PC Cardinal Lucius Aurelius

WS 35 BS 25 S 30 T 40 Ag 35 Per 40 Int 45 WP 45 Fel 48 Inf 55

Movement: 3/6/12/24 Armor: 1 Body, Legs Wounds: 11 Insanity: 22 Corruption: 0

Skills: Awareness (Per), Charm +10 (Fel), Command (Fel), Common Lore (Administratum, Ecclesiarchy +10, Imperial Creed +20)(Int), Linquistics (High Gothic, Low Gothic), Trade +10 (Relics)(Int), Sholastic Lore (Bureaucrazy +20, Heraldry, Imperial Warrants, Legend, Philosophy)(Int)

Talents: Peer (Administratum, Adeptus Sororitas, Ecclesiarchy, Red Redeption Cult +10), Enemy (Ecclesiarchy), Halo of Command, Melee (Universal), Paranoid,

Gear: sceptre of Saint Birgitte, ornated robes, ring of cardinal, data-slater, portable auto-pulpit (Vox Casters, Voice Modulators, Re-breather, Imperial Wafer Printer, 4 Cherubae (effect: Additional range for public speaking, +10 Fel on public speaking, requires 12 people to carry)

Weapons: Sceptre of Saint Birgitte Melee Dam: 1d10+3I Pen: 3 Unbalanced, Holy, Felling (3), Crippling (3), Imposing (+10 to Fel among Imperial citizens)

Background: Cardinal Lucius Aurelius is of noble blood, occupying a prominent position within the Ecclesiarchy. Driven by a desire to reform the Imperial faith and guided by divine visions, he becomes a catalyst for change within Necromunda.

Youth: Lucius Aurelius was born into a prestigious noble family on the ancient world of Necromunda, where he received a comprehensive education that encompassed both secular knowledge and religious teachings. From a young age, he displayed a remarkable aptitude for scholarship and a deep reverence for the Emperor.

As he delved deeper into the Ecclesiarchy’s doctrines, Lucius began questioning certain aspects of the organization. Inspired by the Red Redemption doctrine and its emphasis on personal faith and direct service for the Emperor, he found himself drawn to its teachings, which he believed offered the purest form of worship.

Criticizing the Ecclesiarchy: As Lucius rose through the ranks of the Ecclesiarchy, his criticisms of the organization’s rituals, dogma, and hierarchical structure grew more pronounced. His eloquent speeches and writings dissected the perceived corruption and deviation from the Emperor’s original teachings. Lucius advocated for a return to a more personal and direct connection with the Emperor, challenging the notion of the Ecclesiarchy as an intermediary between citizens and the divine.

Political Problems: Lucius’s unyielding critiques of the Ecclesiarchy sparked political problems within the organization. Traditionalists and conservative factions vehemently opposed his ideas, viewing them as heretical and disruptive. Their resistance, coupled with the reluctance of certain high-ranking officials to relinquish their power and privileges, created significant tensions within hive-cities of Necromunda.

Guiding Visions: During this period of strife and doubt, Lucius experienced profound guiding visions granted to him by the Emperor Himself. These visions revealed glimpses of the true nature of the Emperor’s light and filled him with a sense of mission. They provided him with the fortitude to continue his vision to reform the Imperial faith and foster a more personal and direct relationship between the faithful and the Emperor.

Fervent Preaching and Pilgrimage: Motivated by his unwavering faith and the Emperor’s guiding vision, Lucius embarked on a fervent preaching campaign to spread his message of reform and the pursuit of the Red Redemption doctrine. His charismatic oratory skills and noble lineage garnered him a substantial following of devoted adherents who put faith on his vision.

As his influence grew, Cardinal Lucius Aurelius initiated a pilgrimage of his flock to the under-hive, a forgotten and downtrodden basement of the hive-city where he resided. The pilgrimage is a symbolic act, representing a journey into the depths of human suffering and a quest for bringing the Emperor’s light amidst despair.

During his pilgrimage, Lucius engaged with the under-hive’s inhabitants, offering them solace, hope, and his teachings on the true essence of the Imperial faith. He witnessed firsthand the plight of the forgotten and marginalized, strengthening his resolve to reform the Ecclesiarchy and ensure that its teachings would be inclusive and accessible to all.

His pilgrimage to the under-hive marked a turning point in his mission. His experiences deepened his commitment to reform the Imperial faith, fueling his determination to challenge the Ecclesiarchy’s entrenched practices and usher in a new era of personal service for the Emperor.

Visions of the cardinal Lucius Aurelius

In this amalgamation of visions, Cardinal Lucius found a profound and urgent message. The Imperium faced dire trials, and he was leading a pilgrimage of the faithful through the Rubicon of doubt. The divine hand of the Emperor had chosen a young boy to lead them towards renewal. Through unwavering faith and the might of a great juggernaut, the faithful would endure, and the Emperor’s radiant light would guide them to salvation in their darkest hour.

