Word-Keeper
Word-Keepers are the priests of Necromunda's House Cawdor, who bind its society together and also lead its gangs into battle.[1]
Description
The closer a person is to the Thane of House Cawdor, the closer they are to the word of the Emperor, and thus the more important they are. Word-Keepers are those who have been granted this closeness, usually in the form of carrying some sacred object, phrase or holy writ handed down to them by the Thane and, by extension, the God-Emperor. Those who venture into the Underhive on House Cawdor's business consider themselves to be on a holy mission to spread the word of the Redemption. However, to other Underhivers, a Word-Keeper is often seen as just another gang leader.[1b] Word Keepers act as the ruling priest class of Necromunda, serving directly below the Thane of the House. They are known to wear relics as a sign of their rank and status, with the greatest of them being adorned with a large number of important religious items.[1a]
Often coming from religious occupations prior to joining the gang, unlike the rigid structures of the Ministorum, where missionaries, confessors, preachers and cardinals all hold a narrow place in a complex and overwrought system, the mantle of Word Keeper is far easier to attain.[1a]
