Work In Progress Keshiri Communion of Balance

[Damsy Callat]

OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION

Intent: To establish a religion and philosophy for Sithspawn or Spawn advocates to further justify their freedom from both Sith and Jedi violence
Image Credit:

• Base image: Rebubble
• Photo edits: me via Canvas

Canon: N/A
Permissions: N/A
Links:

• Concept first mentioned by Damsy: We Are Who We Are post #10

GENERAL INFORMATION

Religion Name: Keshiri Communion of Balance
Religion Type: Force-based with worship of saintly figures
Influence: Minor (localized to a small area)
Influence Area: Kesh > Keshtah Minor > Cetajan (Takara) Mountains > Naneti Sso Jri Qorit (remember to sub and link)
Symbol: Their symbol is a recoloring and cropping of Anakin Skywalker's podracer flag
Description: The KCB holds that the existence of Sithspawn is necessary for the welfare of the Force. It points to the two-faced historical figure of Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker and Darth Vader as their evidence. Though he caused much pain in the process, he did bring peace to the galaxy for a time. The KCB believes that modern Sithspawn can minimize the harm they cause by embracing the Darkness given to them by their Creators in a manner that the Sith do not. The interpretation of the Code of the Sith that the KCB's founder, Damsy Callat, teaches is not overly destructive and tyrannical; instead, it is moderated and collaborative. Lastly, the KCB argues that Sithspawn are lesser evils* than Sith to fulfil the will of the Dark side of the Force.

* This religion's idea of evil is best considered as a venn diagram (see below spoiler). The adjective as related to Spawn is somewhat separate from their definition of the term as applied to the Sith. In other ways, it is connected, as Creators condemn their experiments to Bogan by the use of Alchemy. Thus, the choice of which side of the Force to follow has been made for them and they shouldn't (in some cases, can't) deviate towards the Light, as traversing the Dark, albeit in their own unique way, is their life's purpose. Refusing to do so risks throwing the Force off-balance.

Spoiler: Sith versus their Spawn re: what makes each evil

Alt text:
An earth-toned venn diagram labeled Sith on one side and Their Spawn on the other.
Sith - selfish / individualistic, external anger, unreserved power
Their Spawn - communal / interdependent, internal anger, self-restrained power
Both - Dark side of the Force

SOCIAL INFORMATION

Founder: Damsy Callat
Membership: Simply believing in the religion is grounds for membership, however, Damsy is weary of most non-Spawn that wish to join. Membership is not denied to non-Spawn, but they tend to not be trusted until they prove themselves. Beings who have been born or transformed into Sithspawn do not incur the same automatic judgement.
Sacred:

• Saints:
  • Anakin Skywalker - Communicants honor Anakin as their most important saint. They believe that he was Sithspawn and the Chosen One of his age. Furthermore, to this religion, he was the chosen Spawn. While neither the first product of Dark alchemy nor the first hunted by the Jedi, th KCB holds that he was definitely the first of the Kind to bring balance to the Force. Communicants also recognize that the galaxy of then did not understand the profound purpose given to him by the Force, a purpose that is now all of Sithspawn kind's. Because of this, they are hesitant to connect with non-Spawn, let alone the rest of the galaxy, for they expect to be met with similar, violent misunderstanding.
  • Shmi Skywalker Lars - Communicants honor Shmi for the Force-consummated birth of Anakin. Though they worship her, they believe that the birth was as nonconsensual as it was miraculous. She is held close the believers' hearts as both the spiritual unwitting-but-loving Spawn mother and a cautionary tale against Sith alchemy.
  • Damsy Callat Vi'dreya - Communicants honor Damsy as the religions founder, but also as a living saint for that feat as well as others that she had undertaken by freeing, defending, and proving for masses of Spawn. They, nor she, believe that she is the reincarnation of Anakin; however, her figure is recognized to be similarly tragic.
• Sacred objects:
  • Obelisk of the Lost Tribe - Located in the middle of the marketplace in Naneti Sso Jri Qorit, this ancient obelisk is carved from top to bottom with ur-Kittât. It outlines an advanced Sith Alchemy methodology. Even though most Spawn that subscribe the the KCB hate their Creators to some degree, they are also grateful for Alchemy in a way that is difficult for outsiders to understand. It is said to have been recovered from the Ship of Destiny long, long, long ago and somehow survived until now.
  • Recreations of Darth Vader's mask - Followers typically have at least one recreation of Darth Vader's mask in their house of on their person. Many options are available for purchase through a few talented and blessed artisans. Examples include necklace pendant, truncated wall fixture, small sculpture, and door charm. However it appears, the objects serve as a reminder of the potential for something evil to drive good fortune for all.
  • Bled kyber crystals - When ground up and mixed with lanolin, these are used as face and body paint in induction ceremonies.
• Temples:
  • Menagerie of the Found (remember to sub and link) - Located in Naneti Sso Jri Qorit, the Menagerie of the Found is a home for non-sentient or limited-sentience Sithspawn that have been rescued from captivity. They are not put on display, or retained for entertainment or warfare, like a zoo or bestiary, but rather for their protection.
  • Shrine of the Spawn (remember to sub and link) - Also located in Naneti Sso Jri Qorit, the Shrine of the Spawn is the setting of all rituals and the official location of saint worship.

Dogma & Beliefs:

1. Sithspawn are not evil in their own rights. The Lords who create them, either from nothing or existence, are. However, Spawn have access to the Dark Side of the Force through this bond with their creators and are made evil to a degree because of it. In such, they tap into Bogan's gifts and guidance themselves, but only as a matter of unideal practicality.
2. The KCB follows the Code of the Sith, believing that their interpretation of it is likewise only practical. They do not use its words as pretense to subjugate and cause pain. Instead, they recognize that the galaxy, nor individuals—especially Sithspawn—won't ever have unabashed peace, and that, in order to best tolerate that, passion needs to be had, moderated strength needs to be displayed, and chains must be broken
3. Communicants must do all they can to bring the Force into as much balance as is possible through their actions. The Force need both of its sides: the Light and the Dark. Spawn are a lesser evil than Sith, thus the former should be allowed to act as empyrean counterweights to the Jedi.
   No one practitioner is better than another on the basis of comparison of action to this end, drastic or mundane. There is no such thing. Everyone's impact is appreciated equally.
4. Ideally, communicants are pacifists. Going with the theme of practicality in the religion, many of them have, or even continue to, engage in self-defense.
5. Darth Plagueis is a demonic figure in the KCB tradition. Each Sith whom performs Alchemy to create a Spawn is identified with him, with few exceptions. If Shmi Skywalker Lars is considered the mother of all Spawn, Plagueis is the father. In such, all modern Creators are thought to be their Spawn's father, even if they identify as female, since the assignment is metaphorical rather than literal.

Reputation: The Communion isn't widespread enough for it to have a reputation yet.


MEMBERS

• Damsy Callat / Darth Syreni (PC): founder and living saint
• Nenral (NPC): high priest
• Halmethe (NPC): high priestess, constant companion of the Found

HISTORICAL INFORMATION
[ Include a description of the religion's history here. Describe who created it, when, how and why it was created, any historical events and memories tied to the people who follow this religion, major events, etc. ]

The Siren leaned over the table, hand seeking out one of his over the hardwood. "Errbody 'serves a reason to feel good 'bout 'emselves, Rann. I think I've found ours."

For years before the establishment of the KCB, Damsy had been a protector of her fellow Sithspawn. That much started back when Darth Metus ' Confederacy of Independent Systems still controlled many of the Southern Systems. After the