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| − | {{Quote|The Three-Eyed King has long awaited this moment, the hour of which his destiny is at last unveiled. He leads an army of madness and rage, against which no sane being would willingly stand. Perhaps I am not sane, as I will fight one last time. Not for victory, but for survival, for the hope that a spark can endure. It is a slender hope, and the laughter of the Dark Gods rings loud in my ears.....These are the End Times...|Prophecy of the End Times|}}{{Fn|1a}} |
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| − | {{Template:Battles |
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| − | |image = File:Warhammer End Times.jpg |
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| − | |caption = War of the End Times |
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| − | |Date = 2519 to ??? IC |
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| − | |Location = Warhammer World |
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| − | |Type = Chaos Invasion |
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| − | |Faction_1 = '''The Forces of Chaos''' |
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| − | *The Swords of Chaos |
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| − | *The Hordes of Chaos |
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| − | *The Bloodied Legion of Khorne |
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| − | *The Plague Hordes of Nurgle |
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| − | *The Daemonic Legions of Chaos |
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| − | *The Armies of Khaine |
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| − | *The Hordes of the Under-Empire |
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| − | * The Beasts of Chaos |
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| − | |Commander_1 = '''Archaon, the Everchosen''' |
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| − | *Be'lakor the Dark Master |
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| − | *Seerlord Thanquol |
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| − | *Shadowlord Verminking |
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| − | *Festak Krann, Champion of the Rotting Horde |
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| − | *The Glottkin, Champions of Nurgle |
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| − | *Arbaal the Undefeated, Champion of Khorne |
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| − | *Dechala the Denied One, Champion of Slaanesh |
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| − | *Valnir the Reaper, Champion of Nurgle |
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| − | *Egrimm van Horstmann, Champion of Tzeentch |
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| − | *Aekold Helbrass, Conqueror of Kislev |
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| − | *Kordel Shorgaar |
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| − | *Sigvald the Magnificent, Champion of Slaanesh |
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| − | *Valkia, Gorequeen of Khorne |
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| − | *Vilitch the Curseling, Champion of Tzeentch |
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| − | *Mannfred von Carstein |
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| − | *Ku'gath Plaguefather |
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| − | *Dechala the Denied One |
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| − | *Morathi, Avatar of Hekarti |
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| − | *Tyrion, Avatar of Khaine |
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| − | *Vardek Crom the Conqueror |
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| − | |Strength_1 = Estimated in the Hundreds of Millions |
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| − | |Faction_2 = '''The Forces of the World''' |
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| − | *The Empire of Man |
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| − | *The Tsardom of Kislev |
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| − | *The Kingdom of Bretonnia |
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| − | *The Isles of Ulthuan |
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| − | *The Realm of Athel Loren |
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| − | *The Mountain Kingdom of Karaz Ankor |
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| − | *The City-States of Tilea |
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| − | *The Kingdoms of Estalia |
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| − | *The Empire of Lustria |
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| − | *The Undead Legions of Nagash |
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| − | *The Armies of the Tomb Kings |
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| − | *The Hordes of Waaagh Grimgor! |
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| − | *The Celestial Empire of Cathay |
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| − | *The Nation of Araby |
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| − | *The Kingdoms of Ind |
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| − | *The Kingdom of Nippon |
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| − | |Commander_2 = '''Karl Franz, Incarnate of Heaven''' |
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| − | *Malekith, Incarnate of Shadow |
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| − | *Alarielle, Incarnate of Life |
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| − | *Nagash, Incarnate of Death |
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| − | *Balthazar Gelt, Incarnate of Metal |
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| − | *Tyrion, Incarnate of Light (revived) |
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| − | *Grimgor Ironhide, Incarnate of Beast |
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| − | *Caradryan, Incarnate of Fire |
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| − | *High King Thorgrim, Avatar of Grungni |
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| − | *Gotrek Gurnisson, Avatar of Grimnir |
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| − | *Araloth, Avatar of Asuryan |
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| − | *Aislinn, Avatar of Mathlann |
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| − | *Imrik, Avatar of Nethu |
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| − | *Daith, Avatar of Vaul |
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| − | *Orion, Avatar of Kurnous |
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| − | *Eldyra, Avatar of Ereth Khial |
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| − | *Martak, Avatar of Ulric |
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| − | *Slayer King Ironfist |
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| − | *Valten, Champion of Sigmar |
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| − | *Ar-Ulric Emil Valgeir |
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| − | *Teclis, Loremaster of Hoeth |
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| − | *Katarin, Ice Queen |
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| − | *King Louen Leoncoeur |
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| − | *King Gilles le Breton |
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| − | *Luthor Huss, Prophet of Sigmar |
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| − | *Grand Theogonist Volmar |
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| − | *Arkhan the Black |
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| − | *King Settra the Imperishable |
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| − | *Neferata, Vampire Queen |
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| − | *Khalida, Queen of Lybaras |
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| − | *Tehenhauin, Prophet of Sotek |
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| − | *The Celestial Dragon-Emperor of Cathay |
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| − | |Strength_2 = Estimated in the Tens of Millions |
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| − | |Status = Ultimate Chaos Victory |
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| − | |Casualties = Estimated in the Hundreds of Millions |
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| − | |Outcome = Destruction of the Warhammer World}} |
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| − | '''The End Times''' (2519 [[IC]] - ???) is the great cataclysmic apocalypse that was prophesied to bring about the end of the[[ Warhammer World]]. It was heralded upon the arrival of the [[Twin Tailed Comet|Twin-Tailed Comet]], both an omen of hope and destruction, which signaled the coronation of the new Everchosen; [[Archaon]] the '''Three Eyed King''', the '''Lord of the End Times''' and his bid to bring destruction upon the [[Human]] nations of the [[Old World]]. As the world endures its final, agonizing demise, the mortal races of the Old World are fighting to the very last against the encroaching darkness which seeks to consume them all. |
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| − | To the West, upon the distant lands of [[Naggaroth]], the followers of [[Khorne]] are descending southwards with black-banners high, hell-bent on bringing nothing but ruin and destruction in their wake. In response, legions of Dark Elven warriors have been roused on the warpath, holding out against the blood-crazed hordes that are assailing at their very gates. Yet for all their pride and glamour, they will inevitably fail, for their King [[Malekith ]] has abandoned them to enact one final gamble to reclaim his birthright.{{Fn|1c}} But even within the lands of his birth, the island-continent of [[Ulthuan]] is engulfed in a time of peril and tragedy, as a mist of dreadful power sweeps across it's beautiful land, summoning forth demons and other foul things from the very bowels of Chaos itself. With their beloved Everqueen gone and their proud Phoenix King dead, a young [[Tyrion|Prince]] has arisen through the ranks to lead his people through this time of conflict, setting up a chain of events that will forever tear this mighty kingdom apart.{{Fn|1d}} Farther to the south-west, upon the distant lands of [[Lustria]], the massive jungle-realm of the [[Lizardmen]] Empire, a new and deadly conflict has once more been reignited after nearly centuries of peace had endured. From the bowels of the earth, the Hordes of [[Clan Pestilens]] and all the [[Temple-city|Temple-Cities]] of the Lizardmen race will fight one, final apocalyptic war that will end in nothing but total annihilation. |
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| − | To the far East, the prospect of battle brought about by the end of the World has stirred the [[Greenskins|Greenskin]] race into a frenzy. The Greenskins have always thrived on war, always fighting each-other as much as any other foe. However a sudden urge soon captured the simple minds of their savage race as they felt something big brewing in the north. Soon, the infighting that has plagued their long and arduous history had vanished, and an overwhelming urge to unite upon one banner has made the Greenskin race united like never before for the coming, world-ending conflict.{{Fn|1i}} Even the [[Dwarfs]], stout allies of the Empire and [[Sigmar|Sigmar's]] people, have felt this encroaching doom as they saw volcanic fire spew forth from the [[Mountains of Mourn]], resulting in the call for massive military mobilization the scale of which had never been seen since the time of the [[Great Catastrophe]]. Soon, artifacts of Old are being found, and the Dwarfs stood ready in their hopes of bring about a new Golden Age for their people as they seek to summon forth the [[Ancestor Gods]] themselves back to this world.{{Fn|1h}} |
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| − | But it is upon the [[Human]] realms of the [[Old World]] where the fate of this world truly lies. Everywhere you see, all of Mankind is beset by evil forces both Old and New. In the southern realms of [[Tilea]] and [[Estalia]], the mortals of those distant fractious nations are beset by a nightmarish hordes from the depths of the World below. Soon entire cities are lost as the [[Skaven]] race have once more invaded in order to bring about the start of the Great Ascendancy and summon forth their foul deity to usher in the downfall of the surface world. Within the western shores of the Old World, the kingdom of [[Bretonnia]] is now torn to ruin as a Civil War now engulfs the once proud Knights of this feudal realm. In the course of this conflict, two ancient secrets shall be revealed, one which would save this kingdom from utter destruction whilst the other shall reveal a truth that shall shatter their nation, their people and their very faith apart.{{Fn|1g}} |
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| − | As the World draws its last dying breath, refugees by the tens of thousands have begun to flow like a river towards the[[the Empire| Empire]], the last bastion of defiance against the doom that seeks to destroy them all. To the north, upon the lost lands of [[Kislev]], the [[Auric Bastion]], the greatest magical wall ever created, loomed higher then the Bastion in Eastern [[Cathay]], so high that it would pierce the clouds themselves. This great wall is the only thing holding the darkness at bay, and should it fall, then the final battle for the entire world shall take place, and to the victors shall inherit the ultimate prize; the dominion of the Warhammer World.{{Fn|1e}} |
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| − | In the End however, this world is doomed, and from the ashes of the Old, a New World shall emerge out of the Darkness, following a cycle of creation and destruction that has been long in the making. |
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| − | == Origins == |
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| − | The World stands in the brink of Annihilation. It has done so since the beginning of time itself, when the great Old Ones of ancient times were destroyed long ago. The Polar Warp Gates of the Old Ones, once a marvel of ancient technology had collapsed and with them, Chaos flowed like water into the cold harsh lands of the northern and southern waste. Since then, every few hundreds years, the Gods of Chaos will reach out their hands towards this dying world and demand a claim of it as their own. So it is fitting that a Champion of Chaos shall unite the warring tribes of the North and put about the End of Time as we know it. |
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| − | The threat of Chaos comes in many shapes and forms, from the mutating winds of magic and the barbarian tribes of the North, to the vile beastmen tribes that lurks within the dark forest of the Old World. However, it is the corruption of souls, the pollution of ideals and dreams that is its most subtle and deadliest weapons, for within every person lurks the heart of Chaos. It is perhaps fitting then that the greatest threat to the Empire came not from a Kurgan Warlord, nor a Beastmen Chieftain, but from one of their very own. |
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| − | This man held the name of [[Archaon|Diederick Kastne]], a highly devout and zealous Templar of the Twin-Tailed Comet, born scant few years after [[Magnus the Pious]] and the first Great War against Chaos. Though Diederick Kastner, the man who would in his despair take up the dreaded mantle of Archaon, was born as an Imperial in the province of [[Nordland]], it was foretold in the '''Liber Caelistior''', the dread '''Book of Divination''' penned by [[Necrodomo the Insane]], that North and South would meet in the Everchosen's blood. And indeed this was so; for Archaon bears mixed Norscan and Nordlander heritage, his father having been a champion from the Varg tribes who forced himself upon a cowering innocent during a raid that had seen his birth-village of '''Hargendorf '''burned to the ground in 2390 IC.{{Fn|7a}} With the death of his mother, and the hatred of his step-father for his origins, the rape-spawned child would later go on to be adopted by a local Sigmarite Priest and become a Templar of the [[Order of the Twin-Tailed Orb]],{{Fn|7b}} fighting valorously and faithfully in the service of the God-King Sigmar. But once his true heritage and destiny was revealed to him, Diederick Kastner despaired and looked for salvation, travelling many miles towards the heart of his faith.{{Fn|6a}} |
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| − | Upon the massive [[Holy Temple of Sigmar|Temple of Sigmar]] in [[Altdorf]], the cursed Templar knelt before the Golden Statue of Sigmar and begged for a sign, to ask for his help from the darkness that has come to consume him whole. But the golden statue stood silent, and with it's unspoken words, the Templar knew that it was hopeless. He renounced the gods of the south but still affirmed his hatred for the dark gods of his father, accepting the cruel destiny engineered for him as a final means to repay the Fates for the evil they had done upon him. Thus did Diederick become Archaon the Everchosen, the Three-Eyed King, greatest of all the champions of Chaos. His deeds legend and his armies vast, innumerable foes of dauntless might lie bleeding in his calamitous stride. But deep inside, he wholly resented the Gods of Chaos and the misery they have brought upon him. Thus the half-Norscan warlord stood ready to fulfill his destiny and to usher in the end of all things, and in the very end, he shall come face the very God of his people, of all Mankind.{{Fn|6a}} |
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| − | === The Six Treasures of Chaos (??? to 2520 IC) === |
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| − | {{Quote|Forged from the other world, six treasures shall he posses...Upon his head the crown shall see all, and open eyes will prove woe to mortal kind...Then shall he ride unto the World...Then will the World know that the last war has begun...|Prophecy of Fate, taken by the Book of Divination by Necrodomo the Insane}} |
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| − | So it was that Archaon journeyed to the waste for nearly 100 years, searching for the legendary Artifact that would exalt him to his true destiny as the Everchosen. The first treasure he sought was a unique "'''Mark of Chaos'''", that bears the blessings of all four powers in unison. It combines all of the advantages of the individual Marks of Chaos, blessing the bearer with all their power. The first part of Archaon's dark quest was to go to the Altar of True Darkness in [[Naggaroth]] and offer himself to the Gods to gain their favour and recognition. He gathered a small band of Chaos Warriors he called the '''Swords of Chaos '''and battled his way to a citadel so tall it appeared to pierce Morrslieb itself. Inside the citadel, it was said to be blacker than even the heart of a [[Dark Elf]] soul, for when one of Archaon's followers attempted to light a torch, it was snuffed out instead by the all-consuming darkness. Archaon was unafraid, and marched off alone with his steed into the darkness. As he continued to march, an untold number of creatures had thrown themselves upon the potential Everchosen. In this dire moment, his loyal steed was consumed by these monsters, and realizing the death of a loyal friend he knew since his early years as a squire had boiled Archaon into a killing frenzy. Within a matter of hours, he was able to slay hundreds of the misshapen monsters that have infested the mighty citadel, until finally his sword-arm turned numb and the ground grew slippery with the blood and gore of the fallen. Rising up from the filth, Archaon reconsecrated the altar for the Gods of Chaos, offering up the hearts of the creatures that had crawled in and defiled it. When he emerged he bore the eternally burning Mark of Chaos on his forehead.{{Fn|6a}} |
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| − | The next artifact he sought was the "'''Armour of Morkar'''" the armour worn by the very first Everchosen. It makes the wearer invulnerable to all but the most powerful of attacks, making the wearer nigh-unstoppable in the heat of combat. After leaving Naggaroth on a stolen ship made of black metal and pulled by a massive sea-drake, Archaon took leadership of a seafaring war-band along the way to his destination. They sailed to a mysterious land populated with savage half-humans. Neither sun nor moon had ever touched their pallid skin and after six days and six nights of battle after battle, the city of these creatures had been reduced to rubble. Archaon delved deep into their necropolis until he found the Tomb of Morkar and the armour he sought. However, as Archaon reached out to take it, the spirit of Morkar animated the armour and attacked him. The vengeful spirit laid down a relentless flurry of blows until Archaon cursed it in the language of the Unberogen tribe. The attack ceased for a moment, and Archaon smashed him aside, banishing the spirit of Morkar and allowing him to claim the armour as his own.{{Fn|6a}} |
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| − | Then there was the "'''Eye of Sheerian'''", which is named after the Tzeentchian Sorcerer who discovered it. Although on its own it grants the bearer prophetic powers, when placed in the Crown of Domination its prophetic powers can be used to their true ability and allow the bearer to predict and avoid the attacks of the enemy. After claiming the Armour of Morkar, Archaon set out to retrieve the Eye of Sheerian. At that time it lay in the lair of the Chaos Dragon Flamefang, who valued the Eye above all of it's other treasures. Archaon placed his claim for the Eye by smashing his axe into Flamefang's head. Long did man and monster battle at the base of the Cliff of Beasts. Flamefang breathed fire and even swallowed Archaon whole, but the Armour of Morkar protected him from its acidic stomach. Archaon hacked his way out of the Dragon's gullet with the ferocity of a Flesh Hound, until Flamefang's throat was hacked to shreds and it died of exhaustion and blood loss. Archaon plucked the Eye of Sheerian from its place on the belly of the Dragon and hung it around his neck as his rightful reward.{{Fn|6a}} |
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| − | The next treasure to be won was the dreaded demonic mount of Agrammon. Alternatively known as "'''Dorghar'''", "'''Ghurshy'ish'phak'''", "'''Yrontalie'''", or the "'''Steed of the Apocalypse'''", this daemonic beast was stolen from the menagerie of the Daemon Prince Agrammon in the Realm of Chaos. Archaon battled his way past the Daemons guarding Agrammon's palace and sneaked inside, hiding beneath a beast that was part man, part mammoth and part insect. Inside was every beast imaginable, and some that are not. Archaon tracked Dorghar through the menagerie by its sulphurous stench. When he found it he vaulted on to its back. The Steed of the Apocalypse changed shape and burst into flames, but Archaon was able to break it like a wayward stallion and escape from the Realm of Chaos.{{Fn|6a}} |
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| − | Eventually he sought a legendary Chaos Blade, known by many as the "'''Slayer of Kings'''" which was the sacred blade of Vangel, the second Everchosen. He bound the Greater Daemon U'zuhl into the blade, and the millennia of imprisonment have sent it insane with rage and fury. It was said to rest at the top of Chimera Plateau, located near the roof of the world, where Archaon and his steed Dorghar has journeyed. The warriors battling around the plateau saw the determination and destiny of Archaon, and he quickly gathered a huge horde of followers to wage war against the Chimera's. They swiftly defeated the Chimera hordes guarding the higher passes where Archaon and his three companions climbed to the top of the plateau. From the top, Archaon looked down on the world, swearing that he would one day rule over all of it. Suddenly, what he had taken for a mountain behind him turned over in its sleep, causing a series of earthquakes in the lands below. Archaon soon realized that the mountain was actually the father of the Dragon Ogre race, Krakanrok the Black. Even he could not defeat such a foe, so instead he and his companions sneaked past the titanic monster, only to find that the Slayer of Kings was clasped into its chest. Prince Ograx the Great, the strongest of Archaon's companions, was able to lift up one of Krakanrok's talons high enough for Archaon to retrieve the Daemonsword. However, the Daemon bound inside began to shriek with deafening volume. As Krakanrok began to stir, Archaon thought fast and plunged the Slayer of Kings into Prince Ograx's chest. With the blade's thirst quenched with royal blood, Archaon was able to sheath it and return from the plateau to the cheers of his followers, carrying his blade with him throughout all his battles.{{Fn|6a}} |
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| − | After many years of endless journeying, Archaon has finally gathered all Five of the Artifacts except one. Forged before the dawn of man, the "'''Crown of Domination'''" once held the Eye of Sheerian, but had since been lost to history. It strikes terror into the bearer's foes and gives strength to his very allies. Decades after finding the Slayer of Kings, Archaon still had no clue as to the whereabouts of this ancient battle-helm. Eventually Be'lakor revealed its location, planning to steal the crown after Archaon found it. The crown lay in the First Shrine to Chaos, high on an icy peak in the Worlds Edge Mountains. Be'lakor led Archaon up the mountain, the Steed of the Apocalypse carrying him over the most difficult terrain.{{Fn|6a}} |
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| − | [[File:Archaon_and_the_End_Times.png|thumb|250px|The Coronation of Archaon]] |
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| − | After a day and a half of ceaseless climbing, Archaon stood before the massive double gate that was the entrance to the Shrine. Through the gateway was a labyrinth filled with dire beasts and vengeful Daemons. Archaon was tested by each of the Chaos Gods to see if he was truly worthy to be the Everchosen. Nurgle sent deadly diseases that Archaon fought off with sheer willpower. Tzeentch created a labyrinth of crystal, but Archaon blindfolded himself and used instinct alone to navigate it. Slaanesh sent temptation after temptation, but Archaon resisted, never diverting from the path to the inner gates of the Shrine.{{Fn|6a}} |
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| − | After passing through the inner gates, Archaon found himself on a narrow causeway surrounded with hellfire that scorched his skin and burnt away his hair. Suddenly, a mighty Bloodthirster of Khorne erupted from the flames and attacked the potential Everchosen. The Greater Daemon was strong, but Archaon drew strength from the Slayer of Kings and wrested the Bloodthirster's weapons away and strangled it with it's own whip. The hellfire died away, leaving Archaon gravely injured and standing in a simple shrine. A throne stood at the back of the shrine, with a withered corpse sitting on it. On the top of its withered skull sat the Crown of Domination. Archaon took the crown and, with his wounds healing and frame swelling with power, he held it to the heavens. After over a century of searching, he had claimed the title of Everchosen. All that he needed now was a coronation. Upon retrieving the Crown, the daemon prince Be'lakor performed the coronation that made Archaon the Lord of the End Times, and begins mustering the largest army ever seen by mortal kind. It was from that day forward that the last spark of Archaon's humanity was extinguished, and from now until the end of days, Archaon has finally embraced the destiny that lays before him.{{Fn|6a}} |
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| − | ==The Beginning of the End (Late 2519 to Late 2522 IC)== |
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| − | {{Quote|In the land of mist, the danger is closer still. Pride has ever been the folly of that shrouded land, and so it will be again. When the dragons fly as one, an ancient lie will at last be exposed, a revelation that will shake Ulthuan to the roots of its mountains. The mirror of light and dark will shatter, and Anearion's heirs will fight for the legacy of Khaine amidst the ashes of the Phoenix|Prophecy of the End Times}}{{Fn|1a}} |
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| − | By the cursed year of 2519 IC, to herald the beginning of the end, the[[ Twin-Tailed Comet | Twin-Tailed Comet]] soured through the night-sky like the birthing of a second sun. No mortal could deny its existence, for the comet's bright aura of light would illuminate the very night sky. Within the realm of Chaos, the Dark Gods gathered in the '''Court of Covenants''', all Four Powers having agreed to put aside their differences for a time in order to bring the world to their rule. Soon, massive warpstorms broke out of the Chaos Waste in great numbers, and eventually swept their mutation down south into the mortal kingdoms of the Old World. With this sudden phenomenon, Warp rifts would suddenly open in random locations around the world, disgorging a host of daemons for mere moments before they once more disappear.{{Fn|1b}} |
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| − | To the north, the Winds of Magic grows like a torrent down towards the south, and the whispers of the Dark Gods fell into every mortal ear. Very few could have resisted such urges, and soon thousands of [[Mankind]]'s own people have committed atrocities unspeakable, following the whispers north where a great gathering was taking place. Within the walls of the [[Inevitable City]], Archaon sat upon a throne of brass and bone and saw the chieftains and warlords of uncountable tribes lend their allegiance to the new Everchosen. Though these tribes crave bloodshed, Archaon was patient and bides his time.{{Fn|1b}} |
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| − | Soon some tribes left south or fought against each other to quench their battle-lust, but Archaon did not intervene, for he knew that those that stayed their hands were the strongest of will and strength, and would follow the Everchosen to the very end. The End Times is upon this world, and Archaon's hour of triumph is nigh.{{Fn|1b}} |
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| − | === The Wars of Reclamation (Late 2520) === |
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| − | [[File:Wars_of_Reclamations.png|thumb|251px|Wars of Reclamation ]] |
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| − | As war loomed on the horizon, it was perhaps fitting that the first nations to feel the wrath of the Dark Gods were actually the ones, who had first stood against them, in the earlier years of this world's existence. On the massive island continent of Ulthuan, discontent ran rife amongst the noble courtiers of the Phoenix King. The Daughter of the Everqueen, [[Aliathra]] the Everchild, was captured by the devious vampire, [[Mannfred von Carstein]] and taken to the nightmarish undead Fortress-City of [[Nagashizzar]]. The legendary warrior, Prince [[Tyrion]] and his brother, the mighty sorcerer, Loremaster [[Teclis]], set out to rescue her. Though the brothers fought with great determination to save their beloved future Everqueen, the Vampire inevitably stole her away and vanished without a trace. Disheartened, the brothers returned to Ulthuan empty-handed. Worst was it for Tyrion, who was himself, the true father of Aliathra.{{Fn|1d}} |
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| − | As the brothers returned, they saw their land ruined by war and destruction. The Phoenix King and Everqueen had vanished from Ulthuan's shores in mere hours of a daemonic onslaught. A terrible mist from the highlands of the '''Annulii Mountains''' had disgorged a daemonic host in unforeseen numbers. In the face of such peril, the Lords of the Ten Kingdoms immediately mustered their own mighty armies and began defending every village, mansion and Elven city with stoic determination.{{Fn|1d}} |
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| − | However, the daemonic hordes could not be defeated by conventional means, like any mortal army, and they thus returned to the material world time and again. With the Winds of Magic blowing strongly in the north, the entity which anchored these daemons to the material realm persisted, eventually granting them enough time and strength to overcome even the hardiest of obstacles. The[[Chrace| Kingdom of Chrace]] bore the brunt of the fighting, resulting in '''Lion's March''' becoming nothing more than a massive graveyard, with fields of unburied bodies stretching as far as the eye could see and the capital city of '''Tor Achare''' lying in ruins.{{Fn|1d}} |
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| − | The resulting clashes between Elven and Daemonic armies led to the loss of thousands upon thousands of irreplaceable Elven lives and the only Kingdom to have any semblance of peace in this dire time was the fallen [[Nargarythe|Kingdom of Nargarythe]]. For the mighty '''Aesanar''', known by many as the [[Shadow Warriors]], these daemons were nothing but one more invader to be cast into the sea, and soon refugees by the hundreds are streaming into the kingdom, feeling safe under the watchful eye of the dreaded '''Shadow King'''.{{Fn|1d}} |
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| − | As the war continued, politics once more threatened to tear the Ten Kingdoms apart. Without the wisdom and guidance of Phoenix King [[Finubar]] and their beloved Everqueen [[Alarielle]], the Phoenix Court soon fell into disarray, with [[Imrik|Prince Imrik]] of [[Caledor]] calling for the election of a new Phoenix King to guide the war effort. None doubted Imriks true intentions for himself to be the next ruler and too many Elven nobles spoke out in support of his cause to have it dismissed outright. The salvation of Ulthuan came once more at the hands of Prince Tyrion. Though his shoulders were weary with burdens and his heart broken over the loss of Aliathra, Tyrion knew his kingdom needed him now more than ever, and so Tyrion faced down Prince Imrik and took command of Ulthuans armies. Those who would have opposed him were quickly silenced when the entire order of the [[Phoenix Guard]] pledged their blades and loyalty to Prince Tyrion. In retaliation, the enraged Prince of Caledor ordered his kingdom to sever its ties with the other Nine, but this proved a minor disturbance as Prince Tyrion still commanded a large force and a multitude of lesser Caledorian Princes still took up arms for Prince Tyrion.{{Fn|3a}} |
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| − | With the Kingdom of Caledor isolated and alone, Prince Tyrion moved his armies north through the[[Eataine| Kingdom of Eataine]], pushing back one daemonic host after another. Driving his men onward to the point of fatigue, Tyrion fought on constantly at the forefront of these battles with unparalleled fury. As the '''Dragon of Cothique''' guided his army north, Tyrion and his host of Elves broke the sieges of several villages and cities along the coast, but as the war continued, Tyrion's heart and soul slowly began to deteriorate as the thought of his lost daughter and the disappearance of the Everqueen plagued his mind.{{Fn|3a}} |
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| − | This burden eventually made Tyrion reckless as the Elven army pushed north, winning battles at '''Port Elistor''', and '''Cairn Avon'''. However, due to his recklessness, Tyrion suffered a serious wound, one far too great to be ignored, during the battle at Cairn Avon and upon his arrival at the '''Siege of Hoeth''', the wounded Tyrion was bested by his long-ago nemesis, the daemon [[N'kari]]. Close to death, Tyrion was miraculously saved by the valiant efforts of [[Korhil |Korhil Lionmane]] and the determined onslaught of the Phoenix Guard, forcing N'kari to retreat into the hills. With the battle over and Saphery being refortified against new assaults, Teclis delved deep into the Library of the White Tower in an effort to seek ancient lore from the time of [[Caledor Dragontamer]], in the hopes of permanently removing the daemons from this homeland. Whilst recovering, Prince Tyrion tried once more to make amends between Ulthuan and Caledor. However, Prince Irmik once more declined and ordered Tyrions messengers to turn back empty-handed. The refusal pushed Tyrion into a fiery rage and he ultimately denounced the Kingdom of Caledor as a legitimate kingdom no longer. This resulted in the remaining Caledorian generals finally turning their backs on Tyrion and head back home.{{Fn|3a}} |
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| − | Not taken aback by his actions, Tyrion and the Elven armies once more moved north and drove the daemons from the[[Yvresse| Kingdom of Yvresse]], and finally towards the enchanted forest of the [[Avelorn|Kingdom of Avelorn]]. By the time the Elven armies reached its borders, Tyrion was once more fit to lead at the front, and was now determined to finish off N'kari. With the advice of his brother, Tyrion knew that the key to victory lay with the Deamon Prince's death, for he was the entity that anchored the Daemons to this world. When his scouts found N'Kari, Prince Tyrion quickly rose from his stupor and took the army of Ulthuan on the march once more, trekking through the wilderness until they reached Moonspire pinnacle.{{Fn|3a}} |
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| − | [[File:N'Kari.png|thumb|250px|N'Kari, Daemon Prince of Slaanesh and the Lord of Dismay]] |
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| − | The '''Battle of Moonspire''' would later be told of, by the Elves, as the greatest battle during the Wars of Reclamation. Tens of thousands of daemons had flocked to N'Kari's banner, eager to share in his plunder, mayhem and glory. Arrayed against them was a much smaller force of Elven warriors led by Tyrion himself. Believing victory to be inevitable, the arrogant Daemon Prince ordered a frontal assault on the Elven formations, without giving thoughts to tactic or strategy. The Elven army however, fought according to a precise and highly calculated battleplan. Knowing that Moonspire Temple was a shrine to the Goddess Lileath, Teclis intended to use the magical energies of the temple, to empower him to cast out the daemons.{{Fn|3a}} |
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| − | Teclis gathered his strength and, with magical energy spiraling around the temple tower, unleashed a brilliant storm of meteors from the blackened heavens. The mighty rocks streaked across the sky, smashed down upon battlefield and banished daemons by the hundreds in mere seconds, without harming a single Elven warrior.{{Fn|3a}} |
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| − | With the Chaos assault now blunted, the Phoenix Guard quickly counter-attacked, led by Tyrion and Teclis themselves. As the Elven forces drove deep into the enemy lines, N'Kari had no choice but to finally confront the twins in combat. Teclis unleashed a hellstorm of moonfire upon N'kari, searing flesh and blinding the daemon with terrible rage. While charging towards the mage, N'Kari was intercepted by Tyrion, riding his mighty steed [[Malhandir]], avoiding N'Kari's attacks and inflicting a smoldering, deep wound upon the Daemon Prince. N'kari tried to retaliate ferociously, but his grievous injuries slowed him considerably and the Elven Prince proved too nimble.{{Fn|3a}} |
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| − | Then, a host of Elven halberdiers came to Tyrion's assistance, distracting the Greater Daemon while Teclis unleashed another storm of moonfire upon it. As pain seared once more through the daemons body, Tyrion struck N'kari yet again upon his spine, forcing him down unto his knees. Without mercy or hesitation, Tyrion smites the daemons head from its body and handed it to Teclis. With the battle still raging all around them, Teclis and a vanguard of Swordmasters fought their way to the summit of the Moonspire Temple and laid the head upon its altar. Then, with a thunderous voice, Teclis began to weave a spell of banishment and the daemons, perhaps sensing their demise, howled with one terrible voice as Teclis intoned the final word of the spell and slammed the base of his staff down upon the daemons severed head.{{Fn|3a}} |
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| − | As N'Kari's skull split asunder, a massive, deafening crack of thunder filled the skies, and a magnificent flash of light shone down from the heavens. Those who looked directly at it thought they saw the Goddess Lileath looking down upon them. From Moonspire's pinnacle, a great torrent of fire raced across the Kingdoms of Ulthuan, banishing all the daemons that still clung to the mortal plane, preventing the Dark Gods from intervening in the affairs of Elves for a time. The climactic defeat of the Daemon Prince N'Kari ended the Wars of Reclamation, but a newer, deadlier conflict waited just beyond the horizon.{{Fn|3a}} |
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| − | === The Fall of Naggaroth (Late 2520) === |
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| − | [[File:Naggaroth.jpg|thumb|251px|A detailed map of Naggaroth]]To the north-west of Ulthuan, upon the cold and harsh shores of [[Naggaroth]], a second Chaos army of Khornate followers marched south from the Chaos waste almost at the same time the daemonic hordes of N'kari invaded the lands of Ulthuan. So it was that to the north of [[Ironfrost Glacier]], the banners of the invaders were black against the storm-laden sky; the tramp of their iron-shod feet a rumble of thunder in distant lands. The armies of Khorne are marching under one bloody banner; with [[Valkia the Bloody]] following at the fore as she drove the [[Bloodied Horde]] upon Naggaroths northern defenses.{{Fn|1c}} |
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| − | Even when the maddening cries of the berserkers or the mighty war-drums of their warriors filled the dark sky with deafening noise, the [[Dark Elves]] of the northern watchtowers seemed to have been caught wholly unprepared, for the Sorcerers within the [[Tower of Prophecy]] lay silent behind a shield of dark sorcery. The duty eventually fell upon the raven-cloaked border patrols that watch over the northern defences to bring these dire sightings towards the many Watchtowers that guard the approach south. Many of these scouts were overtaken by mysterious demons, yet to those that survived and arrived upon the[[ Tower of Volroth]], they were able to send the warnings to all the remaining cites before they too died of their wounds.{{Fn|1c}} |
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| − | With the entire kingdom alerted of their presence, [[Ebnir Soulflayer]], most trusted of the Witch Kings generals, rode out towards the Tower of Volroth with what force he could readily muster, only to find the fortress that housed 80,000 elite Druchii warriors lying in ruins. The Bloodied Horde has already breached the first of Naggaroths defences. With the path southward cleared, the titanic horde eventually split apart to seek their own individual glory's, whilst Valkia stood true to the path laid by her God and besieged the very capital of [[Naggarond]] itself. The splinter hordes that left the main body traveled eastward towards the shrine-city of [[Har Ganeth]] where they met the bloodthirsty warriors of [[Hellebron]], '''High-Priestess of Khaine'''. Those hordes that journeyed southward were confronted by [[Malus Darkblade]] and the cold-hearted legions of [[Hag Graef]], painting the '''Dark Road''' red with the blood of the invaders. Yet the pride of the Dark Elves have proved to be their folly, as time and again the armies of Naggaroth stood alone against their foes rather than united under a single force.{{Fn|1c}} |
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| − | The city of [[Clar Karond]] could have been saved from utter destruction had Lord Darkblade's army lent his aid towards their beleaguered brethren instead of looking to his own interest. Many times have Hellebron ranted and railed for aid to stop the berserking invaders from breaching her very gates, but none have dared to answer the call. Eventually her city was finally overrun, and in her bloody madness, the Blood Queen accepted her fate and gave praise to Khaine as she and her remaining acolytes filled the streets with blood offerings. To the north, what remains of Ebnir Soulflayer's badly needed armies have been wiped out after a failed attempt by the General to stem the tide of Khornate warriors, not out of a sense of duty to his country and people but as a chance of forgiveness from the Witch King's wrath. With their deaths, another large chunk of the Dark Elves already dwindling military reserves have been once again wiped out.{{Fn|1c}} |
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| − | Miraculously however, in other parts of Naggaroth, some of the Dark Elven Lords knew better then most to squabble amongst themselves over petty grudges whilst their entire kingdom is crumbling into ruins. Upon the port-city of [[Karond Kar]], the war-fleets of both [[Lokhir Fellheart]] and [[Drane Brackblood]] finally put aside their differences and joined forces to blockade the harbours from the impending armada's of longships heading towards their city. Though they made the coastal bay a graveyard of broken ships, there were simply far to many of them to sink and soon they finally made landfall upon the harbours and shores of the city. Even then the city could have held firm if it weren't for a mysterious earthquake shattering the outer walls of the city, and the sudden appearance of an entire Skaven army coming up from the city's underground catacombs. Caught between two armies, the city inhabitants were forced to flee to open sea. With the loss of Karond Kar, three cities have been conquered by the bloodied horde, leaving only three cities left standing.{{Fn|1c}} |
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| − | Within the capital city of Naggarond, the absence of the Witch King to take command of Naggaroth's armies has resulted in General [[Kouran Darkhand]], '''Master of the Black Guards''', to take command of the city defenses, where he fought Valkia twice in single-combat. Lacking the tactical genius to break the siege, the Lords and Ladies of the Black Council were torn with civil strife. After three months of constant siege, Malekith once more returned with the dried blood of [[Finubar]] in his hands. Taking in the perils of his kingdom, Malekith rode with his dragon [[Seraphon]] and pushed back the Bloodied Horde from Naggarond's gates. With much of Naggaroth lying in ruin, Malekith was forced to delay his intended invasion of Ulthuan and recall his invasion fleet back into harbor to be disembarked and armed for an upcoming counter-attack.{{Fn|1c}} |
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| − | Following his victory, Malekith met with the remaining Dark Elven leaders and laid out the plans for the forthcoming campaign in the north. He personally appointed Lord Darkblade to take command of an expedition towards the Tower of Prophecy to find out what has happened there. However, Lord Darkblade feared greatly the powers of [[Morathi|Lady Morathi]] and begged the Witch King to change his mind. He did, and Lord Darkblade was reassigned south to protect and escort the broken refugees back into the safety of Hag Graef. So the task then was set upon Malekith once again as he rode north to face his mother in person.{{Fn|3b}} |
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| − | Though nearly one-third of Malekith's army was lost on the journey, the Witch King continued on with silent determination, going as far as to isolate himself from his generals. Some forty leagues short of [[Ghrond]], Malekith's army was blocked by a massive horde of Daemons led by a mighty Bloodthirster of Khorne. Though powerful, the Witch King could not be denied entrance, and with the daemon's defeat, Malekith entered the Tower and met with his mother in person. Morathi had told her son that the End Times is nigh and that upon the shores of Ulthaun his destiny awaited him. However, Morathi warned that should he pursue this path, should he return to the lands of his birth, it shall destroy everything that has ever made him her son. Prideful to the last, Malekith abandoned his mother and gathered what remains of his entire people to set sail on a fleet of Warships so massive that it stretched from horizon to horizon. Thus upon the same hour that Teclis banished the daemons from the shores of Ulthuan did the last great host of Naggarth embarked upon their fleet of Black Arks. Without a backwards glance to his burning Kingdom, Malekith looked fixed upon the land of Ulthuan, determined that this time, there is no going back.{{Fn|3b}} |
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| − | ==The Great Darkness (Late 2522 to Mid 2523 IC)== |
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| − | {{Quote|Mankind does not recognise its doom - not yet. They only hear the drums in the north, and know that war is coming. Some will fight. Others will abandon reason, seeking salvation in scripture or the scourge. They are deceived. The Dark Gods are stronger than ever before, and the old gods fade. Only in death will any respite be found|Prophecy of the End Times}}{{Fn|1a}} |
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| − | By the year of 2522 IC, what remains of the Elven Kingdoms have begun to slowly rebuild and refortify their holdings as they believe that this incursion was but a precursor to an ever more horrific invasion within the coming years. Though the nations of Mankind still grows ignorant of this coming conflict, such accusation was not ill-founded by the more wiser and older nations within the World, for they too have witnessed this apocalypse before, and readied themselves for what is to come.{{Fn|1c}} |
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| − | Within the very heart of the Dwarfen kingdoms of [[Karaz Ankor]], all the remaining Dwarf Kings have gathered upon the ancestral halls of [[Karaz-a-Karak]] and argue on what course of action they should take to ensure the survival of their civilization. [[King Kazador]] of [[Karak Azul]] has argued that they should bar the Dwarf Holds from the outside and leave the World to it's fate like their ancestors have done many lifetimes ago. Many within the Court favoured Kazador's plan, but [[High King]] [[Thorgrim Grudgebearer]] disagreed on such a cowardly action, supported by both[[Ungrim Ironfist| King Ungrim Ironfist]] of [[Karak Kadrin]] and [[King Belegar]] of [[Karak Eight Peaks]]. Divided upon the issue, King Kazador in his pride still kept to his word and began preparations to bar his hold from the outside world, with several of the other Dwarf Kings following suite. Unable to unite his people, Thorgrim grew weary as reports have shown that their underground enemies have stopped their ceaseless attacking, a dark omen that would be the precursor to an imminent invasion on a grand scale never before seen in their history.{{Fn|1h}}{{Fn|9b}} |
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| − | To the far south, upon the sand-encrusted temples of [[Nehekhara]], King [[Settra the Imperisable|Settra]], greatest of the Tomb Kings have awoken himself from his deep slumber, foreseeing the shifting in the Winds of Magic that carried with it tidings of war and change. Seeing through the visions of bloodshed and misery, Settra witnessed the resurrection of an ancient and terrible enemy and knew that an awakening had to begin. With haste, the [[Mortuary Priest]] journeyed across the '''Land of the Dead''', and awoke the Tomb Kings in their dozens, calling for the awakening of their uncountable legions. Within the [[Charnel Valley]], the necrotects of that land began to empower the very stones of their statues into life, and within days a long column of stone warsphynx began their march towards [[Khemri]]. There the chief-necrotect [[Ramhotep]], with all his merciless drive, began his greatest work yet upon the walls of that ancient city. Upon the [[Great Mortis River]], the Warfleets of Khemri have joined the armada's of [[Zandri]], filling the whole [[Mortis Delta]] with warships by the thousands. In the [[Kingdom of Lybaras]], '''High Queen''' [[Khalida]] met with the montuary priest from her throne-room and pledged her archer legions into the fold. Soon legion after legion of Undead warriors have marched across the blazing sands, preparing the defense of this already formidable civilization against the return of their most hated of enemies, [[Nagash]], the''' Lord of the Dead'''.{{Fn|1j}} |
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| − | But it is in the lands of the Empire that the first signs of battle have taken place. From the cursed lands of [[Sylvania]], an unholy darkness has descended upon that bleak and desolate lands, arousing the dead from their slumber and killing what little life still clings to its soil. An old enemy awakens, and Count [[Mannfred von Carstein]] has finally announced that Sylvania shall secede from the Empire forever.{{Fn|1e}} |
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| − | ===Volkmar's Crusade (Late 2522)=== |
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| − | {{Quote|I hereby make eternal claim to that which is mine. Sylvania thus secedes from thy petty Empire, as do all who dwell within her borders. Mortal or grave bound, they are mine by feudal law, and let none dispute it. Look to the east and thout shalt find I have drawn a shroud of night across my rightful realm. In this way I demark it from thine own lands, where sunlight and hope are still welcome guest. Perhaps I will attend thy yearly feast of words someday, and feast upon thee in turn. Worthless and brief as you are, it would be a mercy. I predict little nourishment, and little challenge. For how can the great leaders of the Empire protect its borders, when they are barely aware of what is taking place under their noses?|Letter from Count Mannfred von Carstein, to the Conclave of States in Altdorf}}{{Fn|8a}} |
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| − | [[File:Volkmar's_Crusade.png|thumb|250px|An Army of Fanatics answering the Call to War]] |
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| − | Like many other times in the Empire's history, those who are far away from this dark omen taking place in Sylvania have little to fear, and even fewer care. However the ruler of that accursed realm did not hide in the shadows and bid his time like his predecessor, but instead made his presence clear to all when a winged creature dropped the crippled body of [[Templar Witch Hunter|Witch Hunter]] [[Gunther Stalhberg]] upon the meeting table of the '''Conclave of States'''. Upon his mangled mouth, a letter was shown and read by [[Grand Theogonist]] [[Volkmar the Grim]]. After realizing its implications, Volkmar immediately ordered the Reikguard Knights to accompany his [[Arch Lectors]] into the [[Imperial Vault]]s and recover the legendary [[Crown of Nagash]] from the clutches of Mannfreds agents. In the end they failed, and in grim determination, Volkmar announced to the Emperor that he would lead a Crusader army towards Sylvania and stop Mannfreds plan before it's too late.{{Fn|8a}} |
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| − | Upon the massive steam-barge ''' Luitpold III''', Volkmar and his crusader force of State Troops, Flagellants and Imperial Knights have made progress through the [[River Stir]] and made landfall upon the sandy shores of ''Lake Helsee''.{{Fn|8b}} After beating back a surprise attack, the crusader army split up their forces and made their way towards separate locations.{{Fn|8c}} Under Volkmar's leadership, the first crusader army successfully retook the Imperial fortress of [[Fort Oberstyre]] after undertaking a exorcism on a grand scale, and immediately followed the second crusader army not far ahead.{{Fn|8d}} Upon ''Deihstein Ridge'' however, the second Crusader army was caught in a massive ambush by a caravan-train of [[Strigany ]] nomads, but the timely arrival of Volkmar's own Crusader army had in turn ambushed the Strigany ambushers. After interrogating a Strigany sharpshooter for the whereabouts of Mannfreds base of operations, the Crusader army continued their march towards the town of [[Swartzhafen]].{{Fn|8e}} |
