MedHammer 40,000: Religion

This page is in need of cleanup. Srsly. It's a fucking mess.

This article is about something that is considered by the overpowering majority of /tg/ to be fail. Expect huge amounts of derp and rage, punctuated by /tg/ extracting humor from it.

This article or section is EXTRA heretical. Prepare to be purged.

Religion after 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.

Mars

Mars is an independent political entity from Terra, 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.

The Promethean Cult

The Promethean Cult of Vulkan is built around the traditions of Nocturne and centered around its founder "Father" Vulkan. Origionally only intended for His Space Marines, Vulkan has created a softer "layity" version of the Creed for the Civilians of Segmentum Pacificus. Some have charged Vulcan with doing what Lorgar did during the Great Crusade, but Vulkan argues that His Creed is more of a philosophy than a religion. Furthermore, because "The Segmentum Pacificus are an Unruly and Firey People who distrust the Imperium" Vulkan says "They need to be tempered by a way of life that encourages faith in eachother rather than faith in a higher power or institutions." Regardless, the Promethean way of life is encouraged by the Imperium as a counter to the growing strength of the Aurelian Cult.

To call the Promethean Creed a "religion" is perhaps a little too strong, as the tennants and practices of the Code are often too stringent for Everyday citizens of the Imperium to practice. The Promethean Creed is instead closer to a "Secret Society" with many of the Imperium's Warriors, Astartes, and Aristocrats practicing a form of the Promethean Cult.

Like any good secret society there are different levels of the Creed.

"The Artificers"

The Open Secret Society

• open to any civilians, popular with craftsmen, and entrepreneurial middle class
• Runs many charitable societies

The Drakelings

Lower Tier of The Secret Society

• consists of several levels.

Daughters of Nocturne

The Daughters of Nocturne have no relation to The Sisters of the Aurelian Cult, but represent an order found within the Promethean Cult. They answer to Vulkan Himself.

The Daughters of Nocturne have a very select membership, as each woman who applies must either be from Nocturne, or prove to be no more than 4th generation removed from Nocturne.

Despite their limited numbers, the Daughters of Nocturne are the single most well equipped fighting force in the Imperium. Every single piece of equipment is state of the art and crafted by Vulkan personally.

Upon the death of a sister, her equipment is gifted to her next of kin. Providing a priceless heirloom to the family. Should they decide to part with it, each segment of equipment will fetch an exhorbitantly high price as Abbesses of the Daughters of Tanasha, Imperial Gaurd Generals, Fronts for Commoragh Merchants and Aristocrats will pay to augment their own weapons with a piece of Vulkan's craftsmanship.

Absolutely no one outside of a Daughter of Nocturne has a complete set of Armor and Equipment. Even a Former High Lord of Terra was unable to get more than a Gauntlet, Breastplate, Supply kit and sidearm.

Vlka Fenrika

A Creed of Psykers, Travellers, and Abhumans, the Fenrisian cult of the Great Wolf is centered around the ancient Traditions of Fenris, and its mythical Primarch Leman Russ. Leman Russ is a demigod like figure similar to the Old Earth Cults for Asclepius or Heracles. Like many others, it is believed by the Vlka Fenrika that the Chaos wolves were made so not because of their own falling to Khorne, but because they were Cursed to be so by Leman Russ. In the Fenrisian faith, the "wolfness" is a representation of a man's id and passions, and so for a man to be a true follower of Russ he must conquer and subdue the wolf within him. Hence most artistic depictions of Russ show him wearing a Wolf Pelt over his armor is a demonstration of his subjugation of his inner wolf.

Curiously, the Vlka Fenrika has become particularly popular among the Abhumans of the Imperium. Disparaged by the Imperium who see them as bestial, the Path of The Wolf-father offers a clear path towards their humanity, and suppressing their beastial nature. The Space Wolves (those few that exist anyways), the people of Fenris, and Leman Russ are a testament to those who, are able to master their innate wolfness and tame it (for men tame beasts). Likewise the fall of the Fenrisian wolves to Chaos is viewed by many abhumans as a metaphor for the natural battle all men must face, and the tragedy of those who fall slave to their passions.

