Where to run a KUP game #4 - The elevation to Electus
Disclaimer: This post discusses religion in a fantasy world; while it is not my intention to offend anyone’s sensibilities, religion remains a delicate topic. Therefore, this disclaimer is directed at those who may be sensitive to the subject.
In the lands of Appset, it is common knowledge that the deities worshipped by civilized peoples are actually mortal beings who, through their deeds, have achieved a state of immortality. They are commonly called the Electi (singular Electus, from the verb "to elect"). The first and most well-known of Appset’s Electi is Philodemos. While each Electus will be discussed in due course, what matters here is understanding how and why a mortal being ascends to an immortal life.
Every individual has their own Path, the most intimate feature of their character. This Path is both a guiding compass and a final destination, and the deeds performed in life are measured against this goal. Some people do not give enough weight to their Path, and as a result, they will never become an Electus. Others, however, have this goal set in mind and may succeed in achieving Electus status. Since Philodemos’ ascension and his Palingenesis, this awareness has grown deeply rooted in people's consciousness, becoming an important aspect of the cultures within the Great Belt.
It is no coincidence that many people think in terms of using their patron, an Electus, as a role model and constantly strive to become like them. This is one of the fundamental reasons behind one of the two core concepts in the game’s setting: values are deeply rooted in people. It is a common belief that each individual possesses a unique yet universal system of values derived from their nature (i.e., their Path). By following the choices dictated by this Path, seen as a guiding compass, one can ultimately reach the state of Electus—the ultimate goal. This belief leads individuals to develop a highly personal attitude tied to their inner selves while also recognizing that, just as Philodemos managed to ascend to Electus, anyone can do so by fully embodying their abilities and always striving to excel in what they believe in.
No one truly knows how the ascension process occurs; what matters is proving that one has left a tangible mark on future generations, either through their deeds or their beliefs. In this way, anyone can aspire to immortality and, more importantly, become a reference point for posterity (some even claim that this is what true immortality really is).
Every character in Appset has the opportunity to harness their abilities and inclinations, using their Path as a guide to accomplish something—a feat, a creation, or a legacy—that will endure through time.
Philodemos carried out the Palingenesis by bringing the values of respect and democracy to the people of Roburia. Having the Path of Glory, he successfully ascended as the Electus of the Path of Glory. Others have followed a similar journey after him and are equally known and revered both inside and outside the Great Belt.
The fourth Path, the Path of Destruction, follows the same principles and also has its own Electi—though they are not widely known. They are worshipped by small, often secretive groups of devoted followers, who are arguably more driven than others, given that the known world views the values of the Path of Destruction with disdain.
It is said that before the Electi, there were ancient gods who fell into disgrace with the rise of the Electi. However, as often happens, tales of true paragons of virtue tend to be blurred with legends…