Foreword:

Hello everyone! I’m Dobyk, an avid ES2 fan and a budding writer with experience in worldbuilding and creating fictional societies for several mods and projects. One of the reasons I love the Endless universe is the unique civilizations developed by Amplitude. My favorite faction from Endless Space 1, for example, was the Pilgrims because they presented an interesting concept: merging science and faith, or science-mysticism. Now that Endless Space 2 took this lore and deepened it, I was inspired to also contribute to the narrative.

This series aims to further develop the Pilgrims in light of the soft lore revamp in ES2. With the lore of the Vodyani, the Unfallen and the Academy, there is really a lot of new information concerning the Pilgrims. I also want to answer some questions: What exactly do the Pilgrims believe in and worship? How do they combine science and faith? How are they different from the Vodyani and the Sophons? What is their opinion on the atrocities committed by the Endless? I had so many questions, but all became clear with the following quote:

 “Elevating science to a near spiritual pursuit, the Pilgrims possess a religious dimension and place great import in the search for ancient artifacts.”

This simple sentence helped me realized exactly how to distinguish the Pilgrims from both the Vodyani and the Sophons, while keeping the canon intact. Thus, I worked hard to deepen Pilgrim lore, I added my own twists and ideas and I’ve answered questions in regards to their society, faith and agendas.

Since I’ll be covering a lot of topics, I will break the piece into four posts:

Part 1: History and Origins

Part 2: Society and Culture

Part 3: Paths to Enlightenment

Part 4: Forefathers and Visionaries

I’ve really taken the time to research the Pilgrims and treat them with a lot of love and inspiration! Without further delay, let us jump right into the lore of the Pilgrims!

Disclaimer: Part 1 is a bit long, but is an important foundation for the other parts! The art in the post is property of Amplitude Studios.

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The Resistance and the First Separation War

The Pilgrims of today trace their origins back to a small group of scientists, intellectuals and political dissidents who rebelled against the United Empire almost a century ago. Appalled by the oppressive and authoritarian society of the Empire, which was rife with corporate greed and corruption, the dissidents and their supporters stole a prototype of the nascent colonization ship and escaped the Empire. Naming themselves “The Resistance”, this group of rogue explorers, feisty academics and unorthodox engineers vowed to create a new society based on liberty and scientific thought. For a few years the rebels survived on their own and even built a small fleet, but soon Imperial forces caught up with them, intent on bringing the dissidents back.  The small but devastating skirmish that ensued was named “The First Separation War”. In the aftermath of the battle, a few rebel ships managed to escape through the debris and ballistics, which was considered a small victory for the dissidents.

In the following years, under the leadership of the charismatic Kamau Savasbat, the Resistance survived, fully focused on evading the Empire just to live another day. Unfortunately, due to ever present threats and underdeveloped technologies, the rebels struggled to create their promised society: there were food and resource shortages, health and safety issues, as well as a growing voice of discontent which urged the population to return to the Imperial fold. With each passing month the pleas to return and forsake the path of rebellion grew louder, and support for Kamau plummeted. Just when the situation couldn’t seem direr, an engine malfunction in the primary colony ship sent the Resistance slowly drifting through an alien star system towards a desolate planet. Starving, hopeless and disillusioned, the rebels were ready to abandon the main ship and return to the Empire. That is, until help approached from an unexpected source.

Kamau Savasbat

Sophon Friends and Endless Ruins

In the darkest moment in Pilgrim history the alien species called Sophons saved the Resistance and helped them land on the planet. The rebel-scientists quickly bonded with the peculiar species and a strong friendship blossomed. The dissidents were fond of the energetic and curious Sophons, while in turn the aliens saw a kindred spirit dedicated to reason and discovery. In the months that followed, the Resistance lived in the temporary Sophon colony on the planet and together the two species exchanged cultures and ideas. The Sophons repaired the colony ship and taught the schematics for reliable spacecraft, while the former imperials joined their new friends in the exploration of newly discovered Endless ruins. The main reason the Sophons established a research colony was to research the vast cache of Endless relics, artifacts and structures on the planet. It was then that the most important event in Pilgrim history occurred: the discovery of the very first Temple.