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| − | After crossing the fordable point of the [[Unterwald River]], the men under the stern leadership of Witch Hunter [[Alberich von Korden]] arrived within the outskirts of Swartzhafen in little time. Upon their arrival, the Crusader army saw the Undead armies of [[Helman Ghorst|Necromancer Ghorst]] and Count Mannfred himself blocking the entrance into the town. The Vampire mockingly tried to parley with the Grand Theogonist, but was cut short when Volkmar ordered the attack. Holding firm, the Crusader army was able to hold on against the Undead onslaught until Mannfred left the battlefield after witnessing something happening within the [[Vargavian Mountains]].{{Fn|8f}} Pressing forward, the battered crusader army pursued Mannfred along the Sternieste Road, making headways towards [[Castle Sternieste]] and the suppose power-base of Count Mannfred. Along the way, the Crusader army was met by the Imperial Armies of [[Altdorf]] and a band of [[Light Order]] Wizards tending their [[Luminark of Hysh]], coming to reinforce them for the upcoming conflict in Castle Sternieste, now coined by as the Imperials as the '''Battle of the Burrows.''' |
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| − | Despite the lack of proper terrain, the Crusader army nonetheless attacked the Undead defenders with fierce zeal. Whole battleline of Flagellants and Zealots hurled themselves headlong onto the Undead forces stationed below the hill as illuminating lights were shot off into the air by a battering of Helstorm Rocket. The Undead counter-attacked, with a small force heading directly into the path of the Light Wizards and their magnificent Luminark. In response, the Luminark sprayed golden light upon the enemy lines and seared a gap in their defences. On the right flank, a host of Demigryph Knights under the leadership of [[Lupio Blaze]] struck the Undead, forcing Mannfred to personally intervene.{{Fn|8g}} |
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| − | Suddenly, high above the castle battlements, a palanquin of spectres carried a terrifying artifact that began to suck the courage out of the frontal ranks of Crusaders, eventually falling upon the Wizards as well, killing their highly-intelligent leader, [[Jovi Sunscryer]]. Miraculously, a bright flare of light burst out from the wizards blackened robes, and the reincarnated angel of Sunscryer once more fought the spectres and wrestled the unholy artifact away from them.{{Fn|8g}} |
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| − | However, the Crusader army was ultimately ripe for slaughter as hidden undead forces lead by the undead [[King Verek]], sprung out of the burrows and encircled the doomed crusaders. Just when all hope seemed lost, suddenly, miraculously, the earth burst open in a hundred different places. This time it was not the dead that emerged, but the buried symbols of the faithful. Stolen sigil-hammers, steel wolf totems of Ulric, Morrite pennies, even brass suns of Myrmidia burst out of their earthy graves to hang at head height across the field, each glowing with raw magical power. Thanks to the efforts of [[Balthasar Gelt]], a torrent of light flared out and obliterated the remaining undead forces, whilst simultaneously healing the sick and wounded in mere seconds. With renewed vigour, the remaining crusaders cut down the last of the Undead, and cried out in victory. But as the Crusaders walk amongst the carnage of the battlefield, a cold chill began to run through the Imperial ranks as they saw the battered remains of the [[War Altar of Sigmar]] in the ground, with Volkmar no where to be seen.{{Fn|8h}} |
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| − | === The Great Uprising (Late 2522) === |
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| − | {{Quote|Thirteen times thirteen passes of the Chaos moon I will give you. Thirteen times thirteen moons I will wait. Go to your legions and your workshops! Bring me victory. Bring me dominance over this mortal realm! You must be as one, work as one, as single-minded as a swarm pouring from a cracked sewer-pipe – all rats scurry-flood in same direction. Only then will you inherit the ruins of this world, only then will you rule. Thirteen times thirteen moons! Fail, and all will suffer the fate of the seer.|Edict of the Horned Rat}}{{Fn|9a}} |
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| − | [[File:3124536513.PNG|thumb|250px|The Hordes of the Under-Empire launches their attack ]] |
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| − | As the world was engulfed in a time of conflict, such an opportunity for great plunder and glory to be won was consider a far too tempting a prize to ignore for the vermin hordes of the great [[Under-Empire]]. Prior to their inevitable and destructive invasion of the surface world, the Order of the Grey Seers under the leadership of [[Seerlord]] [[Kritislik]] proposed to the [[Lords of Decay]] a masterful plan. It was theorized by the earliest generations of Warlock Engineers that the Chaos Moon [[Morrslieb]] is actually made entirely of pure [[Warpstone]], proposing to the Council that he shall gather a coven of the most powerful Grey Seers and draw the Chaos moon closer to the world, allowing a greater influx of magical energies to the Under-Empires many spell-casters, and give the Skaven populace unnatural vitality. Approving the plan, the Grey Seers began their work, and within time the Moon slowly began to grow within the night sky, growing to such an extent that it has allowed the World's many spell-casters to conjure feats of magical possibilities that have never been seen since the [[Great Catastrophe]].{{Fn|4a}} |
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| − | Deeming the time is right, the mysterious Overlords of the [[Council of Thirteen]] instantly began the first phase of their '''Master Plan''' upon the human kingdoms of [[Tilea]] and [[Estalia]], never knowing that from the [[Realm of Ruin]], the [[Verminlord]]s of the [[Shadow Council of Thirteen]] are toying with the threads of their fate, overseeing their motives and purpose and moving them one-step closer towards their ultimate victory.{{Fn|9a}} |
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| − | The people of Tilea and Estalia has ever been a rich people of a fraction nation, two kingdoms so similar to the ratmen's own society that it beggars the question of their origins. Yet no matter how many times they see these vile vermin, no matter how many attacks and raids were sent upon their cities, they still try their best to deny such existence, and this strong sense of disbelief have brought about the seeds of their doom. In a single evening, the assassins of Clan Eshin and their most elite of agents, The [[Black 13]] were responsible for Tilea's '''Night of One Thousand Terrors''' -- a shock wave of assassination and ruthless sabotage that resulted in the deaths of hundreds of important generals, governors, nobles and leading officials. Leaderless, the lands of Tilea and her various fractious republics became torn with confusion and civil strife, making their petty kingdoms ripe for a slaughter.{{Fn|4a}} |
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| − | Beneath every sleeping city, beneath every town and mighty fortress, the Skaven hordes surged out of their tunnels in their tens of thousands and brought about a wave of sudden violence and destruction that eventually overwhelmed the rule of Mankind's kingdoms. Under-tunneled and overrun, every major city was now a blasted ruin over which a ragged clan banner openly flew. The Skaven lost a great many of their warriors, to such extent that none could ever count the ocean of half-eaten bodies that littered the filthy streets of each and every city, but such were their numbers and cruelty that none shed a single tear for their lost kin, for they have many more and the fruits of their victory have brought about a new cycle of violence that would threaten their race once more in open civil war.{{Fn|4a}} |
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| − | Soon the clans have lost their momentum, and began to fight amongst themselves for the bits of spoils that still remains unplundered. Spreading like wild-fire, all thoughts of surface invasion were lost amidst internal scheming and backstabbing. In desperation, the Council of Thirteen gathered quickly upon the Chamber of Thirteen within the capital city of [[Skavenblight]], focusing all their efforts on diverting another horrific Skaven Civil War. But the flames of dissent have run deep within Skaven society, and like always, fingers were pointed upon each other rather then to stand together. The most accused scapegoat for this tragedy falls upon Lord Kritislik, believing that it was the [[Grey Seers]] who plotted these terrible misfortunes upon all the Clans. Indeed, many of these misfortunes were perpetrated by the Seerlord and his fellow Grey Seers of [[Clan Scruten]], but as befit their nature, the Seerlord actively denies such claims, threatening the other Lords of Decay with divine intervention should they tackle this issue any further.{{Fn|9a}} |
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| − | It was then that there was silence from all the Lords, none dare spoke and some bared their throats in submission. In his arrogance and pride, Kritislik believed himself in control, never noticing the dark smoke rising from behind his back until it was far too late. Their vile god, the Horned Rat suddenly appeared upon the Council Chamber and all the Lords prostrated themselves in utter devotion and fear. It was then that the Horned Rat showed his disappointment to his bickering children, and to the greatest disappointment befell upon the Seerlord himself. Long has the Seerlord been given god-like gifts of power, wealth and age, but Kritislik was greedy beyond even Skaven ambition and has thus wasted his favours for far to long. To make an example to his other children, he grabbed the Seerlord by the tail and slowly stroked a claw-finger upon his horns, giving one last bit of sympathy for his most Exalted of Prophets before he was sent to utter oblivion. Screeching for mercy, the Seerlord was hopeless as the mouth of his god opened up and was thrown down an endless gaping maw of terrible possibilities that saw him destroyed utterly.{{Fn|9a}} |
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| − | With his demise, the Horned Rat gave out his last edict upon the Council, promising those that would fail shall suffer the same terrifying fate. With a crackle of green lightning and the tolling of deafening bells, the Horned Rat vanished, with the bones of Kritislik smoking upon the floor. Within fifteen skaven heart-beats, [[Lord Morskittar]] of [[Clan Skyre]] voted on removing Clan Scruten from their power, a decision that was accepted unanimously by the other Lords. Soon they left the Chamber quickly and went about preparing for the second-phase of their master plan.{{Fn|9a}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Within an alternate dimension, the Verminlords of the Shadow Council have seen this great event unfold and were awe-struck at what just happened right then. '''Shadow Lord''' [[Soothgnawer]], Demi-god of Clan Scruten was dismayed by his god's disapproval of his own clan, as do several of the other Shadowlords. '''Shadow Lord''' [[Skreech Verminking]], greatest of the Verminlords was the one who spoke out and told his brethren that it is time to intervene upon the affairs of mortals as shown by their own gods actions. Most weren't so keen on risking both their lives and status upon such venture, but two were still willing; Shadow Lord Soothgnawer of Clan Scruten and '''Shadowlord''' [[Vermalanx]] of [[Clan Pestilens]]. Before their departure however, Verminking told the Council that the Grey Seers hold the true key to victory, and upon the swirling pool within the middle of the Council table, he showed his champion; [[Thanquol|Grey Seer Thanquol]]. Outburst quickly fell upon Verminking's decision, and a veto was eventually issued. It never passed, as Verminking pointed out a third supporter amongst them, with the warpstone eyes of the Horned Rat's throne glowing ever so slightly at Verminking's statement. Vetoes were redistributed and the motion was passed by a narrow margin in favour of Verminking. With the decision made, the Shadow Lords of Decay all left the Chamber and went about their separate ways.{{Fn|9a}} |
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| − | === The Northern Bastion (Early 2523) === |
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| − | [[File:Imperial_against_Chaos.png|thumb|251px|Imperial Forces battling against the Curseling Hordes of Vilitch]]As the Imperial year of 2522 IC comes to a close, the former province of Sylvania was ultimately contained from the threat of an Undead invasion thanks to the masterful genius of the Wall of Faith. Such things are, the Emperor's Council still considered Sylvania's independence as a precursor to a new campaign of terror against the Imperial rule. Thus, the Emperor felt that Sylvania had gone from an occasional dagger at the Empire's side, to an open threat that he no longer had the luxury of overlooking any longer. With the Wall of Faith containing the Undead from invading the Empire, Karl Franz took the time to order all military assets of the Empire into the '''''Sylvanian Campaign''''', and plans to utterly cleanse the land from the taint of death once and for all.{{Fn|1e}} |
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| − | |||
| − | However, just as the Emperor was due to depart in two days for the Sylvanian Campaign, riders from Kislev urgently came to Altdorf and gave the Emperor dire news. The Kingdom of Kislev is in flames. The armies of the Dark Gods have gathered in their hundreds of thousands, with the northern lands of Kislev awashed in an orgy of blood and fire. Boyar [[Syrgei Tannarov]] of Chebokov, warned the Emperor that the lands of the northern and western Bolgasgrad has fallen and are awashed by a sea of barbarians. Given the severity of the news, Karl Franz had expected the Ice Queen to invoke the terms of his old alliance and call upon the Empire to march north to Kislev's salvation. The Boyar made no such demands, but told the Emperor that Kislev is lost, and that the Tzarina is holding the hordes off along the River Lynsk not out of hope for her people's salvation but so the Empire might have time to avoid such a similar fate.{{Fn|1e}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Gravely disturbed by the Boyar's statement, the Emperor quickly sent out hundreds of heralds towards the many armies of the Empire, and redirect them north to strengthen the northern defences. For the next few weeks, the entire military-might of the Empire has been redirected north in the tens of thousands, but as they force-marched their way through untamed wilderness, the armies were harried by a multitude of [[Beastmen]] tribes and [[Greenskins|Greenskin]] warbands springing out of the forest canopy. By the time the Imperial armies have reached their destination, only 7/10th of their forces have arrived intact. Even upon their arrival, the Imperial armies have been beset by a splinter force of Chaos armies heading south, with the armies of Ostermark and Talabecland barely holding them at bay.{{Fn|1e}} |
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| − | |||
| − | One particular horde under [[Vilitch the Curseling|Lord Vilitch the Curseling]], have broken through the Imperial blockade and besieged the Imperial Fortress of '''Castle von Rauken'''. Only a series of brilliant harrying tactics masterminded by [[Elector Count]] [[Aldebrand Ludenhof]] saw the fortress preserved from imminent destruction. With the armies of Reikland arriving just in time, Count Ludenhof was reinforced with nearly half of the Emperors personal army, allowing Ludenhof the strength he needs to relive Castle von Rauken from it's siege and upon the''' Battle of Lubrecht''', personally place his long-rifle bullet in the back of one of Vilitch's skulls, forcing him to retreat.{{Fn|1e}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Then, as the Twin-Tailed Comet reached its perigee, outriders from the front-line in the north have brought news that another grander horde of Chaos warriors from the Eastern Steppes are converging upon the Empire, a horde that far eclipsed those thus far encountered. Count Ludenhof's army, the largest Empire formation yet deployed in the north, barely outnumber even the smallest of the newcomer's forces. In Altdorf, Karl Franz redoubled his diplomatic efforts for aid against this new threat, but everywhere his messengers go, there are tales of battle and bloodshed, with the entire Old World beset by a host of dark forces both Old and New. Not even the stout Dwarves had the time and men to lend their aid towards the Empire, for they too have been beset by a nightmarish hordes from the tunnel depths. Soon, many began to despair, as nothing could stop the hordes from breaking through the northern defences.{{Fn|1e}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Salvation came once more by none other then Balthasar Gelt. After meeting with an unknown visitor, the Supreme Patriarch had been given forbidden knowledge that would halt the Chaos armies in their tracks. With the limitless magical possibilities now available to the Supreme Patriarch, Balthasar used an ancient magical scroll that summoned a massive barrier which burst through the lands of northern Kislev, erecting a massive wall of stone so high that no winged creature could ever hope bypass it. Thus was the creation of the Auric Bastion, the greatest magical wall ever created, and so long as the faith of the Empire's people believe it so, the Bastion shall endure forever.{{Fn|1e}} |
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| − | |||
| − | ===Climax of the Bretonnian Civil War (Mid 2523)=== |
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| − | Around the time just before Volkmar's Crusade against the darkness in Sylvania or the Wars fought against the barbarian hordes of northern Kislev, the [[Bretonnia|Kingdom of Bretonnia]] was engulfed in internal conflict as a usurper from the fallen [[Mousillon|Dukedom of Mousillon]] rose to challenge the Knights of Bretonnia. [[Mallobaude]], bastard son of the King, has long been gathering his own army in hopes of overtaking Bretonnia and claim the throne for his own. That time finally came by the ''Twilight's Tide'' of 2521 IC, when he rode out with an army of disgraced knights. Despite King Louen Leoncouer's calls for Bretonnia's armies to unite against this force, [[Bretonnian Duke|Duke]] [[Armand d'Aquitaine|Armand of Aquitaine]] rode out to face Mallobaude arrogantly, along with the Fay Enchantress, '''Morgiana Le Fey'''. At the devastating '''Battle of Châlons''', Armand's forces were slowly overcome by the formidable host of Mallobaude and were on the verge of a massacre. However, the dryad Drycha and a host of forest spirits emerged from the Forest of Châlons and fought alongside Duke Armand. Then, as suddenly as they had appeared, the forest spirits left without a trace. The Battle was lost, and even worse, the Fey Enchantress was nowhere to be found. After the battle, the Dukedoms of [[Carcassonne]], [[Lyonesse]], and [[Artois]] defected to Mallobaude's side.{{Fn|1g}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Though Mallobaude's armies were vast, King Louen had the blessings of the Lady at his side, and in due time the King had managed to subdue the treacherous dukes and bring their rebellious dukedoms back into the fold. A year into the campaign, King Louen felt confident that he could end this war very soon. However, by the time he met in bastard son at the '''Battle of Quenelles''', on the Winter's Eve of 2522 IC, the King saw before him a massive horde of Undead warriors under the banner of Malloude and his new ally [[Arkhan the Black]]. Vastly outnumbered, the Bretonnian knights began to slowly lose ground until the sudden arrival of the Wood Elves of Athel Loren turned the tide of the battle. Though the battle had been won, at the final height of the fighting, the Bretonnian King fought his son in single combat and lost. With the fall of their king, the Bretonnian armies retrieve the body of their King and sounded the retreat, with the Wood Elves carrying their Queen to safety of Athel Loren.{{Fn|1g}} |
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| − | |||
| − | By the last years of the war in 2523 IC, with the majority of Bretonnia's military all but defeated, Malloude began to offer a challenge to any knight who would face him in single combat. At Gisoreux, Adelaix, Montfort and many more, he bested all who came against him, believing himself unbeatable by any mortal man, as promised by the dark whispers of Arkhan the Black. Within the city of Couronne, what remains of Bretonnia's armies stood united against him. Though he outnumbered them greatly, in his arrogance he sent one last challenge towards the remaining dukes. To his horror, the challenger that came to meet him was the immortal Green Knight. Realizing his mistake, the bastard son tried to flee, but was killed when the Green Knight spurred forth and decapitated his head. With their master slain, the Undead forces quickly disintegrate and the remainder of his living armies were quickly overcome, with Arkhan nowhere to be seen.{{Fn|1g}} |
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| − | |||
| − | With Malloude's body burned to ash, the remaining Dukes began to squabble over the ascension of the throne. Civil war was imminent, but the sudden appearance of Bretonnia's first king [[Gilles le Breton]], as the Green Knight suddenly stopped the internal conflict. Given new life by the Lady, King Gilles stood beside his people as the first signs of the impending apocalypse began.{{Fn|1g}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Days after Gilles' recoronation as Royarch, plague broke out in the southern dukedoms of Quenelles and Carcassone. Then came the Warpstone meteors, blazing across the night sky and landing in multiple locations across the realm. Within days, mutation began to run rife amongst the populace, and swollen by their numbers, Beastmen warherds by the hundreds began to ravage the lands without resistance. Shrines, villages and towns were quickly lost, including the Dukedom of Bordeleaux's capital city after it was sucked into a Warp rift. With a quarter of their population slain, another quarter left the kingdom and sought refuge within the Empire. Seeing the horrors that has begun to plague his homeland, King Gilles summoned his heralds and declared the last and most grandest Errantry War in their history. Within days, hundreds or thousands of Knights have flocked towards his banner, and began to mobilize to face the agents of Chaos in combat.{{Fn|1g}} |
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| − | |||
| − | ===The Waxing of the Dark Moon (Mid 2523)=== |
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| − | [[File:The_Slann_Meteorites.PNG|thumb|250px|The Warpstone meteorite showers]] |
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| − | |||
| − | When the Council of Thirteen ousted the Grey Seers from their ranks, Lord Morskittar of Clan Skryre wished to shed further shame upon the grey-furs by proposing to the Lords of Decays that he shall finish what the Grey Seers could not, vowing to ensure that the sky shall shatter from a hail of [[warpstone]] meteorite. As the launch for the main attack is scheduled to begin after three moon-cycles, there was left very little time to waste as the project for the Moonshatter rocket is due to launch.{{Fn|4a}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Meanwhile, the Grey Seers, once emissaries and self-proclaimed prophets of the Horned Rat were now pariahs in the eyes of their kin. Some of the weaker-willed Grey Seers have pledged themselves to the other Warlord clans, taking the position as advisers and strategists rather then supreme leaders. Most, however were far to proud to accept such a fate, and in desperation they met together in hopes of finding a solution.{{Fn|4a}} Upon meeting, it was Grey Seer Thanquol who has proposed to summon the Verminlords into this world to help them recover their once formidable power. Outburst quickly fell upon poor Thanquol as the other Grey Seers blamed Thanquol for all the wrong-doings that has been done upon them, as something always seems to have gone wrong when Thanquol is around to see it. Stripping him of his status as a Grey Seer, Thanquol was mercilessly thrown into the streets whilst his brethren stole his idea for their own benefits, leaving Thanquol to rot.{{Fn|9c}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Their judgement clouded by misfortunes, the desperate Grey Seers have gathered in their summoning chamber with nearly fifty-strong of their members present. Fueled by the raging Winds of Magic, the Verminlords slowly stepped from the tear between worlds and present the Grey Seers the advice they so desperately needed. With their questions answered, the Verminlords dissipated in a cloud of smoke and was lost from sight. Focused on their immediate situation, the Grey Seers began to follow through with the Verminlords advice and try to usurp the power of the Slanns and continue the ritual to bring the Chaos Moon ever closer to this world.{{Fn|4a}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Suffering from disaster after disaster, the Warlock-Engineers of Clan Skyre have felt such devastation from their costly project that no other race could have sustained the level of destruction and cost brought about by these crazed scientist. But as the Chaos Moon grew larger in the sky, Skaven from everywhere in the world could easily feel the great powers that are being bestowed to those of Chaotic origins. Realizing that the Grey Seers had once again bested him with their mighty spells, Lord Morskittar was furious to the point of insanity. Enraged by the failings of the leader of the project, '''Chief Warlock''' [[Ikit Claw]] was sentenced to the front lines in the upcoming battles against the Dwarf as a death sentenced.{{Fn|4a}} |
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| − | |||
| − | With their rivals defeated as promised, the Grey Seers continued their arcane struggle against the Mage-Priest of the Lizardmen Empire in a battle of both will, mind and soul. But dragging an entire moon towards the world was a monumental task that not even the greatest of wizards could so easily accomplish, and thus some of their own have dropped dead by the rupturing of their own brains, whilst the moon continues to grow either by inches or miles every day. The vast moon soon pulsated with an eerie green glow and as night fell, the entire jungle continent of Lustria was lit by its presence, and to those that look skyward, they marked the moon growing the largest it has ever been in the history of the entire World. Alarmed, the Slann Mage-Priest stretched out all of their prodigious mental powers in an attempt to halt the moon's approach. Minds that could move mountains strove to push back the looming disaster, as the very stars fade from the night sky. The Geometric Grid was emptied of power, and as the pressure of this magical duel took place, piece of the chaos moon have broken off and later rained down onto the world, whilst waves of chaotic energies washed itself over Lustria, where the Mage-Priest of all the Temple-Cities tries to hardest to advert the apocalypse that is sure to happen.{{Fn|4a}} |
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| − | |||
| − | After much preparation and the continued approach of the Chaos Moon, the armies of Clan Pestilens and a multitude of other Warlord Clans were at last ready to reignite their war upon the distant jungle-realm of Lustria. Prior to the magical duel that has unfolded between the Slann-Priest and the Grey Seers, the trans-continental undertunnels has been reopened, each route widened to accommodate the great hordes of warriors, warbeast, and war equipment that have passed through it daily. For nearly a year, a steady river of supplies and infantry blocks have marched non-stop through the one-thousand mile journey to join the masses already gathered in key points throughout the surface of the jungle continent, whilst the Grey Seers still fought against the Mage-Priest for supremacy over the moon.{{Fn|4d}} |
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| − | |||
| − | The Lustria assault was part of the overarching campaign planned by the Council of Thirteen to eliminate the Slann-Priest currently holding off the Chaos Moon's approach, and as such, it had the full backing of their considerable power. All the Skaven clans have lent away a considerable force in this enormous campaign, with the armies of Clan Pestilens bolstered by warbeast from Clan Moulder, siege-engines and Warlock Engineers of Clan Skyre, stealthy and deadly assassins of Clan Eshin, as well as legions upon legions of elite Stormvermin and Clanrat infantry blocks from all the remaining Warlord Clans.{{Fn|4d}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Under the leadership of '''Plaguelord''' [[Lord Skrolk|Skrolk]], the first stage of their attack plan was to gather in secret beneath the key locations presented by the Council, such as the Temple-Cities of [[Itza]], [[Tlaxtlan]], and [[Xlanhuapec]]. Concealed by dire enchantments, the Plague priest of Clan Pestilens concocted a wide array of deadly diseases from the Cauldron of a Thousand Poxes to be used against the Lizardmen cohorts stationed above. The fumes became so deadly that the battle-hardened warriors of '''Clan Spittl''' and the entire '''Skrittlepeak''' Skaven Clans have died agonizing deaths. Those that remained immune to the fumes slowly became bloodthirsty for violence, and as the dark moon shone larger then it has ever been in the night sky, the climax of the magical duel was nearly its end and the awaited signal to strike the Temple-Cities would soon begin.{{Fn|4d}} |
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| − | === Blood beneath the Mountain (Mid 2523) === |
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| − | {{Quote|Go to Karak Eight Peaks. Smash the beard-things. But not in Queek’s way. Queek has brains – use them! We will bring down their decaying empire and the children of the Horned Rat shall inherit the ruins. I will see that it is Clan Mors that emerges pre-eminent from this extermination. Finish them quickly. Go to help the others complete the tasks they will not be able to finish on their own. Clan Mors must look strong. Clan Mors must be victorious! Bring me the greatest victory of all, Queek. March on Big Mountain-place. It may take years, but if you are successful there… Well, we shall see if you shall age as other lesser skaven must.|Lord Gnawdwell, Warlord of Clan Mors}}{{Fn|9c}} |
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| − | |||
| − | [[File:Map_Underground_Tunnels.png|thumb|300px|A Map of the Undergrounds of Karak Eight Peaks]] |
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| − | |||
| − | Following their magnificent success at conquering and subduing the human lands of [[Tilea]] and [[Estalia]], as well as the ongoing conflict within Lustria, the next phase of their master plan was to finally topple the Dwarfen Kingdoms of [[Karaz Ankor]]. By the year of 2523 IC, the often fractious clans of the [[Under-Empire]] have begun unprecedented feats of communication and cooperation that had never be seen on a grand scale since the beginning of their vile history.{{Fn|9a}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Almost simultaneously, the Skaven of [[Clan Rictus]] and [[Clan Skyre]] came into an agreement and together cooperated their attacks against the holdfast of [[Karak Azul]]. The armies of [[Clan Kreepus]] has bought the aid of [[Clan Moulder]] and their dreaded warbeast as they began their lightning assault upon the underground tunnel-network of [[Karak Kadrin]]. [[Zhufbar]] is under siege by a confederation of lesser clans lead by the more powerful [[Clan Ferrik]]. Even the seas are not safe from the Skaven aggressors as the conjoined armada's of [[Clan Krepid]] and [[Clan Skurvy]] assaulted the the formidable coast of [[Barak Varr]]. Unable to break the siege, the Dwarfs were slowly isolated and unable to aid one another, a situation that the Lords of Decay have long anticipated. In his pride however, one of the Lords of Decay, [[Lord Gnawdwell]] of [[Clan Mors]] has decreed that no other clan shall take the glory of capturing what is rightful theirs, and ordered his greatest general, [[Skaven Warlord|Warlord]] [[Queek Headtaker]] to finally end the stalemate at [[City of Pillars|Karak Eight Peaks]] and bring the city into the fold for the glory of Clan Mors, an event that would herald the end of an eternity.{{Fn|9c}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Following his arrival at the City of Pillars, Queek led a pre-emptive campaign against the Greenskin hordes of [[Goblin Warboss|Warlord]] [[Skarsnik]] within his powerbase around [[Karag Zilfin]], pushing them out of the [[Hall of a Thousand Pillars]] and into the other side of it's entrance, around the area known as [[Grobi Town]].{{Fn|9d}} With the upper deeps secured from threats, Queek began the boring responsibility of inspecting the four clawpacks sent to reinforce his horde. Tempted to finish off Skarsnik once and for all, the Warlord slowly resigned himself and followed the orders his Lord has presented to him. It was only after interrogating one of his subordinate that he found out a dark gathering taking places within the [[Trenches]].{{Fn|9e}} From the bowels deep beneath the earth, his subordinates presented to him the fifth clawpack, a horde of Skaven around a hundred thousand strong, all coming from around thirty-eight different Warlord clans with several thousand Clan Moulder war-beast for support, all lead by Grey Seer [[Kranskritt]], emissary of the disgraced [[Clan Scruten]] who came to aid Clan Mors in their efforts to take Karak Eight Peaks.{{Fn|9f}} |
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| − | [[File:Warhammer End Times Halls of Reckoning.PNG|thumb|300x300px|The Halls of Reckoning]] |
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| − | Tempted once more to maim and kill those that irritated him with their presence, only the fact that Lord Gnawdwell sanctioned this operation and that his right-claw [[Warlord Skrikk]] held his sword-arm --reminding him about the deal he made with Gnawdwell -- did Queek reconsider. Leaving the formalities to his two subordinates Warlord Skrikk and [[Thraxx Redclaw]], Queek began the journey back to his lair where he began preparations to assault the Dwarfs around the [[Citadel]].{{Fn|9f}} After some time, Queek set his plan into motion by detonating large quantities of explosives around four of the major peaks, destroying [[Karag Nar]] utterly whilst gravely damaging the rest.{{Fn|9g}} With this signal, the Skaven sent nearly seventy-thousand ratmen against the first Dwarfen line. Hard-pressed, the stubborn Dwarves still managed to push the Skaven back by defending small narrow sections around the [[Halls of Reckoning]] and the [[Grand Avenue]].{{Fn|9h}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Infuriated with these setbacks, Queek gathered his Warlords and ordered them to send in the clanrats and stormvermin batallions to the front. It was only after he sent off his officers that Queek got an unexpected visit by one of the manipulators of this conflict. [[Verminlord Lurklox]] of the [[Shadow Council of Thirteen]], came to the Warlord and told Queek that he has come to aid him in his final victory over the Dwarfs.{{Fn|9h}} Back at the front, the Skaven clawpacks eventually pushed the Dwarfs out of their first line of defence, entering the Halls of Reckoning and breaching the first gatehouse. It was there that Queek found out about Thraxx Redclaw's treachery, and after disemboweling his former second-in-command, Queek ordered the attack upon the [[Halls of Clan Skalfdon]].{{Fn|9j}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Unbeknownst to Queek, Verminlord [[Soothgnawer]] was also manipulating this conflict into his own interest, and with the aid of Kranskritt, he was able to convince Warlord Skarsnik to gather his forces and attack the Halls of Clan Skalfdom in exchange for a part of Karak Eight Peaks.{{Fn|9k}} Accepting but not believing in the deal, Skarsnik made some unsuspecting alterations to the given plan and ordered his loyal companion, Shaman [[Duffskul]], to bribe one of the mercenaries under the Dwarf's employ.{{Fn|9l}} |
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| − | |||
| − | When battle commenced at the Halls of Clan Skalfdom, the Skaven alongside the [[Red Guard]], the [[Warpshields]], the [[Vatbacks]], [[Ssizik's Deadeyes]], the [[Blacktail Berserkers]], and two [[Hell-Pit Abomination|Hellpit Abominations]] rushed headlong into the Dwarf regiments of the [[Iron Brotherhood]], the [[Axes of Norr]], the [[Stoneplaits]] and the Dwarf artillery crews under [[Durggan Stoutbelly]], with Queek battling Belegar in a deadly duel to the death. After some time passed, the Dwarfs unleashed their hidden weaponry, and a horn signaled the opening of a massive gate that unleashed a whole company of Ogre Mercenaries and Mournfang cavalry upon the terrified Skaven.{{Fn|9m}} |
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| − | |||
| − | With his army demoralized, Queek retreated with his scattered forces back in into the entrance only to stop when Queek believed the third clawpack reinforcements were coming. Just then, the ground burst open by Skaven drilling machines, but out from the hole came not the third clawpack but a horde of ravenous Squigs. Then out came whole tribes of Greenskins, with Skarsnik crawling out from one of the hole. With this signal, the Ogres betrayed the Dwarves and soon the three armies began to clash long and hard against one another. Salvation for the Skaven came when Kranskritt and the fifth clawpack emerged from a tunnel in the centre of the cavern, with a Verminlord in the fore. Using his magic, Kranskritt closed up all the Goblin tunnels, trapping the Greenskins inside whilst the Dwarves and Ogres retreated. With this, Queek and his remaining clanrats began the butchery of the Greenskins, with the upper levels soon falling into the hands of Clan Mors. In time, the Skaven hordes begin to slowly take level by level from the Dwarf and Greenskins alike. None could hope to stop them.{{Fn|9m}} |
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| − | == The Accursed Alliance (Mid 2523 to Late 2524 IC) == |
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| − | {{Quote|I have seen the World's demise. Morrslieb, the accursed orb, waxes large. Impossibly large. The moon will fall, the oceans will boil, the mountains will break. To the stars some will go, but the stars themselves will abandon this world. The scratching beyond the walls can only mean one thing -- the vermin are here. It is they that gnaw at the grayed ends of the world. Ceaselessly they plot, tirelessly they agitate. Yet never once do they imagine that they too are puppets, moving upon strings they never envisioned. The worst is still ahead... |Prophecy of the End Times}}{{Fn|4a}} |
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| − | |||
| − | By the year of 2523 IC, around the time after the end of the horrific victory at the Battle of Quenelles, the remaining Wood Elven combatants that have aided the Bretonnians in that battle began a quick retreat towards the safety of their forest. Just as Queen [[Ariel]] reached the bounds of her kingdom however, a strange sickness suddenly struck her and in desperation the Eternal Guard quickly brought her to the '''Oak of Ages''' in hopes of healing herself like many times before. But after a week, the Oak of Ages slowly began to rot as a strange decay began to grow amongst it's roots. This madness began to spread like wildfire all across Athel Loren, with the corruption attracting the attention of [[Beastmen]] tribes by the hundreds. Unable to cure her beloved, King Orion grew into a rage and found only comfort in battle, depriving the Wood Elf Council from the guidance and wisdom of both their King and Queen.{{Fn|1f}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Mere months following Ariels sickness, a lone stranger came through the '''Worldroots''' and showed herself upon the King's Glade. Alarielle, Everqueen of Ulthuan presented herself upon the Council and pleaded for their aid to rescue her daughter, as she feared her child's fate was part of larger calamity that would upset the natural balance between life and death, a battle that the High Elves could not win alone. So saying, the proud Everqueen abased herself towards the Council and begged for their aid, an act that shocked the Council. Though the Council was divided about this, [[Durthu]] '''Eldest of Ancient''' knew about this coming calamity and with his advice the Council lend their aid towards their High Elven cousins, renewing their once ancient ties.{{Fn|1f}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Following the Elven Expeditions departure from Athel Loren, to the East Arkhan the Black and what's left of his undead forces have reached the desolate borders of Sylvania, raising the Wall of Faith and continuing his march to confront Count Mannfred. A day later, the two adversaries met alone at Valsborg Bridge, with Arkhan demanding the recovery of a crown, a severed hand, and seven unholy books written in blood. Mannfred knew the intentions of such artifacts and immediately fought Arkhan in a magical duel. During the battle, a shaft of light burst through the clouds as the darkness that enshrouded Sylvania began to dissipate. Knowing that victory today would mean imminent destruction tomorrow, the Vampire struck an uneasy truce with the Lich. In exchange for Mannfred's assistance, the Lich promised the Vampire that he would be given power unimaginable if he served the Lord of the Dead loyally. With this accursed alliance, the Vampire and Lich returns to Castle Steinste and discuss plans to lift the Wall of Faith and march out to recover the remaining artifacts of Nagash.{{Fn|1k}} |
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| − | |||
| − | === Recovering the Artifacts (Mid 2523) === |
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| − | {{Quote|You have read the signs as clearly as I. The growing powers of Chaos makes no distinction between the living and the dead. Nagash must rise, or our realms of silence will fall. And yours will be the first.|Arkham the Black, offering Mannfred his unholy pact}} |
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| − | [[File:Map_of_Arkhans_Movement.PNG|thumb|250px|A Map showing the movement of Arkhan's army]] |
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| − | Just as war begins to spread like wild-fire all over the known world, back upon the still silent lands of Sylvania, the first step upon a long and bloody road was soon in the making as the two reluctant Undead Lord returned to Castle Sternieste, where Mannfred led the Lich to the relics he long sought after. From the depths of the Castle, Mannfred presented to the Lich the remaining books of Nagash, the Crown of Sorcery, and nine captives all bearing holy blood. Arkhan placed his own two books upon the rest, and judging by the amount that is present, he is confident that he could recover the last three Artifacts with ease. By the time Arkhans preparations were complete, Mannfred gathered an Undead army on the western borders of Sylvania. There Arkhan sacrificed the holy-blooded Lupio Blaze, a [[Order of the Blazing Sun|Knight of the Blazing Sun]] who accompanied Volkmar in his crusade against Sylvania. With his holy blood, Arkhan carved a path through the Wall of Faith that surrounds Sylvania, allowing the Undead to pass through without harm. With the way open, the Hunt begins.{{Fn|1k}} |
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| − | [[File:Map_of_Mannfreds_Movement.png|thumb|251px|A map showing the movement of Mannfred's army]] |
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| − | Once beyond the borders of Sylvania, Mannfred and Arkhan found it logical to split their forces up in order to recover the remaining Artifacts faster without attracting too much attention. Arkhan agreed to travel back west, to the lands of Bretonnia to recover [[Alakanash]], the Great Staff of Nagash within the holy vaults of '''La Maisontaal Abbey'''. Mannfred on the other hand would head further south, pass '''Mad Dog Pass''' and reach the lair of the Skaven of [[Clan Mordkin]]. There Mannfred hopes to find the legendary [[Fellblade]], a mighty weapon once used to kill Nagash in his original life, whose dire enchantments has ensured that should he be reborn once more, he shall grow weaker with each passing rebirth.{{Fn|1k}} |
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| − | With their destination marked, the two went off to their separate goals. Arkhan did not head directly to his prize after parting with Mannfred, for he knew that he need more than the mindless dead at his command if he were to beat the Knights of Bretonnia. Thus Arkhan led his forces towards the foothills of the Vault, just south of the Imperial province of Wissenland. There he met with the infamous '''Lichemaster''' [[Heinrich Kemmler]] and his ancient thrall [[Krell]], Lord of Undeath. Having fought alongside Malloube during the Bretonnian Civil War, Krell and Kemmlers support would be instrumental for the battles ahead.{{Fn|1k}} |
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| − | The three traveled deeper in the Vaults where within the web-strewn tombs that line the mountainside, the two Necromancers raised the dead of battles long passed. With his regime of Drakenhof Templars bolstered by fresh troops, Arkan marched north directly through the ravaged lands of the [[Carcassonne|Dukedom of Carcassonne]] and [[Brionne]]. With little to oppose his advance, the supposively small army slowly grew ever larger as the dead of the lands stir to life. Despite the kingdoms state, what remains of Bretonnia's armies could not let such an enemy run wild in their lands, and so a force of Bretonnian Knights and Levies gathered under the banner of Duke [[Tancred II of Quenelles]], attacked the Undead army as they entered the Dukedom of Brionne. However, the Dukes mad rage at the lost of his Dukedom and the hatred he had for the Undead proved his downfall as he drove far too deep into the Undead ranks where he finally fell in battle by his arch-enemy Kemmler.{{Fn|1k}} |
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| − | With the lost of Duke Tancred II, the rulership of Quenelles fell towards his distant cousin, '''Jerrod Palatine of Asareux'''. Demanding revenge, Jerrod asked the prophetess '''Lady Elynesse''' for her aid in finding what the Undead are after. Finding out their intentions, Duke Jerrod rode with the remaining knights and met with Duke [[Theodoric of Brionne]] at La Maisontaal Abbey. In desperation to absolve a pass sin during his treachery at the Bretonnian Civil War, Duke Theodric in his zeal ordered to sally forth and attack the Undead upon the open fields.{{Fn|1k}} |
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| − | ====Twelfth Battle of La Masontaal (Mid 2523)==== |
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| − | [[File:Battle_of_La_Masontaal.png|thumb|300px|A battle map depicting the Twelfth Battle of Maisontaal]] |
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| − | Upon the night of the Twelfth Battle of La Masontaal, the armies of Arkhan and Krell marched against the armies of [[Theodoric of Brionne|Duke Theodric]] and what remains of Bretonnia's valiant defenders at the meadows just a few miles from [[La Maisontaal]]. At Arkhan's command, the Undead forces of [[The Arisen]] and [[The Hungry]] formed form themselves into a single titanic horde that would be used as a rotting battering ram against the hastily assembled Bretonnian battle-lines. So tightly-packed was the Undead horde in front of the Bretonnians that it would seem impossible for Duke Theodric and his array of Trebuchets and the archers of [[Ennar's Outlaws]] to miss their intended target, even against the dark and gloom of the battlefield.{{Fn|1l}} |
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| − | By the time the first assault wave crossed no more than half the battlefield, that the Bretonnian bombardment suddenly erupted. A hail of firestorms soon burst upon the undead ranks as the sky was ablaze with a rain of fire-arrows and flaming rock. Even under the shower of enemy fire, the Undead continued their advance. Arkhan and Kemmler used their combined magical might to resurrect the fallen dead as quickly as they were killed, and soon the attrition the bombardment inflicted upon the Undead horde was reduced to a mere annoyance. With the Undead forces advancing towards the line, the Bretonnian skirmishers fell back behind the shieldwalls of the [[Rapscallards]]. Krell and the [[Wights of Stonewrath Tarn]] were the first to come into contact with the enemy. Battered but unbroken, the peasant shield-wall held their line until a horn signaled the Bretonnian counter-attack.{{Fn|1l}} |
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| − | |||
| − | To the right and left, a force of Bretonnian Knights of [[Aldrad's Lance]] led by [[Montglaive d'Treseaux]] and Duke Theodoric began a pincer-movement against the enemy flanks. This attack troubled Kemmler little, for the true threat of this attack were the [[Three Sisters of Ancelioux|Three Sisters of Ancelious]] that stood behind the embattled shield-wall, woving counter-spells to halt the two Necromancers resurrection spells. Enrage that a trio of woman would dare to challenge his magical might, Kemmler wove a counter-spell that conjured a lightning bolt from the dark sky, striking the damsels into charred bones.{{Fn|1l}} |
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| − | |||
| − | With dawn rising, Duke Theodric still drove deep into the Undead ranks without noticing the damsels demise. From there the Duke charged towards Arkhan the Black whilst he was preoccupied with controlling his army, and with a mighty swing of his axe-blade, the Duke crunched through Arkhan's battle armor and smashed the necromancer to the ground. Before striking the killing blow, Theodric was attacked by the vampire [[Anark von Carstein]], and was killed by decapitation. With his death the Bretonnians courage was shattered, and with victory nearly achieved, Arkhan surveyed the battlefield to find the Necromancer Heinrich Kemmler missing.{{Fn|1l}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Upon the Vaults of the Abbey, Kemmler retrived the Great Staff of Nagash from its resting place and turned towards Arkhan as he entered the room, revealing his secret pact with the Gods of Chaos and his intention to keep the staff for himself. With a deafing crack, La Maisontaal exploded as a magical duel soon erupted within it's foundations. Outside the abbey, [[Jerrod d'Quenelles|Duke Jerrod]] and a host of [[Gioffre's Lance]] and [[Fastric's Skylance]] charged over the horizon and slammed against the Undead's rear-guard. But when the Abbey exploded, what remains of their resolve was shattered as rubble the size of houses fell upon them. Realizing that the battle was lost, Duke Jerrod signaled the retreat for the remaining Bretonnian forces still alive. As the blare of horns echoed throughout the battlefield, Arkhan drew himself up from the ruins of the Abbey and swept thick ash from his robes. With the death of Kemmler, Arkhan retrieved the Staff and began the long trip back into Sylvania.{{Fn|1l}} |
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| − | ====Slaughter of Skullreach Cavern (Late 2523)==== |
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| − | [[File:Warhammer_End_Times_Warlord_Feskit.png|thumb|250px|Warlord Feskit, leader of Clan Mordkin]] |
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| − | Around the time just after the Twelfth Battle of La Masontaal was won, the recovery of the second artifact within the bowels of Mad Dog Pass was well underway. Though the Slaughter at Skullreach Caverns would not be one of Mannfred's most glamorous of victories, it nevertheless was a massacre to behold as it has laid low a Skaven clan tens of thousands strong, perhaps even more. Such were their numbers that Mannfred committed wave after wave of the [[Graveborn]] into the labyrinthine tunnels in hopes of mapping out his destination as well as to thin the ranks of the incoming swarms of clanrats. Saving his most elite core units in the back, the savage war of attribution has allowed the Undead to descend deeper into the lair of [[Clan Mordkin]].{{Fn|1m}} |
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| − | Skaven resistance to the encroaching Undead was sporadic at first, with those disgraced chieftains living in the periphery of Clan Mordkin territory, lacked greatly in both tactical skill and strong unification to properly halt their advance. Eventually the upper levels were lost as a the shrieks of dying Skaven echoed down the caverns and into the fortress-lair of Clan Mordkin. Knowing his realm was beset, Warlord Feskit rose from his throne and mustered the entire Clan for war. Gathering his most loyal and battle-hardened chieftains into the fold, Warlord Feskit has amassed a massive force behind the bone-gates of his fortress, promising those who are successful with great plunder and glory for him and the clan.As the Undead forced their way deeper into the Mordkin territory, the bone-gates of the Fortress swung open and a horde of clanrats and stormvermin battalions rushed out and funneled their way into the tunnel networks. [[Snikrat|Warlord Snikrat]], second-in-command to Warlord Feskit himself, leads the [[Bonehides]], the [[Mordrat Guard]], the [[Bonefodder]], the [[Warp Runners]] and [[Lurkers]] deep into the tunnels and rushed headlong towards the tides of undead that stretch for miles and miles back.{{Fn|1m}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Soon the gears and pipes that lined the walls of the tunnels were oiled by the blood and gore of the combatants as savage tunnel fighting erupted all around them. Though the Skaven were proven far more numerous than the Undead, the cramp conditions of the tunnels could only commit six Skaven at a time. Driven onward by the will of Mannfred, the zombies at the front ranks marched blindly into the Skaven spears and fought tooth and nail through the wall of flesh. Cornered like the rats they are, the terrified Skaven fought back savagely with claws and incisors, as they had no where else to run.{{Fn|1m}} |
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| − | Yet no matter how desperately they fought, the Skaven could not halt the relentless tides of zombies pouring through the tunnels, and so little by little the Skaven were driven back. In desperation, Warlord Snikrat ordered in his elite Warp-fire Throwers into the front and showered the Undead with deadly warpfire. The tunnels were caught in flames, but the Undead did not feel pain like the living, and so they came on, blazing like torches and incinerating those Skaven around them. Realizing the tunnels were lost, Warlord Snikrat abandoned the lower levels with those Skaven following suite.{{Fn|1m}} |
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| − | [[File:Warhammer_End_Times_Skullsplinters.png|thumb|250px|The Skaven Sharpshooters known as the Skullsplinters]] |
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| − | The fighting now drew nigh to the last defence -- a bottomless chasm that split the outer tunnels from the great cavern that was the heart of Clan Mordkins fortress-lair. Lighting the only rickety bridge on fire, the Undead were halted in their tracks. With this moment of relief, Warlord Snikrat ordered his elite Warp-lock Jezzail sniper teams called the [[Skullsplinters]] into the front and showered the Undead with a murderous barrage of warpstone bullets. Undisturbed by this turn of events, Mannfred walked calmly through the barrage and used his magic to create a bridge out of the bones of the zombies. Within moments, under the hail of bullets, the bridge was completed, an a thunderous charge of the [[Drakenhof Templars]], [[Doom Riders]] and the [[Spectres of Corpse Wood]] have routed and massacred the Skaven to the last. Only Snikrat survived, where upon his return he was met with dire punishment.{{Fn|1m}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Warlord Feskit was outraged, he expected his underlings to last longer than this, but with the lost of several thousand clanrats, Feskit knew that this battle shall soon be fought at his very doorstep. Over the hours, Feskit has unleashed wave after wave of clanrat and stormvermin infantry battalions, supported by a wide array of Clan Moulder warbeast and Clan Skyre weapons-teams against the Undead, enough to capture an entire surface city. But the Vampire and his Knights outmatched them many many times over, and those that lay dead rose up and swelled the Undead ranks. Finally, as the Undead were nigh upon the fortress very walls, the Warlord in desperation brought out his last and most greatest weapon.{{Fn|1m}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Deep inside the fortress, upon a pile of plunder that rose high upon the ceiling, Feskit retrieved the legendary Fellblade from its resting place and walked out to face his adversary. As Feskit emerged from his cave, he beheld the sight before him with a mixture of rage and despair. The Fortress of Clan Mordkin has been breached, and the Undead pour through the gaps like an unrelenting tide, whilst the skeletal remains of a Dragon the clan has slain long ago, has arisen to life and wreck havoc upon whats left. Warned by an instinct of a life-time of distrust, the Warlord spun back and tried to slice the Vampire in half. Mannfred easily evaded him and in one motion he snapped the Warlords arm backwards and struck a blade in his gut. As the Warlord laid dying, the Vampire retrieved the legendary weapon and began his long march back to Sylvania as the remains of an entire clan goes up in flames.{{Fn|1m}} |