Motivated by this profound vision and guided by the urgency, the chosen child, the trials, and the Emperor’s light, Cardinal Lucius Aurelius embarks on his pilgrimage to spread the message of reform and bring the Imperium closer to the ideals he has seen. His journey to under-hive becomes one of unwavering dedication, inspiring others to endure the tests of faith, embrace personal devotion, and seek the transcendent light of the Emperor in the face of the Imperium’s darkest hours.

Sermons of Lucius Aurelius

Cardinal Lucius Aurelius, in his commitment to reform and strengthen the Imperial faith, conducts religious sermons five times a day, each featuring distinct rituals and Imperial symbolism. These rituals aim to deepen the connection between the faithful and the Emperor, emphasizing the sacred bond and the guiding principles of the Imperial creed.

  1. Morning Sermon – The Dawn’s Vigil: At the break of dawn, Cardinal Lucius leads the faithful in the Morning Sermon, known as the Dawn’s Vigil. This ritual represents the renewal of faith and the emergence of light after the darkness of the night. During this time, the Cardinal invokes the Emperor’s blessings and guidance for the day ahead, emphasizing the importance of embracing the Emperor’s light as a guiding force in all endeavors.

The Imperial Eucharist, a central aspect of the Morning Sermon, symbolizes the communion between the faithful and the Emperor. It involves the partaking of sacred wafer and wine, representing the spiritual nourishment bestowed upon the faithful by the Emperor’s divine presence. The Eucharist reinforces the idea of unity and oneness with the Emperor, underscoring the believers’ devotion and commitment to the Imperial faith.

  1. Midday Sermon – The Emperor’s Radiance: During the midday hour, Cardinal Lucius leads the faithful in the Midday Sermon, known as the Emperor’s Radiance. This ritual represents the zenith of the day’s power and serves as a reminder of the Emperor’s unwavering strength and divine radiance. The Cardinal’s sermon focuses on the manifestation of the Emperor’s light and its transformative impact on the lives of the faithful.

Within the Midday Sermon, the Imperial Eucharist takes on a symbolic role as a source of spiritual sustenance and empowerment. It is seen as a means to imbibe the Emperor’s radiant energy, infusing the believers with strength and resolve to face the challenges of the day.

  1. Evening Sermon – The Twilight Vigil: As the day draws to a close, Cardinal Lucius conducts the Evening Sermon, known as the Twilight Vigil. This ritual marks the transition from the active pursuits of the day to a period of reflection and introspection. The Cardinal’s sermon delves into themes of contemplation, repentance, and seeking the Emperor’s forgiveness for any transgressions committed throughout the day.

The Imperial Eucharist in the Evening Sermon symbolizes spiritual purification and the believers’ renewed commitment to walk the path of righteousness. It serves as a reminder that even amidst the twilight of the day, the Emperor’s light continues to shine upon those who seek redemption and strive for moral clarity.

  1. Night Sermon – The Vigil of Vigils: The Night Sermon, known as the Vigil of Vigils, is conducted by Cardinal Lucius during the late hours of the evening, close to the time of rest and rejuvenation. This ritual focuses on the vigilance required to safeguard the faith against darkness and corruption. The Cardinal’s sermon emphasizes the eternal vigilance needed to protect the Imperial faith and its followers from the forces of chaos.

The Imperial Eucharist in the Night Sermon holds significance as a symbol of spiritual fortification. It represents the believers’ commitment to remain steadfast in their devotion to the Emperor, even during the vulnerable hours of the night. The Eucharist serves as a shield against spiritual decay and a reminder of the eternal vigilance necessary to uphold the principles of the Imperium.

  1. Midnight Sermon – The Emperor’s Watch: In the darkest hour of the night, Cardinal Lucius conducts the Midnight Sermon, known as the Emperor’s Watch. This ritual holds a pious and reverent atmosphere, symbolizing the eternal presence and unwavering guardianship of the Emperor. The Cardinal’s sermon speaks of eternal servitude under the eyes of the Emperor.

The Midnight Sermon is a solemn and significant part of Cardinal Lucius Aurelius’s religious sermons. It takes place at the darkest hour of the night when most of the world is enveloped in silence and slumber. This unique and atmospheric sermon holds profound symbolism within the context of Lucius’s teachings and the tenets of the Imperial faith.

The setting for the Midnight Sermon is carefully chosen to enhance its symbolism. It is often conducted in the heart of the pilgrimage site, amidst the flickering candlelight of the central chapel or in a sacred underground chamber. The darkness and stillness of the midnight hour represent the depths of the faithful’s devotion, their unwavering faith even in the face of the unknown and the unseen.

As the congregation gathers, hushed whispers fill the air, mingling with the dimly lit ambience. Cardinal Lucius, dressed in his elaborate ceremonial vestments, stands before the crowd, his voice carrying an air of reverence and authority.

