, while secondary, are also required if viable after donating to charitable causes.

The fourth Column of Faith is Swam, or Fasting. Typically, this occurs during the last 12 days of Fall ((Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of a Fall season for anyone playing)). This time period, known as Ruya, is chosen to commemorate the inscribing of the Sajjal, the Dimensionalist Holy Book written by the founder King Gabriel Boulus III. From sunrise to sunfall, Dimensionalists avoid eating, unless it would be physically harmful to themselves or others. Furthermore, they are expected to abstain from drinking alcohol, smoking, sex, or any other would-be pleasures during this time of day in order to reflect on their blessings in life, repent, and improve on one self. Any sinful behavior is abhorred during this time.

Finally, the Fifth Column of Faith is Hajj, or Pilgrimage. This is a rite that all Dimensionalists must take, if they are able to, wherein they travel to Alkardinal, an elaborate, massive holy temple located just along the boundaries of the Upper District of Qel’Asem. Pilgrims begin at a holy site just outside of Qel’Asem. Starting by touching the meteorite, they trek inside the city wearing their most formal garb. They travel from the Lower District, through the Middle District, and into the Upper District. There, they must attend several sermons throughout the day of arrival in Alkdardinal. The day concludes outside of the Royal Palace, where the King of Alkir greets the crowd from his balcony. In turn, each one visits Aliat Ladayna, a needlessly complicated machine which is cranked by hand. Dialgans turn the handle forward, Palkians backward. The cranking motion powers a small series of lights along the top of Alkardinal, which can be easily seen from the plaza of the Palace.

Alkardinal is a circular building composed of an upper tier and lower tier. The lower tier has an inner and outer ring, whereas the upper only has an outer ring. On the first tier, stairs lead up to the outer ring. Five thick columns stand on the outer, lower ring. Each one represents one of the five Columns of Faith, and an inscription is written on each one. The inner ring on the lower level is actually an octahedral shaped building. The walls are simple, except for the trimming, which stands about the height of an average human. Elaborate spirals and fractals are woven against the wall from gold. The inner, lower ring is a place of worship, and the walls are covered in fractals meant to symbolize some fragment of space. The columns support the upper outer ring, which extends from the inner lower ring to the edge of the outer lower ring. High ranking religious officials conduct business within this ring. Lastly, there is no inner, upper ring. A domed roof, based on top of the upper ring, rises over the inner lower ring. It is made of glass, with gold and obsidian markings on it, making the outline of a clock face. A tall pinnacle rises from the center of the dome. The shadow it casts on the inner ring below makes an eternal clock.

Returning to life in general, Dimensionalists definitively believe in extraterrestrial life, though the intelligence and role of such life forms are questionable. This belief stems from the mechanistic view of the universe. The universe may have been created by the mystic word of Arceus, but it sustains itself based on the mechanisms set by Dialga and Palkia. As such, Dimensionalism asserts that due to the vastness of space, the sheer amount of time that has and will pass, there must be other lifeforms.

The two sects differ on the role these other lifeforms take. Palkian Dimensionalists believe that humans are the prime life in the universe. The universe is vast so that Palkia might create opportunities for races to evolve to serve their needs. Mechanisms were specifically designed to produce a desired outcome. Other intelligent life may exist, but it pales to that of humans, who exist to observe the grand creation that is the universe.

Dialgan Dimensionalism believes that life was an intentional purpose of the universe. The mechanism was designed to create life, but not to create life with a specific purpose. Furthermore, life itself is ephemeral, constantly being replaced and improved on in the scheme of the universe. Much like ancient Pixelmon are now fossils, so must humans and all species give way to greater life.

Both Palkian and Dialgan Dimensionalism accept the inevitability of change. The universe is imperfect and decaying. Palkia and Dialga’s work preserves the universe and provides mechanisms for which it may improve itself.

