"Manann be praised, for he is the breeze to take us out,
Manann be praised, for he is the wave to bring us home,
Manann be praised, for he is the food to feed us,
Manann be praised, or his be the wrath that drowns us.''"
- —Manannite Prayer[2a]
The Cult of Manann is the religious organisation that serves the worshippers of Manann, the god of the sea, oceans and tides in the Old World Pantheon. The cult is most active along the western border of the Empire, where the waters of the Sea of Claws lap against the rocky shores or mingle with the powerful rivers that drain the realm. Manann's cult focuses on practical matters relating to the sea and its members are sought after as navigators, pilots, and able-bodied sailors, for having a priest of Manann on your vessel is considered very good luck.[1a]
Manann's cult is prevalent in coastal regions, and in communities relying on the sea for their livelihood. It is most influential in Marienburg, where worship of Manaan is related to trade, defence, diplomacy, and survival. The cult has a prominent role in Nordland, but is less significant as one moves inland. In Bretonnia, the Cult of Manann is a peasant's religion, although in coastal cities such as L'Anguille and Bordeleaux, the nobility pay him respects. In Tilea he is known as "Mathann." The cult plays a significant role in the public life of the Tilean city-states of Miragliano and Remas.[5a]
Like the ocean, Manann is a fickle and volatile deity, who can turn on the faithful and non-believers alike with little to no warning. Because the Empire is so dependent on its navy and vital waterways, the cult enjoys enduring respect and tolerance, and many believe without it and intercession by its priests on behalf of the common people of the Empire, the waters of the Known World would swallow up the land to fill Manann's appetite. No-one loves Manann -- they fear his wrath, and he is worshipped to placate his volatile nature. However, his priests admire Manann's strength, ferocity, and independence.[1a]
Although by no means an affectionate, benevolent or merciful god, Manann nevertheless inspires fervent devotion in his followers. He can best be described as both angry and capricious, appeased by worshipers rather than praised or adored. This is reflected in the behaviour of the faithful, who possess the dual responsibilities of receiving appeasement of their god on behalf of others, and of doing the appeasing themselves.[1a]
Anyone who steps foot upon a boat, even a modest ferry, offers up a prayer to Manann -- those who forget bring serious doom upon their heads. The priests of Manann play up this rite, making them indispensable in the minds of the people. They commonly offer words of grim portent as it involves the sea, terrifying non-priests who then make generous donations to the cult to stay Manann's anger. The priests of the other cults of the Old World Pantheon sometimes mutter about the rising power and influence of the Cult of Manann, as it slowly intertwines with commerce and political power -- a fact the Cult of Handrich mentions whenever and wherever it can.[1a]
The shores of the Empire are lined with shrines, altars, and temples, guaranteeing that a worshipper is not too far from one of Manann's holy sites. These shrines are always attended to by a priest or initiate, who offer insight into the weather and perform rites to see if a venture on the sea is risky or not. Most priests, however, spend their time on boats and ships. Their services are in great demand, and owners of these vessels pay handsomely to have a priest on board to ensure a safe, speedy voyage.[1a]
Priests rarely tie themselves to a single vessel -- members of other cults decry this as a way for their cult to keep their numbers in short supply, thus increasing demand and the price to "hire" priests. This claim is vehemently denied by the cult, of course, which simply makes the argument that Manann's blessing cannot be concentrated on just a handful of ships and captains.[1a]
A priest of Manann aboard ship, wondering if the storm represents the wrath of Manann.
