Title: The Koiverse Encyclopedia - Religions
Author: Koi Lungfish
Disclaimer: Based on characters and situations from The Transformers ((c) 1986 Hasbro, Ltd). Used without permission. Text (c) 2005-2006, Koi Lung Fish (Mark of Lung. All Rights Reserved.)
Subject: A dictionary of terms, places and things from the Koiverse. Some of these things are canon and have been given expanded definitions; most of them are my creations. If you would like to use one of my terms, please ask first [or at least credit me]; if you're not sure if a term is canon or fan-created, feel free to ask.

Acolytes of the Flame

One of the four Primordialist megacults, whose rituals were founded around the veneration of the Matrix Flame [an eternally burning fragment of the Matrix]. Their possession of this sanctified artefact made the Acolytes the most powerful of the Primordialist megacults, and their opinion had considerable weight with the Council of Autobot Elders. The Matrix Flame possesses limited Matrix-like capacities, such as the ability to give life to new Transformers, but also two unique features; the ability to allow an Acolyte in commune with the Flame to know the whereabouts of the Matrix-bearer, and the ability to guide an Acolyte to the Chosen One. The Acolytes took it upon themselves as a sacred duty to seek out each new Chosen One and educate him in his Primus-allotted destiny. The Acolytes also championed their Chosen Ones as new Primes, and succeeded in having one Chosen One - Excelsior - elevated to Primacy.

After the destruction of Excelsius Prime, the Acolytes acknowledged Optimus Prime as the fourth Great Prime. When the central government was dissolved and Optimus Prime made supreme ruler of the Autobots, the Acolytes took this as a sign that his reign of peace was soon to come. The entire membership of the megacult was exhorted to join the Autobot army, and the majority did so. Although a few higher Acolytes remain as civilians, tending to the Matrix Flame, the Acolytes of the Flame slowly transmuted into a holy crusade in the name of Optimus Prime. At the time of the Oblivicus Incident, the megacult split: although almost the entire membership saw Decimus Prime's elevation to Primacy as a farce at best, they were divided as to whether Megatron was an instrument of Primus' will in destroying him, or an instrument of the Great Devourer sent to destroy Cybertron. Since that split, the megacult has divided into several smaller cults.

Activation of Sigma

Agnosite

Atheism

Brothers of the Matrix

Builders

Chosen One

Deciprimordialism

Devourism

Dualism

Firstforged

According to Primordialist mythology, the first thirteen Cybertronians who, created by Primus, demerged from the metal of Cybertron itself. Interpretations with a mind towards historical probability place the demerging of Prime in approximately KV 214 [50 million years ago] and the demerging of The Fallen in approximately KV 420 [32.9 million years ago]. They were gifted with two of Primus' own abilities; the capacity to create life from their own bodies and the capacity to re-shape their bodies. Those they created from their own bodies were called spawnlings; each formed a seperate race. Each Firstforged changed his body to a greater or lesser extent; Primordialist mythology gives conflicting accounts of which of the thirteen was the first to transform. In order of demerging, they were:

• Prima [trans. 'first one']
  • Also known as: Primon [Primaltongue], Monon [Ancient Decepticon].

  • Second Generaton: Primodeons.

  • Line of descent: the Primogeny.
    Prima was the first Cybertronian to be brought into existence. The site of his demergence - the Sacred Spires of Iacon - is one of Cybertron's most hallowed places. Prima was the ruler of the Firstforged and the Second Generation during the Platinum Age and Black Age, the first Prime and Matrix-bearer, the first Great Prime and the first Chosen One. He is considered to be the apex of Cybertronian existence by most Primordalists. He was prevented from fighting the demons by his Automa and Convoy, who insisted he was too important to be risked in combat. He died at the end of the Black Age, letting his life-force be consumed by the Matrix in order to open it and drive the demons back underground. His dead body - along with that of his brother Panacure - was then torn apart by the good creatures, who were banished to Cybertron's most distant moon for this. Prima is considered the spiritual if not physical primogenitor of the Autobots as a race. According to Primordialist legend, he budded rarely. His few descendants were so heavily traitspliced with other lines during the Builder Occupation that now there are no true Primogeny, just a few who bear strong traces of his programming.
• Automa [trans. 'self-acting']
  • Also known as: Atumon [Primaltongue], Onhelon [Ancient Decepticon].

  • Second Generaton: Automatons.

  • Line of descent: Autobots.
    Automa was considered the "strong brother" or "mighty lieutenant" of Prima, supporting him in all things but always counselling for restraint and clemency. Accoring to legend, Automa survived the Black Age and was counsellor to Prime Nova during the Silver Age, but was killed during the Builder Invasion. Automa is considered the primogenitor of the Autobots as a build-line.
• Maximo [trans. 'strongest principle']
  • Also known as: Maxon [Primaltongue].

  • Second Generaton: Maximatons.