However, Palkian Dimensionalism believes that change as an agent of the entropic, chaotic imperfections of the universe. It asserts that change occurs in large leaps. There are periods of relatively constant activities interrupted by sudden events that cause immediate, almost catastrophic change. As such, Palkian Dimensionalism emphasize preservation against the tidal forces of change. Preservation of knowledge, culture, and one’s own identity.

Dialgan Dimensionalism asserts that the change humans observe is caused by the mechanism. They honor and welcome change in their lives. To a Dialgan Dimensionalist, change is a constant force, everything is always evolving in small, unnoticeable ways. They strive to bring beneficial change, emulating Dialga and Palkia’s grand work. Preservation is far less important, and at times detrimental, to their goals of improvement to drive and match change.

There are three categories of sin within Dimensionalist doctrine: those against people, those against the Church, and those against the mechanism. Sins against people are what one would expect, no stealing, lying, murder, swearing, violent acts, etc. Sins against the Church are classified as those which act against any actions taken by the Church in the name of itself or the gods. This can include speaking out against the church or its leaders.

Lastly, and most internally controversial, the sins against the mechanism. These are actions that go against what each sect believes their god represents. For example, Palkian Dimensionalism considers all books and writing to be holy because they preserve knowledge and though. As such, book burning is a sin within Palkian Dimensionalism. Dialgan Dimensionalists consider destruction of property to be a sin against the mechanism, as that reverts positive change into a natural state of chaos. This is especially egregious in the case of protests against technology in the name of nature.

However, both sects agree that five actions certainly constitute sins against the mechanism. The first is direct worship of Arceus. Though Arceus created the universe and he is all powerful within it, he forsake the universe. It is only by the work of Dialga and Palkia that the universe has survived. The Head of the Church (since the foundation of the church and up to the present time, this position has been held by the King of Alkir) is Arceus’s Avatar on Earth. However, he is to remain distant, and any interaction with him must go through the Dialgan and Palkian Archbishops. Next, lethargy - or a notable lack of action - is considered a sin against the mechanism. Just as Dialga and Palkia must work to maintain a constantly operating mechanism, one is expect to live their life in such a manner to reflect both the mechanism and the Gods. Third, homosexuality is considered a sin against the mechanism. Men and Women were designed to facilitate the propagation of life, which is viewed either as the preservation of humanity or a key mechanism of change. Families serve as humanity’s base block of the mechanism. A family that cannot create children is therefore detrimental to the will of Dialga and Palkia. On the note of families, the fourth universal sin against the mechanism is to act against traditional gender roles. The mechanism produced men to be strong to act as a force of labor. Assertiveness and confidence are masculine, and, as such, males are the leaders by default in any situation. In contrast, women were made less physically strong, gentler, and more capable of communication. Thus, they are clearly designed to work in the home, to focus on the family, and to serve as the social face of the family. Lastly, cleanliness - both of one’s person and one’s home - is considered critical. Filth is a result of lethargy, caused by the entropic chaos of the imperfect universe going unchecked. All Dimensionalists are expected to maintain a high level of hygiene on their person and in their dwelling.

Though not specifically classified as a sin, Dimensionalism dictates that meat must be prepared in a certain manner. This practice is known as "Qiada" or "commanded." To be considered qiada, only Pixelmon slaughtered with the intention of being eaten may be consumed. Therefore, Pixelmon dying by natural means are not allowed. To ensure a clean death, and rid the body of components that might be unhealthy, Pixelmon must be slaughted by severing their neck with a sharp knife. Palkian Dimensionalists believe the animal must be facing towards Quel'Asem when they are killed, Dialgan Dimensionalists believe the animal must be killed between sunrise and noon. Some practitioners of Dimensionalism subscribe to more stringent rules which forbid them from eating any Pixelmon from the Grumpig and Emboar lines, as well as forbid them from drinking alcohol. These rules can be violated in the case of survival, for example, if one were to starve unless they were to violate the rules.

That said, committing a sin is not considered a deathly act in Dimensionalism. There is no true rite of purification as in other religions. The most powerful being couldn’t create a perfect universe. Sins are simply a product of that imperfection. The good deeds one does in life, the character of their person, their devotion to preservation or change are weighed against their sins in the judgment of one’s soul.