Religiously, the Vlka Fenrika practice many of the old religious customs of Ancient Fenris. Though these have been adapted and modified into a robust system of magic and religious rites.

Magic, Magnus, Fenris, and Maleficarum

Most of the Imperium is completely unaware of the rivalry between Magnus and Russ, mostly in no small part thanks to Russ' own writings and teachings post heresy. Russ insisted that Magnus correct Fenris in its wayward traditions and understanding of Magic and Maleficarum. Magnus, not interested in seeing two cultures destroyed by he and his brother's past rivalry, instead saw the traditions of Fenris as being, like Prospero's own society or Jaghatai's ritualistic stormseers, guidelines that ground men from the Dangers of the Warp. I just fucked a nerd to death. Through Magnus' reforms he helped Fenrisian Rune Priests align their understanding of Magic from a collection of superstition into a College of Magic. In his collection of Codexes and Magnus utilized the Fenrisian definition of "Maleficarum" as being magic granted as dark boons. All true magic comes from Fenris, the book asserts, but changes the definition of Fenris from the planet itself, to an abstract conciliarianism. To use magic from Fenris is to be in union and approval with the Rune Priests of the Magical Longhouses of Fenris.

In addition to weaving the varried fragmented Superstitions of Fenris into a greater philosophical and ideological framework, Magnus expanded and clarified the Runic system used by Fenrisian priests, removed many of the traditions that were dangerously close to worshipping the Chaos Gods, and created the Fenrisian Grimoire, a collection of wards and protections from known demons and dark gods.

Wolftide

Leman Russ is said to be fighting Demons and forces in The Warp. It is believed by the Vlka Fenrika, that their prayers and sacrifices aid The Wolf Son in his fight against chaos, giving him strength and protection. Additionally the Return of the Wolf to Fenris will bring about The Wolftide, when Russ will resurrect his Father and vanquish Chaos.

Cultis Antiquitae

Thought to have been eliminated by The Emperor, many of the world's older religions have slowly come out of hiding, with many having established communities on other worlds. For whatever reason (change of heart? triangulating against newer warp based sects? luring them into complacency for when he is finally strong enough to smite them?), The Emperor has gone back on his original anti-religious rules, and has permitted Old World religions to establish enclaves and reclaim some of their old sacred sites.

Despite the official toleration, however, they are often harrassed by both members of the newer cults and those still adhering to the imperial truth. As such the communities of these beliefs remain secretive and taciturn about most of their faith.

In the eyes of the Imperium, these faiths are protected under the Mandatum Cultis Antiquitae (Code of Ancient Creeds). In which, because of their ancient historical connection to terra these faiths are granted exemptions from some of the statutes that fall upon other more recent creeds (ie the Aurelian cult).

Archaeus Selecti

The most secretive next to the Katholeans, the Old Chosen keep to their book of ancient origin. As far as anyone is aware, they do not have any specific organization instead keeping to the traditions of their local Magister. A suprising number have come out of hiding at the highest levels of their planet's society.

The Imperium was also surprised to find how many were present in Forgeworlds.

Katholeans

An ancient sect with an ancient organization, The Leadership has claimed an unbroken line of "Pentarchs" from 40,000 years ago. When asked where, the Katholeans suddenly become less talkative. Mellennia of Experience and suspicion of The Imperium has wrapped this organization in secrecy. They are especially suspicious of the Aurelian Cult, and most warp based entities, seeing it as a realm of Demons (unlike The Vilka and Aureleans who see the warp as both where angels and demons dwell). Because of this, and the legacy of Olanius Pius (whom the Aurelians have attempted to co-opt as one of their own), The Katholeans are slowly gaining more acceptance within the Imperium. They also have produced a significant number of Anti-Demon warriors and successful exorcists. Many have tried to learn more about their highly secretive leadership, but all these orgs have to show for it are quite a few dead Inquisitors. For whatever reason the Katholens have good relations with (unsuprisingly) Jaghatai Khan, and (more surprisingly) The Lion El'Johnson.