The Cult of Manann plays a vital role in the shipping and trade of the Old World, and many rulers who have held ambitions across the seas have found their ambition curtailed because they did not pay the proper respects to the cult. Enemies of the cult would say the cult abuses its position as custodian of the seas, holding access to the sea to ransom and putting a stranglehold on trade, but everybody pays the tithes asked -- to not do so would to invite Manann's wrath. The cult is an exceptionally powerful force in Marienburg, where the matriarch and the high temple wield a great amount of political power.[1a]
In the Empire, the cult is altogether less powerful, for the Empire has less access to the sea trade that is the lifeblood of its wayward province. Nonetheless, in places the cult does command a great deal of respect and power -- up the River Reik, especially between Altdorf and the sea, where the people are heavily dependent on the trade the river brings, and along the storm-lashed northern coast of the Empire where the locals risk their lives on the Sea of Claws for their livelihood.[1a]
For all of Manann's capricious violence and tempestuous nature, when convinced to intercede on the behalf of mortals, the effects are spectacular. In recent days, during the Great War Against Chaos, the forces of the Ruinous Powers swept through Ostland, razing coastal temples and slaughtering worshippers and priests alike. Yet amidst this disaster, a miracle was said to have happened -- the temple of Manann at Salkalten was miraculously spared the wrath of the bloodthirsty hordes, for Manann sent a tremendous storm to cover the city, and force the approaching armies to change course and move inland. This astounding intercession filled the temple of Salkalten with the faithful, newly converted worshippers mixing with refugee clergymen. [1a][1b]
The cult has no strong allies amongst the other cults of the Old World, but nor does it have any enemies except for cults of Stromfels, to whom the cult extends no mercy. So long as priests of other faiths pay proper respect to the sea -- and the appropriate tithes to the temple, of course -- Manann has no quarrel with them.[1a][1b]
History[]
"Manann would rather be cursed at with the most horrible of words rather than not be spoken of at all."
- —Gunter Sheidhaal, Stevedore of Marienburg[1b]
Manann's first worshippers lived in prehistoric times, before Men could write or record anything of their religious lives. The first Humans surely worshipped sea spirits and gods wherever their lives depended on the ocean, so a primitive cult arose in fear and awe of the sea. As Humans spread throughout the Old World, they brought their sea gods with them. They built shrines and made sacrifices in exchange for fish, safety on the waves, and protection from seaborne raiders. Primitive remains dot the coastline of the Old World today -- sacred grottos and seahenges bearing crude carvings and eroded markings.[5a]
Before Sigmar was born, Manann emerged as the patron god of the Endals, a tribe dwelling on the northern coasts of what is now the Empire. Likewise, the god Olovald was sea god of the neighbouring Jutones tribe to the east. The Norsii's dark pantheon had its own brutal equivalent, the harsh, inhuman embodiment of the Sea of Claws. To the south, the first people of Tilea seem to have taken inspiration from the Asur ruins where they made their home, worshipping a god which resembles the Elven diety Mathlann.[5a]
As peoples came together and early sailors travelled the Old World's rivers, the cults of water deities met one another. Professor Malwurt of the University of Nuln asserted that Manann's cult swallowed up the others -- relegating their idols to his offspring (river gods like Grandfather Reik), aspects of Manann (such as Manalt), legendary holy figures (such as Olovald), or rivals (such as Stromfels). Professor Malwurt never expanded on his theory, as he somehow drowned in his study on the fifth floor of the university.[5a]
The Empire stabilised after the coming of Sigmar, and the Cult of Manann became slightly more unified, but never to the extent of other cults -- local traditions still prevailed. In Westerland, Manaan absorbed Olovald to become a state religion of sorts. In Tilea, Mathann took on a classical character alongside Myrmidia and Verena, his representation echoing the shrines of Mathlann found along the coast. In Miragliano, the maritime prince built a grand chapel, decorated with mosaics and frescoes.[5a]
During the Age of Wars and Age of Three Emperors, the Cult of Manann turned its eyes away from the troubled landlubbers and their endless politics, with most priests refusing to support even Marienburg's counts. Instead the cult heralded a time of exploration and seabound adventure. Temples sponsored explorers and merchants to go forth from the Old World, with priests joining crews voyaging to far-off lands.[5a]
In the early 24th century IC, the priests of Manann at first mocked Magnus the Pious' attempt to unify the Empire during the Great War Against Chaos. This displeased the sea god and he sent strange tides to Marienburg, and even dispatched his son Triton. Soon the cult stood alongside the other Imperial religious cults to battle the armies of the Ruinous Powers. During the Battle of Manann's Teeth, the Imperial and Bretonnian navies joined forces with the Cult of Manann to defeat a huge Plague Fleet sailing towards the Old World. To the east, a circle of Manann's priests undertook a ritual to rouse the Sea of Claws against the incursions of Norscan raiders.[5a]
In the late 25th century IC, the Cult of Manaan in Marienburg declared a crusade against the piratical followers of Stromfels. Hundreds of devout followers sailed from ports around the Old World to engage with the enemy. An unsuccessful expedition even set sail to Sartosa to strike at the pirate lords themselves. These "Pirate Wars" did eliminate several notorious pirates, but there was no lasting effect -- the adversary was not a unified navy that could be defeated.[5a]
In more recent years, the Manaanites' growing political power in Marienburg has caused something of a rift within the cult. Priests in the Empire, Tilea, Bretonnia, and Kislev feel little affinity with the grandiose greed of the Marienburg faction of the cult.[5a]
Beliefs[]
"He is greedy. Rapacious, even! Throwing sacrifices to him is like tossing gold and offerings into a bottomless pit. There is a reason that the sea is so vast -- it is the belly of Manann, the everhungry."
