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(→‎Religious Excerpts: Added the rest of the excepts i found in the Codex Adeptus Mechanicus. I did not add quotes from specific characters, only excerpts and prayers)
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{{AdeptusMechanicusPortal}}
 
{{AdeptusMechanicusPortal}}
 
[[Image:CultMechanicusSymbol.jpg|thumb|right|Symbol of the Cult Mechanicus]]
 
[[Image:CultMechanicusSymbol.jpg|thumb|right|Symbol of the Cult Mechanicus]]
−
The '''Cult Mechanicus''' is the state religion of the [[Adeptus Mechanicus]], which recognizes its own dogma as opposed to that of the [[Imperial Cult]].  
+
The '''Cult Mechanicus''' is the state religion of the [[Adeptus Mechanicus]], which recognises its own dogma as opposed to that of the [[Imperial Cult]]. As an organisation, it is composed of the priesthood of the Adeptus Mechanicus, also known as [[Tech-Priest]]s.
  
 
==Overview==
 
==Overview==
 
===History===
 
===History===
−
The Cult Mechanicus has ancient origins, developing on [[Mars]] during the [[Age of Strife]]. It was the state religion of the early Mechanicum even before the arrival of the [[Emperor]] and the commencement of the [[Great Crusade]].{{Fn|5}} When the Emperor first arrived on Mars many saw him as the [[Omnissiah]], or the physical manifestation of the Machine God. As per the terms of the [[Treaty of Olympus]] that saw [[Terra]] and Mars unify, the Mechanicum was was still allowed to practice its faith despite the Emperor's own secular [[Imperial Truth]].{{Fn|6}} The Cult Mechanicus continues to exist to this day, distinct but related to the [[Imperial Cult]].
+
The Cult Mechanicus has ancient origins, developing on [[Mars]] during the [[Age of Strife]]. It was the state religion of the early Mechanicum even before the arrival of the [[Emperor]] and the commencement of the [[Great Crusade]].{{Fn|5}} When the Emperor first arrived on Mars many saw him as the [[Omnissiah]], or the physical manifestation of the Machine God. As per the terms of the [[Treaty of Olympus]] that saw [[Terra]] and Mars unify, the Mechanicum was still allowed to practice its faith despite the Emperor's own secular [[Imperial Truth]].{{Fn|6a}} The Cult Mechanicus continues to exist to this day, distinct but related to the [[Imperial Cult]].
  
 
===Beliefs===
 
===Beliefs===
−
The core tenants of the Cult Mechanicus are codified in the sixteen "[[Universal Law]]s".{{Fn|8}}
+
The core tenets of the Cult Mechanicus are codified in the sixteen "[[Universal Law]]s".{{Fn|8}} Along the ages, the creed has accrued further theses, such as the [[Law of the Divine Complexity]]{{Fn|6a}}{{Fn|6b}} or the [[Third Law of Universal Variance]]{{Fn|14}}.
  
 
According to the Cult Mechanicus, knowledge is the supreme manifestation of divinity and all creatures and technology that embody knowledge are thus holy because of it. The worth of a single man is only the sum of his knowledge - his body is simply an organic machine capable of preserving intellect. It is by this motivation that the followers of the Cult Mechanicus follow the '''Quest for Knowledge''', seeking new technology and information to better themselves.{{Fn|1}}
 
According to the Cult Mechanicus, knowledge is the supreme manifestation of divinity and all creatures and technology that embody knowledge are thus holy because of it. The worth of a single man is only the sum of his knowledge - his body is simply an organic machine capable of preserving intellect. It is by this motivation that the followers of the Cult Mechanicus follow the '''Quest for Knowledge''', seeking new technology and information to better themselves.{{Fn|1}}
  
