Many years before the Dune series takes place, the Butlerian jihad swept across the galaxy, exterminating any machines formed in the likeness of a human's mind. But on one planet, called Ix, the remnants of the forbidden science and technology remained. During the reign of the God Emperor Leto II, Ixian machines gained a wider acceptance as long as they did not obviously imitate the mind of a human. Robots are forbidden, but devices such as electronic journals or spy-eyes are not. They have not yet acheived personal computers, although miniature ones are used inside certain devices. Ix is not interested in making technological advances. Rather, they are trying to use the devices already available and manufacture them. Since general scientific study is not allowed, the Ixians cannot produce sophisticated devices. Will the ban against machines ever be repealed? So far, no.

Interesting fact: Ix is actually a number in a forgotten language. Can you guess what that is? Heres a hint, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX.