Hephaestus Magi Orders of the Cult Mechanicus
A collection of Adeptus Mechanicus Ordos that oversee the worlds of the Hephaestus system. These ordos in turn form the Synod of Hephaestus and are what costitutes a ruling body of the system. Atop their ancient forge palace known as The Anvil, the Synod oversees the most crutial and powerful industrial hubs within the sub-sector and a key linchpin within the Spartus sector as a whole.
Structure
Three of the seats are filled by the Archmagi of the domains of Hephaestus Delta, Zeta, and Eta. The fourth has been left ceremonially empty for the past ten thousand years. The original seat holder's chair left shattered and the mark of Theta etched into its back. A constant reminder of the betrayal of the Synod by the now long deposed Hephaestus Epsilon Forge world.
Each Forge domain is free to rule their affairs as they see fit. The Archmagi however are bound to the directives of the Synod in matters that extend beyond their direct control, such as the flow of material from one domain to another or quotas of the Imperial Tithe placed upon the system as a whole. The Synod also binds the Archmagi in settlement of disputes between themselves and those of between their vassals.
These concerns and points of order are brought to the Synod tri-annually in accordance to the martian calendar. The convention of the Synod is done purely through the neurosphere to ease the flow of information and onversation between the Archmagi as the ancient strictures of the pact dictate they may not return to their domains until all matters are settled unanimously.
History
Formed out of the wreckage of Long Night and the The Silica Insurrection, it wasnt until reestablishing contact with the Mechanicum of Mars in M28 that the former industrial worlds were able to reestablish themselves. With reintroduction of lost technology from the Mechanicum and indoctrinozation and reorganization in line with the Cult Mechanicum the worlds of Hephaestus were able achieve self sufficient autonomy in a scant 300 years.
The reemergance of the forge worlds in the system lead to a realization that cooperation was paramount in order to resist threats in the surrounding sub-sector. Therefore in 5.880.M28 the Archmagi of the four most pwerful forges, Hephaestus Delta, Epsilon, Zeta, and Eta convened on the long abandonded mining moon of Hephaestus Zeta IV. It was on this moon the first council of the Synod made a pact of mutual cooperation and vowed that it would be here the new seat of power was raised and shared among the Archmagi.
Shortly after the founding, notable worlds in system not as powerful or influencial swore oaths of fealty to one of the four forges and each's expertise and efforts folded into the greaters capabilities. This would have lasting effects however going forward as while the networks created ensured none could be wholely self reliant, it created a complex web of oaths and loyalties throughout the system. The cracks of this structure first showed in the claims dispute between two rival titan legions on Hephaestus Gamma.
Founding Date
5.175.880.M28
Type
Religious, Archidiaconate