  • Line of descent: Legira ['the bequeathed] aka Legascions ['inheritors of the bequest'].
    Maximo was considered the warmaster and general of the Firstforged, the 'burning hand' of Primus and leader of warriors in battle, and perhaps the greatest in terms of sheer power. Primordialists believe Maximo was created to guard Cybertron from alien invasion, explaining why he was created so long before the awakening of the demons. He is considered the inventor of military tactics and strategy, the organisation of armies and the principles of warfare. He was present at the death of Armada, and the death of his brother - one way or another - caused Maximo and Prima to have a permanent parting of opinions. After the fall of Prima, he sought to overthrown Prime Nova and take contol of Cybertron, but was betrayed by Decipatron. He was either defeated by the Second Generation and exiled, or simply left Cybertron in disgust. The Overlords considered themselves to have the purest Maximo programming, and themselves to therefore be his inheritors and descendants.
• Convoy [trans. 'the carrier']
  • Also known as: Veheran [Primaltongue], Vehicon [Ancient Decepticon].

  • Second Generaton: Veherons ['carriers'].

  • Line of descent: Convoys.
    Convoy was considered the most loyal follower and disciple of Prima, the most trusted of Prima's favourites, and the most resolute and stubborn of the Firstforged. He was destroyed by the demons after the death of Valiaro. Opinions are divided as to where his trait programs run most true; Iaconics believe themselves to have his programming most strongly, but many non-Iaconics believe Convoy's programming is found in almost all Autobots.
• Myriadon [trans. 'power of ten thousand']
  • Also known as: Myrivan [Primaltongue], Paradron [Ancient Decepticon].

  • Second Generaton: Murios ['the ten thousand'].

  • Line of descent: Murions.
    Myriadon was considered the creator of civil arts and laws, the founder of Cybertronian society. It is believed that he brought into being the basic social order of the Platinum Age, and it was his idea to make Prima absolute ruler of Cybertron, with Automa and Convoy as his seconds. Decepticon Primordialists often refer to Myriadon as "the ruiner", blaming him for the first act of discrimination against the warbuilds by chosing Convoy over Maximo. Myriadon is best known in legend for his vastly numerous primogeny; his name refers not to the number of spawn, but the ratio of his spawn to the rest of the Firstforged; ten thousand to one. According to legend, he is still alive and resides in a temple deep within Cybertron, drained to a feeble, barely-living husk, where he is tended by a secret Murion priesthood. He is considered the primogenitor of the Murions, the most numerous race of Cybertronians during the Golden Age.
• Armada
  • Also known as: Ramadakan [Primaltongue], Armadocean [Ancient Autobot].

  • Second Generaton: The Armada.

  • Line of descent: The Armada.
    According to legend, Armada was created not from a Cybertronian tower but from the bottom of the ocean, and he swam alone for thousands of years before coming ashore to meet his brothers and their primogeny. He is considered the inventor of song, storytelling, and star-based navigation. Armada is believed to have been the first of the Firstforged to die, falling in battle against the demons. According to legend, he died in the company of Maximo, who may or may not have absorbed some of his essence [a myth especially liked by the Legascions]. According to Decepticon folklore, as the first of the Firstforged to die, Armada was alloted the role of gatekeeper of the Allspark, plucking the newly-dead from the Great Pit. Since he is the patron of storytelling, Decepticons believe Armada can be persuaded to send the dead back to the living world if he is told a good enough story. He is considered the primogenitor of the Hermeunos, although it is argued that the core programming of all water-going Cybertronians is derived from Armada's programming.
• Valiaro [trans. 'valiant warrior']
  • Also known as: Valligron [Primaltongue].

  • Second Generaton: Valiovancarons.

  • Line of descent: Valovincians ['valorous warlost'].
    Valiaro was considered the first of the Firstforged to be created specifially to combat the demons. He was the most bloodthirsty and aggressive of the Firstforged - some legengs credit him with severing Maximo's arm - and the most skilled in close combat. He was the inventor of close-combat arms and armour. It is believed he died in combat with the demons, weighed down by several thousand and then eaten alive. By this the demons absorbed his power and became strong enough to overcome the Second Generation, leading to the near-extinction of the Cybertronians and the final sacrifice of Prima. He is considered the primogenitor of the extinct faction, the Valovincians.
• Arcuton [trans. 'guardian body/man-at-arms']
  • Also known as: Karkuton [Primaltongue].

  • Second Generaton: Ark Host.

  • Line of descent: Persolidons ['good soldiers'].
    Arcuton was the 'stalwart defender' of the Firstforged, obdurate and monsterously strong, a colossal being created from a Cybertronian mountain. Although a loyal follower of Prima, after Armada's death he sided with Maximo. After the end of the war with the demons, he became bored of the peace of the Silver Age and went to sleep deep beneath the surface of Cybertron. It is believed he is still alive, sleeping peacefully, waiting to be awoken to fight again. He is sometimes considered to be the primogenitor of the Persolidons, sometimes of the Guardians, often both.
• Alaron [trans. 'winged chief']
  • Also known as: Alar [Primaltongue].

