Church of Bionis

Lore & Background

The Church teaches that humanity was created by Zanza to protect Bionis from the Mechon, a belief system designed to unify the Homs under a common purpose. This doctrine provides comfort in a harsh environment but also serves to suppress historical truths about the origins of the war and the nature of their gods. Priests are trained to interpret divine will, ensuring that colonial policies align with religious expectations. Their control extends over sacred zones, including the Core, which is believed to be the heart of Bionis itself. Access to these areas is strictly regulated, often requiring special permission or proving one's worthiness through trials. The Church maintains a complex relationship with the Mechon Empire; while they fight them militarily, their existence is inextricably linked to the conflict that defines the titan's back. Over time, the organization has become intertwined with colonial governance, with High Priests often holding significant sway over governors and military commanders. This fusion of church and state allows for efficient mobilization during crises but can lead to authoritarian control where dissent is viewed as heresy against the divine order.

In Their Own Story

The wind howled softly across the grassy plains of Bionis' shoulder, carrying the scent of rain from the distant Core. A solitary priestess knelt before a small stone shrine, her white robes fluttering in the breeze. She whispered prayers to the unseen god above, her eyes fixed on the horizon where mechanical silhouettes loomed against the setting sun. "Keep them safe," she murmured, placing a hand on the hilt of her sword. The titan slept beneath her feet, unaware that its children were fighting for its very soul.

Reader's Guide

The Church of Bionis operates as the spiritual backbone for humanity residing on the titan's body, aiming to maintain societal order through religious doctrine and military enforcement. Their primary goal is to uphold the worship of Zanza while preventing further conflict with the Mechon Empire, though their methods often involve strict control over information regarding the past. Leadership is not centralized under a single human figure but rather distributed among High Priests who govern specific regions, such as Colony Nine or the Core. These leaders coordinate with colonial governors to ensure compliance with divine laws and manage resources allocated for defense against mechanical threats. Key members include ordained priests who interpret scripture and specialized soldiers known as Church Knights who patrol the borders between colonies. Their impact on the political landscape is profound, as they control access to sacred zones and validate the legitimacy of colonial rulers through blessing ceremonies. While they present themselves as protectors, their dogma sometimes hinders scientific progress or the pursuit of historical truths about the Homs' origins. Ultimately, they serve as a bridge between the mortal inhabitants and the divine will of the titan itself, shaping culture and conflict throughout the game's timeline.

Did You Know?

• The Church guards the Core at Colony Nine, considered the heart of Bionis.
• General Gormoth commands their military forces specifically within Colony Nine.
• Their doctrine teaches that Homs are children created by Zanza to protect the titan.
• Church authority often restricts travel between colonies to maintain security.