View source for Tzeentch

{{Deity box
|Portal         ={{TzeentchPortal}}
|Name           =Tzeentch
|Image          =Tzeentch mark.png
|Titles         =Changer of Ways <br> the Dark Lord <br> Great Conspirator <br> Great Mutator <br> Great Sorcerer <br> Lord of the Fifteen Devils <br> Master of the Five Elements <br> Weaver of All Fates 
|Status         =Active
|Type           =[[Chaos God]]
|Domains        =Magic, Hope, Ambition, Scheming, Plotting, Change, Hubris, Magic, Mutation, Prophecy, Fate, Unpredictability
|Daemons        =[[Lord of Change]] <br> [[Horror of Tzeentch]] <br> [[Flamer (Daemon)|Flamer]] <br> [[Screamer]]
|Home           =[[Impossible Fortress]]
|Relatives      =
|Affiliation    =
|Followers      =
|Adjectives     =Tzeentchian
|Number         =9
|Symbols        =Vulture <br> Raven <br> Fire
|Friends        =
|Enemies        =[[Nurgle]]
}}
'''Tzeentch''' is a [[Gods of Chaos|God of Chaos]] who represents the vitality and volatility of change. Tzeentch is closely associated with sorcery and magic, as well as dynamic mutation, and grand, convoluted scheming. The domains of history, destiny, intrigue and plots are his chief interests, and in pursuit of these aspects he listens to the dreams and hopes of all and watches their plans take form. He is not content to merely observe, however, and chooses to interfere in the skeins of fate in order to fulfil his own, unknowably complex schemes. Tzeentch is known by an endless multitude of names, but the chief titles he bears are the '''Changer of the Ways''', the '''Master of Fortune''', the '''Great Conspirator''' and the '''Architect of Fate'''.{{Fn|6}}

==Overview==
[[Image:Tzeentch.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The Changer of the Ways{{Fn|}}]]
Tzeentch was created and sustained by the desire for change that is an essential part of nearly all mortal life; almost all species are aware of the concept of a better tomorrow, and any form of dreaming, imagining or resolution for change empowers the Chaos God. Like the other [[Chaos Gods]], Tzeentch is strongly interested in [[humanity]] due to the power and drive of the human spirit and how that uniquely ties into his interests; no creature is more volatile or more ambitious. The spark of wishing for a different existence can turn into a fire that can change a country, a world, and perhaps ultimately an inferno that can alter the fate of [[galaxy]] itself; this is Tzeentch.{{Fn|6}}

Magic is essentially an expression of change driven by will, and as such is the domain of the Changer of the Ways; Tzeentch is the greatest magician in all of the [[Warp]]. Many of those drawn to his auspices are sorcerers, while many others will be gifted with sorcerous powers as a reward for their actions. Tzeentch's [[daemon]]ic aspects are essentially creatures of magic rather than any sort of conventionally understandable physicality.{{Fn|6}}

As well as an interest in magic, Tzeentch takes keen notice of all plots and plans. As the Great Conspirator, he is aware of all the dreams and plans of mortals. This is how Tzeentch is able to perceive the future; by being aware of all that is planned and all that may potentially happen, he can see all possible fates. Wishing to be involved with the fates of existence, Tzeentch directly and indirectly interferes in the fates of all things. His intentions are unknown, his schemes insanely complicated and his plans so extraordinarily long-term it may be that none other than he will ever see the end of all of them. It is often claimed that Tzeentch wishes to extend his power over the [[Materium]], or to defeat his brother Gods; however, it is the nature of Tzeentch to care just as much about altering the fate of a single individual. Tzeentch's schemes also often appear contradictory to those who discern them; this is because only Tzeentch can understand his own interests and perceive the full possibilities of each action.{{Fn|6}}

Tzeentch has as many depictions as he has names. His skin is said to constantly shift and roll with faces, faces that leer and express mockery. As Tzeentch speaks, these faces repeat what he says, but with different inflections, or a word different here and there, or in fact provide running commentary or analysis on what he is saying; this makes it almost impossible to be certain what meaning Tzeentch is actually expressing. While these skin-faces come and go very quickly, Tzeentch's actual body is said to be constant; his head is low on his chest as if he had no neck and horns project from his shoulders. Raw magical energy surrounds him like smoke, with the faces and bodies of those whose fates he is considering manifesting before him in subtle and complex patterns.{{Fn|6}}

