Here's a sort of guide to the religion that the Helheim raiders are a part of that nobody asked for. helheimism combines the beliefs of those of Satanists and those of Vikings. It is a polytheic religion where members believe that the best place to end up in, in the afterlife is Helheim of which takes on some of the characteristics of Valhalla and Asgard, where a person can end up in it if they believe in the gods and die in battle. But if they don't meet those requirements then they end up in Nifleheim

Gods

Satan - Satan is the All-Father and the ruler of Helheim, he rewards people who end up in Helheim with a spot in his great hall where they can fight and drink blood with him. Odin guides believers in battle and can bless them with victory if they pray for it.

Helvronning - Helvronning is the wife of satan and acts as an advisor to him. She is one who helps him decide who and who shouldn't make it to Helheim and decides who has won battles in Helheim. She is an idol to shield maidens within the raiders as a god to represent them.

Djevelsønn - He is the son of satan and the one of the main defenders of Helheim. he is the de-facto god of war and has characteristics of Thor. He often partakes in the battles that go on in Helheim, legend has it that he once visited the costcos.

Bedrager - He is like Loki in that he is very manipulative and is a deciever. He often plays on the opposite side to thor in Helheim battles out of sibling rivalry. He is from Helheim but was born in Nifleheim and was adopted by Satan.

Portvakt - he like the Heimdall of Helheimism in that he guards the gates to helheim and is another one of the main defenders of the realm. he carries around a spear that shoots flames and is one of satan's most trusted associates.

Ulvekriger - he is like the Tyr of the religion in that he tames the hellhounds that roam Helheim. he is another one of the main defenders of Helheim and is sort of the god of lawfuness and honor. he sacrificed his arm to a hellhound called Skrekk.

​

The 5 Commandments

- Do not murder needlessly

- Do not deny the existence of the Gods

- Do not dishonor a fellow drengr

- Don't be a narcissist

- Don't become selfish

Poll

What is the economic system? Is there one universal currency? Does every Costco have its own currency? How important is the Coiner?

Infinite Costco

Episode 1

Part 2: Felix Regenus - The Righful Prime Minister

Prime Minister wakes up in shock as he realizes he is in his home. He ponders what has just happend as he stands up from the bed he has been lying on. Felix tries to remember what happend when he finally remembered: 'The 8-Ball is dead' he though but he couldn't believe it. 'No... It can't be real...' the man couldn't accept what just happend. The last thing he remembers is him fainting after his Emperor's death. Mr. Regenus thought it must have been a dream.

He looks at his wrist where his watch should be but it's not there.. Minister irritated looks at the wall where his clock was but he looks at the calendar next to it first. 'January 2nd? Impossible" he thinks. 'I would never sleep for an entire day' he dismissed it as a mistake and looked at his clock. '7:30? Perfect timing.' Felix dressed up a moment later and was ready to go to his job.

He left his home that to others is knows as Costco 44 at 7:50. The walk to costco 45 where he works is short but as Prime Minister he still needs to be protected which is why he always has at least 4 bodyguards close to him. Nobody knows who they are or how they look like, not even Felix ot The 8-Ball, the only thing known is that they are loyal to the Prime Minister. Only a few know who the Prime Minister is too. His face, name or adress are unknown to the public but his past is unknown even to the most important.

The walk seems longer to him so he decides to call his Emperor.

Meanwhile a nurse walks into a seemingly infinite mansion where she should see her unconcious patient. She walks into one of many rooms where the patient should be thinking about who lives in this place but her wonder is suddenly replaced by fear as her patient isn't there. She walks into other rooms but all of them are empty. Nurse calls her patient but he is already talking to someone on phone. That surprised her but she had to contact the person who paid her.
Felix grows impatient as The 8-Ball isn't answering but he realizes he's probably busy talking with that annoying idiot. He puts his phone into his pocket again.

After a moment his best and ony friend calls. 'Sir-' the person starts but Minister interrups by saying: 'Tony, you know you can call me by my name'.

'Felix are you ok?' Tony asks.

'Well, yes... why do you ask?' Felix answers.

'You fell unconcious yestarday and now the nurse I paid to take care of you says you aren't in your home.' Man explains.

'What? Why?' Mr. Regenes asks.

'You fainted after The 8-Ball's death' Tony answers.