The Resistance discovered and researched a building complex, an ancient pre-schism Endless facility with vast troves of scientific and historical information. At the center of the complex was an enormous temple-like structure, which the rebels swiftly named “The Temple of Thousand Truths”. With four tall obelisk-towers and a deep underground facility, the temple contained technological blueprints, artefacts and data on Endless society. On the inside, its gigantic walls and structures were covered in complex circuit-like patterns which turned out to be encrypted data. When properly deciphered, they revealed information on Endless cultural accomplishments and pure scientific data (think of the patterns as highly advanced QR codes). 

Although the Sophon devices could translate only a fraction of these patterns, the rebels were already enthralled. Day and night they studied and researched the facilities, learning bits of Endless history, of the species’ advanced and seemingly peaceful society, of their godlike capabilities. They studied ancient texts, poems and odes dedicated to the glory and sophistication of the Endless empire. The rebels were filled with awe, fear, respect and obsessive curiosity. So enraptured were they, so deeply touched by the vastness and grandeur of the Endless that in the process of learning they were changed. No longer just scientists and dissidents, they felt this discovery struck a chord far deeper than pure data could. It was the profound call of mystic fascination, the desire to understand the Endless and to find that place where Dust goes beyond mere technology and the mysteries of the universe transcend scientific puzzles. The rebels were now not only explorers and scientists, but tattooed mystics as well.

The Resistance discovers the Temple of Thousand Truths

From Rebels to Pilgrims

After studying the temple for several months the Resistance experienced a profound change, channeled by its leader. Kamau declared that his people will no longer be rebels and malcontents, but enlightened science-mystics and seekers of truths, a people dedicated to building a better society. It was him who reconstructed an ancient Endless dialect to adopt the sacred words and phrases that suffused the Pilgrim faith. He called himself a Yaatre, a seeker on a spiritual path, a Pilgrim, and his followers named themselves Yaatrem, or Pilgrims. He tattooed upon his flesh patterns from the temple, which encrypted data of personal significance to him – many followed his example and marked themselves thus. Soon enough, engineering schematics, historical annals, astrophysics theories and chemical equations were inscribed on the faces and bodies of the Pilgrims denoting a single piece of scientific or scholarly knowledge which carried spiritual or personal significance to the pilgrim in question. The growing obsession with Endless technology and culture eventually culminated in a famous speech from Kamau to his people:

“And from this moment onwards, brothers and sisters, we are no longer rebels but Yaatrem, Pilgrims. We shall follow Yaatra, the Path of Enlightenment, as a pilgrimage to the heart of the Endless empire – Tor, homeworld of the Endless. We shall inscribe scientific wisdoms upon our flesh so that they may infer knowledge and insight and light our Path. With this wisdom, we shall transcend the corruption and cruelty of the Empire and create a society of freedom and enlightenment, a society based on knowledge gleaned from the Endless. Rise, brothers and sisters, rise as Pilgrims and follow me on this Holy Mission, so that we can reach enlightenment together!”

Needless to say, this passionate appeal reshaped the Resistance and even the less spiritually inclined joined the Pilgrim movement and the Holy Mission to find Tor. After this profound transformation from rebels into science-mystics, the faction spent three years living in the Sophonity on Hekim, joining the Sophons in scientific research and intellectual exchange. After this time of tutelage and friendship, the Yaatrem finally left their xeno-friends to pursued their Holy Mission. It was also during this time that they finally established their state: the Democratic Republic of the Pilgrims, also known as the Yaatrem Republic. The state was a democracy ruled by an elected council that prized liberty, transparency and accountability. Therna Ubantri, the renowned lawyer and visionary who rejected Imperial dogmas, created the legal framework for the republic, while the equally famous Worne Karga established the various colleges which organized research and exploration. Borrowing both technology and democratic mechanisms from the Sophonity, the Pilgrims managed to found a fledgling, but stable society.

