View source for Project Revelation

{{ArekJDirectory}}
Project lead: [[Kaito Haakkainen]]

Contributors:

Archivist: [[Myyona]]

Status: Active
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=Introduction=
The [[Takmahl]] are an ancient race once part of the [[Amarr Empire]] who, having crowned their first emperor in -6876YC, could also be considered an ancient race.<ref name=a>Evelopedia: Timeline http://wiki.eveonline.com/en/wiki/Timeline</ref> Despite originating from a faction with a long and well preserved written history.<ref name=b>Evelopedia: Scriptures http://wiki.eveonline.com/en/wiki/Scriptures</ref> little information is currently available on the [[Takmahl]]. They were exiled from the Empire, for reasons unknown, shortly after the [[Amarr]] returned to space.<ref name=c>The Curator in Museum Arcana http://lorebook.eve-inspiracy.com/guides/Amarr_Epic_Arc_guide_by_Jowen_Datloran_v1.0.pd</ref> Relics in [[:Category: Araz _(Constellation)| Araz]] have proven the [[Takmahl]] had a thriving culture for centuries after this, eventually dying out, again for reasons unknown.<ref name=c/>

We do know the [[Takmahl]] remained a religious people, building temples, creating statues and idols depicting their god, and composing texts describing their rituals.<ref name=c/> Yet currently we know almost nothing about the [[Takmahl]] religion beyond what can be drawn from the faiths of the Imperial creed, the [[Order of St. Tetrimon]], the [[Sani Sabik]], and the [[Blood Raider Covenant]].

Further study of [[Takmahl]] history would benefit the fields of theology and history and the [[Amarr]] and the [[Sani Sabik]]. It would also improve our understanding of the history of the [[New Eden]] cluster, potentially providing information on other ancient factions. History provides context to the present, allows the examination of new viewpoints, and provides a greater pool of experience to draw from when looking to the future. Although not a goal of this project, historical analysis of a faction with advanced or alternate technologies may contribute to the production of new technologies, in this case most likely in the fields of biotechnology and cybernetics. While pursuit of practical applications is not discouraged it should be remembered that the [[Arek'Jaalan|Arek'Jaalan Project]] takes an active stance against any further weaponization of ancient technology.

=Research Goals=
The aim of this project is to attain further information on [[Takmahl]] history. There is no specific final goal therefore submission for review will be at the discretion of the Project and Division leads. Research shall continue after submission and hopefully benefit from feedback generated by the [[Arek'Jaalan|Arek'Jaalan Project]] and its affiliates.

=Review=
To avoid duplication of effort and provide a starting point for further study a review of current data can be found below. As further sources and interpretations become available they will be added to this section providing an overview of current understanding on the subject matter.
The known history of the [[Amarr]] begins with [[Dano Gheinok]], accredited in Scripture as leading what would become the [[Amarrian]] people to [[Athra]].<ref name=a/><ref name=b/> Also referred to as Gheinok the First, it can be implied he was the first [[Amarrian]] Prophet and established the foundations of the [[Amarrian]] theocracy.

This demonstrates retention of data from before the Dark Ages, which are themselves seemingly referred to in Book 1 1:14, which the [[Amarr]] apparently survived better than most other factions.<ref name=b/> The retention of knowledge and rapid development, compared to the [[Caldari]] and [[Gallente]], suggest that the [[Amarr]]also devolved less during the Dark Ages themselves.
Eight millennia passed before the [[Amarr]] crowned their first emperor<ref name=a/>, presumably following the leadership of the Prophets as established by Gheinok the First during this period.

Written over 6,000 years ago, Chapter I of the [[Epitoth]] describes events during the time of [[Amash-Akura|Emperor Amash-Akura]] which can be interpreted as describing the interference of another faction in [[Amarrian]] development.<ref name=b/> The arrival of the [[Sefrim]], during a solar eclipse, is depicted in terms that could describe a starship landing and are described as "speaking the Language of God" and being "those that guard the high seats of heaven". They gifted [[Ametat and Avetat|Ametat the Scepter and Avetat the Crown]] to the emperor, which remained in the Imperial family for four centuries and "For a hundred years while the [[Sefrim]] watched over the empire no wars or epidemics or famines ruined the lands and the people were content and joyous."

