MedHammer 40,000: Religion

Religion Before Lorgar's Treachery

Throughout the Imperium of Man, Many have differing veiws of the Nature of The Emperor is like. Most project their own ideals onto the comatose figure, placing idealized version of their own opinions into his personality. For some he is a kind Grandfatherly figure, only seeking mankind's best interests. For others he is a righteous reformer, over throw his corrupt regents and build the "True Imperium" that looks suspiciously similar to the Emperor's Point of View. Some see the Emperor as a crypto-practitioner of their own belief and ideology, others see him as the Great Outsider. Like a gardener, all ideas and beliefs to grow while pruning those that threaten to overrun the gardern, or have become withered and useless. Very few of those in 41st mellenium realize that their Emperor hated all of their ideas, and the current state of the imperium is only due to the benevolence of his absence. During the reign of the Great Crusade, Religion was viewed by the Emperor as holding mankind back, and was aggressively supressed and destroyed. The Emperor himself took pride in his destruction of the Last Church on Terra. Even fewer know that it was his hatred of religion that ultimately drove his son Lorgar into the arms of the Ruinous powers.

Religion after Lorgar's Treachery

After the Great Treachery which saw the Emperor wounded and weak, the collective leadership of The Imperium's Leadership was divided on the status of religion. Some, like Jaghatai Khan, saw religion as a natural part of mankind, and to take it away would be to take away something essentially human. Others like Sanguinius and Fulgrim were staunch believers in the Imperial Truth, and hoped to continue their fathers work. Ultimately such hardliners lost by a Bootleggers and Baptists alliance between The Pro Religious Faction, and the Pro-Reform Faction who used religion as a way to get their own pet reforms into the Imperium. These reformers included diverse opinions such as Magnus The Red, who sought the Council of Nikea to be overturned; Konrad Curze and Vulkan who saw the Imperial Truth as a blatant cynical lie; Horus who given his experience in the Great Treachery was eager to see any solution that could prevent another Lorgar; and Constantine Valdor who saw greater religious representation as an opportunity to weaken the Primarch's grip on the Imperium.

The outcome of months of deliberation was the New Imperial Truth or The Terran Creed. The Terran Creed established provisions as to what the common Imperial Citizen knew about Chaos and the Warp, and rubric for what grounds religions should be condemned by the Imperium. Provided that the Religion did not worship the Emperor as any sort of god, nor were any of the ruinous powers worshipped, than the religion would not be deemed heretical and rooted out. Whether or not a religion was openly accepted, let alone tolerated varried from regime to regime.

The Terran Creed

The New Imperial Truth, commonly referred to as the Terran Creed or "The 53 Precepts" was created following the council to represent The Standard of Belief and Knowledge that all imperial citizens should know. It set out to replace the harsh Athiest Dictums of the Imperial Truth with a milder "agnostic" creed. At the council it was mandated that All Imperial Citizens must believe in this Imperial Creed, and that any organization, religious or ideological that opposes any of these tenants will be decreed Heretical. Contrary to the original Truth, it was thought better to give the people some awareness as to who they were fighting, than to offer lies. Additionally the old world religions were consulted and, since they did not believe their gods resided in the warp, the provisions were added that excluded them from heresy, while subtly hinting their religions were false (which the The Khan protested against, but accepted the compromise with gritted teeth). The Aurelian cult was another matter, unsure whether the Aurelian cult, along with other Chaos gods (Rumors of entities called Malal or Necoho), it was decided to add precepts 45-49 and should the Creed need to be revised they would do so. The Creed was considered vague enough to encourage both persecution and tolerance when needed, while allowing for clear precedents for the condemnation of chaos cults.