  • Second Generaton: Alarons ['the winged'].

  • Line of descent: Alaricons.
    Alaro was the first Cybertronian to fly - indeed, he is well remembered for having no feet and hovering rather than standing - and the first Cybertronian to leave Cybertron, travelling to the moons of Cybertron and further after the end of the war with the demons. He was the proudest of the Firstforged, loyal to nobody but himself. It is believed he left Cybertron during the Silver Age, possibly in search of Maximo, possibly simply to continue exploring the universe. Many Decepticons believe he is still alive and pray for his return, although Megatron is on record as having stated that one Starscream is bad enough, never mind his demigod primogenitor. Autobots consider him to have been the primogenitor of all flying Cybertronians, but many Seekers believe they themselves are the only ones to carry his true code.
• Decipatron [trans. 'tenth creator/creator of the tenth']
  • Also known as: Dekimpator [Primaltongue,'father of the tenth'], Decimator [Modern Decepticon].

  • Second Generaton: Decipaticrons ['the decimators/the tenth part'].

  • Line of descent: Decepticon.
    Decipatron was considered the most cunning and least loyal of the Firstforged, the inventor of firearms and artillery. After the end of the war with the demons, he betrayed both Maximo and Prime Nova and sought to take over Cybertron himself. He was violently beaten by his brothers, but his final fate is uncertain. According to some legends, he fled Cybertron in fear of his life and cannot return lest his remaining brethren awaken; some legends say he was actually killed by his brothers; yet more legends say he is asleep within one of Cybertron's moons. The version mostly commonly believed amongst the Autobots is that he fled to one of Cybertron's moons, where he hid for the duration of the Silver Age. At the beginning of the Builder Invasion, he was accidentaly awakened from his sleep by the Builders, whom he turned on, only to be ripped apart by their legions of drones. The Decepticons do not like this story, and claim that Decipatron survived, disguised as a normal Decepticon, and that he is still alive, asleep or disguised. He is considered to be the primogenitor of the Decepticons. Many psychopatron cultists believe that certain old and powerful Decepticons, such as Megatron or Straxus, are Decipatron's spawn. Some have even suggested that Megatron is Decipatron, which he has strenuously denied, claiming that if he was, the War would have ended long ago.
• Panacure [trans. 'all-heal']
  • Also known as: Banaka [Primaltongue], Balsamos [Ancient Decepticon].

  • Second Generaton: Panacos ['all-healers'].

  • Line of descent: Panadrons, Balsamons [Decepticon].
    Panacure was considered the inventor of mechanical science and the principles of architecture. He was the least warlike of the Firstforged and the inventor of medical-technical science. It is believed that he attempted to sacrifice his own life-force to keep the dying Prima alive. He failed, and died with his brother. His body was crushed by the good creatures along with Prima's. According to legend, his descendants split into two groups; the Panadrons and the Balsamons. There is no record of either groups' traitline re-emerging since the end of the Builder Occupation, and it is believed his programming is now extinct.
• Studipatro [trans. 'creator of students/student of the creator']
  • Also known as: Stygda [Primaltongue, 'the student'], Stygapatron [Ancient Decepticon, 'creator of stagnation'].

  • Second Generaton: Studeons ['the students'].

  • Line of descent: Studions.
    Studipatro was considered the creator of philosophy, the written arts and the theoretical sciences, or at least the codifier of these things into comprehensive bodies of doctrine. It is believed that he became a recluse from his fellows after continuously arguing with his brothers and scorning the Second Generation as inferior. Due to his isolation, he was swarmed and killed by the demons towards the very end of the Black Age. He is considered the primogenitor of Studions, whose fate is not recorded. It is believed that many of Studipatro's traits continue in the programming of Novacrons.
• The Fallen [trans. 'the climber']
  • Also known as: Deskandron [Primaltongue, 'the fallen'].

  • Second Generaton: None.

  • Line of descent: None.
    The original nature of the Fallen is barely known, and his name is erased from history. It is believed that he was intended by Primus to be a "catalyst of change", embodying the central principle of Transformer-ness that is the innate ability to change. He allied himself with Unicron and attempted to bring the chaos god to Cybertron, but was prevented. He was then banished to a place not described clearly in any record. The Fallen did not spawn, or if he did his primogeny are not recorded. During the late Golden Age and early days of the Third War, some Decepticon speechmakers claimed that the lack of the Fallen's programming from modern Cybertronians was the cause of the stagnation and inflexibility under Autobot rule. These sentiments have since been heavily repudiated by the Decepticons. Unsurprisingly, at least six Autobot demagogues have accused Megatron of being the Fallen.

