Church of Iron

## General Overview

The Church of Iron is a religion that venerates the purity, logic, and perfection of the machine. Members believe that through replacing parts of their bodies with cybernetics they can achieve a state of perfection and pure logic.

The early history of the Church is a mystery. They seem to draw influence from the ancient Earth language of Latin. It is rumoured in ancient Church texts that thousands of years ago members of the Church started on Earth, and through an unknown method were able to develop a means of quantum travel, transporting them to the Black Eye Galaxy in a one-way trip. This technology is long since lost but members of the Church aim to recreate it at some point, they have yet been unsuccessful. The Church of Iron spread very slowly and quietly until such a time they were able to colonize a planet of their own.

Ignis is a volcanic planet with no natural life but is rich in minerals and ore. The Church built its headquarters there in the year 2410. The volcanic activity of the planet enables an almost unlimited source of geothermal power to run the factories and forges of the Church.

The Church is welcoming to members of any race. They have a severe hatred of The Borg, as augmentation should be a choice and forcing it upon others is a grave sin. Coming to the perfection of the Machine must be voluntary. With the large number of combat augmentations it has become a popular religion among the Aventis. Though they will not share the technology of the personal shields with the Church.

As previously stated, members of the Church seek to augment themselves with machine parts. These augmentations have various industrial, commercial, and combat uses. Due to the amount of surgery needed for this, Church artificers are some of the best surgeons in the quadrant. There are various Sects within the church each following a specific path to perfection, these sects are known as Ordos.

## Major Ordos

### Ordo Gladii (Order of the Sword)

Members of this Order are focused on combat and warfare. Augmentations are focused on reflexes, endurance, strength, decision-making and tactics.

### Ordo Medicae (Order of Healers)

Members of this Ordo often double as missionaries, they offer healing and treatment of various injuries and illnesses wherever they go, often at no charge. Augmentations are focused on medical technology, scanners, surgical instruments, and medical supplies.

### Ordo Fabrum (Order of Engineers)

Members of this Ordo are the builders and creators of everything the Church uses. They are engineers, artisans, fabricators, miners, and builders. Augmentations are focused on these activities. One of the largest Ordos.

### Ordo Motus (Order of Movement)

Members of this ordo are the pilots, navigators, and explorers of the Church. Often sought out for their abilities. Augmentations are focused on navigation, reflexes and decision making.

## Minor Ordos

The Minor Ordos are smaller and have fewer members, generally they are sub-sects of Major Ordos.

* Ordo Scuti (Order of Shields) Gladii sub-sect: Armorers
* Ordo Meorum (Order of Miners) Fabrum sub-sect: Miners, refiners, surveyors
* Ordo Mentis (Order of Minds) Fabrum sub-sect: Scholars and researchers