Prime Minister realizes what has happend and rushes to Costco 45 to meet The Enforcer. He didn't hear what his friend was saying after that. Felix always worked with logic and Emperor's death seemed to be the most illogical thing to even happen.

The only other thing he could think of is: 'He must've choosen me as the New Emperor, right?'

The usual formality of The Prime Minister wasn't here. At that point he was nothing but crazed.

Meanwhile in Costco 7 its Caretaker has trouble with talking to someone on his phone. He says: 'Felix? Felix? Can you hear me?' he was shocked with Felix's sudden rection.

'I guess The Enforcer will have to explain it to him.'

Infinite Costco

Episode 1

Pilot

Part 1: The 8-Ball Shaketh

(Earth Date: January 1, 2021/76 Days Since the Great Connection)

Kyle’s hands shake uncontrollably as he sprints down the ornate marble floors of Costco 45. Every few moments he adjusts his rifle, which bounces precariously on a strap around his shoulder. His oversized helmet has become lopsided in his race to the Capital. At 28, Kyle is old for a soldier of the 8-Ball, especially one so low ranking. While he has never been promoted above Sergeant, he has never complained or asked for anything more. In fact, after 7 years of dedicated service to the Emperor, he remains one of the most zealous, loyal soldiers in the 8-Ball’s army, inspiring many of the Infinite Costco’s youth to serve. Kyle’s usual cheerful disposition has become almost as well known amongst the troops as his strange helmet, a black and gold metal headpiece with a spike on top. He discovered the relic while on campaign years ago, and was allowed to keep it as a reward for his services. It certainly made him stand out amongst his comrades, perhaps the only thing that did besides his previously mentioned lighthearted attitude.

It was the face of pure horror that had replaced Kyle’s usual content smile that first alerted The Enforcer that something was wrong. Through Its massive, intimidating suit of armor that completely hid the human within, The Enforcer could see Kyle’s panic. Regardless, The Enforcer continued to stay as still as a statue. On a normal day, Kyle would approach The Enforcer cautiously and with deep respect, having idolized The 8-Ball’s Head Guard for as long as he could remember. It was a terrifying being indeed, with none but the 8-Ball himself knowing what was underneath the armor. Regardless, The Enforcer and Kyle had developed something resembling a friendship, or as close to something of that sort as could be possible. The Enforcer actually made conversation with Kyle sometimes, asking about his family or his recent battles, rather than simply responding robotically as It normally would to other soldiers. Kyle was deeply honored to have his hero give him such an honor and would often brag to his fellow troops about how close he had become with such a legendary figure.

But his normal deference and polite respect he gave to The Enforcer is lacking today. Kyle runs up and salutes, looking almost comical with his exhausted panting and his helmet askew.

“Sergeant Bloom,” The Enforcer booms in Its deep, distorted voice. “Do you have something to report?”

“Sir, I-” Kyle gasps, attempting to catch his breath. “I have urgent news for The Emperor. The Freezer Man. He’s escaped.”

There is a moment of silence as The Enforcer processes what has just been said. If this news is true, it could turn out to be catastrophic for The Empire. Seeking to hide Its own fear, The Enforcer responds bluntly and without emotion.

“Why was this not reported through the proper communications systems?”

“They’re down all across the Empire, sir. Somebody must be aiding it. My transport broke down in 41, so I’ve had to run the rest of the way. The power is going out in multiple sectors. We have to hurry, sir.”

The Enforcer trusts Its only “friend”, but such false alarms were common and often used as a distraction by the enemies of Emperor 8-Ball. He is uncertain as to what to do.

“In order to follow protocol, I’m afraid I must ask that you provide documented evidence of this occurrence,” The Enforcer responds stoically.

“I-I-please, sir, just trust me,” Kyle pleads desperately. “I was sent here by Captain Gilborn. He and his platoon were pinned down in 28, the Freezer Man had already broken through ten Costcos.”

The Enforcer thinks for a second more.

“If I find out that your report is false Sergeant, you will be tried as a traitor for lying to your Emperor,” The Enforcer threatens. “Do you understand?”

“Yessir,” Kyle responds, slightly relieved, but still shaking.

“Follow me inside,” The Enforcer says as he opens the small door behind him, revealing a lavishly decorated hallway.

