Why would anyone worship a chaos god OTHER than Nurgle?

[Brother-Captain Endymion]

I've never understood the lure of Nurgle. I'm a perfectionist, and so I'd probably be a follower of Slaanesh if I were a worshipper of Chaos.

But that's what makes the Dark Gods so interesting. Each one represents a different aspect or personality. I can accept that we all die, or that a horrible disease can kill me. With this approach, Nurgle becomes irrelevant (for me). If you're a violent person, there's really only one way to go. Schemer? Tzeentch is your pappy.

It's really quite amazing to compare the human psyche to both the gods and races of 40k. It's fairly satirical! That, however, is for another topic.

[Captbigbeard]

Why would you follow Nurgle? Nobody does out of free will, they're forced into it. imagine you've got terminal cancer - and then suddenly a voice starting whispering to you, promising to save you from certain death. That is what Nurgle does. He's usually the one who made you sick in the first place . He's just as "evil" as the other Chaos Gods, even if he happens to more caring about his followers.

Many worship Nurgle for reasons besides being "forced into it" (don't quote me on that, but it makes sense many would). Granted I figure that's the most common form of recruitment, but it makes sense plenty would join him for the same reasons they join any other chaos god... power. Just like the other chaos gods, worshiping Nurgle gives you power, I mean immortality and immunity to pain rand disease is petty damn tempting. Just as tempting as what Khorne and Tzee promise.

I've never understood the lure of Nurgle. I'm a perfectionist, and so I'd probably be a follower of Slaanesh if I were a worshipper of Chaos.

Nurgle is very easy to understand the lure of imo. Like I said above, near immortality and powers that rival that of what the other gods promise. The only downfall is you lose your looks (you may be sick, but I don't think the followers of Nurgle really feel sick or pained).

The true question is: Why would anybody worship any Chaos God ever, looking a the consequences? Disregarding the deranged and insane, of course.
If the Imperium made an Chaos Awarness TV-Spot, instead of shooting everybody that heard the word "Khorne" even once, Chaos might be a nonissue for them.

Easy, because people crave power, and can be very evil and yet not be "insane" or "deranged". A depressing thought!

[Brother-Captain Endymion]

Nurgle is very easy to understand the lure of imo. Like I said above, near immortality and powers that rival that of what the other gods promise. The only downfall is you lose your looks (you may be sick, but I don't think the followers of Nurgle really feel sick or pained).

Meh. "Powers that rival what the other gods promise" is a bit of a subjective statement. As I mentioned in my post, his promises mean little to someone like me. I truly meant to emphasize the "I" in that sentence.

I do, however, understand why other people would be lured to him. But what I'm really trying to say is that not everyone wants the same thing, and so it is no great surprise that one individual will choose a specific god over the other. That's why not everyone chooses Nurgle.

IMO. :-)

[Wrath]

Personally I don't see any good reason not to follow the Lord of Change, Master of Fate and Magic.

I don't automatically become a murderer by following Tzeentch. So, yeah my only choice is Tzeentch.

Brothers!

Why would you follow the lord of rot? Tzeench offers you a future that you build not a future that just crumbles away.

As for the barbarians and the heathens, they have there uses. >)

[teheuax]

Tzeentch for me. Just thinking of becoming one of his daemon princes makes my mouth water. The chance is slim, but it is slim for anyone of the followers of any of the dark gods to reach daemonhood. But the mark of Tzeentch just seems so much more powerful then the others.

[Dryaktylus]

Nurgle worship?

You're the scum of society. You're poor, the toxic gases from your place in the underworld in a hive made you sick, weak. Your life is hard and short. You know, the people in the spire share none of your problems. They have anything you don't have, they're beautiful, rich and know nothing about you. They're scheming, decadent and don't care for you, your family and your friends - except sometimes as easy prey for their youngsters and their perverted sense of honour (to kill you and your beloved ones).