The Cult of Manann believes that to set foot in the sea god's domain is to place oneself at his mercy. His priests know Manann to be capricious and unpredictable, and so they must constantly placate him lest his mood turn to violence, with potentially fatal consequences.[1b]
Manann's followers believe any one of a thousand things and more could anger their god, and as a result are highly superstitious, their worship reduced to a near-constant stream of seemingly irrelevant rituals, observations, and acts of attrition. This is doubly so when at sea, when worshippers are directly at the mercy of Manann -- otherwise rational followers willingly submit to painful acts of penance or bay for the blood of those who have committed the slightest of sins. Common acts of attrition include flagellation with a cat o' nine tails, suspension from the mast or the bow of the ship, a ducking into the sea or, for the worst offences, keelhauling.[1b]
As well as taking great care not to anger the sea god, followers also offer prayers and sacrifices to him to gain his favour. The most common way this is done is in the telling of the many mythic exploits of Manann, for such flattering tales are said to please him and appeal to his ego. There are countless such tales in existence, many of which are compiled in the eleven holy volumes known as the Tales of the Albatross.[1b] These tales of the sea god typically consist of chanties, prayer, and the recounting of a myth from the Tales or the Liber Manann. The most skilled storytellers are favoured in Manann's eyes.[5a]
All Manannites believe that one enters the god's domain when one puts out upon the sea. When at sea, one must be sure to revere him above all other gods. Manann also expects mortals to respect his children: Triton, the Naiads, Water Spirits, Sirens, and some sea monsters.[5a]
Priests of Manann are not much given to scholarship or the study of the finer points of theology. Individuals may take an interest in some aspect of maritime practice or history, but Manannites believe that practical action is the best way to show devotion to the god.[5a]
To some extent, priests of Manann are always trying to second guess what might make the god calm or angry. Most of his strictures are dependent on local tradition; for example, the cult in Ostland insists Manann does not tolerate the burning of fishbones, as fire is anathema to his element, while in Remas they insist fish sacrificed to Mathann must be burned down to ash then scattered at sea. When a ship sinks, priests pore over recent deeds or events to find a rationale for why Manann was angered. This tends to lead to more strictures.[5a]
The differences in belief between Manannite temples cause confusion for worshippers, especially when they visit a temple of Manann in a port far from home. There is always a risk of falling afoul of the local priest for wearing sealskin boots on Wellentag or neglecting to bring a scallop shell full of sea water.[5a]
Signs of Manann[]
"Swimming with Manann"
- —Proverb meaning "Drowned"[1d]
The signs of Manann are intricately tied with the same gestures used by sailors. The sailor's salute of a flat hand held to the temple, then quickly moved away is used as a sign of respect by sailors towards their officers -- this works as well when offering veneration to Manann. When a cultist faces bad luck, he does this with both hands, sweeping them down in a curl, and ending with his palms face up by his waist and his face cast down at the ground.[1f]
Cultists in deep prayer sometimes hold an arm above their head with the index finger extended, feeling the wind in hopes of divining Manann's will -- it is also considered a test of strength and will to see how long the cultist can keep his arm elevated.[1f]
Cultists of Manann often clap to show disapproval of something, slapping their hands together to reflect the tumultuous seas.[1f]
Precepts[]
"I've said all my prayers, offered sacrifices and paid my tithes. My ship is in Manann’s hands now."