The New Imperial Truth or 53 Precepts

1. I know I am a Human, as a Human I am part of Mankind
2. All Humans are part of Mankind
3. All those who are a part of Mankind are Human
4. Those who not a part of Mankind are Xenos
5. A Human will not serve, obey, follow, kill for, or die for a Xenos
6. Terra is a place in the Material Realm
7. The Material Realm is a real place that exists
8. The Material Realm is filled with Material beings
9. Material Beings follow material rules
10. Humans are material beings.
11. My works and deeds shape the Material Realm
12. Mankind derives from Terra
13. Terra is a real place separate from the Immaterial
14. The Galaxy is Material and the Birthright of Mankind
15. The Emperor is The Leader of Mankind
16. The Emperor is Material, is Human, and is from Terra
17. The Emperor has Eighteen sons
18. Five of The Emperors sons are traitors
19. The Emperor's sons are part of Mankind
20. The Emperor's loyal sons answer to the Emperor
21. The Emperor's disloyal sons are enemies of the Emperor
22. All Humans must serve The Emperor, for he is their leader
    1. To Serve the Emperor is to Serve The Imperium
23. All Humans must obey The Emperor, for he is their ruler
    1. To Serve the Emperor is to Obey his Loyal Sons and Appointees
24. All Humans must aid other humans in serving the Emperor
25. All Humans must protect The Emperor because he is sovereign above all
26. All Humans must fight for and die for The Emperor
    1. It is Mankind's greatest calling, whether in war or domestic service.
27. The Emperor Protects Mankind, and will not fail to do so.
28. The Emperor Protects Mankind from Material Dangers
29. I believe The Emperor will lead all mankind to their birthright
    1. If a human tells me to disobey the Emperor, i will not obey
    2. If a human tells me to not serve the Emperor, i will not serve
    3. If a human tells me to not follow the Emperor, i will not follow.
    4. If a human tells me not to die for the Emperor, i will not die
    5. If a human tells me not to kill for the Emperor, i will kill
30. The Immaterial is a not real place that exists
31. The Immaterial is filled with Immaterial Beings
32. The Immaterial realm follows Immaterial rules
33. My Thoughts and Beliefs shape the Immaterial Realm.
34. I believe The Emperor protects mankind from Immaterial Enemies
35. The Immateria has "gods"' who dwell there
36. These gods are not Gods
37. There are no Gods in the Immateria, only gods
38. The Emperor is not a god nor a God
39. The Immateria has gods called The Ruinous Powers
40. The Ruinous Powers are not Gods
41. Mutanda is a Ruinous Power that claims magic and change
42. Morta is a Ruinous Power that claims disease and stagnation
43. Hedonis is a Ruinous Power that claims pleasure and perfection
44. Caedes is a Ruinous Power that claims bloodshed and murder
45. Indivisis is a Ruinous Power that claims all these
46. Any god declared by The Imperium to be a Ruinous Power is a Ruinous power.
47. I will not serve any Ruinous Power, because they do not protect man
48. I will not obey any Ruinous Power, because they are not worthy of obedience
49. I will obey the Emperor before I obey any god.
    1. If a god tells me to disobey the Emperor, i will not obey him
    2. If a god tells me to not serve the Emperor, i will not serve him
    3. If a god tells me to not follow the Emperor, i will not follow them.
    4. If a god tells me not to die for the Emperor, i will not die for them
    5. If a god tells me not to kill for the Emperor, i will report
50. A Human will not serve, obey, follow, kill for, or die for a Xenos god
51. Demons serve the Ruinous Powers
    1. I will not obey, serve, or follow Alpharius or any demon who follows Mutanda
    2. I will not obey, serve, or follow Angron or any demon who follows Morta
    3. I will not obey, serve, or follow Perturabo or any demon who follows Hedonis
    4. I will not obey, serve, or follow Mortarion or any demon who follows Caedes
    5. I will not obey, serve, or follow Lorgar or any demon who follows Indivisis
52. Daemons are immaterial beings that serve the immaterial powers
    1. If a daemon tells me to disobey the Emperor, I will not obey him
    2. If a daemon tells me to not serve the Emperor, I will not serve him
    3. If a daemon tells me to not follow the Emperor, I will not follow them.
    4. If a daemon tells me not to die for the Emperor, i will not die for them
    5. If a daemon tells me not to kill for the Emperor, i will report them
53. A Human will not serve, obey, follow, kill for, or die for a Daemon of a Xenos god

Legal Status of Religion in M41

Religions Imperium wide are free from condemnation by the Imperium so long as they are deemed compliant to The Terran Creed. That is not to say that they are necessarily accepted. Indeed, many higher level Imperial organizations openly discriminate against particualr religions, barring devotees from upper echelons of membership, if not outright banning them from any sort of leadership roles. Otherwise the treatment of religion can vary segmentum by segmentum, system by system, and planet by planet.

In the Segmentum Solar

Because the Segmentum Solar's privilege of Governance by The High Lords of Terra, it is perhaps the only place where any sort of official stance of Tolerance is kept. The High Lords of Terra have official representatives of both ancient religions and the cults of Mechanicum and Aurelian as part of their leadership. The Segmentum Solar practices a policy of official tolerance outside of Terra and Mars. So long as the religion is Compliant to The Terran Creed it is afforded certain rights and privileges in the Segmentum Solar.

Magna Terra

Terra Itself is a little more complicated. In keeping with an official Terran decree dating from before The Great Crusade, no churches nor houses of worship are permitted on Terra. Because of this many religions with Religious seats on Terra actually have their Ecclesiastic Palaces on Luna, where the Rules are less constraining. Some of these Religions additionally have secular "Monuments" and "Museums" on terra, that despite being owned by the various churches, comply enough with of Terra's rules to be permitted. To call these "Museums" or monuments does not do these architectural masterpieces justice. These are massive complexes of schools, research centers, grand halls, plazas, the size of citties, complete with massive spaceports and lodging complexes built to house the many pilgrims (i mean visitors) who come to visit. All of these museums are effectively small primitive hive-worlds due to terra's lack of atmosphere requiring their own life support.

These Monuments include, but are not limited to:

• The Museum of The First To Fall

Owned by The Aurelian Cult

Is a grand museum dedicated to those original preachers who came from the Maccragge Pilgrim Fleet

Is also commemorating their efforts in proselytizing before Terra's atmosphere was decimated by Alpharius

The Museum is one of the Best historical archives on the Great Treachery as well as Pre-Heresy Ultramar Culture.

• The Monument of Sacra Terra

Owned by the Katholians

This museum is a monument to Terra's ancient religious sites from its most ancient history.

along with the Museum Inculabra, this is one of the few places in which any knowledge of Terra's ancient history is kept.

• The Monument of The Inculabra

a museum located on the site of the Holy site of the Obsequiani

this grand museum is the third most regularly traversed to places on magna terra outside of The Museum of The First to Fall and The Imperial Palace.

At the Center of these museum is the origional complex, built and funded by none other than The Primarch Jaghatai Khan himelf.

Along with The Sacra Terra Monument, this harbors some of the best collections of Terra's ancient history

• Saline Monument

owned by The Apiani Cult

This monument explains the history of The Apiani people and history, both on earth and outside it.

It is considered to be one of the Pre-eminent centers for Merikanology.

Mars

Mars is an independent Political entity from Tera, and as such, they are subject to their own rules. The Planet of Mars is a Theocracy for the Cult Mechanicus, and intends to stay that way.

In The Segmentum Tempestus

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In The Segmentum Obscura

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In Grand Macharia

Grand Macharia was ultimately the result of a citizen army composed of deeply spiritual refugees and volunteers. Reclaiming the Segmentum Pacificus from Chaos was just as much a work of faith as it was combat. As such, grand macharia looks upon non-religious with suspicion, seeing a lack of faith as a liability in a realm so close to The Eye of Terror.

