Ectoplasm

The Structure of Ectoplasm

Communication

Ectoplasm follows a significantly different structure than that of most religions. There are no official places of worship (with one exception, discussed below). Instead, there is an amorphous network of followers to spread belief. In that sense, Ectoplasm looks more like a viral advertising campaign than a state sponsored religion. The government's role in this is to act as the root promoter of the Ectoplasmic faith. This is done through government sponsored drug dissemination. On a more direct level, the government indoctrinates the youth in schools, and attempts to eliminate any significant dissent against the religion.

The Ectoplasmicon

The Ectoplasmicon is the religious symbol of Annexea. It resides in a location with the unwritable name approximated by *slurp*. It may seem somewhat of a paradox that a religion with a paradigm of decentralization would have a central religious figure. The Ectoplasmicon

An Ectoplasm Primer

A Primer on Ectoplasmism (for Outsiders)

Compiled by the Bureau of Religious Affairs, Annexea

Introduction

What is Ectoplasm? In your dictionary, you may find an entry that speaks of cell cytoplasm or ghostly residue. In Annexea, we define Ectoplasm very differently, though using the same basic idea.

Our Definition: The immaterial, spiritual, tainted substance of which all things in the universe are formed.

With this definition, though one can get a quick idea of the nature of Ectoplasm, it is difficult to truly understand the concept through a single sentence. The following informational essay will attempt to present Ectoplasm in a less erudite manner to give the reader an impression of the idea and to explore the details of the philosophy.

An Ectoplasm Metaphor - The Pond

Imagine a pristine pond, its depths visible in its clear waters, sunlight shimmering about its subtly wavering surface. Fish swim in blissful ignorance, nibbling on the vibrant green aquatic plants that sway with the currents. All live in harmony, but this pure environment cannot last. Bacteria grow and multiply, and malignant weeds begin to spread their dark green tendrils about the pond, strangling the life out of the innocent plants of the pristine past. Algae grows and chokes out other life, and what is left is tainted by disease and death. The waters turn opaque, a murky brown obscuring whatever lies at the bottom. Eventually, this degeneration ceases, as the algae and bacteria reach their capacity, and all becomes stable. This is the nature of the universe, and so to be one with the universe, we must accept the sickly brown of the murky pondwater.

Customs, Rules, and Practices of Ectoplasm

The Black Meat

The Black Meat refers to the flesh of the Annexean Giant Centipede, which contains a hallucinogenic chemical that is activated when ingested. The Black Meat is the most important drug to Annexea's culture, and held in very high regard by Annexean citizens. The Black Meat, more than any other drug, is said to bring about a mystical, ectoplasmic experience. It's supply is limited to the Kandankero centipede farmers (Ukún!ola; the "!" is a click consonant, called Uku for short), who live in the forests on the outskirts of Annexea. It is rumored that the Ectoplasmicon feeds entirely on the Black Meat.

Sharing of Blood

This is a form of contract signature. The agreeing parties cut themselves, usually a pinprick with a needle, and place their blood upon the contract (written on paper) in a specified place. The blood pools together, symbolizing the merging of Ectoplasm (see section on Blood and Ectoplasm). This form of agreement is rarely imposed on foreigners, and is generally reserved for agreements requiring greater binding than a mere signature.

Pronouns

In formal situations, addressing a follower of Ectoplasm necessitates the use of the pronoun "We". A true Ectoplasmicite begins to shed the inherently isolating personality and becomes a part of Ectoplasm. It is also technically correct (though rarely practiced except at the highest echelons) to replace the pronoun "I" with "We", as referring to one's self is referring to Ectoplasm, and thus everyone.

To denote which individual of the "we" the pronoun refers to, eye contact and hand gestures are usually used. In writing, it is formally correct to write the particular reference after a dash (e.g. We-Bob, do not fully understand Ectoplasm yet.), or use the We-You pronoun "Ye". A common Annexean insult is to use "You" instead of "Ye", implying that the receiver of the comment is detached from Ectoplasm.

Note that it is offensive for an outsider, and especially an opponent to Ectoplasm, to use "we" in place of "you" or "I", as the outsider is not a part of the Ectoplasmic community.