Followers of the One

Foundation of Gold, The

Primordialist cult comprised mostly of neutrals and Neutralists, primarily known for its charitable efforts in the provision of high-quality free healthcare, therapy and maintenance facilities for the use of all Cybertronians. During the Golden Age, healthcare was freely provided and organised on a local government level. This lead to differing qualities and availabilities of healthcare in differing city-states, and many city-states refused to provide healthcare for individuals with an insufficient level of social credit [e.g., destitute Liegeless]. The Foundation of Gold took the " 'til all are one'" prophecy to mean that Primus wanted all his children to be healed and whole, and set up free public hospitals, maintenance clinics and psychotherapy centres all over Tagon state which were open to everyone. This lead to Tagon becoming a prominent destination for destitute Liegeless seeking maintenance they could not afford elsewhere. As a result of their charitable efforts, the Emirate of Tagon - in concordance with Emirate Xaaron and the other Emirates of the Polar Torus - encouraged and funded the Foundation of Gold to set up more hospitals, both in Tagon and in other states. By the time of the Vos-Tarn Limited Exchange, there were Foundation hospitals all over the northern hemisphere. However, the Foundation did not thrive well in the predominantly Sigmite southern hemisphere; nor were they able to set up facilities in Polyfoundist states.

After the foundation of the state of Polyhex, Emirate Megatron cordially invited the Foundation of Gold to set up as many hospitals and maintenance clinics as possible in the new state. These hospitals and clinics were then filled with the destitute Liegeless migrating into Polyhex from all over Cybertron; thousands of medical reports on the condition of Cybertron's previously unacknowledged "underclass" were made public. These filled Autobot society and government with a sense of such shame that Polyhex was given extra aid and funding to construct a stable infrastructure and allowed to become the "Decepticon homeland."

At the outbreak of the Third War, the heads of the Foundation of Gold feared that Polyhex would be subjected to a bombardment of photon missiles, and moved several thousand extra health workers into Polyhex to deal with anticipated casualties, including the majority of their war-casualty specialists, hitherto attached to the Autobot Legions. The Decepticons then herded the Foundation's health workers into their major fortifications and used them as living shields against the anticipated bombardment.

As the War progressed, the Foundation remained neutral, with health workers assisting both sides. As communication between Foundation health workers on opposite sides was banned, and the Foundation was constantly suspected by one side of working for the other side, this lead to a split between health workers on the two sides. Whilst health workers amongst the Autobots and neutral citizenry remained at liberty to work freely and remain neutral, health workers amongst the Decepticons were closed off from non-Decepticon influences. As the majority of them were assisting in the care and repair of Decepticon warriors injured by Autobots, the health workers in Polyhex developed a feeling of resentment towards the Autobots for hurting the Decepticons they were lovingly and carefully repairing. This culture was exploited and manipulated by the Decepticons, until the Foundation health workers in Polyhex started to join the Decepticon army. Although many - perhaps most - were destroyed in combat, many still remain as Decepticon war-technicians in low-combat environments.

Gestaltism

Gnosticism

• Gnostic Resurrectionism: Resurrectionists believe that Cybertronians were created so that they could battle the Great Devourer and, through their struggles against all the pain and suffering inflicted upon them, prove that they were worthy of Primus' respect and love. They also believe that, after the final battle with the Great Devourer, the demiurge - the Last Autobot - will resurrect all who have died and proven themselves worthy to live again ion a paradisical Cybertron, undying and undimmed in glory forever. Resurrectionists pass easily amongst non-Gnostics as they strive to live according to principles of charity, humilty and compassion.
• Gnostic Crusade: Crusaders believe that the demiurge is a being called the Ultimate Warrior, the epitome of martial prowess and conquest, a destroyer and ravager of worlds, to whose ideal Cybertronians should aspire in the hopes of rising above mortality and becoming one with the demiurge. They believe that only by this trascendance can they escape the cruelties of Primus. During the Second War and Golden Age, Crusaders were strict, controlled warrior-monks. From the early Third War onwards the Gnostic Crusade has been adopted by Decepticons, leading to a profusion of martial sects; this has led to the [mistaken] belief that the Gnostic Crusade is a heresy responsible for the formation of several [unaffiliated] obscure or Devourist cults.
• Gnostic Devourism: Gnostic Devourists believe that the demiurge is the Great Devourer, sent by Primus to express his displeasure with his creations. Gnostic Devourists believe that, through selfless action, compassion and charity, they can appease the Great Devourer and win back Primus' love for his creations. Gnostic Devourists should not be confused with Devourists, despite the fact that they often are.

Good creatures

Great Devourer

Deity embodying the forces of chaos, entropy and death; a malign force that seeks the destruction of all matter and life; that which Primus exists to keep in check. Roughly speaking, the Cybertronian equivalent of the Devil. According to the various Primordialist myths, the Great Devourer existed before the universe, and seeks to consume everything in order to return the universe to the state of primordial chaos in which it came into being. Sigmites believe that the Great Devourer does exist, but that it is not the terrible god the Primordialists claim it is, but a being of such supremacy and elevated existence that it seems terrible and callous to beings such as Cybertronians. Many mechanites hold that the Great Devourer is a myth and does not exist. On occasion, various parties have accused Lord High Commander Megatron of being the Great Devourer or one of its agents. His response to this is usually both unprintable and fatal.