Tzeentch's opposite force in the Chaos pantheon is [[Nurgle]], who stands for despair and the acceptance of one's fate. Such a form of existence is anathema to Tzeentch, who derives power from the will to change one's destiny.{{Fn|6}}

There was once a time when Tzeentch ruled supreme over the Warp, his powers vastly superior to those of the other Chaos Gods. However this state of affairs ended when the other Dark Gods temporarily set aside their differences and joined forces. During the final battle, Tzeentch faced certain defeat and cast a great spell upon himself. He crystalized his thoughts and body even as he was hurled against the Endless Mountains. Upon impact, his form was shattered into ten thousand pieces, each of which contained a fragment of his essence. These were flung across space and time, and while Tzeentch was forever weakened legend suggests this event marked the beginning of the use of sorcery in realspace.{{Fn|10a}}

{{QuoteBox
|quote='''''"Nine is the number most sacred to the changer of the ways. It is only upon tracing the ninth sigil that the runes of a change-scroll begin to glow, morphıng into their true nature. There are nine distinct rites an acolyte must master before he can unlock the secrets that will permit him to pierce the veil, a process that will allow a worthy aspirant to draw upon the boundless energies of the immaterium. To remain unbroken, a summoning symbol must contain nine sequential rings – each perfectly executed in a nine-fold process. Nine are the chants of the kairic cultists, and for casting, a coven of nine is by far the most powerful of groupings. Yet it is not mortal rites alone that obey the great sorcerer’s enneadic rules. The number nine can be found woven throughout the unfathomable and ever changing structures of the architect of fate’s own realm within the warp. The lords of change, the greatest servants of Tzeentch and commanders of his convocations, are ordered within nine levels of trust. All seek their master’s favour, and those in ascendency rule the nine fractal fortresses. Beneath each of those most exalted are nine hundred and nintety-nine legions, each divided into nine hosts. It is said that when daemons are slain, their immortal spirit appears within the impossıble fortress, arriving before their maker from one of the ever-shifting nine gates – there to be either reformed or re-absorbed by the will of Tzeentch."'''''
|source= — Excerpt from Ahriman’s masterworks{{Fn|10}}
|align=center
}}
==The Maze of Tzeentch==
*{{Main|Crystal Labyrinth}}
*{{Main|Impossible Fortress}}
[[Image:Maze of Tzeentch.jpg|thumb|right|180px|The Maze of Tzeentch{{Fn|1a}}]]
The Maze of Tzeentch, also known as the '''Crystal Labyrinth''', is Tzeentch's realm within the [[Warp]]. This maze is woven from the raw fabric of magic, threaded upon deceit and conspiracy. Of all the landscapes of the Warp, this domain is by far the most bizarre and incomprehensible, for its crystalline structures force travellers to view all nine dimensions simultaneously. This effect not only distorts the senses of any who intrude, but will also pull apart their purpose and aspirations and turns them to insanity and despair. Unlike the realms of the other [[Gods of Chaos]], it is not defended by Daemonic warriors, allowing instead for any intruder to become inevitably lost within its confines.{{Fn|9}}

Interchanging, shifting avenues made of pure crystals of every colour crisscross Tzeentch's realm. Hidden pathways built from lies and schemes lead out from the maze and infiltrate the dominions of other gods, binding together the fractious Realms of Chaos. Its glittering corridors reflect not only light but also hope, misery, dreams and nightmares. Driven by Tzeentch's unconscious schemes, the labyrinth constantly moves and rearranges. Those lost within the maze's reaches will wander for eternity with their minds shattered, their dreams broken upon the wheel of their own failed ambition.{{Fn|9}}