−
The Machine God, also known as the '''Deus Mechanicus''', is the ultimate object of worship in the Cult Mechanicus. It is the Machine God that gave rise to all technologies and made them manifest through his chosen among mankind. To the Mechanicus, machines represent a higher form of life than those crudely formed from biological evolution. The planned perfection of form and function embodied in a machine are so great, that they could only have arisen from a divine source. Officially, the Cult Mechanicus maintains that the [[Emperor]] is the physical manifestation of the Machine God (the '''Omnissiah''') and part of a trinity that also includes the Machine God and the '''Motive Force''', the deity that gives all life and motion its continued existence.{{Fn|2}}{{Fn|3}}{{Fn|4}}
+
The '''Machine God''', also known as the '''Deus Mechanicus''',{{Fn|2}}{{Fn|3}}{{Fn|4a}} '''He who is three-in-one''',{{Fn|15b}} '''the three in one''',{{Fn|16c}} '''the triple god''',{{Fn|16a}} '''the prime architect''',{{Fn|15a}} and '''God-Machine''',{{Fn|11}} is the ultimate object of worship in the Cult Mechanicus. It is the Machine God that gave rise to all technologies and made them manifest through his chosen among mankind. To the Mechanicus, machines represent a higher form of life than those crudely formed from biological evolution. The planned perfection of form and function embodied in a machine are so great, that they could only have arisen from a divine source. Officially, the Cult Mechanicus maintains that the [[Emperor]] is the physical manifestation of the Machine God (the '''Omnissiah''') and part of a trinity that also includes the Machine God and the '''Motive Force''', the deity that gives all life and motion its continued existence.{{Fn|2}}{{Fn|3}}{{Fn|4a}}
  
−
The [[Men of Iron]] also seem to have worshiped a faith similar to the Cult Mechanicus. One of its surviving constructs [[UR-025]] states that it has met the true Omnissiah, not the false one worshipped by man, and that it would find the Mechanicum quite disappointing.{{Fn|7}}
+
Organic life is the Machine-God’s greatest accomplishment within the scope of the Great Work. The Machine God created the complex weaknesses of flesh so his followers might learn metallic strength, and ascend to his level of machinic perfection.{{Fn|15b}} Thus striving to improve upon it and replace it, however, abandoning his numerous gifts is done at great peril. For to give up one's soul is the great sin of the Cult Mechanicus. The soul must be understood, not despised. Such is life’s great test.{{Fn|16b}}
  
−
===Religious Excerpts===
+
One of the surviving [[Men of Iron]], [[UR-025]], states that it has met the true Omnissiah, not the false one worshipped by man, and that it would find the Mechanicum disappointing.{{Fn|7}}
−
{|align=center border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"
 
−
|style=background:#4F4F4F align=center|'''Text'''
 
−
|style=background:#4F4F4F align=center|'''Excerpt'''
 
−
|style=background:#4F4F4F align=center|'''Source'''
 
−
|-
 
−
|align=center|Catechism of the Autoculus of Mars
 
−
|align=center|'''''Toll the Great Bell Once!'''''
 
  
−
'''''Pull the Lever forward to engage the'''''
+
====Tech-Heresy====
 +
The Cult Mechanicus also outlays a strict code of Technological conduct, dubbing a far range of innovations and fields as Tech-Heresy (''Heretechnica'') and its practitioners as [[Heretek]]s. These include such forbidden sciences as unleashing plagues of death across entire star systems, draining energy from stars, or distorting space-time. However the three greatest orders of Tech-Heresy are that of [[Abominable Intelligence]], manipulating the Human genome, and study of the [[Warp]].{{Fn|10}}
  
−
'''''Piston and Pump...'''''
+
Preventing Tech-Heresy takes many forms, like the [[Puritens]] surgery.{{citethis}}
  
−
'''''Toll the Great Bell Twice!'''''
+
===Sign of the Cog===
 +
The '''sign of the cog''' is a hand gesture to indicate faith and deference towards the Machine God. This gesture might be used while praying{{Fn|17a}}{{Fn|17c}} or when giving solemn thanks.{{Fn|17b}}{{Fn|17d}}
  
−
'''''With push of Button fire the Engine'''''
+
The sign of the cog is made by lacing both hands together across one's torso. Similar to the [[Imperial Cult]]'s [[sign of the aquila]], both are solemn signs of faith that are made by placing both hands in a front of one's chest in a gesture across placed across one's chest.{{Fn|17e}}
  
−
'''''And spark Turbine into life...'''''
+
===Religious Excerpts===
−
 
+
{{main|Cult Mechanicus Religious Excerpts}}
−
'''''Toll the Great Bell Thrice!'''''
 