The Yaatrem constructed a vast mothership to house the majority of their population and to serve as a base for research, while a smaller fleet of explorers and defenders accompanied it. With the superior technology and schematics of the Sophons, they finally had the means to both explore the vastness of space and defend themselves from those who would deny their pilgrimage. Finally, to mark their young republic the Pilgrims designed an appropriate banner: the silhouette of the Endless Temple they discovered, the four obelisks with the vast underground base, in sky blue to oppose the Imperial crimson. It is also noteworthy to mention that a small population of Pilgrims remained on Hekim and continued their research alongside the Sophons.

The Republic’s Flag

Errant Fleets and the Second War

In the vastness of space, alone and inspired, the Yaatrem sent the first Fleet Errant in search for Tor, led by none other but the brilliant Deona Kryv, founder of the Kryv bloodline. Although she travelled far and wide, Deona was unable to locate Tor and eventually returned to the mothership, but with her she brought many Endless artifacts and a wealth of knowledge. She also brought the attention of an Imperial reconnaissance ship and the wrathful gaze of the Empire. Appalled and disgusted by the Yaatra faith, the Empire ordered the brainwashed infidels to return immediately and subject themselves to re-education programs. Unsurprisingly, the Yaatrem responded with a declaration of independence. Thus, the Second Separation War began.

Unlike the first one, this was a battle larger in scale and fought with equal firepower. The Pilgrim heroes Serena Tora and Isoke Tekez led the defense of the Republic, capitalizing on the speed and maneuverability of Pilgrim ships. Several battles were fought, in which Yaatrem pilots sacrificed themselves so that the main fleet could escape. Many more downed Imperial ships with ferocity rarely found in the galaxy. After several skirmishes, frantic pursuits and rising death tolls, the Empire gave up on their chase and the Republic declared victory and autonomy. Despite the heavy losses, for the first time in their history the Pilgrims felt truly free and considered this war a testament to the sanctity of their Mission. With renewed vigor, they continued to traverse the galaxy in search of the planet Tor.

In the following years the Yaatrem continued their explorations, uncovering not only Endless ruins but also a wealth of scientific knowledge: physical anomalies, unique xenoflora and fauna, the remnants of ancient civilizations, and stranger things still. On their quest to Tor the Pilgrims attained a better understanding of both the Endless and the universe in all its multifaceted complexity, and this knowledge brought much wisdom and excitement to Yaatrem young and old. In this auspicious age of the Republic, Kamau decided to gather and lead a second fleet errant in the search for Tor. Although the Pilgrims were occasionally bothered by Imperial forces, the Republic was stable and its idealistic leader thought this a good opportunity to find Tor. 

Traveled he did, with strong probes and fast engines, but for months no news reached the mothership. Eventually, a second exploration fleet discovered the remnants of a battlefield, the debris of Imperial and Pilgrim ships floating between strange dust formations. The most tenable explanation was that a skirmish between Kamau and the Empire was interrupted by a dust anomaly that wiped out both fleets. The republic was devastated by the news as its most brilliant scholar and visionary had perished. The Yaatrem were left orphaned and weeping, but after months of mourning the council finally declared the Holy Mission will continue, in honor of both Yaatra and Kamau. New exploration fleets were organized with renewed vigor, although this time whispers of doubt arose. As the Yaatrem deepened their understanding of the Endless, they were inevitably confronted with issues of morality: the history of the Endless themselves.

