Witch hunter lore here

[Catabolic Breakdown]

For those of you who have access to the books and lore. Please post some information or excerpts of witch hunter text if you could, so that it is all in one place

Especially those of you who own the Witch hunter's handbook

[fighter36]

From Only-War.com

Witch Hunters: Burning away the Darkness

Though witch hunters exist in many of the human nations of the Old World, it is within the lands of the Empire that they are the most commonly found. It is here where the threat of Chaos is much greater and the fear of dark magic and foul creatures has spurned those who thrive under such conditions. Witch Hunters are those individuals who have, regardless of their background, decided to seek out and hunt down the enemy within.

Though their name may suggest it, it is not only practitioners of forbidden magic that these people seek but all those who truck with forbidden powers. Chaos cultists, death cults, practitioners of forbidden medicines and many more may find themselves hunted by these fanatics. Though there are those hunters in the darkness who are sensible sorts, the vast majority of Witch Hunters are ignorant fearful folk, who spread terror in their wake. One never really knows if they may be singled out by one of these grim individuals for some reason, taken and forced to confess to horrible sins or crimes and then executed.

Most witch hunters work via some mandate, such as from the Church of Sigmar or the like. Others who come to this calling do so alone, relying more upon their faith and zeal than upon the flimsy shield of the law. All across the lands of the Empire and even to other places do they travel to seek out new quarries. The methods they employ are crude but effective, though not as harsh as some may imagine. Fire is often the tool they utilize to cleanse those who have fallen to the darkness, burning to death any they catch and are convinced are in the wrong.

Most witch hunters do their grisly job without the use of a trial, but of course most of the ignorant people they prey upon (rightfully or not) do not know that this potential avenue of escape may exist. However in the Empire one is usually considered guilty unless there is some means by which they can prove their innocence. After all it is considered better to let a hundred innocent men burn than to let a single follower of the ruinous powers walk free. Many authorities hope that it is through the fear of punishment that most folk will not stray from their faith. However fear itself has pushed a great many people to call out for aid, or to try that which is forbidden.

Though some witch hunters travel alone, others gather about them a cadre of like minded individuals. But whether alone or in groups many of the tools and methods utilized by the hunter are quite similar. Questioning of locals is of course important, as people can be expected to quickly find the flaws in their neighbors however slight when faced with a witch hunter. Rumors and ill omens of course always follow those who truck with the forbidden, for else why would normal good folk have reason to point them out when put to the question?

Weapons to fight against those who would resist are always necessary of course, but few witch hunters wear much in the way of armor. Mostly this is due to the costly nature of such protection, not due to any lack of thought to their own safety. Crossbows are often favored as they are both simple to use and do not require the skill or training required of a bow. Swords and axes and other more common weapons of ware are always handy, as well as more common implements such as brands, knives, rope and even manacles. Few witch hunters are often without some sacred or holy object, such as a book of scripture or some other trinket to ward off evil.

It is a harsh life to be a witch hunter and an ill profession to take up should one desire a long and happy life. Many perils must be faced of course and a good hunter will undoubtedly uncover or witness many horrible and terrible things in their line of work. Those who live long enough to become known may even be changed over time by everything they witness. Some become cruel and unforgiving of course but some of the unlucky ones are driven mad, becoming more like those they hunt.

Most of the time a witch hunter can count upon the support of local authorities, as well as mobs of frightened and driven townsfolk and the like should the need arise. These hunters spend most of their time scouring the towns and villages of the land, sparing little thought for the larger cities. The most common thought being that in these places, far from the sight of other people is where evil would best thrive. Who knows what strange things villagers may do among themselves in the dark of night, when no one would be on hand to witness them? Few indeed are spared the scrutiny of the witch hunter.

Over the years many fell forces and evil deeds have been stopped or uncovered by those who take to this line of work. Without them certainly the world may be a much darker place, but it is a never ending struggle. Always do the dark powers try to tempt and lead astray the innocent, the wicked hearts of men and women all too easily preyed upon by dark things. Though in the end one must wonder if the moments of good are worth the bloody price that must be paid.

[Dran]

There isn't much out there beyond the Mathias novels and what Mythic/GW has put out with WAR. Fact is the Witch Hunter motif has never been fully explored in concept by GW in its table top game or its RPG.

Chances are this will probably change in time, but not right now. Your best bet is to read up on the Church of Sigmar. WH are really the militant arm of the church. They are also called Knights of Sigmar, or The Templars of Sigmar. WPs are not believe it or not. WPs are really homeless monks, the greatest being Luther Hess, that roam the lands preaching and meeting out Sigmar's justice.

Also, something to consider is that the most dangerous foe to the Empire, Archaon, The Ever Chosen, was rumored to be once a Witch Hunter. He read ancient manuscripts written by the prophet Necrodomo the Insane. The prophecy is thought to describe, in detail, how the Warhammer world will end at the hands of the Chaos gods, as well as terrible truths concerning the Empire's patron God, Sigmar. Enraged by what he read, Archaon destroyed the books, razed the temple, murdered his family and abandoned his faith in the "false God"; Sigmar. He then traveled north to the Chaos Wastes,and offered himself to the Chaos Gods. Archaon spent years gathering the six treasures of Chaos and after collecting the treasures, he was crowned 'Lord of the End Times'. Leading a vast army, Archaon marched on The Empire from the North while his herald, Crom the Conqueror, marched from the east over the World's Edge Mountains.

[Dran]

Something else to get a hold of is Liber Necris and Liber Chaotica. The Witch Hunter's Guide some what rehashes these yet in first person and from WH perspective.

[thecarsteinkid]

Originally Posted by Dran

WH are really the militant arm of the church. They are also called Knights of Sigmar, or The Templars of Sigmar. WPs are not believe it or not. WPs are really homeless monks, the greatest being Luther Hess, that roam the lands preaching

I wouldn't say that, considering in the tabletop game you can actually have a Warrior Priest accompany your army, whereas a Witch Hunter cannot.

WH's are more like the police rather than the army.


edit about warrior priests: they are in fact a legitimate part of the cult of Sigmar and not homeless as you would say. Luthor Huss is the only roaming priest because he rejected the political corruption he found in the church.