−
 
 
−
'''''Sing Praise to the'''''
 
−
 
 
−
'''''God of All Machines'''<br>-Excerpt''
 
−
|align=center|[[Warhammer 40,000 4th Edition Rulebook]], Introduction
 
−
|-
 
−
|align=center|Litany of Praise
 
−
|align=center|'''''Sing the song of the Machine God.'''''
 
−
 
 
−
'''''None may stay our march.'''''
 
−
 
 
−
'''''Let the merciless logic of the Machine God invest thee.'''''
 
−
 
 
−
'''''None may stay our march.'''''
 
−
 
 
−
'''''Praise and glory be to the Machine God.'''''
 
−
 
 
−
'''''None may stay our march.'''''<br>-Translation of binharic static chorus''
 
−
|align=center|[[Codex: Adeptus Mechanicus (8th Edition)]], pg. 6
 
−
|-
 
−
|align=center|Litany of Engine Invocation
 
−
|align=center|'''''Thus we invoke the Master of All Knowledge.'''''
 
−
 
 
−
'''''[Toll the bell once]'''''
 
−
 
 
−
'''''Shed Your powers upon this machine.'''''
 
−
 
 
−
'''''[Toll the bell twice]'''''
 
−
 
 
−
'''''Invest this device with Your holy charge.'''''
 
−
 
 
−
'''''[Sprinkle the unguents]'''''<br>-Excerpt''
 
−
|align=center|[[Codex: Adeptus Mechanicus (8th Edition)]], pg. 14
 
−
|-
 
−
|align=center|Hymnal of Engine Commencement
 
−
|align=center|'''''The machine is my temple. Each one a sacred shrine. I name each piston blessed, and every gear divine.'''''
 
−
|align=center|[[Codex: Adeptus Mechanicus (8th Edition)]], pg. 41
 
−
|-
 
−
|align=center|The Cant-Mantra of the Datasmith Prioris
 
−
|align=center|'''''O, to stride with giants into the crucible of war! Blessed is he who guides this blessed machine, trusted is he who carries the sacred wafer, it's holy writ brings salvation and destruction, the word of the Omnissiah that brings all dooms.'''''
 
−
|align=center|[[Codex: Adeptus Mechanicus (8th Edition)]], pg. 43
 
−
|-
 
−
|align=center|The Chant of Electro-traction
 
−
|align=center|'''''All praise the edd and flow,'''''
 
−
 
 
−
'''''All feel the nimbus rising,'''''
 
−
 
 
−
'''''All sing the body electric,'''''
 
−
 
 
−
'''''Feel the full charge crackle!'''''
 
−
 
 
−
'''''Invest this device with Your holy charge.'''''<br>-Excerpt''
 
−
|align=center|[[Codex: Adeptus Mechanicus (8th Edition)]], pg. 45
 
−
|-
 
−
|align=center|The Chant for the Consecration of a New Machine
 
−
|align=center|'''''Oh great Vessel of Honour,'''''
 
−
 
 
−
'''''May your servo-motors be guarded,'''''
 
−
 
 
−
'''''Against malfunction,'''''
 
−
 
 
−
'''''As your spirit is guarded from impurity.'''''
 
−
 
 
−
'''''We beseech the Machine God to watch over you.'''''
 