The Crisis of Faith

In the two decades following Kamau’s demise, Pilgrim society grew and diversified, and with it new interests and obsessions developed. Each expedition took longer to return, and each colony studied anomalies at length, taking the time to comprehend bizarre phenomena. This fascination with data unrelated to the Endless slowed the Pilgrimage to Tor and reflected a growing shift in Pilgrim mentality. As Endless history was better understood a growing number of Yaatrem were appalled by and disillusioned with the ancient species and the atrocities they comitted. The creation and abuse of the Hissho, the arrogant display of power, the growing corruption and debauchery of the Endless empire, the brutal schism wars and the creation of the Cravers – these revelations shattered any illusions the Pilgrims had about the sophistication and wisdom of the Endless. The ancient ones were brilliant, but immensely cruel and this painful realisation plunged the republic into a severe political and spiritual crisis.

What was disillusionment soon grew into rejection and disgust and many young Yaatrem rose against the tenets of Yaatra , the foundation of Pilgrim society. The youth questioned how one could build an enlightened society when the blueprints it followed exemplified arrogance and cruelty? What good was advanced technology if it led to a society far worse than the Empire? The dissident voices grew louder, signaling the collapse of the republic’s ideology. The gradual forsaking of Endless knowledge after Kamau’s demise was not only an expansion of scientific interests, but a symptom of failing ideals. When the arguments turned into protests and then into riots, the death of Yaatra seemed imminent. That is, until Unathi Ayanda intervened.

An esteemed Pilgrim philosopher and theologist, Unathi presented a manifesto on Yaatra and the role of the Endless in Yaatrem’s quest to enlightenment. The Endless society, she argued, was not an end in itself, but only a means to avoid its mistakes. Unathi insisted that the study of Endless history, technology and science should be divorced from moral admirations of the species – instead, the Yaatrem should seek insight from Endless technology and culture so that they could build a better society. 

Unathi also argued that while researching the Endless was important, any piece of scientific knowledge was vital for Yaatra. Introducing the idea of personal enlightenment through science, or spiritual growth through data, the theologist argued that each Pilgrim should seek their individual path to wisdom and truth, both to better themselves and the universe. Each theory, equation and measurement contained a grain of truth, each was just a piece of the puzzle needed to comprehend reality and the Pilgrims’ place in it – and ultimately, to reach enlightenment. The search for Tor was not just a physical journey, but a metaphor – Yaatra was not a pilgrimage to a planet but a journey to discover oneself and the universe. A pilgrimage of the soul.

Unathi’s propositions were revolutionary, but brilliant. She managed to both preserve Kamau’s Mission and expand Yaatra to accommodate various scientific interests. It redeemed study of the Endless by eliminating emotional attachment to them, and motivated Pilgrim youths to both search for Tor and explore their chosen sciences. In the end, the Yaatrem reached a consensus: the Holy Mission and research of the Endless would continue, but the singular path of Yaatra would split into five paths to enlightenment. Each was tied to a scientific college and each included data both on the Endless and the universe at large. Although it took time for the Pilgrims to acclimate to this paradigm, they were ultimately united by this refined interpretation of Yaatra. If Kamau was the heart of Yaatra, Unathi was its shrewd architect, the woman who saved the Republic. Several decades later, the Pilgrims still search for Tor, forever thrilled by the secrets and technologies they could find while also researching the sciences of the Paths they’ve chosen. Even if they never reached Tor, the Yaatrem would always continue on their sacred journey, their pilgrimage.

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Extra: If you've read this far, I want to thank you and congratulate you. Here is a piece of music I think would fit as the Republic's anthem.

See you next week for Part 2!

Spiner909 wrote:

Good read. Makes me want to do one for the Umbral Choir.

Thanks man! I really appreciate the support. I think the UC are a very mysterious and elusive faction, even after I played their quest. There are just too many theories and potential questions and explanations about their origins, culture, morality etc. It would be interesting to read more on them.

Personally, I picked the Pilgrims both because they are now a minor faction (less opportunity for error in my fiction), and because they intrigued me with by unanswered questions. Maybe one day I'd read your in-depth interpretation/lore. Personally, I think the UC pacifism and ineherent goodness is contrasted with very wrong and morally ambiguous methods to achieve peace. I'd be interested to read more.

Also, if you've any advice or critique, feel free to write. This is but one of four posts :3