Sketch of a Chaos Cultist of the Cabal, excerpted from the Liber Chaotica.
The Cabal, or more specifically, The Cabal of Egrimm van Horstmann, is perhaps by-far the most magically powerful of all Tzeentchian Chaos Cults. Indeed, to call the Cabal a cult is perhaps misleading, as its members are almost to a one powerful Chaos Sorcerers and daemonologists who possess none of the vague superstitions or blind beliefs of many other cultists.[1a]
It is even rumoured that through their flawless machinations and subtle manipulations, the Cabal holds indirect control over both the Cult of the Red Crown and the Purple Hand, not to mention hundreds of other cults across the mortal world. As its name suggests, the Cabal is led by the greatest arcane traitor of all time, the apostate Light Wizard and Champion of Tzeentch Egrimm van Horstmann.[1a]
Organisation[]
The sorcerers of the Cabal do not speak. Instead, they communicate with telepathy, even over great distances. This way no one will know their plans. The Chaos Warriors of the Cabal are called "Thralls" -- they are the willing slaves of Egrimm van Horstmann. Upon joining the Cabal, a warrior or wizard must swear unending loyalty to the master of the Cabal and his lord Tzeentch, the Chaos God of change and intrigue. The recruit is branded with the magical Mark of Tzeentch on their forehead so that they can never rebel against the will of their masters. In return, they are initiated into the secrets of the Cabal.[2]
The armour of the Cabal is archaic and ceremonial to the point of impracticality and is covered in a mass of talismans, ribbons, and warding sigils. Their weapons are often magical, ensorcelled by the sorcerers of the Cabal. In battle, their blades give off an eerie glow that is frightening and yet at the same time fascinating. The members of the Cabal are terrifying foes. They act and fight in perfect synchronicity, guided by the mad genius of their Chaos sorcerers. Their battle plans are infinitely complex and often seem contradictory, and yet they are always victorious. The Cabal's opponents feel that they are part of an act in which their roles are predestined. Trying to resist is like struggling against invisible chains. [2]
Symbol[]
The symbol of the Cabal is the unblinking, Withering Eye of Tzeentch on an open palm. Their banner bears this symbol, and it is a source of pride to the Cabal that it has never been captured. It is said that a man who gazes into the Withering Eye will grow old and waste away in mere moments.[2]
Sources[]
- 1: Liber Chaotica Volume IV: Tzeentch (Background Book)
- 1a: pp. 15-18
- 2: Games Workshop website: Special Characters - Egrimm van Horstmann (Archived)