−
 
 
−
'''''Let flow the sacred oils,'''''
 
−
 
 
−
'''''And let not the sorrows of the Seven Perplexities'''''
 
−
 
 
−
'''''trouble thine pistons.'''''
 
−
 
 
−
'''''Let flow the blessed unguents,'''''
 
−
 
 
−
'''''And may thine circuitry remain divinely blessed.'''''<br>-Excerpt''
 
−
|align=center|[[Codex: Adeptus Mechanicus (8th Edition)]], pg. 57
 
−
|-
 
−
|align=center|The First Litany of the Doctrina Augmentata
 
−
|align=center|'''''Although flesh may blacken and fail, fear not, for this too can be replaced. You can be reincarnated - reborn in steel by the will of the Omnissiah.'''''<br>-Excerpt''
 
−
|align=center|[[Codex: Adeptus Mechanicus (8th Edition)]], pg. 66
 
−
|-
 
−
|align=center|Corpuscarii Chant of Electric-Blessing
 
−
|align=center|'''''Illuminate your devoted charges, let build the bolts, 'til the sacred energies course through veins electric, and send your seizures of static striking!'''''
 
−
 
 
−
'''''I am become lightning, and this gift I give to unbelievers, that in their last flash-blinding they might see the briefest glimpse of the Omnissiah himself.'''''
 
−
|align=center|[[Codex: Adeptus Mechanicus (8th Edition)]], pg. 95
 
−
|-
 
−
|align=center|From the Ceremony of Commission
 
−
|align=center|'''''This machine is discharged into your care.'''''
 
−
 
 
−
'''''Fight with this machine, and guard it from the shame of defeat.'''''
 
  
−
'''''Serve this machine, as you would have fight it for you.'''''
+
==Organisation==
 +
While each [[Forge World]] is led by its own [[Fabricator General]], it is the Fabricator of [[Mars]] who is considered the de facto leader of the Cult Mechanicus. Beneath the Fabricator General is the [[Fabricator Locum]] who in turn may call upon and command Magi Technicus, Metallurgicus, Alchemys, Cogitatrices, Pedanticum, Tech-assassins, hive monitors and Holy Requisitioners, who in turn can command a body of fabricators minoris, [[Fulgurites]], [[Corpuscarii]], overseers, underseers, stasis clerks, and techno-dervishes.{{Fn|9a}} The governing body of each Forge World's technarchy{{Fn|15a}} is referred to as a [[forge-synod]]. These synods are collections of high ranking tech priests of that Forge World and are led by that Forge World's Fabricator General. All Forge Synods ultimately owe fealty to the [[Great Synod]] of Mars.{{citethis}}
  
−
'''''(''response'') - I shall. '''
+
===Holy Orders===
−
|align=center|[[Warhammer 40,000 Compendium]], p.&nbsp;84
+
[[Image:CultMechanicusHolyOrders.jpg|thumb|right|Holy Orders of the Cult Mechanicus{{Fn|9b}}]]
−
|-
+
The Cult Mechanicus is organised in different Holy Orders, of which a Tech-Priest may change in time of need. The orders of the [[Magi]] pursue esoteric agendas as likely to end in triumpth as disaster. The orders of the [[Genetors]] probe biological mysteries, creating ever-stranger cyborgs and slaughtering numerous xenos to excise their biological secrets.{{Fn|9a}}{{Fn|9b}} The [[Logis]] includes analyst, statistician, and logistician whose purpose is to predict future trends and make forecasts about Mechanicus expenditure and needs.{{Fn|4c}} The [[Artisans]] create and restore weapons of war.{{Fn|9a}}{{Fn|9b}}
−
|align=center|from "The Book of Five Runes"
 
−
|align=center|'''''When uttering the incantation, mark well that the rod is upon and not within the intake. The second incantation should not be uttered until all the fumes have come forth, then the way shall be clear for the sacred words to penetrate unto the heart of the engine. If the mounting be hot say the third rune, if it be cold the fourth rune is more appropriate. For then the wrath of the engine will be aroused...'''''
 
