Not to be confused with the Sons of Ulric.
A Child of Ulric bearing his mutations[3a]
The story of the Children of Ulric (Ulricskinder in Reikspiel)[2a] is a very old tale that priests of Ulric never mention in their sermons, but that has lived long around the hearths of the peasants of the Empire.[1a]
The legend has it that long ago, when the world was young, Ulric raced through the northern woods hunting. He could not describe what prey he sought after, only that he knew he must claim it as his own. The story is long in the telling, for it is meant to pass a long night, but Ulric, after learning more than a few cautionary lessons along the way, found what he sought in the person of Birgit, a fierce Northern maid that he took as his lover.[1a]
They were happy for a brief time but then she died bearing Ulric's child and his howls of grief still ring on the northern wind. Their son was the first of the Werecreatures or the "Were" in the tongue of the Northmen, those who can walk as both wolf and man.[1a] The ancient Teutogens revered the Children of Ulric before settling at the Fauschlag and would sacrifice their children to them when the moon was bright, huddling in caves while the Children took what they wanted. The Cult of Ulric claims that the Children of Ulric were not blessed, but cursed instead, and lead purges against them.[2a] According to Alexei Dronal, a Knight of the White Wolf, this tale might carry the echo of truth.[1a]
Overview[]
A Child of Ulric is a term used throughout the Empire for a Human capable of assuming the form of a wolf, either wholly or partially. Most are able to transform into terrifying hybrids, creatures with powerful furry bodies and snarling canine heads that yet walk upon two legs. The nature of such creatures is not clear, but most people in the Empire regard them as abominations of Chaos. The Cult of Sigmar is firm in these beliefs, and Witch Hunters strive to eradicate the creatures. Yet these abilities are often passed down through generations, which is unusual behaviour for mutations. Rarely found in southern lands, the creatures are less scarce in the north where folk traditions tell that they are blessed by Ulric. In isolated woodland communities they may live among Human neighbours as wild protectors. But it is undeniable that Chaotic corruption can cause or exacerbate lycanthropy, and even those Children of Ulric who reside amongst Humans can struggle to control the violent bloodlusts that afflict them during their transformations. Even those who otherwise suggest that Children of Ulric be free from persecution do well to give them a wide berth.[3a]
Relations with other Ulricans[]
'Child of Ulric' refers to a type of Human Were, whilst 'Son of Ulric' refers to those who claim to be blood descendants of the god. In the Old World at large, these terms are used colloquially and often interchanged. In Middenheim, legal distinction is made, as Sons of Ulric are forbidden from congregating. The issue is muddled further by the fact that many synonyms exist for Children of Ulric, whilst individualistic Sons of Ulric reject the notion that they can be pigeonholed alongside those they may consider bitter rivals. More complexity lies in the fact that a notable minority of Sons of Ulric manifest the abilities of a Child of Ulric. Some may say that this is because Ulric's own shapeshifting powers are embodied in his descendants, whilst others argue that it is easier to claim to be blessed by a god rather than admit to being a mutant monstrosity.[3a]
Trivia[]
- The Children of Ulric react sensitively to the touch of holly, a type of flowering plant.[2a]