PAX

• Supreme Pontiff (Pope): The Supreme Pontiff, also known as the Pope, is the highest authority in PAX and serves as both the spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church and the head of the theocracy. The Pope holds significant power and influence, making critical decisions for the entire organization.
• The College of Cardinals: The College of Cardinals is composed of high-ranking clergy appointed by the Pope. They act as advisors and administrators, assisting the Pope in making important decisions and governing the Church and PAX. The College of Cardinals also plays a role in the selection of a new Pope when the office becomes vacant.
• The Crucibles Council: This council is responsible for overseeing the Crucible program and deciding who among the faithful is worthy of receiving the technology that grants immortality. Its members are chosen from among the highest-ranking clergy and elite of PAX.
• Knights Templar: The reestablished Knights Templar are a special and elite military force within PAX. They are highly skilled soldiers, trained to be both fierce warriors and missionaries, bringing the word of God to planets that resist PAX's influence. The Knights Templar report directly to the Pope and carry out missions on his orders.
• Episcopates: Each planetary system or major colony within PAX's domain is overseen by an Episcopate, which is headed by a Bishop or Cardinal. They are responsible for local governance, enforcing PAX's laws, and maintaining the Church's influence.
• Planetary Governors: Planetary Governors are appointed by the Episcopates to govern individual planets and their regions. They are responsible for implementing PAX's policies and ensuring the loyalty of the populace.
• Inquisitors: The Inquisitors are a feared and secretive group within PAX. Their primary task is to root out heresy, dissent, and potential threats to the Church and PAX's authority. They have broad powers to investigate, interrogate, and take action against perceived enemies of the faith.
• Administrative Orders: These are various administrative bodies responsible for managing different aspects of PAX's operations, including logistics, finance, communication, and technology.
• Faithful Congregations: Ordinary followers of the Roman Catholic Church fall under various congregations, each led by priests, deacons, or other clergy members. These congregations serve as the backbone of PAX's religious influence and outreach efforts.
• Outworlds Council: Comprising representatives from planets that have joined PAX, the Outworlds Council serves as an advisory body to the Pope and the Crucibles Council, voicing the concerns and needs of member planets.
• Crusader Legions: The Crusader Legions are the military backbone of PAX. Comprising well-trained and heavily armed soldiers, they form a formidable force that carries out the military campaigns of the theocracy. Unlike the elite and specialized Knights Templar, who are also skilled in diplomacy and missionary work, the Crusader Legions focus primarily on direct military engagement and conquest.
• The Order of Paxians: The Paxians are a highly specialized and dedicated organization within PAX, serving as the backbone of the theocracy's interstellar operations. Chosen for their unwavering faith, exceptional skills, and loyalty to the Roman Catholic Church, Paxians form a formidable force dedicated to upholding PAX's authority and spreading its teachings throughout the galaxy.

• Faith-Centered: The central pillar of PAX's culture is faith. The people of PAX have a strong devotion to the Roman Catholic Church, and religious practices play a significant role in their daily lives. Mass, prayer, and religious festivals are observed with great reverence and enthusiasm.
• Obedience and Loyalty: Obedience to the Pope and the Church is considered a virtue in PAX. The faithful are expected to be loyal to the teachings of the Church and to the theocracy, trusting in the divine wisdom of the Pope and the sacred traditions.
• Unity and Communion: PAX fosters a sense of unity and community among its people. The belief in a shared faith binds individuals together, fostering a strong sense of belonging and mutual support.
• Moral Integrity: The people of PAX are encouraged to lead virtuous lives, adhering to strict moral principles and avoiding behaviors considered sinful or morally objectionable by the Church.
• Respect for Sacred Artifacts: Sacred relics, artifacts, and religious sites hold immense significance in PAX's culture. They are treated with utmost respect, as they are believed to be imbued with divine significance and power.
• Censorship and Control of Information: PAX's culture includes strict control over information and knowledge. Certain texts, artworks, or historical records that contradict Church teachings might be censored or suppressed to maintain doctrinal purity.
• Devotion to the Pope: The Pope is revered as the supreme spiritual leader and the embodiment of divine authority on Earth. Devotion to the Pope is profound, and his words and decisions are considered sacrosanct.
• Humility and Submission: Humility is highly valued in PAX's culture, with the belief that all individuals are creations of God and should be humble before His divine presence. This humility extends to submitting to the will of the Church and accepting the authority of PAX's leadership.
• Art and Architecture: PAX's culture embraces art and architecture as expressions of faith and devotion. Religious symbols, grand cathedrals, and religious artworks are prominent features of PAX's cities and communities.
• Rituals and Traditions: PAX's culture is rich in rituals and traditions, with various religious ceremonies, rites, and customs being practiced to commemorate important events and express devotion to God and the Church.

