Celestial Barge

== Celestial Barge ==
The Celestial Barge was an offshoot of the Nozerod Cult, based in Entaria, though during the years it was active, Celestial Barge lacked recognition or official support from the Ascendancy. Founded by Harry Page in his home, Celestial Barge initially recruited from local bars, as a primarily male led organisation, though the group eventually reached a state of somewhat gender parity by 1971. 
The beliefs of Celestial Barge stemmed from the Tribella, known as the Nozerod Cult internationally, though was distinct in several areas. Principally, Celestial Barge viewed migration as acceptable, and expressed no concern for the changing of names. Both of which, are viewed as evil within the true Nozerod Cult. Page achieved a 'divine message', after being concussed, informing him that he had a purpose, to spread the devotion of 'the truest Lord'. Awakening from his message in the hospital, Page managed to get a hold of the holy Tribella, the principle scripture of the Nozerod Cult, through the black market. The Tribella, both the book and the organisation, are illegal within Entaria, and Page apparently paid an enormous sum to own the book. Page studied the book thoroughly, becoming zealously devoted to the teachings of the faith, and retyped the entire book, over the span of a year, so that he could make copies. As a Prophet within the Nozerod Cult, Page held divine authority, to accomplish his mission, and he took on this task relentlessly. By 1965, Page had acquired roughly twenty fellows, these men formed the inner circle, his 'Guardians', who would maintain discipline, ideological purity, and police the morality of the Cult. By 1966, the nascant group commited itself to the underworld, selling drugs to keep up profits, and continue spreading the message. These drugs were also used to induct and ensnare potential members, feeding addictions, and providing sanctuary in one of the group's many properties around the city. Through several recruitment campaigns, the Cult's ranks swelled to roughly 500, at peak. However, due to internal corruption, supression by police agents, and several cases of abuse, the compound declared itself a failure, and Page commanded his followers to commit mass suicide in 1971. This was to force their own reincarnation, under the Ascended One's eye. Their service could be transmitted, and they could try again in the next life. 497 worshippers died, via poisoning, stabbing, and some murders. 
Celestial Barge was condemned by the international community, and the new government of Essotori, under Alexander Willingberry, condemned the suicides. The Nozerod Vindictive Piety, however, honoured one of the three survivors of the 500 members.