−
|align=center|[[Warhammer 40,000 Compendium]], p.&nbsp;131
 
−
|-
 
−
|align=center|from ''The Contagion of Ganymede''
 
−
|align=center|'''''Henceforth no man shall set foot upon the world, and all around shall be set sentinels to ward away unwary spacecraft. We must accept that this place is lost to us forever, and is now the eternal habitation of abomination.'''''
 
−
|align=center|{{Cite This}}
 
−
|-
 
−
|align=center|Hymn of Reforging
 
−
|align=center|'''Thus do we invoke the Machine God.'''
 
−
'''Thus do we make whole that which was sundered.'''
 
−
|align=center|[[Codex: Space Marines (5th Edition)]], p. 71
 
−
|-
 
−
|align=center|from "Lord of the Engines" 16th Tome, Verse 2001
 
−
|align=center|'''''And when at last he came upon the vehicle, he perceived the distress of the engine therein and forthwith struck the rune and it was good. Thereupon the engine ignited and was filled with strength...'''''
 
−
|align=center|[[Warhammer 40,000 Compendium]], p.&nbsp;131
 
−
|-
 
−
|align=center|The Prima Incubatorta,
 
−
rite of Titan awakening
 
−
|align=center|'''''The will of the Emperor is done.'''''
 
−
'''''As the blood of the slain is laid upon you so may you lay the enemy’s blood at the feet of the Emperor.'''''
 
  
−
'''''Lay blood at the Emperor's feet.'''''
+
===Military Forces===
 +
Each [[Tech-Priest Dominus]] may lead a [[Cult Mechanicus Battle Congregation|Battle Congregation]] consisting of detachments of the [[Servitoria]], [[Electro-Priesthood]], and the [[Legio Cybernetica]].{{Fn|4b}}
  
−
'''''As the rune of protection is inscribed upon you so may the litanies of protection ward your soul.'''''
+
* [[Tech-Priests]]
 +
** [[Tech-Priest Dominus]]
 +
** [[Enginseer|Tech-Priest Enginseers]]
 +
* [[Servitoria]]
 +
** [[Kataphron Battle Servitor|Kataphron  Clades]]
 +
* [[Electro-Priesthood]]
 +
** [[Electro-priest #Corpuscarii Electro-Priests|Corpuscarii Brotherhoods]]
 +
** [[Electro-priest #Fulgurite Electro-Priests|Fulgurite Brotherhoods]]
 +
* [[Legio Cybernetica]]
 +
** [[Cybernetica Datasmith]]
 +
** [[Kastelan Robots]]
  
−
'''''May your soul be guarded from impurity.'''''
+
==Related Videos==
−
+
{{#evt:
−
'''''As the warriors within you guide your weapons, may you in your turn, guide their lives.'''''
+
service=youtube
 +
|id=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T23DfVVoQHs
 +
|alignment=center
 +
|container=frame
 +
}}
  
−
'''''Stand true against the trials of war. '''''
+
==See Also==
−
|align=center|[[Epic 40,000 Magazine]] Issue 7, pg. 10
+
*[[Sect Missionarius Mechanicus]]
−
|-
+
*[[First Church of Omnissiah Missionarius]]
−
|align=center|Extract, ''The Problems of Organic Thinking'', Chapter XII
 
−
|align=center|'''Bio-chauvinism, and on such a small scale, when it comes to the processing of knowledge, is laughable. Give me any savant you care, and I shall match his worth tenfold with even the most basic of Machine Spirits.'''
 
−
|align=center|{{Cite This}}
 
−
|-
 
−
|align=center|''Runic Mechanics - An Introduction''
 
−
|align=center|'''''The beast of metal endures longer than the flesh of men. Those that tend the beasts of metal must labour long to learn its ways, for a single beast must suffer the mastership of many men until ready to shed its vorpal coils. Those that seek apprenticeship must attended closely to the runes of mobilisation, the rites of maintenance, and the words-of-power that describe the parts of a beast. Nor must they neglect the tutelage of the Adeptus Prefects, nor the casting of the proper roboscopes.'''''
 
