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somewhat settling on an outfit for the Archon pilots, still figuring out all the yonic imagery required for the back of it

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An Inside Look at Stauros' Sophic Church

Aria Wellings January 17, 2037

Across the world, all eyes have been on the Republic of Stauros and the first steps of its so-called "unbreakable" stride- a hopeful euphemism for what in fact amounts to the unlawful annexation of its southern neighbors- and yet despite this, few have been able to glimpse inside two of the largest gears in Stauros' war machine: Ascension and the Sophic Church of Stauros.

Last month, we covered Ascension's organizational structure and the way that it has fed off of the Stauronian military-industrial complex into a private extension of the state, and we touched on its role as a coffer for the Sophic Church. This month's piece, however, is more focused on the church itself.

The story of the Sophic Church begins with what is now being called Third Awakening: the gradual rise in spirituality, magical thinking and religiosity that followed the tumult of the 10s and 20s. To learn more about it, check out our partners over at Sects Sell, who have an excellent series on the subject.

In the mid 10s, several grassroots Gnostic revival movements came together to form a single ecclesiastical society, united in their desire to dismantle current institutions and build something new. In the original structure, each of the seven movements would have a delegate on a unified council to handle various organizational concerns. By 2019, the organization had matured to the point that they united as a single church, and while the different sects' beliefs would not be fully syncretized until the reformation, July 13 of 2019 saw the foundation of the Sophic Church.

This early iteration of the Church is very different from the Church we know today. In keeping with its grassroots movement, each pastor was responsible for their own messaging and interpretation of the scripture, with the corollary that it could not directly contradict the Church's common doctrine. There was no discrete stratification, no questionable history, and significantly less secrecy.

Like so many other religious organizations, the 20s saw the Sophic Church expand rapidly, and it was during that expansion that something about the Church changed. With an ever growing tithing base providing consistent low-yield high-longevity capital, expanding its various premises to accommodate the sheer amount of churchgoers meant that they looked to outside investment. This is where Eliza Watts comes in— the same Eliza Watts who we mentioned last month when discussing the origins of Ascension, the Stauronian behemoth that handles everything from defense contracts to mineral processing.

Watts got her start in the late aughts as a financial advisor, leading the companies that she worked with to great success in exchange for a portion of their holdings. After the Great Recession, however, Watts found herself with no stable employment but an abundance of wealth, which saw her take up the role of a venture capitalist.

Watts developed a history of what can generously be called questionable investments prior to her involvement with the Church, mostly in wellness startups that quickly generated a large amount of revenue before drying up at an unusual pace— typically no longer than 18 months after Watts had sold her shares. She had dodged a number of fraud allegations but developed a reputation, and as other potential investors began to question the real value of Watts' holdings, she saw a marked decrease in her ability to exit these startups profitably. This meant that when the Sophic Church began looking for investors, Watts had become very, very interested.

While Watts' reputation was not unknown to the Church's leadership, the risks that losing her support might impose were far less than a startup in a similar position, as their tithing base would be far more loyal than simple customers. Furthermore, with the influx of money that would come from their congregation, they found themselves in need of a skilled financial advisor.

At the same time, within the Church leadership there were stirrings of discontent. Aiden Zoe, named for his patron Aeon (essentially a gnostic deity— an expression of the godhead), led his branch to become far and away the most popular of any of the seven. This would be unilaterally good news for the Church, if his teachings had not begun to stray from official doctrine. Other leaders of the Church questioned his faith, but were not prepared to risk alienating the large congregation that he had assembled by denouncing him— particularly not when faced with the potential for Eliza Watt to drive them into the ground after she grew tired of them.

While the internal politics of the Church at this point were generally kept under wraps, the eventual solution came in the form of the Reformation. Aiden, Watts, and a few more shrewd of the council worked together to reform the Church's doctrine, structure, and even compile books of scriptures.

This would eventually lead to the Sophic Church, and to help paint us a picture of the Church as it exists now, I spoke with a former member, who has requested that their identity not be revealed. I've transcribed our interview as follows.

---

Aria Wellings: Good afternoon! Former Member: Afternoon to you, too.

AW: To start with, I was wondering if you could expound a bit more on what you mentioned when you first messaged me, about how the Church had changed since you joined it initially?

FM: See, you have to understand that in the earlier days of the Church, each of the seven branches tended to their own. Sure we agreed on parts of the Church's common doctrine, but we all drew from different scriptures, we had different internal organization, and we appealed to different kinds of folk. Aiden's branch, the one that the Church today was modeled after, was nothing like the others.

AW: How so?