To swear by the Great Devourer is such a powerful oath that it is virtually taboo to do so unless one was created by it. The symbol of the Great Devourer is a ring or pit lined with teeth, often lit from within by a red or orange flame. Also the Great End, the One Enemy, the Destroyer.

Great Prime

Light Gods

Mechanite

Millenarianism

Monobinder

Monosophy

Nullism

• Crebeunullists: This sect takes its name from a group of Nullists who gathered in Crebelerangon to commit mass suicide by throwing themselves into the eastern gulf. Crebeunullists believe that, since all life is fated to end and all things must fail, then there is no point in living, no point in striving and no point to existence. Crebeunullists will often speak of the futility of existence, the burden of mortality and the total pointlessness of everything. Crebeunullists gather together to commiserate and, eventually, to commit suicide, either singly or in groups. Crebeunullists are bound together by the shared experience of 'assisting' a sect member to die, usually by preparing and administering a painless but lethal fluid injection. They describe this passing as 'a moment of fleeting joy as a brother lays down the burden of life and is released from the pain of existence'. Because of the exceptionally dubious legality of this, Crebeunullists are very quiet about their religion, and their sects tend to form and dissipate quickly. Their congregations usually come together to assist a single member to commit suicide and then fragment. Many Crebeunullists afterwards join the Circle of Listeners or the Howling Brothers rather than commit suicide.
• Circle of Listeners: This sect takes its name from its most commonly-known practice. Listeners believe, like the Crebeunullists, that life is pointless and nothing anyone does has any lasting impact. They do not however seek death, but instead seek a complete calm, where the misery of existence cannot touch them. Listeners gather in permanent sects. These sects have no leaders, although there will be a loose committee of members who organize when and where gatherings are to be held. At their gatherings, Listeners will sit in silence in a large circle in an empty room, usually the largest room in the building. Often some members will weep. It is not forbidden for members to speak, but it is frowned upon. Members will often arise from the circle to go into other rooms to discuss their beliefs. All doors between the circle-sitting room and the outside are always left open, so that people may enter and leave at any time, and also so that passers-by and the curious may look in or enter, either to watch or to join in. Listener circle-sittings can last for an evening in a small group to several days. There are a few Listener temples, which are simply places set aside for permanent circle-sitting.
• Howling Brothers: This sect also takes its name from its most commonly-known practice. Howling Brothers are particularly keen on the Articles which emphasis that life is pain and should be mourned. Howling Brothers are usually drawn from other Nullist sects, and live in small urban communes. These communes are easily identified, as the mourning practices of the Howling Brothers emphasis vocalising one's emotional pain, as loudly as possible, generally in the form of terrible howls and cries of pain. During the Golden Age, the Howling Brothers were required to have a permit for noise before they could set up a commune.
• The Temple of Silence: An offshoot of the Circle of Listeners, the Templars of Silence are mendicant euthanasist-priests who wander Cybertron and its colonies bringing comfort and succor to those in despair, assisting in the repair of the wounded and the burial of the dead, and easing the passing to those who suffer. The Templars always carry a functionless weapon - i.e. a blunt sword, a gun without a trigger mechanism - the reason for which is a mystery of their sect. The Templars had one central temple on Cybertron in Verignium, and at the height of its membership claimed to have a temple in every city-state. Since the start of the Third War the Templars have been reduced to a handful of small temples in neutral zones. Templars still roam Cybertron and its colonies, offering their abilities wherever they are useful. During the Golden Age the Templars were seen as mysterious rogues liable to kill anyone who showed signs of maintenance difficulties. Since the War began, they have been more readily accepted by the neutral population as being able to ease their sufferings, one way or another.
• The Brethren of the Starry Moment: This is the largest of the Nullist sects. The Starry Brethren believe that, since all life is temporary, all things in the end meaningless, and no afterlife exists, then they should live their lives to the fullest. They seek meaning and fullness in every moment, beauty and joy in every day, and richness of experience and sensation in every act. Many of Cybertron's greatest aesthetes, gourmets and artists are members of the Starry Brethren, driven by their belief in the ephemerality of life to create and define experiences that would outlast them. Starry Brethren have trouble holding down ordinary jobs. This, given their desire to experience as much as possible in their lives, means that their congregations usually start out on a "life journey" or "sense pilgrimage" in which they travel Cybertron and other worlds. Outsiders often view them as sightseers or perpetual tourists, not understanding that, for the Starry Brethren, it is not enough to simply 'see the sights and hear the sounds'; one must actively seek beauty and meaning in all things. Unusually for Nullists, the Starry Brethren are uplifting and joyous company for whom life is too short to waste on moping.

