As people across the realms take up the Coin Malleus and embark on Dawnbringer Crusades, fervour for the God-King rises.* The Cults Unberogen are trying to make the prospect of trudging into battle with vile monstrosities more attractive than it actually is, promising tracts of land in the newly founded settlements at the end of the campaign. In truth, they simply need bodies to keep the Great Wheel turning, and few are as ardent in their devotion to this inexorable motion than the Cult of the Great Wheel, led by Pontifex Zenestra.
The sight of the Matriarch of the Great Wheel being borne into battle upon her magnificent palanquin embodies this belief like little else. You’d be forgiven for thinking that worship of wheels would see her carried atop a gilded Steam Tank, but even the thought of a sacred wheel dirtied by the filth of battle gives the cult the ick. Instead, she is carried through raw muscle and stamina, just as the strength of generations has kept the wheel of civilization turning.
Mysterious rumours orbit the Pontifex herself, as intoxicating as the sweet, nauseating pall of incense that surrounds her. Some say this fiery Aqshian woman earned the touch of Ghal Maraz, others claim she isn’t even mortal.** Those who question her providence tend to find themselves crushed under the weight of a stare so heavy it could drive a man into the mud like a tent peg.
Regardless of her origin, her power is undeniable to those who march to battle beside her. Soldiers have reportedly seen assassin’s blades phase straight through her neck as though she were nothing more than an illusion, though the true believers know it’s thanks to her Blessed Palanquin and its trusty 4+ ward.
As a Vessel of Sigmar she is able to channel the divine might of the God-King himself, blessing those that surround her. This usually confers one boon to her followers, but if the Great Wheel has been sufficiently oiled by the blood of the faithless dead, she will deign to hand out two.
With a gesture Zenestra can sanctify the very earth itself, and the Hallowed Ground rule provides units with the CITIES OF SIGMAR HUMAN keywords with a ward of 5+ while they are wholly within 18” of her. When The Great Wheel Turns all CITIES OF SIGMAR HUMAN units feel revitalised and get an extra 2”, and if the Pontifex draws on the power of faith she can Cast Out Evil and force every enemy Wizard and Priest on the battlefield to suffer D3 mortal wounds on a 2+
A coruscating halo of lightning follows her around the battlefield, tines of celestial energy blasting the enemies of Sigmar.
This power not only harms Sigmar’s foes – just a few months as a palanquin bearer will reduce muscular youths to withered old men. There are, however, always more lining up to take their place, which is perhaps understandable if the alternative is standing shoulder to shoulder in a Castelite formation.
* And where there are devoted citizens, there are sure to be funky little Gargoylians.
** Just exactly what’s up with that skeleton anyway?