Priests

Lore & Background

Instead, it describes two distinct groups with religious or ideological authority. The first is the "Children of the Citadel," led by Matthias, a former Guardian. This group encourages people to upgrade their bodies with technological augmentations, framing it as a path to transcendence. Matthias and his ally Dugan plan to upload their minds to the Base Cochise Boss AI, believing this will make them 'gods' ruling the world. The second group is "God's Militia," described as a group of murderously pious priests and nuns operating in the Los Angeles area. The player's squad encounters these groups as part of their investigation into a strange radio signal and the murder of Ranger Ace.

In Their Own Story

Matthias is a former Guardian who fled to Los Angeles after the Rangers wiped out his faction. He and Dugan have spent fifteen years raising an army of cyborgs and modified humans in California, plotting to destroy the Rangers in revenge. They plan to revive the Base Cochise Boss AI at the Ranger Citadel. The player's squad ultimately confronts Matthias, but before the fight can begin, the Base Cochise Boss AI is revived and takes over his body, erasing his mind completely.

Reader's Guide

Matthias and his followers are encountered in Seal Beach, where the player must infiltrate their base and do battle with partly upgraded cyborgs.

Did You Know?

• The Children of the Citadel are led by Matthias, a former Guardian who fled to Los Angeles after the Rangers wiped out his faction.
• Matthias and his ally Dugan plan to upload their minds to the Base Cochise Boss AI, believing it will make them 'gods' ruling the world.
• God's Militia is a group of murderously pious priests and nuns operating in the Los Angeles wasteland.
• The Base Cochise Boss AI is revived and takes over Matthias's body, erasing his mind completely, before the final battle.
• The Children of the Citadel encourage people to upgrade their bodies with technological augmentations, similar to the synth named Tinker who installed a mechanical heart in a young girl.