Notable Katholeans

• Olanius Pius
• Juris Lucia Annamis

Anti-Katholians

Seem to be similar in teaching to Katholeans, but are completely excluded from Katholean leadership for whatever reason (they would insist the Katholians left them). When asked they usually say something about the Katholians as a "Corrupted" form of the true faith.

They are much less secretive about their faith than the Katholians, and for the Old World Faiths, a startling amount of potent psykers. The acceptance of these psykers seem to varry based on sect, with some seeing the latent children as "demonic" and are more than happy to supply the black ships, other see these potent abilities as "gifts" and use their powers primarily to better their community. Some Anti-Katholians are remarkably gifted in the arts of faith-healing, ESP, and language.

Obsequiani

Sometimes also referred to as the "Poplibri." This somewhat more open group is divided into Scholae, but also seem to have some sort of leadership. It is a poorly kept secret that The Primarch, Jaghatai Khan, has sympathies towards this faith, if not a crypto-obsequian himself. They do not have as many issues with the use of the warp as the Katholeans do, but also advise caution and faith as a stalwart against potential corruption.

Octavians

Are usually proud to point out how their faith were the first to recognize the warp over 41000 years ago. Refer to Chaos Gods as "Tull Pah." Of all of The Old World Faiths, the Octavians have been the quickest to adapt and thrive in the Primarchite Imperium. Many Octavians have even been welcomed into the Imperial Inquisition. They are both Aggressive Warriors and aggressive pacifists depending on which planetary sect, with widely varrying doctrines.

Apican

Dogmatically they sit somewhere between the Aurelian Cult and the Anti-Katholians, but structurally they are even more secretive than the Katholians. The Apicans claim to be a faith of ancient Merika. They are fierce warriors. They are also refer to Magna Terra as "D`Olilent."

Their current claim to fame, or perhaps infamy, is that their Merikan Monument and University taught a one Goge Vandire, who later became the Spiritual Liege of Terra, and cause of significant headaches for The Aurelian cult.

Notable Apicans

• Goge Vandire

Before ascending to the Aurelian Spiritual Liege of Magna Terra, Goge Vandire was trained in history from the Apican monuments and museums on Terra. It is believed that these teachers heavily influenced his thought and theology. Upon his ousting from the seat of prandium, Goge Vandire abandoned The Aurelian cult, and openly converted to The Apican faith. Taking many of Terra's worshippers of Gulliman with him.

Syncretic Faiths

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.

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.

Heretical Faiths

Antiquitae Heresies

These religions, whether they are heretical offshoots of tolerated Antiquitae, or Dark Antiquitae with ancient origins, are considered heretical and are severely hunted.

Soletserpent Cult

Claiming to have its origins in ancient Southern Merika, the Serpentine Cult worships a Pantheon of deities. With their cheif deity being a Serpent. However, the Ordo Hereticus has noticed its tradtions and chief dieties seem to follow the worship of Khorne and Slaanesh.

Aryelism

Also called Callibanism, Ahrimanism, or Luther indivisis

Luther and Ahriman, while embracing the service of Chaos, and a rejection of the Imperial Truth, were apalled by the blind dogmatism, and beliefs of the Zealous Word Bearers. And while they agreed that the Ruinous powers must be served, and their words obeyed, they were as opposed to Lorgar's vision as they were to the emperor's. Thus shortly after The Revolution (The Desolation of Lorgar, as the Imperium of Man calls it), there was a schism between Luther and Lorgar, with each side agreeing to disagree and govern their own region as they saw fit. While Humans near the Eye of Terror, and practiced either undying servitude to the Ruinous powers, or to Chaos Undivided as understood by Lorgar, Luther and Ahriman tried to mix the best of their Material lives with their new found faith, leading to the School of Aryelism.