The [[Sefrim]] ultimately left, turned away by [[Amash-Akura]] for not aiding him against [[Molok the Deceiver]].<ref name=b/> God speaks to [[Amash-Akura]] and tells him "Thy folly is great, [[Amash-Akura]], thou hast rejected those I sent to thee in thine hour of need. Thou must redeem thyself to me by thy own merits." [[Amash-Akura]] succeeded in this five years later dying the same day he sacrificed Molok to God.
Four millennia after the crowning of their first emperor the [[Amarr]] attained sole control of [[Athra]]. Despite taking so long to reach this point of development the [[Amarrians]] had recovered from the collapse faster than the Caldari and Gallente, beating them to their stargate by over 1200 years. [[Zaragram II|Zaragram Ardishapur]], dubbed the "Mad Emperor", rose to power shortly after.<ref name=d>Chronicle: City of God http://www.eveonline.com/background/potw/default.asp?cid=03-july-01</ref><ref name=e> Chronicle: The Cult of Tetrimon http://wiki.eveonline.com/en/wiki/The_Cult_of_Tetrimon_(Chronicle)</ref> He placed himself above the [[Apostle Council]] and issued many decrees directly usurping the [[Scriptures]]. During his time many traditions of [[Amarr]] society were uprooted and eradicated. [[Zaragram II]] is said to have sought godhood and constructed [[Mezagorm]] in the [[Shastal  (System)|Shastal system]] in pursuit of this goal. After 114 years as emperor [[Zaragram II|Zaragram]] was assassinated by a nobleman of his own family upon [[Mezagorms]] completion.
In the aftermath the [[Apostle Council]] returned to power and  established the [[Order of St. Tetrimon]] to reverse the “corrupting influence” of [[Zaragram II]].<ref name=e/> They “purified” the scriptures, removing chapters that disagreed with the "canon" of the [[Amarr]]faith, and those chapters which had been added in recent times.

Half a century later the [[Moral Reforms]] took place.<ref name=d/> The Emperor, along with what would become the [[Theology Council]], created a new canon of scriptures that increased the authority of the Emperor.<ref name=e/> Many aspects of the [[Amarr]] faith were purged and modified to fit the new political order. After the Reforms the [[Amarr]] began taking tentative steps towards further exploration and expansion, implying that for a time such actions ceased. Scripture pre-dating the [[Moral Reforms]] has since been rigorously suppressed by the [[Theology Council]].<ref name=d/> Amongst them, the writings of the [[Takmahl]] and the original [[Scriptures]] guarded by the [[Order of St. Tetrimon]].

[[Sani Sabik]] Scripture is also suppressed by todays Empire. Having its roots in the [[Amarrian]] faith the faction split from the empire for “complicated reasons” centuries ago.<ref name=f>The Burning Life http://wiki.eveonline.com/en/wiki/Burning_Life_(Novel)</ref> The [[Takmahl]] are said to be the predecessors of the [[Blood Raiders]].<ref name=c/> This suggests that while old, the [[Sani Sabik]] faith does not date from the same time period. The [[Sani Sabik]] follow apocryphal writings deemed heretical by the Empire, as did the [[Takmahl]]. The [[Blood Raider Covenant]] is a space-based sect of the Sani Sabik, the [[Takmahl]] being their predecessors indicates that the [[Takmahl]] were a space-based sect or order within the Empire.

Another piece of suppressed information is the Sixth Sign of the [[Amarrian]] faith.<ref name=g>Chronicle: Signs of Faith http://www.eveonline.com/background/potw/default.asp?cid=08-03-10</ref> While officially there is no sixth sign the sequence implies its existence. The inversion of the first, sign the Sixth can be interpreted as Man become God and follows on from the Fifth which is said to represent that the empires future lies in space. Visibly the symbol resembles an egg or capsule shape. The symbol may have influenced [[Zaragram II|Zaragram II’s]] pursuit of Godhood, which may in turn explain its apparent suppression.
Direct information on the [[Takmahl]] is sparse. [[Takmahl]] derived design naming conventions point towards the [[Takmahl]] being related to the knight crusaders who led the early Reclaiming.<ref name=h> Database: Decryptors – Takmahl http://games.chruker.dk/eve_online/inventory.php?group_id=734</ref><ref name=i> Database: Artefacts and Prototypes http://games.chruker.dk/eve_online/inventory.php?group_id=528</ref> Knightly tradition may still be seen in the Khanid Cyber Knights.<ref name=j> Evelopedia: Khanid (Bloodline) http://wiki.eveonline.com/en/wiki/Khanid_Bloodline</ref>
The Labyrinth, in Aphi, contains numerous [[Takmahl]] relics and a Temple site.<ref name=k> Evelopedia: The Labyrinth http://wiki.eveonline.com/en/wiki/The_Labyrinth</ref> It is hoped [[Project Theseus]] will lead towards further data on The Labyrinth and that recovered artifacts will provide more information on the [[Takmahl]] in general.

Another site of interest was brought to light in recent times, the Temple of God’s Assuring Whisper. An [[Amarrian]] religious center which was destroyed during the Moral Reforms, the site was said to once contain "[[Amarrians]] receiving training on how to walk the path of God and work in the spirit of the Reclaiming."<ref name=l> News: Privy Council Orders Investigation into Tetrimon Temple http://www.eveonline.com/news.asp?a=single&nid=1156&tid=2</ref> Holy statues were recovered from the site which the Tetrimon believed would herald the coming of a new Reclaiming that will "bring God’s faith to all." This statement may connect the statues to known apocryphal texts.<ref name=d/>

Finally, there are a number of surviving passages in [[Amarrian]] Scripture that may relate to the [[Takmahl]].<ref name=b/> The word "Chosen", when capitalized, may refer to a more specific group than the faithful in general. It is possible that the term has been misapplied in later additions meaning not all examples would apply, or the capitalization may only reflect different styles, having no impact within the scope of this project. Despite this, due to the impact readily available data could have on advancing the field in the short term, several notable passages are presented here:

