Capitology
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 Capitology Symbol | |
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 636,834,702+ | |
| Founder | |
| Maria Jose Carranza | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
 Prybourne |
Capitology is socio-cultural religion that was founded and primarily exists in the nation of Prybourne. Capitology beliefs cover two basic principles: the belief in the universe as bound together in the Great Material Continuum and the pursuit of profit and accumulation of wealth. Capitology is most notable with its great presence within the social and economic culture of Prybourne starting with the Canter Uprising in which it became the revolutionary ideology after the Canter Republic failed to suppress it and into modern day Prybournean society and law. While being the majority in Prybourne it's presence, if any, is very low outside the nation.
Beliefs
The Great Material Continuum
Capitology revolves around the pursuit of profit and the accumulation of wealth. At the heart of Capitologist beliefs is the idea that societies operate in cycles of having and wanting, which are metaphorically represented as the flow of a great river comprised of material acquisitions. According to Capitologist belief, a society that is balanced between having and wanting is stable and prosperous. However, if one state dominates over the other, the river becomes dangerously unstable and society suffers. This can lead to financial difficulties for individuals, who may find themselves tossed to the shores of the river by a wave of inflation or run aground on a shoal of hardship.
To get back into the flow of the river, individuals must consolidate their finances, realign their investments, sell property, or even take out a loan. Once back in the flow, it's essential to navigate the river carefully, balancing profit and loss, acquisitions and liquidations, and keeping an eye out for opportunities further downstream. Those who can navigate the river successfully can steer it towards greater prosperity, earning great wealth and success in life. Capitologist beliefs suggest that this success can also translate into the afterlife, where individuals can pursue profit in a second chance at prosperity.
The Divine Treasury
The concept of the afterlife is a fundamental part of Capitology, and it is known as the Divine Treasury. This sacred realm is believed to be a place of pure opulence and extravagance, where everything from the walls to the furniture is made of the purest gold. To enter the Divine Treasury, one must present their profit-and-loss statement for inspection by the Registrar. Upon arrival, the deceased is judged by the Registrar based on their life's actions, which may involve some cringing, bribery, and well-placed obsequious groveling. If the Registrar is impressed, the deceased is granted entry, and they are given the opportunity to bid on a new life under the supervision of the Blessed Exchequer and Celestial Auctioneers.
If the individual has acquired enough profit in their previous life, they can simply pay for a new one and be reborn, with the chance to continue accumulating wealth and profit. However, if they have not earned enough profit, their bid fails, and they are banished from the Divine Treasury, locked in the Vault of Eternal Destitution forever. This belief suggests that a person only has one chance at a profitable afterlife, and a prosperous individual can gain multiple lives if they continue to earn enough profit. Overall, the Divine Treasury reinforces the importance of profit and accumulation of wealth in Capitologist beliefs, suggesting that one's success in the afterlife is directly related to their financial success in life.
The Vault of Eternal Destitution
The worst possible fate after death. Every Person banished to the Vault becomes the property of a Vault Auditor. The Auditors form a council called the Regulation Committee, which is lead by the Desecrated Auditor - the most powerful and influential Auditor. The Committee oversees every aspect of business and life in the Vault. These policies, known as the Laws of Destitution, are harsh. The Auditors charge outrageous accommodation expenses, high income taxes, service charges, and strictly regulate transactions. Painstaking financial audits and fines await all who break the laws. Though it is possible, few people ever manage to bribe their Auditor to overlook transgressions. Fewer still gain enough wealth to buy the title of Auditor and get to own slaves themselves.
To scare their children into behaving, mothers recite stories of the Demons of Despair. These demons are evil spirits from the Vault of Eternal Destitution, and used to be people who were generous, charitable, generally unconcerned with profit, or otherwise heretical. Legend says that the demons take shadowy forms and escape the Vault for a time, stealing money and other valuables from miscreant children.
Worship
Capitologist Prayer
The everyday place of worship is known as a Holy Exchange with the most holy place for Capitology exists within the city of Duron in Prybourne known as the Sacred Marketplace which sits at the base of the Prybourean Tower of Commerce. The Holy Exchange and the Sacred Marketplace are central to Capitologist worship, as they represent the pursuit of profit and accumulation of wealth. The Rules of Acquisition, which are a set of guidelines for conducting business, are recited as a way of reinforcing these principles and reminding Capitologists of their duty to pursue profit.
A Capitologist service typically consists of reciting the Rules of Acquisition and various rituals said to stabilize the Continuum in order to bring greater profit. Capitologist spirituality revolves around profits.The rituals performed in Capitologist services are also designed to promote the stability of the Great Material Continuum, which is seen as essential to the accumulation of wealth. These rituals may involve the burning of incense or the offering of valuable items, such as gold or silver, as a way of honoring the principles of Capitology.
holy metals and are used in worship. Many Capitologists carry gold or silver jewelry to show their heritage to others. The use of gold and silver in Capitologist worship highlights the importance of material wealth within the religion. The possession of gold or silver jewelry is seen as a symbol of one's commitment to the principles of Capitology and a sign of one's success in business.For Capitologists, the accumulation of wealth is not only a practical goal but also a spiritual one.
History
TBA