−
|align=center|[[Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader]], pg. 118
 
−
|-
 
−
|align=center|''Runic Spaceflight - An Introduction; Naval Flight Manual W110E''
 
−
|align=center|'''''Strike the first rune upon the engine's casing employing the chosen wrench. Its tip should be anointed with the oil of engineering using the proper incantation when the auspices are correct. Strike the second rune upon the engine's casing employing the arc-tip of the power-driver. If the second rune is not good, a third rune may be struck in like manner to the first. This is done according to the true ritual laid down by Scotti the Enginseer. A libation should be offered. If this sequence is properly observed the engines may be brought to full activation by depressing the large panel marked "ON".'''''
 
−
|align=center|[[Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader]], pg. 98
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
==Sources==
 
==Sources==
−
*{{Endn|1}}: [[Codex Imperialis]] pg.41-42
+
*{{Endn|1}}: [[Codex Imperialis (Background Book)]], pgs. 41-42
−
*{{Endn|2}}: [[Warhammer 40,000 4th Edition Rulebook]] pg.120-122
+
*{{Endn|2}}: [[Warhammer 40,000 4th Edition Rulebook]], pgs. 120-122
 
*{{Endn|3}}: [[Index Astartes]] - ''Cult of the Machine God''
 
*{{Endn|3}}: [[Index Astartes]] - ''Cult of the Machine God''
−
*{{Endn|4}}: [[Codex: Cult Mechanicus (7th Edition)]] - ''Fulgurite Electro-Priests''
+
*4: [[Codex: Cult Mechanicus (7th Edition)]]
 +
**{{Endn|4a}}: ''Fulgurite Electro-Priests''
 +
**{{Endn|4b}}: ''Cult Mechanicus Battle Congregation''
 +
**{{Endn|4c}}: ''The Blessed Priests of the Omnissiah''
 
*{{Endn|5}}: [[The Horus Heresy Book One - Betrayal]], pgs. 17-19
 
*{{Endn|5}}: [[The Horus Heresy Book One - Betrayal]], pgs. 17-19
−
*{{Endn|6}}: [[Mechanicum (Novel)]] Chapter 1
+
*{{Endn|6}}: [[Mechanicum (Novel)]], Chapter 1
 +
**{{Endn|6a}}: ''Principa Mechanicum'', 1.01
 +
**{{Endn|6b}}: ''Principa Mechanicum'', 1.02
 
*{{Endn|7}}: [[Man of Iron (Short Story)]]
 
*{{Endn|7}}: [[Man of Iron (Short Story)]]
 
*{{Endn|8}}: [[Deathwatch Core Rulebook]], pg. 100
 
*{{Endn|8}}: [[Deathwatch Core Rulebook]], pg. 100
 +
*9: [[Codex: Adeptus Mechanicus (8th Edition)]]
 +
**{{Endn|9a}}: pg. 10 - ''Priests of the Omnissiah''
 +
**{{Endn|9b}}: pg. 10 - ''The Holy Orders of the Cult Mechanicus''
 +
*{{Endn|10}}: [[The Horus Heresy: Age of Darkness]] Rulebook, pg. 124
 +
*{{Endn|11}}: [[Vainglorious (Novel)]], Chapter Eight, with reference to note #54
 +
*{{Endn|13}}: [[Fire Warrior (Novel)]], Chapter 3, pgs. 64-66
 +
*{{Endn|14}}: [[Predator, Prey (Novel)]], Chapter Eight
 +
*15: [[Belisarius Cawl: The Great Work (Novel)]]:
 +
**{{Endn|15a}}: Chapter 6
 +
**{{Endn|15b}}: Chapter 12
 +
*16:[[Genefather (Novel)]]:
 +
**{{Endn|16a}}: Chapter 5
 +
**{{Endn|16b}}: Chapter 7
 +
**{{Endn|16c}}: Chapter 12
 +
*17: [[Dominion Genesis (Novel)]]
 +
**{{Endn|17a}}: ''Gryphonne IV'', Chapter 6
 +
**{{Endn|17b}}: ''The Almagest'', Chapter 3
 +
**{{Endn|17c}}: ''The Almagest'', Chapter 4
 +
**{{Endn|17d}}: ''Tolkhan'', Chapter 2
 +
**{{Endn|17e}}: ''Dominion Genesis'', Chapter 4
  