:And the Lord spoke, and said, Lo, my people, Witness, for I have made the worlds of Heaven;
:And these worlds I give to you, My Chosen,
:So [[Amarr]] shall rule the worlds of the Heavens.
:None shall stand higher than you save the [[Sefrim]],
:Who serve Me as others shall serve you,
:For all things under Me serve one higher;
:So [[Amarr]] shall rule the worlds of the Heavens.
:As Garrulor rules the skies; as Frisceas rules the sea;
:As Emperor rules Holder; as Holder rules Serf;
:Yet all under Heaven serve Me;
:So shall [[Amarr]] rule the worlds of the Heavens.
:3.19 - 3.21 Reclaiming

:"So the Lord sent forth the Chosen,
:to bring forth the light of faith
:And those who embrace his love
:Shall be saved by his grace
:For we are his shepherds in the darkness
:His Angels of Mercy.
:But those who turn away from his light,
:And reject his true word
:Shall be struck down by his wrath
:For we are his retribution incarnate
:His Angels of Vengeance"
:- 4:45 Reclaiming

:"Chosen, you are first before God.
:You are the True and the Faithful.
:But in such a state must you hold yourselves high above all.
:And constantly prove yourself worthy of Gods Love.
:How can such a gift be repaid,
:Other than to toil all our days,
:In his glorious service,
:According to his will,
:Serving him always,
:Bearing him first in our thoughts,
:Always must we strive to show him our worth,
:For we are the Chosen, Blessed above all."
:- The Scriptures, Anoyia's Exhortation to the Faithful

=Methodology=
===Acquisition, Analysis and Comparison===
:Scripture passages
:Existing research
:Historical items
:Suppressed writings and records
:[[Cruor]], [[Ashimmu]] and [[Bhaalgorn]]

===Contact===
:Experts at Schools
:[[Theology Council]]
:[[Ardishapur Family|House Ardishapur]]
:[[Order of St. Tetrimon]]
:[[Khanid Family|Khanid Royal Family]]
:Devolved colonies
:[[Sani Sabik]]
:[[Blood Raider Covenant]]
:[[Equilibrium of Mankind]]
:Scavengers, Dealers, and Collectors
:All official contact and announcements should be made with the utmost, unbiased, sensitivity for the religious beliefs of others. 

===Subjects===
Gheinok Period
:- How long did [[Dano Gheinok]] rule
:- What was the early theocracy like
:- How did the theocracy survive the gate collapse
:- What technology level was available during this period
:- Why did the [[Amarr]]change from Prophets to Emperors
Apostle Period
:- Do the Apostles predate the emperors
:- How did the Council and Emperor rule
[[Sefrim]]
:- Impact on [[Amarrian]] development
:- Were the [[Sefrim]] a known faction, or related to one
:- Possible relation to [[Talocan]] or [[Jovians]]
:- Nature of [[Ametat and Avetat]]
:- Possible relation to the [[Rod of the Creator]]
:- Possible relation to [[Khumaak]] and related symbology
:- [[Sefrim]] relation to red sky in [[Amarr]] and [[Sani Sabik]] Scripture
:- Information on [[Molok the Deceiver]]
[[Zaragram II]] Period
:- Impact on Scripture, faith, and tradition
:- Impact on society and technology
:- Impact on [[Ardishapur Family|House Ardishapur]]
:- Impact on [[Sani Sabik]] and [[Blood Raider Covenant]]
:- Possible relation to infomorph technology
2nd Apostle Period
:- Why attempt to erase [[Zaragram II]] from history
:- What was involved in reversing [[Zaragram II|Zaragram’s]] decrees
:- Did the Order take a military role in reversing [[Zaragram II|Zaragram’s]] decrees
:- Were technologies abandoned during the Reform
[[Takmahl]]
:- Place within the [[Amarr Empire]]
:- Religious differences
:- [[Takmahl]] depiction of God
:- Impact on the [[Amarr Empire]]
:- Impact on the [[Khanid Kingdom]]
:- Impact on [[Sani Sabik]] and [[Blood Raider Covenant]]
:- Links to [[Zaragram II]]
:- Relation to the [[Sani Sabik]] and [[Blood Raider Covenant]]
:- Level of technology
:- Inspect hints they were a capsuleer-like group
:- Comparison of [[Takmahl Astral Treatment|Astral Treatment]] and [[Sleeper Stellar Engineering]]
:- Reasons for exile
:- Why did the [[Takmahl]] die out
:- Did any [[Takmahl]] survive on planets
:- Did any [[Takmahl]] reintegrate or infiltrate into the Empire

===Sites===
City of God
:- How was the site supposed to aid [[Zaragram II|Zaragram’s]] pursuit of godhood
Temple of Gods Assuring Whisper
:- What mention of the site is there in Scripture
:- What was the sites purpose
:- What can we learn of the split from its destruction
:- Examine any similarity to capsuleer School stations
:- What did the [[Privy Council]], [[Royal Amarr Institute]] and [[Hedion University]] discover about the site

=References=
{{reflist}}