- —Walter van Hoik, Marienburger Captain[1b]
Manann is a notoriously fickle god, and an action which may have placated him yesterday might anger him today. Below are some commonly held strictures, although every priest is likely to follow a subtly different selection of them at any given time.[1b]
- Obey your captain.[1b]
- Whistle gently when sailing on a ship, for it ensures a good headwind.[1b]
- Do not embark on a voyage on the thirteenth day.[1b]
- Nails and hair must not be cut at sea -- they are an offering unworthy of Manann.[1b]
- Do not look back to port once you have departed.[1b]
- Do not throw stones at a ship or into the sea.[1b]
- Do not say the word "drowned" whilst at sea.[1b]
- Should you fall overboard, give Manann gold and he will spare you.[1b]
- Wine poured over the deck of a ship will bring good luck, wine poured overboard will bring ill fortune.[1b]
- A cat onboard a ship brings good luck.[1b]
- A cat onboard a ship brings bad luck.[1b]
- A woman onboard brings bad luck.[1b]
- A naked woman aboard a ship calms the sea (hence why so many ships have figureheads in the form of naked women).[1b]
- A silver coin placed under the mast ensures good luck.[1b]
- A silver coin thrown into the sea brings death.[1b]
- A silver coin and a fish should be offered to every Manannite holy place you approach.[3a]
- A gold coin thrown into the sea pleases Manann.[1b]
- A goat hung from the mast of a ship ensures a safe voyage.[1b]
- Do not tolerate the worship of the Shark God Stromfels (this is the exception to the above rules -- this stricture is followed by all worshippers of Manann).[1b][3a]
Penances[]
"In me experience, the Lord o’ tha Tydes is as fickle as an Averheim matron. Ya haff ta court him, give him gifts, and speak sweetly. But one misstep and yer in fer a world of hurt. Yar!"
- —Black Amos, Pirate[1b]
A penance from Manann is often related to sailing or the ocean: it may be a maritime pilgrimage, test of sailing, or an expedition against the servants of Stromfels.[3a] However, probably the most severe penance of Manann is keelhauling.[1c]
Keelhauling is a severe punishment reserved for the worst sins committed unto Manann. The sinner or penitent is tied to a rope that loops under the ship, and dropped into the sea. He is then pulled across the keel of the ship and up the other side, in the case of lesser offences, or pulled the length of the ship from the bow to the stern for the severest of sins or crimes. At the very least the barnacles covering the hull of the ship will rip his clothes and skin to shreds. At worst, the victim drowns, bleeds to death, or is ripped apart by ravenous sharks.[1c]
Initiation[]
"You know the old superstition about not looking back at port? Well the same goes for Marienburg—so long as we stare out to sea and don’t look back, Manann will protect us."
- —Gunther van der Luip, Marienburger Fisherman[1b]
Those interested in becoming a priest of Manann almost always begin as a sailor, fisherman, or other vocation closely tied to water in some way. In rare cases, a "landlubber" may feel the distant, but overpowering, call of Manann and travel far to serve him. Those interested in becoming a priest of the sea god's cult must seek out one willing to act as a mentor, and typically strict taskmaster. In addition to learning the wisdom, edicts, and will of Manann, the initiate must also prove their skills as a sailor, stevedore, pilot, or other vocation tied closely with the sea or a river.[1b]
In most cases, the acolyte "studies" for many years under the watchful eye of their mentor, performing various odd-jobs and tasks that seem to have nothing to do with the lore of Manann, and come to believe they are little more than an indentured servant. However, it's the usual case that when confronted with this situation, the mentor demands the initiate use these skills in the face of adversity, thus proving the value of what they have learned.[1b]
As the final act to prove one is ready to become a priest, the mentor ties the acolyte to the mast of a ship or to the edge of a pier prior to the coming of a massive storm. The would-be priest, lashed so they can do little more than move their head, must endure the full wrath of the storm, followed by another full day in the sun (or chill wind) of its aftermath. During the storm itself, initiates often wear copper crowns in imitation of Manann's own. Should the god deem these individuals unworthy of wearing the crown, and therefore unfit for his service, he will strike them down with lightning in a bright flash of anger.[1b][1c]
Those who survive know this rite as going before the mast, coming to understand the full wrath, capriciousness, cruelty, and majesty that is Manann. The absence of such a storm does not put off the priests. Instead, they strap the candidate to the front of the ship to serve as a figurehead. Even though hardened by the harsh training regimen, many acolytes perish in this final test, and many more, though they survive, abandon their course, turning their backs on the sea and its fickle god forever.[1c]
Cultists[]
"It's not that Manann is evil. He is not of course, despite what the yokels might claim. No, Manann is fickle, capricious, and temperamental—much like the weather, in fact."