The Fall of the Hegemony of Man and the Resurgence of Faith (2412-2417 CE):

Charismatic Leaders and Unity Among the Faithful:

The Church as a Beacon of Stability:

Spreading the Message:

Setting the Stage for PAX:

The Founding of PAX (2417 CE):

A Fusion of Spiritual and Political Authority:

The Rise of the Templars:

Unity and Loyalty:

Expansion and Integration:

Challenges and Controversies:

The Rapid Expansion and the Transition of Papal Leadership (2417-3032 CE):

The Templars' Conquests:

Assimilation of New Territories:

Establishment of Church Institutions:

Challenges and Unity:

Transition of Papal Leadership and the Crucible Program:

Continued Expansion:

Revelation of the Crucible's Price (3032-3059 CE):

The Dark Secret Unveiled:

The War of Souls:

Pope Pius XVI's Legacy:

The Fall of PAX:

Decline and Retreat (3062 CE onwards):

The Aftermath of the War of Souls:

Retreat of PAX:

Formation of the Federation of Free Planets:

Challenges for the Templars:

Rebuilding and Redefining:

Knights' Templar

Organization and Structure:

Goals and Beliefs:

Their Job:

• Military Prowess: They serve as the elite military force of PAX, executing military campaigns to enforce the will of the Pope and the theocracy. They are sent to quell uprisings, suppress rebellions, and overcome resistance on planets that reject PAX's rule.
• Missionary Work: Knights Templar act as missionaries, preaching the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church and seeking to convert non-believers. They often accompany priests on their journeys, ensuring the word of God reaches even the most remote corners of the galaxy.
• Diplomatic Envoys: In addition to military force, they are skilled diplomats, representing the Pope and PAX in negotiations with other worlds and factions. Their presence can both persuade and intimidate, depending on the situation.
• Protectors of Holy Artifacts: The Knights Templar are entrusted with safeguarding sacred relics, artifacts, and religious sites, preserving their sanctity and protecting them from those who would misuse or desecrate them.
• Inquisitorial Duties: While not the primary inquisitors of PAX, they may assist in the hunt for heretics or threats to the Church when necessary.
• Special Missions: The Grand Master may assign special missions to the Knights Templar, such as retrieving lost texts of religious significance, uncovering ancient secrets, or dealing with particularly dangerous adversaries.

Inquisitors

Organization and Structure:

• Grand Inquisitor: The highest-ranking Inquisitor, often handpicked by the Pope, is responsible for the overall operation and direction of the Inquisitorial Order.
• High Inquisitors: These are the regional or sector-level leaders, overseeing Inquisitors in specific areas and reporting back to the Grand Inquisitor.
• Inquisitors: The core members of the Inquisitorial Order, they are spread throughout PAX's territories and tasked with carrying out investigations, interrogations, and actions against perceived threats.

Goals and Methods:

• Interrogation and Investigation: Inquisitors are granted broad powers to investigate individuals and organizations suspected of heresy. They employ various methods of interrogation, which may include psychological manipulation, physical coercion, and even torture to extract information.
• Purging Heresy: When heresy is confirmed or when individuals resist recanting their beliefs, the Inquisitors may administer severe punishments, including public executions or exile. The aim is to make examples of those who challenge the Church's teachings to deter others from dissent.
• Censorship and Control: Inquisitors actively monitor and censor information, ensuring that knowledge that contradicts Church doctrine remains suppressed. They also control access to certain sacred texts, ensuring they do not fall into the wrong hands.
• Silent Accusations: Inquisitors can act on anonymous tips or accusations, enabling them to operate covertly without revealing the identities of informants.
• Infiltration and Espionage: In extreme cases, Inquisitors may employ covert agents to infiltrate dissenting groups or gather intelligence on suspected threats to the Church.

