Ulric Cult___________________________

Description: Lesser God; Young Gods pantheon; Brother of Taal and son of the Earth Mother. Ulric is the god of individual valor and ferocity. Lord of Winter, which in the cold northern lands challenges each man to survive on his own. Lord of Wolves, symbol of the relentless hunter who separates the weak from the strong (and the Ravening Wolf of Winter's Hunger). Particularly admired by those who place individual valor above all else and seek berserk frenzy in battle. Worshipped by soldiers about to enter battle, pit-fighters and judicial champions before a bout, peasants to hold off winter's fury, and hunters when after dangerous game.

Ulric is portrayed as a massive warrior, armored in the style of the barbarians who inhabited the Empire several centuries ago, and wearing a silver grey wolf-skin cloak. He can also take the form of a huge silver-grey wolf. Ulric is a distant, harsh and unforgiving god, who expects his followers to stand on their own two feet, putting their faith in martial prowess. He despises weakness, cowardice, and trickery, and expects his followers to always take the direct approach to solving a problem.

Where Worshipped: Throughout the Old World as ancient god of war and winter. Most common in the Empire, Kislev, and Norsca (there known as Olric). Dominant cult of Kislev and Norsca. Formally dominant in northern Bretonnia until the Myrmidia cult from the south replaced it. Former state cult of the Empire, rivals cult of Sigmar for popularity.

Alignments: Neutral, Law, and Good are preferred. Evil and Chaos are prohibited.

Friends and Enemies: Closely allied with the cult of Taal and Rhya, friendly with the cult of Manann. Considers cult of Ranald to be a bunch of craven cowards. Cordial respect towards the cults for other Young Gods and Earth Mother (especially those with wolf familiars). Limited respect towards Myrmidia and Jeanne du Lac as both dilute a warrior's worth by overburdening them with strictures that prevent a warrior from devoting themselves to battle and honor. Coolly correct and competitive towards cult of Sigmar.

A secret faction still promotes the Sigmarian Heresy, the belief that Sigmar is not a god, but a great hero whose reign was blessed by Ulric. Clerics of Sigmar are at best dupes or, at worst, active allies of the Daemons who give them their powers. This doctrine was outlawed as heresy by the Concordat of Nuln, 2304 I.C., ratified by the High Priests of Ulric and Sigmar. This fanatic faction of Ulricans, some of whom are high-ranking members of the cult, seek to restore the heresy as dogma and resume the persecution of Sigmarites.

Barely concealed contempt for the weak Elder Race cults as their time has long passed. Sworn enemies to Dark Children, Humanoid Daemonic, and Chaos cults.

Cult Symbols and Dress: Initiates, Priests, and Templars identify themselves with the following symbols: the White Wolf (a pack of which freely roams the confines of the Cathedral in Middenheim); a great two-handed axe, castle walls, a mountain blanketed in snow. Priests wear black, unornamented wool or linen hooded robes with a head of a white wolf sewn on the left breast and a wolf fur cloak (3rd rank and higher have one of silver-grey). Token is a bronze pectoral with a wolf's head enameled in white. Cult token may also be a two-handed axe or a great spear with a wolf rune graven on the blade. Ornamentation is unnecessary-- let your actions speak for themselves. Templars of the White Wolf may wear the traditional heraldry of the knightly classes on plate armor, shield, and barding. Wolf's head crest on helm with wolf-skin cloak. Shield has personal heraldry recounting family and personal honors. Other Templars forego the shield and the lance in favor of a double-handed warhammer. The Order of the Ravening Pack wear simple peasant clothing with the symbol of a white wolf on their right breast. The Fangs of Winter dress as mercenaries, favoring the color black. Their shields bear the device of the White Wolf.

Cult Careers Available: Initiate, Priest, Templar (Templars of the White Wolf), Demagogue (Order of the Ravening Pack), Fanatic (Fangs of Winter).