Megabene (WuNi)

The sanctioned faith of Cerullian Socii, and the belief of the Wuni enclaves. The Wuni believe that the "Greater Good" is seen by The Emperor, and that he will lead both T'au and Humanity to a brighter tomorrow. To call this belief a faith is perhaps a stretch, but it hasn't stopped the Tribune of the Faithful from acting on its behalf.

The Por school

The Fio peoples call "The Greater Good" many names, but it tends to be anthropromorphized into a god or goddess of some sort. Imperial scholars speculate that the many Por nations had some similar "god of fate" and these entities were syncretized together. This benign being controls the Fate of the Universe, and only those who serve its will will prosper. It is thought that The Emperor of Mankind is currently "The Greater Good's" favorite and first disciple.

The Fio school

Seems to be vestigial from the ancient mythologies of the Primitive Fio Nations. The Por understanding is that The Greater good is the will of the universe. The Greater Good is discovered when you understand the path life has laid out for you

The Tau'Va Creed

Established by the Ethereals following their great revolt, the T'au Va nation believes that they are compelled to serve "the Greater Good" and the sacrifice of the Individual for the health, wealth and safety of the Collective. The Greater Good is the inner harmony of the Material universe that directs the T'au to become better than themselves. Eventually by serving the Greater Good, the path will lead to "The Last Sacrifice" in which The T'au will have triumphed over Xenos, sickness, dissent, and even death itself. Every T'au knows that the Ethereals intrinsically know the path towards the Greater Good, and by obedience to them, they can eventually reach it. Xenos can be capable of serving the Greater Good, but they innately have no capacity to understand it. In fact it is known that the Xenos mind actively "drowns out" the greater good through their noisy thoughts and beliefs. They are completely incapable serving without the guidance of the Ethereals, which is why Xenos must be strictly controlled.

Eldar Faiths

The Elusive Eldar seem to worship their old deities who survived the Birth of Slaanesh. That is not to say they are polythiestic. While all of the Eldar believe in many gods, they exclusively worship only one. As such nearly all of the Eldar world is divided into different Cults. It falls upon these gods to rescue their followers souls from the Grasp of Slaanesh.

Harlequins (Cult of Cegorach)

Cult of Cegorach, the Laughing God, who escaped the clutches of Slaanesh was the god of tricksters and clowns. His cult is incredibly popular in the Black Markets of Commorragh.

Isha

Isha has two cults who claim to worship her, each with completely opposing beliefs.

The Handmaidens of Isha

The successors of her origional cult, the Handmaidens of Isha plot, plan, and conspire to rescue Isha from The Gardens of Nurgle. They have so far been the most reliably pro-imperial faction, in the hopes that their defeat of Chaos will lead to the rescue of Isha.

The Posadh

A banal name underlying a sinister practice. The Posadh worship "The Holy Union" of Nurgle and Isha. They give themselves to The Rotfather in exchange for long life, durability and protection against Slaanesh. The Posadh practice perverted versions of the old rituals practiced under Isha.

The Ynnari (Cult of Ynnead)

Incredibly secretive about their beliefs. Thought of by the Imperial authorities as either "Elven Atheists 'worshiping' a dead god of death," or some sort of murder cult similar to Heretical Antiquitae Serpentine Cult. The Ynnari worship Ynnead who does not exist. They instead keep their dead souls in an infinity circuit, and proclaim that they will raise The Eldar God of The Dead. The Imperial Inquisition likes to keep an eye on them, but for the most part they are considered to be a low threat. The only person in the Imperium who seems to think differently is Konrad Curze, and his Night Lords hunt down and brutally murder any Ynnari they find.