Cult of Sigmar

God of The Empire

Sigmar is The Empire’s patron, and his cult dominates the realm. Because Sigmar was once the emperor, his worship is inextricably interwoven with politics, and three of the cult’s highest-ranking members are directly involved with electing new emperors. According to legend, 2,500 years ago Sigmar’s birth was heralded by a twin-tailed comet, and he was born the first son of the chief of the Unberogen tribe. When older, he received the magical warhammer Ghal-maraz (‘Skull-splitter’) as a gift from the Dwarf king Kurgan Ironbeard for saving his life from Greenskins. Sigmar later allied with the Dwarfs and their combined forces defeated the Greenskins. He was then crowned as the first emperor of the Human tribes he’d united. After fifty years of extraordinary rule, Sigmar mysteriously vanished, only to later ascend to divinity, crowned as a god by Ulric, Sigmar’s patron in life.

Worshippers

Most folk of The Empire pay at least lip-service to their patron deity. In the most devout provinces, like Reikland, Sigmar worship is an unquestioned part of daily life. Folk attend weekly ‘throngs’ where the lessons of Sigmar are preached. Many also attend temple to train as local militia, confess sins and purify the soul, or receive advice on how to be more like the God-King of old.
Sigmar’s cult is comprised of an uncounted number of different orders. The largest is the Order of the Torch: Sigmar’s priests who lead their local communities. Other orders of importance include: the Order of the Cleansing Flame, comprised of inquisitors and witch hunters; the Order of the Silver Hammer, which includes warrior priests and yet more witch hunters; and the Order of the Anvil, a monastic order concerned with preserving Sigmar’s deeds and laws.
The cult also has many templar orders. The most famous are the proud Knights of Sigmar’s Blood, the fanatical Knights of the Fiery Heart, and the militaristic Knights Griffon. Given the cult is solarge, there are many different uniforms, vestments, and robes worn, all of which have different colours, cuts, and accessories according to local tradition and requirement.

Holy Sites

Every city, town, and village in The Empire has at least one temple to Sigmar. The Grand Cathedral in Altdorf is staffed by hundreds of priests and lay workers, and guarded by at least two orders of templars; at the other end of the scale, a village chapel may be visited just once every week by a travelling priest, who serves the needs of several small settlements. Shrines can be found in most homes, and wayshrines dot every major highway, mostly marked with hammers or comets.

Penances

Sigmarite cultists may be ordered to destroy a cell of Chaos- worshippers, or expose a corrupt official who is secretly in league with the Ruinous Powers or a foreign power. It is also common to be tasked with building, or rebuilding, local communities to better promote unity and strength in The Empire.

Strictures

• Obey your orders.
• Aid Dwarf-folk, never do them harm.
• Promote the unity of The Empire.
• Bear true allegiance to the imperial throne.
• Root out Greenskins, Chaos worshippers, and foul witches without mercy.

Blessings of Sigmar
Blessing of Battle
Blessing of Courage
Blessing of Hardiness
Blessing of Might
Blessing of Protection
Blessing of Righteousness

Capital

Altdorf

Successor Organizations

• Order of the Anvil
• Order of the Cleansing Flame
• Order of the Silver Hammer
• Order of the Torch

Leader

Volkmar the Grim

Leader Title

The Grand Theogonist

Founders

• Sigmar Heldenhammer

Permeated Organizations

• Reikland
• The Empire

Location

Altdorf

Official Languages

• Reikspiel

Related Species

• Human