Created

## Overview

Created is a galactic religion with ancient origins and a mysterious past. Widely practiced across the galactic scene and beyond, this religion has evolved and diversified over time, leading to the formation of various sects with differing beliefs and practices. Despite these differences, Created followers share a belief in a single Creator responsible for the universe and revere the importance of seeking truth and goodness in all religions and cultures. It is believed that this religion extends beyond far the borders of the galactic scene and that it originated in some place quite remotely distant.

## History in the Galactic Scene

Although Created pre-dates all of the major governments in the galactic scene, it didn't gain widespread popularity in the area that would eventually become Union space until roughly -2100C. Approximately 200 years later, around -1900C, it began to spread in earnest in Mission space.

## Central Beliefs

The core tenet of Created is the belief in a creator of the universe, known simply as Creator. This creator is considered the god of all species and is always referred to using the pronouns they/them. Created teaches that Creator reveals bits of truth to all peoples, encouraging followers to seek the good in other religions and cultures. Connecting with and learning from other cultures is seen by most sects as the will of Creator and a key feature of life, although there are people with a more regressive or closed-minded interpretation of Created, such as the modified form of Adan Created that exists in the Tellian country of Exida.

Another distinguishing belief in Created is the idea that a prophet can come from any species. However, disagreements often arise on which prophets were or are true messengers or false teachers.

## The Unknown Prophet

Different sects have different canons, with the oldest texts by an anonymous author, known as the Unknown Prophet, being the most universally accepted. There are almost no Created who do not include The Writings of the Unknown, often called simply The Unknown Book. Those claiming to be modern prophets, particularly those from the last two hundred years, may amass some groups of followers, but are often disregarded by most sects.

## Sects of Created

Created encompasses a broad range of beliefs and practices, resulting in various sects with differing focuses and philosophies. Some sects are more militant and aggressive, while others are more loving and accepting. Some sects place a heavy emphasis on their religion, while others are more secular. A shared belief among all sects is the existence of an afterlife and that a person's actions in life will affect it in some way. However, there is no hell as it is typically understood in many religions.

## Adan Created

##### Overview

Adan Created is a large sect of Created, with most Tellia belonging to it. There are also non-Tellian followers of this sect, although that's relatively uncommon. Adan Created believe in a female prophet named Adan from an extinct species, claiming her to be the Unknown Prophet. Aside from The Writings of the Unknown Prophet, Adan Created also have other scriptures known to be written by Adan, known as The Book of Adan, but no other sect canonizes these particular scriptures.

##### Interspecies Romance

Adan warned adamantly against interspecies romantic unions, leading to a divide between old-school Adan Created Tellia and more progressive Adan Created Tellia who have normalized such relationships. In the current era, there are relatively few Tellia who take issue with this, as in Created there is a general thread of not being beholden too much to dogma. However, there definitely are some Tellia who believe interspecies romance is sinful based on Adan's warning, especially in the Tel Adder country of Exida.

##### Name of Creator

Most Created sects seek in some way to know the name of Creator, but Adan Created followers are encouraged to formally dedicate a block of time each day for Contemplation, which involves quietly meditating and considering what the name of Creator might be. This practice can range from reflecting on Creator's love for the universe to trying literally to guess their name. Traditionally, Contemplation takes place directly after lunch. Observance to this practice varies greatly from one individual to the next, with some Adan Created hardly practicing it at all and some taking it very seriously and engaging for an hour or more daily.

### Light Created

Light Created is generally considered to be a more inclusive and open-minded sect. For example, they no rule against interspecies romance and not many Light Created set time aside to contemplate Creator's name. This sect is particularly popular in the Red Mission and the Mission, especially among the Sora and the Bendonites. Light Created followers tend to have a less strict canon when it comes to scripture, with each adherent encouraged to decide for themselves what their scripture will consist of, although The Writings of the Unknown Prophet are still typically revered. As such, beliefs about specific matters tend to vary greatly from one individual to the next, and this could be seen as both a strength and a weakness in their religion.

A potential point of contention between Adan Created and Light Created is the latter's rejection of Adan as a prophet, particularly due to her restriction against interspecies romance.

## Virtual Reality

Some Created sects teach total abstinence or extreme moderation from recreational VR usage. Adan Created has a strong mandate to be intentional and moderate in VR use. Light Createds on the other hand have varying views on this matter depending on which scriptures an individual considers cannon for themselves. Virtual reality is widely used across the galaxy, but some believe that it can be a distraction from spiritual pursuits and can lead to addiction.