FM: For one, a lot of what he preached didn't have any basis in history, in scripture, in anything really. He didn't call himself a prophet— no grifter worth their salt does— but others did, and so a prophet he became. Before he started running it, his branch was modeled after the Valentinians, but it was still a fairly tempered interpretation, you know? The thing about Aiden was that he had an eye for what people would latch onto. He was a performer, but he was more than just that. He could read people and give them exactly what. You didn't have to be a genius to pick up that there was a lot of animosity towards Christianity in those days, but he made good use of it by selling heresies.

AW: Sort of a modern day LaVey, then?

FM: He was certainly as charismatic, but I think that's a bad comparison if only because Satanism never had teeth. Unless you were really sold on the idea of Christians being persecuted, no one after the aughts really believed that the Satanists were sincere. It was all for show. You give someone raised Christian a bite of the Ophidians, now that's capital H heresy that'll send them reeling, and for Aiden that was something he could use.

AW: It sounds like you were against it? Aren't these just tenets of your faith?

FM: There's a difference between preaching something and using it as a selling point.

AW: That's definitely true— but how was his branch actually different besides him?

FM: Like I said, he incorporated everything that he could sensationalize, and part of that was the hierarchy. The Valentinians had it, sure, but he made himself an arbiter of it. He used it to make his people feel special, so they'd come back and get more affirmation. The people who might make a fuss, he used it as a basis to kick them out.

AW: I'm not familiar with this "hierarchy". Would you mind clarifying? The Church has become pretty famously opaque for non-members.

FM: Oh, I know. That was his and Watts' doing, writing the books, restricting access. They turned it into a cult, because what else could they do to reach the people who didn't want to be reached?

FM: To answer your question, though, the Valentinians say that there's three classes of people: the hylikoi, the psychikoi, and the pneumatikoi. The hylikoi are of the body, they have no hope of achieving gnosis. The psychikoi are of the mind, they are able to achieve gnosis, and with it salvation, while the pneumatikoi are the ones who are of the spirit, and are enlightened. What Aiden and Watts did, they took these categorizations and turned them into something like ranks, but I personally think of it as a caste.

AW: A caste system? Really?

FM: Really. See, Aiden wrote two books: the Blind Word, essentially just his "secret history of gnosticism", and the Light of Revelation, a cosmological treatise on the nature of the monad, the Aeons, the Archons, everything else.

FM: If you're hylikoi, a nonbeliever, an apostate, or anyone who hasn't taken the first sacrament, you can't read the Blind Word. It's not provided, and trying to get around the first sacrament will get you banned from the Church. You can have it taught to you, but that's it. That first sacrament is called the Grace of Salt, it's an annual thing where the leader judges your worthiness in front of the entire congregation. But here's the rub: the criteria are left to the congregation's leader, and they're under no obligation to explain themselves.

AW: So even if you're perfectly devout...

FM: If you're in any way undesirable, they'll never let you in further.

AW: Wow. So what happens if you get in?

FM: Then you become psychikoi. It's essentially letting you be a member of the Church, have access to the Blind Word, but not much else. I'd say that probably 75, 80 percent of people who attend services are psychikoi.

AW: That makes sense. But you said that psychikoi only have the potential for gnosis. what do you have to do to become pneumatikoi?

FM: Oh, that's a process. See, there's three types of pneumatikoi, according to the Church: the pneumatikoi syzygia, who are the highest, the garden variety pneumatikoi, and pneumatikoi orasika. You start by becoming an orasika, proving that you've memorized the entirety of the Blind Word as part of a three-day-long ritual called the Scales of Mercury. Once you've done that, a pneumatikos becomes your sponsor, who teaches you the Light of Revelation for a year, after which point you become baptized and choose a new name— they call this the Advent of Sulfur, and this ritual lasts for an entire week.

AW: So essentially, unless you devote years of your life to the Church, you're not going to heaven?

FM: Not quite heaven, but I'd rather not argue the finer points here.

AW: So what about the last one, the syzygia?

FM: That's where you draw your leaders for the Church from, where you get the most eager pastors and where the Heptarchy come from. For that, you undergo the nymphon sacrament— essentially a marriage bed shared with an Aeon, who's name you take as your surname.

AW: You don't mean the marriage bed in the literal sense I assume?

FM: I never participated in that ritual, and never saw it performed. It's one of the Church's most sacred rituals, and unlike the rest of Aiden's work, it's based on a historical practice.

AW: I see. Unfortunately, we're beginning to run out of time, but this was incredibly enlightening, and I'd love to perform another interview with you in the future!