 +
{{Deities}}
 
[[Category:Adeptus Mechanicus]]
 
[[Category:Adeptus Mechanicus]]
 
[[Category:Religions]]
 
[[Category:Religions]]

Latest revision as of 01:47, 22 April 2025

Machina Opus.png Adeptus Mechanicus Portal
Symbol of the Cult Mechanicus

The Cult Mechanicus is the state religion of the Adeptus Mechanicus, which recognises its own dogma as opposed to that of the Imperial Cult. As an organisation, it is composed of the priesthood of the Adeptus Mechanicus, also known as Tech-Priests.

Overview

History

The Cult Mechanicus has ancient origins, developing on Mars during the Age of Strife. It was the state religion of the early Mechanicum even before the arrival of the Emperor and the commencement of the Great Crusade.[5] When the Emperor first arrived on Mars many saw him as the Omnissiah, or the physical manifestation of the Machine God. As per the terms of the Treaty of Olympus that saw Terra and Mars unify, the Mechanicum was still allowed to practice its faith despite the Emperor's own secular Imperial Truth.[6a] The Cult Mechanicus continues to exist to this day, distinct but related to the Imperial Cult.

Beliefs

The core tenets of the Cult Mechanicus are codified in the sixteen "Universal Laws".[8] Along the ages, the creed has accrued further theses, such as the Law of the Divine Complexity[6a][6b] or the Third Law of Universal Variance[14].

According to the Cult Mechanicus, knowledge is the supreme manifestation of divinity and all creatures and technology that embody knowledge are thus holy because of it. The worth of a single man is only the sum of his knowledge - his body is simply an organic machine capable of preserving intellect. It is by this motivation that the followers of the Cult Mechanicus follow the Quest for Knowledge, seeking new technology and information to better themselves.[1]

The Machine God, also known as the Deus Mechanicus,[2][3][4a] He who is three-in-one,[15b] the three in one,[16c] the triple god,[16a] the prime architect,[15a] and God-Machine,[11] is the ultimate object of worship in the Cult Mechanicus. It is the Machine God that gave rise to all technologies and made them manifest through his chosen among mankind. To the Mechanicus, machines represent a higher form of life than those crudely formed from biological evolution. The planned perfection of form and function embodied in a machine are so great, that they could only have arisen from a divine source. Officially, the Cult Mechanicus maintains that the Emperor is the physical manifestation of the Machine God (the Omnissiah) and part of a trinity that also includes the Machine God and the Motive Force, the deity that gives all life and motion its continued existence.[2][3][4a]

Organic life is the Machine-God’s greatest accomplishment within the scope of the Great Work. The Machine God created the complex weaknesses of flesh so his followers might learn metallic strength, and ascend to his level of machinic perfection.[15b] Thus striving to improve upon it and replace it, however, abandoning his numerous gifts is done at great peril. For to give up one's soul is the great sin of the Cult Mechanicus. The soul must be understood, not despised. Such is life’s great test.[16b]

One of the surviving Men of Iron, UR-025, states that it has met the true Omnissiah, not the false one worshipped by man, and that it would find the Mechanicum disappointing.[7]