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| − | ====Battle of Heldenhame Keep(Early 2524)==== |
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| − | [[File:Heldenhiem_Keep.png|thumb|300px|The devastating siege of Heldenhiem Keep]] |
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| − | With the two artifacts finally acquired, both Mannfred and Arkhan made the long journey through treacherous territory back into the dust-filled halls of Castle Sternieste. However, the journey back into their power-base in Sylvania has only proven that their suspicions were correct. The World is changing, and the Forces of Chaos are on the rise once more to bring about this change to all corners of the World. This has been made clear to Arkhan when he made his journey back into Sylvania by marching through the Great Forest of the Empire in secrecy. It was in those dangerous lands that the Necromancer was beset by a multitude of Beastmen warherds tens of thousand strong, all coming from all corners of the forest, as if to stop Arkhan from achieving his goal. Even Mannfred could not deny such ill omens after witnessing the ruination brought upon the Border Princes by the Children of the Horned Rat. Reviewing these unlikely daemonic intervention and those that has happened to other agents of Nagash, Arkhan has come to suspect that even the Gods of Chas fear the return of the Lord of the Dead.{{Fn|1n}} |
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| − | |||
| − | With their suspicion correct, and the realization that the darkness that has engulfed Sylvania is slowly dissipating following the death of Lupio Blaze, both Mannfred and Arkhan knew that time is of the essence. Quickly, Mannfred called upon his remaining Undead forces from all across his realm into a mighty army that would be needed to break through the mighty walls of one of the Empire's most grandest of Fortresses; Heldenhame Keep.{{Fn|1n}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Though neither Mannfred nor Arkhan could care to admitted it, Heldenhame Keep would be the first of a series of difficult obstacle that lay before them. Heldenhame Keep is a fortress-city to behold, a massive metropolis that is surrounded by both an inner and outer wall, with a heavily populated city just outside the inner battlements. The key to breaching such a fortress lay within the hastily repaired western walls that was previously destroyed by Waaagh! Bludtoof just a year ago, which was now garrisoned by several batteries of Nuln-forged artillery cannons. Such a target proved obvious to exploit but Mannfred and Arkhan had something different in mind.{{Fn|1n}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Upon the western slopes of the Imperial Fortress, Arkhan walked calmly towards the thicket concentration of bodies that had been buried during the Greenskin siege a year ago. The enchantment that rouse the thousand strong bodies was heard by the watchmen at their post in the western battlements, and bells and horns awaken the sleeping city into a frenzy. [[Otto Kross|Commandant Otto Kross]] was roused from his drunken sleep and took personal command of the fortress defense. As the skeletons march across the field towards the outer walls, from behind them an array of bone-built catapults launched a barrage against the weakened western walls in between the Rosemeyer Bastion and Sigmudas Bastion. In response, cannon batteries upon the two Imperial bastions open fired and destroyed one of the catapults. However, a dark magic slowly reconstructed the siege equipment and the barrage continued again.{{Fn|1n}} |
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| − | Unable to destroy the enemy catapults, the Imperial regiment of [[Heldenhame Holdwatch]] and the [[Talabheim VI]] simply stood behind their walls and endure the siege whilst Father Janos Odkier walked across the battlements and inspired the men. As the Skeletons reached within range, Imperial handgunners opened fire with scores of skeletons falling into shattered bones. But they as well reanimate themselves and soon formed their bones into a living ladder where scores of skeletons could climb up on. Soon the Helblasters upon Rosemeyer Bastion malfunctioned and without her sister-artillery's covering fire, Sigmudas Bastion was quickly overcome by the Skeletal assault. Father Odkier rallied the men to a last desperate defence, but he too fell as skeletal hands drove him down the walls. As the Imperial forces were losing ground, the western walls finally gave in and collapse, killing the frustrated Otto Kross and providing a breach for the Undead to march through.{{Fn|1n}} |
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| − | What survivors that came from the walls formed up alongside [[Wendel Volker|Captain Volker]] and his own highly-trained regiment of soldiers. Though fear corrupted their minds, their hearts knew that they are the only things standing between them and their loved ones within the city, and so with a harsh battle-cry they climbed the slopes of the breach and held the line. Upon the eastern walls, trumpets blared as the entire brotherhood of the [[Knights of Sigmar's Blood|Knight's of Sigmar's Blood]] nearly twelve-hundred strong, rode out alongside [[Empire Grand Master|Grand Master]] [[Hans Leitdorf]] and crushed phalanx after phalanx of Skeletal warriors.{{Fn|1n}} |
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| − | It was then that Arkhan and Mannfred had set their plan into motion. With the entire Knightly Order outside the city, Arkhan withdrew from the battlefield and allowed Mannfred and an elite core of Undead warriors to strike through the breach and head directly into Heldenhame Castle. Though the Castellans of the Order fought heroically against the onslaught, nothing could easily best a being such as the Lord of Sylvania and after a bloodbath and the death of the Order's second-in-command, [[Rudolph Weskar]], the Vampire retrieved Morikhane, the Black Armor of Nagash and quickly fled the battlefield. With his departure, the Castle was choked with the dead bodies of the Order and the shame that it brought upon the Grand Master has ensured that he will seek vengeance one last time before the very end.{{Fn|1n}} |
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| − | === The Dark Tides (Late 2524) === |
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| − | It is the year 2524 IC, and the perils of Mankind grows darker and grimmer with each passing day. The nation of Kislev, once the greatest horse-born nations in the Old World has been overwhelmed under an unstoppable sea of barbarians. The capital city of Kislev, once one of the greatest northern bastions ever erected within the Old World, with defenders numbering in the hundreds of thousands, has fallen, and the great Ice Palace of Queen Katarina has been burned to the ground. Kislev as a nation was gone; only the massive port-city of Erengrad still remains as the armies of Ostland fight desperately to hold her.{{Fn|1s}} |
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| − | The battlegrounds have slowly crawled its way to the south, until finally the Chaos hordes were stop not by swords or cannons, but a giant wall of earth hundreds of miles high. Forged by the union of Magic and Faith, the prayers and faith of an entire nation has crated its foundations. Neither claw nor grapple found purchase within its sheer slops, none could breach through the mile-thick rock as it would swiftly heal any of its wounds instantly, not even daemons could stray to close to it, for the holy wall burns them with its presence. A great chain of ritual-circles ran from Erengrad to the West, to the fortress of Rackspire to the east, with Wizards and Priest funneling both magic and faith unto the walls to ensure its durability.{{Fn|1s}} |
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| − | The military might of the Empire has finally been unleashed, and soon legions of Imperial soldiers march ceaselessly through the land, instilling order and destroying Beastmen hordes by the dozens. Pyres of the convicted and the damned lit the lands like wildfire as the Witch Hunters and Warrior Priest hunt down any at all Chaos worshipers with terrible efficiency. Whilst Count von Raukov and Boyar Tannarov held the small corner of Kislev around Erengrad, Count Ludenhof used his amazing skills of military organizations to hold the central stretch of the Auric Bastion, as several breaches were made upon the walls.{{Fn|1s}} |
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| − | Within the following months, at last the artillerymen of Nuln have arrived and brought forth hundreds of cannons and rocket artillery upon the war-front. There they directed barrages of rockets and mortar fire over the wall and struck the tightly packed hordes with great ferocity. In response, Chaos artillery returned fire and the intensity of the bombards on both side did not let up. For many weeks this devastation continued until finally, a shift in the wind has occurred and a rancid stench soon filled the air of both lands.{{Fn|1s}} |
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| − | Plagues struck both Imperials and Northlanders alike, and soon hundreds fell dead as the contagion spreads amongst the camps. Drastic measures were implemented as Ludenhof used fire to burn out the spreading of the disease, since neither medicine nor magic could heal the afflicted. Though thousands died, Ludenhof had unexpectedly halted its spread once and for all. But this event only signaled the coming of an even greater terror, one that has the potential to crack open the bastion once and for all.{{Fn|1s}} |
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| − | === The Lustrian Assault (Late 2524) === |
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| − | [[File:Lutrian_Assault.PNG|thumb|350px]] |
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| − | As the magical battle between the Slann and the Grey Seers continued, slowly but surely, each of the Slann Mage-Priest were strained beyond mortal fortitude and became comatose by the battle until only [[Lord Mazdamundi]] remained. Using magics beyond the ken of mortals, the eldest of the remaining Slann countered the fell powers of Morrslieb and the Chaos energies it radiated. However, the showering meteorites have breached his defences and struck the jungles of Lustria with a mighty crack, as miles upon miles of jungle were engulfed in firestorms. Before slipping to his comatose state, Lord Mazdamundi was able to limit the concussive blast cause by the impact, dampening the destructive force from reaching critical levels.{{Fn|4a}} |
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| − | With their sacrifice, the moon grew until finally it didn't move any more as the Grey Seers invocations mysteriously became less and less powerful. It was then that an explosion ruptured the Bell-Tower of the [[Temple of the Horned Rat]], killing the best and brightest of the Priesthood, naive at knowing that it was Grey Seer Thanquol who have formulated this daring sabotage after giving away the entire warpstone-hoards of his own former colleagues for the aid of Clan Eshin assassins. In time, Thanquol's ascendancy to power is becoming undeniable.{{Fn|4a}} |
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| − | Even as the concussive blast waves flattened mile-wide swathes of jungle, great rents within the earth appeared as the Skaven hordes burst out of the tunnels and flooded the surface above. Lit by the green glow of the moon, the hordes swept through the scorched terrain like a sea of living fur, with the canopy's of the remaining jungles swaying with constant activity. Lights suddenly erupt in the sky as spells of banishment glowed brightly like newborn suns. However, these spells were only meant to hurt demons, not the Skaven, and thus the ratmen overcame their blindness and surged towards the first of the Temple cities.{{Fn|4a}} |
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| − | ==== The Fall of Tlaxtlan (Late 2425) ==== |
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| − | [[File:Lizardmen_Art_1.jpg|thumb|251px|Saurus Cohorts during the Fall of Tlaxtlan]] |
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| − | The first spearhead to reach their destinations was the assault upon the Temple-City of [[Tlaxtlan]], the '''City of the Moon'''. Swarms of [[Skink]] warriors and archer filled the battlements of the city just as innumerable cohorts of powerful [[Saurus]] warriors formed battle-lines all across the city streets. Lacking any siege equipment, the first wave of Skaven crashed headlong unto ogre-sized stone blocks, crushing their brethren under the intense pressure of their incoming fellows. Plaguelord [[Kreegix the Reaver]] ignored the tremendous casualties and continued their frontal assault, with the first wave of ratmen eventually crushed to death by the incoming second wave. Again and again the waves continued, crushing the previous waves into a bloody pulp against the stone-walls of the city, until the piles of the dead had grown to such a size that the ratmen slowly ascended inch by bloody inch towards the ramparts. By the sixth wave, the walls were so flooded with the piles of the dead, that the ratmen quickly clambered over them just as the gates of the city were assailed by the now arriving siege engines.{{Fn|4d}} |
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| − | Massive [[Plague Furnace]] were brought up upon the [[Gate of the Starpath]], with enough room to place three of them at abreast. Hammering the gates like rumbling thunder, the gate eventually shuddered and fell wide opened, with additional breaches made upon the silver [[Moongate]] and the Black Onyx [[Gate of the Dreaming Lotus]]. The city of Tlaxtlan was breached in a dozen places, and the remaining cohorts of Skinks and Saurus warriors made their stand upon the very streets of the city. So mighty and disciplined were these cohorts that they were able to defeat wave after wave of the incoming attackers, a kill-ratio of nearly 10 to 1. But the Lizardmen lacked the necessary numbers to reinforce their positions, and thus they slowly began to give ground as the tide of Skaven continued onward. As the first light of dawn came over the horizon, the wide avenues of the city were flooded with the bodies of the dead, with the drainage system of the city overflowing with the color of crimson water.{{Fn|4d}} |
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| − | [[File:Fantasy art aztec lizard men 1920x1080 19885.jpg|thumb|350x350px|The Temple of Tlaxcotl during the Fall of Tlaxtlan]] |
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| − | With no Slann to guide them, command of the city fell upon High-Priest [[Tetto'eko]], where he viewed the battle atop the [[Temple of the Eclipse]]. To the north, the Skink district was in flames, whilst to the west, swarms of ratmen were pillaging the [[Temple of Tepok]]. For a day and night the battle raged violently non-stop throughout the city, with the Skink attendants trying all they could do to help awaken the unconscious Mage-Priest. Eventually, the scattered bands of defenders were slowly retreating towards the center of the city, where the mountainous [[Temple of Tlaxcotl]]''' '''and the four [[Blood Shrines of Sotek]] were laid out.{{Fn|4d}} |
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| − | Eventually, Tetto'eko had come to the growing realization that the city is lost and the only course left is to evacuate the remaining Slann Mage-priest back to safety. To the east of the central Pyramid, the [[Temple of Chotec]] was overwhelmed by force of ratmen several thousand strong, with the hundred-strong Temple-guards fighting viciously to hold them back. Time was running out. Unable to awaken their lords, Lord Tetto'eko reached into the Winds of Magic, and with the willpower of hundreds, the High Priest ensnared a roaring comet and made it hurtle towards the city. He then ordered a mass evacuation of the Slann Mage-Priest and the remaining defenders, ensuring that they rather see the city lie in ruins rather then in the hands of the Skaven. But the Skink attendants caused delays as they tried their hardest to bring every possible luxury the Slann might need, until finally it was far too late.{{Fn|4d}} |
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| − | As the final Temple-Guard fell in combat, the Ratmen surged towards the inner sanctum, with hundreds more dying by numerous deathtraps and the last remaining Skink defenders. Unfettered by these loses, the elite Plague-Monks of Clan Pestilens scoured the temple until they found two of the city's Mage-Priest unconscious upon a cloud of rainstorms. Seized by their filthy hands, the two Slann were carried out by the chanting Skaven until they were on top of the very pyramid, with the eyes of thousands upon them as the Slann was hoisted up and down in triumph. As the chanting grew to a thunder, the Mage-Priest gave one last frail wave of his outstretched hands before the Skaven devoured them whole.{{Fn|4d}} |
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| − | Lord Tekko'eko looked at the distant sight and bowed his head in total dejection. Without a second glance, the High Priest and a massive herd of Stegadon and Bastiladon stampeded through the enemy blockade and made headway out into the jungle whilst the Skaven continued their mass looting and the killing of three more Slann Mage-Priest. Sensing that victory was near, Kreegix the Reaver threw forth the reserves, mauling the retreating Lizardmen rearguard of elite Temple-Guards under their leader, [[Ax-Cha|Lord Ax-Cha]]. However, within moments the Skaven looked up in the sky, eyes-wide as they saw a mountain of fire crashing down upon them. A meteor bigger than Lord Tekko'eko could have ever imagined slammed directly upon the mountainous Temple of Tlaxcotl, with such a force of impact that the city was obliterated entirely. Shock-waves and firestorms flattened the nearby jungles, which was able to reach the fleeing Lizardmen columns that were already miles away from the impact. After the destruction, the only survivor that were left were the Lizardmen column nearest to the magical protection of the city's last surviving Mage-Priest, Lord [[Adohi-Tehga]], who had just awoken mere moments after the explosion.{{Fn|4d}} |
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| − | ==== Assault on Itza (Late 2524) ==== |
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| − | Following the total annihilation of both the City of Tlaxtlan and the Skaven invaders that were sent there, the remaining Skaven spearheads have redirected their remaining forces to attack the next series of cities that stood in their way. The second and most largest of the spearheads besieged the Temple-City of [[Itza]], the First City and the capital of the Lizardmen Empire. Unlike the mindless assaults perpetrated by Plaguelord Kreegix during the Fall of Tlaxtlan, the Skaven armies under Plaguelord [[Lord Gritch|Gritch]], the Great Potentate of Pustulates, and the newly promoted Plaguelord [[Lord Grilok|Grilok]] knew that such a tactic upon the greatest fortress-city in Lustria would lead to a genocide, and as such a different tactic was issued. With the cracking of whips, tens of thousands of the [[Chained Ones]] were brought up to excavate a massive moat all around the enormous city whilst several detachment armies plundered the nearby temples and watch-post located outside the city limits led by the [[Bilekin Brotherhood]]. Though half their numbers were sent towards Warleader [[Kroq-Gar]] and the ongoing daemonic battle at the Temple-City of [[Xahutec]], the armies within the city of Itza are still larger than any formation currently engaged within the continent.{{Fn|4e}} |
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| − | [[File:Virulent Batteries.PNG|thumb|250x250px|The barrage of the Virulent Batteries]] |
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| − | Outside the city, the Skaven armies stationed there have been continuously harassed by a multitude of assailants. Massive reptilian beast from the jungle-depths would occasionally rampage amongst the camps, killing dozens of the Skaven before dragging their prize back into the canopy. Host of Skink skirmishers and ambushers hidden within the jungles would silently infiltrate the outlying camps and sabotage everything in sight, as well as expertly killing those hunter-parties that were sent out to find them. Occasionally, flocks of Skink Terradon-riders would fly out of the city and shower the enemy with rocks, arrows and darts.{{Fn|4e}} |
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| − | Despite these engagements, the newly arriving reinforcements of the [[Contagion Conclave]] have brought up the virus ammunition needed for their first assault, during which the reinforcements have just barely survived the numerous ambushes by Skink Chameleon on the way to the war-front. With the signal issued, the [[Virulent Batteries]] unleashed a barrage of the viruses upon the city outskirts throughout the day and evening. Virulent strains of the [[Red Pox]], the [[Seeping Pox]], [[Scalamundrax]], the Oozing Eye Plague and several other viruses began to stain the outskirts of the city with disgusting pus. [[Tekza]], Warleader of Itza commanded his cohorts to attack the plague artillery before the start of the next barrage. Yet after his troops began to die of the fumes, Tekza roared the command to fall back deeper into the city, where the enemies Plague-artillery could not reach them.{{Fn|4e}} |
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| − | |||
| − | With their enemies retreating, the Virulent Batteries began to move slowly forward in order to infect more sections of the city. In response, flying cohorts of terradons were amassed and sent to wreak havoc upon the exposed Plague Artillery. Though several artillery pieces were destroyed, Lord Gritch ordered their reconstruction in quick succession, replacing their loses just as quickly as they were destroyed. But as the Skaven begin to construct siege-ramps to begin the assault upon the city, neither the Skaven nor the Lizardmen realized the swaying of the jungles behind them, nor the rumbling of massive footsteps that echo in the distance.{{Fn|4e}} |
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| − | [[File:300px-Tehenhauin.jpg|thumb|385x385px|Tehenhauin, standing victories over the Skaven Hordes of Clan Pestilens]] |
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| − | Within moments, entire Skaven formations that were placed in the rear-guard were expertly hunted and quietly killed by the [[Eyes in the Canopy]] before they could sound the alarm to the rest of the army. With an almighty roar, a sea of massive snakes emerged out of the jungle canopy. Behind them came massive waves of [[Red Shields]] clustered around hulking armored Kroxigors. At the forefront came a wall of [[Living Bastions|Living Bastion]], [[Fire Lizards]] and Saurian Calvary stretching from horizon to horizon, moving with such ferocity that they left broken trees in their wake. Above the sky, a host of Ripperdactly know as the [[Wind That Hungers|Wind that Hungers]] await the feast that will commence. As this new army lifted their bellowing challenges to the skies, dark clouds began to appear above and answered their roars with thunder-cracks as the armies of [[Tehenhauin]], the Prophet of Sotek and Harbinger of the Serpent God has finally come.{{Fn|4e}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Smashing headlong into the rear of the unsuspecting Skaven armies, the [[Red Host of Tehenhauin]] pushed the enemy forces deeper into the outlying moat. The pride of Clan Pestilens -- the [[Acolytes of the Greenfesters,]] the [[Cankerous Choir]], and the speckled robes of the [[Rotclaws]] were all but annihilated within moments of the engagement. Before Plaguelord Gritch could turn his mount around to face these newcomers, the thunderclouds above let loose curtains of rain that turned his massive moat into a sinking quagmire.{{Fn|4e}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Beneath the hammering thunderstorm, the Skaven were being pushed back severely, and soon the verminous horde panicked and a mass route began. Many scampered clumsily backwards until they plummeted onto their own moat, drowning in their hundreds as they tried to escape. Those Skaven that ran for the jungles were picked off slowly as hidden Chameleon skinks sprung their ambush, ensuring that not a single skaven shall escape from this genocide. As the thunderstorm slowly died out, the Lizardmen fell upon their prey with great cruelty. They prowled amongst the mud-strewn fields like packs of jackals, stabbing and killing mercilessly at the helpless and tired Skaven that lay in the cold mud. It was only after not a single living thing breathed on that sorrowful field did the host turned their attention to the city of Itza. Lord Tehenhauin peered down the avenues of the city after the storms blew away the clouds of pestilence, concerned over the disappearance of the city's inhabitants.{{Fn|4e}} |
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| − | ====The Mist of Xlanthuapec (Late 2524)==== |
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| − | [[File:Massacre_within_the_Mist.PNG|thumb|251px|Massacre within the Mist]] |
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| − | With the first two prongs of the Skaven invasion finally destroyed by the efforts of the Lizardmen, what remains of the Skaven invaders all converged upon the third and last formation of Skaven armies sent to capture and destroy the Temple-City of [[Xlanthuapec]], the City of Mist. Instead of attacking as a single colossal horde, a rivalry between Plaguelord [[Lord Skrimanx|Skrimanx]], Archdeacon of Disease and Plaguelord [[Lord Blistrox|Blistrox]], Spreader of the Word has resulted in two separate attacks coming from the north and south, hoping to penetrate the unnatural fog that forever clings to the Second City of the Lizardmen.{{Fn|4f}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Plaguelord Skrimanx forced-marched his army hard to reach the mist first, hoping to grab the glory before his rival. Countless legions of Slaves made up the bulk of the broad front, chaining them together and equipping them with illuminating braziers to light the way through. With the crack of whips, the first Skaven army plunged deeper into the unnatural fog, where massive long chains connected the many different legion banners together. Within moments of walking, the dense undergrowth that usually covered the ground slowly gave way to a massive bog that ran knee-high. Neither sun nor brazier could penetrate even a yard into the gloom, sounds were muffled, and the humidity and heat rose dramatically.{{Fn|4f}} |
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| − | |||
| − | With their heavy chains weighing them down, entire blocks of infantry and slaves were sunk into a watery grave. Those that crawled out of the deep waters soon fell to unconsciousness as their whole body became covered with bloated leeches. Skaven were disappearing into the gloom at alarming numbers, and the glow of their braziers danced unnaturally in the distance before being swallowed up. The magic's of the fog had made the Skaven follow these illusions in endless circles, long marches that left the ratmen scattered. Struck by a strange feeling of dread and gloom, Plaguelord Skrimanx ordered the entire column to stop. Runners were sent out to find adjacent units but none returned. Only silence answered their brethrens shouted calls. Strange lights still bobbed in the distance, luring the Skaven farther away from each other. The swirling-mist had seeped into the minds of the army, and within moments the ambush was sprung.{{Fn|4f}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Carnivorous [[Slitherdons]] rose up from the bogs to pull down hapless Skaven by the dozens. Massive [[Allisaurs]] lurked in the mist with their enormous cavernous mouths open, awaiting any foolish Skaven to venture in. Packs of [[Troglodon|Troglodons]] emerge out of the mist and dragged the Skaven into the water. Worst of all where the Warbands of Skink ambushers who emerged out of hidden fissures within the water and attacked the Skaven columns from all directions.{{Fn|4f}} |
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| − | [[File:The_Armies_of_the_Pestilent_Brotherhood.PNG|thumb|251px|Lord Reekit using optics to detect the Lizardmen hiding within the Mist]] |
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| − | |||
| − | Blessed by their priest and by rubbing the juice of the pale blue lotus to their eyes, the Skinks known as the [[Mist Runners]] and the [[Shrouded Cohort]] were able to see perfectly through the magical mist. Desperate, what's left of Lord Skrimanx's forces made one last breakout through the fog, lightning up their flailing censers with flames to light the way as they fought across a field of half-eaten corpses. Emerging out of the fog, Lord Skrimanx and a handful of battered bodyguards were all that remained of the monstrous Skaven army. Lord Skrimanx gave a fervent prayer to the Horned Rat, not a prayer of deliverance but a curse placed upon his rival in hopes of him failing his mission as well.{{Fn|4f}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Plaguelord Blistrox and his army, the '''Pestilent Brotherhood''', did not go unknowingly through the fog like their foolish brethrens, but instead used Warlock Engineer [[Reekit]] and his arsenal of optics to guide them through the mist. With the aid of these optics, Reekit and his band of Warlock Engineers navigated their way through the mist and crushed the hidden Skinks that awaited them. After many hours of constant skirmishing, the army stepped out of the mist and into the wide-avenues of the Temple-City. Warnings about their approach reached the city's defenders and a battle-line of Saurus warriors, Kroxigors and Skinks formed in the streets led by the [[Cohort of the Black Club]]. No time in the city's entire history had so few came to defend the City of Mist.{{Fn|4f}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Lashed into a frenzy, the Skaven hordes surged like a crushing wave upon the Lizardmen lines, and with the aid of Clan Skyre weaponry, teams of Warp-fire Throwers and Globadiers punched a hole through the Lizardmen defenses that allowed the [[Infectorhood]] and [[Rustblades|Rusted Blades]] to pour into the city followed by a swarm of [[Plague Rat]]s. With a breach made, the Skaven crushed the defenders and began to converge upon the temples and the elite [[Temple Guard of Xlanhuapec]] that lie in wait. Teams of [[Blackclaws|Blackclaw]] assassins bypassed the slaughter and infiltrated the '''Temple of Eternal Serenity '''via a secret passage. It was there that the elite Blackclaws came upon [[Lord Huinitenuchli]], but the legendary Saurus warrior [[Chakax]], '''Prime Guardian of Xlanthuapec''', fought the assailants off and closed the temple-doors once more.{{Fn|4f}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Unable to break through the larger Temples, Lord Blistrox came upon the '''Temple of Infinite Circuits''' where he unexpectedly found Lord [[Hua-Hua]], '''Visionary of the Third Spawning'''. As Lord Blistrox entered the room, Lord Hua-Hua felt his dark pretense, and blinked several times before the Plague-monks dragged him down and ripped him apart. With his death, the unnatural fog around the city slowly dissipated into nothingness. Chaos soon reigned as the Skaven clans scattered and fought each other for the loot of this wealthy city, unbeknownst to them that a massive Lizardmen army under Warleader Kroq-Gar had answered the city's pleas and are only an hour away from arriving. Without hesitation, Plaguelord Blistrox, supreme commander of the Pestilent Brotherhood did what any sensible Skaven would've done. He gathered his Plague-monk bodyguards and left the city before the Lizardmen massacred every single Skaven left inside. By battle's end, the heads of ten Skaven Chieftains and Warlords hung from Warleader Kroq-Gar's saddle.{{Fn|4f}} |
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| − | ===The Slaughter of Eagle Gate (Late 2524)=== |
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| − | [[File:Slaughter_of_Eagle_Gate.PNG|thumb|251px|The Dark Elves fighting the High Elves during the Battle of Eagle Gate]] |
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| − | As the Skaven and Lizardmen continue their apocalyptic fight of extermination in the south-west, to the north-east the lands of Ulthuan are once more assaulted by another ancient foe that many thought would never return. The full might of the Dark Elven armada swept out of the west on the wings of a thunderous storm, with the ships of Lord Fellheart leading the assault. First their armored ships struck the fortified harbours of '''Tor Inra''' and '''Merokai''' within the coastlines of the Kingdom of Tiranoc. In response, '''Prince Morvai''' returned from the Battle of Moonspire and swiftly rallied his kingdom's army and drove Fellheart's corsairs from the broken coastline.{{Fn|3c}} |
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| − | |||
| − | But the cost was high, for not only have thousands of High Elves have given up their lives in the ensuring struggle, the Prince himself succumb to a poison from a Dark Elven assassin. Though this won the High Elves a great victory, these assaults were no more than a distraction to lure the High Elven armies southwards from the defensible fortification of Tiranoc's northern borders, and as the corpse of Prince Morvai was laid to rest in his family's ancestral tombs, the true assault began.{{Fn|3c}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Under the command of Drane Brackblood, the Dark Elven armada swept away the High Elven patrols guarding the coast and prepared to make landfall upon its northern shores. Soon after, Brackblood's fleet disgorged their host along the lands of the Shadow March. Malus Darkblade was given the "honor" of leading the initial assault on Ulthuan, and led his Dark Elven forces towards the ravaged heartlands of Tiranoc by crossing the northern borders. In response to their invasion, a whole host of [[Shadow Warriors]] were sent to harass the enemy. Malus Darkblade was not hindered and continued on his march.{{Fn|3c}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Realizing that they can't stop their advance, the Shadow Warriors sent word of their movements to Prince [[Yvarn]], the leading commander of '''Eagle Gate'''. However, the fortified stronghold was badly mauled during the Wars of Reclamation some time earlier, with about six of the eights walls having already been breached. Unable to repair these fortifications in time, the High Elves were forced to bottleneck these breaches in order to hold the Dark Elves at bay.{{Fn|3c}} |
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| − | |||
| − | When the Dark Elves arrived at dawn, their armies did not had time for a siege and instead made a headlong rush towards the breaches already made. Malus lead the first assault alongside the Knights of Hag Graef, weathering the horrible rain of missile bolts and crushing against the thin line of spearmen that held the breach. Prince Yvarn was commanding the troops in the ground, and with his leadership the first assault was repulsed. Enraged by his troops cowardice, Malus Darkblade punished his Knights with execution and afterwards made ready to lead the second assault. Instead of attacking the breach, Malus ordered his army to fan-out and attack across the entire frontage of Eagle Gate. The battle continued well over the night as the Elves battled each other for supremacy of the stronghold. But as dawn drew nigh, the Dark Elves once more retreated.{{Fn|3c}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Furious once more for his soldiers inability to breach the defenses, Malus Darkblade was forced to call up his reserve and upon the third assault he ordered the Knights of the Burning Dark to charge headlong into the breach just like the Knights of the first assault. Unbeknownst to Malus Darkblade, trumpets were blaring as the garrison of Eagle Gate were finally reinforced with detachments of Chracian Hunters, Ellyrion Knights and massive Phoenixes from the Kingdom of Tiranoc. For the third and final time, the Dark Elves assault had stalled. However, in that moment, Malus Darkblade had finally succumb to the daemon hidden within his blade, and within moments his body was torn apart as his form turned into a monstrous daemon. Many Elves died by his hands and in desperation Prince Yvarn flung himself at the daemon. Though he fought valiantly, the Prince was beheaded by the Daemon's claws, forcing the Eatatine Guard to retreat back into the breach. To the rear of the Dark Elven army, a host of Charioteers from the plains of Tiranoc began their charge to attack the Dark Elves from the rear. Confused and leaderless, the Dark Elves were flung back by the thunderous impact of the Chariots. Surronded on both fronts, it soon became clear that the Dark Elves have lost.{{Fn|3c}} |
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| − | |||
| − | In that moment, beyond all hopes or expectations, the thunderous beats of a hundred Dragon wings soared through the skies, smothering the sunlight by their monstrous bulk. In that final moment, the tides of battle changed to the unexpected as the Dragons spew dragonfire upon the armies of the High Elves. The Caledor armies turned on the other nine, and soon opened the gates for the Dark Elves to go through. In that moment, the armies of Eagle Gate were shocked to realize that the Kingdom of Caledor joined the side of the Witch King. Though it hurts the Caledorian Prince to do so, they knew it had to be done, for a great prophecy will come to fruition, and through the blood and carnage of the battle, the Caledorian Prince knew that they had to pick the right side of this conflict, just as their ruler, Prince Imrik was told by his ancient ancestor Caledor Dragontamer to choose the side of Malekith. With the arrival of Caledor, the impenetrable fortress of Eagle Gate finally fell into Malekith's hands.{{Fn|3c}} |
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| − | ===A Truth Fortold (Late 2524)=== |
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| − | [[File:Shadowblade.png|thumb|Shadowblade listening in on the Witch King's secret]] |
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| − | The betrayal of Caledor sent shockwaves all across the Ten Kingdoms of Ulthuan. Never before had the Elves felt such betrayal by their own kin since the time Malekith first attempted to covet the Phoenix Throne himself. Following the defeat of Eagle Gates, what remains of the Caledorian Dragon Riders allowed the survivors to flee from its ramparts, unable to bring themselves to enact needless slaughter. With their flying mounts, the Dragonriders perch themselves upon the peaks of a nearby mountain, like hungry Vultures looking evilly at the Dark Elves that encamped themselves from below, straining themselves from their impulse to rend and slaughter them wholesale.{{Fn|3d}} |
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| − | |||
| − | The once mighty Malus Darkblade, now-turned Daemon Prince, is engaged upon a wall of spears shortly after the victory. In order to return the Dark Elven general back into the fold, the magically-gifted Sorceress, [[Drusala]], secret agent of Morathi herself boldly stepped out of the ring of spears and conducted a ritual that say Malus returned to a stable state of mind. As the two Elven armies stood their ground, the Witch King Malekith had descended down upon the encampment alongside Prince Imrik of Caledor to discuss matters of grave importance. Meanwhile, Dark Elven General Kouran had arrived from the west, bringing many thousands of warriors with him. Moving quickly through the captured fortress, Darkblade reached the chambers where Malekith and his commanders now planned their second phase. From here, he abased himself before his ruler, claiming the Banner of Tiranoc as a message of fealty to Malekith.{{Fn|3d}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Following the meeting, the Witch King met with Loremaster Teclis and Prince Imrik upon matters concerning their entire race. From above the meeting hall, a Dark Elven Assassin known simply as [[Shadowblade]], secret agent of Drusala watched from a windowsill up above. Though the Assassin could hear little from the coversation, what had been said by the gathering was Teclis convincing the Witch King that the Rhana Dandra, the End Times is nigh and that Malekith's path will be the one that shall save their race from utter destruction. At first, Malekith refused to believe it, but Teclis insisted that the Witch King is not the Avatar of Khaine but rather, the one and true heir of the Phoenix Throne, the true chosen of Asuryan himself.{{Fn|3d}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Elsewhere in Ulthuan, the news of Caledor's betrayal hit Prince Tyrion harshly. With a blackened mood, Prince Tyrion stalked angrily towards the Phoenix King's tower and ordered his chambers to be opened. [[Korhil]], captain of the White Lion respectfully refused Tyrion at first, but after much thought, decided to find the answer for himself. For a full day, Korhil's massive axe bit at the wooden door of the chamber, it's magical enchantments slowly unraveling until finally the doors swung open. Even before it did, Korhil knew he had failed in his duties, for as they looked inside, they found the body of the former Phoenix King splattered all across the chamber. In the following day, the Elves of Ulthuan allowed but a fleeting period of remembrance for his passing, his body gently being steered across the Sea of Dreams by Chracian guardsmen in black cloak.{{Fn|3d}} |
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| − | |||
| − | It was from then on that the Elven court had unanimously elected Tyrion as Regent of Ulthuan, and should Ulthuan survive another year, Tyrion will have the honor of passing through the fire and become the twelfth Phoenix King of Ulthuan. Following his coronation as Regent of Ulthuan, Tyrion began his duties as the ruler of his entire people. His first act as Regent was to imprison the remaining Caledorian Princes at large within the Kingdom of Lothern, then afterwards sent out armies to harry the Dark Elven assaults upon the Kingdom of Ellyrion. Though Tyrion wished to face the enemy personally, the Council of Princes didn't wish to lose two Kings in the same year, and so Tyrion was forced to allow Princess [[Ystranna]] of Averlorn and [[Caradryan]], Captain of the Phoenix Guard to take his place. But the duties of kingship weighed heavily upon Tyrion's shoulders, slowing making his mood all the more grimmer. Most of all, Tyrion called for his brother, Teclis for his council. Yet Teclis was nowhere to be found, and each herald who returned in failure only served to deepen Tyrion's anger.{{Fn|3d}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Within a week of his ascension to the regency, Tyrion was utterly alone; his friends and family were beyond his reach, and those who served him feared his wrath more than they loved him. Only Korhil did not fear Tyrion, for he sensed that they share the same burden. As the weeks passed, reports stream in that Malekith might be planning on striking the Blighted Isles and seize Widowmaker, the Sword of Khaine for himself. Riding roughshod over the Phoenix Court's objections, Tyrion at last gathered an army of his own and took ship north to the Sea of Dreams. As the fleet was being led by [[Aislinn|Sea Lord Aislinn]], reports have begun to surface that Malekith had indeed crossed the mountains. This has now become a race.{{Fn|3d}} |
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| − | Thus as Tyrion's fleet made landfall upon Elrost Bay, they found the seawalls held against him by black-banners. Though his generals wished to land ashore further towards Averlorn, Tyrion silenced them and ordered the attack. As the ships weathered the assault, Lord Aislinn let out a single beautiful note and from the sea's came a host of [[Merwyrm]]s. As the ships made landfall, the Elven devastated the Dark Elven garrison as the Merwyrms made a blood feast of them. Marching northward, the host crossed the black-smoked ruins of Ellyrion. As dusk fell on the day of Twilight's Tide, the Elven host crossed the Pyradon Hills and down into the sunbeaten expanse of Reaver's Mark.{{Fn|3d}} |
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| − | == The Return of Nagash (Late 2524 to Early 2525) == |
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| − | {{Quote|In that dread desert, beneath the moon´s pale gaze, dead men walk. They haunt the shifting dunes of the breathless, windless night, brandish weapons of bronze in mocking challenge and bitter resentment of the life they no longer possess. And sometimes, in ghastly dry voices, like the rustling of sun-baked reeds, they whisper the one word they remember from life. The Name of the one who cursed them to their existence, more than death but less than life. They whisper the name, Nagash.|Translated from the '''Book of the Dead''' by Mannfred von Carstein}} |
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| − | As the Imperial Year of 2524 IC wore on, there came a sudden and momentary lull all across the world. The war ravaged lands were silent, not a single Beastmen raid nor Chaos assault had occurred for one blessed night, and the kingdoms of the World have found a small and brief peace before the inevitable battle that is to follow. The Gods of Chaos paused in their fury and took stock of the changing situation. This calm usher forth fresh portents, and to those that had the wit to read such signs they spoke of a new player destined to walk the center stage, a being neither immortal god, nor accursed mortal. For one glorious day, it was as if the natural world held its breath for what is to come, and upon the next morning Chaos rose anew, the signs shifted and madness ruled once more.{{Fn|1o}} |
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| − | Within the lands of the Old World, many eyes have bore witness pieces of Arkhan and Mannfred's schemes, but none had yet perceived the full extent of their works. In [[Couronne]], King [[Gilles le Breton]] learned of La Maisontaal Abbey's fall and pondered on its meaning. The Council of Thirteen point fingers and sought scapegoats for the destruction of Clan Mordkin and the lost of the dreaded [[Fellblade]]. Both factions knew something dire is coming, but none could spare the effort to do something about it. It was within the lands of the Empire that there was one determined to act, vengeance drove him and hatred filled him.{{Fn|1o}} |
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| − | A month just before ''Geheimnisnacht Eve'', Grand Master [[Hans Leitdorf]], brother to the late Elector Count [[Marius Leitdorf]], has asked the Emperor for his support against the darkness that is rising in the East. But the Empire was ravaged, war was upon the northern horizon and the Hordes of Chaos clamour at its gates. Beastmen warherds run wild and unchecked across the lands of [[Talabecland]] and [[Reikland]], whilst villages and towns were obliterated as fire was struck from the heavens. Doomsayers and flagellants were abroad in incredible numbers, clustering around temples and proclaiming that the end was nigh.{{Fn|1o}} |
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| − | For three days Grand Master Leitdorf saw these ill omens and awaited the Emperors answer, and it was upon the fourth day that the Emperor has given it. The Emperor left with the Riekmarshal for the northern war-front, and instead advised his chief-aide '''Markus Lofdtir''', to introduce the Grand Master to three guest awaiting in the reception rooms. These guest were the High Elven expedition that was sent to rescue the Everchild from her peril, seeking the aid of the Empire in this dire struggle. Before night fell, the full host of the Elves rode east alongside the entire Order of the Knights of Sigmar's Blood with a grim determination driving them forward.{{Fn|1o}} |
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| − | From the south-east, another force has also rode forth to stop this dark ritual from happening. The Wood Elves of Athel Loren had kept their promise to the Everqueen to save the Everchild from the clutches of the Vampire. [[Araloth]], Lord of [[Talsyn]] guided his host in great secrecy through the forest of the Empire and slaughtered any beastmen that stood in their way. To the East, a mighty army of Dwarfs lead by Slayer King Ungrim Ironfist began to stomp down the slopes towards Sylvania, so powerful and mighty that the Goblin tribes around the foothills fled in terror in their wake. It was the time to act, and Ungrim Ironfist was determined to give his enemies a firm reminder that they were still a force to be reckoned with. To the north, a massive horde of Beastmen led by the winged-beast named [[Malagor]] has marched ceaselessly towards the place known as the '''Shrine of the Nine Demons''', where all of this shall finally unfold.{{Fn|1o}} |
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| − | === The Invasion of the Five Armies (Late 2524 IC) === |
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| − | [[File:Lands of Sylvania.PNG|thumb|320x320px|The dark and haunted lands of Sylvania]] |
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| − | [[File:Warhammer_sylvania_map_by_esiecia-d4zz5vb.jpg|thumb|250px|A highly-detailed map of Sylvania]] |
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| − | The arrival of the Five armies descending towards Sylvania did not go unnoticed by the Undead. Mannfred had spies everywhere, and the Vampire knew that should these forces merge together, there would be nothing stopping them. In order to stop this from happening, Mannfred gathered his generals and laid out the plans to attack each armies separately, isolating them from support and butchering them to the last.{{Fn|1o}} |
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| − | The first blow fell against the Beastmen Hordes of Malagor after they have breached the bone-fortresses within the borders of Sylvania. Under the leadership of '''Count Nyktolos of Vargravia''', a winged-host comprising entirely of [[terrorgheist]], fellbats and other cave-born denizens assaulted the Beastmen herds and ambushed them time and again throughout [[Hunger Wood]]. Unable to catch their assailants, the Beastmen hordes were drawn steadily and inexorably eastward, despite Malagor's ruthless attempt at control.{{Fn|1o}} |
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| − | To the north-east, the Dwarfs of Karak Kadrin have breached through the bonewalls surrounding the borders and fought their way towards their rendezvous within the town of '''Templehof'''. Mannfred attempted to dispatched three captains to stop the Dwarfs but none have succeeded. As the Dwarf's pace slowed to a crawl due to the unnatural landscape, Count Nyktolos and his host of terrorghest have unveiled their hidden plans to lure the Beastmen hordes directly towards the path of the Dwarfs, resulting in the devastating '''Battle of Red Cairn'''.{{Fn|1o}} |
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| − | |||
| − | The battle lasted for nearly two days and one night, but the Dwarfs have managed to emerge victorious, with the lands surrounding them choked with the uncountable bodies of dead beastmen, the largest victory the Dwarfs have ever won against the Children of Chaos. However, nearly 8/10th of the Slayer Kings forces were killed in the ensuring battle, and taking his duty as king of his people, he begrudgingly led the survivors home, whilst a small force of Dwarf rangers continued their march towards Templehof.{{Fn|1o}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Far to the south, Araloth's host have made good progress through the treacherous woodlands of the '''Forsaken Forest'''. To stop their advance, Mannfred dispatched the [[banshee]] '''Kalledria, Queen of Sorrows''' and her small army of spectres and ghost to halt Araloth in his tracks. Soon a number of their fellows disappeared into the gloom and haunted dreams grip their minds as they made camp. Knowing that a foul intelligence was at work here, Araloth led his host in an assault against the Banshee Queen's lair within the depths of '''Ghoul Woods'''. With the aid of Araloth's spellweavers, the Wood Elves pushed back the Ghost clans assailing them and finally banish Kalledria and her ghosts from the physical realm. With her demise, Araloth led his host northward where he met with the Goddess Lileath.{{Fn|1o}} |
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| − | |||
| − | The Goddess told Araloth that the Everchild's fate is not their to influence no longer, and that a greater battle awaited them and his kin on a distant shore. It was then that Araloth gave the Goddess the locket that has guided him throughout his journey and stepped through a portal of shimmering starlight. With their Lord gone, the host followed his orders and left the cursed lands of Sylvania, disappearing from mortal sight.{{Fn|1o}} |
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| − | |||
| − | As the battered Dwarven rangers reached the town of Temphof to bore them the news of Ungrim's retreat, the town was found empty, with the host of both Men and Elves having already departed to confront Mannfred without them. With Geheimnisnacht Eve just a week away, the combined armies made all haste towards their destination, but began to slow to a crawl as the Elves seek to find a safer path. Grand Master Leitdorf was enraged at this slow advance, and after being politely but firmly rebuffed by the Elven leaders did Leitdorf head farther off from the main host. It was then that Mannfred struck.{{Fn|1o}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Around the Gardens of Morr just south of the village of '''Klodebein''', the Knightly host was ambushed by a host of Vargheist from the many hidden tomes of the cemetery. Caught unprepared and surrounded, the Knightly host was slowly torn to shreds by Count Mannfred's Undead army numbering ten-times Leitdorf's own forces. In one last desperate act of defiance, Grand Master Leitdorf charged towards Count Mannfred with his remaining Knights and were struck down by the sudden appearance of an Undead phalanx in front of their charge. Leitdorf fell from his horse and tried once last time to kill the Vampire but to no avail. As the Elves reached Klodebein, they bore witness traces of a bloody battle. All across the lands, the bodies of Knights were thrown everywhere, with the lifeless body of Grand Master Leitdorf hanging from a tree some distance away. The Elves were on their own now, and upon the '''Glen of Sorrows''' the final battle too place.{{Fn|1o}} |
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| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | === Death at the Nine Demons (Late 2524) === |
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| − | [[File:Death_at_the_Nine_Deamons.png|thumb|300px|Mannfred assembling his army for a counter-attack]] |
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| − | Upon the haunted and tainted lands that this foul ritual would take place, there stands nine great effigies that tower over the landscape, each bearing the appearance and characteristics of horrible daemons. From below these might effigies lies a grand army of the Undead, standing like statues to defend the dark ritual that is taking place.{{Fn|1o}} |
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| − | |||