A cleric of Manann as might be seen in any of the Tilean city-states.[6a]
Manann is not an affectionate, benevolent or even merciful god. He demands sacrifices, and in exchange, he stays his hand and reigns in the tempestuous seas. His violent nature is reflected in his cultists, who must constantly abase themselves to appease their angry god and keep his legendary temper at bay. Manann's priests act as intermediaries between the god and other mortals, appealing for calm waters, strong trade winds, and bountiful seas on behalf of worshippers.[1c]
An initiate of Manann accompanies a priest, learning from them by observation, listening to their stories, and performing an endless, exhausting list of chores in the temple or on board a ship. They do little formal learning, and face continuous questioning by their priest to sharpen their understanding of Manann and his cult. When they are deemed ready for ordination, the initiate undergoes an ordeal where they show their face to Manann for his judgement. This involves exposure to the ferocity of the sea, storm, or flood, such as spending the night on a wave-lashed rock or enduring a stormy journey strapped to the mast of a small boat.[5b]
Cultists of Manann are typically grizzled ex-sailors, marines, and the occasional reformed pirate -- those that have not had some close tie to the sea or waters of the Empire are extremely rare, as this is not a religion that holds much appeal to others. They are practical people who give praise, honour, and worship to Manann as they go about their daily business, fixing rigging, catching fish, or plying the waters that surround the Empire. Cultists of Manann know their god is as unpredictable as the sea itself, often lending them a fatalistic attitude towards life.[1c]
Manann's devout usually do their worship while wearing common clothing. However, during holidays or times of prayer, they don blue-green, greenish-blue, or bluish-grey robes, sometimes trimmed with a wave pattern in blue and white. Talismans of waves, albatrosses, or Manann's five-tined crown are regular adornments. As befitting those used to living life on the sea, cultists are often covered in tattoos and piercings. High priests in particular are practically covered from head to toe in ink and jewellery.[1c]
When not at sea, cultists spend their days preparing for when they can go back out again -- few venture far from large bodies of water, and most become irritable and twitchy if they can't smell the salt of the ocean or hear the cries of gulls in the wind. Most look down on those that have never ventured on water before, but know that their services are often required to provide safe passage for others. The ideal priest is well-suited to a life at sea, equipped with stout sea legs, an iron gut primed for rum. Manannite priests are brave, practical, and fully aware of their true place in the larger scheme of things, such that the wrath of Manann could strike in a thunderous explosion at any time.[1c]
Sailor-Priest of Manann[]
"They’re a rough crew alright, with salt in their beard and rope burns on their hands. But they're always there when you need them, facing the waves and shouting prayers to the winds."
Sailor-priests of Manann are found working and ministering on board vessels as often as they are found in his temples and shrines. Manann is a fickle and moody deity, but he seems to respect a degree of practical ability and experience of the seas in his priests, and most of them spend a part of their career at sea.[5b]
Those who minister for Manann are drawn to their calling by a deep affinity for the god and a profound respect for the sea. The people who live by the whims of wave and storm look to their priests to beseech the capricious Lord of the Oceans for clemency and bring them protection from his moods.[5b]
Most Manannite priests come from coastal or river communities where the Cult of Manann is part of daily life. A minority are born inland and feel drawn to the sea by a strange pull, as if their destiny was always to venerate Manann. Settled priests minister to sailors in port and local congregations where followers are prevalent. Others sail with merchant fleets, explorers, and naval vessels as a valued member of the crew.[5b]
Vestments[]
Priests wear robes in blue-green, turquoise, or some other colour reminiscent of water, trimmed with white wave patterns. They wear talismans shaped like shells, fish, seabirds, anchors, and Manann's five-tined crown, along with scrimshawed bones and other maritime gewgaws. Strapping ship's paraphernalia and bits of sea creature to yourself is a favoured sartorial choice.[5b]
High priests and Wave Lords oversee major cult centres or naval or mercantile fleets. Within the nautical sphere they are powerful individuals in their own right and relatively independent from one another.[5b]
Priests of Manann on Board a Ship[]
A priest of Manann is a great asset to a ship's crew. They lead prayers at each watch, implore their god to favour the vessel, and ensure the crew show him respect. Several times a week they deliver sermons from the poop deck or crow's nest, leading hymns and accompanying the chantyman in their songs.[5b]
They also perform rituals to mark the passing of time, significant landmarks on a journey, or to influence the weather.[5b]
A priest of Manann should always get involved when it's all hands on deck. Most are former sailors, so sailing and rowing comes naturally to them. That said, a captain wouldn't usually expect a priest to swab the deck or perform truly menial tasks.[5b]
During difficult times, a priest of Manann might command or discipline the crew on behalf of the captain, to stave off mutiny or bring unruly sailors in line. For an unpopular captain, it can be more effective and less risky to put the fear of Manann into an unsettled crew.[5b]
Notable Cultists of Manann[]
"He's a moody sod, is Father Tangbart. Always jumping on us for little things like whistling or scratching your arse on the wrong day. Still, we put up with 'im because we all want to come back with full nets and none drowned."