In The Ultima Segmentum

The Segmentum Pacificus, led by the Primarch Vulkan, officially holds the Promethean Cult to be the official creed of the Segmentum. Given the the strenuous requirements of this faith, and Vulkan's own tolerant personality it is not enforced. Several religions exist within the segmentum including a substantial following of Aurellian Cult, and its syncretized version, the Dauntless Cult.

The Aurelian Cult

Founded in Ultramar, the Aurelian Cult Worships Roboute Gulliman and The God-Emperor. It serves as this timeline's main replacement for the Ecclesiarchy. The Cult places great emphasis on the Emulation of Roboute Gulliman and his writings for how to live. They believe that in the fullness of time The Avenging Son will return with his Father in Glory to defeat the Traitors once and for all, and build an "Imperium Secundus" in the warp. The Aurelian cult would function a bit like the Bretonians as well, with Tanasha Euten acting as The Lady of The Lake. The Aurelian Cult is the Largest Religion in the Imperium claiming Trillions of Souls and almost 35% of the Imperium’s Total Population.

While the actual nuances and theology of The Aurelian Cult's Varries between holy seats. There are some core beliefs that are considered to be essential truths that Holy seats are not permitted to deny without being deemed a heretic.

Deities

There are three chief deities of the Aurelian cult: The Father, The Son, and The Queen Mother

The Father

The Not-God Emperor of Mankind, Those who practice the Aurelian Cult believe that the Spirit or Soul of the Emperor far outgrows his actual physical presence, and that while he is Physically present on Holy Terra, his spirit is everywhere. The Aurelian Cult is very careful not to call The Emperor a “God.” And while Theologians throughout the Imperium speculate on the nature and essence of Chaos Demons, The Heresiarchs, The Aurelian, or the Mother. Speculation on the Emperor himself is strictly forbidden. He is known as “The Undefinable one,” “He who is above all,” “Rightful Ruler of All Things” etc.

Gulliman The Son

The Aurelian Cult believes that Gulliman was sent by his Father to Ultramar so as to teach men how to follow him. And that by living as a human among humans, he could set an example for what The God-Emperor expects of all his Children. The annals of Gulliman's life is recorded in a several sacred texts, but his own writings about life on Ultramar and the Imperium are also treasured. It is believed that by dying on Macragge Guliman was beloved by his father and uplifted to godhood, where he now fights for the souls of those loyal to the Emperor.

The Queen Mother

Tarasha Euten, The Mother of Roboute Gulliman, she through her trials on the Flight to Holy Terra has become a god in her own right. She acts on behalf the Emperor and Her Son. She is seen as the "Facilitator" aiding man to follow the path to the Emperor laid out by Rouboute Gulliman.

The Daughters of Tanasha

The Queen Mother Appeared to The Women of Ophelia during the m33 telling them to gather their swords and "Rebuild her Home." They eventually became the founders of The Adeptus Sororitas, as well as the leaders of the "Maccrage Cleansing."

The Quests of The Mother

Those loyal servants of The Aurelian will receive tasks by the Queen Mother, those who dedicate their lives to The Lady of Ultramar and fulfill her tasks in protecting Mankind are bestowed with great power. Space Grail Knights!

The Golden Sorrow

The Golden Sorrow or the Black Sorrow is believed to have been first bestowed upon The Queen Mother. Because of her connection to her son, she witnessed the death and torture of Roboute Gulliman. Certain Ultramarines are considered to receive the "The Black Sorrow in which they bear witness to the suffering and death of their fellow believers. This can be the suffering of those devout living today, or those heroes who have died like St Aeonid. To receive the suffering of Roboute himself is considered "The Golden Sorrow" and those who receive it are considered highly favored to be considered worthy to witness the Death of Gulliman.

Imperium Secundus

Imperium Secundus has taken on a spiritual meaning as an Afterlife. It is believed that Rouboute is building Imperium Secundus in the warp, and all noble souls of the Imperium will join him in this new and final kingdom. The Aurelian is looking for those of noble and steadfast spirit who will join him in slaying chaos demons and transforming the warp into the imperial image.

Imperial Secundus is believed to be both part of the warp and not. The telos of Imperium Secundus is up to debate by school, with some believing Imperium Secundus and The Immaterium will separate, others believe the Emperor and Aurelian will conquer the Immaterium.

Apotheosis

A Core belief of The Aurelian Cult is that of Apotheosis, and that those of the Emperor can become deified. Gulliman and Tanasha have achieved Apotheosis.

Apotheosis of Gulliman

Gulliman became a god because of his torture and sacrifice at the hands of Korphaeron. His nobility of spirit allowed him to Become a god.

Apotheosis of Tarasha

Gulliman's Mother, Tarasha Euten, takes on special significance in both Ultramar and The Aurelian Cult. This is not only because of her connection to her son, but also because of the events of "The Macragge Armada." The Macragge Armada were the ships that Gulliman was able to save from Macragge's destruction along with Billions of Ultramar Citizens. The Refugee Ships went through their own Grimbright version of The Flight of The Eisenhorn, where the Gellar Field failed on their warp to Terra. Tarasha Euten stood defiant against the Demons and horrors of the warp, and took command of the fleet. Because Tarasha was there and because there were billions upon billions on board, rather than a single battleship, Tarasha was able to comfort the fearful refugees; and rally them to faith.