Pantheism

Polyfoundist

A mechanism who is neither Sigmite nor Primordialist, but reveres above all other divine entities the twelve or thirteen Firstforged as demiurges, deities or divine figures. Polyfoundists may acknowledge Primus, Vector Sigma or the Builders as the creators of life on Cybertron, or indeed all three. Polyfoundism was the main belief system of the Legion, and the last big Polyfoundist cult is Decepticon.

Major Polyfoundist cults include:

• Ever-Increasing Brotherhood: cult venerating the Firstforged as demiurges who created all Cybertronian life. The Brotherhood believe that the Firstforged sit as a celestial court creating and taking life; each of the thirteen has a role in shaping the life of each individual Transformer. Their doctrine states that it is the duty of each Cybertronian to see to the increase of his kindred. As a result of this, the Brotherhood's membership continued to increase through the Golden Age not by conversion but on the most part by the construction of new members. The Brotherhood was a wholly Legascion cult and comprised the majority of Legascion construction and medical personnel; the cult was eradicated during the Decepticon purges of the Legascions.

• Scions of the Flame: cult venerating Homestar as the source of all energy and therefore life on Cybertron. The Scions revere Primus in the form of Homestar, and believe that Prima inhabits Cybertron. Their doctrine states that each star is a lesser deity, and each planet that supports life or has the potential to do so is inhabited by a Light God. Furthermore, they believe that each of the Firstforged is a planet as well, and that it is a holy duty to seek out the other eleven or twelve Firstforged worlds and connect them in orbit around Homestar. Although the Scions claimed to have found three other Firstforged planets, they were never able to bring them to Homestar.

• Sons of the Rising Lord: cult venerating the Firstforged as the divine creations of Primus, the Builders and/or Sigma. The Sons revere each of the Firstforged, with the exception of the Fallen, as a demiurge with a power of dominion over their own creations. As such, the Sons venerated above all others their creator, Liege Maximo, in the form of the Rising Lord - as a demigod calling his creations to take their place alongside him in dominion over all other living things. The cult was centered in Atalantix in Hermeun, and membership was limited to the "pure" Legascions alone. Its close association with the Legascions led to its practical extermination along with the Legascions themselves.

• Starmakers: cult venerating the Light Gods, and the Firstforged as pre-eminent amongst them, as the creators of life in the universe. The Starmakers view Primus as a very distant entity, the maker of the Builders and of Vector Sigma, whose will is carried out by the Light Gods [also called Star Gods, Starlords, Starforged, Lightmakers, etc]. The rituals of the Starmakers are founded on the adoration and openness to revelation from the stars and the Light Gods.

• World Makers: cult venerating the Firstforged as ancestral heroes created to spread Cybertronian culture and dominion over the entire galaxy. During the Golden Age, the World Makers were a peaceful cult of missionaries. However, after the foundation of Polyhex and the slow feeding of Decepticon propaganda to the Vosian Persolidons, the World Makers changed to a cult of violent subjugation, the extermination of xenorganics and the reconstruction of other worlds in the image of Cybertron. The World Makers are one of the largest Decepticon cults. After the development of Monitor commune-tech, the World Makers absorbed the nascent psychopatron cult of the Monitor of Sector 6, canonizing him as an inheritor of the Firstforged. He is referred to as the "Wall of Breath" or "Frozen Wave" - an unseen yet tangible force that can sweep across a battlefield and strike xenorganics dead without leaving a mark.

Primordialism

A system of belief founded on the concept that the Transformers were created by the deity Primus. In accordance with their beliefs, Primordialists have their bodies entombed on Cybertron, venerate the current Prime as the living spokesbeing for their deity, and regard the Matrix as a sacred icon containing the life-force of Primus himself. The majority of Primordialists during the Golden Age belonged to one of the four megacults: the Acolytes of the Flame, the Brothers of the Matrix, the Followers of the One and the Sons of Primus. Since Optimus Prime became supreme leader of the Autobots, Primordialism has become more aligned with Sigmatism and tensions between the two supercults have eased. Since the beginning of the Third War, the majority of organized cults and megacults have dissolved into a general level of personal faith. The fact that the Autobot army is lead by a being who is considered by a very large percentage of Autobots to be, in one form or another, a divinely elected demigod has done nothing to hinder the slow fusion of the various cults and megacults.

