Biff was having a rough few weeks. First, W’s friend McMurphy, who Biff had promised to look out for, was under arrest. Second, the negotiations weren’t going well between the aerie. Third, there’s still that thing trapped in ice that was making everything “sick”. Fourth, settlement complications.
And then, to top it all off, Boreal Itash.
Biff needed a distraction. He needed to find peace. Once upon a time, Biff would never have found such peace. When W freed him from the bonds of slavery, he was lost. W became his idol, and everyone knew it. It didn’t bother him, and he still looks up to W for everything W did, does, and will continue to do. But, during his first mission out into the world as a member of the Border Freedom Force, he came across faith. Becoming a Knight of the Bladed Sun gave him a greater purpose. A balance to the world. One he was still trying to figure out. But most importantly, it made him happy. He stopped idolizing W as g-d and more like a living being that was just trying to do good in the world. The Bladed Sun gave him greater purpose, and made him a better man for it.
And now he needed a place to meditate. A place of peace surrounded by a world of antagonism and strife. And he wanted to make sure the new inhabitants of this settlement did too. He was granted permission by Grim and Lurtor to build a house of worship. Lurtor wanted it to be a mission for the Bladed Sun, but that felt wrong to Biff. Everyone needed a place to worship. If he was going to build something, it would be for everyone. Maybe, one day, if Jemison post became as large as New Home, he’d build different houses. But for now, one place would do.
Like most of Jemison Post, it would be underground. Carved out using tunnel material (artifact), followed by his calling forth stone from the ground, then shaping and.or forming stone. Biff did not want the place to be ostentatious. Austerity was the vibe he was going for. Simple entryway, an open space, down the center of the complex. He would artifice, onto a stone, the ability to raise and lower stone benches into a variety of configurations (circles, pews, benches). A stone altar could also be erected. There would be enough room for a 100 people, seated in rows. Also artificed in each room would be warm aura and floating torchlights (the control for the lights would be individual and separate from all other artifacts, as to not discriminate against those faiths practiced by cursed or the Tyriani).
Offshooting from this central area there would be rooms, enough for 15-20 people to gather (4 on either side). He would artifice in every room a separate stone console such that different shelves could be pulled out or inset into the walls for whatever religious idols required for prayer. Doors could be opened or closed, based on religious preference (made of grimwood). The walls in-between these rooms could also be opened for larger and enclosed gatherings. He would carve out an office space in the back of the complex for either himself or any staff of the structure. He would also leave space for further digging underground, in the event that this staff would need to be 24/7.
Work on these areas would be purposeful. The intent would be to make it meaningful and open to all (sanctioned) faiths without offending any. No permanent symbology is allowed, but there are places in all rooms so that when people gather for prayer, they can place their symbology accordingly.
The ground rules are as follows (and subject to change):
- All sanctioned (in the colonies) faiths, except Church of One, are permitted
- If a faith is unsanctioned, or is Church of One, a special petition must be made to Biff - of specific concern that must be addressed is how practice of that faith will better the settlement, promote peace in the settlement, and offer value to the settlement.
- All faiths permitted, either because they are sanctioned or allowed via special petition, are to be tolerated and respected: no loud noises and other interruptions
- Respect of others is required, that includes a “no preaching to converts” while on the premises - you may answer questions about your faith, but are not to engage in dialogue attacking their faith or overly promoting your faith to others (no “you’re all sinners” speeches or “I have a god to tell you about”)
- Space is provided on a first come, first serve on a reservation basis
- For any formal gathering - someone has to register for the group (e.g. if the Chaplain wants to lead a service, he has to register for the group. This is done in the event items are left behind, etc)
- Quiet personal meditation can happen at any time provided there is space available (either in central gathering space or in a room)
- Conflicts are solved through compromise
- No permanent symbology allowed
Biff reserves the right to assign staff to this space.
OOC - use this thread to ask about a specific faith, make requests of Biff regarding the nature of this space. Narrator reserves the right to interject for OOC or other purposes. If this thread becomes too confuddled by multiple conversations of faith and administrivia, we’ll break out accordingly.