Stellism
Stellism, known as "Stoldisch Sternentstehung" in some regions, has its foundational beliefs anchored around the ancient entity - the Rasse von die Sterne, or "Race of the Stars". These celestial beings are credited with breathing life into Gotha and providing guidance and shelter to its inhabitants for countless millennia. It is believed that these star-bound entities are not just creators but precursors to the human race.
Historical Foundations
The Stellist belief was brought to light by the archeologist Ludwig Volker in the 7120s. Ludwig dedicated his life to scouring the ancient world, collecting evidences that alluded to divine beings - gods - who made contact with early humans, offering them protection and observation. From ancient glyphs etched on the walls of the Anat Tahan temples to various texts from unnamed ancient cultures, Volker identified tales of encounters with celestial beings he referred to as Rauchferne, a synonym for the Rasse von die Sterne. Despite initial skepticism, with time, Volker's theories gained traction as more corroborating evidences surfaced.
Rauchferne: The Cosmic Deities
The Rauchferne are revered as the gods responsible for shaping Gotha and sowing the seeds of life in their own image. They are often depicted or described as beings emanating from distant stars, having been sighted in the skies as transient lights or atop lofty mountains. Numerous legends speak of their ethereal encounters, with some claiming to have been taken by these beings only to reappear later with cosmic revelations. Among such stories, the tale of Ludwig Volker's own interaction with the Rachferne stands out, where he was gifted the "Story of Humanity".
In the still-to-be-named "Scrolls of the Stars", Volker portrays the Rauchferne as benevolent wanderers of the cosmos, drifting from one star to another, seeding life and guiding it towards celestial ascendancy. It is believed that many cosmic wonders, such as the Rings of Gotha and Hela, were their majestic creations. They traverse the universe in grand ships, bringing life to barren worlds.
Destiny: The Path to the Stars
Central to Stellism is the concept of destiny. According to Stellist teachings, humans were crafted with a singular purpose: to breach the limits of Gotha, venturing forth into the cosmos, and eventually, to reunite with their celestial creators. This destiny underpins the Stellist call for relentless technological and scientific advancements, for without such progress, humanity would remain tethered to Gotha, unable to fulfill its celestial aspirations.
Creation Tale
The Rauchferne's journey began among the stars, eventually leading them to Gotha. Having set foot on Gotha, they then established their base on Hela, where from a vantage point in the heavens, they watched over Gotha, shaping it as a nurturing abode for humanity.