- —Edla Weiss, Fisherwoman[5b]
Though not as prominent as the Cults of Ulric or Sigmar, the importance of sea travel to trade, fishing, and warfare across the Old World means that several followers of Manann have achieved a degree of prominence and fame.[5a]
- Antonio Leontaris - Leontaris is the high priest of Mathann in the Tilean city-state of Miragliano.[5a]
- Odrall the Devout - Odrall the Devout was a senior priest of Manann from Marienburg in the 10th century IC. He was renowned for his piety and a holy obsession with exploration.[5a]
- Sea Maid of Bordeleaux - The Sea Maid is a holy figure amongst Bretonnian worshippers, little known beyond the west coast of Bretonnia. The maid was a young woman who walked from the sea and entered the Temple of Manann in Bordeleaux. She seldom spoke, but her song calmed the ocean and her blessings guaranteed a safe return for sailors.[5a]
- Ludovico Dandola - Dandola was a Reman military commander and a brilliant sailor who sank a flotilla of the Tomb King Settra's warfleet in 1823 IC and defeated countless pirates around Sartosa.[5a]
- Harald Redesson - Redesson was an itinerant high priest of Manann in Ostland and Kislev, striding along the coast telling angry tales of Manann and issuing dire warnings. When a ship hit the rocks, Redesson was first to tear off his robes and dive into the waves to rescue the crew. When Norscan raiders beached their longships, Redesson stripped to his waist and waded into the fight without hesitation. He had a deep loathing of Stromfels' followers -- stories tell of the time he strangled a shark with his bare arms and threw the carcass at a coastal lord who was in league with wreckers.[5a]
- Camille Dauphina - Dauphina is the current Matriarch of the High Temple of Manaan in Marienburg. According to the High Temple in Marienburg, she has dominion over the whole cult, but outside the Wasteland, many priests see her as nothing more than an especially favoured cleric of their god.[5a]
- Dietrich Ogg - The Knights Mariner are quartered in Marienburg, where Dietrich Ogg takes orders from Matriarch Dauphina. He is a faintly disreputable figure, but impressive in combat and feared by his order -- knights not known for subservience to authority.[5a]
- Hrofil Halfdan - The grandmaster of the Sons of Manann, Halfdan is a huge knight who leads the order from their chapterhouse in Salkalten. He is a Bjornling who once fought as a mercenary before pledging himself to Manann as a templar.[5a]
- Otto Sider - The high priest of Manann in Nordland is an important figure in Salzenmund and arguably the most influential Manannite in the Empire today.[5a]
- Elsa Udermar - Udermar is a former pirate who became a priestess of Manann.
- Aber Walblatt - Walblatt is a famous captain of the Knights Mariner.
Structure[]
"There'll be a feast for Manann this night."
