Sigmar Heldenhammer was once a mortal man, the chief of the Unberogen tribe of primitive humans, living in the great forest that then stretched across the Old World. He was a mighty warrior, and united the disparate tribes of mankind together to band against the ever present threat of Greenskins.
His campaign against the goblin menace culminated in the legendary Battle of Blackfire Pass, at which Sigmar's armies fought side by side with the Dwarven Underking Durkan, crushing a mighty greenskin horde and ushering in a period of relative peace in which his fledgling empire could cement itself. For his help in defeating the orcs and goblins, Sigmar was granted a gift by the Dwarven king - an ancient runic warhammer of great power known as Ghal-Maraz. This was the start of a firm friendship and alliance between the human and dwarven kings.
Sigmar ruled mankind for over fifty years, forging the temporary alliance of warring tribes into a unified Empire. As he reached old age, he set off alone on a pilgramage to Karaz-a-Karak, to return his warhammer to the Dwarves. He was never seen again. Some time later, word spread of his apoptheosis, and a cult grew up that believed Sigmar had ascended to live amongst the gods. The Sigmarite cult became the strongest support for the empire, and a counterbalance to those who wished to pull it apart.
Sigmar's church became the main religion throughout the Empire. It's largest temple is in the capital, Altdorf, where sits the Grand Theogonist Yorri XV, leader of the chuch. The Grand Theogonist is one of the Empire's 15 electors, as are the church's Arch-Lectors in Talabheim and Nuln. Senior clergy in the church adopt Dwarven names, in honour of the ancient alliance between Sigmar and the Dwarves. Every town and village in the Empire has at least one shrine to Sigmar, and his temples are more common than any of his rival gods in every city but Middenheim and Talabheim. Outside of the Empire, he is only worshipped by a few Imperial exiles.
Legend has it that one day, when the Empire needs him most, Sigmar will return, his coming to be signalled by the appearance of the twin-tailed comet which heralded his birth.
Symbols
The primary symbols of Sigmar are the Hammer, signifying Ghal-Maraz, and the twin-tailed comet. Less common symbols include the griffon and a gold crown. A jade griffon is the official badge of the Grand Theogonist, and use of this symbol is forbidden to all others.
Strictures of the Church
- Obey your orders.
- Aid Dwarf-folk.
- Work to promote the unity of the Empire, even at the cost of individual liberty.
- Bear true allegiance to His Imperial Majesty the Emperor.
- Root out and destroy Goblinoids, the servants of Chaos, and those who use corrupt magic, wherever they may hide.