#demaposting

Gerberas are significant, as yellow ones specifically represent purity, happiness, love and loyalty.

In ancient Egypt for instance, they represented a closeness to nature and the sun, and in Celtic beliefs, they lessened the sorrows and stress of daily life

Which one would clearly need in a place like Dema.

I also think that's why this shot is so significant

he's done this many times, and each time, he's been brought back here...

however, despite that, no matter how many times his hope is killed and he's overwhelmed by the stress, he's kept trying.

Are there days where they'll be talking as usual but then Tyler will say something off putting and unnerving about vialism that he doesn't even seem to realise, just because it's all he's ever known? Maybe it's something they'd talked about just a few days before and he'd said the total opposite... Still working through the ideas and social pressures he'd had put upon him within that oppressed state.

I wonder if they'd fight, if they'd feel at odds with one another's thesis on the world... But torchbearer isn't really trying to fight him, just fight through the grime to try and bring his friend back to reality. But Tyler is so stubborn it can feel like he's being ripped away from all he's ever known, despite how much torchbearer just wants him to be able to heal...

so true, honestly the shows themselves are so dense with symbolism, that I'm also super surprised there isn't more... guess that's where I come in though :3 though I'm very new to all tøp lore, I do definitely have many ideas

for instance, Clancy's letters and the Jumpsuit video refer to/depict being smeared as some kind of method of population control; from what we saw demonstrated, it seems to wash those who are smeared over with a sense of calm, and obedience.

it's not impossible to break out of it, if there's enough external pressure, but in the timeline of current canon (during the shows), Tyler is deep within Dema's grasp. No reminders of the life outside of it in trench, no banditos to save him.

It seems, though, on some level that he's chosen it; perhaps due to hopelessness, believing that this is his only option and their control is absolute... Or potentially because it compounds itself, and he's being told to do so to retain their control.

It's also a powerful symbol of crushing defiance. If a beloved icon of the resistance, such as Tyler, demonstrates smearing himself, it sends a message to the potential Glorious Gone that this ritual is something beautiful and desirable.*

But it could also be a cry for help, a way to signal to those watching that he's losing himself, that soon he'll be beyond saving.

I like to think in those moments though, perhaps, the choice to smear himself with the inky substance allows him a sense of calm. A type of pseudo-death of his sense of individuality and ego. One that allows him to place himself back in the collective and call Dema home once again.

The horror of that decision feels distant in the calm waves of oblivion washing over his skin. Numbing his fingers and throat, spreading from his extremities across his whole body.

Maybe in some regards, it's nice not to feel sometimes.

*pulls out a notebook and pen and stares at you*

>:3 I like your evil question here is my evil answer

• Reintergration Procedure & Reeducation

I believe that Reintergration/Reeducation incrementally ramps up according to the amount OR extremity of laws broken. This is what I think the stages of it would look like.

• Minor Infractions

- Failing or refusing daily/assigned tasks

- Unsanctioned or otherwise unapproved actions such as not complying with Dema industry law

- Not showing appropriate reverence and respect to one's Bishop

- Speaking out of turn or asking """dangerous""" questions

- Attempting to escape, however being caught, snitched on or otherwise failing.

- Fewer than #5 prior FPEs.

[PUNISHMENT: Individuals who transgress in this way will be sent to Mandatory Reeducation Processing at one of the Inner Sanctum Compounds. They will remain there until the Bishops believe they are suitably ameliorated.

Here is where they will be subsequenrly marked for any FPE attempts.

They are disallowed from speaking to anyone from the outside world during this time, and will be placed in individual cells to be Processed. As they slowly are allowed to reintegrate, they are allowed to leave their room and speak to others within the compound during mealtimes or classes... But once again they will have eyes constantly on them, so nothing within the realm of defiance.

If the subjects do not comply with their re-education, they may be forced to experience more extreme corrective measures... (bzzt)]

• Moderate Infractions

- Spreading dissent among the populace, using contraband or illegal texts and subject matter

- Violent or belligerent behaviour towards the Dema Thought Leaders or Upper Elite

- Discovery of Bandito contraband, paraphernalia, sympathies or, even worse, assistance to the cause (such as smuggling resources out of the city).

- Greater than #5 prior FPE attempts

[PUNISHMENT: These individuals are notated as flight risks, and potential if not known Bandito dissidents.

Initially, they are sent to reconditioning, however if this does not work or repeated attempts have failed, they will be relocated to the Inner Compound.

Within this inner compound, the sky is darkened by the omnipresent looming shadow of the towers above. Rarely, if ever, do people see such a megalithic structure so close. For those within the compound, it is a constant overbearing reminder.

Inmates will be highly medicated, usually with substances that are intended to "calm" them down, make them more vulnerable to suggestion, or even a cocktail of medications that essentially leave them comatose if they are seen as a high enough risk.

These inmates also experience an even more prolonged duration of isolation before they are allowed to reintergrate with others, and even then, the days are often long and quiet, with individuals simply stuck in a room with other will-broken individuals.