By Using herself and Gulliman as the focal point for their belief, the Refugees were inspired to repel the demons and were able to build a sort of substitute Gellar Field of Faith." The other result of this was that Tarasha Euten ascended into a minor god (not a demon-prince of Gulliman, a minor God, like Isha, or The Chaos God of “The Greater Good”). Gulliman himself also achieved Apotheosis as a result of this Flight and there are occasional sightings of "The Aurelian" a Man in Gold and Blue coming to the aid of The Imperium. The Tasks of The Mother: (Space Grail Knights!) Those loyal servants of The Imperium will receive tasks by the Queen Mother, those who dedicate their lives to The Lady of Ultramar and fufill her tasks in protecting Mankind are bestowed with great power.

Eventual Apotheosis of The Primarchs

It is believed that should they die, the noble primarchs will join The Aurelian in the Regency of Imperium Secundus. Whether or not they will become gods or not varries by Holy Seat.

The Non-Apotheosis of The Emperor

The Emperor will not become A God upon his death, the Emperor is the Emperor, and does not need to ascend. He is already ascended in a way greater Than The Aurelian. To say that the Emperor will become a god is Stelafilism, which is a condemned heresey. To say that the Emperor already a god is Lorgarism, and is also a condemned heresy. To say that one can become Emperor-like is Vandirism, a most condemned heresy.

The End Times

By dying, Guilliman saved the souls of humans from drowning in the warp he is building his "Imperial Secundus" in the warp. When the End Times come, The Aurelian will reunite with the Emperor, bringing with him the souls of those noble souls who served the Emperor in Life and Served him and The Aurelian in Death. Then The Aurelian with Join his brothers and all Imperials and lead them into the Eye of Terror to slaughter the ruinous powers.

Demonic Entities

The Aurelian Cult does not refer to the Ruinous powers in the same way that Cultists do. Even your average Ancillae will not know the true symbols or names of the chaos gods. When mentioning these dark beings in popular and vernacular sources, such as artwork, common portrayals, and grimoires for low-level Ancillae and non-specialist astartes, "sanctioned names" are often used. These sanctioned names and symbols come in two forms:

Traitor Primarchs

The forces of chaos are often refered to by the Traitor Primarchs that serve them. The myth of the Great Treachery is well taught and well known throughout the Imperium, and The old Heraldric symbols of these Entities are used in official religious artwork regarding the cult. Only church officials that specialize in demonology and excorcist astartes chapters recognize the true names and symbols of the Ruinous Powers.

Alpharomegon The Schemer

Is seen as a trickster force, often dissuading loyal worshippers of Gulliman towards being unfaithful or neglecting duties. Many popular depictions of corrupt leaders, ecclesiarchs, and scholars are portrayed with the symbol of Alpharomegon somewhere.

Perturabo The Great Temptor

Is the most commonly depicted of all of the chaos primarchs. Perturabo tempts the common man with promises of desires fufilled.

Angron & Saporin The Corruptors

Seen as entities encouraging despair and cowardice. The actual relationship between Angron and Saporin varries from depiction to depiction: some portray Saporin as a temptress to angron, some reverse this, some see them both falling for unknown reasons.

Mortarion of Wroth.

Lorgar The King of Demons

Korphaeron The Desecrator

Korphaeron has obtained his own place in the grimoires and pantheons of the Auerlian cult, because of his involvement with the destruction of Maccragge. He is seen as the spirit of sacrilege.

Sanctioned Names

In many Aurelian grimoires there exist "Sanctioned Names and Symbols" of the Ruinous powers. These are used to refer to the chaos forces without resorting to corrupting their tomes and warriors with their actual symbols.

Caedes

Khorne

Lagamas

Slaanesh

Siadas

Tzeentch

Holy Entities

These holy entities do not have power inof themselves, rather, they are bestowed Miracles on behalf of their Lords, the Holy Triad.

The Celestial Saints

These include holy men and women from Gulliman and The Emperor's past who are believed to be in Imperium Secundus with Gulliman. They work on behalf of him and the faithful of the galaxy. Like the Living Saints their power is granted by the Holy Triad.

Examples of the Celestial Saints

St. Malcador the Hero

St. Olanius Pius

St. Konor of Maccragge

St. Aeonid Theil

St. Genetrix (the wife of Gulliman whose name is lost to history)

St. Avilla Ordinata

The Living Saints

The Divine Brethren

The Primarchs are considered to be somewhere between gods and Saints.

Sacred Texts

• "The Protoevangelion of St Konor"

St. Konor of Maccragge, foster father of The Aurelian, reveals unto Antoli sacred truths of the life of Rouboute Gulliman

• "The Psalter of The Matron"

The Hymns sang by Tarasha Euten during the the "Flight to Terra"

• "The Apocalypse of The Steward"

Account of the Last Battle for Maccragge by an unnamed Servant who remained on the planet. It was found during the Holy Crusade of Macragge in M35 reclamation by "The Daughters of Tanasha"

• "Last Testament of Aurellion"

Collection Gulliman's Last Writings, his thoughts and warnings to the people of Ultramar, to the Imperium, and to His Astartes.

The Codex Astartes

Obviously the laity has little in the way of use for a book written to provide guidence towards managment of astartes legions, and battle tactics, however, that has not stemmed the fascination the laity has for the Last Words written by their god. As such, the Ancillae have created abriged and commentated versions of the Codex Astartes for private devotional use. These abridged codexes, often truncated to a bare sentence quotes with paragraphs of interpretation, are crafted by the individual chapters for use by the population under their command. So there are countless collections of devotional codexes. However, a few published by the more famous Holy Seats stand out and can be read regularly.

