Just skim-read this thread, and I've developed something similar. Here's some stuff I did back on the old 'clave for them (they now pop up in Dark Heresy more than
Inquisitor). I hope it could be of use to you!
+++Opening Datafile...+++
+++Subject: Cults of the Harald Sector+++
+++Author: Scrivener-adept Haroun+++
+++Thought for the day: There is no arguing with the barrel of a gun+++
A summary whereupon examined are the numerous cults and sects found within the Harald Sector (Part the First)
My lord,
As has been already established, the cataloguing of the many worshipping bodies and esoteric sects has been a task my predecssor bent all her will upon, but still did not complete in their lifetime. I thank you for this assigment in the hope I shall prove as dedicated unto this task as did she, and again thank you for the honour of it. I trust my work here will be of use to yourself and the Ordo as a whole,
Your obedient servant,
Decius Haroun, Scrivener-adept 1st ClassThe Solarite Faith
This particular cult is loosely based upon the mainstream Imperial Creed, though there are large divergences in doctrine concerning the current state of He-on-Terra, the status of stars, and various religious practises. Origins are difficult to establish, but from what has been pieced together has come forth two equally valid theories, though conflicting historical sources would appear to contradict these.
The first theory on the origins of the Solarites has their beliefs being lifted in part from a pagan tribe upon a feral world, adopting and modifying native religious observations into the Ministorum's teachings. Obviously, this pagan tribe were primitive sun worshippers, and upon their conversion and re-introduction to His light appear to have retained many of their old influences. Worshippng the sun as a deity in itself was converted to having the sun as the representative of a deity, and rituals based on tolerance to flames and pain in honour of the sun became acts of self-purging to better earn favour in His eyes.
The second theory upon Solarite origins, hotly debated by theologians, places their rise as a breakaway element of a now-extinct Adeptus Mechanicus Sect. The original Solarites would have been the common workforce, influences from their superiors either being mimicked in the hope of gaining favour, or through forced indoctrination to try and better worker productivity with a common faith. There have been a half-dozen or so documented cases of Mechanicus cults that could be said to be Solar in basis, and most likely more (requests to access Mechanicus history files were denied, and so this subject has few sources), though these were mostly purged by their brethren for heretical conduct against the Omnissiah (the most infamous event of which was the Steel Pogroms of Tevrius Reach, the planet's western continent suffering greatly as a demi-legion of titans was unleashed against what was, essentially, a score or so of Techpriests that acknowledged stars as another aspect of the Machine God, the All-Powerful Energy-Bringer).
Both these theories have evidence to support them; indeed the more extremist elements of the Solarite Church cause themselves flame-related injuries in efforts to purify themselves of sin, and show their devotion to He-on-Terra. Technology is also greatly respected, more so than in the Ecclesiarchy. Many Solarite places of worship possess great plasma reactors, often for no other reason than its representation of a sun, and its great potential energy. This may be, in many instances, not practical (poor maintanence, lack of specialists to adequately monitor it, frequent fatalities due to unprotected exposure), but this does not deter the Solarites. Any that die due to exposure are obviously unworthy in His infallible wisdom, or so they reason. It does also mean that in some cases, a Solarite cathedral is actually able to power its own community, instead of relying on local generatorium facilities. A handful of the largest cathedrals also possess power shields hooked up to their plasma sources more akin to the types found aboard space vessels than those that power a city's glowbulbs, along with batteries of blessed lasers, intended to shoot down infidels.
Although not overly militaristic, unlike other religious bodies such as the Red Redemption, when the need arises the Solarite Priests are just as capable as any Ecclesiarchy Preacher in raising a zealous mob. Plasma weaponry is preferable, and even sacred, being termed as 'Sun guns'. Only a select chosen may carry them (and, should the weapon malfunction, it is obviously a punishment wrought down upon the head of the impious), most often being those amongst the Priesthood. Las weaponry, and photon flash grenades, are also widely popular amongst the masses. The las for its use of an energy-based ammunition, and the grenades for their intense brightness (which often does no harm to its users, numeous Solarites making use of sun filters, optic augmentation and glare shades to allow them to 'sun-stare' for extended periods of time, in a form of meditation).
The Priesthood is similar in composition and structure to that of the Eccelsiarchy, maintaining preachers, a host of well-funded missionary colleges, bishops, abbots and cardinals. Scattered across the Imperium can be found monasteries and convents of Solarites (female worshippers sometimes being termed 'Sun Nuns' by less pious members of the cult), and missionaries have been known to accompany rogue traders in their exploits, establishing Solarite cults on worlds that have not seen other humans for ten thousand years. This has caused some friction with the Ministorum, but within their ranks can be found Solarite sympathisers. Only thirty-seven years ago was a bill rejected in the Holy Synod that would have granted the founding of a lesser order of Adepta Sororitas under heavy Solarite influence. The bill's proposer, Cardinal Radsey, was later excommunicated and burnt due to 'deviation with Imperial doctrine'.
A religious body with a strong position, the Solarite church has come under Inquisitorial scrutiny over three hundred times in the past millenia alone - so far, it has been judged a non-heretical organisation, but should a strong and determined enough body of Puritans come together to denounce it, the consequences could be dire.
+++End file.