• Orthodox - this is the legally codified form of Primordialism, and the four megacults are all orthodox. There are five tenets: that Primus is the supreme deity; that Primus is the source of all souls; that souls return to Primus after death; that every Cybertronian soul is a direct link to Primus; and that all souls can appeal directly to Primus. Orthodox Primordialism is the most common form of the faith and is prevalent in all socio-occupational strata.
• Metaorthodox - this is an arrogated form of orthodox Primordialism, and has five strict tenets: that Primus is the one and supreme deity; that Primus is the source of all souls; that all souls return to Primus after death; that the Matrix is a direct link to Primus; and that the Matrix-bearer is the only divine intercessor. Metaorthodoxy is predominant amongst Autobots. There are some metaorthodox cults, but for the most part, the metaorthodox form of Primordialism consists of small congregations within the greater orthodox cults.
• Anamatricist - this form states that the Matrix is not a direct link to Primus, and that the Matrix-bearer is therefore not a divine intercessor. Anamatricism is the also called Decepticon Orthodox because it is predominant amongst Decepticons. However, the term is misleading because there are numbers of Autobot Anamatricists, just as there are numbers of Metaorthodox Decepticons. Anamatricism is, like metaorthodoxy, a position rather than a seperate form, and anamatricist congregations exist within the greater cults and megacults.

In Cybertron's relations with xenos races, Primordialists have been the one of the strongest voices for peace and equality, since they see xenos as the creations of the Light Gods, but also one of the strongest voices against the presence of xenorganics on Cybertron, believing the planet to be the sacred body of their deity. Primordialists are generally opposed to xenorganic influences in Cybertronian design. They have always been approving of closer ties with xenomecha and some of the strongest proponents of xenomecha living on Cybertron.

After the convocation into the Vos-Tarn Limited Exchange, Optimus Prime was requested by Acolytes of the Flame to surrender the Matrix, as his current state as a convicted criminal made him unfit to bear the Matrix; he complied, and the Matrix was passed to a new bearer, one Excelsius Prime. The fact that Excelsius Prime was shot down by Megatron during a battle in which Optimus - now a senior officer in the Autobot army - was present lead to a split in the Primordialists. The Acolytes of the Flame and Sons of Primus believed that it was Primus himself, using Megatron as his instrument, who struck down Excelsius Prime and that Optimus was the rightful bearer of the Matrix and successor to Sentinel Prime [Megatron's thoughts on this, whilst recorded, are unprintable]. The Brothers of the Matrix and the Followers of the One believed that Optimus was in fact culpable for the deaths of both Sentinel Prime and Excelsius Prime, and that allowing him to take up the Matrix once more was a blasphemy against Primus. This split lead to many Autobots who were Brothers of the Matrix or Followers of the One to resign as members of the Autobot army, and a concordant number of Sons of Primus and Acolytes of the Flame signed up to fight for the mechanism they believed was ordained by Primus to rule Cybertron.

Other Primordialist cults include:

• Brotherhood of the Gods of Light: one of the larger cults, devoted to the acknowledgement and veneration of not only Primus but also the Light Gods. The Brotherhood operated mainly on colony and xenos worlds, and sought to convert xenomecha.

• Disciples of the Underbase: cult venerating the Underbase as the gift of Primus to his children, to be understood through long study. The Disciples were opposed to the increase of Cybertronian people without good reason, and were major owners and users of drones and droids. Their relatively small membership and academic nature meant they were one of the first casualties of the Third War.

• Sons of the Chosen One: a smaller cult dedicated to memorial veneration of the Chosen Ones and preservation of prophecies regarding them.

• Reforged Brotherhood: predominant in Tyrest, whose main point of note was their constant efforts to convert Sigmites to Primordialism.

• Foundation of Gold: predominant in Tagon, whose main point of note was their efforts to set up and maintain free public healthcare facilities.

• Seekers of the Fourth Prime: a smaller cult dedicated to the interpretation and debate of the prophecies concerning the Fourth and Fifth Great Primes. After Optimus Prime was made supreme leader of the Autobots, the Seekers joined the Autobot army and converted into a crusade-like organization venerating Optimus Prime as a living deity.

• Scions of the Light: a large monosophist cult.

• Word Bearers: a large cult, predominant in the colonies, whose main point of note was their constant efforts to convert all forms of xenos to Primordialism.

• Followers of Skybreak: one of the larger cults, who espoused a life-program of subordination and obedience to superiors.

• Forged of Prima: a smaller Millenarian cult.

Sigmite

A mechanism who believes that Vector Sigma and the Builders created the Transformers. In accordance with their beliefs, Sigmites have their bodies shot into space to "return to the Builders," venerate the current Prime as the avatar and mouthpiece of Vector Sigma and regard the Matrix as a sacred icon on a par with Vector Sigma. Since Optimus Prime became supreme leader of the Autobots, Sigmatism has become more aligned with Primordialism and tensions between the two supercults have eased.

Sigmites believe that Vector Sigma and the Builders created twelve build lines, divided into two groups.

