Universal Law

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The Sixteen Universal Laws, also referred to as the Universal Laws,[1a][4h] Laws of the Cult Mechanicus[5] or the Omnissiah's laws,[7] are widely proclaimed as the foundational tenets and core principles of the Cult Mechanicus.[4h][7]

Overview

Most adherents consider them both the holy word of the Omnissiah and indubitable. However, when and where the laws originated is debatable, and any original copy has yet to be found. Sects across the Imperium fiercely argue about the exact interpretations of these sixteen laws, as subtle differences in interpretation can mean drastic differences in what is considered tech heresy between different sects or Forge Worlds. When in doubt of the exact interpretation of the Omnissiah's law, Tech-Priests turn to the Lex Mechanicus for aid.[7]

Certain sects or Forge Worlds strain and sometimes even choose to ignore certain laws,[1b][4h] like the Crucible Resolviate. Such groups are largely regarded with suspicion by the majority, who remember the beginnings of the Dark Mechanicum.[1b]

The Universal Laws

The first 8 are considered the mysteries of the Cult Mechanicus; the latter 8, 9-16, are the warnings.[7]

  1. Life is directed motion.[6][7]
  2. The spirit is the spark of life.[6][7]
  3. Sentience is the ability to learn the value of knowledge.[5][7]
  4. Intellect is the understanding of knowledge.[2][4a][7]
    • The Fourth Law is most commonly interpreted as stating that the ability to comprehend and utilize knowledge is the basis for the measurement of Intellect. It is entirely possible for any sentience to realize the value of knowledge (or stimulus, as some members of the Cult Mechanicus might refer to it) while only possessing simplistic levels of it. It is also possible for an Archive or Holonet to contain vast quantities of knowledge and the understanding thereof, without apprehending the value of that Knowledge. Neither of these two examples would possess true intellect in the eyes of a Tech-priest.[4a]
  5. Sentience is the basest form of intellect.[2][4b][5][7]
    • The so-called Fifth Law is often seen as being closely related to the Fourth Law. Tech-Priests often view Sentience as a commonly held trait, and they see it as only the first "tier" of Intellect, the lowest rung on the ladder of Understanding. Superior Intellect is generally agreed to be developed through the acquisition and understanding of knowledge.[4b]
  6. Understanding is the true path to comprehension.[2][4c][7]
    • The concept of "comprehension" holds special significance for Tech-Priests. It is often viewed as a state of transcendence, a level of Intellect that encompasses all Knowledge.[4c]
  7. Comprehension is the key to all things.[2][4d][7]
    • The Seventh Law is widely seen as relating to the Sixth. Debate rages about whether "the Key to all things" is a literal or figurative expression. Many believe the Seventh Law means that Comprehension of the forces of the universe brings with it the keys to reality, the ability to implement any change or creation desired.[4d]
  8. The Omnissiah knows all, comprehends all.[2][4e][7]
    • The Eighth Law enshrines the Omnissiah as the supreme being, the entity able to comprehend all Knowledge in the universe.[4e]
  9. The alien mechanism is a perversion of the true path.[6][7]
  10. The soul is the conscience of sentience.[6][7]
  11. A soul can be bestowed only by the Omnissiah.[6][7]
  12. The soulless sentience is the enemy of all.[3][7]
  13. The knowledge of the ancients stands beyond question.[6][7]
  14. The machine spirit guards the knowledge of the ancients.[6][7]
  15. Flesh is fallible, but ritual honours the machine spirit.[2][4f][7]
    • To a Tech-Priest, organic components are weak, forgetful, and ultimately expendable for the greater glories of the Machine God. Only the correctly prescribed rituals can purify the fallibilities of the flesh, and enable the enlightened to interact with a machine-spirit. It would be a grave crime for a Tech-Priest to dishonour a machine spirit by not enacting the proper rituals in its presence.[4f]
  16. To break with ritual is to break with faith.[2][4g][7]
    • As imperfect, organic beings, most Tech-Priests believe that they must rely on Ritual over understanding. Every screw turn and button press is precisely documented for every mechanism they build or use. There is a strong belief that the slightest deviation from ritual is an invitation to disaster and will lead to the unleashing of uncontrollable forces. In matters such as plasma reactor maintenance rituals, this has been demonstrably true.[4g]

Trivia

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The following information is not to be regarded as officially sanctioned and/ or is not written from an in-universe point of view. A detailed explanation of the term "Trivia" as used in the Lexicanum can be found here.

Notes

  • In Fanatic Magazine Issue 5, both The Omnissiah knows all, comprehends all and The Alien Mechanism is a Perversion of the True Path are designated as the Eighth Universal Law.[2]

Sources

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