You don't care for their plottings, their perversion and their pointless pride. But you want to see them fall. All of them. They should know suffering and the slow but inevitable decay that is your life already. And it is you who will watch their buildings crumble down to dust, their faces and bodies bloating with disease or disfigured by plague, their arrogance wiped from their faces and replaced by a horror you know well enough.

And there's one god who could fulfil your wish. You have nothing to lose, they all the more. And he makes you strong. And resistent to all those things that plagued you all your life. So you're superior to them in the same circumstances. And if you're in your gods favour you have all the time to see their empires fall.

[Spell_of_Destruction]

Well, Korraz, it's not like: "OK, today I decided to start praying a Chaos-God". Chaos is subtle. Chaos attracts, seduces, distracts. You'll notice only when it is to late to step back, when Chaos already got you. And at that point you already see it from another point of view. That is how I have understood chaos. And it weirdly is really close to the Dark Side of the Force

LOL, it's as though everyone has started applying 21st century lifestyle principles when choosing which Chaos god to follow.

"Hmm, Nurgle - the resistance to disease is attractive but I can't abide the mess the pus from those festering sores will make to my designer cream leather Italian sofa".

"I could go with Slaanesh - I already have two nipple piercings so an extra four nipples would allow me to experiment a little with my next piercings. But how would the folks at work react? Will it jeopardize my chance of a promotion?"

"Yeah, Khorne sounds awesome. The extra strength will sure help as I always struggle to open my jars of organic condiments. I'm not sure how the 'skulls for the skull throne' part fits in with my membership of Unicef though?"

"After all my pondering I've decided to go with Tzeentch. He seems to me to be the most ethically sound with a less overtly terrible human rights record. Plus I've always wanted to fly and all that extra wisdom is sure to come in handy in my 11th century Mongolian basket weaving night class and...GGAAAAHHHFLIBBITGUKBAAAAAHHMHAARRANBRRROOOOM K!!!! (transforms into gibbering mass of sinew and flesh)"

[Brother-Captain Endymion]

"I could go with Slaanesh - I already have two nipple piercings so an extra four nipples would allow me to experiment a little with my next piercings. But how would the folks at work react? Will it jeopardize my chance of a promotion?"

This made my day. It's not often that these forums cause me to nearly spit out a mouthful of tea.

[Tay051173096]

Slaanesh for the music followed by the sonic weapons...

Do I have to change my clothes though?

[Captbigbeard]

LOL, it's as though everyone has started applying 21st century lifestyle principles when choosing which Chaos god to follow.

"Hmm, Nurgle - the resistance to disease is attractive but I can't abide the mess the pus from those festering sores will make to my designer cream leather Italian sofa".

"I could go with Slaanesh - I already have two nipple piercings so an extra four nipples would allow me to experiment a little with my next piercings. But how would the folks at work react? Will it jeopardize my chance of a promotion?"

"Yeah, Khorne sounds awesome. The extra strength will sure help as I always struggle to open my jars of organic condiments. I'm not sure how the 'skulls for the skull throne' part fits in with my membership of Unicef though?"

"After all my pondering I've decided to go with Tzeentch. He seems to me to be the most ethically sound with a less overtly terrible human rights record. Plus I've always wanted to fly and all that extra wisdom is sure to come in handy in my 11th century Mongolian basket weaving night class and...GGAAAAHHHFLIBBITGUKBAAAAAHHMHAARRANBRRROOOOM K!!!! (transforms into gibbering mass of sinew and flesh)"

HA! You win the best post so far award! Hooray!

[Kakapo42]

Like others have said, there isn't really anything that Nurgle brings to the table that can't be sourced elsewhere (Tzeench will also grant you immortality, and Slaanesh will give you immunity to pain, with none of Nurgle's drawbacks).