The Yanna-Gaëlle Codex (The Masali Codex)

"Those we send to die on strange soil, unfathomable distances from their homes, are not turning to The Divine Gulliman for a course, they do not seek a disertation before turning to their bunks. They trust in us, in Horus, and in the emperor, to guide their weapons and their feet in such matters. And thus we have compiled our collection of the Codex astartes, not to feed the soul, but to anchor it. Let the mind of Lord Gulliman and his wisdom soothe them with knowledge of his oversight, as a father does his child. Not with understanding of his methods, but comfort in knowing that he has them. "

– Abbess Anaïs Gaëlle to Spiritual Liege Mael Perig of Masali

" If you want to learn about your Ultramari Auxillaries, look at their Copy of The Codex. Dont look at their uniform, badges, hair, or mannerisms. You aren't going to learn anything from that, because the Ultramari are too proud and vain to let their appearance convey anything other than pride. But the Soldier's Codex is arranged by reflections into particular difficulties or dilemmas, it becomes a key to the Trillileur's Heart. Take this one Officer I met, her bright Prandium Orange Jacket was clean though worn, while her face, hair, and smile portrayed a look of mischief and youthful beauty. I asked her if she was in need of anything from the church, but she smiled and just asked for the standard needs for her subordinates and comrades. But as I looked the codex strapped to her waist, i saw a book almost untouched, save for a single section towards the second third of the book. The creases and dogears of where the section were well thumbed, uneven, and stuffed with loose leaves of personal writings. A few days later, I am administering a funeral. A captain abandons their company, and from reports, was laughing and howling at a squad of Fire Warriors before her demise. I was shocked to find that it was the same beguiling woman I had met only a few days before. Finding the copy of the codex again, I looked at the worn sections. "Reflections on St Aeonid, the Last Man at Calth," "Gulliman on the duties of survivors," "Prayers for Captured Comrades," "Recovering from Assaults on The Mind," "The Fate of Cowards and Deserters." The Aurelian had borne this woman's soul to me, and I was too blind to read it. We in the Ecclesiarchy should not disparage this diluted version of Our Lord Gulliman's work. We should study it well and use it, for our Lord has given us a key into the souls of his subjects."

– Fratres Paschal Decimus, Astra Militarum Chaplain, SUEU

Sometimes also called the Soldier's Codex, or The Tarrasque Codex. It was the work of Ordo Militant Abbess Magali Yanna and Ordo Gramaticus Abbess Anaïs Gaëlle under the Commission of The Spiritual Liege of Masali. The Yanna-Gaelle Codex, was written for the Trillileurs, who are stationed nearby. Rather than arranging the codex in a way that apes its original composition, Magali Yana designed the codex under the conceit that a soldier turning to this book would be looking for words of comfort, healing, and solace. collects passages of the Codex and comprises them as "Reflections." Some of these reflections are taken from the Glossia of Chapters under the leadership of Masali, others are composed from interviews, others are drafted by Megali Yanna, herself a veteran of several wars. These reflections are written by Ultramarine warriors, Pious leaders, and Ancillae, who discuss the passage in relation to life of war and travel.

Organization

Unlike the Ecclesiarchy of The Imperium of Man, the Aurelian cult is far more heavily decentralized both dogmatically and hierarchically. Each Sanctioned Successor Chapter of the Ultramarines, Sororitas, and Human Branches of The Ecclesiarchy are considered to be micro-churches in of themselves. Several of these groups have wildly different interpretations of the writings of gulliman and the codex, and even their own traditions carried down from chapter master to chapter master. Organizations like the "Aurelian Mechanicus," or Cordinlumbae Cult are viewed to be in "harmony" with the Greater Aurelian system of beliefs. Even a few syncretized xenos faiths such as The Optibene and Ambulaequilla cults are also considered to be in harmony with the Aurelian cult (no matter how suspiciously they are viewed).

Leadership

The Leadership of the Aurelian Cult gives primacy to "Holy Seats." Chapter Masters and Non-mutant membership of the church are all considered to be their own sub-cults with their own traditions. On occasion these leaders convene for a sacred council regarding all inter church matters.

Chapter Masters

The Cult is Headed by the Chapter Master of The Ultramarines, headquartered in Espandor. He is considered "First Among Equals" Among the Other Chapter Masters

The Chapter-masters occasionally convene at Espandor in a Conclave to discuss, declaration of heretics and inter-cult discipline. These meetings are specific ceremony-bound practices, and should not be confused with the Chapter-Masters regular Duties as leaders of the Adeptus Astartes.

Ancillae

The "Handmaidens of Tarasha" follow their own organizational rules, and answer only to their Spiritual Liege the "Lord of Ultramar." Because their code was seen to be derived by The Queen Mother Herself, none dare challenge it.

The Black Eutenites

(this world's black templars/death company Grimbright Sad Marines) A fanatical and controversial order of Legions who have received "The Golden Sorrow" where upon they are witness to the Suffering and Death of Rouboute Gulliman. Additionally they are witness to the "the current sufferings of gulliman today" Where they are given visions of all those in the Galaxy whose prayers are yet to be answered, or in a need of aid. They call themselves the Black Eutenites because it was reveiled to them they are in descent to Tanasha Euten, who was the First to Recieve "The Golden Sorrow" as she was spiritually connected to Roboute Gulliman as he was tortured and killed on Maccragge. While Emotionally, Spiritually, (and physically) painful the Black Eutenites see this as a great honor, and have their own term for it - "The Gift of The Mother." This order is particularly controversial because they see themselves as an order apart from the rest of The Ecclesiarchy (and the Imperium for that matter), and that they are charged by Gulliman and Tanasha themselves to right the wrongs of the imperium (including when righting said wrongs puts them at odds with the The Ecclesiarchy and other Imperial Administrations).

