Bertanism is a multistellar religion practiced on several worlds within the Solomani Rim sector.  Bertranism traces it's roots back to the Chaos Years on Ghourxa when it's founder, John Guilias Bertrand, first gathered survivors from the war and formed a commune.  Bertrand was orphaned at a young age when his parents were killed in rioting following the collapse of the Imperium.  Growing up on his own, but with access to resources left behind by his parents, Bertrand became active in local trade and eventually became the ruler of a small fiefdom.  The success of Bertrands city, and later country helped to end civil war on the planet and bring relative order back to the world.

Bertrand believed in the existence of a divine being which he called The Survivor (a.k.a Al Ke). This being, who (according to the Bertranites) was originally a human male, survived the great war and resulting chaos and was somehow transformed or preserved so as to be eternal.   The existence of The Survivor is a central pillar of the religion; The belief structure of the Bertranites surrounds the concept.  Understanding that The Survivor existed and represents good is a matter of faith for Bertranites, as much of the information regarding his life and fate is a closely held church secret and not readily accessible to members.

 Bertranism is popular in many areas with large numbers of poor / uneducated people, but also has a smaller, more sophisticated following in some of the larger cities on Ghourxa.  Some tenets of Bertranism that evolved as a result of Bertrands teachings follow:
 
 

    The Eristicon War was in essence a test given by God; a crucible by which to boil Humaniti down to it's essence.  Those who survived the event did so for a purpose, either to work to promote a greater good, or to spread evil and plunge civilization back into chaos.  Bertrand and his followers claim to be the leaders and champions of the "good" and "righteous".  These terms are subject to interpretation.

Bertranites believe that Al Ke was chosen by God as a messenger.  Al Ke represents hope, compassion, and the good qualities of man in general. ( This is fairly straightforward as a conceptual model, but things get fuzzy when speaking of the actual physical person - see below)

Part of the duties of a Bertranite is to protect The Survivor / Al Ke.  There is inherent dualism in the message; one meaning being that members must work to preserve the good intentions of Al Ke, but the other meaning seems to relate to the physical protection and preservation of The Survivor to allow him to be eternal.

There is danger in pursuing the future without studying the past. Bertranites are aware that they have a choice to build a new society free from suffering, or to be doomed to repeat the mistakes of the past.  This belief manifests itself in many different forms, depending on the particular branch, sect, or world Bertranism is practiced on.  For some members, this translates to leanings toward various other philosophies, such as Luddite beliefs, and political views such as Federalism and/or anti-Centrist views.

People are born with free will to chose between good and evil.  The mission of the Bertranites is to educate people to make an informed decision between the two.

Some Bertranites interpret the idea that Al Ke was a male to mean that men have some sort of added responsibility or position in post-war life.   This is often seen in areas where the church and state are one, and the ruling body has a decidedly patriarchal bent.

 

1.  Head of things is the Church Leader, also called "The Gate".  This is Vikor Bahat.  The Solarist Church wonders if there are other "Gates" but only knows of the one.  (Bahat is thought to be on Akhamin currently.)
2. Next down are Protectors and Chosen Ones.  These are high members of the clergy, usually running or involved with the running of church affairs on an entire world.  Protectors are thought to have police powers among members.  Chosen Ones are individuals who have demonstrated qualities that are worthy of Al Ke / The Survivor; possibly having survived some (church created) trial themselves.
3. Below these are the Eternal Watchers.  These represent the body of the priesthood within the church.  Watchers run individual congregations.  Depending on how well connected they are, the Watchers may be very influential and possibly have connections to the inner workings of the system.
4. Under the Watchers are Providers - Members of the church who have proven their worthiness.  This amounts to either being well politically connected or making generous donations to the church.  Providers get special church priveleges, acess to higher ups, recognition,etc.  Ascention to Provider is a carrot the church uses to solicit things from it's membership.
5. At the bottom are the Shavina (Unproven). All other members of the church.  The daily rank and file.

 

Mak Shah:   The Pilgrims of Robar

Thes Te Fa:   The Iron Bar of Te Fa

Corsemikta:  Offworlders Coalition

Minjinika:   Minjini Orders

Kem Sel:   Workers Sacred Union