- —Old World proverb meaning "A nasty storm is coming."[1d]
The Cult of Manann has little in the way of a formal hierarchy, as all of its temples act in semi-autonomous groups largely left to their own devices. The leader of the cult is known as the matriarch or patriarch -- the current matriarch is Camille Dauphina. The matriarch is the sole high priestess of Manann, and all other priests in the cult owe her direct fealty. The seat of the cult is in Marienburg, and all other temples are subservient to the high temple there, paying it an annual portion of their tithes, and sending a small percentage of initiates there to receive greater training.[1c]
The matriarch leads the high temple directly, along with the Order of the Albatross and several of the lesser orders of the cult, but leaves the administration of all other temples to the consensus of the local priests. In times of internal or external crisis, the matriarch may take a firmer hand in the leadership of her cult, but this is very rare and most of the time the rest of the cult is left to run its own affairs, collecting tithes, training initiates, and interpreting precepts of the cult themselves. Only when a disagreement cannot be resolved locally is the matriarch called upon to adjudicate matters.[1c]
The cult is very wealthy as a result of tithes and dues offered to them by sailors and merchants, but this wealth is very unevenly distributed. A percentage of all tithes offered to the cult is given to the high temple, but little of the wealth accrued by the cult in Marienburg trickles down to the rest of the organisation, creating a great disparity.[1c]
There are many orders within the cult, most of which are controlled directly by the matriarch. Foremost of these is the Order of the Albatross, an order that has played a significant role in making both the matriarch and the high temple very influential indeed.[1c]
Sub-Cults and Sects[]
The practice of Manannite worship is diverse and, like the oceans, Manann has many aspects. Sub-cults proliferate, worshipping Manann in many guises. For instance, Manalt is the Lord of the Bounty of the Sea, who brings prosperity to his devout and fish to their nets. The aspect of Manas is the god of tides, respected by pilots and navigators who implore the god to guide their way. Some even whisper that darker gods such as Stromfels and Mermedus are actually Manann in his more malevolent aspects.[5a]
The main divide within the Cult of Manann is between the high temple in Marienburg and the rest of the cult -- although this is not a true schism, it is not far from turning into one. Under the guidance of the matriarch, the cult in Marienburg has become heavily embroiled in the mercantile affairs of that great port, to the point where many in the cult see it as becoming little more than a trade guild. This view is fuelled by the unequal division of wealth within the cult, fostering feelings of resentment and distrust. Whispers of a schism are rife, especially in the north of the Empire and along the River Reik, where distrust towards Marienburg has long been endemic, no doubt fuelled by mercantile and political factions eager to break the high temple's monopoly on trade.[1c]
Several small sects of Manann worship him in other guises which, unlike Manann, are usually benevolent deities. The sect of Manalt is popular with fishermen along the coasts of the Empire and up the Reik as far as Carroburg. Manas, god of tides, is commonly venerated by navigators who pray to him to help guide their journeys. One aspect of Manann local to the Wasteland is Olovald, Spirit of the Delta, whose cult claims that Manann is actually an aspect of Olovald, rather than the other way around -- in response the Cult of Manann is rather heavy-handed in its dealings with this sect. Of all the aspects of Manann, Manhavok is perhaps the strangest, for he is worshipped in central Stirland, far from any large bodies of water.[1d]
Orders[]
Among the various orders that comprise the Cult of Manann, the following four are the most significant.[1d]
Holy Sites[]
A shrine to Manann
There are several monasteries of Manann on islands and cliffs around the coasts of the Old World. Some are small hermitages for contemplative sons of the sea, while others in Estalia and Tilea maintain small fleets to see off enemies.[5a]
Temples of Manann vary widely in their appearance, though all have some common elements. Each temple contains at least one large statue of Manann, and most feature wide, spacious halls for worshippers to gather. Beyond that, however, temples can take many forms, from a shack built on a pier to a majestic building, covered in gold, pearls, and coral. When possible, these temples sit as close to water as possible, preferably even on a small island or peninsula. The lavishly decorated high temple of Manann in Marienburg is even designed in such a way as to allow the rising tide to flood the wide-open courtyard -- many rites are performed in this sacred space, full of sea water.[1e]
More than a few temples of Manann are built within the decks of aging boats, some of which are permanently moored, while others serve as floating shrines for the faithful. The docking of one of these mobile temples is a source of great celebration for the cultists, who consider such times a holy day in and of itself.[1e]
Manann also has numerous monasteries and abbeys built on isolated islets, often dedicated to a saint of Manann.[3a]
Notable Holy Sites[]
- High Temple of Manann - The cult's most important temple, located in Marienburg.
- Grand Chapel of Mathann - This temple in Miragliano is second in importance only to the High Temple of Marienburg.[4a]
- Manannsheim - A monastery of the Order of the Triton located on an island just off Nordland's coast.
- Reikgott Temple - An island temple in the River Reik, half a mile downstream from Altdorf.
- Shrine of Manann (Kislev) - This shrine of Manann, located in Kislev City, is a wooden structure that spans the River Urskoy.
- Temple of the Red Coral - A temple of Manann located near the city of Salzemmund in the northern Empire.