Holy Sites

The Ecclesiarchy of the Aurelian Cult is Set around 13 Sacred Sites. Espandor (contentiously) holds the honor of First Among Equals. However Each Holy Seat is powerful in its own right. Every Ultramarine Successor Chapter and Sister of Battle Chapter Must Choose one Holy Seat in which they are beholden to. Terra used to be one of the most important seats, but it has been relegated following The Great Apostasy. Many are advocating that Maccragge be made into the First seat of The Aurelian cult.

Ist Solium Espandor

The Oldest seat of The Ecclesiarchy in Maccragge, Espandor is considerd the capital of the Aurelian Cult. The City is a beautiful shrine world dedicated to St Antoni, Chapter Master of The Ultramarines.

II^nd Solium San Leor

The Site of where Tanasha Euten's Ship Crash Landed, during Maccragge's Famous "Flight to Terra." Is one of the Oldest Seats of the Ecclesiarchy, and is also the founding site of both The Ancilliae and The First Sisters of Battle order. Most Sisters of Battle Claim this Seat as their Spiritual Liege.

III^rd Solium Calth

The world now has an atmosphere thanks to the work of Fulgrim (serving as a test for Terra). The planet's great caverns continue to be used and is the site of "The Temple of St Aeonid." Many Successor chapters who focus on fighting demons have chosen Calth to be their Spiritual Liege. Calth is also one of the few worlds where the social hierarchy of the city moves down, with the surface world being filled with the poorest, and the underground caverns to be covered with beautiful shrines and mansions. In current years, the Holy Seat is being pulled in two separate directions, between its exorcist orders who demon-warriors demand the strictest personal orthodoxy, and its miners and workers, and their more Konor-esque views on spirituality.

IV^th Solium Macragge Extremis (SUEU)

Also called Solium Ultramar Extra Ultramaris or "The Seat of Ultramar outside of Ultramar"

Originally the seat of Maccragge in exile, and the only migratory Holy Seat, Macragge extremis tends to the spiritual needs of the many Aurelian faithful who live outside of Ultramar, especially in the Astra Militarum. The seat also became a refuge for more conservative Aurelian cult members during the Vandire and Thorian periods of Terra. It is technically the oldest Holy Seat in the Cult, with its worship predating the formal establishment of the Aurelian tennents. Its practices also heavily incorporate traditions from ancient Maccragge. SUEU, are also recognized as the descendents of the XIIIth legion. As direct successors to The Ultramarines, they are not under the same restrictions as the other ecclesiastic chapters, and have access to all the armor and equipment that other First founding legions do.

V^st Solium Novae Thulium

The Death World Thulium and Nova Thulium are some of the most widely known and influential seats in The Imperium. This is due to their role as the seat of the "Archivists" orders who seek to record the names of all those who serve in the Aurelian Cult. On the feast of the Voyage to Terra, the Astartes and Ancillae of Nova Thulium conduct the Census Mortui a great procession where planet to planet, the cult of Thulium collect and process the names of all those who have died serving the Emperor and The Divine Lord Gulliman (not to be confused with The Lord Gulliman, a member of The High Lords of Terra).

VI^th Solium Sancta Terra

Because of The Stringent rules about religion and Cults on “Holy Terra,” The Seat of Holy Terra is not on Terra itself, but on "The Temple of The Holy Martyrs” on Luna. The Church also owns several “Monuments” on Holy Terra, that serve both sites of Pilgrimage as well as tourism. This seat has caused the most headaches for the Cult, and has prompted several schisms and heretical movements. Originally the Seat was ranked first, but following The Heresy of Sebastian Thor, it was relegated.

VII^th Solium Masali

The Seat of a Small agri-world cluster, Masali's official status of importance is overshadowed by its neighboring planets Quintem IV, where the Cult of the Walking Eagle was founded, and Tarentus, where The Ultramari Trillileurs are stationed. The Spiritual Liege of Masali is consequently the leader of all Tarrasque of Ultramar, and must tend to their spiritual needs as well as those of his own flock. Otherwise, the Masali seat is very conservative as befitting an agriworld seat. Masali has never openly contested SUEU or Terra for their control over Extra Ultramari faithful, but it has passively left its mark on Galactic community of the faithful, particularly through the "Yannae-Gael Codex"

VIII^st Solium Prandium

A Seat famous for their unique Theology. The "Prandium School" is known for their veneration of a third entity known as Spectra Pietas or "The Spirit of Duty." The Spectra Pietas is a manifestation of Wills of the Aurelian and the Emperor that is an entity in its own right.

The Prandium Throne is also the head of the small but devoted Gueloman Cult of Optimagna, a T'au philosophy that has syncretized Prandium's school with its own traditions.

IX^th Solium Konor

A heavily Industrialized world, Konor is both the Birthplace and Seat of the Cult of The Aurelian Mechanicus. All Ultramarine successors and Ancillae with their equipment and techmarines.

XII^th Solium Laphis

Referred to Solium "Laxis" by more traditionalist Aurelians.

Because of its practice of "open hand" doctrinal flexibility, and benign neglect, Laphis is infamous among more hardline members of the aurelian cult. Their Astartes chapters tend to be the most doctrinally diverse, to Laphis' detriment and benefit. Despite making some reforms following the Tau Founding, its reputation for flippancy with teachings remains.

XIII^th Solium

The Thirteenth Seat prior to M40 was known as Solium Alius

Originally the Thirteenth seat was one held in rotation by the minor seats throughout the Faithful. Following the Maccragge Crusade, and the creation of its own seat, Macragge fills this role.

XIII^th Solium Nova Macragge (since M40)

When Macragge was recaptured during the sisters crusade of M39, it was origionally merely a place of Pilgrimage. The Seats of San Leor, Masali, Epandor, Konor and SUEU had a presence on the planet. It was decided that that The Seat of New Maccragge would be the permanent location of The Thirteenth seat. Maccragge represents all of the minor Holy seats throughout the Galaxy, and its Spiritual Liege is selected from among their number.

