Bas

Бas (pronounced B - ah - z) is a metaphysical manifestation of the collective will and the bond between a community. In a sense, it is the ideas of communalism, syndicalism, democracy, and nationalism made spiritual. One can consider Бas to be a religion, a philosophy, an ideology; it doesn't really fit any of these molds perfectly, however. Бas holds no belief in a god or gods, but rather holds that there is a type of energy that exists in the bonds shared by a community. The Бas energy is not one that can be accurately measured through any scientific metric, but can be felt and judged by others. One can have more or less Бas than others, and they can feel their Бas wax and wane. Бas is generated by giving back to and connecting with one's community. Giving what you can, helping others where they need it, and even just meeting and talking to new people. Anything that builds a connection to a larger community will strengthen not just one’s own Бas, but the Бas of others as well.

## Origin

Бas has its origins in the Federal Republic of Montroig, but its exact origin is unknown. The prevailing theory is that religious practices of the leading religion of Montroig, Barryism, combined with the strong left-wing syndicalism in the nation, and then was modified further by the spiritualism of Wai and Rakauism, the local religions of Tiatua. This theory holds the most weight due to Cynthia Gooblegins, who was the first public figure to endorse Бas. She is the person who most prominently pushes the notion that Бas is not a religion, or at least not a traditional one, and that it functions more as a philosophy, meaning anyone can adopt it freely.

## Бas-Cai (Clusters)

Бas comes in the form of Clusters (Bas-Gai), which are collections of Бas built around a distinct identity. Clusters can be your town, your family, your religion, or any other communal identity that promotes a positive connection between a group. Some Clusters are larger than others, and Clusters are not neatly distinct groups. Given that someone can be in many Clusters, Clusters tend to be amorphous and overlap with other Clusters very often. When many Clusters come together under a larger umbrella, they become a Supercluster. Montroig is a Supercluster, as an example.

## Бas’eн (Vacuum)

Certain people may be considered a Vacuum (Bas’en) if they are an active antagonist to the Бas around them. If their presence tears people apart or puts people down with reason, then they may be branded as a Vacuum. Vacuum-ish behaviors include the hoarding of resources, the invitation of needless violence, the call or practice of atomization, or the subversion of the public will or good for personal gain.

## Rөsseʒ (Profiles)

Individuals also have a distinct Бas Profile (Ressej). A Profile is the distinct wavelength of Бas energy that every individual has. Everyone has their own skills, their own traits, and their own strengths, and whenever someone connects to the Бas of a larger group, their Profile brings new life and a unique energy to the collective Бas. The best illustration is that of a painting. While every stroke of the brush is different in some way, with its own composition, shape, color, and location, it cannot best be appreciated without seeing the larger picture it's a part of.

## Лeʒa (Effigies)

The Лeʒa (Leja), or Effigies, are personified characteristics that heighten Бas. The Effigies are not actual beings, but rather mythologized traits that bring about the most Vam. There are 4 Effigies: the Effigy of Equity (Leja-Mai), the Effigy of Progress (Leja-Sen), the Effigy of Justice (Leja-Iso), and the High Effigy (Leja-Jard). Each Effigy embodies the quality in its name, but the High Effigy embodies all of them simultaneously, and is the most “hypothetical” of the Effigies. Everyone should try to strive to be like at least one of the Effigies.

## Canonicity of Religions

While not necessarily a religion, there may be a concern about Бas challenging the canonicity of religions in Rathnir and Eldham, however Бas should not challenge or go against any religion. Anyone could follow the belief in Бas as well as practice any religion, so long as their religion promotes the values of Бas like community and generosity.

## Practices

To preach the values of Бas and to exhibit them on a daily basis is a good start to strengthening one's profile and the Бas of the world around them, but there are many practices which strengthen one's Бas.

* Semдeлem (Semdelem)- During votes, elections, debates, and other national political events, everyone is encouraged to wear a red item on their head.
* Coлor (Golor)- A soft monthly tradition where people are encouraged to give something of value to a stranger.
* Бereʒ (Berej)- Clusters like families and communities should have mosaics, and each new member is encouraged to add a new part to the mosaic.
* Aбi Өлөr (Abi Ulur)- Everyone should make a banner with a unique pattern on it, and hang it in or outside of their home.
* Дamoнe (Damone)- The practice of passing on excess wealth onto those who may need it.