Purple Hand

Speaker: At the appointed time we shall rise from our secret places.

Congregation: At the appointed time we shall rise from our secret

places.

S: Chaos will cover the land, and we, the chosen servants of Chaos,

shall be exalted in His eyes.

C: Chaos will cover the land, and we, the chosen servants of

Chaos, shall be exalted in His eyes.

S: Hail to Tzeentch, Changer of the Ways.

C: Hail to Tzeentch, Changer of the Ways.

S: Njawrr’thakh ’Lzimbarr Tzeentch!

C: Njawrr’thakh ’Lzimbarr Tzeentch!

—Litu rgy ofthe Purple Hand

Of the active Chaos cults, arguably none are as powerful or as entrenched as the Purple Hand. This vast and well-connected organisation has agents scattered throughout the Empire, from the inner circles of the various knightly orders, to the Templars of Sigmar, to even the ranking Priests in the Empire’s cults. They control merchants, nobles, artisans, and commoners alike. They create plans within plans, dealing in intrigues and corruption, spreading their taint to install individuals loyal to their mission in the highest places in the land. There is no accounting for the Purple Hand; they are everywhere.

History
The origin of the Purple Hand is unclear, shrouded in half-truths and lies. Some claim it emerged from Sartosan crime syndicates, evolving into its current form—a vast web of conspiracy with Tzeentch at the centre. Others theorise the cult has been active only in recent times, but the depth of their penetration into Imperial society seems to suggest otherwise. a 77

The most famous efforts of this cult centre on their attempt to murder Boris Todbringer and replace the Emperor, Karl Franz, with a puppet ruler (though some claim the cult attempted to replace Karl Franz’s son and only heir). The cult of Sigmar, as well as Palace authorities, have remained decidedly silent about this plot, but most realise the Purple Hand was very close to achieving their goals. More recently, the Purple Hand worked to locate Sigmar reborn, though ultimately their efforts were thwarted by Luthor Huss’s fortuitous discovery. In short, the Purple Hand makes no small endeavours; no, they care nothing for the small victory, instead being trained on the ultimate prize: controlling the Empire. b

Word has it that the Purple Hand has recently uncovered a stash of Warpstone beneath Middenheim in an abandoned Skaven warren. The agents hope to use the substance to contaminate the city’s water supply, transforming hundreds of citizens into Mutants. For more information on this plot, see Ashes of Middenheim page 57.

Organisation
The Purple Hand has small branches all across the Empire and extends into Tilea and Estalia, though not, at least for now, Bretonnia. Despite its size, the Purple Hand is disorganised and fragmented, because it is subdivided into small, isolated cells, making communication between them difficult, if not impossible. The Purple Hand relies on secret couriers to communicate the wishes of the Cult Magus to the Acolytes controlling each cell, but too often these messengers get lost or are killed en route. As a result, the cells tend to act independently, often at odds with one another.

The Purple Hand cells comprise of small groups of nine members in a particular city. Each city is home to three or more cells, all operating independently and ignorant of the other cells’ orders and movements. A cell reports to a Cult Acolyte who passes on orders from the Magi. To keep the flow of information moving, there are many Acolytes, usually one for each city. When he communicates with a cell, he always hides his identity in the off chance that the cell is compromised. Should this occur, another cell is ordered to destroy all of the survivors to ensure there are no leaks.

Symbol
The Purple Hand uses a bloody handprint as their sign. They use it as a calling card, slicing their hand, clenching their fist, and slapping the bloody hand on a solid surface. In ceremonies, they wear dark purple robes as a sign of their wealth and power, with the symbol of Tzeentch hanging about their necks on a gold chain.

Motives and Goals
The Purple Hand’s primary goal is to overthrow the Empire’s government and replace the Emperor with a puppet utterly loyal to their agenda. Once installed, the Purple Hand would be free to dismantle the Empire, one province at a time.

Manipulation is the hallmark of the Purple Hand. Through bribes, extortion, and murder, they manoeuvre themselves into positions of power, both secular and religious. (There’s evidence that the Purple Hand has infiltrated both the cult of Sigmar and Ulric and that they work to keep these groups at each other’s throats.) Once installed, the cultists concentrate power into their hands, eliminating rivals and suspicious individuals. There’s no telling the extent of the Purple Hand’s influence, but it’s known they were very active years ago in Middenheim, infiltrating the government up to the highest levels. In recent days, there’s word that they’ve resurfaced once more.

Recruiting
The Purple Hand is very careful in the recruitment process, screening all candidates before allowing them into the inner circle. In addition, the Purple Hand controls unaffiliated agents through blackmail and extortion, setting up circumstances to benefit the cult and further its goals. Should the agent prove loyal and capable, the cell may invite the individual to join, but not always. In many cases, the individual is simply killed, lest the overzealous agent risk exposing his contacts.

Ceremonies
Once a month, a cell gathers in secret to invoke the power of Tzeentch. The Cult Acolyte leads the congregation in a series of sharp phrases, and when complete, he slices open his hand with a ceremonial knife. He drains the blood into a bowl while he instructs the members about the newest plot, and the glory awaiting them when they overthrow the Empire. At the end of the rite, each member comes forward to drink from the bowl while the rest chant the names of Tzeentch in the tongue of Daemons.

Source

 * Warhammer Fantasy RPG 2nd ED -- Tome of Corruption pg. 77 78