It then goes without saying, Dimensionalists do believe in an afterlife. Virtuous souls are invited to join Palkia and Dialga amount the planes of the Mechanism. There, they may study and learn from the Mechanism. Exposed to the pure planes where Dialga and Palkia work brings an eternal sense of happiness and pleasantry. One may assist the Gods when one chooses, and one may rest if necessary. The sinners are condemned to the dark corners of the universe tucked away from the mechanism where Giratina lurks. Giratina is typically seen as Arceus’ servant. More of a henchman of chaos and disorder, which is quite detrimental to the goals of both Dialga and Palkia. It is a world of chaos and darkness. Souls are pained and confused until Dialga and Palkia have determined that the soul has suffered enough to redeem it from its sins. From there, they intervene, and withdraw the soul onto their own planes.

The actions of the celestial bodies are particularly important to Dimensionalists. Palkia Dimensionalists value and honor the moon and night. They believe the dark sky and view of the stars allows their souls to be close to Palkia’s Charge. As such, many Palkian Dimensionalists conduct their daily prayer at night. Dialgan Dimensionalists believe the opposite. The most action can be done in the day when there is light to illuminate and guide. Drawing back from sundials acting as clocks, Dialgan Dimensionalists honor and venerate the sun and day.

Dimensionalism was created by the Alkiri Monarchy to expand its control in the region, as such the church is infinitely tied with the Alkiri Head of State. The legislative houses of Alkir are named after Time and Space. The King of Alkir is the Pontiff of the Dimensionalist Church, considered Arceus’s avatar on Earth, and many worship him to some lesser extent. The Archbishops of Palkia and Dialga are chosen by the King, who act as his political advisors.
  • Long TL;DR:
    Arceus is imperfect, as is the universe.
    The universe, as Arceus created it, is in a constant state of decay.
    Arceus created Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina to represent Time, Space, and Entropy.
    Dialga and Palia built and maintain a Mechanism to work against the entropic decline of the universe.
    Science and Progress are good, nature cannot be truly harmed by man.
    Holy book: The Sajjal
    Five Columns of Faith
    • - Alrrafd (Rejection): The Universe is not perfect. The Mechanism allows it to exist.
      - Salat (Prayer): Daily, ritualistic prayer
      - Zakat (Charity): Obligatory donations to the poor and the Church
      - Sawm (Fasting): Fasting during the holy time of Ruya
      - Hajj (Pilgrimage): A pilgrimage to Qel’Asem that must be completed at least once
    Extraterrestrial life exists
    Change is inevitable
    Three Types of Sin
    • - Sins Against People: standard no murder/stealing/lying/etc
      - Sins Against The Church: acting against the Church’s direct wishes
      - Sins Against The Mechanism: acting against the devices set in place by The Mechanism
      • > No worshipping Arceus
        > No acting lethargic
        > No homosexuality
        > No defying traditional gender roles
        > No poor hygiene
      - Sins aren’t defiling, they are acts which must be balanced against one’s good deeds
    Qiada Food
    • - Meat may only be eaten if it was slaughtered by slicing the Pixelmon's neck.
      - Some Dimensionalists don't eat Grumpig, Emboar, or drink alcohol.
    Good people go to experience the wonders of The Mechanism after death
    Bad people go into Giratina’s sector wherein there is no order imposed by The Mechanism
    Palkian Dimensionalism
    • - Change is caused in catastrophic bursts
      - Change is caused by the imperfections of the universe
      - Preservation of one’s self and home is vital
      - One large prayer a day facing Qel’Asem
      - Pixelmon for food must be slaughtered facing Qel'Asem.
      - Honor the Moon and Night
    Dialgan Dimensionalism
    • - Change is constant
      - Change is the operative force of the Mechanism
      - Embrace and be a force of change
      - Several small prayers at constant times throughout the day
      - Pixelmon for food must be slaughtered between sunrise and noon.
      - Honor the sun and day
Form of Worship: Daily, ritualistic prayers are performed by both sects. Frequent acts of charity are expected. The final twelve days of Fall are known as Ruya, during which fasting occurs. Finally, at least once in their lives, a pilgrimage to Qel’Asem to the temple called Alkardinal. Their holy book is called the Sajjal.