| − | As proud Eltharion and his fellow commanders looked upon the horde that stands before them, they knew from then on that there is no going back. The elven host knew this was the final climatic moment, a ripple of motion spreading across the assembled host as the salute was echoed by every warrior gathered there. His heart full of warrior's pride, Eltharion return the salute and gave the other to attack.{{Fn|1o}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Like a mighty thunderbolt, the Elven host of the [[Athel Tamarha Faithbearers]] and the [[Sentinels of Astaril|Sentinels of Astrail]] crashed into Undead host with such a ferocity that could've destroyed mortal armies. Yet these were not mortals, but unfeeling and unliving creatures held together by magic most foul. Nevertheless, the Elves push onward, shattering bones and splintering shields as they punched a deepening whole through the enemy ranks. Yet even as Eltharion's attack stalled, [[Eldyra|Princess Eldyra]] ordered the [[Knights of Dusk|Knights of Tiranoc]] into the advance. One more, a second frontal charge broke another shell of the enemies defences, allowing the Elves to regain the momentum. At the heart of the glen, at the center of the stone circle known as the Nine Daemons, Mannfred von Carstein looked upon the carnage wrought by the Elven assault and saw that he needed to act.{{Fn|1o}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Within the ritual itself, Arkhan the Black had completed the first stage of the summoning. Scarlet light pulsed deep within the stones as the magic within the Staff of Alakanash and the Nine Books of Nagash created a massive magical barrier on the edge of the ritual circle. In time, the sacrifices were made. '''Morgiana le Fay''' of Bretonnia was cut open, her blood filling the cauldron at the center of the circle, while the defiant '''Volkmar''' stood ankle-deep in her blood, spiting holy curses at Arkhan, even as his body was encased in Morikhane, the black armor of Nagash. The last sacrifice lay bound on the edge of the stone circle, '''Aliathra''', Everchild of Ulthuan.{{Fn|1o}} |
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| − | |||
| − | In the battle outside, Mannfred rose up upon his winged mount and tried to reconstruct his army back into form. However, time and again his incantations failed him as [[Belannaer]], an Elf Mage of Saphery continued to dispel his magics. But such a being could not hold out for long, and once Belannaer began to falter, Mannfred regained his magical momentum. In moments, Mannfred ordered a massive counter-assault. Eldyra saw the danger and ordered her Knights to meet the Drakenhof assault at full gallop. As the two sides meet, Mannfred and Lady Eldyra fought in a mighty duel for supremacy. Again and again, Lady Eldyra landed searing blows upon the Vampiric Count, but in one final moment, Mannfred ordered a host of fell bats upon the Elven Princess, smothering her inside their membranous wings. As the flock cleared, Eldyra was gone. |
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| − | |||
| − | With her death, Mannfred called upon a magical storm upon the battlefield. With a single flick of his fingers, the magical storm surged towards the Elven Mage. Belannaer deflected the bolt with a magical shield and just had enough time to duck from the swipe of his own Elven bodyguard, mind-controlled by Mannfred himself. Yet it was too late, for as the blade carved a gash at the Mage's back, the great Belannaer was consumed in a magical explosion. Back in the ritual, Arkhan slowly placed the Crown of Sorcery upon the brow of Volkmar, and in time, the voice of Nagash can be heard upon the winds.{{Fn|1o}} |
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| − | |||
| − | [[File:Etharion_the_Grim_barrier.png|thumb|300px|Etharion as he tries his greatest to stop the dark ritual]] |
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| − | |||
| − | As the ritual reached a crisis point, Lord Eltharion rode with haste upon his mighty Griffon upon Mannfred. Long have the two battled, and though Lord Eltharion was tired and wounded, he fought on grimly. In time, Eltharion clove Mannfred's forearm like butter. Mannfred counter-attacked with blades of shadowy magic, but Stormwing, Eltharion's griffon threw itself at Mannfred before the creature finally died of its wounds. With the path cleared, Eltharion clove at the magical barrier with his magical sword until it finally opened to him. Casting aside his helm, Eltharion entered the ritual.{{Fn|1o}} |
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| − | |||
| − | As the final sacrifice was being made, Arkhan quickly turned as Etharion held the skeletal hand which held the ancient Staff, Alakanash. Then, the witch-light of Arkhan's eyes flashed once, and Eltharion the Grim, Warden of Tor Yvresse, exploded into a cloud of dust. With the last hope for the World dead, Arkhan finished the ritual, cut the Everchild's throat and let spilt the blood of the holy. With the cauldron filled, Arkhan clove Volkmar's wrist and placed the severed Hand of Nagash upon its stump. With one last agonizing scream, Volkmar was consumed by Dark Magic, and in his place came a dark, shadowy figure. Nagash was reborn.{{Fn|1o}} |
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| − | |||
| − | ===The Gathering of the Nine (Late 2524)=== |
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| − | [[File:Death_fo_the_nine_Deamons.jpg|thumb|300px|The Ressurection of Nagash]] |
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| − | |||
| − | As Nagash rose from the dark cauldron, Arkhan knew that the next phase of their arduous journey had begun. All around the circle, the Books of Nagash suddenly snapped open, pages of blood-inked skin riffled back and forth as Nagash reclaimed the magic he had set within the volumns long ago. One by one, spirits were ripped from these prison-pages and snuff out with a pinch of Nagash's fingers, devouring their essence.{{Fn|1p}} |
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| − | |||
| − | With his hand held skyward, Nagash let loose a pillar of darkness that pieced the sky and spoke the final words of power that would awaken the dead of the world from their graves. The Annulii Mountains in Ulthuan trembled, as waystones and the seas around the Isle of the Dead turned black. In Naggaroth, purple flames swept through the secret shrines to Ereth Khial, and a ghostly city screamed its way into existence atop the ruins of Har Kaldra. Swarms of khepra beetles overran Nehekhara's temples, and ancient monuments that had dominated the desert for millennial sank beneath the sands. Settra the Imperishable railed at his priest, demanding an explanation that none could provide. In Altdorf, the reclusive Amethyst College crumbled away into dust, and the spectral spirits of long-dead wizards stalked the streets. From anywhere and everywhere, the dead were slowly answering the call of Nagash.{{Fn|1p}} |
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| − | |||
| − | But then the Great Necromancer began to stagger beneath the weight of the magical ritual, as an ancient curse race like poison through his body, sapping his power and strength. It was then that Arkhan and Mannfred realize that the Elf Princess was not the Everchild, but a mere bastard of the cursed Aenarion line. Even as the weight of magic began to slowly crush him, Nagash's titanic pride would not allow him to accept defeat at first. Yet it became clear that it was impossible, so with a mighty thrust, Nagash stabbed his magical staff upon the ground, channeling all the magic he has gathered into the very earth. Within moments, the entire province of Sylvania was torn apart by unstable magic, creating vast canyons all across the lands and awakening the dead from generations past into unholy half-life. Sylvania has now become the new land of the dead.{{Fn|1p}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Nagash looked out unto this nightmarish landscape and knew that he had to remove this curse should he wish to wage war against the Dark Gods. With his mind set, Nagash allowed his voice to echo across the Winds of Magic, calling forth all who had embraced his necromatic teachings. Those that refused or challenge him were struck by Nagash personally. In time, [[Arkhan the Black|Arkhan]], [[Neferata]], [[Krell]], [[Mannfred von Carstein]], [[Luthor Harkon]], [[Dieter Helsnicht]], [[Walach Harkon]], and the [[Nameless]] all pledge their services to Nagash. Yet Nagash knew that he needed an emissary in the north if he were to hold the Hordes of Chaos at bay. Mannfred could've performed the task, but he had little trust in the rogue Vampire. Instead, Nagash pluck the ancient Vlad von Carstein from the veil of true Death and reinstated him back as his lieutenant. Though Vlad had little trust towards Nagash, so long as Nagash kept his promise to return Isabella back to him, Vlad vowed to follow the Great Necromancer to the very end.{{Fn|1p}} |
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| − | |||
| − | With his instructions given, Vlad von Carstein lead a massive Undead army towards the northern borders alongside Walach of the Blood Knights and the Nameless in order to stall the Hordes of Chaos for as long as they can. As three of the nine head north, the others finally converged upon the land of the dead. The last war for Nehekhara was nigh.{{Fn|1p}} |
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| − | ===Battle of Reaver's Mark (Late 2524)=== |
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| − | [[File:Battle_of_Reavers_Mark.png|thumb|200px|Malus Darkblade leading the Battle of Reaver's Mark]] |
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| − | Just a mere hour before Nagash returned to this very world, another pivotal event of equally grave consequence has also taken place far to the west. As the Elven host of Regent Tyrion fell upon the sandy shores of Reaver's Mark intent on advancing to the Shrine of Khaine, a hidden Dark Elven host many time's Tyrion's own army had sprung their trap. But it was not Tyrion's army that was ambushed, but the armies of [[Caradryan]], Captain of the Phoenix Guards. With a flash of Sunfang, Tyrion ordered the charge and rode to face the Dark Elves in battle. Tyrion's charge struck the Dark Elven army from the rear, killing first a host of Ghrondian Dreadspears who were protecting a Sorceress. Without even realizing it, the Ghrond forces were scattered like chaff before the scythe. As the sun began to set, the battle began to intensify even more. As the first line broke, the Elven host struck a second Dark Elven regiment bearing the hydra of Clar Karond. Though Tyrion broke through, others were not so fortunate. Though causalities were sustained, the second regiment broke ranks and were crushed.{{Fn|3e}} |
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| − | |||
| − | As Tyrion's charged got bogged down, Captain Korhil led the remainder of their forces to assist their Tyrion's advance. Just as the thousand strong Elven reinforcements made their charge, the Sorceress Drusala had conjured invisible pathways that saw the orderly lines of Korhil's assault turned into a bloody brawl. Within a split second, bands of High Elven warriors have been magically scattered all across the battlefield, leaving them surrounded and at the mercy of the Dark Elves. Only Tyrion and his Knights roam freely and united upon the plains, tearing apart another regiment of Dark Elves.{{Fn|3e}} |
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| − | |||
| − | However, in time Tyrion and his Knights began to tire after much exertion, and in response the Dark Elves counter-attacked with Darkblade's Knights and Har Ganeth's Executioners. Within moments, Darkblade himself entered the fray and nearly clove the Regent in two were it not for the aid of Tyrion's trusty steed. Back and forth the two battled until Tullaris Deathbringer, most exalted execution of Har Ganeth managed to cleave through Tyrion's dragon armor and pierce right through his back. As the mighty regent slump down upon his saddle, weakened and awaiting the executioner's blade, it was at this moment that Nagash's ritual finally reached its climax. In but an instant, all knew the passing of the Everchild. If Tyrion felt any sorrow, it was but a fleeting moment emotion for in that instant, something dark and hungry soon consumed his entire being.{{Fn|3e}} |
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| − | |||
| − | With a growl, the Regent jerked from his saddle, dodging the Executioner's deathblow and plough Tullaris into the ground, from which Tyrion ruthlessly punctured his sword clean through his body. As Tyrion became distracted, Darkblade made one final attempt on his life, but just before his sword reached its intended victim, a spasm of pain flared through Darkblade's very soul as the caged Daemon was released by the Sorceress Drusala's magic. Once more, the Daemon Tz'arkan burst forth and fought the regent. But the daemons brutish intellect proved its downfall as Tz'arkan made a final charge against Tyrion, only for Tyrion to slash his Sunfang through his body. As if to signal his death, the very ground shook and the skies overhead grew dark as Nagash's ritual of Undeath was flung through all four corners of the World. But Tyrion would not be deterred, for as the Undead surged all around them, the regent finally succumb himself to his most innermost darkness. In an instant, the bloodlust of Khaine filled the High Elves into berserkers, and within moments, both the Undead and High Elves descended upon the Dark Elves, butchering them to the very last. Tyrion the Regent took up Darkblade's cursed weapon, the '''''Warpblade of Khaine''''' and took up on the butchery.{{Fn|3e}} |
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| − | |||
| − | === Death at the World's Edge (Late 2524) === |
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| − | [[File:Neferata_Map.PNG|thumb|251px|A campaign-map depicting Neferata's army movement]] |
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| − | Prior to the destructive siege of Heldenhame Keep, news of Arkhan's and Mannfred's schemes to resurrect Nagash did not go unnoticed by [[Neferata]] from her power-base within the [[Silver Pinnacle]]. The Vampire Queen had spies everywhere within the lands of the Empire, and the reports she gathered from her many mistresses has allowed her to decipher their motives. The fact that Arkhan didn't ask for her aid in their endeavour has worried the Vampire Queen greatly, for her enemies were moving in, and she knew that sooner or later she had to pick the right side of this conflict. She knew what she needed to do, yet Neferata could not bring herself to leave her sanctum but after surviving a sudden Daemonic assault upon her fortress, she knew she had to act.{{Fn|1q}} |
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| − | |||
| − | With her forces gathered, the Undead army traveled non-stop southward, under the shadow of a magical storm that blocked out the sun. The army crossed the [[Silver Road]], trying their best to avoid the western approach so as to avoid the monstrous might of [[Karaz-a-Karak]]. However, the army veered to close to the Dark Lands, and on the [[Trail of Fangs]] the army was harassed by the rear by packs of raiding Goblin Wolf Riders.{{Fn|1q}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Mistress [[Imentet]], favoured of all [[Neferata's Handmaidens|handmaidens]], directed a contingent of spirits and dire wolves to form a rearguard to eliminate the Wolf Riders. As they continued on, they found the [[Blizzard Gap]] clear of the usual Dwarfen garrisons that lined it's steep cliffs. Just as they reached just north of Death Pass, the column came across a grand opposition. Hordes of Greenskins were amassing for a battle occurring in the south, following the trail of the other Greenskin tribes that marched before them. Unsuspecting of an Undead attack from the north, a series of battles has been won by Neferata that resulted in the destruction of several armies in quick succession, allowing her to cross Death Pass unchallenged.{{Fn|1q}} |
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| − | |||
| − | But as she saw the peaks visible from the distance, her outriders have come forth to tell her of a massive goblin horde amassing within Skull Chasm. [[Grulsik Moonclaw|Warlord Grulsik]] of the [[Moonclaw Tribe]], together with Shaman [[Brak Batwing]] has rallied the surviving tribes in an effort to join Skarsnik's Waagh! that is being fought within the ruins of Karak Eight Peaks. This plan was foiled as the Goblin's rearguard was struck by the Undead host of Neferata. For three days, the Greenskins fought a running battle against the Undead until finally they reached the comparative safety of one of Skull Chasm's many caves, where the Warlord began to take stock of the situation. Tribes were scattered and isolated within caves all around Skull Chasm, and if Grulsik and the Moonclaws were to gain the attention of Skarsnik, he needed to gather them to beat back the Undead. Soon, he began to enlist their aid, willingly or not.{{Fn|1q}} |
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| − | |||
| − | [[File:Battle of Skull Chasm.PNG|thumb|350x350px|Battle of Skull Chasm]] |
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| − | After subduing the Goblins of the [[Moonhowlaz]], [[Bloodpeaks]], [[Madmoonz]], [[Crookhoodz]], and [[Crookblade]] tribes into the fold, Warlord Grulsik ordered the tribes into a battle-line whilst the rest gather around the caves to ambush the approaching Undead. As the armies of Neferata came upon the Greenskin ranks, hordes of archers from [[Da Beadyeyes and Da Blackbowz|Da Beadeyes and Da Blackbowz]] let loose a barrage of arrows that blackened the sky while Goblin Fanatics with their giant chain-balls were sent loose, ploughing through the Undead ranks of the [[Green Skulls]], [[The Wretches|Wretches]] and the [[Legion of No Name]] like a scythe through wheat. Above the fighting, a trio of mad Goblin Master Shamans flung hexes after hexes upon the Undead, their magics slowing unraveling by the magical might of the Greenskin Waaagh!{{Fn|1q}} |
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| − | |||
| − | The Undead kept coming through like a ceaseless tide, their left flank being spearheaded by the [[Lahmian Guard]] and the [[Guard of the High Mistress]], their elite troops. But on their right side, a mob of Stone Trolls called the ''[[Rok Eataz]]'' were creating a breach in their lines, and from behind them a host of [[Moonhowlaz]] and [[Brokko's Bouncers]] as well as the two giants [[Gnasha 'n' Basha|Gnasha N' Basha]] followed close behind. It seemed at that moment that victory for the Greenskins was within their grasp, but just as the first wave was about to collapse, Mistress Imentet led the second wave upon her ornate coven throne, a host of ethereal creatures following close behind. Unable to kill these spectres with their swords or spears, the Goblin lines began to collapse and all hope seemed lost. However, it was in this moment that Warlord Grulsik sprung his cunning trap. Within moments, all across the Chasm, squip-pipes and the roars of Cave Beast echoed through the battle as hordes upon hordes of Goblins, Squigs and Trolls burst out of the caves on either side of the Chasm. The battleline soon turned to anarchy as the Undead were smothered by an impossibly large number of Greenskin warriors. With most of their Necromancers preoccupied with staying alive, the Undead that would've arisen from their defeats lay silent upon the ground.{{Fn|1q}} |
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| − | |||
| − | With no other course, Neferata personally took into the fighting herself, but a many headed Chimera burst out of a cave within the northern end of Skull Chasm, as if hell-bent on killing the Vampire Queen. Though Neferata was powerful beyond reckoning, she was never truly the greatest fighter amongst her kind, and after much fighting the beast pinned her in place soon to be devoured. It was just then that a titanic horde of Bats fell upon the battlefield, covering ever single combatant in its shadow. A new undead army arose over the horizon and Krell, Lord of Undeath, strode towards the Chimera as it was distracted and buried his two-bladed axe upon the great beasts chest, splitting it wide open. Though Neferata didn't knew it, it was at this moment that Nagash's spell of Undead rippled across the very world. Mountains shook and the Undead from every single grave began to fumble into life. In one instant Neferata went from being near the end of her millennia-long existence to watching herself heal completely, her undying body filled with a new intensity. With the dead rising all around them, and the will of Nagash bearing down upon her very thought, the battle was won and Neferata was once more back into the fold.{{Fn|1q}} |
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| − | ===The Battle of Valaya's Gate (Late 2524)=== |
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| − | [[File:Battle_of_Valaya's_Gate.png|thumb|300px|The Ironguards battling the Doomed Legion before the Gates of Valaya]] |
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| − | Pushed onward by the towering willpower of Nagash himself, the two mighty Undead armies surged towards their destination, a source of mighty magical power that will be sufficient enough to restore their master's strength to formidable levels. Delving underground and through long-forgotten tunnels, the Undead Horde burst through the northern and southern archways of a massive cavern and surronded the mighty expedition army of [[Thorek Ironbrow|Runelord Thorek Ironbrow]] which lay before the gates where Valaya herself currently slumbers. After spotting the Undead hordes of the [[Graveclaws]] and [[Hanged Men]], the Dwarfs of the Iron Guard and the [[Brotherhood of the Anvil]] locked shields and prepared themselves for the coming storm. To the south, the Dwarfs under Thorek and the Brotherhood held on against the onslaught of Neferata and her handmaiden Vampiress. To the north, Thane Kraggson and his regiment of [[Ironbreakers]], the [[Iron Guard]]s held firm against the might of Lord Krell and his [[Doomed Legion]].{{Fn|1r}} |
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| − | |||
| − | So stubborn and brave were the Dwarfs in their defence of their very god that the battle lasted for hours, and became more or less a stalemate. But the impossible numbers of the Undead Hordes were slowly carving their way through the shield-walls of the Dwarfen throng. From another entrance, [[Druthor]], the [[Strigoi Ghoul King]] of [[Grimbarrow]] and his army of [[Bloodbeasts|Bloodbeast]] burst through and hit the Iron Guards with such ferocity that the Dwarfs were being pushed back. From the southern edge of the caverns, the Vampire Queen has had enough of the old Runelord's stubbornness and personally led her Vampire Handmaidens in a vicious assault. Against a host of superhuman warriors, the meager warriors of Runelord Thorgrim were cut down to the last, with the Runelord being the only one to yet live. In defiance, the Runelord rose his hammer high and hit his Anvil of Doom with such force that the cavern was lit with a massive flash of thunder, pushing the entire Vampire assault back and utterly obliterating Mistress Imentent with a lightning blast. His body bleeding and his armor rent, the Runelord uttered the last runic hymn which saw the Gates of Valaya finally opened.{{Fn|1r}} |
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| − | |||
| − | But the Undead hordes continued their advance, but as it seemed lost for the Dwarf cause, a horned rang across the caverns. From the empty tunnels on the left flank of the Dwarf army, King Kazador and his most elite warriors from Karak Azul burst forth, regiment after armored regiment of harderened Dwarf Warriors filed out and attack the Undead on their flanks led by the [[Sternbeard Clan]], the [[Bouldergoats]] and an entire squadron of the [[Mountain Bolt Squadron|Mountain Bolts]]. Yet from across the caverns, the armies of Goblin Warlord Grulsik Moonclaw and the remnants of the Goblin tribes burst through the rear flanks of the Undead and carved their way towards the Dwarfen lines at the front. With three armies attacking at many different directions, the battle turned to utter chaos as knots of warriors from all sides became scattered and fought against not one, but two enemies.{{Fn|1r}} |
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| − | |||
| − | But the weight of the Undead numbers soon enveloped both armies, and in time King Kazador and his army of Warriors were engulfed in a sea of bones and rusted swords. Like the heroes of old, each Dwarf felled dozens of the Undead before they too fell, making one final last stand beside their great King. In that moment, Lord Krell fought the mighty Dwarf King in hand-to-hand combat, but as King Kazador pushed the great Wight King to his very knees, Krell lashed out and beheaded the great King of Karak Azul. So it was that the cause of the Dwarfs was lost.{{Fn|1r}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Yet out of the chaos and bloodshed, Thorek Ironbrow, bloodied and his stomach gutted by Neferata herself, rose up from his imminent grave and slowly, painfully, crawled his way towards his Anvil of Doom once more. With the last of his strength fading him, Thorek, with eyes blazing with determination, struck his Anvil one last time, and in a flash of lightning, the artefact exploded, sending the entire cavern into ruin. Out of the ashes, Neferata and Krell rose up from the debris as they saw the last of the Dwarfs carry their slain king back to Karak Azul. Victory have been achieved, and the power of Valaya stood unprotected before the hunger of Nagash.{{Fn|1r}} |
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| − | |||
| − | ===The Fall of the Auric Bastion (Late 2524)=== |
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| − | [[Geheimnistag|Geheimnisnacht Eve]] at last arrived, [[Morrslieb]] and [[Mannslieb]] loomed ominously low on the skies above the battlefields of Northern [[Kislev]], where the armies of the [[Empire of Man]] and the Hordes of [[Chaos Undivided]] stand on either side of the [[Auric Bastion]]. But this Geheimnisnacht was unlike any that had come before. As midnight struck, all those that had associated themselves with Death felt the ominous powers of [[Nagash]] tapping into their very minds. The Priest of [[Morr]] fell into madness, the wizards of the [[Amethyst Order|Amethyst College]] collapsed into dust, northlander Shamans felt their powers swelled before it receded and took their very souls with it. All across the Auric Bastion, the [[undead]] rose from their graves and fought Imperial and Barbarian alike. |
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| − | |||
| − | Here and there, the Undead milled about aimlessly, killing the living and also killing other Undead that they recognized in death the foes they had known in life. Elector Count Ludenhof's army was besieged as the plague-victims rose from the burning pyres and began to overwhelm their forces, but the timely arrival of the [[Knights of the Blazing Sun]] which sallied forth from Castle Von Rauken, ensured the Imperial armies survival. But is isn't these shambling monstrosities that prove the downfall of the northern warfront, but rather the new forthcoming hordes of barbarians that are clamoring at their very gates.{{Fn|1s}} |
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| − | ====The Defence of Alderfen (Late 2524)==== |
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| − | [[File:Karl_Franz_End_Times_Conversation.png|thumb|Karl Franz, leader of the northern warfront]]Three days later, Emperor Karl Franz summoned Balthazar Gelt and demanded to know if the Wall of Faith still holds sway in Sylvania. Gelt reassured the Emperor it is, but unbeknownst to him, it indeed had failed and Karl Franz was not one to be fooled so easily. Just then, a herald bearing news from the war-front had interrupted the two's conversation and told them that a massive breach has been made upon the Alderfen Garrison in the central portion of the Auric Bastion. Should action be not taken immediately, then [[Wolfram Hertwig]], Count of Ostermark and his army will eventually be overwhelmed by the unstoppable hordes of barbarians spilling forth from the breach.{{Fn|1s}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Unable to push the issue further, Karl Franz and Gelt left to attend to the warfront. Upon his majestic Pegasus, Quicksilver brought Gelt towards the battle raging to the north. From his saddle, he could see the great breach within the walls of the Auric Bastion. From its openings, wave after wave of Barbarians from the [[Crowhunger Brethren]], the [[Hounds of Khoros]], [[Daakon Har's Blackshields]] and a [[Mutalith Vortex Beast|Vortex Beast]] known as [[Aeson the Fallen]] rushed recklessly through the hailstorm of rapid gunfire and artillery barrages, dying in their hundreds within minutes by the artillery battery's of the [[Lion's Roar]]. Overwhelmed by impossible odds, the brave Ostermark warriors that held the breach were butchered to the last, and in his shame of being dragged back from the frontlines, Count Hertwig rallied the remaining Imperial armies and made one last daring, suicidal charge against the enemy horde.{{Fn|1s}} |
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| − | |||
| − | The charge of the Imperials led by regiments of [[Nordland Seahawks]], the [[Reikland XIII]] and the [[Wolf Brothers]] aided by the [[Brothers Fleissman|Bright Brothers Fleissman]] bite deep into the Chaos ranks, as the savagery and zeal of the sigmar-chanting Imperials proved even the match of the northern barbarians. But as Count Hertwig carried himself deeper into the Horde, he was set upon by [[Festak Krann]], the foul Warlord of the [[Rotting Hordes]]. The two fought like titans, but Festak clove Hertwig's shoulder bloody, and in his dying breath, the Elector Count drove his Runefang upon the Nurgle Champion's gut. Enraged by the searing wound, Festak finally finished the job and caved his head with his axe. In that moment, Wolfram Hertwig, the last Elector Count of Ostermak died with a knowing smile on his face. Yet as the foul Warlord stood trimphant, Festak Krann suddenly collapsed to his knees as the searing wound made by the Runefang Trollcleaver would not heal. In time, Festak knew that he is doomed.{{Fn|1s}} |
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| − | |||
| − | As the battle raged without him, from the left, right and center, the armies of the Empire, though battered and bloodied, held the line as the legendary blacksmith, [[Valten]] rallied his countrymen against the barbarian hordes. Glowing with a golden light, Valten smashed barbarian shields to splinter, and crack skulls in with his powerful dual warhammers. Those around him soon felt courage and zeal unlike anything they've felt in years and fought like fanatics. Soon, even the barbarians were terrified of this mighty warrior.{{Fn|1s}} |
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| − | |||
| − | [[File:Valten-0.jpg|thumb|250x250px|Valten, the Herald of Sigmar leading the Men of the Empire in their darkest hour]] |
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| − | |||
| − | Like a battlecry, Valten's name roared from the throats of every Imperial. With the flash of cannons and the savage zeal of the Imperials, the Empire line surged forward, driving the barbarians back. The banners of Festak Krann fell into the mud scant paces from the Warlord's lifeless corpse. From here and there, the northlander's standards and battle-banners were toppled again and again, and against the odds, the Hordes were fleeing back to the other side of the Bastion. But as ultimate victory was within their very grasp, a foul stench filled the very air as another horde marches over the breach. From their bloated and plague-ridden bodies, the Rotting Hordes of Nurgle's [[Census Legions|Census Legion]] poured through the breach.{{Fn|1s}} |
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| − | |||
| − | But the Imperials felt no fear, and even as the rotting daemon host shambled towards them, Valten rushed towards [[Gurug'ath|Gurug'ath of the Endless Rot]], a [[Great Unclean One]] of the Pox-Father. But even such an entity could not be so easily bested, and though mighty Valten fought valiantly, the Great Unclean One drove the Champion of Sigmar unto the ground, awaiting the executioner's blade. In but an instant, victory turned to almost certain defeat. But something ominous soon covered the entire battlefield. Both man and daemon alike looked up into the sky and saw a wave of darkness covering the land.{{Fn|1s}} |
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| − | |||
| − | A shriek filled the very air with noise as the dead lying upon the ground rose in their thousands as to the south, Vlad von Carstein has entered the battlefield. The Imperials retreated, but the Undead pressed on against the daemonhost, the [[Blood Knights]] of Walach Harkon leading the charge. Seeing a common foe, both the Imperials and Undead rallied together and fought back the daemons and the Great Unclean One from the breach, the walls soon glowing with golden light as Gelt began the ritual to restore it to it's former glory. With a cry of triumph, the ritual was complete, and the walls of the Bastion flowed together once more. As the breach was closing in front of him, Vlad gave the Great Unclean One a sneering smile, swept his sword in mocking salute, then strode briskly from the sealing breach. All could hear the cry of the daemon lord as the wall finally closed in on itself. Thus ended the Battle of Alderfen and the beginning of an unusual alliance.{{Fn|1s}} |
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| − | |||
| − | ====Gelt's Folly (Early 2525)==== |
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| − | |||
| − | [[File:Warhammer_Balthazar_Gelt.png|thumb|200px|Balthazar finally succumbs to the forbidden arts]] |
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| − | |||
| − | As the Battle of Alderfen ended, Balthazar Gelt allowed his fellow Wizards to take control of the ritual circle and keep the Walls of the Bastion intact. Yet it was not this that concerned him the most, but rather the implication that a daemonic shapeshifter had enacted a gruesome slaughter of the ritualist that once laboured there. [[Emil Valgeir]], High Priest of Ulric had suggested such a circumstance when Gelt told the High Priest about the daemonic taint that lingers within the ritual circle. Determined to seek the daemon himself, the High Priest ensured the Supreme Patriarch that he will not rest until the daemon is found.{{Fn|1s}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Leaving the garrison stationed around Alderfen, Balthazar Gelt traveled to the fortress of Castle von Raukev where a grand warcouncil of 500 of the Empire's greatest generals, priest and wizards now gather. From there, Gelt had to explain both his success in Alderfen and the failure of the Wall of Faith to the assembled masses, but the Supreme Patriarch was weary beyond belief, and his attempts of apology turned to something akin to outrage. Though the assembled masses scorned the Supreme Patriarch for his outburst, the Emperor told Gelt that he should leave and get some rest. Gelt stubbornly refused at first, but the Emperor only had to repeat himself once before Gelt was forced to leave the chamber. Later on, the Emperor met privately with Gelt and comfort him that he still trust the Supreme Patriarch and gave command of Alderfen Garrison to him. With that act of generosity, Gelt sincerely gave the full apology he couldn't give in the meeting. Though Karl Franz still had faith in the Gold Wizard, the Emperor felt that Gelt was slowly losing himself.{{Fn|1s}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Gelt left the following morning alongside Count Ludenhof and [[Luthor Huss]], the Herald of Sigmar. Luthor Huss would eventually travel the length and breath of the Auric Bastion to seek the legendary Valten for himself. Count Ludenhof would leave soon after and return to his own positions while Gelt took over stewardship of Alderfen. As time pass, reports of the Shapeshifters mischief soon pour into the ears of the Supreme Patriarch, giving Gelt a great amount of concern and no amount of sleep. Since Gelt had returned, Luthor Huss has spent every waking hour with the young Valten, and after much fighting all across the warfront, Valten's heroics soon garnered him a massive following of fanatics that truly believe him to be the Chosen of Sigmar himself. Scant weeks afterwards, the Shapeshifters mischief's dissipated all completely, giving Gelt both a worrying suspicion and the time he needs to strengthen the powers of the Bastion.{{Fn|1s}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Finally, after much laboring through the night, he found a disturbance taking place within Castle Rackspire upon the foot of the World's Edge Mountains known to the Imperials as Helsreach. With his Pegasus, Gelt traveled there only to meet up with Vlad von Carstein in the dead of night, unbeknownst to Gelt that the Vampire has taken Rackspire and the entire length of Helreachs under his control. There, the Vampire Lord gave the Gold Wizard the ancient book, '''''Revelation Necris''''' as a sign of good faith and hopes for future cooperation for the survival of the Empire. Gelt was firmly against it at first, but the possibility of ensuring the survival of the Empire weighed heavily on him as he returned to Alderfen. Even worse, letters written by Emil Valgier has reported that the Shapeshifter is back once again and seems to be tailing the path Valten is currently travelling. The High Priest has come to the conclusion that the Shapeshifter is actually Valten himself. At first, Gelt couldn't believe in such an accusation, but after reading the final letter written scant few weeks ago which detailed that Valten will receive the warhammer, Ghal Maraz, the Supreme Patriarch was shaken to the core.{{Fn|1s}} |
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| − | |||
| − | With haste, the Supreme Patriarch hurried himself upon Quicksilver towards Castle von Raukov, where Gelt was suddenly detained after hopelessly warning about the Changling's appearance. Yet in his panic, the Supreme Patriarch used foul necromancy to summon forth a small army of Skeletons upon the entire meeting ground. Chaos ensured, and Gelt finally accepted that he was now a traitor amongst his people, but would still strive hard to prevent Valten from killing the Emperor. Yet Gelt was fooled, for it soon became clear that it was Emil Valgier that was the Changling, and Valten was there not to kill the Emperor, but to save him from certain death.{{Fn|1s}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Gelt felt revulsion unlike anything he has ever felt before, and in despair the former Supreme Patriarch fled the scene upon Quicksilver. Weren't it for the mask, everybody could see Gelt's tears running unchecked down he cheeks. He had betrayed everything. Within days, the Church of Sigmar denounced the works of Gelt, and the Auric Bastion was abandoned by the Sigmarite Priests. In time, the Walls fell, and the Hordes poured out like a tide. This time, there is no escape, and the Imperial Legions would make one last daring stand upon the city of Heffengen.{{Fn|1s}} |
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| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | ===The Creator Unmasked (Early 2525)=== |
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| − | As the Hordes pour forth upon the lands of Men, back in Ulthuan, the situation grows grimmer ever still. Even after the battle of Reaver's Mark, Tyrion was still himself, even though he felt the presence of Blood Khaine slowly enveloping him little by little. As he brooded, the Sorceress Drusala came into his tent, and revealed her true identity to Tyrion. As her disguise faded, Morathi, mother of Malekith came to Tyrion and told him the true extent of his brothers treachery. Outraged, Tyrion came out of his tent and demanded every mage to search for his brother or face dire punishment.{{Fn|3f}} |
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| − | |||
| − | When Teclis finally arrived, Tyrion stood upon a long-abandoned ceremonial circle containing a statue of all the Elven Gods. When they finally met, the two brothers circled each other, like two swordsmen readying for a duel. It was Tyrion who spoke first, and his voice was harsh, accusing, and yet pleading, pointing shaking fingers at his brother for the deaths of not just the Elves at Eagle Gate, but also Finubar the Phoenix King. Piles of accusation were spit out, and Teclis confirmed each and every one. Tyrion lashed out with his armored gauntlet, forcing Teclis to the bloodied ground. Finally, he asked one last question which shook Tyrion to the very core; did Teclis allow his daughter to die?{{Fn|3f}} |
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| − | |||
| − | All Teclis could say was; "I am sorry". With sudden rage, Tyrion slashed the Warpsword of Khaine, the same weapon taken from Malus Darkblade's corpse, down upon his brother, but Teclis conjured his steed and fled the scene. As he rode off, Tyrion yelled a mighty howl of anguish against his brother. By dusk, Tyrion left the stone circle. Out of the eaves of the treeline, the Wood Elves under Araloth saw the whole thing unfold. He alongside Lileath and Kalara came upon the stone circle, and the Goddess Lileath meditated until the stroke of midnight. Than, as she bowed to a masked statue of Asuryan, fire engulfed the outer ring of the stone circle.{{Fn|3f}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Right before Araloth's eyes, he saw the statues of the Gods turn to ghostly figures, as if the flame gave them life. The legends of the Gods was being shown right in front of him, of how Khaine first killed Kurnous out of jealous for Isha, of how Hekarti and Atharti fought for Khaines attention and comfort. Lileath beckoned Araloth and Kalara at the center of the circle, and from there a darkness began to cloud the sky, and the ghostly gods rose their hands in fear of it. As all the Gods looked up in horror at the darkness, Asuryan looked down upon Araloth. Slowly, haltingly, the Creator raised his hand and removed his mask. With shock, Araloth saw a familiar face; his face.{{Fn|3f}} |
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| − | |||
| − | The fire faded and the darkness of night came back. Lileath told Araloth his destiny as the new Asuryan of this dying world and told him that one last task is needed for the survival of all their kind. She urged Araloth to rescue Shallya, for she is the key to the survival of Mankind, whose fate is tied closely to their own race. With grim determination, Araloth and Kalara ventured into the Gardens of Nurgle and began their final journey.{{Fn|3f}} |
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| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | ===Prelude to Damnation (Early 2525)=== |
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| − | As Araloth set forth upon his destiny, the two Lords of the Elven race, Malekith the Witch King and Tyrion the Defender of Ulthuan were slowly making their way towards the Blighted Isles, the place where two destinies awaits these mighty Warriors of the Elven race. After defeating Ystranna and her High Elven army, Malekith received word from survivors of Malus Darkblade's slaughtered forces that a host almost as large as the one Malekith commanded approaching from the south, a force under the banner of Prince Tyrion. Kouran Darkhand, captain of the Black Guards advised to press to the Blighted Isles whilst leaving a rearguard force to halt Ystranna's remaining forces. But the Witch King would have none of it. Yet after sometime, Malekith agreed on Kouran's advice and instead gave the order for Prince Imirik and his Dragon Knights to this in their stead.{{Fn|3h}} |
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| − | |||
| − | When Kouran met Imirik, the atmosphere was extremely tense as each one tried to subtly insult and berate the other. When Kouran gave the order for Imirk to attack Ystranna's force under the direct orders of Malekith, the atmosphere intensified as Kouran's mocking expression made Prince Imirik slowly reach for his sword. But at that moment, Teclis burst into the tent, bruised and bleeding. He told the two Elven Lords that Morathi has put Tyrion under her spell, and how a dark power now mantled uopn his shoulder. As Teclis has feared yet foreseen, the Curse of Aenarion had at last claimed his brother's soul, making him Khaine reborn. Teclis knew that Tyrion had to be prevented from taking the Widowmaker, and if that meant that the godly weapon instead fell into Malekith's hands, then so be it.{{Fn|3h}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Thus did the Caledorian Dragon Riders ride forth and murdered their former countrymen with heavy hearts as ordered by the Witch King. Finally, the truth had been revealed to not just Prince Imirik but to the whole of the Caledorian forces, and they knew that this had to be done. And so did Ystranna's forces was finally defeated utterly, with Prince Imirik delivering the final blow which lay low Ystranna for good. Driven with grief, the Prince personally made the deceased Handmaidens funeral pyre as a silent word of forgiveness. With no deterrence to his advance, the Witch King finally set his foot upon the sandy shores of the Blighted Isles.{{Fn|3h}} |
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| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | === Battle of the Blighted Isles (Early 2525) === |
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| − | [[File:Warhammer Battle of the Blighted Isles.PNG|thumb|566x566px|Shadow Warriors during the Battle of the Blighted Isles]] |
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| − | No site in Ulthuan bore deeper scars than the Blighted Isles. It was a place of legend, of the darkest secrets and the most glorious of deeds. It was there that the Shrine of Khaine had been raised in the time before Chaos and there that the most terrible of battles had been fought. Here alone, out of all Ulthuan does the very destiny of the Elven race are put at stakes. From all across Ulthuan, regiments of soldiers from some of the deadliest fighting force in all of the Ten Kingdoms have arrived to stop Malekith's advance. The bulk of the force consisted of the entire military might of the Kingdom of Yvresse. Led by the twins, [[Anaran and Anarelle]], the [[Revenants of Khaine]], the [[Silverin Guard]], the [[Skyhawks]] the [[Knights of Tor Gaval]] stood at attention.{{Fn|3h}} |
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| − | |||
| − | The eastern High Elven flank was made up of mistwalkers and the Knights of Tor Gaval whilst to the west, the grim warriors of Nagarythe sharpened their blades for war, led by their leader [[Alith Anar]], the Shadow King. Behind the assembled lines, the Shrine of Khaine loomed out of the mist, standing upon a hill of skulls. Malekith knew that time is of the essence, as reports from the rearguard says that Tyrion's skirmishers have already engaged his forces. With haste, the Dark Elves assaulted the High Elven positions, with the Black Guard leading the assault. Spells and arrow fire criss-crossed across the skies overhead, but the Black Guard spearhead continued on heedless of the causalities.{{Fn|3h}} |
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| − | |||
| − | There was a rumble of thunder overhead as massive thunderclouds let loose rain from the sky with the odd coloration of spilt blood. Scores of High Elven Shadow Warriors had advanced through the rocky outcrop to the West and let loose a barrage of arrow fire at the Black Guards flanks, killing dozens of the elite warriors. In response, Dark Elven assassins assaulted their positions, pushing the Shadow Warriors out of their vantage point before Alith Anar, the Shadow King finally intervened.{{Fn|3h}} |
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| − | |||
| − | With a battlecry, the Black Guards finally met the enemy battleline, their shouts setting hearts a-tremor. The impact soon shattered the Elven battleline, making a hole from which the Dark Elves began to pour forth. In response, the Silverin Guards marched down to plug the breach. The reckless Dark Elven assault hadn't had the time to form up, and thus they were caught in the jaws of the enemy as the second Elven battleline pushed forward. Up in the skies overhead, the Griffon Knights of Tor Gaval made their assault and soon the Dark Elven assault had stalled and began to waver against this mighty counter-attack.{{Fn|3h}} |
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| − | |||
| − | With the first assault faltering, Malekith sent his second assault force forward to reinforce. With them came a host of Black Dragon Knights known as the Lords of Oblivion, with [[Seraphon]], the personal dragon of Malekith, at their head. With the aid of Dark Elven sorceresses, the Griffon Knights were entangled in a web of dark magic, and were falling like flies from they sky. Princess Anarelle cast a dispel which saw the Sorceress devoured by her own magic, releasing the Griffons from their bondage. Soon, even her magic began to annoy Malekith, and in irritation, the Witch King soared to the source of his grievance.{{Fn|3h}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Back on the ground, the Black Guard and the Silverin Guard fought in a deadly struggle, where Kouran personally fought and slew Prince Anaran in a mighty duel of blades and skill, only for the Captain of the Black Guard to suddenly be surrounded by a circle of Elven spears, with Alith Anar personally killing him at last. With his death, Princess Anarelle's concentration was shattered at the most critical of moments, and she was torn asunder by Seraphon and her body thrown down the slopes of the hill. Warhorns howled the air as Tyrion's host finally reached the outskirts of the battlefield. Time, was running out and Malekith soared fast towards the hill's summit.{{Fn|3h}} |
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| − | ==== The Avatar of Khaine (Early 2525) ==== |
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| − | [[File:Warhammer Battle of the Blighted Isles Duel.PNG|thumb|300x300px|Tyrion and Malekith as they battle for the Altar of Khaine]] |
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| − | As the Witch King flew, Alith Anar saw the shape of Seraphon overhead and let loose an arrow which saw the Dragon plummet from the sky. Even as the Witch King fell, Korhil, captain of the Lion Guard led the High Elven assault. From her vantage point, Morathi weaved a spell which spoke to every ear within Malekith's host, and in that instant, traitors from amongst the Witch King's ranks showed their true colors. With one-third of the Dark Elven forces turning on Malekith during the High Elven assault, the Dark Elves were crumbling all around him.{{Fn|3h}} |
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| − | |||
| − | As this was going on, five mighty Lords of the Elven race fought their way to the summit. Malekith and his Dragon fought their way through just as Tyrion upon his mighty Horse clove his way through the battlelines. Teclis upon his shadow steed glided through the carnage as an unseen shadow. Alith Anar, the Shadow King darted between rocks as he tries to find the hated Witch King. Behind Tyrion, Caradyran, captain of the Phoenix Guard followed in his regent's wake. Finally, the elusive Shadowblade was the first to reach the summit first and jumped upon the Witch King as he soon entered. Distracted by the voice in his head, Shadowblade missed his mark, but as Malekith was about to destroy the assassin, Tyrion intervened and the two fought a desperate battle.{{Fn|3h}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Whilst Shadowblade fled, Malekith and Tyrion faced each other before the altar. They exchanged no words, neither threat nor challenge, for reach knew that his would be a battle to the death. Tyrion struck first and the exchange between the two heirs of Aenarion was like a blur and flashes of sparks. But the Witch King saw something different about Tyrion, he was faster and a dark shadow seemed to follow his every moment. During the duel, Shadowblade's poison began to slowly eat away at Malekith and he knew that he had to end this soon. In desperation, Malekith ushered a blast of dark flame upon the regent.{{Fn|3h}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Malhandir, Tyrion's steed bore him away from the blast and in response, Tyrion shot Sunfang in opposition, releasing its own flame. The two flames ate at each other upon the very altar of Khaine himself. But the golden flame of Tyrion soon died out, and the black flame enveloped and seared Tyrion and his steed but not before the steed leaped over the altar and Tyrion swept Malekith off his saddle. With his face charred and blackened from the flame, Tyrion strode towards the crippled Malekith, his left arm lifeless and his stomach bleeding out foul blood. Slowed by his crippling injuries, Malekith could only offer token parries before Tyrion smote Malekith's ancient sword, "''the Destroyer''" into fragments.{{Fn|3h}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Tyrion punched at Malekith's neck, forcing the Witch King upon his knees just as Tyrion struck his jaw with his foot. As the Witch King lay upon the ground, a pool of blood growing across his twitching form, Tyrion slowly reached out to grab the mighty Widowmaker. Teclis finally reached the summit and he cried out for his brother to stop. Tyrion didn't hear him, and instead his fingers slowly wrapped around the blade's shaft. In that moment, lightning sundered the skies, the rain grew thicker and a dark laughter billowed in its wake. Teclis's pleas proved worthless and the Widowmaker swept down to finally kill Malekith, the one and last hope of their race.{{Fn|3h}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Teclis wove a quick deflection spell, but the blade hungrily ate at the magic and Tyrion knocked his brother sprawling upon the pavement. It was then that Caradryan intervened and stood between Malekith's umoving body and Tyrion's blade. Caradyran knew that his day would come, as Asuryan once showed him in his dreams, but now he knew that he had to choose and so he chose the side of Malekith. Tyrion laughed manically at this, and after fruitlessly telling the Captain to stand down, Tyrion lashed against his former captain. As Tyrion's blade swept out, Alith Anar loosed his arrow, the shaft speeding true for Malekith's heart.{{Fn|3h}} |
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| − | |||
| − | By right, Caradryan should have died that hour, for thus Asuryan had foretold him long ago. However, Asuryan was the Creator, not a sower of fate. That was Lileath's domain, and destiny was hers to influence. As the speeding arrow raced towards its target, the bruised Teclis sensed its presence, having crafted the Shadow King's bow himself. With his last power, the arrow's course was altered and the shot that was intended for Malekith struck Tyrion's breastplate above his heart. The Dragon Armor of Tyrion held, but he was knocked back by the force. With haste, Teclis threw himself towards Malekith's body and called upon Lileath one last time, just as the Shadow King drew his blade to finish the job. White light washed over the Shrine of Khaine, flowing over the ancient stones in a gentle caress. When it faded, Malekith, Caradryan Teclis, Seraphon and Ashtari all were gone. Thus the Battle of the Blighted Isles was finished, and the time of Khaine had finally come.{{Fn|3h}} |
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| − | |||
| − | ==The Invasion Begins== |
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| − | |||
| − | {{Quote|I have seen the doom of man. It is written in the stars, an omen borne upon the twin-tailed comet that blazes bright across the firmament. The barbarious tribes of the north will see it as a sign of their final victory over the world. Yet the children of the Heldenhammer shall look upon it in hope and fear alike. Hope, that it heralds the return of their most glorious champion. Fear, that it signals the death of all their kind has achieved. And they are right to do so.|Prophecy of the End Times|}}{{Fn|2a}} |
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| − | |||
| − | The World is awashed in a tide of blood and violence. Everywhere you see, the lands of many nations, of ancient kingdoms and mighty empires are wrought in wars the likes of which had never been seen since this world's creation. Ulthuan, the Kingdom of the High Elves has been shattered in spirit, its people divided between a Hero turned Traitor and a Tyrant turned Savoir. No longer is there any distinction between light and dark or good and evil for both sides has been tainted and reformed by a horrible truth that has been long hidden. Nehekhara, the mighty desert Empire of the Tomb Kings have stirred into new life like never before. Entire legions are rising from the crypts and desert, answering a call which echoes to the time of their damnation many centuries ago. Now and forever, this final battle will decide the fate of this ancient civilization of Mankind. |
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| − | |||
| − | The Empire of Man, the greatest Human Kingdom in the Old World, has fought long and hard against the growing darkness that gathers beyond their borders, yet now the walls have fallen, and now the barbarians are flooding into the lands of Sigmar's realm like that of a great and bloodthirsty tide. Fire and magic reigns across the land, the armies of the Empire shattered and scattered throughout its ruins. Many still fight on, brave souls lead by mighty heroes as they try to weather the coming storm and hold on to everything they've ever held dear like they've have so many times before. Yet there is no future in this age of war, and as the winds bring with it the smell of rot and decay, the Empire will need a great hero like never before. |
