The Mechanists
Deemed a heretical offshoot of The Church of the Builder, due to their fascination with forbidden sciences, they are blamed for the advent of Firearms and Gunpowder and the undead that rose with it, such as the vampiric Strigoi. They were most known for their research into clockwork, automatons, and golems, believing that it was the Builder's will for man to make the Builder's true children, thinking automatons made of holy steel and ruled by infallible order and logic.
Their deviation from orthodox beliefs had them purged nearly a century ago, but many of their creations, writings, and possibly even some followers still exist. Much that remains of their works and teachings are now highly coveted amongst the learned, though the church largely denounces the possession of anything but the banalest of their works.
Structure
Structured similarly to that of The Church of the Builder
Public Agenda
The Mechanists lauded advancements in the sciences, making great advances in chemistry, alchemy, anatomy, clockwork, architecture, physics, and the magical sciences.
History
Created by Erasmus van Braun, the schism of the mechanists was lead by his beliefs in advancing the sciences. Experimenting in the making of golems and automatons, deeming them the "The Builder's True Children", he developed a cult following. Many of his disciples contributed similarly meaningful advances in the sciences, brining in a brief renaissance in learning.
Their work and sect were eventually quashed, on allegations of Heresy and Witchcraft, when it was found that Erasmus and some of his followers were performing Vivisections, Lobotomies, and allegedly making some of their automatons from the scrabs of men. This along with allegations that their creations led to the creation of the Strigoi, led to a unified letter of censure and purge of the sect by the Hammerites and Imperial authorities.
113 ACW - 178 ACW
Type
Religious, Cult
Alternative Names
The cult of the Gear
Parent Organization
Location
Comments