The Midnight Sermon delves into themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the perseverance of faith in the darkest of times. Cardinal Lucius imparts teachings about the Emperor’s eternal vigilance, the eternal light that shines on Terra even in the blackest of nights, and the trials that test one’s faith.

Through vivid storytelling and powerful imagery, Lucius paints a picture of the Emperor’s unyielding will and protection for his faithful followers. He speaks of the sacrifices made by those who have come before, highlighting the resilience and unwavering dedication required to uphold the Imperial faith.

The symbolism of the Midnight Sermon lies in its message of service and perseverance in the face of adversity. It encourages the faithful to find truth in the Emperor’s light, even when surrounded by darkness and uncertainty. It serves as a reminder that the darkest moments of life can be overcome through faith and the Emperor’s divine guidance.

The Midnight Sermon also represents a spiritual journey, a symbolic passage through the depths of the soul. It is an invitation to introspection, self-reflection, and the purification of one’s spirit. The darkness of the midnight hour becomes a metaphorical canvas on which the faithful can confront their innermost fears, doubts, and sins, seeking absolution and renewal.

Moreover, the Midnight Sermon serves as a reminder of the unity and collective strength of the pilgrimage. It is a time when the congregation, unified in their devotion, transcends the physical darkness to become a beacon for the Emperor’s light. It reinforces the bonds of the community, instilling a sense of shared purpose and unwavering commitment to the Imperial faith.

In summary, the Midnight Sermon, conducted during the darkest hour of the night, symbolizes the depths of faith, the triumph of light over darkness, and the unity of the faithful. Through its powerful imagery and teachings, it guides the congregation on a spiritual journey of introspection and renewal, inspiring them to embrace the Emperor’s light in even the most challenging of circumstances.

Disciples of Lucius

Early followers of the pilgrimage of Cardinal Lucius Aurelius and major characters facilitating the daily organizing of the pilgrimage:

  • Peterius the Redeemed: Peterius was once a former crime-lord, steeped in darkness and violence. However, witnessing Cardinal Lucius Aurelius’s unwavering faith and fervent sermons, he found redemption and joined him to seek Emperor’s forgiveness for his past sins.
  • Johnathan the Lost: Johnathan had lost his way, disillusioned by the poverty of the under-hive. Seeking a guidance, he encountered Lucius Aurelius, whose inspiring sermons and charismatic presence offered him a renewed purpose and will.
  • Lydia the Widow: Lydia had lost everything, her family and home destroyed by a hive collapse. Lucius Aurelius’s message of servitude and the Emperor’s light resonated deeply with her, leading her to find comfort and community among his followers.
  • Thomasius the Seeker: Thomasius was plagued by doubts about the Imperium’s teachings. Lucius Aurelius’s willingness to question and challenge the dogma of the Ecclesiarchy drew Thomasius to him, as he sought a leader who valued intellectual exploration and spiritual growth.
  • Jameson the Protector: Jameson was a former guardsman, scarred by the horrors of battle. Lucius Aurelius’s message of continued service and unity resonated with him, and he became a follower to help protect and defend the pilgrims on their journey.
  • Isabella the Catechist: Isabella had a gift for teaching and a deep desire to spread the Emperor’s truth. Recognizing her potential, Lucius Aurelius welcomed her as a disciple, and she dedicated herself to sharing his teachings with others.
  • Matthew the Merciful: Matthew had once been a ruthless bounty hunter, until Lucius Aurelius’s sermons touched his heart. Inspired by the Cardinal’s message of redemption and sacrifice, he abandoned his former life to follow him and seek salvation.
  • Maria the Listener: Maria possessed a unique ability, hearing the whispers of the Emperor’s divine will. Recognizing her gift, Lucius Aurelius welcomed her into his fold, as her visions and insights provided guidance to the pilgrimage. Her gift is frowned upon and feared by some of the disciples.
  • Simon the Mechanic: Simon was a skilled mind-cleansed techno-mat, well-versed in the mysteries of technology. Lucius Aurelius’s call for unity between faith and conscience resonated with him, and he joined the pilgrimage to lend his expertise and forge a stronger bond between the two.
  • Philipa the Caretaker: Philipa had spent her life caring for the sick and wounded. Drawn to Lucius Aurelius’s teachings of Emperor’s light and hatred towards mutants, she joined him to continue her mission of providing comfort, aid and mercy of the death to those in need.
  • Iudas the Alms Keeper: Iudas, burdened by guilt and shame for his past life, sought a chance at redemption. Lucius Aurelius, knowing the value of repentance, offered him forgiveness and a chance to serve a higher purpose as the keeper of Alms Box.
  • Rachel the Believer: Rachel had always possessed unwavering faith, but it was Lucius Aurelius’s charisma and devotion that inspired her to actively follow it. She saw in him as a wielder of charisma and a leader who embodied the Emperor’s light, and she pledged her loyalty to his cause.