Universal alignments

Universal alignments are a way of understanding the different philosophical interpretations of the 5 Shells Theory. These positions influence the core foundations of a Sanctum or ethnic group's culture.

The measurement of universal alignments falls on a spectrum, with Aetha Allegiance on one pole and Nok Allegiance on the other. Archivers will find that the philosophies of the different sanctums and groups within them will all fall somewhere along this spectrum.

**Aetha Allegiant:**

Aetha allegiant cultures generally interpret the universe of Aetha as the universe of life and/or goodness, and the universe of Nok as the universe of death and/or evil. They will have a preference toward the grand elemental of Mon, and are generally more celebratory of the elym. Fully aetha-allegiant are highly adaptable and willing to go-with-the flow. Nok Allegiant groups may view them as wishy-washy.

**Nok Allegiant:**

Contrary to what some Aetha-allegiant Niradians may tell you, Nok allegiant cultures do not want everyone to die. Nok-allegiant groups view the universe of Nok as the ideals of peace, control, and stillness, whereas the universe of Aetha is identified as uncertainty, chaos and excess. These cultures will generally have a less trusting relationship with the elementals, as they are creatures born from Aetha.

## How the Sanctums Align

**Skirth**

Skirth is strongly Aetha-allegiant, believing that Aetha is the symbol of life and creation. They are highly reverential of existence and the freedom and potential that the chaos of Aetha brings. They also predominantly practice Marakef, the Kirelik belief that both soul and energy passes back into the Aetha when mortal life passes on. They view Nok as absence, loss, and emptiness.

**Tur-es**

Tur-es's universal alignment is neutral with a slight lean toward Nok-allegiance. They believe that Aetha provides life and chaos as a challenge and that individuals must find balance and peace despite of it. While Aetha tries to pull things out of balance, there are lessons to be learned from Nok to pull things back into balance. In general, they believe that in life you should find peace, and in death you contribute to the continuance of life (Tur).

**Ara**

The people of Ara have the strongest Nok-allegiance of the sanctums; seeing peace as the ideal state, but chaos as the default state. They believe it is the duty of Niradians to exert control over their chaotic environment and especially over the naturally chaotic elementals to achieve balance. A large group of Arlans believe in Nok Positivism; meaning a person is granted complete peace in the universe of Nok if they fulfill their commitment to balance.

**Irx**

Unsurprisingly, Irx's devotion to the pursuit of balance pantheon of elym places them firmly in the middle of the spectrum. They believe that chaos and the elym provide a guide for the future, and without them there would be nothing. That being said, they follow the words of Aetha with methodical control and exemplary discipline. Irxens generally believe that upon death, a being's energy is given back to the chaos, but their soul finds peace within Nok.

**Udron**

Udron easily aligns with Aetha-allegiance, albeit to a lesser extent than Skirth. They believe that the chaos of Aetha provides life and opportunity, and that it is the responsibility of the individual to have enough focus and control to make the most of what is given to them. They view death as essential, but ideally avoidable aspect of existence. Controversially, they don't particularly care what happens after death, preferring to focus on life as it is known.