FM: Of course. If I can get people to see that the Church isn't what it claims to be, then maybe we can have a chance for something more honest to come about. ---

And there you have it: an exclusive interview with a former Sophic with extensive knowledge of the Church's history and inner workings.

Questions? Comments? Leave them below and I'll be happy to answer to the best of my ability!

This is Aria Wellings with The Kea, a monthly digest serving Aoteroa and everywhere else

Like this article? Sponsor us on Skaldd for more interviews, exposes and more!

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currently on redesign brain, which right now means putting cunty dresses on my girls

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pygmalion effect

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A glimpse of a flashback scene- Sera waking for the first time after surgery

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Sera, our protagonist, is a 31 year old trans woman who, after narrowly surviving her youth, ran an unlicensed medical practice. When a patient died during a routine procedure, her wife left her and she was convicted.

shaping her aura into that of a shiverinf fawn with big wet eyes

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A first look at early tests with our VN engine featuring Sera and Director Pearson, regarding the former's recruitment into the program

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Dir Flora Pearson, managing director of the Archon Program, was not consulted regarding the use of her likeness.

The technician responsible for creating this image has been terminated.

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apologize

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the gnosis-smoking girlfriends

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sab sab sab

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oomfie is one of many personifications of imperial violence

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Accord Discord Watch Party TONIGHT @ 8PM EST

Mechanical Violater Hakaider and the Five Star Stories OVA

Watch fun, cheesy toku and wild science fantasy mecha with us over at the Accord discord!

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ARCHONS//

invincible god-warriors of flesh, blood and steel

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Subject: Archon Program Candidates

From: ██████

To: Flora Pearson <fpearson@mail.asc>

Timestamp: 2088.09.24.6138

Dir. Pearson:

It took some time to process the data we've received from the Dept/Statistics request, and your patience in that matter is deeply appreciated. Our diligence has paid off, and we have narrowed to 54 potential candidates across the Republic. I've attached the full portfolio--note that among the 54, 7 in particular stand out. I've flagged these subjects accordingly. While a thorough examination of *all* prospective candidates is paramount for expedience and risk mitigation, the attached dossiers will surely speak for themselves with regards to their fit for the program.

Saklas

Raithe Desmont

b.2057.12.30 / 193cm / 66kg / B+

int-SYN/TRA compatibility: 83.25%

d-SYN/TRA compatibility: 57.29%

Minor irreversible microgravitational osteoporosis from offworld childhood

History of childhood asthma, no noted persistent chronic obstructive pulmonary disorders in adulthood

Existing psychiatric profile suggests an intense need for approval, acknowledgement

Medical records became publicly available when he was processed following the dismantling of Synesia

Immediate family:

- Estranged father, younger sister

- deceased mother

Census records indicate no other family or partner

Criminal records indicate a history of activism that ended following an arrest with no conviction

Church records confirm status as hylikos

Currently works an administrative role within the Automation Division of the Dept/Research

Evaluation:

Desmont's department shows fantastic efficiency and produces incredible results at the expense of high turnover rates. Exit interviews indicate that his aggressive and controlling management style is to blame, however the growth in his department was undeniable to his superiors. Were he not a hylikos, he would surely be head of the division by now.

Desmont's ego is thoroughly immodest, and his focus solely on the Material. He refuses to accept that he cannot rise above his position without aid from the Church.

His methodical yet aggressive nature and relatively high d-SYN/TRA compatibility score suggest that he would be an ideal candidate for the archon of kings.

Iao

Zoe Katab

b.2070.07.19 / 170cm / 70kg / A-

int-SYN/TRA compatibility: 95.66%

d-SYN/TRA compatibility: 71.90%

Several childhood hospitalizations for frequent upper and lower extremity fractures

History of self harm attributed to survivor's guilt/PTSD

Existing psychiatric profile indicates a need for control that stems from severe anxiety

Medical records became publicly available following her adoption as a ward of the state

Immediate family:

- deceased mother, father, sister

Census records indicate no other family or partner

Criminal records indicate that she was arrested for the murder of her parents, but ultimately found innocent

Church records confirm status as hylikos

Currently unemployed

Evaluation:

Katab's past indicates that she is capable of bloodshed yet more interested in the stability of total control. Behavioral reports from her childhood describe a deeply protective personality with recurring accusations of attempting to manipulate others.

Katab's exceptional d-SYN/TRA compatibility alongside her complex psychiatric profile indicate that she is an ideal archon candidate, with the most synergy with the archon of lordship.