• The Domobota ['domestic property']
  • Autorobota ['car servants'] who transformed into personal transport modules and were constructed in what became the Golden Age city of Kaon. They are considered the build-ancestors of the Autobots and Murions.
  • Karwarobota ['caravan servants'] who transformed into light goods vehicles and were constructed in what became the Golden Age city of Tagon. They are considered the build-ancestors of the Autobots and Murions.
  • Jugganarobota ['powerful servants'] who transformed into heavy goods vehicles and were constructed in what became the Golden Age city of Iacon. They are considered the build-ancestors of the citizens of Iacon.
  • Civinavia ['civilian ships'] who transformed into pleasure boats, yachts and other civilian ships and were constructed in what became the Golden Age city of Hydrax. This type dissipated into the general populace.
  • Civalaria ['civilian fliers'] who transformed into civilian and scientific aircraft and were constructed in what became the Golden Age city of Altigon. They are considered the build-ancestors of the Alars.
  • Studitupa ['enthusiastic research type'] who transformed into scientific equipment and logic engines and were constructed in what became the Golden Age city of Nova Cronum. They are considered the build-ancestors of the citizens of Nova Cronum.
  • Polloitupe ['many types'] who transformed into made-to-order and miscellanious reserved models and were constructed in what became the Golden Age city of Quintesseplex. This type dissipated into the general populace.
• The Kubekona ['military hardware']
  • Hoplokona ['weapon army'] who transformed into cannons and field guns and were constructed in what became the Golden Age city of Tarn. They are considered the build-ancestors of the Decepticons.
  • Okona ['ocean army'] who transformed into submarines and military naval vessels and were constructed in what became the Golden Age city of Hermeun. They are considered the build-ancestors of the Legascions.
  • Quaekona ['seeking army'] who transformed into military aircraft and were constructed in what became the Golden Age city of Vos. They are considered the build-ancestors of the Decepticon Seekers.
  • Panzekona ['armoured army'] who transformed into armoured transports, all-terrain scout vehicles and light artillery and were constructed in what became the Golden Age city of Yarraron. They are considered the build-ancestors of the Persolidons.
  • Uttalara ['space wing'] who transformed into space craft and satellites and were constructed in what became the Golden Age city of Zhenetox. This type dissipated into the general populace.

In Cybertron's relations with xenos races, Sigmites have been one of the strongest voices for peace and equality. Sigmites have been traditionally accepting - if not dismissive - of xenos religions and have always spoken for greater integration of Cybertronian and xenos cultures, including xenorganic influence in Cybertronian design and xenorganic ownership of Cybertronian real estate.

The Sigmite integration of xenorganic design into Cybertronian life includes: organic-style designs, organic-style altmodes, preferences for energon and fuel supplements to be shaped like organic foods and eaten as meals, viewing xenorganic media and entertainment, and taking on xenorganic social customs. This last matter was a cause of strife between the Autobot central government and a large section of its populace. Very early in the Golden Age, the Council of Autobot Elders chose to adopt a number of traits shared by their major xenorganic trading-partners and allies into their new social charter as a sign of Cybertron's willingness to cast off its galactic image as a frigidly insular, culturally stagnant planet. Amongst these traits was the codification of handfasting as the union of only two individuals. As the Council of Autobot Elders who codified this act was mostly Sigmite, attempts to change the act were often perceived as attacks on Sigmatism's basic principles.

Sigmatism was predominant in the southern hemisphere of Cybertron until Decepticon incursions into Kaon drove the remaining citizens and Autobots north through Krystagon and into Zhenetox.

Major Sigmite cults include:

• In Reverence to the Globe: cult venerating Vector Sigma as the source of all life in the universe, as wholly divine and to be treated with the utmost reverence. The rituals of the Reverences are centred around the worship of images of Vector Sigma.

• Sons of Sigma: megacult venerating Vector Sigma as the self-creating source of all life on Cybertron. The Sons revered the Builders as the minions and servants of Vector Sigma, and Primus as the first manifestation of life created by Vector Sigma. The Sons of Sigma were closely associated with the government of Kaon, the centre of the cult, and were therefore opposed politically as well as theologically to Primordialist Iacon. Tensions between the two major polar states and their Treaty allies led to the fossilization of Sigmite doctrine, against the Kaonic preference for flux and development. This included increases in the practice of Sigmatic nongrading, etc. As a result of this, by the mid Golden Age, although Kaon's citizenry continued to enjoy their carefully-constructed living state of flux, the state's government and theological leadership had become as doctrine-bound and strictured as the Primordialists they reviled. This lead to a further increase in tensions, and the accusation that Iacon sought to convert the entirety of Cybertron to Primordialism. Kaon and its Orbital Torus partners withdrew trade relations with Polar Torus states, effectively cutting Cybertron in half. This was one of the major factors contributing to the collapse of world government and the decrease in the availability of energon in the late Golden Age. The Sons of Sigma were the most powerful of Sigmite cults, and included the Keeper of the Key as one of their most revered leaders.

• The Masterworks: cult venerating Vector Sigma as the agency by which the Builders imbue Cybertronians with life-energy. The Masterworks believe that the life-energy of a Cybertronian is a spiritual energy rather than a mechanical one.

Sigmoid

Sons of Primus

Author's notes & addenda:
Feedback always welcomed.

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