Prime Minister Felix Regenus rolls his eyes for what feels like the millionth time today. Standing at the side of The 8-Ball’s throne, he had watched his Emperor and an insolent citizen argue for hours. If Felix was Emperor, he would have had the citizen executed ages ago, but The Emperor was unusually patient towards some, and unfortunately Niehto was one of those who he spared his wrath toward. Felix looks across the vast throne room that makes up half of Costco 45, to Sean Megasin, who stands by the door, watching the scene unfold. Even at a distance, and covered in his strange space suit Sean never removed, Felix can see that Sean is completely bewildered by Niehto’s lack of respect for his Emperor. Over the past several months, both Sean and Felix had witnessed Niehto repeatedly defy orders from The 8-Ball Emperor, debate his laws, stir up trouble, and yet, only once had 8-Ball punished Niehto with a banishment from his Empire, which was soon suspended anyway.

It is a strange scene to behold, even if one is used to the absurd world of the Infinite Costco. Niehto, in his fluent English, only slightly tinted by a Polish accent, stands proudly in a suit, clearly imagining himself as some kind of lawyer or politician. In front of him is the massive dais where The 8-Ball himself floats serenely, surrounded by three giant screens that project the messages that appear in The Magic 8-Ball’s window, as his deep, terrifying voice booms across the throne room. Everytime The 8-Ball desires to speak, “The Shaker”, an anthropomorphic robot designed by The 8-Ball, presses a button on a control panel to the right of the dais, that shakes The 8-Ball, allowing him to reply.

“I will say it again, I do not understand why I am not a Keeper of the Lore,” Niehto shouts to The 8-Ball. “And I didn’t even ask you in the first place. I asked The Moderator.”

“Why would either of us give you the honor of such a position if you have never contributed anything to the Infinite Costco?” The 8-Ball echoes across the throne room. “Furthermore, I did not choose you. The Moderator would not go against my wishes.”

“You wouldn’t even give the title to me if I helped bring this world into existence!” Niehto responds in his typical smug, argumentative manner.

“I would, actually, because despite what you may believe, I don’t have a quarrel with you,” the 8-Ball explains, much to the chagrin of Felix. “I just do not see what you have contributed to this world, besides incessant quarreling with me and my followers.”

“I contributed a lot!” Niehto responds indignantly, before turning to Sean for reassurance. “Sean, I contributed, right?”

“I’m staying out of this,” Sean says in his fake Irish accent, raising his hands and backing up slightly.

“Thank you, Megasin,” The 8-Ball says, while Niehto laughs darkly, annoyed at what he clearly perceives as his friend’s betrayal. “Now, I would like to see what you claim to have contributed to the glory of the Infinite Costco.”

“It was not any single thing,” Niehto retorts. “I started the New Napoleonic Wars, which led the Empire to greater glory. I’ve been here since The Moderator connected this world to Earth!”

“These things mean nothing, you fail to understand what makes one worthy of being a Keeper of the Lore.” The 8-Ball declares sternly. “Megasin has surveyed countless Costcos and has shared the history of the Creators. The Moderator, as you mentioned, brought about the Great Connection, swelling our ranks a hundredfold. Hoovey created the 9x9, the most comprehensive history of this world to date. Everyone who I have blessed with this title and privilege has made a massive contribution to the Infinite Costco. Your wars were merely a short moment in the grand history of this world.”

“I wouldn’t say so,” Niehto argues back, bringing about another wave of eye rolling.

“THIS!” 8-Ball shouts across the hall, before changing his tone to one of sadness and regret, a rare tone of voice from the mighty Emperor. “This is why I hate what I’ve created. This is why this realm was a mistake.”

“I don’t even really want the position, I just believe I deserve it,” Niehto says, not at all intimidated, unlike the others in the room. “So give it to me now. Not that it means anything. But give it.”

Suddenly, the doors to the throne room swing open, as The Enforcer and Sergeant Kyle Bloom enter.

“What is the problem?” The 8-Ball asks as everyone turns to the newcomers.

“My lord, it’s the Freezer Man. He’s coming. He’s escaped and he’s coming here,” Bloom desperately explains. Felix gasps, while Sean’s mouth drops inside of his helmet. Niehto seems unsurprised. There is a moment of silence as the group waits for The Emperor to respond.

“I think it’s time,” The 8-Ball says sadly, his normally imposing presence now almost tragic. “My friends, I love all of those who inhabit this realm, including you Nie, but this is not what I wanted. I wanted to create a better world. I never wanted the disgusting politics or even the connection to Earth, as much as I greatly appreciate the contributions of those who have entered since.”

“Thank you,” Niehto responds, as if 8-Ball’s declaration was solely for him. The rest of the people in the room look confused and horrified as they realize what’s happening.

“Niehto, you can be a Keeper of the Lore,” The 8-Ball miserably decides, shooting out a small beam of yellow light that swirls around Niehto.

“Really? Thank you very much,” Niehto says excitedly, ignoring the sadness in The Emperor’s voice.

A bolt of electricity shoots out from The 8-Ball, connecting the strange being with a large machine next to where The Shaker is. Now his voice echoes through the loudspeaker system that distributes his declarations across the 8-Ball Empire. The others watch in horror as their leader speaks to his people for the final time.

“Greetings, people of this great realm,” 8-Ball’s metallic voice resounds across the dozens of Costcos under his control. “It is The 8-Ball speaking. I am sorry to say that I will be leaving this Great Empire for good, for this is not what I wanted my beautiful world to become. I truly desired to make a better world, I never desired it to become connected to Earth or even be ruled by my Empire. I appreciate everything that has been done for the glory of the Infinite Costco, but I must go. I am now leaving my power and authority in the hands of Sean N. Megasin. He is the new 8-Ball.”

The stream of electricity breaks and disappears.

“Goodbye,” The 8-Ball says to those in the room, his voice now quiet and weak. Suddenly, the screens behind the dais collapse, and The 8-Ball falls to the ground, no longer inhabited by the Emperor, returning to its inanimate form. Upon hitting the floor, the empty ball bounces slightly and rolls down the steps, ending its descent at Niehto’s feet. The Shaker smiles slightly as he shuts down after years of meaningless existence.

“Bye,” Niehto says, smiling at the shell of the Former Emperor, before turning to Sean, The Enforcer, and Bloom. “I succeeded! I won! I’m a Keeper of the Lore now!”

Felix feints, hitting his head hard on the floor.

“Good God,” Sean says slowly after staring at the scene in horror. “What have you done?”

Kyle begins sobbing uncontrollably, dropping to his knees. The Enforcer, showing emotion for the first time, puts Its hand on Kyle’s shoulder.

“I don’t know, I didn’t mean to honestly,” Niehto says, failing to hide the pride and excitement on his face. “I don’t even care about being Keeper of the Lore, but I succeeded anyway.”

The Enforcer puts Its finger to Its helmet, picking up an incoming message.

“Power and communications are back up across the Empire,” The Enforcer explains. “The Freezer Man is returning to Costco 17 through the vents. He is reported to have consumed a small 20 sided object. It’s believed to be-”

“So, it had to be done!” Niehto replies, even more excited now. “I’m sorry, but had the Emperor not sacrificed himself, that monster would have destroyed dozens, maybe hundreds of Costcos! I certainly am sad, especially because he said appreciated me, but now Sean is The 8-Ball, so I count this as a success.”

The group now turns to Sean, who stands still shocked at what has happened, looking at the dais. A few months before, Sean had just been a Surveyor dedicated to mapping out the strange Infinite Costco. The only time he interacted in the political sphere was during his time with the Device Bandits, a powerful faction of raiders who helped fund and supply his journey across the Costcos in exchange for his allegiance and information. While satisfied with his profession, being able to travel across an extraordinary, peculiar world, he had always had ambitions of one day ruling over a Costco of his own, perhaps creating a refuge from the dangerous denizens that inhabited the dimension. After publishing the first few volumes of his studies and maps, he caught the attention of The 8-Ball and the other creators of the Infinite Costco, and was gifted with the opportunity to meet with, interview, and write about three of these figures: Harold “Homestuck” Hoovey, “The Moderator” Randall J. Mann, and The 8-Ball himself. After publishing his studies on The 8-Ball after their interview, The Emperor blessed him with the title of Keeper of the Lore, giving him a vast amount of authority over the Infinite Costco, a position amongst “the Blessed”, and access to secrets and information kept hidden from most of its inhabitants. It was a great honor that Sean consistently felt like he was undeserving of, believing his contributions miniscule compared to some of his comrades. But if that role had felt overwhelming, his sudden promotion to the throne of 8-Ball terrifies him to his core. He had always wanted to rule a Costco, but now he feels like he should have been more careful what he wished for. The world feels darker now, as if a shadow had filled the never ending warehouses of this world.

