Know Your Gods - Tzeentch | The Greenskin - Warhammer Online Blog, Videos, Guides, Webcomic & Podcast

Know Your Gods - Tzeentch

July 4, 2008 – 11:45 am

Part One of Ten - Know Your Gods is a new, original Warhammer Online lore series by Cicadymn (Sam).

Symbol of Tzeentch Ever wonder what life would be like if you lived in the Warhammer universe? Well for one it would probably be a lot more depressing, but that’s another segment. Similar to our world, there are many different “religions” in the Warhammer Fantasy setting, and if you’re just getting into it, how will you know which one is right for you? If you’re like me you’ve looked briefly over a few of them and you really just can’t tell the difference. They all have weird names, they probably smell bad, and have other qualities that you don’t look for in a deity. Yet, it is our duty to find and support a god or gods as close to our ideals/play-style/character choice as we can (editor’s note: got that, Atheists?!). Does this mean that if you chose Chaos you’re forced to follow Tzeentch? Well sort of, but remember it’s the thought that counts. Either way, finding out more about your patron god or the god of your enemies is something we can all stand to learn a little more about.

Today, we’re going to jump right into the thick of things with the ruler of the void, Tzeentch, known by many as the Changer of Ways, Architect of Fate, Grand Schemer, and Great Mutator, just to name just a few. Tzeentch is the polar opposite of brother Chaos god, Nurgle. Where Tzeentch stands for change, ambition and optimism, Nurgle represents decay, despair, and stagnation. In WAR, Tzeentch must be tired of waiting around because he’s mobilized his forces and is finally making a move on the Empire, with his champion, Tchar’Zanek, at its helm. This is definitely a more proactive stance than the subtle mind games we’re used to seeing from him. Then again, there are always subtle mind games when it comes to Tzeentch.

At this point I bet you’re thinking, “Why Tzeentch?” Everybody loves Tzeentch! He has his own marching army, several Champions at it’s helm, and he’s warping the Empire from the inside out. “I like being the underdog! Why should I pick him!” Well, the best thing about Tzeentch is whether you like him or not, you’re already worshiping him. If you reach level two, you just worshiped Tzeentch. If you decide to try something new for dinner tonight, you worshiped Tzeentch. If you shave the cat because you think it’s too hot for him in the summer, well sir, you just worshiped Tzeentch. You see, Tzeentch is the Lord of Change, no matter your affiliation, personal strength, or preference, if you ever change your routine even in the slightest, it is an affirmation of Tzeentch’s presence and ideals. Of course it’s human nature to change things up, and it’s also Tzeentch’s nature!

But that’s enough about his ideals. Lets talk about whats in it for you. Tzeentch offers a wide variety of “gifts” for his servants, and like most Chaos gods, the more you worship, the longer you worship, the more innocent souls you convert (or kill as the case comes to be), the more you will be rewarded. These rewards can feature anything from an extra arm, to claws, to new(er?) fire spewing orifices! Be careful though - it’s difficult for many mortals to reach a high teir in the service of Tzeentch. He’s rather generous with his gifts, and many times followers will receive so many it will warp them beyond humanity, turning them into mindless beasts. Do you think you can handle it?

The last thing there is to talk about is deciding whether his army, goals, and style matches yours. Are you a fan of the dark arts? Are you satisfied with subtly turning the enemy upon itself and watching it tear itself to shreds? Would you prefer to cast a spell rather than swing an axe? If you answered “yes” to all of these questions then good news: you may just have found your patron god!

For those of you who didn’t quite agree with Tzeentch, there are nine more chances coming up to find a compatible Warhammer deity! Come back soon for the next installment of Know Your Gods! Until then, I’ll just keep it under wraps of who else I’m going to go into.

-Cicadymn