Sigmar Heldenhammer

(meaning Hammer of the Goblins in Old Reikspiel),[6a] born as Sigmar Unberogen, is the eternal
patron god of the Cult of Sigmar and the Empire of Man, as well as its founder and principle war-
god. Born over 2500 years ago to the Unberogen tribe, his coming having been heralded by the
twin-tailed comet; Sigmar, alone of the chieftains of the 12 tribes, was possessed of a singular
drive to put an end to the bloody tribal conflict that had riven his people apart. This was not a
thing to be taken lightly, for the Thuringians and Teutogens raided the northern borders of the
Unberogens, the Merogens their southern settlements. The Jutones and the Endals warred with
each other over land, and the Norsii made prey of all men. All the while, the Greenskins ravaged
humanity from the East and the Beastmen raided from the forests. Nevertheless, through words
and deeds, Sigmar brought the tribes together while casting aside those who defied him and
then, with hammer and fury, drove the enemies of mankind from his homeland. After Sigmar
had completed the unification, he was coronated as Emperor by the Ar-Ulric himself, having
been a deeply devout Ulrican in mortal life.[1a]

For fifty years did Sigmar reign over the Empire: a golden age that was just, fair and prosperous.
Yet despite that, many challenges to the Empire's stability were faced and overcome by Sigmar's
daring and leadership: the invasions of Norsii barbarians, and even the march of the Lord of the
Undead, Nagash himself, whom Sigmar defeated in single-combat at the gates of Reikdorf. Upon
the last year of his rule, and the anniversary of his coronation by the Ar-Ulric, Sigmar rose up
from his throne and left the Empire, heading eastwards towards the Worlds Edge Mountains. He
was accompanied by a great wolf on one flank and a massive boar on the other, his visage was a
mask of grim determination.[7a]

Whatever the truth of these legends, the simple fact remained, the Father of the Empire had
gone. Within a generation after his passing, the people of his Empire clamoured around a wild-
eyed friar named Johann Helstrum who proclaimed that he had borne witness to a vision of Ulric
himself placing the crown of godhood upon Sigmar's brow and elevating him to join the
company of the divine. Thus was born the Cult of Sigmar- men claiming that their Lord had not
fallen in the East, but had ascended boldly to rule the heavens. A new god, one born of mortal
origins, but destined to protect his people so long as his Empire stood. Two millennium hence,
the Cult of Sigmar has become the most widespread and most powerful faith in all the Empire-
rivalled only by the ancient Cult of Ulric, and even then only in the north. He is said to constantly
battle the Dark Gods, working to stem their malignant influence from infecting the realm of men.
The souls of his worshipers martyred in battle against the Northmen make their way to his side,
to aid him in his holy struggle.[7a]
In Sigmar's divine, all-seeing wisdom, he sees the need for strength from his followers- not only
of sinew, but of will and of faith. Unholy threats assail his nation, both from within and from
without, and thus he channels his might into his mortal champions- the mighty Sigmarite
Warrior-Priests. Above all, however, it is faith that serves as the chief weapon of the Empire.
Unwavering in their devotion, the warriors of the Empire stand strong against such horrors that
would make lesser men go mad with fear. They need only hear the recitation of the verses of the
Holy Deus Sigmar to drive them in committing unparalleled acts of heroism. Yet now the
darkness is gathering, for far to the north, a dark lord has risen amongst the Northmen, driving
the fur-clad savages of the north to take to their longships with fire and steel. The final battle
draws near, and now, more than ever, the Empire will need its faith, and the blessings of Sigmar,
lest Chaos consume the greatest nation of Men on earth and the foul Daemon-Gods attain their
final victory. Throughout the lands of the Empire, the Heirs of Sigmar gird themselves for war
and recount the glorious deeds of their forebear, and they shall meet their foes as they always
have- with faith, fire, courage and steel.[8a]