Chapter VIII: Religion & Belief
from Middenheim to Nuln. They are concerned more with the wealth and might of the cult than with the unity and strength of the Empire. They rarely act boldly against Chaos or corrupt magic, preferring instead to remain in leisure in their opulently appointed Temples, surrounded by rich foods, soft cushions and beautiful, young servants. Holy Orders Priests of Sigmar will belong to one of three orders, which determine their function within the cult. PC Priests nearly all belong to the Order of the Silver Hammer, whose members, usually called Warrior Priests, travel the Empire, promoting the cult, opposing Chaos, and generally bringing glory to their God. As adventuring Priests, they are expected to pay some portion of their income to the cult. They may also be required, from time to time, to serve as temple guards or as bodyguards to cult dignitaries. They are able to conduct services, and hear confessions in the absence of a member of the Order of the Torch. The administrators of the cult’s temples are Priests drawn from the Order of the Torch. They are the Priests who actually officiate at religious ceremonies, hear confessions of the faithful, and organize and lead events on holy days. They are rarely found far from the temple or shrine to which they have been assigned. This order makes up the main element of the cult’s Priests, and the other orders are subject to its leaders. Another important part of the Cult is the Order of the Cleansing Flame. Members of this feared organization are sometimes former Priests or Templars, but are usually devout congregants from more secular professions, such as torturers. This Order deals primarily with those who practice forbidden (or “hedge”) magic, much like the secular Witch Hunters who are paid by the Elector Counts. However, in the rare case that worshippers of Chaos make an inroad into the cult of Sigmar (a Warrior Priest who secretly worships Khorne, for instance), it is the Order of the Cleansing Flame who roots out these infidels. In addition, there is the Order of the Anvil. This is a monastic order whose members live out their lives in isolation from the rest of society, dedicating themselves to meditation and prayer. The main function of this order is to study and interpret the Word of Sigmar, which forms the basis of Imperial law. Members may be found in law schools and the upper ranks provide legal advisors for the Grand Theogonist and the Emperor. Its members include not only Priests, but also lawyers and friars. One should note the distinction between this order and the cult of Verena. The Order of the Anvil is concerned with the letter of the law, leaving the cult of Verena to worry about justice. The cult also has close ties to a number of knightly orders who look upon Sigmar as their patron. The best known of these are the Knights of the Fiery Heart, famous for their prowess fighting alongside the Imperial army in times of war. Whilst these are not “of the Cult” they Initiates of Sigmar start with the Common Knowledge (Dwarfs) skill in addition to their normal career skills. Priests of Sigmar can, at their option, learn the following skills and talents as part of their careers: Command, Speak Language (Khazalid), and Specialist Weapon Group (Two-handed). Prominent Figures The previous Grand Theogonist, Volkmar the Grim, was thought slain by the forces of Chaos. He was replaced by Johann Esmer, who stood at the Emperor’s side during Archaon’s invasion. However, during the Storm of Chaos Volkmar seemingly returned from the dead—some are often found doing the cult’s work. Church Skills and Talents
able to perform this duty for years and several secular physicians tend to the Emperor instead. When she dies and is replaced, this is likely to change. Rumour has it that the physicians, jealous of the wealth their positions bring, have been attending to Anja Gustavson, doing everything they can to keep her alive. Holy Days There are no specific holy days, although it is customary for Old Worlders to make a sacrifice to Shallya each year on the anniversary of their birth. T he C ulT of s Igmar The cult is organized along strictly hierarchical lines, under the spiritual leadership of the Grand Theogonist at Altdorf. He presides over the largest temple of Simgar in the Empire and the church at large. One rung down the ladder of power from the Grand Theogonist are the two Arch Lectors based in Nuln and Talabheim, and directly beneath them are 18 ordinary Lectors. The Grand Theogonist appoints all Lectors, and on the occasion of his death they meet in secret conclave beneath the Cathedral in Altdorf to choose his or her successor. This structure is echoed in the political structure of the Empire itself, the laws of which are based on Sigmarite law. Just as the Lectors of the cult of Sigmar choose the Grand Theogonist, the Elector Counts and other Electors choose the Emperor. Because of the vital role played by the Dwarfs in the legend of Sigmar, it is customary for the Grand Theogonist, the Arch Lectors and other Lectors to assume secret dwarf names on accession to their offices. These names are used only in high ceremonies where only members of this council are present. That the Arch Lectors and many of the Lectors have grown fat, rich and corrupt from their power is at best a poorly kept secret of the cult of Sigmar and at worst an infamy railed against by street preachers
184
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online