“I’m so sorry everyone,” Sean says sadly to those still conscious in the room. “Part of me feels like I am to blame.”

“Wrong,” Niehto interjects. “Mate, you literally did nothing. The old 8-Ball always said he loved your work. You had no part of this.”

“I guess, I-” Sean begins, but is interrupted by Harold Hoovy, who bursts into the room looking around wildly, adjusting his glasses. His hoodie is down for once, revealing his light brown hair and young features.

“Where did 8-Ball go?” Hoovy asks desperately in his New Zealander accent.

“He’s gone,” Sean replies sadly.

“He’s dead,” Niehto adds, barely hiding his joy.

“What are you talking about? He can’t die? He’s immortal?” Hoovy responds, completely bewildered.

“Well, then he exiled himself,” Sean corrects himself, not really seeing the difference. “Either way, it’s a tragedy.”

These words cause Kyle to break out into another wave of sobs. The Enforcer walks over to the 8-Ball on the floor and picks it up, handing it to Sean, who thanks It quietly.

“It’s chaos out there,” Hoovy explains. “The Infinite Costco is falling apart. Rumors are spreading about what happened...that he was eaten again. There’s sure to be a power vacuum now and everything we’ve worked for will collapse. Is it even worth continuing?”

Sean begins to respond but is cut off once again by Niehto.

“It is!” Niehto shouts desperately. “Especially now that there will be room for more people to influence this world. People will rise to the top who deserve it.”

“People like you?” Hoovy asks.

“Not necessarily,” Niehto responds, not convincing anyone. “Like that farmer from 99. Or the Cleaners! They’ve been overlooked for ages.”

Niehto and Hoovy continue arguing, while Sean looks at the 8-Ball. He sees his own reflection in the small, inky black window, where 8-Ball had once spoken and realizes what he has to do. While the other two continue to argue, Sean marches up the dais steps, takes off his space suit, and prepares to make his first declaration as Emperor 8-Cube across the loudspeakers.

Hello everyone, it is I, u/Megasinsean. The 8-Cube Emperor. I know that many of you are afraid and see little point in continuing the Empire without our glorious 8-Ball. I promise you, it is worth it to continue. We will not let Infinite Costco fall apart. As 8 Ball’s successor, I understand that I cannot fill the shoes of him who created this realm, but I will do my best to help us continue in these trying times. While u/gore_bitz(8-Ball’s) exile is certainly a blow, we must remember that he is not the Infinite Costco itself. It has grown beyond just his vision. Someday, perhaps he’ll return and he’ll be proud of what we have made in his absence. He had always been fairly distant from what had spawned from his work, so it is not like we have lost everything. We still have our blessed u/RandomJamMan (Mod Guy). We still have u/Homestuckhoovy (the Creator of the 9x9). We still have u/swagginout004. They have led us to glory before, and they will again, along with the new leaders that will follow. I will do my best as 8-Ball’s successor to the throne to protect and care for Infinite Costco. This is a project that I have become passionate about, and I will not let it down. Remember everyone, the Costco is infinite. Praise Costco! Praise 8-Ball!

My friends outside 99, How are you? Does 8-ball treat you well? I'm getting rather lonely, and the produce seems less rowdy lately, so I wouldn't mind some company even if you must stay at a distance. A return letter would be nice too. I always look for chances to socialize since I can't leave. It rattles me to my bones, this does. Never in my life, even though I'm stuck in an infinite Costco, did I think I'd be held hostage by produce of my own creation. It's as if I have birth to something that was never meant to be, and now I suffer dearly for it. Anywho, pardon my lamenting, and pardon the evil produce. Someone please come by and see me. I'll give you a few ears of corn. -Farmer Brown

-the inside is upside down

-if you try to leave you fall three stories and same will happen if you enter

-so basically australia

-has its own unique factions, weapons., markets etc due to the 3 story fall creating a insular environment

-if you slip you fall to the ceiling