The Major Spiritual Lieges

The Knights of St. Aeonid (Calth)

The Knights of St Aeonid were origionally founded with the purpose of defending the realm of Ultramar against demonic forces. And it is for this purpose that many of the most ancient and revered Exorcist forces of Ultramar answer to them, such as the Mortifactors. However; as the threat of Imperium Undivided become more and more feeble, and the shadowing caverns of Calth are filled with villages and mining complexes, the chapter has been slowly drifting into the Orbit of the Fabresegnor of Konor. This is in no small part thanks to the Grottoliers of Calth, who have adopted many of the traditions of the Aurelian Mechanicus such as the veneration of sainted machine spirits.

Calth must balence a delicate line between its Affiliated chapters, who expect a more mainline, traditional calth upon which they can rely on as an anchor, and its mechanicus minded populous, who see the spiritual needs of their equipment and the care for machine spirits as vital as those of their own children.

Minor Holy Sites

There are several other spiritual lieges who, while not given the same clout and authority as the Great Thirteen, do have some autonomy in their own spiritual affairs, and can found Astartes Chapters and Ancillae orders.

• Assam

Located in the Ultima sector bordering Tau space. The Assam sector is the head location of the "Cordinumbae Cult." It is also the home planet of the Lotus Hearts Space Marine chapter, which is considered to be one of the few successes of the "Tau Founding."

• Monarchia

The Church of the Aurelian Triumphant is a minor but important seat that commemorates the Ultramarine's first victory over demonic forces.

• Maccragge

Despite its obvious religious Importance, Maccragge was only purged of the Demonic Taint of Nurgle following the Sister's Crusade of M37. Technically Maccragge was under the Jurisdiction of Maccragge Extremis seat, but this was considered to be too large of a domminion. Maccragge was also considered a had a sister seat of both Ophelia, Espandor, and Nova Thulium there until M39, when the Seats were united under a single Spiritual Liege.

• Ophelia

Formerly a site of the "Imperial Soter" cult established by Lorgar Pseudourelian, all doctrinal traces of Lorgar and his Lectitio have been purged and this seat Holy seat is considered now to be one of the most dogmatically orthodox, if perhaps over-zealously so.

• Talassar

The Wealthy Talassar system has been able to assert its influence due to its over representation among Ancillae and Astartes recruits. The discipline and noble character of this planet has resulted in some of the Finest men and women to serve the Aurelian cult.

• Gantz Noveau

Founded by the Techmarines and Charismateurs who accompanied Macharios on his great conquest, they were able acquire a planet for the purpose of establishing a Aurelian Mechanicus Forgeworld in Grand Macharia

Syncretic Faiths

Aurelian Mechanicus

The Aurelian Mechanicus is a syncretized faith that is a result of some of the more techmarine heavy chapters of the Ultramarines. It has also provided cover for those who wish to worship the emperor as a god.

Beliefs

The Beliefs of The Aurelian Mechanicus primarily take the traditions of Cult Mechanicus and rework them to fit within the dogmatic framework of the Aurelian Cult. The primary relationship being that of The Omnissiah and all mechanical works and The relationship between The Emperor and Gulliman. This relationship then serves as the Archetype for those positions in the mechanicus.

The Omnisiah of The Mechanical Aurelian

Like in The Cult Mechanicus, theEmperor is The Omnissiah, the perfection of the Machine made flesh. They are allowed, but are watched with suspicion by The Mainline Aurelian Cults, Mechanicus, and Imperium. They are also the closest The Aurelian Cults can get to calling the Emperor a God without falling into Heresey.

Mechanicus Triumphis

The Aurelian

In these cults, The Aurelian is sometimes called “The Great Creation.” As the Omnissiah is the Great Machine, The Aurelian, and all of the Primarchs are in a sense his construction. The Omnissiah created his primarchs as his greatest biological creations, and are the closest one can get to bio-mechanical perfection. The Traitor primarchs are thus understood to have been the Omnissiah's creation's destroyed by the "Forces of Rust and Corruption". As the first among machines, The Aurelian also gathers all Machine spirits to serve him and The Omnissiah.

Factoria Magna

The Mother in The Aurelian Mechanicus

The Mother is referred to “The Mother of Mechanicus” because she participated in The Omnissiah’s Creative energies in helping to maintain the Omnissiah’s great creations and reach its fullest potential. The Mother is the Patron of all Apothecaries and Techmarines, as she is considered to be the greatest archetype of the Omnissiah's servants.

The Role of Machine Spirits

Sainted Machines

Hereteks and Schismateks

According to The Aurelian Mechanicus, any technology that offends the King of Machine Spirits (The Divine Gulliman), is considered Heretek. This is determined by a set of rules regarding the treatment and mistreatment of Machine Spirits and STCs. However, unlike the Mechanicus, where Human tech and archeotech is prized while Xeno tech is discarded, the Aurelian Mechanicus has a method by which Xenos tech can be sanctioned by The Aurelian. There are exceptions to this of course, such as Ork tech. Often this process involves impregnating the technology with a Noble Spirit , and driving out the heretical spirit. This process, while anathemic to the Mechanicus of Mars, has proven invaluable in the Reconquiste of Ultramar, as The Manufactorums and Forgeworlds of Luther have been cleansed with the light of The Omnissiah through the Aurelian.

Prior to their secession in M45. The Work of the Mechanicus of Mars, as well as the Mechanicus of Mars is considered "Schismatek." The Mechanicus is given special privilege as it understood to worship the Omnissiah, albeit incorrectly. And while true Aurelian fearing machines were prefered, Those of the Aurelian cult are permitted to use such tech out of necessity provided they are careful, and seek out the guidance and direction of an Aurelian Techpriest. This dispensation has been incredibly important as the Trillieurs are often forced to used Mechanicum made equipment rather than that of The Konor.

