Cosmic Infinity (Religion)

Cosmic Infinity is a new religious movement founded in 1973 in Zargothrax. It is believed to be derived from a mixture of Zoroastrianism, which is the state religion of Zargothrax, with a number of other influences. Followers, called Infinitists, worship a timeless deity, whose name cannot be spoken in the presence of nonbelievers, and astrology is considered deeply important to followers. The movement has been criticised by many as a "cult". The most prominent follower of Cosmic Infinity is King Shapur XIV of Zargothrax, though he is the only adult member of the Royal Family to have converted.

Beliefs

Followers of Cosmic Infinity worship a space-and-time travelling deity, whose name may not be spoken in the presence of nonbelievers, but who is often referred to solely as God. He is said to travel across various dimensions, while also being everywhere and "every-when" at once. Followers believe the true nature of time is non-linear and promote "atemporalism" - the idea that time does not actually exist and is merely created by the collective consciousness of living beings.

Infinitists also believe that Earth is not the true home of humanity, and that different species were deliberately spread across the stars by the deity and various demigods as part of a "divine experiment". Infinitists dispute whether or not this is the only world containing humans. They also believe that various mythological creatures such as unicorns and fire-breathing dragons exist on other planets, and that the myths are derived from ancestral memories of the "true homeworld" of all life.

Angels and demons

Infinitists believe in the existence of beings of total good (angels) and total evil (demons). Angels are said to be servants of God, who monitor the divine experiment and serve God and the demigods. Demons, meanwhile, come from another plane of existence and devour human souls to stay alive. They can be summoned to this plane of existence, usually for nefarious ends. While it is usually humans who summon demons, the demons more often than not find some way to take control of the human summoner, or another human, in order to wreak havoc and sabotage the divine experiment.

Astrology

For infinitists, astrology is a method of receiving messages from God, who created the stars and planets, and aligned them in such a manner as to provide the humans in the divine experiment with messages. Therefore, infinitists place great importance on astrology and horoscopes; especially as they believe that time of birth is preordained also. The infinitist King Shapur of Zargothrax has appointed a Royal Astrologer since assuming the throne, for this reason.

Calendar

Infinitists use the same calendar as Zoroastrians in Zargothrax, however have differing interpretations of the importance of certain dates. Each Thraxian year ends with five additional days, outside the system of twelve months of thirty days each. Because the Thraxian calendar has not been adjusted to correct for calendrical drift in over 800 years, the date of new year shifts relative to the Gregorian calendar every four years. For most Thraxians, these are days of celebration, festival and prayer. For Infinitists, they are "unprotected days", when God is asleep and ignorant of the affairs of the mortal world. On these five days, the world is said to be at greater risk from demonic incursions and other calamities.

Apocalypse predictions

Infinitists are known for frequently predicting the end of the world. They have predicted various apocalypses - where this world is destroyed, and true believers are transported to the original homeworld, with nonbelievers dying - in 1993, 2000 and 2012. The most recent prediction came from King Shapur XIV of Zongongia, who claimed in 2023 that twelve cats would save the world from an apocalypse of unknown cause.

Cult criticisms

Cosmic Infinity has been frequently criticised as being a "cult" by a number of individuals, including prominent figures in Thraxian politics. Following the conversion of King Shapur XIV to Cosmic Infinity, many religious figures within Zargothrax called for him to abdicate. The leaders of Cosmic Infinity are unknown, using pseudonyms and preaching in masks; however followers are expected to contribute money - hence many of the cult accusations.