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| − | ==== The Last Stand of Heffengen (Early 2525) ==== |
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| − | |||
| − | [[File:Aldenfen_Garrison_Battle.jpg|thumb|250px|The desperate Battle of Heffengen]] |
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| − | |||
| − | When the Bastion fell, so too did the Empire's last chance of holding back the Chaos tide. In desperate haste, the Imperial Armies of all the Empire made ready for a last stand upon the outskirts of Heffengen as the Hordes of Chaos overwhelm all in their path. [[Godfrei Talb|General Godfrei Talb]] commanded the eastern defences, while Valten and his [[Army of Sigmar]] held the far eastern flanks. Reinforcing their ranks were the [[Maneater|Ogre Maneaters]] of [[Grub Kineater]] and his [[Bloodfist Tribe|Bloodfist]] Mercenaries. The western defences were held by [[Garrat Mecke|General Garrat Mecke]], Lord General of [[Talabhiem]], and the armies of all Talabecland were under his command. Upon the center, Karl Franz held the command of an entire army of Palace Guards, [[Reiksguard Inner Circle|Reikguard Inner Circle Knights]] and Imperial Soldiers from [[Steil's Swords]], forming a double-line half a mile beyond Heffengen's gates.{{Fn|1t}} |
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| − | |||
| − | To the north, the Hordes of Chaos advanced beneath the beating wings of innumerable crows. War drums beat the very air with noise and demons roamed amongst their ranks. Without any plan or order, the hordes rushed into battle with the [[Claws of Skael]] at the fore. As the horde came into range, the entire might of the Empire's artillery flung hundreds of Cannon-balls upon the teeming masses. Hundreds died within seconds of the barrage and yet the Hordes kept on coming, and as they got closer, volley after volley of Hochland riflemen let loose their barrage. Yet again, this horde was titanic beyond imagination, and the barbarians had the bodies to slowly close the gap.{{Fn|1t}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Within minutes, the center of the Imperial line was struck by the barbarians like a lightning bolt, with already five whole regiments of elite Imperial soldiers lost in the brutal melee. The Imperials under Kurt Helborg launched a counter-attack as the second Imperial battleline marched forward. The first barbarian wave faltered and the Imperials pushed them back. Yet within moments, the second Chaos wave came forward, at their head came rotting daemons, Skaeling berserkers and the ancient [[Great Unclean One|Unclean One]] that Gelt temporarily imprisoned, Gurug'ath.{{Fn|1t}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Yet the hordes were disorganized, and all their forces were directed solely towards the center of the Imperial battleline, leaving their flanks exposed. In response, Garrat Mecke's western artillery and rifleman positions opened fire once more. To the east, Valten lead his flagellant army and slammed headlong into the Chaos Hordes eastern flanks. The Reikguard Knights under Kurt Helborg fought deep into the Chaos ranks until he came upon the Greater Deamon and fought him hard. Seeing the battle hanging in the balance, Karl Franz leaped upon Deathclaw and came to Kurt's aid.{{Fn|1t}} |
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| − | |||
| − | The second assault began to falter, as the Skaeling warriors found the fury of the fanatics beyond even their own abilities. Chieftain after chieftain had challenged Valten to battle, but each one fell before the crushing force of [[Ghal Maraz]]. Unable to fight against such crazed madmen, the Skaelings broke and ran. Hearing the cheers of the Fanatics, the Imperial and Ogre warriors of the eastern flanks pushed forward. Yet as the Skaelings broke, the armies of the [[Kurgans]] fell upon them, killing their comrades for being spineless curs. Then came the legendary [[Crom the Conqueror]], sent forth by Archaon to either conqueror or to die within the south.{{Fn|1t}} |
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| − | |||
| − | The third wave, which consisted entirely of powerful [[Chaos Warriors]] led by the [[Sons of Nifflecht]] and the [[The Unclean|Unclean]], slammed upon the Fanatic army and killed the lot of them. Only where Valten and Huss fought did the holy army held its ground, until they too became an island within a sea of hulking armor-clad barbarians. The Kurgans surged past the two holy warriors, and slammed upon the Imperial and Ogre forces coming to reinforce them. Out of formation, the Ostermark Imperials were overwhelmed by their ferocity. General Godfrei Talb died alongside his men, and only Grub Kineater and his Ogres held their ground.{{Fn|1t}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Yet as the battle raged, the river banks of the Revesnecht, just a mile east from the fighting began to stir to life. Without a sound to be heard, an entire army of the [[Rackspire Dead]] appeared out of the massive river with [[Estroth the Silent]] leading the warbanner. [[Skeleton Warriors (Vampire Counts)|Skeleton Warriors]], ancient [[Grave Guard|Wights]] and hungry winged [[Vargheist|Reavers]] descended upon the north-eastern flanks of the Chaos army, with Vlad von Carstein at his head. The Kurgans did not despair like their Skaeling brethrens, but fought the new foe with renewed savagery. Yet as they fought, the recently slain began to reanimate themselves, and soon the Kurgans were trapped on all sides. However, Crom the Conqueror would not be denied his victory, and soon he fell upon Valten and Huss with a vengeance. The three fought hard, Valten landing three powerful blows before he and Huss were pushed to the ground. As Crom closed in to end Valten's life, Huss hurled himself against Crom and held him back until Valten grabbed Ghal Maraz and slammed his hammer upon the Conquerors head. With his death, the Kurgans finally broke and ran. The western flanks was secured.{{Fn|1t}} |
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| − | |||
| − | On the eastern flanks, [[Akkorak the Crow]] of the Kul tribe lead the [[Chaos Knights]] of [[Kruld's Rampagers]] and the [[Marauder Horsemen]] of the [[Wildkin of Hraldar]] against the Talabecland armies. The Talabeclanders braced themselves, and amongst their ranks '''Morrstan''', last Wizard of the Athemyst Order hurled a blast of purple death magic upon the Chaos riders, breaking their charge. Back at the center, Karl Franz came upon the Great Unclean One and struck his sword upon its skull, banishing him from this realm. Yet as the battle seemed won for the Imperials, trumpets blared to the north as a host of [[Blood Knights]] came down south.{{Fn|1t}} |
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| − | |||
| − | As they came closer, it became clear that the Blood Knights were touched by Chaos, and soon these Vampires showed their new allegiance to [[Khorne]] by falling upon the Imperials and Undead alike. In the skies overhead, Karl Franz was suddenly assaulted by the Blood Knight's Grandmaster, [[Walach Harkon]]. In but a few minutes, the Emperor, the greatest stateman and general the Empire has ever known, was seen falling from the sky, a gash of blood upon his chest. As the entire army saw him plummet, like a raging wildfire, the entire army despaired and ran for their lives. Only the two Undead armies continued their battle until Walach was finally slain by Vlad himself. His death mattered little, for the Emperor was dead, and the Empire stood ready to crumble.{{Fn|1t}} |
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| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | ===The Rise of the Glottkins (Early 2525)=== |
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| − | [[File:The_Glottkin_Brothers.png|thumb|250px|The Glottkin brothers, Otto Glott, Ethrac Glott, and Ghurek Glott.]] |
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| − | |||
| − | As Morrslieb swelled full in the night skies above the northern waste, the touch of the Dark Gods slowly grew stronger and stronger by the day. As the defenders of the World fell by the thousands with every passing moment, either by the cold touch of biting steel or swayed to eternal damnation, the Dark Gods each adopted a Human champion to further their own earthly interest in this dying world. Archaon, foremost favoured of the Gods, knew that if he is to usher in the End Times, he needed the powers of all four powers in unison. The Chosen of Khorne under Valkia the Bloody are ravaging what remains of frigid Naggaroth. The decadent host of Slannesh under Sigvald the Magnificent continues to terrorize the shores of Kislev and the Sea of Claws, his acts of debauchery growing more horrific with each passing invasion. The devious pawns of Tzeentch are being led south by the dark twins, Vilitching the Cursling down south to further enact the destinies coveted by the Architect of Fate. Only the followers of the Plague Father lacked their own supreme champion, directionless since the death of Festak Krann by the hands of the Imperials sometime ago.{{Fn|2b}} |
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| − | |||
| − | The Everchosen knew the Great Game better than any mortal, and he knew that should there not be balance between these foul deities, the fourfold union will be torn apart, like so many times before. As such, the Everchosen sent out legions of riders to look for a champion worthy of claiming the title. Each new champion found proved more grotesque and powerful then the last, yet these warriors were of little ambition and forsight other than conquest and battle. A true believer is needed in order to bring the Followers of Nurgle down south towards ultimate victory.{{Fn|2b}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Yet it was not a mortal messenger which brought the force of destruction he sought. As Morrslieb glowed green over the sky and the Twin-Tailed Comet blazed across the night, the daemon-prince Ku'gath the Plaguefather presented Archaon with three Jars of Nurgle, a horrific artifact of daemonic power which contains plagues of such power that it would alter both man and reality alike. With these Jars, Archaon was given the names of the Champions who would lead this great host, three triplet Champions of Nurgle; the Glottkin. It is they who will lead the followers of Nurgle down south and enact a great swath of pestilence and disease that shall pave the way for Archaon's host to descend upon the remnants of civilization. All those tribes and armies, too impatient to heed Archaon's calling, will follow with them, their axes carving the path and their bodies paving its road. It is mankind which binds the alliance of Order together, and should they fall, the world will soon follow.{{Fn|2b}} |
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| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | ===The Chosen of Asuryan (Early 2525)=== |
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| − | [[File:Warhammer_Malekith_Asuryan.png|thumb|Malekith as he stands before the crossroads of his destiny]] |
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| − | |||
| − | Not long after Teclis made his escape with the broken body of Malekith did the battle finally end. What remains of Makelith's loyalist forces had since fled the battlefield, leaving the traitors to be butchered by the arriving High Elven armies. The body of Tyrion, unmoving yet unbloodied, lay upon the hillside, his grip upon Widowmaker ensures that none could pry it away from him. Morathi, having stayed hidden during the battle, walked without caution through the Elven ranks, her spells of glamour staying the hands of her enemies until she saw Tyrion's body on the ground. Her composure collapsed as she threw herself upon him, trying her best to heal he who Morathi believes is her long-dead husband, [[Aenarion]] reborn. His loyal steed, Malhandir, lay upon the hilltop and was near death until Korhil came and treated to him with no less honor than his master deserved. In the following morning, Morathi's efforts to heal him bared fruit and now Tyrion stood upon the Shrine of Khaine and proclaimed himself ruler of all Ulthuan.{{Fn|3j}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Alith Anar was amongst the crowd when this was heard, and as Tyrion spoke, the Shadow King came to the disturbing realization that Tyrion is sounding more like the Witch King with each word spoken. Disturbed by his proclamation, the Shadow King slipped out of view once more even as the crowd shouted their approval. Elsewhere, the elusive Shadowblade, master assassin of [[Hellebron]] was able to escape the battle upon a small patrol ship he commandeered from a crew of High Elven sailors. He heads back towards Naggaroth, where he hopes to inform his mistress of Morathi's scheming.{{Fn|3j}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Within the eaves of Athel Loren, the news of Tyrion's descent into corruption urged Alarielle, now the Avatar of Isha, to gather the Wood Elven host and prepare to defend Averlorn from Tyrion's depredation. At first many of the Lords and Ladies of Athel Loren didn't have much trust in their new Queen, even though her soul had since merged with that of Ariel, but after [[Orion]] and the [[Naestra and Arahan|Twilight Twins]] pledged their allegiance to her, those who disagreed kept quiet. Yet when Alarielle finally shared the same vision of the imminent future that Lileath gave to her, all dissent within the council had evaporated instantly and now were united like never before for their new beloved Queen.{{Fn|3j}} |
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| − | |||
| − | In Chrace, Imirik's vigil was ending as the ashes of Ystranna's pyre at last burnt themselves out. When the Prince opened his eyes, it seemed that the trees of the glade had drawn themselves closer. Then he saw shadows amongst the leaves and quickly drew his blade. The Wood Elves leveled their bow, but Araloth, having returned from his journey to save the Goddess Shallya from the imprisonment of Nurgle, ordered his kin to lower their weapons and implored Imirik to stay his hand. Araloth comforted Imirk that they'd simply wished to bear witness to Ystranna's passing, since they both fought the same cause. Reluctantly, Imirik withdrew his blade and the two made their way south to aid Malekith and Teclis on their journey to the [[Shrine of Asuryan]].{{Fn|3j}} |
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| − | |||
| − | The journey to the Flame of Asuryan would've have happened sooner had Malekith's pride not led him to gamble his life to claim the Widowmaker. Now battered, bloodied and broken in body, the prideful Witch King would still walk on his own two feet, only Caradryan was allowed to atleast stand beside him as they entered the Shrine. Even as the Shrine became besieged by the Fleets of Aislinn, the Phoenix Guards and Imirik's Dragon Riders stood firm and held them back. Slowly, the three made their way into the inner sanctum, Malekith making mocking remarks and expressing both doubt and anger like he never felt before. Teclis deemed it to be the anger of one slowly embracing an unwelcome truth, that through all the misery and doubt he has gone through, all the betrayal and rejection, Malekith was truly the Chosen of Asuryan since the very beginning.{{Fn|3j}} |
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| − | |||
| − | As the Phoenix Guard parted ways for the three to enter, Teclis reassured the Witch King of his destiny, of all the sacrifices that many Elves have made to ensure that he would finally get here. Malekith again rebuffed and mocked at their supposed weakness, only to fall into a fit of bloody coughs. Pushing himself away from Caradryan's aid, the Witch King took a few staggering steps towards the flame then stopped. Without turning, he finally expressed himself truly, that if he were to step into the flame, his every actions, his every striving up to that point had all been a lie. When Teclis asked if he regretted his deeds, Malekith with a hard voice only said that he would do it all over again. Teclis told the Witch King that nothing about him was a lie, but he was the Chosen of Asuryan and if he can't survive the flame, then their people are lost forever. Malekith didn't reply, but took the final step into the sacred flame. At one moment, he was a black shadow against a brilliant light. At the next, there was just the flame. Then the screaming began and the Shrine soon after vanished beneath the seas.{{Fn|3j}} |
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| − | |||
| − | ===The Breaking of the Mountains (Early 2525)=== |
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| − | It had been many, many long months since King Belegar led the remnants of his once mighty army out of the collapsed caverns of the Hall of Clan Skalfdon, having to carve their way through debris and entire enemy armies before they were able to reach the gates of their mighty citadel. From there, Belegar received some dire news that the stubborn King refused to believe until now. All of the Dwarf Holds are under siege on all sides by enemies armies. Zhufbar is slowly being overrun by a horde of Skaven armies under Clan Skyre.{{Fn|4i}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Karak Azul, once the bastion of the Southern World's Edge Mountain, have fallen after a apocaplytic assault by Skaven forces. Without the leader of King Kazador and Runelord Thorek Ironbrow to lead the defence, the Dwarfs fought, bled and died to the better end. The Skaven that sacked Karak Azul went to the surface, hunting down the train of refugees that are making their way back to the remaining Dwarfen holds. Belegar knew what this meant; there will be no aid coming to Belegar and his battered armies, not now and not ever again. Worse, the movement of enemy activity had indicated one dire prediction; they are coming, and very soon. Having had the one chance to escape Eight Peaks before all this began, King Belegar sat alone upon his throne, a prisoner once more within his own crumbling hold as he brooded over the decision he has fatally made for him, his own son and the last of his people.{{Fn|4i}} |
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| − | |||
| − | ====War of the Great Vale (Early 2525)==== |
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| − | [[File:Map_Underground_Tunnels.png|thumb|300px|A Map of the Undergrounds of Karak Eight Peaks]] |
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| − | |||
| − | [[File:Map_of_Orkish_warbands.PNG|thumb|300px|A map detaling the movement of Orcish tribes joining Skarsnik's Waaagh!]] |
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| − | |||
| − | With the Dwarfs boxed inside the Citadel, the Skaven and Greenskin armies soon turned on each other. Queek, having long wished to kill the upstart Skarsnik for good, led his forces down the mountains and attacked the Greenskin settlement of Grobi Town. When they came upon the settlement, the entire encampment was a ghost town, with not a single Greenskin in sight. The Skaven set the settlement to ruin, blasting mudhuts with warpfire throwers and toppling massive effigies of their gods with hulking Rat Ogres. Yet as they dismantled Grobi Town, the Vale boomed to the sound of Greenskin war music. Doom Diver Catapults stationed within the mountain peaks let loose entire squadrons of Doom Divers upon the enemy masses just as Skarsnik led his forces out of Grim Gates. In response, massive [[Blackarc Battery]], [[Warplock Jezzail|Warplock Jezzail Sniper Teams]] and [[Poisoned-Wind Mortar]] returned fire and created searing gaps within the Greenskin ranks.{{Fn|9p}} |
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| − | |||
| − | As the two opposing lines closed in, Night Goblin warbands released a wave of [[Night Goblin Fanatic|Fanatics]] upon the Skaven battle-lines, creating gaps from which the Goblins soon exploited. Queek led his [[Red Guards]] in a massive counter-attack, which drove the Skaven lines right through the enemy center, where Queek personally slew Warboss Drilla and his Black Orc warband, [[Drillaz Killaz]] in quick succession. Without their leader to lead them, the Black Orcs, which formed the hardened core of the army, eventually collapsed under the assault. Seeing their center breaking apart, the Night Goblins began to flee with Skarsnik waving them. Yet as Queek was about to screech his victory to the heavens, it died within his throat as the ambush was finally unleashed.{{Fn|9p}} |
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| − | |||
| − | From the skies above, Doom Divers came down in massive droves, increasing in intensity until their black wings darkened the skies. A mighty Warboss named [[Krolg Krushhelm]] and his pet Wyverm soon descended from the craggy outcrops, descending upon the enemy battlelines. Packs of Squigs under [[Frik's Rat-Huntaz]] stormed out of the nearby caves, led by a massive [[Colossal Squig]] known only as the [[Big Red 'Un]]. Under the masterful powers of [[Duffskul|Shaman Duffskul]], the Night Goblins managed to reanimate an idol of the Greenskin gods into a walking, destructive war-construct. Worst of all, an entire contingent of [[Forest Goblin Spider Rider]]s under the leadership of [[Snagla Grobspit]] and his [[Snagla Grobspit's Deff Creepers|Deff Creepers]], soon enveloped the Skaven at the flanks.{{Fn|9p}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Surrounded on all sides, it would seem lost to the Skaven cause, but Queek was fearless and rallied his troops around him. Using his most elite troops, Queek led his [[Red Guard]] and a pack of Rat Ogres against Warboss Krolg whilst the second half of the army under [[Ikk Hackflay|Warlord Ikk Hackflay]] and his [[Ironskins]] tries to hold back the enemy ambushers. As more Skaven reserves emerge out of Burnt Cliff and began to flow around the base of Silver Mountain, the flanks began to stabilize while Queek personally fought the Orc Warboss in single combat. Having reached the Grim Gates, Skarsnik also ordered in the reserves stationed within the base of Karak Ziflin. Yet as the battle hang in the balance, Skarsnik was assaulted by a pack of Rat Ogres under the leadership of Grotoose, First Beastmaster of Clan Mors. After much struggle, the Beastmaster was close to ending the Goblin's life before Gobbla ate him up. Yet as Skarsnik returned his attention to the battle, Gobbla began to shiver, blood streaming out of the creature's eyes and mouth. Concerned, Skarsnik leaned towards his dear companion and friend before a knife burst through the Cave Squigs head.{{Fn|9p}} |
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| − | |||
| − | As the body of Gobbla began to deflate like a half-empty sack of wineskin, Grotoose, his body seared by the stomach acid and half his face already melted away, stood triumphantly upon its corpse. His face contorting into a deep black rage, Skarsnik howled a mighty shriek as he drove his prodder high above his head and slammed it upon the Skaven back, shattering the stone beneath him as the body fell. The battle forgotten, the Warlord of the Eight Peaks leaned down upon the corpse of his lost friend, the little goblin repeating its name a few times over. Gobbla was dead, his small, faithful brain leaking out through the hole in the top of his head. Skarsnik laid both hands on the leathery hide of his closest companion. With a mighty howl, the Warlord screamed his name one last time; "''Gobbla!''"{{Fn|9p}} |
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| − | |||
| − | As the Warlord of Eight Peaks was distracted, the battle soon slipped out of his hands and it became apparent that it was a lost cause. The Idol of Gork was shattered, the Colossal Squig had already ran off into the horizon, and a shadowy Verminlord began to decapitate an Arachnorok Spider with ease. Worst still, Queek had already dispatch the troublesome Warboss after much fighting. Snapping out of his stupor, with tears still flowing down his cheek, Skarsnik called it quits and ordered a tactical ordered retreat whilst the body of Gobbla was taken back inside. Leaving his allies to their fate, Skarsnik looked one last time upon the angry face of Queek as the doors to Grim Gate slowly closed right in front of his face.{{Fn|9p}} |
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| − | |||
| − | ==== The Final Saga of Clan Angrund (Early 2525) ==== |
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| − | {{Quote|Warriors!...I have not chosen you to go because I can spare you. I cannot. I have chosen you because you are among the finest dawi left alive in Karak Eight Peaks. These are your charges. They need you more than I do. I release you also from all your oaths to me, and consider them fulfilled two and a half times over. Had I gold to give, you would have it by the cartload and in great gratitude. Instead, I place upon you one final burden – guard these last few of the clans of Karak Eight Peaks with your lives and your honour. Do not let the bloodlines of our city die forever. Now go, go and never return. This was a glorious dream, but it is over. We wake to the darkest of mornings. May you all see the light of a better morrow!|Last Words of King Belegar Ironhammer, given to the last few Dawi of Karak Eight Peaks|}}{{Fn|9r}} |
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| − | |||
| − | [[File:Warhammer_End_Times_Queek_Belegar.png|thumb|300px|The fall of the True King]] |
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| − | |||
| − | When it became clear that the Greenskins had been defeated, Belegar and the Dwarfs of Karak Eight Peaks knew that it was over. Without the Greenskins to stop the Skaven assault, there would be nothing standing in their way from claiming the entirety of Eight Peaks as their own. Worse still, after failing to manipulate the mad Headtaker into doing his bidding, Verminlord Lurklox struck a deal with Skarsnik which promised the Warlord a gift stolen from the mad tinker-rat Ikit Claw; his newly invented and highly improved Warpstone-powered Atomic Bomb.{{Fn|9r}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Each one knew that they would betray the other sooner or later, but they nonetheless agreed on the deal. But Skarsnik, wanting to tie up loose ends, also requested that Queek present the head of the True King of Karak Eight Peaks to him. With the deal struck, Lurklox finally convinced the mad Headtaker into assaulting the last defences of the Dwarfs.{{Fn|9r}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Knowing that the end is nigh, King Belegar gave one last final order to what remains of his people. A small group of Dawi, mostly made up of wives and children and a handful of his greatest warriors were escorted out of Karak Eight Peaks by the only tunnel their enemies have not yet discovered. With sorrowful yet hard eyes, King Belegar have given his last speech, and told them that they must live, so that whats left of Karak Eight Peaks will never die forever. With his last words spoken, the refugees left down the tunnel, and the secret entrance was slowly made shut, never to be open or seen again.{{Fn|9s}} |
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| − | |||
| − | The end was coming. Where once the Dwarfs stood resolute against impossible odds for nearly fifty long years, the end had finally come. In the hundreds or thousands, the Skaven have surged through the defenses and made their way towards the Hall of Pillared Iron. From there, barely two-hundred dwarfs and three cannons stood resolute before their King. This would be their final, glorious stand. The Skaven came in like an all-consuming flood battered themselves upon the last warriors of Clan Angrund. Fighting back to back, each Dwarf dozens if not hundreds of their foes, yet there was simply far to many to kil.{{Fn|9s}} |
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| − | |||
| − | One by one, each Dwarf fell under the blades of a hundred foes until finally only King Belegar remained. Howling curses after curses towards his most hated enemies, the True King of Karak Eight Peaks swung all around him, tears of sorrow mingled with tears of anger as he called out the Headtaker to show his face and finally end this himself. With this declaration, the spear-wall caging Belegar opened wide as Queek Headtaker proudly displayed himself to him, speaking mockingly in the ancient and sacred tongue of [[Khazalid]]. After all that has happened, after all the indignities that was heaped upon him and the suffering he has endured, the voice of Queek mocking him in this most sacred language at this final moment in his life was simply one insult to many.{{Fn|9s}} |
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| − | |||
| − | With a roar, Belegar charged and the two fought, their attacks parried by the other again and again with such force that it could've cracked stone into dust. But Belegar was wounded and tired, and Queek was still at his prime. With every attack parried, Belegar grew weaker and weaker until finally, Queek dislodged Belegar's shield and shattered his knee-cap. As the Dwarf King stood bloodied but upright upon his last uninjured knee, Belegar glared hatefully at the Warlord. With a cry, Queek swung Dwarf Gouger a final time. Defiant to the bitter end, Belegar struck Queek's weak shoulder-joint with the Warlord's own dislodged sword just as the weapon struck and punctured his own helm. Queek stepped back in pain just as Belegar fell over into his side, the King's eyes never leaving Queek's face even as his life finally left him. Bloodied yet triumphant, Queek severed the King's head and vaulted it high in the air, where the clamor of his warriors filled the very mountain with the victory cry of Clan Mors. The True King was dead and Karak Eight Peaks had fallen at long last.{{Fn|9s}} |
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| − | |||
| − | ===The Wars of the Dead (Early 2525)=== |
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| − | [[File:Warhammer_Nehekhara_Invasion_Map.png|thumb|300px|The Invasion of Nehekhara]] |
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| − | As the world begins to descend into darkness, there is but one land that has remained untainted by war and chaos; at least until now. Nothing but arid wind and shifting sands moved across the deserts of Nehekhara, the Land of the Dead. A watchful stillness covered the entire land as the dead from ancient times stood ever vigilante towards the northern horizon. And from this stillness and peace, the blackness came at last. An ominous wall of clouds, dark and ragged, was closing around the realm of Nehekhara. From all sides the black veil came, encircling and enshrouding the skies above the Land of the Dead. Where once a land so vast was open to the skies for thousands upon thousands of years, has now be clouded by a darkness that likes of which had not been scene since the land first fell into ruin.{{Fn|1u}} |
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| − | |||
| − | One of the first to stand beneath this encroaching storm of [[King Kalhazzar]], commander of Nehekhara's naval fleet anchored off the coast of the Great Mortis River Delta. [[Behedesh II|King Behedesh II]] commanded the ground armies of [[Zandri]] the '''Fleetport of Terror''', having safeguarded the westernmost approaches to the Badlands for several years until sandstorms have covered his entire army, and for a time only their banners and speartips were visible before they too disappeared beneath the sands. High Queen Khalida, ruler of [[Lybaras]] the '''City of Asaph''', awoken the moment the darkness reached the outskirts of her kingdom and led her legions towards the [[Charnel Valley]] alongside [[King Tharruk]], ruler of [[Mahrak]] the '''City of Decay'''.{{Fn|1u}} |
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| − | |||
| − | The rulers of [[Quatar]], the '''Corpse City''' had obeyed Settra's commands to the letter and sent off their most talented Necrotechs into the Charnel Valley and awaken the mighty War Statues which reside there. Awakened from their slumber, these war constructs made their long journey towards the capital of [[Khemri]], the '''City of Kings'''. In [[Numas]], the '''Scarab City''', [[Phar of Numas|King Phar]] alongside his son [[Dramkhir|Prince Dramkhir]] mobilized his forces and marched deep into the [[Salt Plains]] and fortified the lands along the [[Blight Water]], ensuring no enemy coming south will pass into Nehekhara. Soon, this supernatural storm of black clouds enveloped the lands until there could be no doubt as to where the epicenter of the storm would finally settle; the [[Black Pyramid of Nagash]].{{Fn|1u}} |
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| − | |||
| − | From the fortress-city of Nagashizzar, Nagash completed this dark ritual and sat upon his throne once more to begin the sacrifices. Thousands of souls were gathered there, Men, Dwarfs and Greenskins were all sacrificed, their essence refueling Nagash's diminished powers. Whilst Nagash feeds, his nine Mortarchs began their invasion. [[Krell]], '''Mortarch of Despair''' lead the largest of the invasion force, a massive sledgehammer blow that would slam headlong through the Marsh of Madness, crush the city of Numas and head straight towards Khemri. [[Dieter Helsnicht]], '''Mortarch of Doom''' accompanied Krell's invasion forces. [[Mannfred von Carstein]], '''Mortarch of Night''', would lead his forces on along the western coastline and invade the lands of Zandri. [[Luthor Harkon]], '''Mortarch of the Abyss''' led a massive fleet of rotting ships from Lustria towards the Mortis Delta. [[Neferata]], '''Mortarch of Blood''' was given her own leave and Nagash allowed her to go east and reclaim [[Lahmia]], the '''Cursed City''', unknowing that Neferata was nothing more than a bait to lure Khalida from her fortress. Indeed, for none of the Mortarchs knew Nagash's true intentions until it was far to late.{{Fn|1u}} |
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| − | |||
| − | ====Battle of Blight Water (Early 2525)==== |
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| − | [[File:Warhammer_Battle_of_the_Blight_Water_and_Salt_Plains.png|thumb|180px|Battle of the Blight Water and the Salt Plains]] |
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| − | |||
| − | Krell's army came to invade just as the unnatural storm reared over their heads. In a titanic horde that literally numbered within the tens if not hundreds of thousands, Krell led his forces straight through the hostile territories of the [[Badlands]], crushing all those [[Greenskin]] tribes that would dare to stand in their way, no matter how many thousands of their kind may arise to challenge them. Not even the murky swamplands of the [[Marsh of Madness]] could stand in their way. Needing no sleep, nor breath or food, the Undead plowed right through the murky waters and emerged upon the outskirts of the Blight Water, a large river filled with toxic water which literally strips the flesh from the bone. Knowing that the Tomb Kings awaited on the other side, Krell ordered as many of his troops to cross the moorlands as quickly as possible, for only their numbers can decide the outcome of the victory.{{Fn|1u}} |
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| − | |||
| − | As flocks of bats and terrorgiest flew overhead as the undead horde walked through the murky depths of the river-bed, no sooner had they reached the banks of the river that the Tomb Kings unleashed their attack. Artillery crews from the [[Bronze Gate Battery]] launched their screaming balefire ammunition towards the murky waters, the ammunition sinking deep into the murky depths before detonating, sending huge geyser of water and bone up into the skies. With the signal sounded, the [[Sphinx Legion of Numas]], the [[Crimson Guard]] and the [[Bone Giants of Bhagar]] marched in unison towards the edge of the river, whilst legions of [[Skeleton Archers]] provided covering fire. From the skies above, thousands of [[Bats]], [[Varghulfs]] and [[Terrorghiest]] swooped down into the Nehekharan ranks, halting their advance whilst the rest of Krell's army tries to make a beach-head in the other side.{{Fn|1u}} |
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| − | |||
| − | As Krell began to order in the second wave, on the extreme flanks, Krell's Undead Cavalry plunged into the river whilst Hexwraiths rode across the water surface. Finally, Krell himself stepped into the front ranks of the [[Doomed Legion]] and led them wading into the congested river. On the other-side of the river, King Phar's army began to steadily push back the Undead hordes from the Salt Plains and back into the river.{{Fn|1u}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Yet just as victory was within grasp, the true extent of Nagash's storm of black clouds became known. With a flash, tendrils of dark magic shot out into the battlelines, banishing the souls of the Nehekharan and imbuing Krell's undead forces with baleful power. Despite the best efforts of [[Amonkhaf|High Priest Amonkhalf]], and his coven of seven [[Liche Priest]], the magical tendrils enabled Krell's legion to push out of the river crossing and into the open expanse of the Salt Plains. Knowing the time is now, [[Phar of Numas|King Phar]] alongside [[Ramssus|King Ramssus]] led Legions of Chariots and Horse Archer upon the enemy flanks, using the speed of their steeds to seek out and destroy all the [[Necromancers]] that commanded the Undead hordes. First to fall was the [[Al'Grahib|Necromancer Al'Grahib]], who died with a dozen arrows pierced into his body when his forces was drawn out and himself open to the mercy of the Chariot Legion. In time, nearly half a dozen Necromancers died within hours of the engagement.{{Fn|1u}} |
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| − | |||
| − | With the death of these Necromancers, Krell's forces lost their momentum, giving the initiative once again to King Phar. This time, the King was determined to keep his foot on his opponents throat. In time, Amonkhalf and his coven finally began to match the rate at which the enemy army could raise back their fallen and soon the battle turned into a grueling stalemate. So began a match of wits and tactics, with Krell and King Phar attacking and counter-attacking each other across the vast Salt Plains. Yet despite their best efforts, it still became known that Krell was slowly making his way southwards.{{Fn|1u}} |
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| − | ====Ambush in the Deep Desert (Early 2525)==== |
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| − | [[File:Warhammer_End_Times_Ambush_in_the_Desert.png|thumb|250px|Ambush in the Deep Desert]] |
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| − | |||
| − | Mannfred von Carstein had a much smaller invasion force, but it was significantly more elite and contained some of the best Sylvania has to offer. His force did not carry zombies or weak skeletons, but armored [[Grave Guards]], ancient [[Wight Kings]], galloping [[Black Knights]] and a coven of powerful [[Vampires]]. Yet for all their pride and glamour, Mannfred was foolishly leading his entire army into a trap. Mannfred and his entire army was not born of the desert, and so did not notice the subtle signs that surrounded them, the eerie shift of sand that came not from the wind, but from something else, or perhaps the odd collection of dunes which bar their path ahead. All of the Sylvanian force missed the brief sight of a flashing tail-point, as its owner burrowed once more, leaving in its wake only piles of sand that had once been the dire wolf pack known within the lands of Sylvania as the [[Creatures of the Night]]. Without warning, Mannfred fell into their trap and the desert came alive underneath his very feet. |
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| − | |||
| − | Rising with sudden geysers of displaced sand, massive [[Tomb Scorpion]]s of the [[Underworld Deathwatch]] burst forth upon the very center of the Vampiric army, their iron and stone hide deflecting weapons with ease. Massive snake-like creatures known as [[Those That Stalk Beneath the Sand]], struck next, their emergence being much more subtle yet far more horrific. With but a single gaze, entire regiments of the Vampiric invaders were turned to stone, never to be raised or commanded again. Ahead of the column, the armies of [[Behedesh II|King Behedesh II]] emerged out of the dunes and move themselves forward. From the largest dunes came the [[Ushabti]] formation known in Zandri as the [[Lions of the Sand]]. |
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| − | |||
| − | All around Count Mannfred, his force of elite cavalry drawn from the [[Knights Sepulchral]] were being destroyed, their armor offering no protection against the gaze of the accursed sand-snakes. Seeing enough, Mannfred entered the fray and began to reorganize his forces just as King Behedesh and forces struck his battleline. The Vampiric line was holding against the onslaught, but then the Ushabti formation came forward and opened a breach within their defenses. In their wake followed [[Aldrhamar|Necrotect Aldrhamar]], his rhythmic chants instilling the war statues with an arcane resilience, regrowing stone anew. |
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| − | |||
| − | Two of Mannfred's lieutenants sought to preserve the army of Sylvania. [[Helmut von Carstein]] and his force of Grave Guards known simply as [[Helmut's Own]] destroyed the last of the Tomb Scorpions whilst [[Von Grecht]] used his necromantic skills to raise back entire regiments, but the Ushabti were destroying them faster than Von Grecht could raise them. [[Gorgivich Krakvald]] on the other hand led his force of [[Blood Knights]] known as the [[Knights of the Red Death]] in a devastating charge, cutting a path through the infantry regiments of the [[Zandri Eternals]], [[Zandri Blackshields]] and the [[Crocogar Legion]]s and straight towards King Behedesh himself. [[Hapusneb]], most ancient of Behedesh's Liche Priest summoned a spell which saw the ground beneath the Blood Knights burst into life as swarms of Khepra beetles and stinging Numak scorpions scuttled their way inside the joints and chinks of their enemies armor, sending the Knights into ignoble death. |
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| − | |||
| − | The battle continued for hours, a non-stop onslaught of violence with victory or defeat hanging in the balance. King Behedesh maintained the advantage, but his army could not deliver a decisive blow. Mannfred and his coven of Vampires have managed so far to replenish their numbers, but they were slowly growing weak. Stretched to the brink of his considerable abilities, Mannfred had managed to forestall his enemies, killing the Ushabti and break apart potential breakthroughs before he finally admitted defeat. With a last spell which sent a howling wind blast of death sweeping across the Tomb King's lines, Mannfred left his lieutenant, Von Grecht to his fate and fled the battle. |
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| − | |||
| − | This worked in part; for they had force-marched for several hours before Helmut noticed that they were being followed. The Hunt has begun. Again and again, the Tomb King's struck the Vampiric rearguard, forcing Mannfred to hide or curtail his opponents again and again. Yet always some scavenger bird, mounted patrol or undersand stalker have managed to find them. There was no way out. |
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| − | |||
| − | ====Battle of the Mortis Delta (Early 2525)==== |
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| − | [[File:Warhammer_End_Times_Luthor_Harkon_Fleet.png|thumb|300px|The Black Coffin spearheading the rotting fleet of Luthor Harkon, Pirate King of the Vampire Coast]] |
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| − | |||
| − | Just off the coast of Estalia, [[Luthor Harkon]], '''Mortarch of the Abyss''' and '''Pirate King''' of the [[Vampire Coast]] has arrived with a massive armada of rotting vessels from every nearly every era of every sea-faring nation. Upon his flagship, the '''Black Coffin''', Luthor led his fleet along the coast of Araby until he reached the outskirts of the [[Mortis Delta]]. Knowing his enemy is just miles away, he ordered one-third of his army to disembark and follow his fleet along the coastline. Several miles away, King Kalhazzar looked out upon his golden flagship, the '''Crowned Sphinx'''. When the dark stormclouds covered the land, everything within the Mortis Delta was pitch-black and nothing go be seen for miles. Without the sun, [[Kalhazzar|King Kalhazzar]] could see nothing. And then he heard it. |
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| − | |||
| − | The gong-relays sounded across the delta, the beacons along the distant eastern shores blazed in the gloom. As the fleets of King Kalhazzar readied themselves, a roar reverberated across the delta. Luthor Harkon opened hostilities by firing his [[Empire Hellhammer|Hell-Hammer]] cannon and hitting the warship, the '''Claw of Usirian'''. Within moments, the great warship sunk beneath the waves. When the great cannon spoke next, it was accompanied by the rest of Luthor Harkon's warships, their cannonfire raining down upon the Khemrian fleet with withering firepower. It was then that King Kalhazzar knew something was wrong. In the gloom he could make out flashes of dark magic the blaze of fire upon the shoreline. The King soon realized that his hidden battery of Catapults were being assaulted and that there would be no support coming from the coast. With a call, King Kalhazzar ordered ramming speed, and the Khemrian warships speed fast towards the rotting fleet. |
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| − | |||
| − | As the Khemrian warships neared, Luthor Harkon let loose his secret weapon. Waves of greek-fire spewed forth form his armada as teams of zombies pumped massive bladders of chemicals taken from Lustrian Salamanders into crude hoses. Blazing ships lit the darkness across the Mortis Delta, but the Khemrians did not stop but slammed headlong into the first enemy line, shattering their warships into splinters. The battle was in full-swing, and within moments, the second line of Vampiric warships turned and delivered broadside into the foe. Many ships were destroyed, but a few Khemrian warships managed to weather the firepower and slammed once more upon the second battleline. |
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| − | |||
| − | Grappling hooks lashed ships together and fierce boarding actions were fought with sword, spear and club. The waters were swarming with Mortis Sharks, and Harkon watched a rotting leviathan rise out of the waves to consume a small craft whole before submerging again. With targets on either side, the Black Coffin opened up with a rolling bombardment, while cannonades swept opposing decks clear with grapeshot. Never before had such a naval battle taken place. Golden-plated warbarges rammed high-decked cogs, and skeletal crews dueled while liquid fire spread all around them. The battle raged for two full days, illuminated only by the burning ships and the ethereal glow of spectres. Not until the last warbarge was sunk, did the fighting finally stop. Harkon's fleet, although but a fraction of its former glory, was victorious. The Battle of the Delta was won and the skull of King Kalhazzar stood as a trophy next to Luthor Harkon's desk. |
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| − | |||
| − | === Thanqoul's Ascension (Early 2525) === |
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| − | |||
| − | [[File:Warhammer_End_Times_Bell_Tolls_for_Nuln.png|thumb|477x477px|Thanqoul has been chosen by the Lord of Verminlords to become his new Champion in the mortal world]] |
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| − | |||
| − | Despite meeting significant success at taking down many nigh-impregnable Dwarf Holds, those Skaven armies sent to the Empire battlefronts were met with utter failure and in the worse case, full-blown disaster. Despite attacking the Empire when it was at its most weakest, those Clans sent to invade were also the weakest and most incompetent of the lot. Despite months of preparation, invasions that were meant to undermine entire cities never happened at all. Backstabbing and selfish ambition soon overcame the Ratmen's goals, resulting in conflicts which erupted into full-blown civil war. Clans that were not decimated by warfare were soon afflicted with unknown diseases, despite being hundreds of miles away from the diseased fanatics of Clan Pestilens.{{Fn|4k}} |
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| − | |||
| − | With all these setbacks and disasters, the Skaven invasion force could do little more than to creep up within already conquered cities destroyed by the Northmen, taking control of ruins with little to gain, becoming more like filthy squatters rather then glory-laden invaders. The greatest and largest invasion target was the great fortress-armory of Nuln. Despite having four powerful Warlord Clans from [[Clan Gristlecrack]], [[Clan Vrrtkin]], [[Clan Kryxx]] and [[Clan Carrion]], as well as a contingent of [[Warlock-Engineer|Warlock-Enginners]] under [[Skribolt|Great Warlock Skribolt]] and a pair of Grey Seer advisers to aid them, the first attempted uprising was met with failure even before the Skaven left their tunnels.{{Fn|4k}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Treachery from Clan Vrrtkin resulted in not just one, but two failed assaults against the Imperial defenders of Nuln. As expected, a scapegoat was needed, and so the blame fell upon one of the Grey Seers, the great and legendary yet much hated and loath, [[Thanquol|Grey Seer Thanquol]]. Despite being miles away from the incident and being actually innocent of any sabotage to the war-effort, Grey Seer Thanqoul, being one of the greatest and most ingenious minds the Under-Empire has ever known, as he always have the fondness of boasting, managed to curve all the blame away from him. Using exaggerated lies, Thanqoul managed to dodge a death-sentence from his superiors and scurried fast into the sewers. From there, Thanqoul, as his nature, unexpectedly summon forth [[Skreech Verminking|Lord Skreech Verminking]] unto this world.{{Fn|4k}} |
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| − | |||
| − | The terrifying confrontation with the Lord of all Verminlords had inadvertently benefited Thanqoul immensely. Using Thanqoul as his new Champion and pawn, Verminking gifted Thanquol with a new Boneripper, the latest and greatest of Thanquol's Rat Ogre bodyguards. Swelling with pride and power, Thanquol forcefully took back control of the invasion force and snuffed out any dissension within the ranks, for no Skaven is foolish enough to not see the lingering shadow which followed the Seer's every footstep. With power secured, Thanquol gathered information from the craven Great Warlock Skribolt on the true intentions of this particular invasion. From his interrogation, he'd learned that the objective of this invasion was not the city itself, but the vast arsenal of warmachines and black-powder kegs which choked every space within the city's vast armory. All of this was meant to be delivered to [[Morskittar|Lord Morskittar]] to help finish his secret project within Skavenblight. With this revelation, Thanquol, with the assistance of Verminking, soon went forward with their long formulated master battleplan.{{Fn|4j}} |
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| − | |||
| − | ====The Bell Tolls for Nuln (Early 2525)==== |
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| − | [[File:Warhammer_End_Times_Nuln_Map.png|thumb|300px|The Invasion map of Nuln]] |
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| − | |||
| − | As the day came to an end, the city of Nuln, choked with smog and soot from the massive factories and war-foundries from the city's industrial district, soon glowed a reddish hue as the sunset was soon passing away. Then as night fell, the horrors beneath this sleeping city were unleashed. First came an entire ocean of [[Rats of Nuln|rats]], literally millions of them, flowing out of the tunnels and sewers like a great, unstoppable tide. They swarmed across the streets of the entire city, no cobblestone stood clear to the skies as every nook and cranny of the city was filled with the vermin. Unbeknownst to the city's populace, these rats were not running towards the city, but rather running away from what was coming below.{{Fn|4k}} |
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| − | |||
| − | From out of the tunnels and sewers the Skaven Hordes of the Under-Empire came, and they came with a vengeance. In an instant, the northern half of Nuln was in flames as attacks were made in a dozen locations. Under the ruthless leadership of [[Trikstab Gribnode]], Grand Warlord of [[Clan Vrrtkin]], the Skaven numbers soon overwhelmed all in their path. With the alert sounded, the Imperial garrison within Nuln's high walls were rapidly arming themselves for battle. [[Drechsler|Captain Drechsler]], commander of the Black Tower garrison, formed up his regiments, having known that such an invasion was soon coming despite his superiors constant efforts to dismiss such doomsaying. Leading up northward through the Great Bridge of Nuln, the Imperial Captain pressed-gang local city-guards and militia alike into his growing army.{{Fn|4k}} |
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| − | |||
| − | It was then that the Skaven brought up their diabolical weaponry. Using massive ramps and rickety scaffolding, massive [[Screaming Bells]] were carted into the center of the burning city, being led by [[Gribikk|Grey Seer Gribikk]]. Invigorated by the cacophony, the Skaven invaders began to rally towards these sacred artifacts. And with the Bells leading the way, the hordes headed north up the Grand Strasse, the main avenue from the Great Bridge all the way to the inner fortress of Altstadt, the old city district and the location of the Imperial palace. As the Imperial Royal Guard stood at the opposite end of the street, ready to die to protect their city, horns were called to their rear as [[Grand Marshal Erkstein]], the '''Lion of Nuln''' had finally arisen to lead his city's defense.{{Fn|4k}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Yet before the Lion of Nuln could so much as signal the charge, the very ground quaked with massive vibration. Far to the south, within Nuln's industrial district, hidden warpstone bombs planted by [[Gutter Runners]] of the [[Ripshades]] exploded with a magnitude which literally shook the entire city to its foundations. Fissures and earthquakes erupted all across the industrial district, making the entire sector of the city fall into a huge, gaping chasm many miles wide. With a mighty crash, the foundries and armories of the Empire's arsenal were shattered all across the underground caverns. Pockets of Imperial survivors clawed their way out of the ruins only to be met with rusted blades as regiments of Warlock-Engineers equipped with fiber-optics searched the wreckage of the Krupthof Foundries for all the blackpowder kegs that may still remain.{{Fn|4k}} |
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| − | |||
| − | [[File:Skaven attack.png|thumb|340x340px|The warriors of the Empire being overwhelmed by the innumerable hordes of the Skaven Under-Empire]] |
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| − | |||
| − | Up on the surface, the city was in total chaos. Half the population was running around in dismay, barricading themselves in their houses or taking safety within Imperial fortification whilst the other half fought desperately in the streets. Pockets of resistance sporadically pop up everywhere in the city. Mercenary Sellswords from the Last Hope Tavern have blockaded themselves in, fending off the ratmen that are already swarming out the doors and windows. Flagellant warbands within the Grand Strausse fought a suicidal battle against the ratmen forces, fighting without fear or sanity beneath the gleaming statue of Magnus the Pious.{{Fn|4k}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Upon the great Temple of Sigmar, Father Uhmar fought alone against the onrushing ratmen until heaps of Ratmen slaves lay broken upon the button of the steps. Embolden by the Father's courage, others soon took up arms, whether he be cobbler or baker, they all stood proudly next to the Warrior Priest. Soon, the Ratmen hordes were converging in great numbers upon the Marktplatz, the city's commercial district. It was here that Grand Marshal Erkstein, alongside the infamous black-clad regiments of the [[Grundel's Defenders]], the [[Nuln Ironsides|Ironsides]] and the [[Blackclad Sewerjacks]] had decided to make their final, desperate stand before the Imperial Palace of Nuln which loomed proudly behind them. With each passing moment, Imperial artillery cannons were being gathered in huge numbers and began to lob their artillery shells upon the hordes gathering at the other end of the market-square. Suffering horrendous losses, the Ratmen warriors under Warlord Trikstab could no longer wait for further reinforcements to come and so went on a full-scale assault.{{Fn|4k}} |