Sabaoth

Sera ████

b.2060.10.30 / 180cm / 102kg / AB+

int-SYN/TRA compatibility: 98.92%

d-SYN/TRA compatibility: 89.01%

Significant medical records were removed from public record following her involvement in the destruction of the Caesarea

Existing psychiatric profile indicates a deeply emotionally disturbed individual

Immediate family:

- estranged mother, father

- aunt, living apart

Census records indicate no other family or partner

Criminal records indicate that she is currently convicted for criminal negligence, manslaughter, and practicing medicine without a license

Church records confirm status as hylikos

Currently imprisoned

Evaluation:

████ 's involvement has been previously confirmed, as she was sponsored by █████.

Nonetheless, ████ 's unprecedentedly high SYN/TRA compatibility, unique physiology, and damaged psyche suggest that she is an ideal archon candidate, such that she may be a possible match with the archon of deity.

Adonaios

Ash Ward

b.2074.08.16 / 175cm / 58kg / B-

int-SYN/TRA compatibility: 84.11%

d-SYN/TRA compatibility: 74.39%

Childhood history of malnourishment

Reports of several scars from infections secondary to insufficient wound care

Existing psychiatric profile indicate difficulty controlling anger

Medical records became publicly available upon becoming a ward of the state

Immediate family:

- deceased mother, father, uncle

Census records indicate no other family or partner

Criminal records indicate a predisposition to violence

Church records confirm status as hylikos

Currently a ward of the state

Evaluation:

Ward's behavioral reports indicate a tendency to lash out against authorities and classmates alike. He is quick to violence and has little patience for others.

His exceptional SYN/TRA compatibilities and temperament suggest a strong compatibility for the tyrant archon.

Elaios

Adrien Hein

b.2059.03.03 / 187cm / 40kg / O+

int-SYN/TRA compatibility: 74.29%

d-SYN/TRA compatibility: 52.63%

Bilateral below-knee amputation secondary to explosion during an attempted live-munitions terrorist attack

Existing psychiatric profile indicates severe anxiety bordering on paranoia

Medical records became public record upon arrest

Immediate family:

- deceased husband, son

- mother, father live apart

Census records indicate no other family or partner

Criminal records indicate that he has been convicted for terrorism, conspiracy, possession of illegal explosives, destruction of property

Church records confirm status as hylikos

Currently imprisoned

Evaluation:

Hein lost his husband and son in a riot started by immigrants protesting the stride of Stauros. He was radicalized by the experience and subsequently became involved with a group of nationalists. During an attempt to bomb a train station the explosives were improperly timed, resulting in the loss of both of Hein's legs.

His willingness to shed blood, loyalty to Stauros, and obsessive mental state make him an ideal candidate for the archon of jealousy.

Oraios

Surya Marit

b.2068.09.25 / 175cm / 68kg / B+

int-SYN/TRA compatibility: 88.04%

d-SYN/TRA compatibility: 73.43%

Minor broken bones in youth, negative growth plate abnormalities noted

Possible TBI secondary to concussion received during routine training though MRI/CT inconclusive

Existing psychiatric profile indicates an antisocial personality disorder diagnosis as well as a need for connection

Medical records became publicly available upon joining the ExoCorps

Immediate family:

- estranged brother, mother

- deceased mother

Census records indicate no other family or partner

Criminal records return no charges

Church records confirm status as hylikos

Currently unemployed

Evaluation:

Marit is an unusual individual. She was initially chosen to be a Cataphract though her surgery regimen was cut short by a traumatic head injury during a routine training exercise. This purportedly spawned a change in her behavior, at which point she was ejected from the ExoCorps.

Marit's fantastic SYN/TRA compatibility, her experience as a pilot, and her alienation from others make her a strong candidate for the archon of wealth.

Astaphaios

Elena Casaubon

b.2069.09.09 / 158cm / 53kg / O-

int-SYN/TRA compatibility: 63.14%

d-SYN/TRA compatibility: 47.69%

Irreversible microgravitational osteoporosis from offworld childhood

Existing psychiatric profile indicates obsessive tendencies and a thirst for the forbidden

Medical records not publicly available

Immediate family:

- absentee mother

- deceased father

Census records indicate no other family or partner

Criminal records return no charges

Church records confirm status as hylikos

Currently employed by the Dept/Research as a part of the Archon program

Evaluation:

Casaubon's participation was, of course, previously confirmed due to her connection to the Rite.

Casaubon's SYN/TRA compatibilities barely meet program minimums, and though her psychiatric profile does not indicate any particular affinity, the archon of wisdom will likely be the most fitting for her potential as a pilot.

Thank you for your patience,

██████

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