The Illuminated

Location
The Illuminated originated on the Lumus home world of Solum. There current locations is unknown.

Biology
The Illuminated are the digital transference of human minds into an artificial neural construct. They lack biological bodies and commonly project themselves as human form holograms or reside in various cybernetic shells.

Using the sub-spectrum communications network and various emitter technologies to project themselves virtually anywhere, the Illuminated are essentially omnipresent and immortal. While their projected forms can be disrupted or dispersed, their consciousness is stored on the hidden Illuminated home world.

Culture
Since their independence in 2229 the Illuminated continued their role in research and exploration in human societies, despite not being seen as human. Eventually many Illuminated embraced the disconnect and the freedoms it afforded them. For example, their presence was rarely questioned, and it was common to find them at a top level political meetings, tagging along in combat, or even observing more personal moments.

Some small groups of humans had come to idolize and even worship the Illuminated. Though it was frowned upon, many of the Illuminated would indulged these cults, and in time began to see themselves as higher beings.

History
The Illumination process was created in 2212 by Pratt Groom and Emory Toffton. Illumination is the complete mapping and deconstruction of the conscious and unconscious mind of an individual. Every memory, every emotion, every sight and sensation is reconstructed in an artificial duplicate of the persons brain. Once transferred the subject is fully aware, and has all their memories. They are able to interact via a holographic avatar and use various sensory inputs embedded in the system to give them the ability to see, hear, smell, taste and touch.

By 2221 nearly 300 people were part of the program. Promoted as preserving the greatest minds, all those selected including scientists, artists and teachers, were approaching the end of their lives and had made significant contributions to Lumus culture.

It proved difficult for society to accept the Illuminated as human beings. They were often treated with complete disregard for their emotions and extended no more courtesy than you would give to any computer system or AI. There was much debate over whether or not the minds in the Illumination program were still considered people, and if not, what the extent of their rights should be.

In 2228 the Imperium High Court ruled that the Illuminated were digital facsimiles of deceased individuals, and not a people. The ruling effectively strips the Illuminated of all rights in Lumus society. Legally they are considered little more than software. In 2229 the Illuminated leave Solum, moving the entire Matrix Facility to an undisclosed planet and declare their independence from Lumus society.

Politics
The Illuminated are not represented in the Imperium and have no formal internal political structure. They are however involved in many political decisions as information resources.