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| − | |||
| − | As the Ratmen closed the gap, the ferocity of the cannon, mortar and Imperial rifle fire grew intense. Their momentum slowed by their horrendous loses, the Ratmen couldn't overwhelm their enemies in a single all-consuming rush and so a bloody melee ensured. It was at this critical junction in the battle that Grand Master Erkstein sent in the reserves. From behind the Imperial battleline, a host of [[Knights of the Blazing Sun]] and the Palace Royal Guard smashed through the enemy lines, routing the first wave completely. Soon the second wave came forward, with the Screaming Bell leading the charge. As they closed half the distance, the steamtank [[Deliverance]] rumbled through the western streets and attacked the Skaven upon their flanks. In the skies above, the [[Amber Brotherhood|Amber Wizard]] [[Berndt Aberwold|Berndt Aberwod]] upon his majestic two-headed Griffon hurled bolts of Amber Spears upon the Stormfiends of the [[Blackfire Warpack]]. From behind, Captain Drechsler attacked the rear of the Skaven lines. From all sides, the Skaven were surrounded and ripe for the slaughter.{{Fn|4k}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Then at the 6th stroke of the bell, darkness envelope the battlefield as Grey Seer Thanquol finally joined the fray. With his arcane powers, Thanquol invoked the name of the Horned Rat and drove his warriors into an all-consuming frenzy. Where Imperial victory had been close at hand, now it became nothing but ash in their mouths. As the Imperial forces quickly crumbled against the renewed assault, the Steamtank Delieverance lumbered towards the enemy at fullspeed, crashing through the hordes and sending bodies flying. In response, a trio of [[Doomwheels]] converged upon the Steamtank. The first Doomwheel was shot to splinters, the second collapsed as it made its impact upon the Steamtanks hulls. The third managed to shoot its warp-lightning cannon, turning the once proud steamtanks into a burning wreckage. The Knights of the Blazing Sun came thundering forward, decapitating the [[Slimeblades|Slimeblade]] warbands with utter impunity. Then, Thanquol upon his Rat Ogre, Boneripper, came upon the battlelines. The Screaming Bell soon followed, and upon its twelfth stroke, Thanquol invoked a spell of despair and fear upon the entire city. In that moment, the Imperial forces collapsed in terror, and the city of Nuln lay burning beneath the Chaos Moon's Gaze. Nuln was no more.{{Fn|4k}} |
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| − | ===The Fall of Nehekhara (Early 2525 to Mid 2525)=== |
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| − | Despite achieving only pyrrhic victories against a foe that is just as unthinking and unfeeling to pain and fear as the Tomb Kings, the Vampiric invaders have managed, through sheer force and brute determination, to shatter the first line of the Nehekharan defense. To the north, [[Krell]] is slowly making his way southwards, his army weathering the horrific hit-and-run tactics of [[Phar|King Phar]] and his army of Horsemen and Charioteers. Along the coastline, [[Mannfred von Carstein]] and whats left of his battered army have so far managed to evade total oblivion from the fast-moving armies of [[Behedesh II|King Behedesh]]. With nowhere left to run, Mannfred would make his final stand before the steps of a site that had once been a Temple of [[Ualatp]], vulture-god of scavengers, merciless patron to those lost in the desert. To the west, [[Luthor Harkon]] and his undead fleet of rotting barges have shattered the pride of the Nehekharan navy, their husks filling the Mortis Delta like bones thrown across the desert. Soon, the armada will make its way down the [[Great Mortis River]] and be ready to do battle against those that still stand before them. To the East, [[Neferata]], former Queen of [[Lahmia]] has mobilized her forces and began a campaign to reclaim her lost city once and for all. All the pieces are in place, and in time, Nagash's plan is soon coming to fruition.{{Fn|1w}} |
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| − | |||
| − | ====Vampiric Landfall (Early 2525)==== |
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| − | [[File:Warhammer_End_Times_Vampiric_Landfall.png|thumb|300px|Battle of the Temple of Ualatep]] |
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| − | Mannfred von Carstein, the once infamous Vampire Count of Sylvania stood alone and isolated within a literal island of sand and bone. Climbing to the very top of the ruined Temple of Ualatep, Mannfred could see that unless Luthor Harkon would aid him now, King Behedesh and his undead army will finally destroy him. King Behedesh knew this as well, and knew that he had to act before Luthor Harkon finally decided to make landfall.{{Fn|1w}} |
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| − | |||
| − | With a roar, the Tomb Kings unleashed their armies. The [[Hawks of the Sea]], a legion of one hundred warriors, were the first to charge up the stone stairs towards the Temple summit. There to stop them was the spectral remains of the Vulture Priest which once cared for the temple, their spirits now raised to serve the bidding of Mannfred. With but a touch, these Wraiths were able to strip the soul of the Nehekharan undead, yet by sheer force, the Wraiths were slowly being pushed up the stairs, however it cost the Tomb Kings a score of their own numbers. The [[Zandri Blackshields]], the most famous legion out of [[Zandri]], were sent to hack their way to the top from the northside steps. Interlocking their shields into armored square blocks, the Blackshields were reaping through the Sylvanian defenders with great efficiency. In the skies above, massive flocks of Carrion birds circled lower and lower upon the Temple. It seemed hopeless.{{Fn|1w}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Yet a crackle of gunfire was heard to the west as Mannfred spotted the armada of Luthor Harkon sailing down the river. Swallowing his pride, the Vampire Count sent an envoy and pleaded the Pirate King for his aid. King Behedesh knew he needed to bottleneck Luthor Harkon and so sent many legions along with his second-in-command, [[King Nemhetum]], to pen in the zombie fleet while he turned his full attention to the hilltop Temple of Ualatep. Drawing forth the Blade of Setep, King Behedesh led his [[Zandri Eternals]] up the southern path and finally slew the Vulture Priest, releasing their spirits from Mannfred's clutches.{{Fn|1w}} |
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| − | |||
| − | [[File:Warhammer_End_Times_Vampiric_Landfall_Helmut.png|thumb|150px|King Behedesh bringing the corrupted soul of Helmut with him to the afterlife]] |
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| − | |||
| − | Luthor received his message, but as the Pirate King sprout enormous, membranous wings himself, flying upward at the head of a dark cloud of bats, Luthor saw a tempting target. [[Hapusneb]], Hierophant of Zandri, was alone and vulnerable in the rear of the Nehekharan army. By the time the Liche Priest noticed the Vampire, Luthor swept by, his twin-blades delivering a decapitating scissor-stroke. With the Hierophant's death, the Nehekharan army could no longer replenish their numbers. Soon, the numbers of the Sylvanian defenders were growing large once more. But King Behedesh would not be denied. Although the last of his Eternals fell, the Tomb King at last strode up the top stone stair and pitted his blades against Mannfred von Carstein. The Vampire was quick, but Behedesh was enduring, and despite suffering multiple blows, Behedesh's single stroke cleaved a burning wreckage against Mannfred's torso. Yet before he could finish the job, Helmut von Carstein came behind him and impaled the Tomb King with his cursed Sword.{{Fn|1w}} |
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| − | |||
| − | And so the last King of Zandri fell to the floor, twitching his final death-throes as his spirit was finally released from its earthly corpse. Before the gloating Helmut could so much as say a word, King Behedesh's body gave a final spasm as it erupted into a tide of Khepra beetles that swarmed over the Vampire. Behedesh made sure that he would bring someone with him as his spirit made its final journey towards the underworld.{{Fn|1w}} |
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| − | |||
| − | ====Ruins of Lahmia (Early 2525)==== |
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| − | [[File:Warhammer_Khalida_Art.jpg|thumb|200px|Khalida, Queen of Lybaras]] |
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| − | |||
| − | For centuries, [[Neferata]], First of the Vampires and Queen of Lahmia had always dwelt on the hopes of enacting vengeance and reclaiming her lost throne within the Cursed City. She had journeyed far and wide and coveted riches beyond imagination. Yet she knew it was a masquerade, for she was still in her own way, running, fleeing from old memories of a time that could no longer be, of a land that no longer was. The [[Silver Pinnacle]] was to be her new beginning, from which she hoped to recreate a new Lahmia so that its memories may be remembered forever. [[Nagash|Nagash's]] returned ended that dream. Now, Neferata had returned to Lahmia, not to reclaim it, but to finally bury it once and for all.{{Fn|1w}} |
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| − | |||
| − | With ease, Neferata's army smashed the sentries guarding the cursed city. In the city of Lybaras, [[High Queen Khalida]], Beloved of Asps, had marshaled her forces for a final, apocalyptic showdown with her long-lost cousin. Every single warrior within the City of Vengeance was roused on the warpath, their march stamping the ground until huge sand clouds darken the horizon. As the last legion filed out, the doors to the city was closed shut, an empty husk that will no longer be inhabited, neither by the living, nor the dead. Alongside this massive host came [[Tharruk|High King Tharruk]], ruler of [[Mahrak]], who joined out of a desire to kill the Vampire Queen for ending his royal bloodline. Using foul sorcery, Neferata spied the armies arrayed against her upon a pool of blood. With a smirk, Neferata knew that Khalida and Tharruk had finally taken the bait.{{Fn|1w}} |
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| − | |||
| − | As the Nehekharan army passed through the massive rubble that was once Lahmia's titanic city walls, arrayed across them was a barren landscape of a ruined city. Queen Khalida took her place within the army's center, alongside the [[Legions of the Asp]], the [[Cobra Legion]] and the [[Legion of Phakth]]. [[Hassep|King Hassep]] held the right flank whilst King Tharruk's held the left with his [[Mahrak Guard]]. As they march in unison, their movement shaking the city foundation, out of the gloom came a host of ancient [[Tomb Banshee|Banshees]] of former Nehekharan beauties. From behind, the sigil of Neferata gleamed out of the shields and banners of a horde of Skeleton warriors.{{Fn|1w}} |
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| − | |||
| − | The sight sent a shockwave through the legions, as the Nehekharan army remembered the hatred that filled them when they last saw those vile sigils in their time with the living. With a howl, thousands of Nehekharan spirits called out the Vampire Queen to show herself and atone for her sins. Even as the battle began in earnest, there was yet no sign of the Queen of Lahmia. Archer legions of Khalida darkened the skies just as King Tharruk thundered forward, almost getting overwhelmed before his Tomb Guards joined the fray. On Khalida's left, Hassep upon his warsphinx cleaved through the battlelines. Upon the far left flank, [[Settuneb's Own|Prince Settuneb]] and his Chariot Legions stood ready to intercept any enemy counterattack. The Battle of Ruined Lahmia was not a single, decisive conflict but a running battle which lasted for days.{{Fn|1w}} |
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| − | |||
| − | On the ninth day, King Tharruk still fought deep in the battlelines, his flail hacking away at zombies whilst his own bones were re-knitted time and again by the magic's of [[Khuftah|High Priest Khuftah]]. At this moment, the Vampires finally struck back. Out of the gloom, a scarlet-glowing [[Coven Thrones|Coven Throne]] bearing three Vampires stormed towards the King, yet while the spirits of his countrymen were mesmerized by their dark charms and killing each other, the King fought against their will and struck down one of the Vampires. Their shield of charms broken, the two remaining Vampires killed the old King, but not before King Tharruk took the second Vampiress with a righteous blow of his flail. Priest Khuftah died shortly afterwards, having been smothered by the zombie hordes as he tried to reach his fallen king.{{Fn|1w}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Firing as they advanced, Khalida and her Archer legions have finally caught sight of one of Neferata's handmaidens. With the [[Knights of Asaph's Temple]] and the [[Guardians of the Alabaster Tower|Alabaster Guards]] blocking her escape, Khalida caught the Vampiress and quickly brought her down. With her dying breath, the Vampiress gave Khalida all she needed to know. By this point, Neferata was losing the battle of attrition as King Hassep used his superior force of [[Mahrak Longspears|Longspears]] and [[Jackal Squadrons of Mahrak|Jackal Squadron]] to outflank the enemies by using deserted alleyways and forgotten streets. Summoning her steed, Neferata made a final stand in the Palace District and blocked the path of King Hassep. Using a torrent of magical winds, Neferata pushed back the enemy tide, but King Hassep and his son, Prince Settuneb charged forward. Just as King Hassep fought, Neferata directed her magics upon his son, turning the proud prince and his chariot into dust with but a gesture. The King, who had never parted with his son for thousands of years, could only stare as his ashes drifted across the city, Neferata's laughing voice echoing in the distance.{{Fn|1w}} |
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| − | |||
| − | As Neferata retreated back to the palace district, she raised another army of Undead warriors to further bog down the Nehekharan army. Just as she was about to leave, Khalida came up through the Temple of Blood. There, the two Queens gave a brief exchange of words before a great duel blossomed. The Vampire Queen was fast and powerful, but Khalida was far more superior and soon, black blood ran down in rivers upon Neferata's porcelain skin. Just as her own death neared, a host of tormented spirits came between them. Seeing her opportunity, Neferata leaped down the stairs and pulled a lever which moved the column above, sealing her in and away from Khalida. Onward she ran, weeping tears she did not know she still possessed. She left running for her life, filled with frustration and leaving her sisters to their deaths, just like she did in the same city many thousands of years ago. By the time she reached the cold, desert air, leaving the Cursed City behind her, she regained her composure and was once again Neferata, the Eternal Queen.{{Fn|1w}} |
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| − | |||
| − | ====Arrival of Nagash (Early 2525)==== |
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| − | |||
| − | Even as the minions of Nagash batter their armies upon the stolid walls of Nehekhara's cities, the master of these forces has yet to reveal himself. Indeed, Nagash was as far from the fighting as possible, for although he is mighty and powerful, he is still vulnerable and until he claims the powers necessarily to make him unbeatable, Nagash will do well to be cautious at this critical junction in his destiny. With his distraction of using Neferata as bait to lure the loyalist armies of Mahrak and Lybaras away from the [[Charnel Valley]], Nagash slipped his dark will upon the remaining Kings who stood guard over [[Mahrak]], the City of Hope. It didn't take much to persuade these traitors to Nagash's will, and by the time the Great Necromancer reached the gates to the city, [[Haptmose|High Priest Haptmose]] as well as [[King Nebwaneph]] and [[Omanhan III|King Omanhan III]] all pledge themselves to their new master. Only two King defied the whispers, and as such King Bhemrodesh's soulless corpse lay broken before him whilst King Obidiah's very essence was siphoned to feed the Great Necromancer's power. |
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| − | |||
| − | With this force of [[Traitor Kings]], Nagash marched his horde through the Charnel Valley, and as the spires of Quatar loomed in the horizon, the Great Necromancer paused and used his great powers to collapse the mountains on both side of the valley. With one act, Nagash managed to isolate the armies of Lybaras and Rasetra from coming to the aid of Nehekhara. With the eastern borders under attack by Nagash and the Traitor Kings, Krell and his horde pushed deeper into enemy territory. Needing a way to catch the lightning-fast chariot and horse-archer legions of King Phar, Krell instructed Dieter Helsnicht to give him a force that could solve his dilemma. After much scrounging around the deserts for suitable corpses, Dieter emerged with a host of winged monstrostieis called the [[Morghasts]]. With this new shock force, Krell had the means to finally shatter King Phar's army. |
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| − | |||
| − | Upon the shifting dunes, King Phar once more split his army into three part meant to encircle and destroy Krell's army piecemeal. Knowing what his opponent was thinking, Krell personally led the largest contingent straight towards the Chariot Legions of the center army. Hidden behind the banners and spearpoints of his army, Krell managed to get close enough to the Chariot Legions to unleash his host of Morghast upon the Numasi forces. Surprised by the attack and having little time to wheel around, the Chariot Legions blundered upon each other and were destroyed utterly. Only King Phar and a few dozen Chariots managed to survive the slaughter, and with his Chariot Legions gone, he knew his campaign was over. Soon, he led what remains of his army back to Khemri to aid Settra against a new force coming from the West. |
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| − | |||
| − | ====First Battle of Khemri (Mid 2525)==== |
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| − | [[File:Warhammer_First_Battle_of_Khemri.png|thumb|300px|War Constructs ripping themselves free from the walls of the city]] |
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| − | |||
| − | When the armies of Krell came upon the city of Khemri, he saw before him the greatest Human fortress-city in the southern hemisphere. Krell, being far from a mindless slave, knew that his army was never meant to truly take this city with the force he currently musters. He knew that there was a greater part to this plan that his masters had not told him, but it bothered Krell little. With his axe raised, Krell ordered the attack on the first curtain of walls. At this signal, the walls of the city turned alive as animated statues tore themselves from the walls whilst legions of Skeletal warriors awoke from their slumber and burst forth from their crypts or beneath the sands. |
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| − | |||
| − | Catapults roared out as boulders smashed apart the advancing war constructs. Yet there were simply too many of them, and within moments their thunderous charge had battered Krell's frontlines. The ferocity of the assault saw his army slaughtered, yet to their rescue came the Morghast raised earlier in the campaign. Seeing these winged nightmares, the [[War Statues of Ramhotep|Red Jackals of Rasetra]] stood forward and went blade to blade with these creatures. Soon, dust and debris began to rise as stone and bone were crushed beneath mighty halberds or giant [[Ushabti]] swords. When the dust settled, only Krell, twenty of his Doomed Legion and a few Morghast were all thats left of the elite core of his army. As this army crumpled all around him by the furious assault, another regiment of crocodile-headed Ushabti from the [[War Statues of Ramhotep|Jade Phalanx]] headed towards Krell. As the last of the Morghast were cleaved in two, it would seem to be the end of Krell. |
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| − | |||
| − | Yet from out of nowhere, a horn blew across the battlefield and soon the ground shook as a mighty fissure erupted through the battlelines. Arkhan the Black had arrived. With his arrival, a great and mighty canyon had separated what remains of Krell's army from the hordes of construct trapped on the other side. As Arkhan resurrect the fallen Krell from the stinger of a magically Tomb Scorpion, the gap gave him time to form up his rank of troops. Archer legions from King Newaneph, one of the Traitor Kings of Mahrak, moved his forces forward and rained down magical arrows upon the hordes of constructs. King Omanhan III and his sons were requested to hold the eastern flank. On the other side, bands of constructs began to move around the chasm whilst Ramhotep and his team of necrotects began work of closing the gap. |
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| − | |||
| − | When Settra saw the betrayal of the Traitor Kings of Mahrak, he flew into a rage and ordered his chariot legions together. Soon, bridgeheads have been formed over the chasm, but it came at a great cost. Yet as nine bridges were already formed, the legions of Khemri were ordered on the attack. First came the Ushabti Jackal Legions, the Sable Spears and the Desert Vultures. Then came all the great Legions of Khemri; the fully awakened mighty of all Nehekhara brought bare upon the enemy. On marched the Khepra Guard, then the noble-warriors of Rasetra's Crocodile Squadron and the gilded [[Golden Host of Mahrak]]. Yet the greatest of them all came out of the main gate, tens of thousands strong riding out with fanfare and the blaring of horns and mighty war drums; the great and mighty [[Hawk Legions of Settra]]. Settra has finally come. |
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| − | |||
| − | For many days, this war of attrition between two of the greatest Undead Empires the world has ever seen took place. Again and again, thousands upon thousands of warriors were crushed or hacked by blades and stone. Yet the necromantic might of both armies ensured that many thousands more were raised. Khatep, Grand Heirophant of Khemri, tried to dissuade the King of Kings from going after Arkhan and instead to seek out the Destroyer of Eternities, the only weapon that could forever kill Nagash. With his words spoken, the Priest held his head down, knowing that should the exile ever return to Khemri again, it would mean his certain death. Settra, ever wrathful and prideful, did not keep Khatep long for daring to bar his way for retribution. |
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| − | |||
| − | Thrice did Arkhan evade the retribution of Settra, but when the Lich King broke and killed Herald Nekaph, Settra's greatest champion, herald and perhaps only true friend, Settra flew into the greatest rage ever seen in thousands of years and he clove his way towards Arkhan and hacked through his sorcerous shield and clove him in two. Victorious, the angered King of Kings clipped a pair of chains upon the two halves and he dragged the corpse across the desert sand and towards Khemri. Soon, the magically maelstrom above dissipated and colors of blue signaled with it the start of a new day. The First Battle of Khemri was over but Settra never truly realized that he has made a great mistake. |
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| − | |||
| − | ====Death of the Death God (Mid 2525)==== |
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| − | [[File:Warhammer Tomb Kings Black Pyramid.jpg|thumb|300x300px|The Black Pyarmid of Nagash]] |
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| − | Even as the battle still raged against whats left of the Undead invaders, Arkhan's remains were brought upon the Temple of Usirian, God of the Underworld, where his soul will be conducted in a ritual which will forever damn his spirit to the underworld, never to return for all eternity. Yet as the ritual took place, with Settra making his leave, if the King of Kings were to stay for the ceremony just a little longer, he would've ended the greatest threat to his reign once and for all. Beyond the notice of anyone within all of Nehekhara, High Priest Ankhmare, Master of Embalming and Keeper of the Sacred Oils betrayed the cause of all his people. With a wave of his fingers, he betrayed his loyal friends and fellow priest, trapping their souls in Urns where he used their essence to resurrect the fallen Arkhan. As the Lich King rose up, his soul aching from its near demise, from out his mouth came a black mist and from this mist came his one and true master. Nagash has finally entered the City of Kings. |
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| − | |||
| − | Settra, too prideful or perhaps to war-like to stay for the ceremony, left the Temple and tried to seek out this Destroyer of Eternities, but when he came upon the tomb of King Nehekesh, the blade was gone, only the silhouette of dust which remains marks its existence. Irritated at this false hope, Settra returned to the battle at hand, never bothering to look back at the city, for if he did, he would've notice the faint momentary shimmer which gleamed from the Black Pyramid upon Arkhans Resurrection. As he left from the main gate, the armada of Luthor Harkon and the Vampire armies of Count Mannfred von Carstein arrived upon the battle, spilling tens of thousands of zombies and skeletal warriors upon the river banks and readying themselves for the upcoming assault. |
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| − | |||
| − | But this battle was nothing but a distraction for the true events unfolding within the city itself. Freed from Arkhans mortal form, Nagash rose up from the Temple and steadily made his way towards the Black Pyramid. At the base of this monolithic structure prowled a great titan of ancient days. This large and mighty [[Khemrian Warsphinx|warsphinx]], known as the Golden Guardian of Petra, was the greatest of its kind, a beast of black marble and golden mane who could crush cities and destroy armies all by itself. With a flick of his wrist, Nagash sent a gust of death winds upon the Guardian, but the spell did little to erode something already as ancient as it. With a roar, the beast lopped towards Nagash and in response, the Great Necromancer sent wave after wave of Death magic upon the beast until an opening was made upon its thick black armor, and thrusting his staff within the cracks, Nagash shook with effort as his will destroyed the Guardian from within. Soon, the statue collapsed into rubble and Nagash, without looking back, took one step into the archway of the pyramid and disappeared from sight. |
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| − | |||
| − | In another plane of existence, the spiritual form of Nagash loomed over a sea of souls, a place where all souls eventually ventured when their time upon earth has come to an end. The Underworld is a dark, cheerless place, a limbo from which a soul is judged to be worthy to enter into eternal paradise or be sent to eternal damnation for the sins he has committed. Nagash was not some ordinary soul upon this plane, but a mighty colossus, a titan that loomed like a mountain upon the sea of souls. On the horizon, another behemoth strode, a looming figure which patrolled this plane of existence since the beginning of time. Usirian, the faceless God of the Underworld strode towards Nagash, for both beings know that there can only be one God of Death upon this world. |
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| − | |||
| − | Like a battle akin to gods, the two titans fought and fought, their fist-strikes crackling like thunderclaps and their warcries would shrivel entire nations. It was a war of wills, an eldritch battle and a clash between two gargantuan powers. While the faceless god battled Nagash, Dieter Helsnicht, plunked from the mortal plane into the Underworld, completed his final ritual. With a final last wail, every soul in the underworld was bound to Helsnicht and with a flick of his wrist, he sent them all towards the faceless god, blasting him towards the sea floor.. As the dying god attempted to rise, Nagash struck three times, each blow reverberating across the underworld, a death kneel, a doom of a god. The faceless god fell, and so Nagash leaped upon the corpse, consuming what remained of Usirian. As Nagash rose, the power of death itself courses through his very veins. The God of Death is dead, and a new God has arisen upon this world. |
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| − | ====Second Battle of Khemri (Mid 2525)==== |
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| − | [[File:Warhammer Second Battle of Khemri.PNG|thumb|350x350px|The final charge of Nehekhara]] |
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| − | It began as a single ripple of energy pulsing outward from the Black Pyarmid, travelling in all directions. This was followed by a terrible gale of wind that swept the battlefield. Shadows raced across the sands, their icy blackness defying the light and heat of the sun. The largest shadow soon began to engulf the City of Kings, and as the shadow reached the bronze gates, a pillar of dark energy burst upwards from the pyramid's pinnacle. From out of the blackness, from out of the very realm of the dead he emerged, and doom and death gleamed from where his eyes should have been. Nasgash had come to the battle. |
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| − | |||
| − | For the briefest of moments, the battle paused as every soul looked up upon the God of Death itself. Even the armies of Settra stood motionless, for what could they do against the will of a God? Yet one soul was not struck by fear, one soul whose very will is indomitable and whose pride is legendary. With a roar, Settra screamed a rallying cry and the battle once more commenced. More then ever, the war between two Empires has grown to a fever pitch. Armies of Nehekharan soldiers charged against the arriving Undead forces, whilst swarms of insects from the Underworld began to burst forth upon their ranks. |
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| − | |||
| − | Defiant to the very last, the people of Nehekhara all fought hard to kill the hated Nagash once and for all. First to arrive was a mighty bronze colossus. As the giant warrior bore down upon Nagash, its greatsword raised, Nagash transfixed the colossus with but a single stare, and in moments, the being turned upon its former countrymen. Liche Priest Almanrha attempted to tap into the rich flow of magic to resurrect his warriors, but the dusty papyrus scroll burst into flames. His call to the Underworld was answered not by souls of brave Nehekharan, but by Nagash. It was he who ruled the Underworld now. In anguish, the entire Mortuary Cult realized this new discovery with cries of dismay. |
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| − | |||
| − | The warriors of the Sable Spears were next to close upon Nagash, but a storm of flaming skulls was summoned and sent upon their ranks, exploding in great fireballs as they continued their assault. But some spear-thrust came through, and though he may be a god, he is not impervious to harm, at least not yet. As black ichor began to dripped from the rents in his armor, the sands beneath Nagash burst to life as a newcomer came upon the battlefield. Prince Apophas, the Cursed Scarab Lord of Numas had long coveted a soul that would replace his own within the Underworld, and once he's been informed by an agent of the [[Council of Thirteen]] of a being that death itself couldn't even claim and a mighty weapon to enact such a deed, the Prince rose from his crypt and stole the Destroyer of Eternities. Riding atop a tidal wave of surging Khepra bettles, the revenant Prince Apophas rose high and with the Blade of Eternities upon his hand, he struck the unsuspecting Nagash upon his back, the blade carving its way through his body. |
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| − | |||
| − | A howl of anguish was heard as Nagash felt agony the likes of which he never felt in a thousand years. Yet as the blade still embedded itself upon his chest, Apophas felt the blade grew chill and his arms icy. As the Destroyer of Eternities began to fade, Apophas was raided face to face with Nagash. A strange purple glow appears around Nagash's ever-tightening hand, and agony swelled through his body. Before black oblivion overtook him, Prince Apophas heard Nagash's mocking laughter one last time. |
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| − | |||
| − | ==== The Defiance of a Great King (Mid 2525) ==== |
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| − | [[File:Warhammer_Settra_vs_Nagash.jpg|thumb|400px|The Defiance of a Great King]] |
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| − | As Nagash threw the body of Prince Apophas unceremoniously upon the desert floor, the armies of Settra continued their advanced upon the Great Necromancer, even as the entire battle crumpled all around him. On and on, the mighty Chariot Legions of Settra carved their way through entire armies. With a swooping motion, Nagash sent an ethereal sickle across the battlefields, destroying several dozen chariots in a blink of a moment. When the moving wall of Chariots were less than two-hundred yards away from Nagash, the Great Necromancer unleashed a withering beam from the socket of his eyes, disintegrating into dust just fifty yards remaining. |
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| − | |||
| − | All that remained of the mighty horde of Charioteers were those of Settra, three charioteers of the Royal Guard, and only a dozen or so from the Winged Legion. Seeing them still coming, Nagash chanted a spell and and shot his arms upward. All across the battlefield, skeletal and ethereal hands burst out from the ground, clawing their fingers upon the wheels and hooves of the Charioteers. Settra and his royal guard heavy chariots were far too heavy to dragged to the dirt, but the lighter Charioteers of the Winged Legions were all brought down and torn asunder. Yet at last, the remains of Settra's warriors reached the Great Necromancer, and Settra's trust nearly clove Nagash's form in two, the light shining from the Blade of Petra piercing the gloom which engulfed the Necromancer. Herald Hebbetthar, Captain of the Royal Guard and the newly appointed Herald of Settra, crashed his mighty Chariot upon Nagash, his chariot exploding into bone and splinters. |
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| − | |||
| − | Knocked to the ground, Nagash rose slowly just as Settra wheeled his Chariot of the Gods around and prepared for another strike. Yet as the wounded Nagash stood almost helpless against the golden glow of Settra's mighty war chariot, his very image liken to that of the Sun God himself, Nagash let out a screeching wail and pointed his staff at Settra. Where once the magical booch of Usirian protected the King of Kings from all magical harm, the amulet did nothing and Settra was engulfed by a sea of life-leeching miasma. Yet such was the iron-willed spirit of Settra clinging to his worldly corpse that saw him through the mist, and demanded Nagash to challenge him to an honorable duel. |
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| − | |||
| − | Nagash, though great and powerful a being, was a coward by heart, and did not accept his challenge. Instead, he spat his last syllable and Settra, just as he rushed to meet Nagash head on, was halted by an invisible force, and his body was flung high into the air. There, like a fly frozen in amber, Settra stood helpless before the looming shadow of Nagash, his puny form insignificant in comparison to the Great Necromancer. Nagash gave the Great King one offer; {{Quote|I HAVE HUMBLED YOU, SETTRA, PROUDEST OF KINGS. BUT NOW I OFFER YOU HONOR. BOW BEFORE ME, AND YOU WILL BECOME ONE OF MY MORTARCHS. DENY ME, AND PERISH.|Nagash's Offer|}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Settra said nothing at first, but hung defiant in Nagash's grip. Then he raised his head to meet the Great Necromancers gaze and let out a reply that will echo throughout the last ages of this dying world. |
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| − | |||
| − | {{Quote|SETTRA DOES NOT SERVE. SETTRA RULES!|Settra's Reply|}} |
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| − | |||
| − | With that one defiant outburst, the fate of Settra was sealed. With an outstretched claw, a blinding flash of emerald light appeared and a chorus of brittle snapping sounds split the air as Settra's body was torn apart and flung across the sand. The broken limbs twitched once and they lay still. Settra the Imperishable, the Great King of Nehekhara, had finally met his defeat. |
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| − | |||
| − | ==== Not the End (Mid 2525) ==== |
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| − | [[File:Warhammer Nagash Black Pyramid.PNG|thumb|362x362px|The Legions of Nagash marching to wage war against Chaos itself]] |
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| − | With Settra's defeat, Nagash cast down the city of Khemri. He did it alone, without the assistance of his minions, marshaling the fell sorceries that were his to command. The stones of Khemri fought Nagash, resisted him with every fibre of their being, but the Great Necromancer would not be denied. Great clouds of dust swept across the desert as minarets were torn down and temples shaken apart by tremors loosed through the rock. The shatter of tiles and the shrieking of torn metal wracked as walls collapsed, the upper floors of buildings tumbling into the ancient passageways below. The assembled kings and vampires watched in silence as the temples and palaces that had weathered the millennia tumbled into ruin. |
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| − | |||
| − | They knew that the labour was as much a lesson to them all as it was an erasure of Settra's rule. Defy me, and you will be torn asunder, and your cities too will be dust; that was the lesson Nagash taught that day. Settra watched also. Even though he had been torn limb from limb, sparks of unlife still remained in Settra's body, and the witch-fires in his eyes blazed impotently as Nagash heaped further humiliation upon him. The king's severed head lay lodged deep within the sand, and none dared approach it — not because they any longer had fear of Settra, but because they dreaded interfering with Nagash's last act of vengeance. |
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| − | |||
| − | The winds howled across the moonlit desert that had once been Khemri. They had done so ever since the Black Pyramid had departed, their caress strangely cold in that burning land. Nothing stirred, not even Settra's remains. Though dismembered, the Great King yet survived, his scattered remains half-buried by the sands. Nearby, a crack-visaged statue, its lower half buried beneath the dunes, stared sightless into the sky. It cannot end this way, Settra raged wordlessly, just as he had every day since Khemri's fall. Yet the words rang false even to him. The Great King could not even recall how many days it had been since Nagash had laid him low. Time no longer had any meaning to him. There was just the harsh light of day and the numbing stillness of night, over and over again, with no hope of cease. Settra saw a glow in the distant east, and knew that dawn was rising. He never saw the sun set, only its rise, for his head was now as fixed in its aspect as the statue of his former glories. Another day was come, and with it the circling carrion who saw his bones as tokens to be fought over. Each day, Settra's angry shouts had driven them away, but each day they grew bolder. |
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| − | [[File:Warhammer Settra Ressurected.PNG|thumb|321x321px|Its Not Over Yet.]] |
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| − | |||
| − | Soon, Settra knew they would lose their fear altogether, and his bones would be strewn across the realm of Nehekhara. For the first time in millennia, Settra the Imperishable, the Great King of Nehekhara, wished that he were mortal, if only so that he could die. The wind swept across the sands once again. Settra felt a will not his own surge through his scattered bones, making them whole once more and infusing him with a new strength. Settra staggered to his feet, his thoughts of despair lading like a desert mirage. He felt strength coursing through his limbs, a vigour he had not known in millennia. Was this some trick? wondered the Khemrikhara. Four voices that were somehow one danced on the breeze, their words bubbling with laughter. |
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| − | |||
| − | {{Quote|The battle is over over if you wish it. You can be a King again.|Four Voices|}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Settra gave no reply, and stared silently across the Khemrian sands. |
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| − | |||
| − | ==A World in Turmoil== |
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| − | {{Quote|Death rises... |
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| − | : Empire's Rot... |
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| − | : God's Perish... |
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| − | : Kingdom's Fall... |
||
| − | : Chaos Reigns!... |
||
| − | :These are the End Times...|Prophecy of the End Times}} |
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| − | |||
| − | The World is in turmoil. The Forces of Darkness have already arrived and with them, madness and rage has engulfed the world. Empire's have fallen into dust, ancient Kingdoms ground to ash, and entire people wiped out from the face of the earth. And yet, the wars are far from over, for the raging maelstrom struck at the very heart of the wastes continues to grow into apocalyptic levels. Nehekhara has fallen into the sands. Tilea and Estalia are nothing but ruins infested with rats. Naggaroth has once more become a lifeless land of ice. Those that remain, the Empire, Ulthuan, Karaz Ankor, Lustria and many more continue to battle on, for they represent the greatest bastion of light against the encroaching doom that have already broken through their very gates. |
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| − | |||
| − | === Death Rises (Mid 2525) === |
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| − | {{Quote|In the north, foul hordes flock to the banner of the Three-Eyed King. Like blood pusling from a wound in the world's crown, they march south to bring the touch of Chaos to all. The Everchosen's warlords shall plunge their blades deep into the civlized realms, looting fallen empires for their own glory...|Prophecy of the End Times|}}{{Fn|2a}} |
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| − | |||
| − | Death stalks the land. It comes from the wars which engulf the world, the rot which infects its people, and the dark presence of a being coming in from the far south. In Ulthuan, Phoenix King Malekith stirs hidden from the eyes of all his subjects, whilst Prince Imirk of Caledor fights at his stead. Again and again, the armies of the true Phoenix battle against the false hope that was Tyrion, now the Incarnate of Khaine. Tiranoc and Eatatine has been captured by the forces of the Phoenix, keeping the fleets of Sea Lord Aislinn from reaching the Sea of Dreams. In Lustria, the first assault has been weathered by the cold-blooded savagery of the Lizardmen, but they represent only a fraction of the true hordes which continue to pour forth in their hundreds of thousands. Cities have already fallen, and now the Geometric Web had collapsed, the Slann are crippled in number and mind, and the Skaven of Clan Pestilens gets ready for another apocalyptic showdown. |
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| − | Yet the Empire is the one who faces its next challenge. To the north, a horde of warriors, imbued with the very essence of rot and pestilence, have assault the lands beyond the Great Walls, and the destruction they cause have brought fire across the lands, yet their deaths only further corrupt what is left. On and on, three mighty hordes of diseased warriors crosses through the land, and in their way, mighty bastions of the Empire stand resilient to the very end. Yet how can mortal men fight against that which can't be killed with a sword? It is simple; with fire, faith and sacrifice shall the lands be cleansed of filth and corruption once and for all. |
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| − | ====Death upon the Winds (Mid 2525)==== |
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| − | [[File:Warhammer_End_Times_Plague_Fleet.png|thumb|300px|The Plague Fleets of Nurgle at harbor in Fjord's Edge]] |
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| − | |||
| − | In the far north, three mighty forces have gathered for the coming invasion. Score upon score of warbands and tribes have sworn fealty to the Glottkins, the Chosen of Nurgle, to lead them upon this war, hammering three nails upon their shields and warpoles to signify their willingness to die for their cause. Setting out from the Fjordling tribe, the Glottkin brothers forged an alliance with Gutrot Spume, the Lord of Tentacles and Captain of the Plague Fleets of Nurgle. By sacrificing a mighty Mutalith Vortex Beast to Nurgle's honor, the Urfather granted his blessings upon his fleet, ensuring that a foul wind shall blow them south towards the civilized lands. Last to arrive at the great gathering were the Maggoth Riders of Icehorn Peak. Their leader, Orghotts Daemonspew, a half-daemon Warlord, joined the invasion force as they left the fjords of Norsca. Thus the triumvirate of plaguemasters was complete, one each of the lobes of their patron's fly-symbol. |
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| − | |||
| − | After battering through the Elven fleets which patrol the waters off Norsca, the Plague Fleet split into three parts. The largest sailed with the Glottkin as they brought their ships along the coast and towards the great port-city of Marienburg. The second, comprised of the elite warriors of Gutrot Spume, headed straight towards the shoreline of Nordland, there to take the Old Dwarf Road south, fighting their way through the Middle Mountains and into the Drakwald and into Altdorf. The third force would sail towards the Gulf of Kislev and smash their way through Erengrad and head towards the city of Talabehim. With this tripartite invasion, the plagues of Nurgle shall infect the entirety of the Empire of Man, where they will all converge upon the Imperial heartlands and the capital-city of Altdorf upon the night of Geheimnisnacht Eve. |
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| − | |||
| − | First to arrive at their destination was the armies of the Glottkin. As the plague armada saw the mast and sails of Marienburgs merchant fleet, a great clamour arose as their flagship, the ''Greenwolf'', went charging towards the foes. In response, war-bells rang out all across Marienburg, whilst out in they bay, captains of the cityport's merchant fleet unleashed their cannonades to buy time for Marienburg's armies to muster. In response, make-shift plague-catapult flung projectiles upon the fleet, smashing their way past the Imperial blockade only to face the majestic might of Marienburg's dwarf-made seawall. |
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| − | |||
| − | Puffs of smoke appeared upon the ramparts as literally hundreds of cannons fired their volleys upon the armada, sinking dozens of ships in mere moments. Knowing something had to be done fast, Ethrac Glott unleashed the powers of one of plague urns, hurling it over the great seawall and landing upon the city. With a large thump, the powers of plague urns corrupted everything in its vicinity, and in time, a dark-green growth began to grow upon the seawall. Like a wave crashing against a wall of sand, the seawall tumbled into the ground and the dark growth began to infect the entire city just as the armada made landfall. The Battle of Marienburg has begun. |
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| − | ==== Fall of Marienburg (Mid 2525) ==== |
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| − | [[File:Warhammer_End_Times_Fall_of_Marienburg.png|thumb|320x320px|The Glottkins battling within the streets of Marienburg]] |
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| − | With a blare of whistles and horns, scores of regiments hired from all across the Old World form great battlelines all across the harbor docks, creating a massive barrier miles long with cannons and riflemen stationed at every tower and rooftop. When the Norscan made landfall, they fell by the hundreds as they charged like a rabble towards the battle-lines, eating up the black-powder firestorm. To make a breach, the Glottkin unleashed a volley of greenish-growths upon the city streets, each projectile bursting into the ground and eating the filth around it. |
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| − | |||
| − | Soon, these blobs of filth burst open as these mutated Daemonspawns, known as the [[The Gutterlings|Gutterlings]] rampaged unchecked behind enemy lines. With their enemy distracted, the [[Great Vanguard]] advanced, each armored [[Chaos Warrior]] carving their way through dozens of men whilst the [[Tribe of the Bloodshot Eye]]s and the [[Red Reavers]] died upon the spears of their foes. As the Imperial forces broke, they were run down by the mutant warriors of the [[The Accursed|Accursed]]. The Glottkin too joined the fray, their brother Ethrac Glott unleashing a cloud of disease all across the rooftops of the city, killing what remains of the riflemen and cannon crews which remained. Worst, the black growth has begun to grow at unimaginable levels, turning the entire city into a festering hellscape for every moment that past. Like a sickness, the great and mighty mercenary army which was to defend the city fled, for no amount of gold was worthy fighting hell itself. With their retreat, Marienburg was doomed. |
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| − | |||
| − | Yet in the distance, hundreds of banners signaled the arrival of the Reikland Irregulars under Count [[Aldred von Carroburg|Aldred van Carroburg]]. But it wasn't these warriors which blocked their advanced but another far, far worse. Out of nowhere, [[Mundvard the Cruel]], Vampire Lord of Marienburg emerged from his hiding and awakened every single dead from their slumber to slaughter the hated Northmen. Those killed in the city's slaughter rose to cleave their killers in two, whilst other cadavers rose out of the buildings, cellars and cobblestone of the city. In mere moments, the hordes of the [[the Hidden|Hidden]], literally tens of thousands of the walking dead filled the streets of the city to bursting. Seeing this, the Northmen hordes counter-attacked, the Accursed leading the way. From the backstreets, warriors from the Red Reavers clashed upon the undead flanks. The Glottkins soon entered the fray, battering the undead into smears. With a cry, Ehtract pointed upward as a [[Coven Thrones|Coven Throne]] bore the [[The White Ladies|White Lady]] towards them, bewitching marauders to kill eachother. |
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| − | |||
| − | Back at the docks, a mighty [[Terrorgheist]] known simply as the [[Suiddock Beast]] burst into the enemy ranks and let out a shriek which dazed and then killed dozens of warriors in an instant. If they are to win this battle, the Glottkin knew they had to kill it or else their reinforcements will be cut off. With a roar, the triplets retreated to the docks and sought after the master of this warhost. Upon the dockyards, they found their prey but Mundvard summoned up his forces and with clash of steel, the two sides fought. Bats which blocked out the sun descended upon the maruader ranks whilst Cairn Wraiths surged past them. Valiantly the Northmen killed a dozen for every men in their ranks, but slowly they too fell before the sword until finally the Glottkin managed to impale Mundvard, killing him and destroying his undead army. |
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| − | [[File:Warhammer_End_Times_Marienburg_Falls.png|thumb|250px|Marienburg has fallen...]] |
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| − | Just as the Undead crumbled, the Imperial army of Reikland has finally arrived. Though numbering a mere two-hundred men, these warriors were the best the heartlands of the Empire could offer. [[Greatswords]] from the [[Pale Blades]] and [[Carroburg Greatswords]] stood shoulder-to-shoulder with armored Halbediers from the [[Golden Pinions]] whilst Outriders and Pistoliers from the [[Bordermen]] and the [[Noble Sons Abroad]] protected their flanks. The Northmen saw the Reiklanders and roared at them as they beat their crude axes upon their spiked shields. Their more civilized counterpart, roared in return, their halberds and greatswords battering against their heraldic shields embedded with symbols of imperial power. |
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| − | |||
| − | Like seeing two brothers battle, one barbaric and the other martial, the two sides clashed upon each other, the momentum splitting bones and pushing sinews to their limits. Yet the discipline of the Imperials proved stronger than the brute strength of the northerners, and slowly they pushed the invaders back. Yet as victory seemed assured, the cruelest of fate had happened. As the swirling melee pushed deeper into the blood-stained docks, first one then a score of imperial warriors slide upon the gore-encrusted cobblestone, and with just a small opening within the ranks, the northmen burst open the imperial battlelines and killed the straggling warriors wholesale. With their deaths, Marienburg had fallen at last. |
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| − | ==== The Wrath of Tyrion (Mid 2525) ==== |
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| − | |||
| − | After [[Eataine]] and [[Tiranoc]] was captured by the forces of [[Imrik|Prince Imrik]], the war soon strayed into the Kingdom of [[Yvresse]], yet that ancient kingdom had been swallowed whole by the magical mist which engulfed Ulthuan years ago. Soon, the Dark God's minions preyed upon both armies, forcing the two sides to abandon the kingdom to its fate. [[Saphery]] was next, and it too fell as their mages were engulfed by dragonfire. The [[Tower of Hoeth]] however chose neutrality over hostility, and Prince Imirk honored their choices. This act benefited the side of the True Phoenix, as many factions began to choose neutrality over siding with Tyrion. When Tyrion finally recovered, he proclaimed himself Phoenix King, an act which saw outcry from the more neutral members of the Kingdoms. His doubters were quickly silenced by unknown means, and with his return, Tyrion headed north and brough Prince Imirk's army to battle upon the ancient city of [[Tor Yvresse|Tor Yveresse]]. |
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| − | |||
| − | There, they brought his dragon army reeling from the city, and soon captured the Kingdom of [[Cothique]] and then finally marched his forces into Saphery itself. There, he once more caught Prince Imrik's force at the Battle of Lake Calliana. Tyrion came close to slaying Prince Imirik, but for the sacrifice of several Dragon Knights who came to his rescue, the war would've been over. With Imriks defeat, Tyrion seemed poised to conquer Ulthuan. In his wake, his warriors fought with an unstoppable battle-madness which saw them defeat army after army. Worst, [[Morathi]] had lent her full support towards Tyrion, using her magics to push for their ultimate goal of total domination. Yet, should she dabble in the dark arts, Tyrion have no reservation to struck her down, like the first time when she tried to bargain with the daemons of the mist in the Kingdom of Yveresse. |
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| − | |||
| − | When all noteworthy armies were destroyed or retreated before his all-conquering might, Tyrion sought to return to his birth-kingdom of [[Cothique]], where he spent most of his time in private with Morathi or his closest courtiers. Common rumors of vile and dark acts have infected the whole of the army, but the madness which surrounded Tyrion ensured that the rational minds of his warriors were clouded with confusion and thus could not openly act. One noble however, Prince Dalloran of Cothique, objected over one particular act of hunting down High Elven prisoners as sports, which resulted in the Prince's untimely end by unknown means. His daughter and his two sons were soon taken over by Tyrions madness and quickly joined the higher echelons of the army. Prince Imrik himself was taken to a secluded manor within the Kingdom of Caledor, where the true Phoenix King Malekith resided and hide. There, Malekith managed to revived the fallen prince from certain death and made ready for his final return to the war's stage. |