Not only that, but also, the problem I have with following Nurgle is that it's just so...bland. I mean sure, there's the whole felling others with horrible plagues and you get to exist forever, but the other Chaos gods are just so much more fun:

Ever wanted to horribly murder that annoying co-worker or classmate, or take your violent terrible and bloody revenge on that kid who always bullied you in school, that boss who choose to promote Bill over you, or even Chad who Cindy decided to take to the high school prom instead of you? Khorne insists you do post-haste. Khorne's strong no-sorcery policy also means you'll be free of bad luck at the same time!*

Meanwhile with Tzeench, you get to master arcane forces and wield the eldritch forces of the universe, while manipulating those hapless pawns you call family/co-workers/classmates/etc for your own nefarious ends. Not only that, but you get to (possibly) live forever and even see into the future! What's not to like?

And don't get me started about Slaanesh. The entire point of him/her/both is fun and having a good time, in whatever way you see fit. Sex, drugs, rock and roll, you name it! If it feels good, you do it. And then there's the other aspects of Slaanesh, art, music, culture, fashion and of course perfection. You may not have the longest life with Slaanesh, but man will you enjoy it, and you'll look and dress AMAZING at the same time!

Me personally, I'd go with Tzeench, partially because of the aforementioned reasons above, but also because my personality is closest to him (I'm somewhat optimistic, eccentric, slightly erratic at times and quite devious when I want to be). Not only that, but with Tzeench's powers of sorcery, foresight, change and manipulation at my disposal, I can manipulate the world economy and stock market in my diabolical scheme to make GW's prices lower. Kahahahahahahah!!


*Khornate no bad luck policy does not cover being shot, stabbed, bisected, torn apart, rent limb from limb, incinerated, blown up, decapitated or otherwise killed in battle, war, strife or any other form of conflict.

[Captbigbeard]

You all make excellent points. Well, at least you've swayed me on Tzeench being a good alternative. I still think turning to Khorne of Slannesh is pretty much saying, "ok I'm cool with being tortured for all eternity when I inevitably fall short of my master's expectations." But as someone else pointed out, if you turn to any of the chaos gods, chances are you think you have some chance of becoming a daemon. Kinda like people thinking they can win the lottery!

You'll probably end up suffering a terrible torturous end if you follow Tzeench... but it seems like there is a better chance of moving up the later by following him (plus mutations are cool ).

Although I still think Nurgle is the safest bet by FAR! But I certainly see the appeal of Tzeench. Just look at whacky cartoon Asian porn, life as a tentacled monstrosity seems pretty pimpin!

Lol, of course I would still never turn to ANY of them if I somehow ended up in the the 40k world (god forbid). Well, maybe I would turn toward Nurgle if I was recruited into the imperial army!

Not only that, but also, the problem I have with following Nurgle is that it's just so...bland. I mean sure, there's the whole felling others with horrible plagues and you get to exist forever, but the other Chaos gods are just so much more fun:

I think generic human Nurgle troops, like the Plague Marines, can be a bit bland, but those who can raise the dead or command swarms of insects are anything but bland. However, I think the daemons of Nurgle are the most interesting, unique, and colorful of them all.

On the other hand I think Khorne troops are freaking awesome, but their Daemons are as boring and cliche as they come.

All my personal opinion only though. I Don't want anyone to think I THINK I'm laying down the law.

[Mannimarco]

Just remember folks: If Nurgle wants you its going to happen.

He will just keep laying on the blessings until you call out for him to save you. Which he will, not by removing all the plagues he has heaped on you but by making you inured to them or you wouldnt call out for salvation or you would wither and die and become a plaguebearer.

Either way if he wants you its going to happen one way or the other.

[Vepr]

I rather fancy the simplicity of Khorne. All of life's problems are solved with a chain axe...

[Threeshades]

The only downside is you turn into a giant pile of decaying YUCK. Ya that sounds bad, but ultimately it's much better than the fate the vast majority of followers of the other chaos gods face.

I'm not incredibly well versed in the lore of the other chaos gods, so I am legitimately asking this question, am I missing something?

In the grim darkness of the far future there is only vanity.

[Oakwolf]

Slaanesh is far more than drugs, sex and pain.