Divine Lore of Manann[]
Manannan Petty Spells[]
- Blessing of Manann - The priest's prayers allow a person to hold their breath when under water for longer than normal. It is not possible to work this miracle while one's mouth is underwater.[1g]
- Blessing of the Mariner - The priest's blessing grants additional skill at rowing, sailing, and swimming.[1h]
Notable Miracles of Manann[]
Manann is the fickle god of the sea, and his moods range from violent outbursts to strange acts of benevolence. When a priest requests the aid of their god, they never know exactly how their divine patron will react. When angry, Manann punishes his priests with jolts of painful, albeit harmless, electricity, but when benevolent, he fills them with the soothing calm of a gentle spring rain. The spell lists of Manann reflect the two sides of the god: the benefactor or mortals and the violent god of storms.
- Becalm - The priest steals the wind out of the sails of one ship within range. The ship is completely becalmed and unless it has oars, it remains dead in the water. Should this miracle be cast in the midst of a storm, it creates an area of calm around the ship and to 100 yards beyond. The waters are smooth and the air is still, whilst the gales, lashing rains, and towering crests rage around the ship. Becalm is centred on the ship, so if propelled by means other than wind, the area of calm moves with it.[1i]
- Blessed Voyage - The priest prays for Manann's blessings at the beginning of a sea voyage, increasing navigational skill until the ship next makes port.[1i]
- Blessing of the Albatross - The priest prays to Manann whilst standing on the deck of a ship that is afloat, although it may be in harbour. Upon completing the invocation, an albatross descends from the heavens and follows the ship no matter where it goes. The albatross waits up to 1 hour for the ship to sail, and after that, it stays with the ship until killed, or the ship makes port. As long as the albatross is present, the ship cannot sink, no matter how much damage it takes. The crew are not, however, protected from falling overboard, or through holes in the hull.[1i]
- Breathe Water - The priest's touch and the power of Manann confer the ability to breathe water as if it were air.[1i]
- Curse of the Albatross - The wrath of the god of the sea is nothing to trifle with. The priest calls down doom on enemies of Manann within range.[1i]
- Drowned Man's Face - The priest chants their prayer at someone within range. Their lungs immediately fill with salt water, making it impossible for them to speak, and other actions far more difficult.[1i]
- Fair Wind - Manann blesses the ship the priest is on with fair winds. The wind blows from the ideal quarter for the ship to make its destination, and strong enough to move the ship at its maximum safe speed. This miracle works even if the priest does not know the way to their destination, as long as the destination is somewhere they have been before. If the priest has not been there, they must specify the direction in which they wish to go. The ship must be guided around hazards normally.[1j]
- Fisherman's Eye - The priest is filled with an uncanny sense of where they might find a desired creature in the sea. Upon invoking the power of Manaan, the priest names an ordinary creature. The priest knows the best place within their current field of vision to work on the water. If fishing, this is where the priest should direct fishermen to drop the net or line; if diving for shellfish, it is where one should dive.[1j]
- Manaan's Bounty - The priest implores Manann to provide them with sustenance. Reaching into any natural body of water the priest catches enough fish to feed 1 person; if they reach into the sea or ocean, they provide enough fish for 2 people or more.[1j]
- Rip Tides - The priest can chant this prayer at one boat or ship that they can see, making their navigation much more difficult with the seas working against them.[1j]
- Sea Legs - The priest's prayer curses another individual to feel as if they are standing upon the deck of a storm-tossed ship.[1j]
- Water Blast - The priest with this miracle unleashes a powerful torrent of seawater from their outstretched hands. Since this is water borrowed from the seas, many castings also produce a fair bit of sand, fish, and crustaceans, which are quite surprised by their unfortunate turn of fate.[1j]
- Waterwalk - The priest can miraculously walk on water. The priest can also walk over marsh and swampland as if it were firm ground.[1j]
Sources[]
- 1 Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay 2nd Edition: Tome of Salvation (RPG)
- 2: Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay 3rd Edition: Signs of Faith (RPG)
- 2a: pg. 38
- 3: Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay 4th Edition: Core Rulebook (RPG)
- 3a: pg. 205
- 4: Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay 1st Edition: Marienburg - Sold down the River (RPG)
- 4a: pp. 91-99
- 5: Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay 4th Edition: Sea of Claws (RPG)
- 6: Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay 1st Edition: Enemy Within Campaign Volume 1 (RPG)
- 6a: pg. 30