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| − | === Empire's Rot (Mid 2525) === |
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| − | {{Quote|Brother three shall bring low the Empire of Man. It is they who will muster the plague-kissed in their master's name. It is they who will cast the curse of unbound life, a curse that will bring primal disorder to a world of hard-won progress. United, the lords of disease shall bring the Old World to the brink of ruin - ruin from within and from without. All things clean and true shall sicken and fade. The Gods of Man shall fade with them, until only death holds the key to salvation...|Prophecy of the End Times|}}{{Fn|2a}} |
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| − | [[File:Warhammer End Times Plague Fleet Invasion.PNG|thumb|350x350px|The landfall within Nordlands coast]] |
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| − | Just as the Glottkin were sacking the city of Marienburg, the second Plague Fleet had finally made landfall upon the shores of [[Nordland]]. In the past, this war-torn stretch of beach was fiercely defended by the valiant warriors of Count [[Theodoric Gausser|Theoderic Gausser]] and the half-norscan warriors of Nordland. Indeed, for once the lands of Nordland were the homeland of the fierce Norsii of ancient times before [[Sigmar]] drove them across the seas. Time and again, the Norscan would pillage, raid and rape the people of Nordland, and this resulted in a mixed heritage of mighty, tall warriors, no more different to the Norscan in features and culture other than perhaps clothing and of their faith in Sigmar and Ulric. Indeed, for weren't the Glottkin themselves once of Nordlander blood before their exodus into Norsca? |
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| − | |||
| − | For centuries, the valiant half-norscan men of Nordland fought and pushed back their hated kin across the seas, but now all of these people have either died defending their lands or fled south towards the heartlands. As such, the landing was unopposed and led by the Tribe of the Blade Brethren, who raided these lands ceaselessly, the movement of the army was swift as they followed the Old Dwarf Road south. Pushing their way straight through Laurelorn Forest, where bands of Wood Elves lured small warbands deeper into the woods to be killed off wholesale, Gutrot Spume ignored these petty ambushes and instead forced his army straight on through the forest. |
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| − | |||
| − | The forest proved more of an effective barrier to Gutrot Spume's advance than any other mortal army. As they drove deeper, the forest grew thicker and thicker until not a single man can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with his comrades. Soon, Gutrot ordered his entire army to carve their way through the forest; giant Dragon Ogres cleaving trees with each swing of their mighty axe just as marauders chopped through the vines and shrubs of the undergrowth. Within days, their advance has slowed to a murderous crawl as the army began to be slowly swallowed up by the numerous hostile inhabitants of the forest. |
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| − | |||
| − | Warbands of hostile Beastmen or lurking monsters began to kill off his warriors by the dozens within mere hours before the army reached a network of caves in the foothills of a forest peak. There, Gutrot Spume managed to gain the alliance of the [[Beastmen]] hordes of the [[The Harbinger|Harbinger]], and with their aid, the army was lead into large beast-paths that his warrior would've never found themselves. |
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| − | |||
| − | Such was the scale of this invasion force that not a single keen-eyed inhabitant of the [[Drakwald]] did not notice their approach. Small bands of Imperial Woodsmen and [[Roadwardens]] spied their approach, chief among them was [[Markus Wulfhart]], the infamous Huntsmarshal of the Empire. When he saw their approach, the Captain of Scouts quickly returned to the Imperial army camped within Elsterweld Crossroads and tried to inform Graf Boris Todbringer, who was in the forest trying to finally eradicate [[Khazrak One-Eye]] once and for all. But Graf Boris knew beforehand by an envoy of Elves a day earlier, and would not do anything to stop them. Infuriated by the Graf's obsession over the Beastmen, Markus made haste towards the Imperial capital of [[Altdorf]]. |
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| − | [[File:Warhammer_End_Times_Festus.png|thumb|280px|Festus brewing his greatest creation yet]] |
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| − | Yet even in the heartlands, the situation were just as grim. Of the surviving seniority within the Empire, only [[Reikmarshal|Reiksmarshal]] [[Kurt Helborg]] held the Empire together, whilst the Counts of [[Nordland]], [[Talabecland]] and [[Wissenland]] bicker amongst themselves over who will be steward for the Imperial throne. News of Marienburgs' downfall flooded the city whilst news in the east pertain the arrival of [[Nagash]]. |
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| − | |||
| − | Worse, a foul pestilence has begun to infect the capital city. As all this was going on, Kurt Helborg received a unknown message that contained a warning and a proposal before he vigorously ripped it to pieces, the initials VVC contained in one of the parchments. Deep beneath the city, in an abandoned hospice deep underground, Doctor [[Festus the Leechlord]] busied himself out from the prying eyes of the authority. There, he received news of the invasions progress and so began work upon a concoction which will turn this sleepy city into a beautiful garden befitting of Father Nurgle. |
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| − | ==== Darkness of the Drakwald (Mid 2525) ==== |
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| − | {{Quote|Today we have provided for our father, and he has provided in kind! Withness how his hand shapes us a path to the throat of our prey! This day we have won a great victory, but it is a mere prelude to the glory we shall win in the streets of Altdorf!|Gutrot Spume, Lord of Tentacles|}}[[File:Warhammer End Times Darkness of Drakwald.PNG|thumb|331x331px|Darkness of the Drakwald]] |
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| − | Soon, the pestilent army reached the deepest, darkest parts of the forest, where trees began to appear a sickly white and spiderwebs were shewn all over the lands for miles around. Soon, silence overcame the army and in that silence, the enemy struck. All over the forest, the mass of cobwebs thrummed with activity as hundreds if not thousands of spiders, some as large as a man whilst others as large as giants, ambushed the invaders on all sides. At their side came the [[Forest Goblin]] tribes of the [[Feathered Scuttlas]], led by a glowing green-eyed Forest Goblin known only as the [[Masked Chieftain]]. Seeing this, Gutrot Spume ordered a breakout to a large clearing where the Forest Goblins enacted their sacrificial rituals. Armored Chaos Warriors from the [[Sons of the Last Plague]] followed behind him and they smashed their way through the trees, weathering the hail of arrows upon their armor. Gutrot's right-hand, [[Eogric the Vile]], led a second group on a parallel course. |
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| − | As the Chaos army made their breakout, their bellows and noises attracted the attention of [[Grokka Goreaxe|Warlord Grokka Goreaxe]] and several tribe of wild [[Savage Orcs]] coming in on the opposite side of the clearing. All around the Chaos army, a hail of Spiders dropped from the high eaves of the forest canopy upon the Chaos ranks, whilst larger squadron of Spider Riders used hit-and-run tactics upon the flanks. Numbering only a thousand elite warriors, Gutrot's army faced a force nearly ten-times their numbers and they continue on in a relentless tide. As Gutrot fought at the center of the clearing upon his [[Chaos Warshrine]], where the majority of his heavy infantry are making their stand, a pack of spiders reached the Chaos Warshine and began to bite toxic venom upon its giant mutant bearers, forcing it to veer off the formation and into the webs of another attacking warband of spider riders. |
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| − | |||
| − | From above, a massive swarm of flies appeared over the battlefield and surged around Gutrot, saving him from certain death from his many assailants. To the east, a ear-splitting screech was heard as three mighty [[Arachnarok Spider|Arachnarok]] spiders came crashing through the flanking warherd of the [[Walderbeasts]]. The blue arachnarok, called the [[Stompin' Cobb]], pushed through the Walderbeast and impaled a [[Blood Oxen]] with its foremost limbs, whilst another [[Minotaur]] was sliced in two by the creatures massive mandibles. The russet colored arachnarok, known as the [[Red Gobbet]] came crashing through a line of Chaos Warriors, flinging projectiles from its makeshift catapult before the Harbinger spoke a spell which saw the ground beneath it turn into a cesspool, slowly drowning the creature with boiling corruption. |
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| − | To the right, the [[Dragon Ogres]] of the [[Tusk Axes]] crashed through the forest and attacked the blue spider. The Stompin' Cobb was propelled backwards as a Dragon Ogre Champion leaped upon a massive tree bough and hurled his body towards the spider. The spider reared back between two large Drakwald Oaks before spitting a spiderweb upon the Dragon Ogres face. Taking this opportunity, the creature rushed forward and scissoring the warrior in half before going after its lesser comrades behind him. In turn, the Harbinger once more let loose a spell which saw a buzz of Daemonflies surround the spider and infect it with disease before it fell into the ground with a spasm. Its death squal was echoed by the charge of the [[Grokkamobs]], as the Savage Orc Boar Boyz ploughed through the Chaos Warriors and [[Bestigor]] hordes with a fury, with Warlord Grokka Goreaxe at the center, killing a Chaos Warrior with every swing of his axe. Eogric the Vile bullied his way towards the Warlord and with a single swipe he decapitated the Savage Orc with ease. |
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| − | Amazingly, the decapitated Orc manages to continue hacking left and right, killing two more Chaos Warriors before Eogric clove the creature in two. As Eogric hefted the severed high for all to see, thunder rolled overhead that sounded like the belly laughter of a god. It was then that the [[Rotting Riders]] entered the fray and broke the Grokkamobs into a rout. The third Aracknarok, ridden by a Goblin Shaman known as [[Tinitt Four-Eyes]], was stomping through the Chaos Warriors before crouching and then jumping, soaring through the air before landing upon the Chaos Knights. The Shaman did a little dance and a utterly titanic spider made of moonlight dispersed the swarm of daemonflies overhead. Whenever the Chaos Warriors touched the spiders legs, they all burst into flames. Just then, the Harbinger's own [[Jabberslythe|Jabbersythe]] entered the fray and plunked the Shaman into its mouth like some kind of frog. With its death, the moon-spider above dissipated. Finally, Gutrot Spume fought the Masked Chieftain himself, cleaving the head of his spider mount before grabbing the Goblin with his tentacles. With a defiant cry, the Goblin sank his poised teeth upon the Warlord, but the venom did nothing but infect the Chieftain with deadly diseases, growing bloated until he finally made a wet pop. With his death, the ten-thousand strong horde lost heart and fled. Gutrot and his tiny army managed to beat back the greatest the Drakwald threw at them. In the wake of Gutrot's victory, a dome of dark thorns have grown over the battlefield when one of the Plague Urns spilled its content upon the ground. The temple took the powers of the Forest Goblins holy site and given it to Nurgle. |
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| − | ==== Corruption from Within (Mid 2525) ==== |
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| − | The last and smallest invasion force prowled the waters off the coast of the Gulf of Kislev, at the very mouth of the embattled port-city of [[Erengrad]]. Upon their ship, the '''''Vulfbite''''', the small vessel sailed through the waters with extreme caution, bypassing the reaving fleets of the [[High Elves]] and gave a wide berth to the massive cannon-entrenched sea-fortresses of [[Ostland]]. Whereas the Glottkins had tattooed tribesmen in the perhaps tens of thousands and Gutrot Spume had hulking Chaos Warriors in the hundreds alongside warherds of Beastmen, the forces which disembarked near the embattled city of Erengrad were just three warriors. But these weren't any ordinary warriors, but the three Champions of the Icehorn Tribes, one of the fiercest and most favored of Nurgle's warriors within the far north. |
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| − | Leading this band of Champions was the infamous half-daemon [[Orghotts Daemonspew]], known in the north as the Bastard King of Icehorn Peak. Their second-in-command, the legendary [[Bloab Rotspawned]], Lord of the Daemonflies, had fought alongside Orghotts Daemonspew since the [[Great War against Chaos]] in 2303 IC, at the infamous Battle of Kislev itself. The third champion, [[Morbidex Twiceborn]], Master of Nurglings, was a jovial warrior who was accompanied by swarms of daemonmites at all times. These three warriors soon made their way towards [[Brass Keep]], there to link with the isolated bands of Nurgle's warrior and make ready to carve their way towards Altdorf. |
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| − | Elsewhere within the Empire, the dark ritual which took place within the Drakwald soon found its way to all corners of the Empire. The thorny growth had infected every single forest, the impaled bodies of many commoners and peasants littering many of its dark branches. Worse, the dark growth which also infected the city of Marienburg has also infected all the rivers within the Empire, this moss-like growth turning the waters black with corruption. Disease soon ran rampant across the lands as people began to die by the hundreds each and every month. Even the Undead feared this growing corruption, and Vlad von Carstein once more sent a second more personal message to Kurt Helborg about the impending disastere should the Empire foolishly deny their aid in this coming conflict. Once more, the stubborn Reiksmarshal denied the proposal. Instead, the Reiksmarshal pleaded with the Bretonnians for aid, and with the blessing of the Lady, every single able-bodied Knight within the entire Kingdom had gathered in the thousands, ready to launch an all-mighty Errantry War against the dark forces which assail the Empire of Man. |
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| − | Even as all this took place, in the world of the divine, the Gods of Mankind began to grew sick as the world of mortals mirrors the misery brought into their realm as well. The most afflicted of them was [[Taal]], God of Nature and the Forest, and when the corruption of the Glottkins began to infect the forest and waters of the Empire, so too did Taal began to feel himself grew sickly. Thick black grave-moss like the sickness which claimed Marienburg covered his legs as the God of Nature stood bed-stricken upon his bed of willows whilst his torso became trapped beneath a blanket of black thorns. Only the Goddess Shallya stood by the dying God, and her powers of healing did nothing but simply ease his pain as he began to draw his last few breaths. |
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| − | ==== Ride of the Maggot Riders (Mid 2525) ==== |
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| − | [[File:Warhammer End Times Maggot Riders.PNG|thumb|250x250px|The ride of the Maggot Riders]] |
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| − | [[File:Warhammer Talabheim.gif|thumb|220x220px|The Eye of the Forest]] |
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| − | As the Gods themselves began to die, Orghotts Daemonspew and his Champions have forged a path through the snow of the Middle Mountains. There the Maggot Riders reached the infamous fortress of Brass Keep shortly before the height of summer, where the Chaos garrison offered themselves to the trio Champions. The midsummer of 2525 IC saw the twin moons clash in the heavens. A terrible ritual took place below them as thousands of Beastmen writhed in the strangled forest of the Drakwald. Bleating, bleeding, and feasting en masse, these vile creatures celebrated whilst in the heavens, the Chaos Moon eclipsed its larger brother, creating with it a halo of light with a core of darkness in the night sky. |
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| − | |||
| − | The Harbinger stood upon the center, arms wide open as the eclipse reached it zenith. Taking a vial of daemon-blood, the Beastman drinked its content and writhed with pain and misery as blood squirted between his teeth. In the sky above, the dark moon was writhed with green tendrils, convulsing until it lashed out and struck the earth. Each tendril struck at each and every herdstone within the Empire, the vile monoliths glowing white before exploding in a titanic boom which resounded across the Drakwald. From where these herdstones once laid, glowing portals to the otherworld was formed and out came the horrific plague legions of the Urfather. |
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| − | By the autumn of 2525 IC, Orghotts Daemonspew led the army of Brass Keep down from the Middle Mountains and into the hinterlands of the central Empire. Due to their affinity with winter mountain ranges, what would've seemed utter suicide by most mortal armies saw the half-daemon army of Chaos Warrior survive chimera attacks, avalanches and hostile blizzards. In what most commanders would've taken years to cross, the Maggot Riders reached the forests which ringed the great fortress-city of Talabheim in a matter of months. Talabheim is in a state of extreme martial law as the horrors which is engulfing the Empire has already reached the outskirts of their own gates. Entire armies of militiamen, artillery crews and professional soldiery have been stationed within the sheer cliffs of the Taalagrad, the great fortress-gates to Talabheim itself. With an extensive source of farms and clean lakes to provide the city with supplies indefinitely, the Talabeclanders believe they can weather this coming storm. |
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| − | Yet while they expected a mighty army to invade, they did not expect the small warband of warriors the Maggot Riders had to be the ones who would usher in their downfall. Small enough to remain undetected, this warband plunged their axes upon the hide of the Maggots which accompanied the three Icehorn Champions and slowly the slimy creatures crawled their way up the sheer cliffs of Talabheim's crater walls. There they waited until the changing of the guards, by which point the newly arriving garrison forces hadn't had the time to equip themselves before the Champions of Icehorn Peak descended upon them. Soon the garrisons were massacred by the half-daemon warband and so the Maggot Riders made their final descent into the heart of the city districts. |
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| − | So sudden was the Maggot Riders descent that much of the city garrison were caught unprepared. By the time they've reached the city outskirts though, the Imperial army have responded; hails of arrows and gunpowder firestorms ruptured all across the city. On they rode until they reached the city streets, where there the Imperial defenders formed into serried ranks of halberds and spears. Yet whenever the three Icehorn Champions rode, upon their large maggots, they punched through each and every battleline sent to stop them. However, soon their momentum had slowed as more and more Imperials began to flood into the streets in the thousands. The city was slowly barricade with fire or with blades as every inhabitant was roused on the warpath. |
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| − | Soon, the warriors of Brass Keep, who were just minutes ago running rampant and unchallenged through the Temple District, are now being hunted like the dogs they are by a squadron of Empire Knights. It became apparent that his attack had failed and so Orghott Daemonspew ordered the retreat, leaving behind those who couldn't keep up. Yet as the Maggot Riders crawled over the crater walls and into the treeline, an unexpected army was seen. Out of the trees came the Plague Legion of [[Epidemius]], the Tallyman of Nurgle. When the Herald of Nurgle came, the city's downfall was certain. With his magic, Epidemius created an unholy pyre from which he threw the last Plague Urn, the smoke of the pyre's turning milky white as it began to hover over the city. In moments, a great thunderclap was heard as milky yellow blood poured upon the city, at such volumes that the streets became flooded ankle high. The city erupted into Chaos as people were engulfed in terror, forcing its thousands upon thousands of inhabitants to funnel out of the gates and into the jaws of the enemy. The Battle of Talabheim as begun. |
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| − | ==== Talabheim's Last Stand (Mid 2525) ==== |
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| − | [[File:Warhammer_End_Times_Fall_of_Talabheim.png|thumb|300px|Talabheim's Last Stand]] |
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| − | The Vanguard force which hurried out of their dying city were an elite core of hardened warriors. Yet what they face was a force much larger than their own, and now the last warriors of Talabheim are trapped between an army of Daemons and their own crater walls. Knowing that this might be the end, the warriors of Talabheim stood shoulder-to-shoulder, ready to bring as many of these hell-spawn with them as they died. When the hordes came, it was not the frenzied charge of the northern berserkers, but a painfully slow march towards the battlelines, and once blades met, the Daemons seemed to simply impale themselves upon their enemies spear-tips, grabbing at their enemies with rusted knifes or diseased hands. At the forefront of the fighting, the [[Talabheim Curs]] and the [[Craterblades]] held their lines but the horrific sight of their assailants made them waver. |
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| − | Then a commanding voice boomed out as Commander Reban Greiss pushed himself towards the frontlines as his sword burned with a violet fire, its every stroke banishing a daemon with just a touch. Invigorated by his presence, the phalanx of Imperial soldiers braced their spears tighter whilst the front ranks of soldiers drew daggers to plunge it upon the eyes of the [[Tallyman's Blades]], banishing them to the otherworld. What began as a desperate last stand turned into a massacre as the jaws of the Imperial army enclosed upon them. Fully a tenth of his forces have already been killed in the first hour alone. High upon the craterwalls, the brave men of the [[Bronzeballs]] unloaded shot after shot at the incoming [[Festerwing Drones]], their hulking frames falling from the sky and crashing into their own ranks. Yet a single Festerwing Drone managed to bypass the firestorm and struck at their sergeant, Lutiger Swifts, forcing the Bronzeballs to flee. |
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| − | Yet as three more of the drones went after the fleeing gunsman, [[Sootson's Guns|Captain Bennec Sootson]] and his artillery guns fired upon them with thrice-blessed silver cannonballs. As the tornup carcasses of the droneflies splatter to the ground, the shining hull of the steamtank Miragliano under the command of [[von Streihof|Engineer Commander von Streihof]] barreled their way through the enemy ranks, firing cannonballs as they plow through. At the very heart of the melee, the fanatic hordes known only as the [[Wild-Eyed Walkers]] threw themselves by the dozens towards the Icehorn Champions, but despite all of their frenzy and fervour, the entire horde became nothing but mangled corpses strewn all across the battlefield. At the height of the fighting, Amber Lord [[Adric Greenwood]] stood high upon Talabaheims crater walls, growing in size and spreading a pair of massive wings. With a mighty roar, the Amber Wizard turned into a terrible Manticore, swooping down upon the Icehorn Champions and goring them with his mighty claws. |
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| − | When it would seem that victory was near, fates had another plan in store. Adric Greenwood fought long and hard, but the half-daemon Champions proved far to powerful to battle all by his own, and as the mighty Amber Wizard tried to fly away from their grasp, a champion of the [[Repugnauts of Brass Keep|Repugnauts]] planted his boots upon the face of an Imperial soldier and jumped high into the air to cleave the underbelly of the manticore, the creature disemboweling his innards as it began to descend into the enemy lines. Wounded, the creature could do nothing as it was being devoured whole by [[daemons]] and [[Nurglings]]. Worse, a trio of Bounderbeast came towards the Imperial Steam Tank, distracting it long enough for an entire swarm of Nurglings to clogged the cannon. When it fired, the tank blew apart, shrapnel shredding the Imperial soldiers who used the tank as a rally point. Through the worst luck possible, Commander Reban Greiss was struck in the neck with a piece of the shrapnel, and without the guidance of their commander, the Imperials broke and began to stream into the Taalagrad ports, hoping to jump ship and head to Altdorf before the daemons could catch them. With that, Talabheim has also fallen as well. |
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| − | === God's Perish (Late 2525) === |
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| − | {{Quote|The cycle of history repeats itself, much to the Dark God's merriment. We approach the hour of the last Phoenix, when only Asuryan's fading power can save us from thirsting Khaine. The fate of the elves now relies upon two realms; one doomed to perish in fire and slaughter, and one that shall endure whilst I have strength to defend it. Mortals shall assume divine roles, the heirs of Aenarion will fight the final battle, and the accursed Windowmaker shall be freed form its prison of stone...|Prophecy of the End Times}}{{Fn|4a}} |
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| − | The last days of Ulthuan have arrived. For too long, this mighty continent stood on the brink of sinking to the depths, held up only by the powers given to the Great Vortex at the center of the inner sea. Now, if the world were to have a chance to survive, the powers held within must be unleashed. And so do two forces vie for control of the Vortex; on one side stands a false savior whose rage shall engulf his race whilst the others stands as a denied King, long neglected but now has revealed the true fire which once burned him to cinder. |
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| − | Even now, players are drawn to the board, their actions hung closely to the kingdoms fate. Korhil, once loyal and proud Captain of the White Lions, is now unsure of his true allegiance, for the madness of Khaine has engulfed all those around him. And so did the Captain campaign under his Lord's name, not out of a sense of duty but to sought reason to escape from his prince's dark presence. He led his forces to the Kingdom of Eatatine, where he fought back the corsairs of Lord Lokhir Fellheart and brought war upon the walls of Lothern itself. Yet the walls of the city hung with banners from all across the realm, and from out of the sky, Phoenix King Malekith dived down like a blazing comet, his once dark armor glowing with an inner light, his back given wings of fire and his sword shining like the blade of Asuryan itself. |
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| − | In that moment, the host of all the Elven kingdoms marched forth under the banner of their true king, and the army of Korhil either fled in terror or threw themselves to their knee's after seeing the light of Asuryan upon Malekith's brow. Those that surrendered were spared from death, for Malekith once became the once proud prince he has always wanted to be. Yet the Phoenix King as much to learn, for too long has he been a Tyrant and if he is to truly unite his race, he must win the hearts of his people. The hour of the last Phoenix is at hand, and the fate of the Elves along with it. |
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| − | ==== Isha Incarnate (Late 2525) ==== |
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| − | [[File:Warhammer_End_Times_Isha_Incarnate.png|thumb|250px|The Battle of Withelan]]News of Malekiths reemergence brought doubt upon those souls that were not corrupted by Tyrion's presence. Of those few, there are two that would shape the fate for the next battle. [[Korhil]], Captain of the White Lions and [[Adranna]], eldest child of Prince Dalloran, broke the enchantment which cloaked their eyes and saw the madness within Tyrion. Yet they had little time to act, for within that moment Tyrion brought his armies towards Averlorn, seeking to claim Allarielle as his new Queen. When they reach the glades of Withelan, a great army stood in their path. Everqueen Alarielle, imbued with the power of Isha and the Winds of Life, stood before Tyrion alongside Lord [[Araloth]] of [[Talsyn]] and [[Orion]] of the King's Glade. Despite their presence, Tyrion almost mockingly asked for Alarielle to surrender herself to him, claiming her as his new Queen. Alarielle rejected his proposal, claiming that the real Tyrion would never ask for such a thing from her. And so did Alarielle readied her forces for battle, both the golden splendor of the Asur and the wild savagery of the Asrai. Yet before battle began, the Everqueen let out a shriek of pain as darkness began to envelop her by Morathi's dark magic. |
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| − | The vines which held Tyrion's army fast had dissipated and Tyrion rushed to claim his prize but was stopped by the demi-god [[Orion]] and his [[Spears of Orion]] warband. [[Araloth|Lord Araloth]] and his [[Talsyn Hawks]] bore the Everqueen to safety whilst the battle raged on. Tyrion fought at the center of the melee, fighting off the wave of Wild Riders, Glade Guard and Forest Spirits from [[Durthu's Wargrove]] surged onward even as the skies above became dark with the [[Crows of Khaine]]. Seeing his peril, the [[Knights of Tor Alin]] came forward but was cut short by Orion and his Wild Riders. At the southern flank, Korhil and Adranna fought hard with Chracian warriors whilst the northern flank was held by a force of [[Drakira's Claws]] led by [[Dalroth]] and [[Dannor]], the twisted sons of a former Elven prince. In the melee, Morathi's laughter was a gusting wind as she sent dark magic upon both enemy and allies alike. Standing in her way was [[Naieth]], the Prophetess, who with her cadre of mages used their powers to heal the poisoned Everqueen. |
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| − | Soon, the center had broken as a warband of [[Sisters of Slaughter]] cut through the spear-walls of the Talsyn Hawks, but in their way came [[Daith]], Lord of Torgovann. Like a hero from legend, the blind warrior fought off the Sisters with extreme precision, but a sister who had been feigning death rose up and slammed a dagger into his chest. Seeing this, Araloth thrust his spear to kill the assailant and threw himself to catch him. As Araloth slowly laid down his dying friend, the Dark Elves regathered their assault. Further to the north, [[Durthu's Wargrove]] smashed their way through the [[Cothique]] line, and in response, massive [[Kharibdyss]]es and [[Hydra|Hydra's]] were whipped forward to engage. |
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| − | At the very center, Orion and Tyrion fought a great battle as the Avatars of [[Khaine]] and [[Kurnous]] fought for supremacy, yet despite the Hunter God's great savagry, it fell short to the Bloody God's sheer force of power and anger. In one last desperate effort, the Wild King drove a shard of his shattered spear into the rent made by Prince Imirik before perishing beneath Tyrions sword. With his last defiant cry, Alarielle awoke from her coma and from beneath her a spiral staircase of trees and branches brought her high into the air. With her powers restored, she unleashed a mighty spell which saw every invader turned into roots and trees. In desperation, Morathi let out a forbidden word and her dark magic collided with Alarielle's own, resulting in a magical backlash which pushed both from their feet. |
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| − | Whilst Morathi laid unconscious, Alarielle fell from her tower. Whilst others look on in suprise and terror, Durthu chose action and with unimaginable grace managed to jump and catch the Everqueen before she hit the forest floor. Seeing this, Tyrion once more charged towards the Everqueen and slammed his sword upon Durthu's hide. For a moment, Durthu stood silently as his fingers tried desperately to pry the sword free whilst Tyrion tried to push it further into his heart. With a snarl, Durthu yanked the sword free and threw Tyrion over his own forces and into the forest beyond. Seeing their leaders defeated, Tyrion's forces made a hasty retreat back out of the forest. |
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| − | ==== The Traitor's Due (Late 2525) ==== |
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| − | The Battle of Withelan was a turning point in the war. When Everqueen Alarielle denied Tyrion, she effectively denied his legitimate right as the new Phoenix King. In the days that followed, Alarielle sent her handmaidens to every corner of Ulthuan, carrying word of Tyrion's madness to every Prince who has not yet taken a side. She would later journey through the worldroots into Lothern, there where she marched in ceremonial procession towards the palace, presenting herself to the masses and proclaiming her marriage to Malekith, the rightful Phoenix King upon the war's end. For the first time in millennium, all three Elven races are finally under a single rule. Yet the moment the Everqueen entered the palace, she went her separate ways from Malekith and in the private quarters of her room, the grief she held back for so long finally burst forth in a flood of tears. The next morning, a grand army of all three races marched under the banner of the true phoenix. |
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| − | Far to the north, Tyrion and Morathi stood within their tents contemplating the events of the last battle. As the two brooded, it was at this moment that Korhil, having overheard of Morathi's plan to kill the Everqueen, took it upon himself to steal the Widowmaker from his tent, hoping to free Tyrions mind from its influence. The night prior to this daring raid, Korhil had a run-in with the assassin [[Shadowblade]], who not only killed [[Adranna|Princess Adranna]] in her sleep but had also managed to convince the White Lion to enact this daring raid on behalf of his mistress. Shielded by Khaine's madness by Princess Adranna magical wards, Korhil slip by almost without interference, Tyrion having had absolute trust in the Captain and Morathi finding Korhil too loyal and too dull-witted to make such a daring move. Leaving behind a small group of White Lions to continue the illusion of the swords presence, the Captain and a small retinue of the [[Puremane Company]] headed northward, yet just as they saw the banners of the Har Ganeth over the horizon, Morathi's Hunter had found out about his ploy and finally caught up with him. |
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| − | Even as the Puremane Company made half the distance to a nearby Shrine for cover, the Dark Riders of the [[Ravenspears]] have already caught them in their tracks. One by one, each White Lion made a final stand before dying with spears piercing their chest. Finally, Shadowblade appeared over the forest canopy and provided the time needed for the Puremanes to flee and head towards the shrine just as the banners of [[Morathi]] and [[Hellebron]] finally appeared. At first the battle was sporadic as both armies tried to form up despite the rain and forested terrain whilst [[Dark Riders]] and [[Shades]] enacted skirmishing battles all across the battlefield. When the two blood-crazed armies finally formed, the clash was titanic as it centered around the shrine where the White Lions made their stand. The two host were well-matched. Morathi commanded the largest army but Hellebron commanded the most elite, veteran warriors in the wars against the Bloodied Legion in Naggaroth. First to have struck were the [[Sisters of Singing Doom]], charging straight towards [[Dannor|Prince Dannor's]] phalanx of the [[Everast Sentinels]]. The phalanx broke against the onslaught but Prince Dannor managed to rescue a few score of spears and headed straight towards the shrine, where Korhil and his White Lions matched them. |
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| − | At the edge of the fighting, Tiranoc Chariots crashed through a warband of Witch Elves whilst to the East, the regiments of the [[Bloodcleave]] hacked their way through Ghordian Spears only to be halted by the [[Blades of Hoeth]] led by the deranged [[Kerrinath|Kerrinath of Saphery]]. At the very center, Hellebron led the frontal charge which smashed through all opposition. At the height of the battle, just as Morathi began to unleash devastings spells upon the enemy army, from out of the shadows, the feared Shadowblade struck. Slamming his boots upon Morathi's chest, the Hag Queen fell from her mount and was pinned to the mud by Shadowblades weight. With cruel satisfaction, Shadowblade sliced down the Hag Queens high cheekbone, leaving a scar poisoned by venom, ensuring it would never heal in payment of Morathi's manipulation of Shadowblade. In another moment, the weight lessened and Shadowblade disappeared, leaving Morathi shrieking her anger by blasting spells upon Hellebron's Cauldron, bursting the Statue of Khaine and flinging Hellebron upon the mud. Enraged, Hellebron fought alone as she clove her way towards Morathi, yet it was all for not. Without Khaine's blessing, the Har Ganeth army was overwhelmed by superior numbers. Korhil had fought the mad Prince Dannor and won, but saw only defeat as the armies of Tyrion surrounded him on all sides. Morathi had won. |
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| − | ==== The Madness of Khaine (Late 2525) ==== |
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| − | Though the noble captain had failed to spirit the Widowmaker away from Tyrion's grasp, it nonetheless aided the cause of the true Phoenix King. When Tyrion found out about the betrayal, he flew into a deep rage and ordered every single army under his command to the scour the lands of the north and west for Korhil. In the armies absence, Malekith launched a devastating counter-attack against the lands occupied by Tyrion's forces, using the [[Worldroot]] conjured by the Everqueen to ferry both troops and supplies towards Saphery. |
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| − | Yet what forces that defended Saphery proved still proved just as powerful as any within Malekith's army. The [[Aestyrion]], meaning Sons of Tyrion, fought with a fanatical zeal which saw the Siege of Tesselia drowned in waves of wild magic just as it was captured. Led by [[Killin|Prince Killin]], a deranged maniac under Prince Tyrion, the Prince forced the citizenry of Saphery to all take up arms under their liege or perish. They died by the thousands as they were sent to be used as meatshields, and those that tried to dissent from the mad Tyrion were themselves hunted down even as the invading army continued to push forward. This act of barbarism led the [[Loremasters of Hoeth]] to break their neutrality and come to the side of Malekith. |
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| − | Elsewhere, Morathi was the first to return to [[Tor Alin]], the capital of Tyrions domain, where she dragged the determined yet silent Captain of the White Lions to her dungeon to await his fate. Tyrion arrived a week later, the western horizon ablaze with scarlet and orange light as Tyrion burned down the whole of [[Avelorn|Averlorn]]. Being reminded of Korhils betrayal, Tyrion flew into a raged and tormented the poor Captain for a whole night, his vows of silence finally being broken under unbelievable pain. The next day, Tyrion personally executed the hundreds of Avelorni prisoners he had taken in his campaign against Averlorn, with the last victim being Korhil himself. As the bodily broken Korhil, his legs a tangled mess of bone and sinew, was dragged towards the altar by Morathi's handmaidens, he made one last desperate plea to Tyrion, begging him to see what he has become before its too late. Tyrion did not so much as flinch as he ordered Prince Dalroth to kill him in his stead. Morathi gave one last attempt to lure the proud Captain to her side, but Korhil was true to himself till the end and as his own Axe fell upon his neck, Korhil didn't so much as protest. |
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| − | Princess Adrianna, who survived the mansion ambush, felt Korhil's death in that same moment and relayed the message to Malekith, grief heavy on her shoulders. Malekith felt no sympathy for the Captains death, only disappointment that he failed to steal the Widowmaker from Tyrions grasp. Weeks of bitter fighting followed. The passes between Saphery and Conthqiue shook with violence as spells and blades fought in the many passes which cross the Annulii Mountains. Great flocks of Manticore, Chimerae and Harpies, controlled by Morathi's magic, tipped the battle to their favor and pushed the armies of Malekith and even his Dragonriders from the passes. |
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| − | Malekith was far from loved by his new High Elven subjects, but with the counsel of Teclis, the Phoenix King showed an uncommon restraint. Instead of outright killing his dissenters, he elevated them to the highest military rank and sent them to lead armies to the front, where they either serve his purpose or die in the attempt. Nevertheless, though many remain untrustful of Malekith, none could deny his determination to protect his new realm. At the Battle of Tyrasel, Malekith stood alone and held off a horde of crazed Conthique warriors whilst his army withdraw from battle. At Tor Amin, he led the Dragon Princes of Caledor to victory by smashing the flanks of Morathi's monster army. Again and again, Malekith had running duels with Tyrion, but it never ended decisively, and it would seemed that in every engagement, the Aestyrion's sheer brutality won them almost every battle. |
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| − | ==== The Tides Turn (Late 2525) ==== |
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| − | [[File:Warhammer End Times Changing of the Tides.PNG|thumb|350x350px|Changing of the Tides]] |
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| − | As the war dragged on, despite the full might of all three Elven people under his banner, Malekith is facing nothing but retreat or defeat. At the final battle of Finuval Plains, amidst the ruins of the city of Tor Ellian, it would've all ended there had it not been for the timely arrival of the Wood Elves and their forest spirit allies, who died by the thousands so that many times their own could survive. Elsewhere, Teclis tirelessly tries to sway all the remaining neutral faction under his banner, but some still continue to refuse to join either side, either out of fear, pride or that they judged neither side is worthy of victory. Even the infamous Shadow King, Alith Anar of Nagarthye, continues to refuse to pick a side, despite the fact that his own hand can finally decide the fate of the Ten Kingdoms. |
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| − | Even as Malekiths army pulls back, Teclis tries to persuade the Phoenix King that the only hope of victory not just against Tyrion, but against the Dark Gods as well lies in unraveling the Vortex and binding one of the Winds to Malekith, making him practically a God to equal the Fell Powers. Yet this was no longer the same power-hungry Malekith of ages past. With the throne of Ulthuan finally his after so many agonizing years of doubt and rejection, Malekith was firmly against losing it once again. When Teclis tried to convince the Everqueen and Imirik, the Everqueen was just as against it as her betrothed. The situation only worsens as the Madness of Khaine infects even the warriors under the Pheonix Kings, with whole warbands, mostly Druchii at first but then even High Elves were consumed by its madness and turned upon their fellows before running away to the north. Left with no other course, the Everqueen finally conceded and agreed upon Teclis proposal, forcing even Malekith to abide by her wisdom. Little did they know that Teclis actually allowed the madness to sweep into the camps, using the situation to further his grand plan as ordered by Lileath herself. Teclis felt no regret, he only wondered how much more tarnished his soul could become before he was just as bad as Tyrion or Malekith. |
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| − | With the hordes of Aestyrion pressing in on all sides, Malekith's armies fled the [[Tower of Hoeth]]. Most of the [[Loremasters of Hoeth|Loremasters]] followed him with only [[Finreir|Loremaster Finreir]] refusing to leave the only home he'd ever known. Soon, a mad rush to reach the shores of the Sea of Dreams erupted, hoping to get on board [[Lokhir Fellheart]]s reaver fleet before they are cornered by Tyrions forces. [[Lothern Skycutter|Skycutters]] roamed the seas in search of Lokhir's fleet but none could be seen. With little time left, Alarielle personally took command of one of the Skycutters and headed not west in search of the Reaver Fleet but north towards the fleet of Sea Lord Aislinn, who's ships are moored around the Gaean Vale amidst the scorched ruins of Averlorn. |
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| − | Soon, Tyrion was upon the rearguard armies, and in desperation Prince Imrik led his Caledorians in a valiant rearguard whilst the other armies continue towards the shoreline. Thousands perished in desperate battles amongst the thin grasslands of Saphery before Imirik was almost overwhelmed and pleaded for reinforcements. Malekith ordered the [[Shadowfire Guard]] led by [[Caradryan]] to aid him. Finally, Imirik could fall back no further and it would seemed that Malekiths army was finally going to meet its final battle. Finally, over the horizon, ships were spotted and the host of Malekith cheered for their salvation. Yet these cheers turned to cries of despair as they saw not the black sails of the Reaver Fleet but the Blue and White of Sea Lord Aislinn. Then came a lone Skycutter and upon it stood Alarielle alongside the once proud Sea Lord. Aislinn had saw the devastation wrought upon Avelorn and finally saw the folly of his allegiance with Tyrion. Begging forgiveness, Aislinn committed his whole fleet to the evacuation. |
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| − | Whilst a vanguard of Wood Elves led by the battle-hardened [[Sceolan]] held the line, thousands upon thousands of Elves sloughed through the waters towards the advancing ships just as the first hordes of the Aestyrion ran over the sand dunes in a milling horde. Great ramps were lowered and even [[Treemen]] dug themselves to the sand to form living bridges to allow the fleeing elves to board the ships. Soon, after several hours, the whole fleet was crammed with the Elves and finally, just as Tyrion's phalanx reached the battlefield, dragonfire created a massive barrier from which the remaining vanguard forces fled and board ship. It was said that Malekith was the last to leave the shores, stopping only to spot Tyrion as he crested over the horizon. Aislinns fleet headed westward, where they came across the fleet of Lokhir, the colors on his ship showing his new allegiance to Tyrion. Yet instead of chasing them, Lokhir sped towards the shore where Tyrion awaited. Dawn was fully in the sky before anyone realized that Aislinn had taken a lone Skycutter and headed towards Fellheart's fleet. |
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| − | Aislinn allowed himself to be taken by Fellheart, and there by the feet of Tyrion himself, the Sea Lord allowed his fate to be sealed. Cursing Tyrion and laughing menacingly, the blood of Sea Lord Aislinn spilled the decks of the Black Ark before the sea had suddenly erupted into a fierce Maelstrom. Lightning crackled in the skies overhead and a colossal wave larger than the tallest tower within the Black Ark reared up and slammed down upon the fleet. Fellheart's fleet was in ruins. |
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| − | ==== Isle of the Dead (Late 2525) ==== |
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| − | [[File:Isle of the Dead concept art.png|thumb|300x300px|The Isle of the Dead]] |
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| − | Only five vessels from Fellhearts fleet managed to land upon the Isle of the Dead and though ten thousand warriors still remain, many times their numbers had been killed, the entire ocean being littered with their bloated bodies. What remains marched in three columns towards the center of the Isle, where there they saw Malekith and his armies standing in proud formation before the Great Vortex. Lines of armored warriors encircle the clearing whilst great Dragons and Phoenixes perch themselves upon cliffs and waystone. Eight mighty Loremasters stand upon each great column as they try to unbind the vortex. With a great shout, the waters behind them shifted as thousands upon thousands of Tyrion's once dead army lurch themselves out of the sea, an entire horde of Undead which outnumbered Malekith's own many times over. At their head stood the five corpses of former Phoenix Kings which were buried in this land, but Tyrion was imbued with Khaine and lacked the patience to bring these forces to bare. So without any tactical strategy, Tyrion led the charge. |
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| − | Arrows sang as they were loosen upon Tyrions forces. Araloth of Talysn fought in the center formations. Morathi and her handmaidens took up position and sent waves of black fire upon the lines. On the western flank, Imirik and his Dragon Knights descended upon Fellhearts reaver armies, and in response mighty Hydras and roaring Kharibdysses snapped and spit at the air above them. The attack threw Fellhearts army into confusion, and taking the advantage, the western flank surged forward. To the east, Prince Darloths Conthiqui warriors pressed hard against Alarielle's warriors. Alarille stood high upon the tomb of Rialla, her forebearer of five generations hence and in her presence, the Wood Elves under [[Morlanna]] of [[Modrynn]] and [[Scarloc]] the Wanderer standing to protect her. |
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| − | In the ensuring melee, Princess Adranna faced her mad brother and his warriors with a vengeance for Korhil's death, feeling no fear as corruption eats away into her soul. When at last she spotted her sibling, she let out a cry of recognition and sent tendrils of dark magic to drag her brother towards her, Dalroths begging for her mercy. Yet Morathi saw Lord Dalroth's plight and forced Adranna's tendrils back upon herself. As her screams faded, so too did the tendrils which held Dalroth and for a fleeting moment, all Dalroth could do was to sit down and stare motionlessly at his sisters corpse, his expression unreadable. Then, madness envelopment his eyes and his thoughts once more and he rose to spit on his sisters body and threw himself back into the fight. In the skies above, great flocks of Harpies and Manticores clashed with the Warhawk Riders and Skycutters of Malekith's armies. Teclis and his retinue of Loremasters tried desperately to conduct their ritual, yet despite the greatest minds at his command and two years of preparation made, the Vortex was at a hairbreadths away from getting out of control. Only once did Teclis attention wavered; when the chill horns sounded the arrival of Tyrions undead legions. In that moment of laxity, gust of magical winds burst forth from the Vortex, the Winds of Metal turning two-score of Phoenix Guard into lifeless gold whilst Slivers of Azyr sent lightning strikes upon Conthiqui archers. Whilst all this happening, Alith Anar stood high above the fighting, his thoughts ablaze with conflicting allegiance and prayed for Lileath's guidance. |
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| − | [[File:Warhammer End Times Phoenix Kings.PNG|thumb|755x755px|The Phoenix Kings of Old rise to serve the true heir of Aenarion]] |
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| − | Malektih stood upon the very center of the fighting, leading by example instead of a menacing shadow like he fought before. Yet as the Undead lurched forward, at their head stood the five Undead Phoenix Kings, their bodies resurrected and filled with nothing but hatred for Malekith and reinforced it with Tyrions own. Nothing of the proud rulers were left in those withered husk. None save Malekith knew exactly what transpired next. Others simply saw the Phoenix King draw away from the fight, feeling perhaps fear for the first time in many an age. Yet just before the Undead Lords met the lines, Malekiths laughter echoed across the battlefield, and with a great voice he demanded the Kings of Ulthuan to submit themselves before the rightful successor to the throne of Elvenkind. At that moment, the former Phoenix Kings burst and were scattered by an unseen explosion. Lifting his sword towards the skeleton horde, a burst of flame shot out of Malekiths sword and from this flame a robed and armored figure emerge. Many gasp, for it bore the image of Finubar the Seafarer. His blazing light hitting the horde and from the explosion, Finubar stood high and proud, shinning with a golden light as he threw himself to the fray. |
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| − | Nine times more the fire burst forth from Malekiths blade, and in each came the likeness of Phoenix Kings from a past age. With the last of Asuryans strength, all the spirits of long-dead Phoenix Kings wiling fighting at the side of Malekith in repayment for their sins, each one fighting with all the passion and character they once held in life. Only Aenarion remained at rest, for he owed his people nothing. Seeing these might rulers at the side of Malekith, all the Elves whose hearts were wavered and arms tired fought newfound strength and purpose in their cause. In that final moment, all have finally come to accept the righteousness of Malekiths cause. When Morathi saw all of this, for the first time, a glint of doubt pierced the Hag Sorceress' self-assurance, but this was a fleeting moment and all that required was for her to look at Tyrions stern features for her assurance to be reinforced. The fact that Aenarion hadn't appeared was good enough for Morathi's blind love for her long-dead husband. And so, with a great effort Morathi used up all her powers to create a mighty brooding spectre of Aenarion of old and sent it straight towards her only son. It would've ended there, were it not for Bel-Shanaar slamming his staff upon the ground and rose aloft from a column of crackling light to stand in the spectres path, killing both in the process. Thus was Malekith saved from death and the Phoenix King felt little sympathy for his death. |
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| − | Finally, Malekith threw his own great spell, and the air around Malekith rippled like the waters of a pond disturbed by a thrown stone, flowing outward in all directions. Where the ripples passed, ghostly spirits took shape and in a span of a heartbeat, they were as corporeal as any who fought that day. In all the long millennia since its creation, no Elf had lived and died without being touched by hate last great enchantment of Caledor Dragontamer. In a span of all time, of every age and every realm, all the greatest warriors and Champions of old began to take shape and fight in this last great battle, fighting, bleeding and dying like any living being. On his vantage point, Alith Anar's face was tight with emotion as he watched his deceased kin, whom have been killed by the Witch King, take up the cause of Malekith, though no one is sure if it was hatred or joy which danced behind his eyes. At last, Alith Anar made his way down the waystone. He had at last chosen a side. |