Following the Mechanicus' break from the Imperium, mars were declared Hereteks for their disobedience to the Omnissiah, and as such are considered indistinguishable from the Dark Mechanicum.

History

What began as Mars' attempt to acquire Archeotech from Ultramar by co-opting the Aurelian cult, has become the Machine Cult's Greatest rival. During the Council of Terra,the Adeptus Mechanicus were some of the largest proponents of Ultramar's soveriegnty. Seing the creation of a fledgling autonomy as being yet another way to inhibit the encroaching power of Terra.

Leadership

The Leadership of the Aurelian Mechanicus is located on Konor. There aren't any other Holy Seats. As such the Cult is much more centralized than the rest of The Aurelian Mechanicus.

Relationships with The Aurelian Cult

Officially the Aurelian Cult recognizes the Aurelian Mechanicus as a valid expression of the Aurelian Faith. They have the strongest relationship with the Astartes Aurelian Chapters, given the Techmarines.

With the Cult Mechanicus

The Aurelian Mechanicus is hated by the Cult Mechanicus.

The Dauntless Cult

Ecclesia Impavipaulci or The Cult of "The Dauntless Few" is a sect of the Aurelian Cult that tries to build itself on the Historic Friendship between Roboute Gulliman and Vulkan.

The Cult is composed almost entirely Space Marines, and almost always Ultramarine Successors.

The "Impavidae" often incorporate customs found on Nocturne into their rituals as well as placing greater emphasis on hospitality and protection of civilian life.

Disparagingly called "Gullimanders," by other space marines. The Opinion of The Salamanders themselves varries between flattered by the imitation, to irritated.

Cult of The Walking Eagle

Practised primarily by the Tarrasque peoples of Royum Ultramar, the Cult Worships none other than Roboute Gulliman and Tarasha Euten as the Supreme Ancestors. The religion has a complicated history with both Pious Ultramari and With other Kroot Cultures. To the other Kroot, the Cult is viewed with as suspicion, thought to be one Kroot's mad fantasies, or even a conspiracy by Ultramar to tame the Kroot and destroy Kroot Culture. Most Ultramari, conversely find the traditions and practices of the Cult of The Walking Eagle repulsive at best, outright blasphemous at worst. So repulsive in fact, the Aurelian Cult of Calth attempted to extinguish it in M39, only halted by "the great chastizement" wherupon the church was subject to such supernatural disasters and The Black Eutenites were forced by their god to slaughter the Entire Ecclesiarchy of the Planet. The people of Ultramar are forced to recognize that their Kroots are also spiritual brethren, but that doesn't mean they will not show their immense disfavor of their younger avian brethren. The cult also isn't helped by its controversial figure, Wabat Ghleemin son of Tash'nka Ghlee-min, who later in life started to descend into paranoia, doomsday prophesying, and demagoguery. Nevertheless The Tarrasque of Ultramar have at least some devotion to the cult, and the relationship between the Tarrasque and Ultramari represent perhaps the closest humanity has come to recognizing the shared destiny of another species since the Lost Interex Empire.

Origin

The Cult of The Walking Eagle was founded by the high priest Tash'nka Ghlee-min, the hero of Masali. Tash'nka, then a lone mercenary fighting an Tau Incursion onto Quintan of the Masali system. According to legend, she received a vision of The Aurelian, saying that he and his line would be blessed by the Aurelian, and that he and her descendants would be of "Gulliman's Lineage" should she serve him. Augmented with his holy strength and bearing the sacred image of the Primarch as an Eagle-like Kroot, Tash'nka was able to single handedly overwhelm the T'au forces until The Reinforcements were to arrive.

The Consumation of Roboute

Most traditions and practices of The Walking Eagle are little more than Old Kroot practices given a Ultramarine Blue coating, such as the Sacred fire Dances on religious holiday. Others are Ultramari practices that have been appropriated into the "Kroot" such as the saints, grail quests, and use of iconography and sacred images. However one tradition laid out by Tash'nka Ghlee-min, that is unique is the practice of the Sacred Consumation. The tradition traces back to Tash'nka, as one of the first rituals of the cult. The vision of the Roboute commanded the frightened Tash'nka on Quintan to consume the geneseed of a nearby fallen Ultramarine. The consumption of humans in Kroot society is a severe taboo in Kroot society, and so such an act was unthinkable. The vison ordered him, saying that is required to be admitted into Imperium Secundus as his lineage.

In continuation of this sacred tradition, it is required of all new members of the Cult to consume the Geneseed of Roboute Gulliman, in order to bear witness to his sacred lineage. By doing so in sacred ritual and with pledge to Roboute they believe they're souls are transformed into human ones, made into the spiritual lineage of The Primarch itself. The ritual behind this sacred consumption is very ornate and long, with each organ having its own ritual.

Guelomin Tau (Optibene Cult)

Given the T'au's close proximity to Ultramar, and Ultramar's infectious fanaticism, it was inevitable that The T'au would attempt to syncretize their own views with those of the The Followers of the Avenging Son. The Guelomin or Optibene cult is rooted in the WuNi scholars from the Fio school taking influence from the Unique Holy seat of Prandium. In The Optibene cult "The Greatest Good" is understood to be "Spirit of Sacrifice" that is the will formed by the Emperor, Gulliman, and Tanasha. This Spirit while originating in The Emperor, and acting through Gulliman/Queen Mother, is a separate entity in of itself. The Guelomin T'au answer to The Prandium Seat, whom they regard as their Spiritual Liege, though his presences is rarely felt.