Corruption
Corruption is the ever-spreading touch of the baleful energies of Chaos. For each corrupted soul, the creatures of Chaos grow in power.[1a]
Ever since the Coming of Chaos, the malign energies of Chaos have tainted the world. The Marauder Tribes of north worship the Ruinous Powers and implore them for their dark blessings. In their name, they wage eternal war among eachother and southern civilisations. [1a][1b][2a][2b]
The Northmen are not alone in the worship of the Dark Gods. Through the Old World and beyond, many twisted invidinuals become Chaos Cultists and band together into secretive Chaos Cults. While avoiding persecution by righteous priests and Witch Hunters they practice Dark Magic, shelter mutants and plot against the very civilisations that harbour them. [1b]
Gifts of Chaos
Chaos Gods play with the lives and dreams of mortals, for to them mortal lives and ambitions are short-lived and insignificant.[1b]
Yet the Gods take great interest in their willing followers, particularly Champions, and favour them with supernatural powers, longevity, Chaos Steeds and mutations. [1b][2d]
The ultimate reward of surviving endless battles and ravaging mutations while still remaining faithful and favoured to the Dark Gods is elevation into Daemonhood: becoming a godlike Daemon Prince by their Patron. This dream drives the Champions of Chaos forwards, although reaching such rewards are rare. [2b][2c]
Mutation
Mutations, also called Chaos Mutations, are unnatural changes caused by the energies of Chaos. Sources include the gaze of the Chaos Gods, Realm of Chaos, Chaos Wastes and Warpstone.[2e][2e][2j]
The Chaos Gods delight in granting vile mutations. Common examples include Horns, additional limbs or unity with their weapons and armour. This is both a blessing and a curse, for many favoured mutations are not enjoyed by those they are forced upon.[1b][2h][2k]
Severe mutations usually reduce the insanity or sanity of their unfortunate targets, reducing them to become mere beasts with animalistic hunger. Warriors of Chaos blessed in such way are called the Forsaken.[2d]
Mutant Gallery
Chaos Spawn
All that follow the Path of Chaos are damned, but nature of their damnation can vary greatly. There are those who die or lose their sanity, but the worst fate is to become a true children of the Chaos Gods: A Chaos Spawn. If the mortal frame of a Champion cannot contain the arcane energies through it, their mind and body are reshaped by the raw essence of Chaos until they are monstrous mounds of mutated flesh and fang that defines all reason. [2b][2g]
Yet in some ways the Chaos Marauder tribes revere Spawns and are allowed to remain with their tribes. Many Marauders believe that it is better to live even the briefest and most horrible existence at the behest of the Chaos Gods than to grow old without drawing their notice at all.[2b]
Sources
- 1: Warhammer: The Old World Rulebook
- 2: Ravening Hordes (TOW)
- 2a: The Chaos Wastes, pg. 7
- 2b: Warriors Of Chaos, pgs. 53-54
- 2c: Daemon Princes, pg. 64
- 2d: Forsaken, pg. 64
- 2e: Chaos Ogres, pg. 64
- 2f: Chaos Trolls, pg. 65
- 2g: Chaos Spawn, pg. 67
- 2h: Warriors of Chaos: Chaos Gifts, pg. 77
- 2i: The Beasts Of The Forest, pg. 89
- 2j: Chaos Giant, pg. 109
- 2k: Beastmen Brayherds, Chaos Mutations, pg. 112
- 2l: Chaos Steeds, pg. 59
