Church of the Holy See

Lore & Background

The organization controls the flow of information regarding the planet's true nature to its inhabitants. They argue that ignorance is necessary for safety, preventing panic or conflict with the hostile ecosystem. This secrecy extends to the origins of humanity and the technology brought from Earth. Their temples are often fortified strongholds where they monitor potential threats to this fragile status quo. Vash Starchild represents a significant anomaly within their ideology due to his unique power and heritage. The Church views him as a catalyst for potential destruction, leading to prolonged conflicts between their enforcers and the outlaw hero. Their presence looms over many storylines, representing the institutional opposition to personal freedom and truth-seeking. Their influence extends into local governments, ensuring that no single town rises too high without their oversight. They maintain a network of informants and agents who track those deemed dangerous to planetary stability.

In Their Own Story

The dust settled on the temple steps as the Bishop watched the horizon. A wanted poster fluttered in the wind, depicting a green-haired outlaw with a price tag that could buy nations. He turned to his acolytes, the silence heavy with unspoken warnings. The desert stretched out endlessly beneath a twin sun sky. 'The world remembers,' he whispered, adjusting his white collar. 'And we are its keepers.'

Reader's Guide

The Church operates on the premise that humanity must be shielded from the truth of their existence on Gunsmoke. They view the planet not merely as a home, but as a living entity capable of rejecting its inhabitants through environmental hostility. This belief system justifies their strict control over information and advanced technology across the desert world. Historically, they emerged following the arrival of human ships to manage the fallout of colonization in such an hostile environment. Their doctrine suggests that unchecked knowledge could trigger planetary defenses or societal collapse among the settlers. Consequently, they monitor individuals with unique abilities who might destabilize this fragile peace, often labeling them as threats. The organization represents the tension between necessary order and suppressed freedom within a lawless frontier. Their white robes symbolize purity, yet their methods often involve shadowy enforcement tactics to maintain stability against chaos. Ultimately, they serve as a reminder that survival on Gunsmoke requires sacrifice, whether of truth or liberty. They act as both protectors and jailers of the human race's potential future.

Did You Know?

• They maintain surveillance on all major settlements across the planet.
• Their technology is far more advanced than typical frontier towns possess.
• Vash Starchild was once connected to their inner circle before his departure.
• They believe human presence triggers a defensive response from the planet itself.