It's also artistic creativity, and the refusal of imposed limits. The liber chaotica (slaanesh) is quite interesting in terms of hints how one can be tempted.

The big thing with Slaanesh is that the god doesn't pull you out of your society, instead it grants you boon from within. Suddenly one is no longer a wuss, and starts to gain influence. Wether it's from your sublime appearance or through the strenght of your word, others start to follow. That could be the wet dream of many a politician or military (for those high ranking officers who don't want to go berserk and die a fiery death).

As said above, Slaanesh is also the best of muses: perfection made real but still unattainable...if only you could just grab it (just a few inches more...). It inspires, and some artists just crave for that, to make their masterpiece.

Slaanesh offers you to keep what you are and who you are and add a little more oomph to it. Of course, that's the first part of the taint...and soon you find yourself wishing more, and pushing limits further.

The risk-reward factor with slaanesh is that of instant gratification with the very, very slight odd of being chosen down the road. Most pay the price with their soul and are consumed by their own spiral of desires, but those that achieve the ultimate goal (daemon princes) just get it all, without insanity, desease or the life expectancy of a baboon's charge on IG gunlines.

[massey]

You don't get to look at the rule book before you make your decision. In fact, most of the time, you don't even know you're worshipping a Chaos god at all.

Say you're a nobody. You're not interesting. You're not exciting. You're not good looking or cool. Cindy Smith over there who you've loved since the 3rd grade doesn't even know you're alive. Like literally 20 years from now she'll look at her old yearbook and say "did this guy go to our school?". You've lived your whole life as an extra in someone else's movie. You're the guy standing by his locker when the hero makes the big speech to get the girl. No, not that guy by his locker in the frame. You're the other guy by his locker, behind the fat guy.

Then you meet the new girl. She's hot, in kind of a dangerous way. She wears a leather jacket and has a nose ring. She winks at you, you follow her like a puppy dog. She takes you to a party. Everyone there is ten thousand times cooler than you. You take a drink of... something, some drink. You wake up the next morning after a crazy dream. It had to be a dream. Everything is fuzzy, but you think you lost your virginity. Your sheets seem dry, yup, you think you lost your virginity. Somehow you came home with a cool jacket. You wear it to school. Cindy Smith smiles at you in the hallway, says you smell nice. Goth girl tells you there's gonna be another party this weekend, you should come. You will do anything goth girl asks. You go to party, everyone acts like they know you, offer you drinks, laugh at things you say, include you. You love everyone here.

Welcome to the worship of Slaanesh.

[Sazabi]

I am shocked to read no one suggest that worshiping the Immortal God Emperor of mankind is the best option. All chaos worship is selfish. Emperor worship is the desire for the best for mankind, and the universe (as mankind'ss right to control the universe has been proved ad nausium), even at the expense of your temporary fleshy vessel. The chaos gods demand the eternity of your soul for a life time (maybe) of ease (maybe). The Emperor asks only for a lifetime of sacrifice (which could be potentially short!) for true eternal life at His side.

(though if I were to end up a chaos worshiper I'd like to choose Tzeetch but feel that Nurgle is closer to my heart)

[teheuax]

I am shocked to read no one suggest that worshiping the Immortal God Emperor of mankind is the best option. All chaos worship is selfish. Emperor worship is the desire for the best for mankind, and the universe (as mankind'ss right to control the universe has been proved ad nausium), even at the expense of your temporary fleshy vessel. The chaos gods demand the eternity of your soul for a life time (maybe) of ease (maybe). The Emperor asks only for a lifetime of sacrifice (which could be potentially short!) for true eternal life at His side.

(though if I were to end up a chaos worshiper I'd like to choose Tzeetch but feel that Nurgle is closer to my heart)

That sort of talk in this thread is heresy.

[AlexHolker]

Just remember folks: If Nurgle wants you its going to happen.

Only if you're a coward. Nurgle cannot compel someone to worship him, he can only make it extremely painful to refuse.