Children of the Black

## Introduction

Almost uniquely human, the Children of the Black are a group of people that believe it is humanity's birthright to ascend to the stars and join their galactic kin. As a religion, the Children view other species as equals though humanity's ultimate destiny is to become ruler of the stars themselves and lord above other races. Their religious texts details both in the past and present how humans have struggled and, at least supposedly, how they will struggle. Critics of the religion assert that the future struggles of the doctrine were written in such a way as to be purposefully vague enough that they could easily be placed as a label on any of humanity's conflicts and also claim often that the Children of the Black are a dangerous cult that should be eradicated. Due to the Children's typical demeanor and willingness to assist others, save for their most fringe elements, it has gained little traction to mount any serious political offensive against them.

## Core Tenants

*"Forsake not the alien, even those that would do harm to you and yours. They are your galactic kin though you will one day be their guardian."*

One of the most debated topics of the Children's religion by critics, the Children claim that this tenant is meant to ensure that when they become Lords of the Galaxy that they remain fair and impartial in their judgement of others. Opponents of the religion claim that it directly contradicts the belief that aliens are humanity's equals since humanity, by religious text, will one day be their rulers. Most Children refute this by insisting that though humanity will become rulers over the galaxy that other races will have special places of their own just as humanity will.

*"Be generous and courteous to those around you of all species. Though they may not one day be lords of the universe, they will one day be your subjects and unruly subjects are best displayed kindness rather than wrath when possible."*

The Children of the Black are well known outside their religion for being exceptionally courteous, polite and generous to everyone. Travelling starships containing Children of the Black will stop for emergency broadcasts and, even without an armed escort or guns on their own starship, head heedlessly into danger to assist those under attack. More commonly, this comes in the form of emergency relief supplies for downed starships and the evacuation of their crew when the situation is untenable for them to remain on their own vessel. There are accusations of the Children using these situations to coerce others into following their religion as well as accusations of some Children using the supposed 'generosity' for heinous acts against the crew or in exchange for sexual favors but few have ever been proven and those that it is proven against are usually shunned by the church.

*"Someone in need is entitled to your assistance when you can render it. But beware those who would deign to take what you have through pity."*

As worshippers, it is in the core tenants of their religion to help other people when they are truly in need. A beggar that asks for credits will most likely be denied but a beggar that asks for food will most likely find himself sat before a table filled with food that the Children have tailored to avoid any allergies or cultural taboos. Just like with other tenants, the primary refutation of this tenant is that the Children take advantage of those in positions of weakness in order to bolster their numbers.

*"Weep not for the fallen for they have been summoned by heaven to serve in the Ethereal."*

The Children of the Black do not view death with any grief and instead assert that anyone who dies, by any manner, is simply recalled to the Ethereal where their soul is restored and serves in the Armies of Heaven. Due to this belief, when Ethereal beings such as Wraiths attack it is often seen as the wrath of the Great One to punish his subjects for evildoings and secret sins.

*"Be merry but disciplined in your life. A clean house is a mark of someone that takes care of their domain, but a messy house denotes that of a sinner!"*

Starships used by this group are always immaculately clean with their garbage incinerated, beds neatly made, countertops scrubbed, and floors waxed brightly. The Children are always neatly presentable as well in both hygiene and in clothing. Flashy clothing is, to them, considered to be a mark of gluttony which is a sin as is seductive clothing outside of situations that would warrant it. Being clean, even to the point most would consider it excessive, is a necessity for this religion as it represents their commitment and discipline.

*"Fear not the mutant. They were sent by heaven from the Ethereal to do the bidding of the Great One."*

*"The Psion is to be praised for their efforts regardless of religion or creed for becoming closer to the Great One in the Ethereal."*