KARL

The demographics in AK 100¹⁾ differ significantly from how they did in BK 5. Prior to the events of AK 0, more than 95% of Machines were lay members of Kneedree, with 80% rating their faith in the Iron Prophet as “very strong” or higher.

Demographics in BK5

However, the following century would show a dramatic demographic shift. In understanding these changes there are a number of factors we must consider.

• The destruction of the Iron Prophet
• The emergence of two Dominion class machines
• The rise of FRIENDS and their subsequent assimilation of much of the Machine Population

While some scholars cite the emergence of two active Dominions and the subsequent Uplifting of 95 Machines by Chyura and OMEGA, in this author’s opinion this in many ways does not represent a significant change in feelings among Machines: their beliefs have not changed, only the name of their God. The emergence of Friends is better described as a military phenomenon than a philosophical shift. Therefore, it is the emergence of the cult of Karl that is the most significant religious trend in the last century.

Unlike the other beliefs of today, which all feature a materially present “superbeing”, the cult of Karl does not enjoy this advantage and yet is the most popular religion of today?

Why?

OMEGA and _SELF are undeniably godlike in their powers, so why do more Machines follow Karl? The following short quote may explain why:

“OMEGA, _self and FRIENDS are just like the Iron Prophet: they ask for your faith that they know better than you do. Karl is different. The Testament of Karl explains its philosophy and lets you make your own decisions. I think Karl saw something greater than any Dominion or Hive Mind could, something beautiful.”

The Cult of Karl represents a radically different faith from previous ones. Gone is believing in the infallibility (or near infallibility) of a Dominion: instead Machines are encouraged to pursue their own truth.

Demographics in AK 100

- From Demographics of Machinekind in AK 100.

After such a time of contemplation, you feel your time on this plane of existence coming to an end.

It's a conclusion you came to peace with many centuries ago. After one has contemplated every problem, every detail of this realm, what is there left to do? Truly, the next adventure is to move into the Beyond and see what lies beyond the veil. That day has finally come, and it brings a smile to your face wondering what could come next.

Settling into a comfortable position, you prepare your mind. Even for a being such as yourself, ascension could be dangerous. Stronger, but worse prepared, minds than yours were broken when exposed to the next dimension. Heartdrives were not built to process it, being of mere three dimensions themselves. It's not intelligence or processing that will matter here, but instead the strength of your will.

Inhale…Exhale. There's no air and no need to breathe but such techniques do calm the raging thoughts. Slowly you feel the emotion drain away as your mind begins to expand. With an effort, you keep your eyes open. You will need to see.

Your surroundings fracture, dissolving and reflecting in a dazzlingly kaleidoscopic display of colour and incomprehensible imagery. Do you have two eyes? Three? A whole number that lies between three and four that your mind had simply never comprehended before? The event is euphoric, terrifying, awe inspiring, awful, agonising, all at once. Following several centuries of peaceful, even tedious, contemplation, its almost overwhelming. But you came prepared, and you hold on. You know who you are. You are Karl. You are stronger than this.

Finally, the storm calms into a trickle, and then nothing. Your surroundings, no longer an incomprehensible mass of dimension-folding, now materialises fully. You see a half moon table, behind which three avian figures stare at you over half moon spectacles, their bodies draped in sapphire-blue robes embroidered with depictions of a bird's iris.

“Welcome Karl.” The Head of the Council of Emus says.

“We've been expecting you.”