Major covenant (the Esteemed Order of Techmancers)

Penitents are a conservative, religious covenant. They see the Great Schism as a mistake, and wish to reunite the Techmancers and the Church. In this core matter they are opposed by all other covenants. The Penitents' other policies, such as diplomacy towards the Shepherds, cause less ire. Of all covenants, the Penitents are most opposed to innovation.

Most of the Penitents' members are motivated by their personal faith. The vast majority is orthodox Aerusian, but there are other views as well. There are even Penitents who have no religious conviction at all. They are driven instead by political and historical motives. The Penitents think the Order would do better if it is joined with the Church instead of on its own. The most radical members want to destroy the Forbidden Archives, and get rid of all “unclean” technologies.

The Eserhaus Heresy was a lucky break for the covenant. It rid the Order of the most innovative and heretical thinkers, giving the conservative voices more influence. It also lent credibility to the Penitents' complaints. They claim the heresy was caused by lacking the spiritual guidance only the clergy can provide.