At the centre of the maze, hidden from those who have not the insane insight to find it, stands the '''[[Impossible Fortress]]'''. The architecture of the bastion is constantly replaced by new and ever more maddening spires, gates and walls. Doors and other entrance points yawn open like starving mouths, before clamping for eternity moments later, barring all access. Within the Fortress time and space does not exist at all and gravity shifts and changes, or disappears altogether. Lights of every colour, some even unknown in the real universe, spring from the shifting walls. For mortals, who are so locked in their physical ways, the fortress is impenetrable. Men are driven mad, while their bodies might implode or be pulled apart by the forces unleashed by Tzeentch's passing thoughts. Even immortal daemons cannot easily endure the twisted horror of the Impossible Fortress and only the [[Lords of Change]] can safely navigate its corridors, and tread the secret paths that lead to the inner sanctum of the fortress, the [[Hidden Library]], where Tzeentch, the puppet master himself resides, eternally plotting.{{Fn|1}}

Another location within Tzeentch's realm is the [[Library of Lies]], where all lies told in the galaxy are recorded and catalogued.{{Fn|17}}

==Followers of Tzeentch==
The mortal [[Champion of Chaos|champions]] of Tzeentch are especially dangerous, as they often wield awesome sorcerous power on top of their considerable physical prowess. Professors, philosophers, scientists, intellectuals, and artists also swell Tzeentch’s ranks, for as much as the Changer of Ways embraces magic and guile, he also loves knowledge in all its forms. Predictably, Tzeentch finds those who investigate forbidden or taboo subjects particularly interesting, as individuals willing to defy convention and perhaps even ethics and the law to pursue their intellectual ambitions often make willing and effective servants. Some thinkers who reach a stumbling block in their scholarly pursuits can become obsessed with a particular problem or question. These scholars may try any number of approaches to find answers, but no experiment, no amount of research or consultation with experts, and no amount of sweat and elbow grease brings them closer to a solution. These obsessed scholars are particularly vulnerable to Tzeentch’s temptations. While some may deliberately seek the assistance of the Master of Fate, many more unwittingly fall into Tzeentch’s service after accepting help from an insightful but mysterious new colleague or after gazing too long at a classified or forbidden text that somehow finds its way onto their desk.{{Fn|8}}

==Daemons of Tzeentch==
[[image:40k-23-heralds-of-tzeentch.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Heralds of Tzeentch{{Fn|18}}]]
===The Scintillating Legions===
The Daemonic armies of Tzeentch are known as the '''Scintillating Legions'''. These hordes go to war in bizarre carnivals of magical violence, obliterating and mutating foes with sorcererous magic. Unlike the forces of [[Khorne]] or [[Nurgle]], the Tzeentchian Legions are often in flux, shifting composition or altering tactics to better serve their master.{{Fn|10}} There are several types of Tzeentchian Legions, such as '''Conflagration Legion''' which is built around a force of [[Flamers of Tzeentch|Flamers]] or a '''Legions Anarchus''', unpredictable formations used in random and unexpected incursions. The '''Veiled Legions''' are the most mysterious of all of Tzeentch's forces; they rarely appear and when they do are known to slink away unseen after their plan's culmination.{{Fn|10}}

Each of the innumerable Scintillating Legions is commanded by a [[Lord of Change]] who operates with a high degree of independence. Each of these legions is divided into nine hosts, each commanded by a [[Daemon Prince]] or [[Herald of Tzeentch]]. Fitting of the Changer of Ways, these commanders endlessly plot against one another for Tzeentch's favour. The nine most favoured Legions are granted one of the Fractal Fortresses of the Crystal Labyrinth of Tzeentch.{{Fn|10}}

===Tzeentchian Daemons===
[[image:40k-24-lord-of-change.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Lord of Change{{Fn|18}}]]
The Daemons of Tzeentch are inherently magical creatures, even more so than the other Daemons of Chaos; they appear ephemeral, transparent, or as if made of light. Their very presence can alter the rules of reality, and they can leave trails of multi-coloured fire and mist behind them as they move.{{Fn|6}}

*[[Lord of Change|Lords of Change]]
**The [[Greater Daemon]] of Tzeentch. Typically an avian-like winged humanoid Daemon of vast intelligence and massive sorcerous and psychic power, although less so in physical strength - at least compared to other Greater Daemons.
*[[Horror (Daemon)|Horror]]s
**The common Daemons of Tzeentch, generally manifesting as an ever-shifting mass of flesh and limbs with numerous orifices for launching fire.
*[[Flamer (Daemon)|Flamer]]s
**Daemonic servants of Tzeentch with numerous gaping maws that produce the searing flames which give these Daemons their name.
*[[Screamer]]s
**Ray-like creatures that swoop down on foes and cut them apart with their sharp claws before retreating and charging again.
*[[Disc of Tzeentch|Discs of Tzeentch]]
**A meld of magic, metal, and Screamer, often used as a mount for a mortal or Daemonic champion.