If they are taken ourside, their time is spent in a concrete yard beneath the shadow of the towers. It's impossible not to look at them, and many times, the catatonic inmate's simply stand in assorted groups, faces turned to it like sunflowers.

They march, in and out of their compound, quietly attending their re-education classes, seeing Cognitive Specialists that gaslight and demean them into silence, or various "Remedial Treatments" such as Electroshock, regular Smearing Rituals or a confession-type experience with a High Priest, Priestess or Pastor of Vialism wherein they are encouraged to submit themselves over to it once again. Some are even encouraged to prove their devotion with their blood.

Many times, individuals simply disappear from these places with no indication of what has happened to them, or where they went. It's seemingly random, and even individuals who appear to be improving may, simply, one day exist no more.

Certain successful individuals may see the light of the world again, should their Bishop see significant improvement, and these individuals are touted as success stories of the system, then shoved back into society with their lives heavily regulated; It will forever be a blemish on their indentification card, and they will struggle to find anyone who will hire them in their assigned field. Often they will be outsourced to other districts for low wage jobs... Though some find kind individuals, who offer them places despite their status.]

• Major Infractions

- This category includes known, high profile Banditos who have caused significant damage to the reputation or physical wellbeing of Dema's Elite.

- Significant disruption of Dema's internal ecosystem, or conspiracy to rebel.

- Consecutive failures in all areas of assignments, causing damage to society.

- Illicit behaviour, coordinating escape for Banditos or citizens within Dema, and otherwise assisting the Banditos in any significant, continuous form.

- Greater than #10 FPE attempts.

[PUNISHMENT: All previous punishments will be subject to sentencing, however, these individuals are identified as being highly treatcherous. Many times, these individuals will be subject to the highest form of re-education; They will have their identities stripped from them, and be subject to extreme mental, physical and emotional "Treatments" that leave their bodies fried, contorted or otherwise broken down into nothing; All as a form of repentance, of course, as those who reject Vialism are simply lost and require suffering to truly draw out their faith.

Once they have completed treatment, they are sent to the Bishops themselves who will personally give one final "appeal" to them; Beg for them to reconsider their ways, and repent. The Bishops are "kind" after all.

Should this appeal, fail, however...

The only way one can truly redeem themselves, once they are beyond saving, is to be Vialed.

Many resist, all are silenced.

since we're loreposting today let me roll up my sleeves and answer this lol

- Thoughts on the Inhabitants

It's said in Clancy's letters that the bishops mandated Vialism as a belief system, and the way he speaks of it implies he remembers it happening, or at least it was shortly established within his lifetime.

I think that one round of population control was enough for many of the inhabitants of Dema, especially those who knew nothing beyond the walls of their city. Many of them likely didn't need overt re-education, and just passively absorbed obedience through the constant buzzing hum of propaganda being plied into their minds. It's in the water. It's in their blood.

Tyler describes his waves of emotions, negative and positive, as seasons, and the way the albums currently established to exist in demaverse follow along this theme to me; Trench feels like the desolation and stillness of winter, and SAI feels like it exists in a perpetual summer.

However, the significance of this to me is that though Trench is cold and hostile, it's real. The chill on your skin is something you can really feel. Whereas SAI, and by extension Daytime Dema, feels like the commercialism of the perfect summer, the type you see in advertisements on TV; Ones of people dancing and smiling and surrounded by warm colours and pastels. But it's all plastered artifice upon a cold concrete structure.

We've seen both sides; First we saw the cold reality of both Trench and the city, Dema, itself. But the difference is that within Dema, there's this sense of coating this reality with a saccharine overtone.

The inhabitants who are allowed to live within the outer regions of the city itself get to experience "normal" things. They can go to bars and clubs, Clancy speaks of reading about descriptions of a "home" in books which leads him to his awakening, and they are seen to be living in comfortable homes.

However, the only time we saw this depicted was in the livestream, which is clearly shown to be a set. And even moreso, it exists within Tyler's mind as he dissociates during an uncomfortable interview with Sally and Dan... Whether or not this is the actual reality of what living in dema is like, we can't actually know for sure until we see more in the new era.

However, if we look at the previous depictions of dema, such as the VR bandito experience... The city is harsher and colder. If we rewatch Nico and the Niners, the place Tyler is held is dilapidated and brutalist.

Whether or not the world depicted in the livestream is real or not is up for debate but, operating on the idea that it IS real...

The inhabitants likely don't much realise they are being limited. They believe they have a certain amount of free will, despite the fact that propaganda meets them at every waking moment; That they are kept obedient in their comfortable lives... A happy populace has no reason to rebel or escape. Smart dictators know this.

Still though, once a person brushes up against those limits and meets the walls of resistance, they start to realise how small their allotted circle of "acceptable" existence is. They either return to the comfortable centre and keep navigating their known... Or they push up against it, and attempt to break those walls.

I have every thought on Tyler as a bishop and I have them here for you.... RIGHT NOW!!!!

BISHOP TYLER THOUGHTS OFFICIAL

• Tyler's Grooming & Ascent

First off, the bishops identified his power long before he himself knew about it, and so meticulously calculated the level in which he would be a threat, and how best to mitigate it.