History: Dimensionalism was founded in Alkir circa 800. In the centuries prior, Arceism had entered Alkir. The region was culturally split across the Lei’Al River, the west side exposed to Avalonian and Orran culture, the east; however, reacted to constant influx of traders by clinging to traditional Alkiri beliefs.

The western half was rather receptive to Arcean monks and priests travelling throughout the towns. Unsurprisingly, the people of the east were far more resistant, but persistent monks and their wealthy churches eventually converted the entire region. The kings were even indoctrinated by the church as Executors of the Will of Arceus.

Circa the year 800, traditionalist sects began to gain popularity in Eastern Alkir. The sects, though small at first, eventually expanded across the region, winning several people to their side by framing Arceism as foreign imperialism. King Gabriel Boulus III, also wary of the sway the Church had in Alkir, capitalized on the cry by forming the Dimensionalist Church. He drew from the ancient practices of the people of Sinnoh after several trips to the region. Its organizational structure was highly similar to that of the Arcean church, but several of its key practices were derived from traditional Alkiri religions. Earning the support of the anti-Arceist sects, Boulus declared the Dimensionalist Church as the official religion of Alkir with himself and two chosen Archbishops at the head. The practice of all alternative religions was made illegal, securing the Alkiri Monarchy as both the political and religious heads of the region.

The religion spread across the globe, carried by Alkir's grip on the global economy. Many Sinnoese people latched onto the religion. This began a prosperous relationship between the two regions. However, over the next century, the large portion of Sinnoh citizens worshiping the King of Alkir fostered a growing resentment of Alkir within the Sinnoese Government. When the Johto-Alkir War, a precursor to the Great War, began, Sinnoh capitalized on the opportunity to break from Alkiri influence by lending non-military aid to Johto. During the Great War, Sinnoh allied with Johto and Kanto, though they rarely came into direct contact with the Alkiri Military, which was far stronger than their own. To the pleasure of the Sinnoese Government, the loss of the Great War triggered nationalistic resentment for Alkir across Sinnoh, and many people refused to continue to acknowledge the King of Alkir as their religious leader. The loss of their hold over Sinnoh, as well as Sinnoh’s actions during the Great War put the two formerly friendly nations on bad terms.

Notable Figures(if any):
Founding Pontif: King Gabriel Boulus III
Current Pontiff: King Al-Din Peter Firdaus
Dialgan Archbishop: Currently Unnamed
Palkian Archbisop: Currently Unnamed

Region(s) Found In(if specific): Primarily Alkir, though has gained some popularity in urbanized areas in Sinnoh. Eastern Alkir typically worships Palkian Dimensionalism. Western Alkir typically worships Dialgan Dimensionalism.

Other: The politics of Alkir played a huge role in the foundation and ideals of the Dimensionalist Church. If you want to know more or have questions, feel free to PM me on the forums or on the server! Please note I mean no disrespect to any religion or any beliefs, and sought to create a religion with both positive and negative aspects, which is true of many religions in real life. If perhaps I’ve offended, I’m happy to clarify! Thanks!

------

Weddings: Palkian weddings are typically conducted at night, on an elevated, open or no roof structure. Dialgan weddings are typically conducted during the day under a clock tower. An ideal location would be both elevated, open/no roof, and under a clock tower. In Toro, the rooftop of the Ferrite Polytechnic Institute is a great location! A priest attends and delivers the ceremony, which is largely similar to that of an Arceist. For convenience, the wedding procession is included in the spoiler.
Skins:
Image
Dialgan Priest
I think Sonic made this?

Image
Palkian Priest
Edited from this page!
Post Reply

Return to “Religion and Legendary Deities”