Mechans

From MU Wiki

A sect, possibly religious in nature, devoted to the study of science.

The Mechans engage in the study of science as it is understood in the classical universe, by observation, inference, and reproducible results. Their beliefs have historically come into conflict with the Khersian religion, and there is a history of persecution and suppression of the former by the latter. Steff believes that Mecha and the Arkhanite Faith are not incompatable.

In the MUniverse, a world ruled by magic, proponents of scientific belief are viewed similarly to those who ascribe to "new age" or Pagan beliefs in the classical universe, and sharp parallels are drawn between the two, particularly in Chapter 46.

Steff and Amaranth are members of a Mechan circle at Magisterius University; and Mackenzie has attended a circle meeting. The local Circle is led by a Chief Technician who uses the Circle name Prevailingwind Silver Sulfide

The author has not yet written anything that definitively answers the question of how accurately the Mechans beliefs correspond to the nature of reality in her fictional universe. But the fact that the Mechans beliefs are consistent with how things work in our Universe suggests that the Mecahs have at least managed to create a set of ideas that are internally self consistant, even if they are factually wrong.

It's possible that either the Gods and/or the population have enough power to control the nature of reality. Perhaps the Gods can decide whether or not the Moon is a sphere with a diameter of 2000 miles (as the Mechans believe) or a decoration on the Universe's wall (as Mackenzie seems to believe). If this is the case, then the Mechans would be like a minority political party or lobbying group. They would be trying to develop and promote a set of ideas and policies which, while currently unpopular, might still become the "Laws of Nature" at some point in the future.