Theorical and Terrorist Duality in Michael Kirkbridge's C0DA: A Merging of Philosophical and Narrative Worlds

Michael Kirkbridge’s C0DA (which stands for Codes of Conduct of the Daedra) presents a rich narrative that blurs the lines between philosophical speculation and narrative unfolding. The work is a multifaceted exploration of themes such as duality, sacrifice, and the nature of existence. At its core, C0DA delves into the intricate relationship between the theorist and the terrorist, as embodied by the entities and characters it introduces. This article aims to dissect these elements, offering insights into the layers of meaning and the symbolic representations within the narrative.

The Numidum and the Erasure of Man

The C0DA begins with a cataclysmic event: the return of the Numidum, a entity that has erased the concept of man and high elves from the pattern of possibility within Aurbis, the realm of gods and mortals. This act of erasure is described as a total, almost annihilation, of the human and high elf identities, destabilizing the very fabric of Mundus, the mortal realm. The Daedric princes, in an unprecedented sacrifice, intervene, leading to the transformation of the Mundus into a fragmented world comprising 16 planets instead of the original 8. This sacrifice is a nod to the ancient Aedra, who also made such a sacrifice to maintain the balance between planes of existence.

The Role of Jubal Lun Sul

Jubal Lun Sul, a key figure in the narrative, is introduced as yet another incarnation of the Nerevarine, a legendary hero in the lore of the Elder Scrolls. Jubal is a character with a complex backstory, indicating his evolved and intertwining roles within the story. His journey culminates in his encounter with MEMORY, a being that represents the collective experiences and secrets of Lorkhan, the god of creation. MEMORY imparts to Jubal the knowledge about Lorkhan and assigns him the monumental task of hunting down and destroying the Brass God, essence of evil and destruction within the Aurbis.

Key to Enlightenment: In the context of C0DA, Jubal’s decision to cut his hands off is a significant act, reflecting his denial of the duality of the terrorist and theorist. This act is also interpreted as a manifestation of the two moons, which symbolize Lorkhan’s cloven duality, according to the Aurbis lore. Moreover, this act is consistent with the sermon that states, "Do not distinguish between the theorist and the terrorist. bring both of your hands to every argument, for even the most cherished desire disappears in their hands."

The Philosophical Clash and the Destruction of the Numidium

The climax of the narrative is the confrontation between Jubal and the Numidium. This dialogue, which transcends mere physical combat into a metaphysical discussion, "kills" the Numidium by negating its own existence. The Numidium, described as a tower that upholds the wheel while simultaneously negating it, symbolizes a paradox within the narrative. Its destruction signifies a resolution of the dualities that it represented. After the destruction, all the towers are dismantled, and the wheel comes to an end, indicating a new beginning in the cosmic order.

The Intricacies of Digital manipulation and the 'Wedding'

The narrative also explores the role of manipulation and digital layers within the story. Jubal, through his interactions and decisions, manipulates the plot and canon, ensuring the narrative progresses according to his vision. This manipulation underlies the concept of 'union' mentioned in the digital dialogues, suggesting a thematic connection between control and unity. Finally, the 'wedding' scene represents the union of two key characters, Vivec and Hlaalu. This union culminates in the birth of a new Amaranth, symbolizing the dissolution into featureless ineffability and the creation of a new dream.

Conclusion

In the intricate narrative of Michael Kirkbridge’s C0DA, the intertwining of the theoretical and the terrorist into a dualistic framework not only adds depth to the story but also offers a profound philosophical commentary. The exploration of these themes through characters like Jubal Lun Sul and the metaphysical conflict with the Numidium makes for a compelling read, inviting readers to reflect on the nature of existence, sacrifice, and the balance of dualities.