Feared and Controversial:

Crusader Legions

Organization and Structure:

Leadership:

• Legion Commanders: At the top of the hierarchy are the Legion Commanders. They hold the highest authority within their respective legions and report directly to the Pope and high-ranking officials of PAX.
• Centurions: Centurions serve as commanders of individual legions. They are skilled tacticians and strategists, responsible for planning military campaigns and ensuring the successful execution of operations.
• Decurions: Decurions are officers who lead smaller units within a legion, such as squads or platoons. They are responsible for executing orders, maintaining discipline, and overseeing the training and well-being of their soldiers.
• Crusader Knights: These are the regular soldiers who make up the bulk of the Crusader Legions. They are highly trained in various forms of combat, advanced weaponry, and military tactics.

Training and Equipment:

Goals and Mission:

• Expansion and Conquest: The Crusader Legions are at the forefront of expanding PAX's territories by bringing new planets and systems under the rule of the theocracy. They conquer and assimilate planets that resist PAX's authority.
• Suppressing Rebellions: The Crusader Legions are often deployed to quell uprisings and rebellions against PAX's rule. Their show of force serves as a deterrent to those who would challenge the authority of the theocracy.
• Protecting PAX's Interests: They are responsible for defending PAX's assets, territories, and strategic locations against external threats and potential invasions.
• Securing Resources: The Crusader Legions may also be deployed to secure vital resources and strategic locations for the benefit of PAX.
• Exterminating Threats: In times of war or conflict, the Crusader Legions are tasked with eliminating major threats to the Church and the stability of PAX.

The "Hammer of God":

The Order of Paxians

Recruitment and Training:

Roles and Duties:

• Starship Crew: Paxians serve as the crew members of PAX's starships, ensuring the smooth operation of the vessels as they traverse the vastness of space. They are well-versed in piloting, engineering, communications, and all aspects of space travel.

Code of Conduct:

• Faith and Devotion: Paxians are expected to demonstrate unwavering faith in the Church and loyalty to the Pope and the theocracy. Their actions are guided by the core tenets of the Church, including compassion, forgiveness, and the pursuit of spiritual growth.
• Discipline and Obedience: Discipline is paramount among Paxians. They follow orders without question and uphold the chain of command within the organization. This discipline ensures that PAX's operations are efficient and effective.
• Service and Sacrifice: Paxians view their service as a sacred duty, and they are willing to make personal sacrifices for the greater good of the theocracy and the Church.

Symbol and Uniform:

1. Canon Law: PAX follows the principles of canon law, which are the ecclesiastical laws and regulations of the Roman Catholic Church. These laws cover various aspects of religious practices, Church governance, and the spiritual well-being of the faithful.
2. Religious Observances: Laws require regular attendance at Mass, participation in religious festivals, and adherence to the sacraments of the Church. Failure to attend religious services or follow religious obligations could be considered a violation of the law.
3. Heresy and Apostasy: PAX's laws forbid any form of heresy or apostasy, meaning deviation from or rejection of Church teachings. Punishments for heresy can be severe, ranging from excommunication to more extreme measures such as public trials or even execution.
4. Blasphemy and Sacrilege: Laws prohibit blasphemy, disrespectful speech against the Church or religious figures, as well as sacrilege, the desecration of sacred objects or religious sites.
5. Moral Conduct: PAX enforces strict moral standards, including prohibitions on certain behaviors such as adultery, premarital sex, and practices deemed morally objectionable by the Church.
6. Censorship and Control of Information: PAX maintains strict control over information, particularly that which contradicts Church doctrine or challenges the authority of the theocracy. Laws might restrict access to certain texts, artworks, or knowledge considered dangerous or heretical.
7. Repression of Dissent: Laws discourage dissent against PAX's rule or the teachings of the Church. Public expression of dissenting opinions or questioning the authority of PAX may lead to harsh penalties.
8. Interstellar Relations: Laws govern PAX's relations with other interstellar powers and factions. These laws ensure that PAX remains committed to its faith and does not engage in alliances or activities contrary to Church principles.
9. Protection of Holy Artifacts: Laws safeguard sacred relics, artifacts, and religious sites from misuse or desecration, and any attempt to steal or defile these items is treated as a severe offense.