Tech-Heresy

The Cult Mechanicus also outlays a strict code of Technological conduct, dubbing a far range of innovations and fields as Tech-Heresy (Heretechnica) and its practitioners as Hereteks. These include such forbidden sciences as unleashing plagues of death across entire star systems, draining energy from stars, or distorting space-time. However the three greatest orders of Tech-Heresy are that of Abominable Intelligence, manipulating the Human genome, and study of the Warp.[10]

Preventing Tech-Heresy takes many forms, like the Puritens surgery.[Needs Citation]

Sign of the Cog

The sign of the cog is a hand gesture to indicate faith and deference towards the Machine God. This gesture might be used while praying[17a][17c] or when giving solemn thanks.[17b][17d]

The sign of the cog is made by lacing both hands together across one's torso. Similar to the Imperial Cult's sign of the aquila, both are solemn signs of faith that are made by placing both hands in a front of one's chest in a gesture across placed across one's chest.[17e]

Religious Excerpts

Main article: Cult Mechanicus Religious Excerpts

Organisation

While each Forge World is led by its own Fabricator General, it is the Fabricator of Mars who is considered the de facto leader of the Cult Mechanicus. Beneath the Fabricator General is the Fabricator Locum who in turn may call upon and command Magi Technicus, Metallurgicus, Alchemys, Cogitatrices, Pedanticum, Tech-assassins, hive monitors and Holy Requisitioners, who in turn can command a body of fabricators minoris, Fulgurites, Corpuscarii, overseers, underseers, stasis clerks, and techno-dervishes.[9a] The governing body of each Forge World's technarchy[15a] is referred to as a forge-synod. These synods are collections of high ranking tech priests of that Forge World and are led by that Forge World's Fabricator General. All Forge Synods ultimately owe fealty to the Great Synod of Mars.[Needs Citation]

Holy Orders

Holy Orders of the Cult Mechanicus[9b]

The Cult Mechanicus is organised in different Holy Orders, of which a Tech-Priest may change in time of need. The orders of the Magi pursue esoteric agendas as likely to end in triumpth as disaster. The orders of the Genetors probe biological mysteries, creating ever-stranger cyborgs and slaughtering numerous xenos to excise their biological secrets.[9a][9b] The Logis includes analyst, statistician, and logistician whose purpose is to predict future trends and make forecasts about Mechanicus expenditure and needs.[4c] The Artisans create and restore weapons of war.[9a][9b]

Military Forces

Each Tech-Priest Dominus may lead a Battle Congregation consisting of detachments of the Servitoria, Electro-Priesthood, and the Legio Cybernetica.[4b]

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Deities of the Milky Way Galaxy
Chaos Khorne • Malice • Nurgle • Slaanesh • Tzeentch • Dark King
C'tan Aza'gorod the Nightbringer • The Crimson God • Emberresh the Suneater • Hsiagn'la • Iash'uddra the Endless Swarm • Kalugura the Silent Cry • Llandu'gor the Flayer • Mag'ladroth the Void Dragon • Mephet'ran the Deceiver • N'phoran the Spiral Flame • Nyadra'zatha the Burning One • Og'driada the Arisen • Stardeath • The Sufferer • Thyssak'lha the Walking Blight • Tsara'noga the Outsider • Yggra'nya the World Shaper • Zarhulash the Potentate • Zul'channec
Eldar Core Pantheon Ahnakh-Yth • Asuryan • Cegorach • Gea • Hoec • Isha • Kaela Mensha Khaine • Kurnous • Lileath • Morai-Heg • Vaul • Ynnead
Dark Muses Hekatii • Lhilitu • Qa'leh • Shaimesh • Vileth • Ynesth
Human

Aureus Nahor • Emperor of Mankind • Omnissiah • Star Child • Fenrisian Pantheon • Erlking • Morkai • Feth • Fulgrim the Water-Bringer • Mythrus • Silent Ones • Urgothon

Ork

Gork • Mork

Tau Empire Tau

T'au'va

Kroot

Gmork • Vawk

Other Dromlach • Dragon of Mars • Hive Mind • Qah
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