===Daemon Engines of Tzeentch===
A [[Daemon Engine]] is a part-technological, part-daemonic vehicle, those dedicated to Tzeentch include -
*[[Fire Lord]]{{Fn|2}}
*[[Silver Tower of Tzeentch]]{{Fn|2}}
*[[Doom Wing]]{{Fn|2}}
*[[Warp Palace of Tzeentch]]{{Fn|16}}

==Forces dedicated to Tzeentch==
===Chaos Space Marines===
[[Image:ThousandSonsPost-Heresy.jpg|thumb|right|200px| A '''Thousand Sons''' marine]]
{{Columns-list
|Columns=
|Font-size=
|Content=
*[[Thousand Sons]] [[Space Marine Legion|Legion]].
**[[Blades Of Magnus]]
**[[Brotherhood of Dust]]
**[[Brothers of Retaliation]]
**[[Crimson Sons (Warband)|Crimson Sons]]
**[[Crystal Harbingers]]
**[[Grand Order of Hermetic Blades]]
**[[Mind Eaters]]
**[[Silver Sons]]
**[[Kha'Sherhan]]
**[[Prism of Fate]]
**[[Prodigal Sons]]
**[[Reflected Ones]]
**[[Lorehost of Apoketh]]{{Fn|11}}
**[[Magisters of the Burning Amethyst]]{{Fn|11}}
**[[Masters of the Crystal Serpent]]{{Fn|11}}
**[[Six-Cursed]]
**[[Sectai Prosperine]]
**[[Sect of the Red Echo]]
**[[Seth's Chosen]]
**[[Thralls of Magnus]]
**[[Tizcan Host]]
**[[Warband of Sektoth]]
**[[Warp Gheists]]
**[[Scions of the Great Architect]]
**[[Masters of Magnus' Will]]
**[[Xenash Capensis' Rubric Phalanx]]
**[[Changebringers]]
**[[Coven of Nine]]
**[[Sons of the Cyclops]]
*[[Knights of the Silver Tower]]
*[[Oracles of Change]]
*[[The Scourged]]
*[[Eagles Iridescent]]
*[[Warriors Resplendent]]
}}
===Renegades and Cults===
{{Columns-list
|Columns=
|Font-size=
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*[[The Menagerie]]
*[[Prospero Spireguard]]{{Fn|5}}
*[[Thrall Wizard]]s
*The [[Nine Eyes]]
*The [[Q'Sal Magister Immaterial]]s
*[[Children of the Blessed Light]]
*[[Cult of the Severed Tongue]]
*[[Cult of the Ebon Flame]]
*[[Cult of the Lost Spiral]]
*[[Followers of the Red Monarch]]{{Fn|12}}
*[[Cult of Chalkonides]]{{Fn|12}}
*[[Cyclopeans (Chaos Cult)|Cyclopeans]]{{Fn|12}}
*[[Kardone Changeseekers]]{{Fn|15}}
*The [[Touched]]
*[[Tzaangor]]s
**[[Tzaangor Shaman]]
**[[Tzaangor Enlightened]]
}}
===Daemonic Warbands===
*The [[Burning Paradox]]
*The [[Conflagral Swarm]]
*[[Great Changehost]]
*[[Pyroclastic Conclave]]
*[[The Adulant Host of Hazriah the Believer]]

===Knight Houses===
*[[House Arcanus]]
*[[House Chromatic]]
*[[House Manticos]]
*[[House Gurgeon]]{{Fn|11}}
*[[House Mutica]]{{Fn|11}}

===Titan Legions===
*[[Legio Incurvos]]{{Fn|11}}
*[[Legio Inardescus]]{{Fn|11}}
*[[Burning Stars]]{{Fn|14}}