They likely discussed it in hushed tones within the High Council, reviewing and re-reviewing every possible option, starting with the idea of simply killing him. In this place, Tyler is kept powerless, or at least under the illusion that he is, and so it would be relatively easy for them to lead him down the path of self destruction and death. His sacrifice would be touted as a tragedy and heroism, and the world would move on plainly without him. This is agreed to be the safest option in regards to retaining the status quo.

However, this would mean the bishops would retain power, but never truly supercede their current state. They always seem to be gunning for more; more power, more influence, more sacrifices to their regime to retain absolute control over their subjects. And killing Tyler in this instant would permanently withhold them from ever progressing any further, as his power allows him to be a transient state between life and death. a liminal existence that the bishops could exploit, if they were able to wield this power.

It would mean they would have a vessel that would not rot, an living urn that would never shatter. With Tyler within their power, if they could understand his physiology, they could replicate it into the other citizens of Dema. They would be able to assume absolute control of their entire flock, and cull whoever they desire.

No more dissidents, no more threats to their absolute rule, order and peace for all time under Vialism.

If they were to capture Tyler (as they did), but break his spirit enough to be loyal to them, separate him in total isolation from all that he knows for long enough that his memories begin to fade... Then they would have their asset.

Only once Tyler is truly indoctrinated, would discussions of his ascention begin to happen. They would have to be sure first, that he wouldn't revert back to lucidity, or be tempted to return to the banditos... But once they are sure, his ascention training would begin.

he'd be trained to control the cities districts, make quick work of dissenters by any terrible means necessary, and never ask questions that the Bishops will not give him an answer to. He's essentially the perfect student, and he receives much praise from Keons for his faithfulness to the cause.

His ascention, I believe, would occur only when another bishop has grown too old to control their district anymore. They'd start him slow, working with and stewarding his citizens as Keons had, and leading them into what he is lead to believe is a brighter future. The further he wanders down the path, however, the more of himself he loses, and all he becomes is a pliant malleable tool, moulded to the will of the bishops.

They'd explore his physiology, and try to find ways to duplicate his special power within the future citizens of Dema, infect them with it, eradicate any semblance of free thought.

Which would of course require deeply painful experiments regarding what it's possible for Tyler's body to withstand. For a time, he wouldn't be allowed to leave the compound at all, as he would be hooked up to various machines all monitoring him; from his blood, to his brain function.

So many invasive tests, samples of everything they can possibly get from him... And even worse, the dehumanisation of being their test subject further eroding his sense of self. He may not even remember his own name at this point.

He definitely wouldn't remember the banditos, who have effectively either been rounded up and culled, or forced deep into hiding, as showing their face would mean immediate death... Especially now Tyler has been taken.

I feel though,that no matter how much they take from him, he'd still ache for the Torchbearer... Though he'd chastise himself for having such thoughts.

• Ascention Ritual

Now I'm just a no good despicable man, but I absolutely love to think the Blurryface ritual depicted in the shows IS the ascention ritual.

Smearing himself and intentionally forgoing his free will, surrendering to the powers of dema and the bishops in totality... Awakening the core of his hopelessness.

I like to think that he and Blurry don't quite reach full fusion, as it takes repeated rituals to strengthen their power over him into permanence... But with each one, it summons the depiction of Blurry on his own skin, and even seeing himself that way gives power to Blurry's influence on his soul.

Whether or not that's actually what he wants though, is a different story :3

• Miscellaneous

- Tyler is a brutally efficient bishop in training with an eye for perfectionism. His designs are exacted with precise control.

- They attempt to exploit Tyler's DNA through some kind of breeding program. perhaps I'll talk about it if people wanna hear :3

- Torchbearer never stops fighting to save him, and is crestfallen whenever he sees broadcasts of Tyler's ascention ceremonies. He may allow himself to get captured just so he can be close to Tyler again.

Maybe they marked them each with one symbol, and as they meet each other/pass by each other they might pass a note with the symbol of the bar they go to?

Oh definitely, all the safe bars are marked with some kind of subtle symbol; the banditos have a few, but the ones that are known to the bishops, they don't use inside the city. I like to think they just use the same stickers or carve the same symbols everywhere, however... at the unsafe bars or non-sympathetic communal spots, they invert the symbol as a warning.

it's more difficult to clock that way, if it's just an omnipresent part of the background, some culture thing that flies under the radar for most people. I think that once SAI becomes big, it becomes easier to use the inverted E compass/ψ to demarcate which places are safe or not, and I don't think it's a mistake that Tyler chose to use that symbol to represent SAI.

As for notes and messages, they'd always contain some sort of cipher, or be cryptographically finessed to read one way, while actually saying another; Clancy does this in his letters, and it makes sense that this is how the banditos communicate with each other underneath the regime. They can range wildly in complexity of the cipher, depending on the sensitivity of information.

things such as meeting spots and break-out attempts would always be hidden under multiple layers of cryptography, and even then they'd just hope they could escape before the bishops are able to crack their codes and discover their plans.