Distinguishing Principles and Doctrines: A brave man dies but once, a coward dies a thousand deaths. When all else fails, take direct action. A true warrior needs no trickery. Always obey a superior, never refuse an order. Never refuse a direct challenge. "Modern" weapons (gunpowder, artillery, crossbows, fire-bombs) are weapons of cowards and are to be shunned. Bonfires are sacred, never allow the fire of a shrine or temple to go out. Oppose Chaos wherever it is found. Never flee a fight unless facing overwhelming odds and the greater good of the cult would be served by such a flight. War is good, for Man achieves his full potential in conflict. Man must rely on himself, for the Elder races are dying, decadent, and weak.

Afterworld: After death, the spirit goes to a forest eternally shrouded in winter. There, the souls will hunt with the Wolf Pack, battle each other in berserk frenzy, get killed and be resurrected each day. Yes, it's Valhalla.

Temples and Shrines: Seat of the cult is Middenheim, known as the City of the White Wolf. Subordinate seats of the cult are located in the cities of Kislev and Olricstaad (Norsca). Provincial prelates are established in the Imperial City-States (e.g. Altdorf), capitals of the Northern Provinces (e.g. Carroburg), and the larger cities of Kislev (such as Erengrad and Praag) and towns of Norsca. Always built of stone (though older temples in the North and Norsca may be of wood), temples of Ulric are in square shape with a central dome. An eternal fire burns within, kept alive by priests or laymen. The external walls are decorated with battlements, and the doorway surmounted by a wolf's head engraved onto the keystone. Within is a statue of Ulric, flanked by snarling wolves. Usually of stone, they are also of painted wood. The walls have weapons hanging from them, and trophies of enemies defeated by local cultists. Administrative and residential areas are in barracks attached to the main structure. The great temples are often built like castles. The interior decorations are sparse, and usually represent scenes of winter combat.

Saints and Heroes: Saints and heroes of Ulric are often great warriors who strive against all odds and usually fall in a great battle while killing most, if not all, of their enemies. Some heroes are Ulrican priests who lead others in suicide missions against forces of Chaos. In 2421 I.C., one priest, Gotthard Kepler, led the entire male population -- and some of the women and children -- of the Middenlander village of Kopfkrank in a brave crusade to eradicate the Chaos Warband of Giacomo Bloodhand. They were surrounded and slaughtered, including Kepler (vicious rumor by the unfaithful had it that Kepler died from a lucky blow landed by a Snotling).

Cult Requirements: Requirements for Laymen Status: Automatic for children of cultists. Applicants must be free of the taint of Chaos, and pure human. Subject to clerical review.

Requirements for Initiate Status: Granting of Frenzy is commonly acknowledged as a sign of a Calling. Must be sponsored by a priest.

Requirements for Priest Status: For first rank, approval by local council chaired by provincial prelate. All other ranks approved by Ar-Ulric, High Priest.

Requirements for Templar Status: Selection and approval by Ar-Ulric from among suitable laymen.

Requirements for Demagogue Status: Selection and approval by a priest of the third rank.

Requirements for Fanatic Status: Selection by Ulric (revealed through dreams or visions).

Trials: Trials set by Ulric are almost always of a martial nature. An individual might be required to kill a monster that is terrorizing an area, or to clear out a nest of bandits, goblins, or Beastmen. In the latter case, Ulric may permit associates to accompany the individual. Many of these trials are set in winter.

Blessings: A one-time-use bonus or automatic success with melee attacks using an axe, or dodge blow, frenzied attack (on which the modifier is negative), and strike to stun skills.

Penances: Fasting, personal weapon training, humbling menial services, campaigning against humanoids and Chaos servants.

Holy Days: Ulric has three main holy days: the autumn equinox (Mittherbst), the winter solstice (Mondstille), and the spring equinox (Mitterfrühl), marking the beginning, middle, and end of winter respectively. The spring equinox was formerly the major festival, marking the start of the campaigning season, but is now on par with the other two. It is also customary for a ruler or general to declare a holy day in Ulric's honor at the start of a campaign or military exercise, and at the foundation of a new fort or castle. Holy days are generally spent holding military parades and displays, with huge bonfires and feasting into the night.