==Notable Servants of Tzeentch==
[[Image:TzeentchCard.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Representation of Tzeentch{{Fn|13}}]]
*[[Magnus the Red]] — [[Primarch]] of the [[Thousand Sons]], now a powerful [[Daemon Prince]].
*[[Kairos (Daemon)|Kairos Fateweaver]] — the Oracle of Tzeentch.
*[[Ghargatuloth]] — the "Prince of a Thousand Faces," [[Greater Daemon]] of Tzeentch{{Fn|7}}
*[[Blue Scribes]] — A pair of [[Blue Horror]]s of Tzeentch.
*[[Ahzek Ahriman]] — One of the most powerful Sorcerers of the Thousand Sons.
*[[Ti'Lath]] — [[Daemon Prince]]
*[[Gallus Herodicus]] — [[Chaos Lord]] of [[The Scourged]].
*[[Akhor'menet]] — A powerful Sorcerer of the Thousand Sons. Dedicated to freeing those members of the Thousand Sons imprisoned by The Rubric of Ahriman.
*[[Malfallax]] — Greater Daemon
*The [[Reckoner]] — Daemon
*The [[Changeling]] - Daemon

==Gifts of Tzeentch==
{{Main|Gifts of Tzeentch}}
{{Main|Mark of Tzeentch}}

As with all the Chaos Gods, Tzeentch will often reward his most favoured followers with special gifts and blessings. Tzeentch's gifts can take many forms, including physical mutations, [[daemon weapon]]s or great sorcerous abilities.{{Fn|9}}

==Related Videos==
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service=youtube
|id=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UiKYqndPoEM
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==Sources==
{{Fanatic}}
*{{Endn|1}}: [[Codex: Chaos Daemons (4th Edition)]]{{CME}}
**{{Endn|1a}}: pg. 11
*{{Endn|2}}: [[White Dwarf 156 (UK)]]{{CME}}
*3: [[Codex: Chaos Space Marines (4th Edition)]]:
**{{Endn|3a}}: pg. 21
**{{Endn|3b}}: pg. 70
*{{Endn|4}}: [[White Dwarf 122 (UK)]] pgs. 52-53
*{{Endn|5}}: [[Battle of the Fang (Novel)]]{{CME}}
*{{Endn|6}}: [[Realm of Chaos: The Lost and the Damned]], pg. 30
**{{Endn|6a}}: Tzeentch
**{{Endn|6b}}: The Chaos Army of Tzeentch
*{{Endn|7}}: [[Grey Knights (Novel)]], Chapter One
*{{Endn|8}}: [[Black Crusade: The Tome of Fate]], pg. 23
*{{Endn|9}}: [[Codex: Chaos Daemons (6th Edition)]], pg. 16
*{{Endn|10}}: [[Codex: Chaos Daemons (8th Edition)]] — ''The Scintillating Legions''
**{{Endn|10a}}: pg. 47
*{{Endn|11}}: [[Psychic Awakening: Ritual of the Damned]], pg. 9
*{{Endn|12}}: [[Psychic Awakening: The Greater Good]], pg. 12
*{{Endn|13}}: [[Warhammer 40,000 9th Edition Rulebook]], pgs. 37-38
*{{Endn|14}}: [[Citadel Journal 10]], pg. 32 {{FE}}
*{{Endn|15}}: [[War Zone Nachmund: Rift War]], pg. 33
*{{Endn|16}}: [[The Citadel Journal 16]], pg. 10 — ''The Everchanging Face of Chaos’' {{FE}}
*{{Endn|17}}: [https://web.archive.org/web/20241218161154/https://www.warhammer-community.com/en-gb/articles/urgzcdwr/secret-level-warhammer-cool-details-you-might-have-missed/ Secret Level Warhammer – Cool details you might have missed (posted 18/12/2024)] ''(archived from [https://www.warhammer-community.com/en-gb/articles/urgzcdwr/secret-level-warhammer-cool-details-you-might-have-missed/ the original] 18 December 2024, last accessed 15 January 2025)''
*{{Endn|18}}: [[Magic: The Gathering's Universes Beyond Warhammer 40,000]] - ''Heralds of Tzeentch'', ''Lord of Change''

==Uncited==
*[[Codex: Chaos Space Marines (3rd Edition, 2nd Codex)]]
*[[Realm of Chaos: Slaves to Darkness]]

{{Chaos Main}}
{{Deities}}

[[Category:Chaos Gods]]
[[Category:Tzeentch| ]]
[[Category:Characters (Gods)]]

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