Gifts:

Rank 1: Granting of the Clear the Fog of Battle prayer once per day without MP cost.

Rank 2: Granting of the Bless Weapon prayer twice per day without MP cost, automatic success with dodge blow skill twice per day.

Rank 3: Granting of the Summon Pack prayer once per day without MP cost, automatic success with frenzied attack skill once per day.

Rank 4: Granting of Banish Ensorcelment prayer twice per day without MP cost, granting of Bless Hero prayer once per day without MP cost.

Templar: Granting of Inspired Attack prayer once per day, may use dodge blow skill twice a day with a +20 modifier.

Demagogue: May use sense chaos skill with a +20 modifier, automatic success with public speaking skill whenever railing against Chaos influences.

Fanatic: Automatic success with frenzied attack skill, may use sense chaos and dodge blow skills with a +10 modifier.

Cult Prayer Lists

Initiate

Required: Bless Sacraments, Bless Token, Exalted Shield, Heal Cultist, Know Follower, Seek Shrine, Vigilance

Honors: Animal Empathy (Wolves only), Detect Magic, Heal Petitioner, Light the Path, Shadeward

Rank 1

Required: Bless Shrine, Bless Weapon, Clear the Fog of Battle, Dispel Sorcery, Frenzy, Righteous Blow, Skullcracker

Honors: Animal Mastery (Wolves only), Beast Sense (Wolves only), Follow Tracks, Identify Divine Instruments, Learn God's Will, Radiant Armor, Sacred Circle, Sacred Warding

Rank 2

Required: Detect Chaos, Grant Greater Prayer, Inspired Attack, Know Enemies, Make Thy Servant Whole, Protection from Chaos Taint, Smite Thy Enemy

Honors: Bless Thy Servant, Faith Provides, Great Warding, Hand of God, Nullify Prayer, Sense Hidden Danger

Rank 3

Required: Banish Ensorcelment, Consecrate Lesser Instrument, Heal Injury, Heal the Faithful, Inspired Fervor, Shelter Against Daemons, Smite the Abomination, Summon Pack

Honors: Blind Enemy, Know Alignment, Nullify Lesser Instrument, Self Defense, Shelter Against Elementals, Shelter Against Undead

Rank 4

Required: Banish Daemons, Banish Profane Enchantment, Bless Hero, Consecrate Altar, Consecrate Greater Instrument, Godsfire, Grant Sacrament of Prayer, Scourge the Abomination

Honors: Banish Elementals, Banish Undead, Barrier, Nullify Greater Instrument, Preach the Word, Wereform (Wolf only)

Numina Forms

Counselor: Spirit of a departed cleric.

Guardian: Guardians may be summoned in the form of a wolf. Profiles follow those of normal animals, but with an Int of 20 and 10 MP. Spirit Guardians may take the form of ghostly deceased warriors or priests.

Servant: Spirit of a departed high rank cleric.

Avatar: Lesser aspect of Ulric in the form of a Giant White Wolf.

Special Careers

Templar: Templars of the White Wolf:

Templars of the White Wolf embody the virtues of personal combat, but one still locked in the past. The image of a bare-backed berserker barbarian defying the forces of Chaos and Evil is seen through nostalgic eyes as a model of heroic martial prowess.

For career advance scheme, career exits, and trappings see the Templar Advance Career, WFRP, page 106.

Demagogue: Order of the Ravening Pack:

Members of the Order of the Ravening Pack travel the countryside vehemently speaking out against the influence of Chaos that they see permeate modern society. The Ravening Pack can be found throughout the Empire, Kislev, and southern Norsca. At times, they will even accompany a band of the Fangs of Winter. A sizable number of the Ravening Pack still continue to feed the flames of the Sigmarite Heresy, even though such doctrine was outlawed by the Cult hierarchy over 200 years ago.

For career advance scheme, career exits, and trappings see the Demagogue Advance Career, WFRP, page 96.

Fanatic: Fangs of Winter

Fangs of Winter are fanatical followers of Ulric whose goal is the eradication of Chaos. These black clad fanatics dress as mercenaries and patrol the forests of the Empire, Kislev, and southern Norsca. The Fangs of Winter actively hunt Chaos Beastmen and warbands, engaging them in combat until one side or the other are annihilated. Obviously, the life span of the Fangs of Winter are rather short.

While viewed as protectors by most in the areas they patrol, the Fangs of Winter have a reputation of being (not surprisingly) rigid in their view of the world. They are strictly Ulrican in belief and have a number in their ranks who support the Sigmarite Heresy. Thus, attacks on Sigmarite shrines are not uncommon as one would think in the northern forests of the Empire.

Prerequisite Career: Those who join the ranks of the Fangs of Winter usually come from a martial career, mostly one regimented to some degree. All must be members of the cult of Ulric and have been selected by Ulric through dreams or visions. Such dreams and visions are highly personalized, although images of the Great White Wolf battling some dark sinister force are the most common theme.

Advance Scheme

M WS BS S T W I A Dex Ld Int Cl WP Fel

- +20 - +1 +3 +5 +20 +1 - +10 +10 +30 +20 -

Prerequisite Career: Mercenary, Militiaman, Pit Fighter, Roadwarden, Soldier, Watchman.

Career Exits: Demagogue (Order of the Ravening Pack), Judicial Champion, Mercenary Captain, Templar (White Wolf).

Skills: Disarm, Dodge Blow, Frenzied Attack, Secret Language- Battle, Specialist Weapon- Double-Handed, Street Fighting, Strike Mighty Blow, Strike to Injure, Strike to Stun.

Trappings: Mail Shirt, Breast Plate, Double-Handed Weapon or Shield, Hand Weapon, D6 Crowns

Favored Cult Skills

Layman: Bind Wound

Initiate: Ride, Dodge Blow*

Rank 1: Disarm*, Strike to Stun*

Rank 2: Street Fighting*, Wilderness Lore

Rank 3: Sense Chaos*, Strike to Injure*

Rank 4: Specialist Weapon- Double-Handed, Strike Mighty Blow*

Sub-Cults and Honorary Orders: None

Cult Prayers

Clear the Fog of Battle

Prayer Rank: First

Magic Points: 2 MP to invoke, +1 MP per round after first

Range: BMP yards radius, centered on the invoking priest

Duration: Variable

Area of Effect: See range

Resistance: None

Once invoked, the priest can see clearly out to BMP radius through anything that obscures his vision, other than solid objects. In other words, the priest may see through fog, mist, rain, darkness, smoke, colored vapors, falling snow, and like circumstances. However, everything beyond the radius of the prayer is completely obscured.

This does not enable a priest to see through solid matter (e.g., boulders, armor, wooden walls, etc.). This is not a prayer of Transparent Vision. However, if the invoker is completely immersed in a liquid, he may use this prayer to see out to BMP radius.

Variations: A 3rd-level variation, at double the MP cost, allows the priest to see if he has lost sight in his eyes or had his eyes destroyed or removed.

Summon Pack

Prayer Rank: Third

Magic Points: 8 MP to invoke, +1 MP per turn after first

Range: BMP x 100 yards radius, centered on the invoking priest

Duration: Variable

Area of Effect: See range

Resistance: None

Once invoked, the nearest pack of wolves within the area of effect will be summoned to the side of the priest. For the duration of the prayer, the primary duty of the pack is to protect the priest from anything harmful. This could range from huddling against the priest to keep him warm during a winter storm to defending him from enemies in the great forests of the northern Old World (such as Goblins, Beastmen, etc.). In addition, the pack will fight alongside the priest should the latter decide to press the attack against his enemies. Under no circumstance will the pack attack on orders from the priest. Ordering the wolves to attack while the priest is standing back from combat is very much against the principles of Ulric (it is a cowardly act, after all). Any priest treating the summoned pack in this manner will immediately end the prayer and subject himself to the displeasure of Ulric (thus prompting some sort of penance).

Wolves that serve as mounts for Goblins are immune to this prayer as they are beyond the influence of Ulric (these wolves are considered to be in the service of the Orcish deities).