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| − | In the swirling melee, the Elves of all kingdoms battle on for the fate of their race. Prince Dalroths headless body lay beside his sister, his executioner moving on with great-axe and Lions Cloak, the spirit of Korhil not even so much as recognizing whom he had slain. Fellhearts corsair's drove too deeply into the Elven lines and were suddenly trapped by the sudden appearance of Elven heroes. Teclis cursed Malekith for a fool, for the spell he's unleashed has destabilized the vortex and now the winds of Magic grew out of control. First to squeeze through Teclis grasp was [[Ghur]], the magical wind tearing through the vortex and materializing into a gigantic Chimera, its roar shaking the isles as it soared westward to a new chosen vessel. |
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| − | [[File:Warhammer End Times Tyrion Charge.PNG|thumb|493x493px|Death comes]] |
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| − | As Ghur sped away, Tyrion saw who must die in order for victory to be achieved, and like a mad beast he sped towards Teclis upon his mount. Tyrion was like death upon the wind, his dark shadow passing through great phalanx and mighty heroes before a flashing blade speeds through their helmets. None could hope to stop his assault and those who died could only raise their weapons before they fell to the bloodied floor. [[Morvael]], former Phoenix King of Ulthuan tried to bar his path but burst into shards of golden light as the Widowmaker cleaved through his dragon armor. With his death, Malekith's spell was broken and slowly the ancient Elven heroes began to fade into nothingness. Too late, he saw the golden blur that is Tyrion closing in on Teclis. Too late, he commanded Seraphon to rise into the air to save the Mage. Fire burst through the Phoenix Kings hand whilst Lightning arc throughed his sword yet Tyrions steed dodged the fire and his sword adsorbed its lightning. |
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| − | Tyrion didn't so much as look back when Malekith struck, his eyes were only set upon his once beloved brother, sword raised and ready to cleave the Mage's head from his shoulders. Caledor Dragontamer saw death approach and shouted a warning to Teclis, but his words could not pierce the Vortex. It would've all ended there, if not for one last betrayal. [[Malhandir]], Tyrion's steed, had borne his master for many years and served him unswerving up to this final point. Yet he was no simple beast, but a mighty descendant of Korhandir, Lord of Horses. At last, the steed saw the dishonor placed upon his line with his loyalty to Tyrion. Thus, as the Widowmaker arched around, Malhandir reared up, his sudden motion throwing Tyrion from its back. |
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| − | ==== Asuryan and Khaine (Late 2525) ==== |
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| − | [[File:Warhammer End Times Tyrion vs Malekiths.PNG|thumb|390x390px|The Final Duel]] |
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| − | [[File:Warhammer End Times Alith Anar.PNG|thumb|394x394px|The arrow that changed the world]] |
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| − | Bolting back up, Tyrion swung his sword around, looking for his traitorous steed before he gave up and darted for his brother. Seraphons talons barely cleaved through Tyrions back before Morathi shouted a warning to her lover. With her hand raised, she arced a lightning bolt towards the Dragon and Malekith fell to the ground. At last, the two Avatars fought in a great duel to decide the fate of the Elves. Those who saw the battle claimed to have seen two godly silhouettes mirrored on the clouds above; one masked and lit with flame whilst was snarling like a beast, its hands dripping with blood. |
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| − | No description could ever do that duel justice, for mere words could scarcely impart the speed and ferocity of the blows exchanged, nor the incredible willpower that drove the combatants on through the most horrendous of wounds. Malekith's left arm was shattered by a glancing blow whilst Tyrions jaw was fractured by the tip of Asuryath. Long they raged, back and forth, as the Great Vortex began to come apart and the arisen armies of the dead from both sides begin to fade. Last to fade was Everprincess Ystranna, who sent a arrow wheezing away at the heart of Lokhir Fellheart before he delivered the killing blow upon Imirik. The Caledorian Prince could only get a glance of his savior before she finally faded, and his remorse flooded back, stronger than ever. |
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| − | Morathi watched as Tyrion battled her only son to the death, having little love left for the only child she had ever borne. Malekith was tiring fast, worn away by the magics he had employed. The last spark of Asuryan was fading away, its energy expended to give the Phoenix King a fighting chance to defeat the Avatar of Khaine. Malekith knew this, but fought on all the same, dredging every reserve of strength from deep within his immortal soul. He had known defeat too many times before, and at this final moment in his life, the Phoenix King knew that he would refused to meet with another. He would defeat Tyrion on that day, or die in the final attempt. With a savage snarl, Malekith swipe Asuryath around, swift beyond belief, yet Tyrion was swifter still and with a mighty clang, the Widowmaker smites the blade, shattering Asuryath to pieces. Weaponless and alone, Malekith spat blood as he hauled himself upright whilst his executioner approached, a triumphant snarl hooked into his ravaged lips. High above the combatants, Morathi could be heard howling with joy as her lover raised his sword to deliever the death blow upon her only son, the laughter echoed across the battlefield. |
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| − | The deathblow never fell. Unheard over Morathi's cruel mirth, a bowstring sang, clear and true. As his arm extended, Tyrion turned, and right before Malekith was revealed a tear in Aenarion’s armour where Imrik’s lance had wounded the prince. Tyrion fell, the arrow piercing his dark heart and the madness which had so enthralled Tyrion faded from his eyes. Then, wordlessly, Tyrion, heir of Aenarion and Avatar of Khaine, toppled sideways and was dead. Morathi fell silent as her beloved died, denial and disbelief mingling on her face and in her thought. Before she could reach, the bowstring sang once more, and a second arrow took Malekith in the back. The Phoenix King collapsed atop the body of his foe, limbs twitching. As her only son fell, Morathi let loose a scream of purest anguish. It was a terrible, animal sound, owing much to anger, frustration and sorrow, whilst at the same time touching on something darker and more primal. In that moment, the single grief of a lone Elf spelled the disaster of an entire continent. |
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| − | === Kingdom's Fall (Early 2526) === |
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| − | {{Quote|I have seen the World's demise. Morrslieb, the accursed orb, waxes against crimson skies. Magic rises and reality subsides, leaving only madness in its wake. Vermin cease their gnawing and swarm to the surface, answering their horned master's call. First to fall are the temples of the Old Ones, abandoned by defenders who know that the end draws near...|Prophecy of the End Times}}{{Fn|4a}} |
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| − | The world shudders and bleeds as it endures the perils and horrors unleashed upon it many millennia ago. To the north and southern poles, the horrific cancer that is Chaos pulse like a bleeding wound, its dark blood spilling itself into the lands once untouched by its corruption. In the span of just a few years, the world endures a time of blood, misery and darkness the likes of which it has not seen since the beginning of time. Slowly, the world and all that lives within it are lying all, the trees grow sickly and die, the waters turn a murky color of rust and blood and the earth itself seethes with corruption and death. |
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| − | The Mountains of Mourn bursts open with volcanic fire. The icy lands of Naggaroth burn with the pyres of burning cities. The jungles of Lustria heaves with rats, plagues and the bloated, rotting bodies of mighty reptilian beast. The deserts of Nehekhara are once and forever more barren, devoid of anything, neither living nor alive, the deserts once more consuming the lands in full. The next great land to fall lies at the center of the Great Ocean, a mighty magical island-continent held afloat by magics beyond the keen of mortal-kind. For years, the swirling magic which courses from all direction towards the island has since evaporated the bedrock, leaving it hovering over the grand ocean like a ship held afloat only by the current of the winds. Now, as the final battle takes place within Ulthuans Isle of the Dead, the magic which have sustained the continent has unraveled. Soon, Ulthuan will meet its inevitable and long-past due, all because of the grief of a single elf. |
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| − | ==== Sinking of Ulthuan (Late 2525) ==== |
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| − | When Morathi saw both her lover and son fall, in that moment, the Hag Queen had lost all sense of sanity. Grief, frustration and utter hatred filling her teary eyes and numbing her thoughts, the Hag Queen mustered all the power that surrounds her and sent bolts of dark power towards the rock which Alith Anar shot his arrows, but the Shadow King has long left the place. Yet again and again, Morathi hammered the waystone, despite all reasoning telling her it is fruitless. With her hungrily eating away the magic, the Vortex flew out of control. Teclis knew that he had failed. The skies overhead soon grew to the color of crimson red as [[Aqshy]], the Wind of Fire (which Teclis was hoping to bind into Malekith) flew into the clouds like a raging fireball and went eastwards towards the land of the [[Dwarf]]. [[Chamon]], the Winds of Metal burst forth with a cloud of sparks, following the heels of its brother magical wind. Teclis desperately tried to bind Azyr, the Wind of Heavens, but it too broke free from its anchor and soared overhead, the wind taking the form of a golden comet. Teclis thought he sense an intelligence in the winds trajectory, but the Elf had little time to contemplate the winds desired destination, or the meaning of its departure. |
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| − | In that moment, Morathi finally saw the Loremaster and sent bolts of lightning upon him. Teclis shuddered as lightning coursed through his body for a moment before he finally fell unconscious upon the floor. One foe fell and yet many thousands more lie beneath her and across the Ten Kingdoms of Ulthuan. All will pay for her humiliation, and for the deaths of those had loved. Driven mad, the Hag Queen flew high upon her dark Pegasus and went straight into the Vortex. Her steed perished as the magical storm made it age into dust in mere moments, but not so Morathi, who has since become immortal long ago. The mages within the Vortex, the greatest minds within the world, who sacrificed themselves to forever maintain the maelstrom, could do little as their attention was made holding the magical storm at may. Morathi slew them all save Caledor Dragontamer himself. Yet her hungry use of magic has drawn the eyes of a dark entity hidden behind a veil within reality. As reality bends and weakens, the hungry hand of Slaanesh stretched his hands within. Morathi was like a flare to Slaanesh, but the Hag Queen had since consign herself to this fate and consign all those around her. |
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| − | Teclis, near death, saw the impending catastrophe and finally made a decision. With what little strength he had left, Teclis unbinded all the magical winds from their prison. Ghyra, the Wind of Life broke free, its descent causing earthquakes all across Ulthuan. The continental plate that supported much of southern Caledor snapped along its spine, sending tens of thousands to their death. Once dormant volcanoes explode to life within the Annulii Mountains, spewing lava all across Yvresse. With supreme will, Teclis caught Ghyra and bound the wind to Alarielle. Before the tremors faded, Teclis tore Ulgu, the WInd of Shadow free from the vortex and the rumbling began again. Tidal waves smashed across the Inner Sea, and Ellyrion all but vanished beneath the deluge, drowning hundreds within the city of Tor Elyr. The Wind of Shadow burst forth and swam like oil towards Malekith's body. Despite what Morathi believes, Malekith was not dead though life had all but left him. As the wisp of smoke entered his burnt flesh, forcing their way through mouth, nose, eyes, seeping through every pore, the Phoenix King let out a piercing cry of pain, his body arched in pain, resting only on his head and heel. The scream faded and Malekith collapsed, smoke flickering from his mouth and every breath. |
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| − | As the Vortex shrank and collapsed upon itself, Slaanesh frantically tried to grab any tasty morsel before he was denied. Morathi, at last realizing her folly backed away but was suddenly caught by Caledor Dragontamer. The mage held Morathi fast as the hand drew near, the Hag Queen tearing through Caledor's face with savage claws. Caledor spoke to Morathi, demanding her to meet her end with the dignity that is befitting of her heritage. At last, it would seem that those words pierced Morathi's madness and she slump upon Caledor's arm. As the claw closed around them both, she screamed one last time and then were was silence. With one last effort, Teclis tore Hysh, the last Wind of Magic upon himself and finally the Vortex collapsed upon itself. |
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| − | With its disappearance, the whole of Ulthuan buckled and sank, the continent itself appearing as if sinking towards the very depths of hte Ocean. Those Aestyrion who still lived saw their doom approach and fled, whilst others, freed from their madness, cosigned themselves to death after witnessing the horrors they've committed. Those that held true to the rightful King gathered together next to their fallen king, praying for salvation. Alarielle moved through the host, her presence healing those near death back to life. She first stopped briefly before Malekith's body, her magics changing the wooden arrow shaft into magical seeds which blew from the winds, scattering into the ground from which mighty Worldroots sprouted. She paid Malekith little heed afterwards and knelt before Tyrion, a single tear flowing down her face after seeing Tyrion's serene face, no longer gripped by madness. Like a shadow, Malekith's form passed by her, and she cried out as Malekith walked towards the Widowmaker. Alarielle and Araloth moved to block his path but they were too late, Malekith's shadowy fingers finally gripping the Widowmaker as he let out a snort of triumph. |
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| − | For a long moment, Malekith stood silhouetted against the billowing sea spry, the Widowmaker outstretched. Then the Phoenix King turned over the sword, retorting that it is simple metal and turned and hurled the sword into the frothing waters. For a heartbeat, the Widowmaker glinted darkly before it disappeared into the depths. When it was gone, another tremor hit the shrinking island and Malekith, Alarielle and all the other Elves made haste into the Worldroots. But this moment have been planned as all across Ulthuan, thousands of Elves were saved by these Worldroots, whilst many others stayed behind, proud to the last, cosigning themselves to death with their beloved home. Soon all but Imrik, Alarielle and Teclis remained. The Loremaster refused to abandon his brother, all of the guilts he has carried finally weighing him down. With a last glance at Tyrions corpse, Alarielle left towards the worldroots with tearful eyes. At last the waters rose so high that even Imirik's mighty Dragon Minaithnir could not remain and so the Dragon Prince left, the sight of Teclis lost to his sight. At last, Uthulan sinks beneath the seas. |
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| − | ===== The Eternity King (Early 2526) ===== |
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| − | [[File:Warhammer_End_Times_Eternity_King.png|thumb|250px|One race, one King]] |
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| − | Ulthuan was gone. but Athel Loren bloomed. Where Ghyran had once been drawn into the Great Vortex. and thence out into the Realm of Chaos. now it flowed to Alarielle. She was still mortal. but had been made one with Ghyran. Thus infused by one of the primal magics. the Everqueen became a beacon of life. As Alariclle journeyed through Athel Loren. the blight that had beset the glades soon receded. and new life sprouted wherever her feet touched the forest's rich soil. Aladdin return to Athel Loren brought greater joy than she could ever have expected. For the first time. she was weary of battle; now. she longed to be healer and protector. |
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| − | Yet Athel Loren was also a realm of shadow. Malekith, whose mortal shell was bound to Ulgu. walked ever in darkness. even under the brightest sun. The Phoenix King's form seemed to billow and shift when his concentration was elsewhere. and all knew when his brooding eyes were upon them. Asuryath had been reforged. though the blade was no longer what it had once been. It was now a weapon of living shadow. bound to its master's will. Alarielle had tended Malekith's wounds, but no artifice could remove the shard of Alith Anar's arrow. It lay near to Malekith's heart, its pain with him in every waking moment, but the Phoenix King bore it without complaint - if not without ill temper. |
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| − | Where once Malekith had ruled over but one race of elves. now all three peoples looked to him for guidance. None of them loved him, but the Phoenix King was well used to that. and it wearied him not. It was Ulthuan destruction that troubled Malekith more. For six thousand years. its domination had been his singular goal. What was he to do now? For the first time in his long life. Malekith was without purpose. |
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| − | For the high elves. it was a time of despair. The land of their birth - the ancestral realms that untold generations had fought and died to protect - had been lost. and that failure haunted them. Worse. with Ulthuan's destruction, thousands of waystones had been shattered. dooming countless billions of souls to Slaanesh's gorge. in one fell stroke of fortune, the high elves had lost both their home and their past. Many took their own lives, unable to live with the grief and the shame. Most of the Ulthuani considered the failure to lie at their own door. and In time this would forge itself into fresh determination. For the present. only imrik's stoic example. and the love that all felt for their Everqueen. kept the high elves from complete despair. The dark elves felt none of their cousins' regrets. To them. ulthuan had ever been a foe to be vanquished and conquered. and many of the Naggarothi believed that they had done exactly that. Now. they saw that Malekith had delivered them to a new realm where their caprices could be easily indulged. and they were well-content. Forbidden by Malekith to prey upon those who lived within Athel Loren. the dark elves raided deep into the shattered remains of Bretonnia. slaking their cruel passions in human blood. The wood elves had lost the least from Tyrion's war. and Alarielle's return promised to restore the forest to a greatness it had not seen in many a lifetime. There were those amongst the lords and ladies who resented sharing their homeland with their displaced cousins. However, most wood elves judged the reunification of the elven race in Athel Loren to be proof that they had ever followed the true path from which others had strayed. On this matter, the spirits of the forest remained silent. although rumours began to spread that a great army of dryads was mustering in the Wildveood, their intent unknown. |
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| − | Alarielle's foresight had not only been the salvation of the elves. but of other creatures also. Rescued from Ulthuan's demise through chance or design. many wild beasts sought new homes beneath Athel Loren's eaves. The forest absorbed the newcomers as readily as It had the elves. and bound them seamlessly Into the weave. Prides of white lions prowled the glades. harpies nested amongst the crags and monstrous hydras swam in the hidden lakes. The dragons of Caledor sought refuge amongst the caves of Wydrioth. phoenixes in the fires of Vaul's Anvil. Thus did only one faction truly suffer from the elves' change of fortune. The beastmen, ever a curse upon Athel Loren, found the forest defended as never before. The high elves and dark elves - the former seeking a distraction from their guilt. and the latter an abeyance of ennui - gladly threw themselves Into the extermination of the beastmen. The Children of Chaos were slaughtered in their thousands. and driven into the darkest depths of the forest. But the threat of the beastmen was not ended. The power of Chaos was still rising. and the herds continued to multiply. At the first full moon after the sinking of Ulthuan. Alarielle at last gave herself in marriage to Malekith. In the preceding days. Malhandir had borne the Everqueen In a procession to every hall in Athel Loren. It was a tourney of pomp and ceremony. rivalling the grandest days of old Ulthuan. A thousand-strong honour guard accompanied their queen. and the banners of three realms were lowered In allegiance wherever Malhandir carried her. It was a solemn event and. for many. an uneasy one. This sense of foreboding was deepened when Alarielle at last arrived in the firclit King's Glade. In all his long life, Malekith had knelt before none save his father. but he knelt in respect to the Everqueen as she trod the petal-strewn path to his side. The ceremony of joining was to have been conducted by Naieth the Prophetess. However, another had taken her place. her midnight dress dark against the shadows. and the stars in her hair a match for those gleaming high above. Thus was the union forged not by mortal words. but by the blessing of Lileath herself. the last survivor of the elven pantheon. |
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| − | Long had Lileath been away from the children she loved as her own. Now the goddess had returned. and her presence at last sparked celebration. Eldora did not return with her. The Queen of the Dead now ruled the realm she had created, just as Ereth Khial had once ruled the underworld of myth. Sorrow was never far from Lileaths thoughts. though she hid it well from others. Only Araloth. who knew the goddess better than any. marked the fatigue that dogged her footsteps. and he feared its meaning. Thus, at last. were the three races of elves united once more, but not beneath the rule of a Phoenix King. Lileath decreed that the time of Asuryan's creation had gone forever, and recrowned Malekith as Eternity King. to rule alongside his Everqueen for all the turnings of the world yet to come. At last. the crowds cheered. and the feast that followed lasted all through the next day. and well into the following night. None heard the words that Lileath shared with Malekith and Alarielle in private. and it was well that they did not, for any celebration would have died stillborn. The power of Chaos was still rising. the goddess told them. and wove a tale of a world upon the brink of destruction. and of horrors yet to come. Thus, whilst their subjects laughed and drank, the Eternity King and Everqueen looked into the future and saw only ashes and death. |
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| − | ====Disaster at Karak Kadrin (Early 2526)==== |
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| − | [[File:Warhammer_Slayers_Keep.jpg|thumb|300px|The Karak Kadrin battlefront]] |
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| − | Many months following his conversation with Queek Headtaker, [[Ikit Claw|Chief Warlock Ikit Claw]] of Clan Skyre was finally within reach of the dreaded Dwarf Hold of [[Karak Kadrin]], known in the tongues of the Dwarfs as Death Peak but known more infamously as Slayer's Keep. Despite having the power of primacy, which gave the most dominate Clans the right to solely use the subterranean passageways leading to the hold, the advance of Ikit Claw was slowed dramatically by horrendous traffic between different invading armies. The lack of respect wore upon Ikit until finally, the mad Warlock's patience finally snapped. Sending forth an entire armada of [[Doomwheels]] through the subterranean highways, Ikit Claw paved much of his journey with the blood of his lesser kin. Soon, all recognized the ultimate supremacy of Clan Skyre. |
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| − | When Clan Skyre arrived at the Karak Kadrin battlefront, Ikit Claw took his warcouncil within the battered, bullet-ridden halls of a overrun Dwarf fortress. For nearly a year, Karak Kadrin held against the onslaught from all sides; above, below and on all directions. Success has been minimal, which is why the trio of Warlords commanding the invasion were all newly appointed, the twenty-first through twenty-third to hold the titles. At first, Ikit tried to learn as much as he can from his subordinate commanders, but after patiently listening for two minutes to only hear them find excuses for their own incompetence, the Chief Warlock let loose a blast of Warpfire from his gauntlet. [[Rikeruk Sliceblade|Warlord Rikeruk Sliceblade]] of [[Clan Rictus]] was later promoted whilst the Engineers of Clan Skyre unpacked their wagon-train of deadly experimental weaponry. One weapon in particular was missing, an atomic bomb Ikit has since called the '''Warpbomb Magnifier'''. Little did Ikit knew that within Karak Eight Peaks, Verminlord Lurklox had stolen the device and used it to bribe Skarsnik and his tribe to leave the mountains of Karak Eight Peaks. |
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| − | Without the Warpbomb Magnifier, Ikit needed to think of another way to destroy Karak Kadrin, and like the devious Skaven he is, he thought it up in the most deranged and homocidal way possible. Yet before he could enact upon his plans, horns echoed across the valley that separated his headquarters from Slayers Keep. The gates were swung open, and a legion of Dwarf warriors and Slayers from the [[Lost Brotherhood]] and the [[Axes of Grimnir]] stormed out of the stronghold with the [[Ungrim Ironfist|Slayer King]] at the fore. The very cliff side was soon clouded by smoke as massive Dwarfen batteries unleashed black-powder firestorms raging across the entire valley. As the Slayer Legions covered half the distance, the Skaven stronghold was soon a frantic blur of activity. Large artillery-nest and bio-chemical vats were being prepared for the Dwarfen assault, whilst regiment after regiment of Clanrats streamed out of the tunnels to reinforce their positions. |
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| − | In an effort to stall their advance, Ikit Claw ordered his close acquaintance, [[Throt the Unclean]] to send in his warbeast. First to came out were massive swarms of Giant Rats which filled the entire pass. In response, Dwarfen artillery rang loud once more and shattered the first Skaven counter-assault. Ikit soon ordered in Jezzail Sniper Teams and made them take aim against the Dwarfen batteries. Three times the Skaven ordered a counter-attack and three times the assault was shattered by Dwarfen cannon-fire. Growing desperate, Warlord Rikeruk Sliceblade sent in the reserves, having enough bodies to literally cover the distance and slam against the Slayer legions. |
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| − | [[File:Warhammer_End_Times_Stormfiend.png|thumb|250px|The Rat-Ogres of the Scatterfire Teams unleash their firepower upon the Dwarfs]] |
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| − | As the brutal melee continued, the Dwarfs were able to literally carve their way through the masses, and eventually, the Slayer King killed the abominable Rikeruk Sliceblade with a mighty swing of his axe. Yet as the Dwarfs advanced, Ikit Claw and Throt the Unclean unleashed their secret weapon. Hulking Rat-Ogres from the elite [[Scatterfire Teams]] unleashed a firestorm of warp-bullets upon the Dwarfen ranks. Reeling from the firepower, two more packs of Stormfiends equipped with mauled gauntlets and Warpfire-Throwers advanced and fired on the move. When it seemed the Dwarfs were soon overrun, the [[Gyrobomber]]s of the [[Thunderfist Squadron]] came to the rescue and carpet-bombed the Stormfiend weapons-team. Behind the enemy battle-lines, explosions were heard as [[Rordrak's Rangers]] unleashed a massive avalanche upon the Skaven artillery positions, their own sliding descent slowed by grappling ropes. |
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| − | Taking the initiative, Ungrim Ironfist led one final assault which finally broke the Skaven battlelines. Soon, the stronghold was a wreckage of destroyed machinery and broken Skaven bodies. But the Slayer Legions were now too far away from the Gates of Slayers Keep, and this is what Ikit Claw wanted all along. With a mighty roar, a trio of [[Hell-Pit Abomination|Hellpit Abominations]] known as the [[Hellpit Terrors]] emerged out of the nearby caves and came headlong towards the gates of Karak Kadrin. Gates that once held out against massive beast and infernal machinery alike were destroyed utterly as the Runes of Valaya protecting the gates no longer shone with life. With a massive crunch, an opening was made and one of abominations squirmed its body through the gap like a giant, disgusting rat. As the sounds of gunfire erupted within the inside of the hold, Ikit frantically jabbed at the big red button which denoted the massive canister of chemical gas sewn inside the abominations. With a massive thump, the gates were burst out of its hinges and the entire hold died a horrific, ignoble death. Slayer's Keep was no more. |
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| − | ==== Fall of Altdorf (Early 2526) ==== |
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| − | {{Quote|Great powers are moving. They converge on Sigmar’s city. The Fallen covet it, as do the Dead. Those who remain will not stand unaided. That is where the hammer will fall, and that is where the world will change.|Lileath, Goddess of Prophecy}}[[File:Warhammer_End_Times_Altdorf_Map.png|thumb|300px|Map of Altdorf]] |
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| − | The [[Empire of Man]] is in ruins. Chaos warbands roam the land, killing and slaughtering all before them. Plague reaps across its populace, once a mighty nation of many now brought low not by marauder sword but by disease and sickness from within and without. [[Marienburg]] has fallen into the murky, polluted waters of the [[River Reik|Reik]]. [[Talabheim]] stands as a bowl of corruption, no living thing alive within its once sacred walls. [[Nuln]] lies buried by rubble as rats salvage all that remains of its industry. [[Middenheim]] is surrounded by a sea of barbarian, its route cut off from all hope of escape. Only [[Altdorf]], the very heartlands of the Empire stands still, but it isn't a city of civilization no more but a sinking mire of corruption. Whilst refugees from Talabheim, Marienburg and Nuln flow in their thousands towards this last bastion of hope, the city itself is dying. [[Festus the Leechlord|Festus]] has infected the hovels and shantytowns of the city, and soon disease runs unchecked across the streets, growing out of control. |
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| − | Hundreds of leagues to the west, the River Reik is choked with blackened moss, the armies of the [[Glottkin]] march across the fetid waters, tribe after tribe of tattooed barbarians following in their wake. In the [[Grey Mountains]], a king nearing his hundredth year but with the look of a man in his prime rode his hippogryph at the head of an armored column. The whole of [[Axe Bite Pass]] is covered all around with mighty Knights in shimmering armor, flocks of Pegasus and [[Hippogryphs]] flying across the sky. They would stand with the Empire one last time, or die trying. [[Orghotts Daemonspew|Daeamonspew]] spilled out from Talabheims craterwalls and headed south-eastward upon a horde of Daemons and Beast, the [[Taurox|Brass Bull]] of ancient days answering his call of blood. Atop a windswept fjord north of the [[Sea of Claws]], a warlord clad in hellforged armor astride a daemonic steed looked across the bay where hundreds of [[Kurgan]] wolfships headed south, their brine-glittered oars rising and falling the like the slow pulse of fate. Out from the forest, an army of maniacs and beasts carved their way through the [[Drakwald Forest]]. As they came, dark vines corrupted all in its path and at their head a Norscan lord stood proud upon his warshrine, his tentacles writing with anticipation. At the forest outskirts, a mighty Wizard Lord with a mask of gold awaits by the company of the damn, his determination to see the lands of man saved from damnation stokes a fire within his heart. |
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| − | In the realm of dreams, stars shimmered as a maiden of white cries tears of meteorite. Two tall figures watched the maidens tears fall from a distance, one a mother clad in green, the other a white-bearded man wearing a wolf's head cloak. The maiden could do little but to weep tears as her father writhes with unimaginable pain, pus and boils covering his body, a black growth taking control of his legs and black thorns covering him like a bed. As he moan, the mortal world trembled and the dreams of kings and peasants alike are troubled in their sleep. The proud [[Reikmarshal]], once one of the greatest warrior in his empire, now can do little but brood over his new throne, given to him not by choice but by necessity and desperation. His city is dying, and no sword or fire can burn away the decay which claim the lives of his people everyday. With grim determination, the Reikmarsal now seeks to do the unthinkable and went to the highest tower in his palace, lighting a light of desperation that even the darkest of creatures could. Finally, a tall southerner prowled the [[Ostland]] wastes, his priceless runesword bound away from sight. A tangled beard disguise his regal features and his mighty Griffon companion still remains too weak for flight. The southerner wore his determination like a suit of Gromril, and the fire in his belly was hot enough to see him through a dozen Kislevite winters. He would return to his beloved city and from there, he will bore witness the final death throes of an empire long since dead. |
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| − | =====The Dying City (Early 2526)===== |
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| − | [[File:Warhammer_End_Times_Altdorf_Battle_Map_1.png|thumb|The Coming of Darkness|399x399px]] |
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| − | [[File:Warhammer_End_Times_Altdorf_Battle_Map_2.png|thumb|The route of the Invasion army|395x395px]]Altdorf was once the proud beacon of Human civilization in the wartorn north of the [[Old World]]. Now, it is nothing more than a cragmire of death. With every passing moment, the greenish-yellow fog that permeated the streets grew so thick that no one could see more than a few feet from them. And for every lung full of breath each inhabitant took, another dies in agonizing pain as sickness envelopes them. Soon, the young, elderly and infirm were snuff out, doomed to be damned in the diseased world that lies behind the ever thinning veil of reality. Gnats, flies and mosquitoes infest the city sky, their numbers so thick that none could sleep soundly in their beds. Rebellion erupted and was ruthlessly oppressed by Kurt Helborg. Order was restored and now the common people have only two options, to die by disease or die by the sword. Others fled southwards, hoping their numbers will protect them from the dangers of the wilds. As soon as they slept, their dreams were haunted by horrible visions and in their sleep, the unholy vines have crept and claimed each and every one of them. |
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| − | Day after day, the Reikmarshal became a tyrant, and the people hated him for it. Yet they fail to realize that only his iron-will is what kept the last of the Empire from collapsing once and for all. After one sleepless night too many, the Reikmarshal has had enough. The entire military might of the Colleges of Magic sent their best and brightest to rid the city of this plague. Searing Bright Wizards scatter embers all across the city, embers which if chanted, would burn the filth from the very bones. The Light Order sent rays of purest magic upon the thickest of the fog whilst Celestial Wizards tries divination to find out the day the Forces of Chaos shall come. The Shayllans healers have set up a massive shantytown, ready to receive the wounded or sickly from the battles to come. Soon, the city stopped burying the bodies of the dead and have begun to muster upon the battlements. Artillery nest were set up by the College of Engineers and the shouts and prayers of Captains and Warrior-Priest rang across the morning. It is said that even the Ghost of the city have begun to sharpen their blades for hte coming battle, conjured by the spirit-wizards of the near extinct Amethyst College. The city was readying for a final, apocalyptic war, and Altdorf lies at its very center. At a lonely part of the Temple, Kurt Helborg kneels before the statue of Sigmar, swallowing his pride as he prayed to Sigmar for the first time in decades. |
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| − | When the doom of Altdorf came, it happen not when the plague armies arrived upon its walls but a pillar of black smoke which rose high above the Butcher Districts of the city, out from the very bowels of the sewers itself. As the dark clouds gathered above, little by little, milk-white rain hit the corpses that lay scattered across the streets until the rain turned into a downpour. Soon, each corpse burst into life as a tangled mass of trees and jungles of the most foulest materials erupted across the city. As the howling masses outside Altdorf charged across the flood plains towards its walls, the pillar of smoke at its heart whipped around and around until it turned to a tornado. At its heart, reality buckled and faded and from this wound, the Daemons of Nurgle strode forth at the city's heart. Up above, the face of a foul entity smiled down upon the scene. |
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| − | To the south, the grand Crusader Army of Bretonnia has crested the Bloodpine Ridge, their banners and numbers stretching from horizon to horizon for a mile wide. To the west, thousands of Norscans charged across the plains, with the Glottkins at their head. To the north, a sea of Beastmen swelled out from a dark arch in the eaves of the Drakwald. At their was a column of Norscan cavalry led by Gutrot Spume. Dragon Ogres and Minotaur alike battle each other for position at the head of the stampeding charge. To the East, the foul daemon army of the Maggot Riders burst through the palisade walls which guarded the outer line. |
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| − | Whilst other men would lost all hope, in this darkest of hours the last Men of the Empire fought on nonetheless. Marching out of the east gate, entire armies of heavily-armored State Troops, hordes of Flagellants, squadrons of entire Knightly Orders, mighty artillery nest and steam tanks and even conclaves of mighty Battle Wizards from all across the Colleges stood upon the plains to do battle. It was one of the greatest and most powerful Imperial army this war will ever see, the last and most desperate cry of defiance of an already dead Empire. High above, like the Men below, the Twin-Tailed Comet blaze defiantly brighter than it has ever had before, its glow obscuring even the dreaded Chaos Moon on Ghehminisct Eve, its most foulest of days. Its fire crackled with unnatural power as it appears to grow brighter and brighter with each passing moment. From below, the city of Altdorf stared into an abyss form which it could never return, its fate balanced on the blades of those massed around its walls. Across the fields, man, daemon and beast raised their warhorns and sounded the advanced. The final battle for Mankind had begun and it is here that the Men of the Old World will either stand or fall. |
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| − | ===== The Fall of Man (Early 2526) ===== |
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| − | [[File:Warhammer_End_Times_Altdorfs_Fall.png|thumb|300px|The Fall of Man]] |
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| − | [[File:Warhammer_End_Times_Glottkin_Altdorf.png|thumb|300px|The Ride of the Crusaders]] |
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| − | Battle had begun. To the south, the mile long line of [[Crusaders of Bretonnia|Bretonnian Crusaders]] smashed hard against the rear of the [[Tattooed Tribes]] whilst another wedge went westward to intercept the Daemon armies of Nurgle. The air around them glowed with an inner light as the last blessings of the Lady granted each Knight the power to smite all before them, their bodies glowing as if each one was a Grail Knight in all but name. As soon as the [[Norscan Berserker|Norscans]] saw them and formed their Shieldwalls, it collapsed under the pressure of a thousand lances all at once. Broken and in disarray even before battle had begun, the Host of Crusaders thundered past the first broken line and smashed again and again to the second and third. The eastern Crusaders had experienced the same brutal impact, with the [[Monstrous Horde|Daemons]] of [[Epidemius|Epidemus]] wavering before the holy fire which wreathes across each lance and blade. Louen led the charge of this force and his Griffon fell upon a mighty Cygor with brutality. For a moment, Louen stood tall in the saddle, a legend given life, raising his sword to the heavens with the comet glowing in the sky. |
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| − | To the west, the momentum of the Crusader assault had punched deep into the Norscan lines, but with the eyes of their God upon them, each one was willing to die then to flee and live life another day. Soon, the Crusaders dropped their lances and prepared their swords, being only a quarter of the distance between them and their Empire allies. Above, Louen and his [[Skyhost]] carved a path through the sky and headed towards the city, there to defend the city from the Daemons from within. With this, the Glottkin regrouped and began to push the Crusaders back. |
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| − | To the north, the stampeding tide of [[Drakwald Beasts|Beasts]] rammed home against the thickets of spears and shieldwalls that line the northern armies flank. Nearly 18,000 troops stood before the walls and the Beasts which hammer at their shields and Kurt Helborg stood there ready to hold the line or die trying. Yet behind him even still, a new ally stood to defend the Imperials. Perhaps tens of thousands of the arisen dead stood in silent formation upon the walls, each one once a dear friend or kin, returned to unlife to defend their city as promised by the deal made between Kurt Helborg and [[Vlad von Carstein]]. And as for the Beastmen, Kurt knew they had taken the bait. |
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| − | With most of their veteran forces at the front ranks, a horde of [[Empire Knights]] rode north-westard, appearing as fleeing before making a wide arc and charging towards the rearguard [[Beastmen]] still forming up. Near a thousand knights slammed hard upon the Beasts, killing many times their numbers and routing the other half. In response, three [[Ghorgons]] burst through the forest and made way towards the [[Knights Panther]]s. To intercept them, squadrons of [[Demigryph Knights]] pounced upon the trio of beast, taken down like a pack of wolves takes down a bear. Soon, half the Beastmen were died or in flight and the mouth of the throttlevine tunnel was blocked by Knights and roaring Demigryphs. |
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| − | To the East, the Daemon armies of Epidemus made a headlong charge towards the wedge of four mighty [[Steam Tank|Steamtanks]] hissing and roaring towards them. A cannonball shot out and took out the eye of [[Orghotts Daemonspew|Orghotts]] daemon mount, its body slowly lurching down before it made a feeble attempt to move onward. The Maggot Riders ran past the four steam tanks, Rotspawn's maggot, Bilespurter, tearing the turret of the nearest tank and vomiting corruption inside. The steamtank rumbled onward towards the hordes, smashing daemons before it slowly stopped to a halt. The other three rammed further still but Epidemus shot a wave of the pus-white clouds from above and hammered it inside one of the tanks. The crew jumped out of their hull before falling into the knifes of the daemons surronding them. Farther back, barrage after mighty barrage of the entire artillery arsenal of the Empire made gaping holes upon the slow moving Daemonic lines. Helstorm Rockets created dozens of craters all across the plains whilst Mortars arc overhead and made huge shrapnel explosions amongst the ranks. Helblaster Volley Guns cut dozens of Daemons down with each triple-shot fired, each bullet laced with holy power. On every front the armies of the Empire were embattled as the grand armies of Nurgle closed in. Blades flashed, tentacles thrashed, maws bit and lances hit home as a hundred grisly tableaus played out, a banquet of carnage for the greedy god watching from above. Every one of the warriors battling below the rumbling skies knew it in his heart - the fate of the city, and in truth the Empire of man, would be decided by their actions in the coming hours. |
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| − | Even as Chaos reign across the lands, it is inside the city from which disorder blossoms without restraint. A Gate between Worlds has open and from it, Nurgle's Garden have covered the city with a jungle of diseased vines and trees. Only the lands around the Temple of Shallya stood remained, the purity of the goddess keeping the filth from growing further still. Desperate, the last of the mighty Wizards sent all they had to halt its spreading. On the edge of the furtid River Reik, the Wizards of the Golden Order unleashed a mighty spell from the chimneys of their College, and soon a portion of the city was covered in Goldsteel, with the plants of nurgle unable to take hold. Yet even metal decays, and soon the gold turned rusted and crumbled to reveal shoots of vines and fungus growing out. |
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| − | The Light Order, their pyramidal sanctum sequestered away in the aether, ventured forth in great numbers, chanting in ancient tongue and sent a wave of pure magic once more against the Daemonhost. The Jade Order could do little, for they were connected more closely to the Earth and the corruption which seeps into it also seeps into them as well. Soon, all of their kin were warping into fleshing trees, faces contorting in anguish as their College turned too into a fleshy tree. Only the Wizards of the Bright Order proved the fiercest and most determined of the magical conclave. Dozens of Bright Wizards transformed themselves into living beings of flame, and everywhere they go the plants of Nurgle burnt to cinder and entire district were turned to ash. For six long hours, the Bright College itself blazed radiant and pure and around it laid a large wasteland of burnt buildings and charred ash, the fires of defiance still strong. In response, Nurgle brought the mighty tempest upon the College itself and a mighty downpour of milk-white rain drowned the fiery wizards into the cobble, their fires all but extinguished. |
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| − | Doctor Festus and the Great Unclean One, Kur'gath the Plaguefather led the daemonhost towards the Temple of Shallya, ready to remove that taint of purity from the unholiness of his garden. As they made a turned around the Fleischmarkt district, they were confronted by a scene from a demented general's nightmare. A mighty host of warriors armied with burning zweihanders hewed the Daemons that approached whilst what remains of the Bright Order burned dozens of the [[Slubberdegullions|Slubbergullions]] with each flick of their wrist. Behind them, a cadre of tall-helmed Knights riding Demigryphs pushed back wave after wave of daemonic warriors. Walls of fire slowly made their down many streets as the fiery pyromaniacs gave it their all to burn back the corruption, popping the [[Frolicking Swarm|Frolocking Swarm]] of [[Nurglings]] which fills the street. Yet again the rains gather around these fiery beings like moths to a flame and poured its contents to extinguish their efforts. Festus grabbed a Nurgle from under the flab of his nipple and threw it at the Greatsword company, the units champion intercepting it and cutting it in half. Bursting with acid, the Greatswords were blinded by corruption and were easy prey for the [[Angels of Decay]] which hover towards them. Onwards the two Daemonlords marched, for few of the living remained in the city and even fewer had the courage to attack a Greater Daemon. A knot of soldiers and militia bravely tried but were dispersed by a spell of corruption launched at them. Down Candle Square, a rumbling Steam Tank drove down the alley at topspeed, grinding plaguebearers into mulch before ramming home against Kur'gath. Yet with his unholy resilience, the Daemon grabbed the machine and lurched it to its side. By Sigmarsen Street, a coven of Light Wizards upon mighty [[Luminark of Hysh|Luminarks]] began shooting rays of magic against the Angels of Decay, felling many. Festus saw this and sent a swarm of winged leeches which reduced the wizards to husk in moments. Again and again, pockets of resistance and Imperial snipers tried to shoot at their Daemonhost, but they were immune to such attempts. |
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| − | ===== Battle of the Temple (Early 2526) ===== |
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| − | [[File:Warhammer_End_Times_Dying_City.png|thumb|200px|There is no escape...]]As they reached Unterwald Bridge, there before them they saw the shining dome of Shallya's Temple. Not a single stain covers its alabaster surface or the bone-dry flagstone of its courts; even the skies above it was crystal blue instead of the unhealthy hue of rotten milk. Around the mighty temple, hundreds of wounded laid in tents and stretchers whilst dozens of sisters hustled from bed to bed. Yanking free a bronze sword from a nearby statue of Magnus the Pious, the Daemon angrily smashed through a healing station and its occupants into unrecognizable mess. With a word, Festus sent corrupted air into the mouths and nostrils of the fleeing sisters. An old woman in a white wimple strode right up to him and struck him hard across the face with a holy dagger. For a second, Festus frowned before smashing a potion upon her forehead, her body decomposing in mere seconds. Seeing the deaths of these selfless priestess, who gave everything to heal them from near death, first a few than a dozen than finally hundreds of the [[Walking Wounded]] and the [[Sons of the Comet]] formed a thin line against the Daemons, too wounded to flee and too sick to even walk. They would give everything they had to protect the sisters that had helped them when no others would. As the Daemons drew close, from the courtyards on the far side of the Temple, hordes of the [[Shambling Dead]] poured out like a river, forming a barrier between the Daemons and the survivors. Then from the skies, the Skyhost of Louen Leoncouer had arrived. In that moment, the tides turned. |
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| − | High Paladin Louen struck home with his blessed lance, running deep into Kur'gaths breast. With his unholy resilience, he yanked the lance free and threw both beast and rider towards the Temple, smashing into the stone. High above, the Sky Host and the Angels of Decay fought back and forth across the clear skies over the Temple. Below, the zombie hordes began to slowly pull down the outnumbered daemons, the Daemons being distracted like children to the skin diseases blossoming across the zombies faces. [[Putrefex Blistertongue]], commander of Nurgle's legion honked out a droning command and the second line of Daemons snapped out of their stupor and finally fought back. Distracted, the flanks of the Daemons were soon enveloped by hordes of the [[Last Remnants of Tribe Unberogen|Arisen Unberogen]] led by the vain [[Wilhelm I|Emperor Wilhem I]]. Such was the momentum of his attack that Vlad cut his way through the entire Daemonic column and into the other side, the undead coming in to form a shieldwall which cut off the Daemons from further reinforcements and trapping the embattled ones inside. |
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| − | Finally, Kur'gath managed to lumber towards the last line of the wounded survivors and crazed flagellants protecting a kneeling praying High Priestess of Shallya. As the Daemon raised its blade, Louen burst from the archway and pushed the Priestess aside. Jumping up, the High Paladin drove his holy sword upon the lance wound, opening it further, showing the daemons heart. The daemon then turned his head abruptly and scooped the High Paladin high into the air with his antlers and smacked him across the plaza. Festus then used a spell which corrupted the last of the Skyhost until their bodies began to bloat and burst into a rain of blood and gore. Released from their plight, the Angels of Decay droned downward but were intercepted by the crazed [[Sons of the Comet]], these madmen using tooth and nail to tear down the wings of these daemons. At the back, the elite Undead cohorts of Vlad held the line against the reinforcing Daemons whilst Wilhelm matched his burning white blades against Putrifix Blistertongue. Soon, even the Daemon fell under hte burning blade of the arisen Emperor. All across the city, the continuously resurrected dead fought on relentlessly against the ever appearing Daemons. Suddenly, a Daemon-Engine known as Stemcutter appeared behind Vlad and the two fought hard. |
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| − | Back at the Temple, Loeun and Kur'gath once more went head to head. His Hippogryph dead after trying one to tear the flesh of the Greater Daemon, Louen stabbed his sword deep into the creatures throat whilst dozens of Flagellants hooked themselves upon the Daemons body like leeches. Louen's blood, now a golden fluid burnt the Daemon with great pain. With agonizing cries, the Daemon lurched back and forth and slammed against the Statue of Magnus the Pious, the construct falling down upon him, pinning him down as second by agonizing second, the greater daemon bubbled away into nothingness until all that was left was a simmering stain. In place of the statue, Louen stood victories and pointed his sword towards Festus. He ran towards the apothecary yet as he was tangled by a leech thrown at him, he made a barrel roll and plunged his holy sword deep into his gut. But Festus was not a full daemon, not yet at least and the sword and blood did not kill him like it did to the Daemon. With great power, he smashed a potion upon Louen and with his bonesaw, he hacked the head of the Champion, golden blood spurting across the pavement until he held it high into the air, where the laughter of Nurgle echoed across. |
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| − | Yet out of nowhere, Vlad tackled the apothecary like a thunderbolt and as he rose up he drew his blade. Before he could strike, Festus spat a phrase of power and blasted the Vampire's flesh to a cloud of ashen mist. The world held its breath for a moment as an empty suit of sylvanian armor clattered into the comblestone, a large jeweled ring rolling away to settle under a mass of broken wood. This was the end. What remains of the sisters tried desperately to clean the temple and conjure a circle of consecrated ground which no daemon could cross with urns of blessed water, tears streaking down their faces as they realized that all hope was lost. Festus chuckled at their pitiful display, for with a single word that barrier is broken. He was triumphant and nothing will stop him, he is now ascendant. Suddenly, the mass of broken tables exploded and Vlad von Carstein leap upon the Apothecary once more, his ring bright enough to sear the eyes. Festus held a fat hand and caught Vlad's blade in a grip but the wooden stake in the other plunged itself deep into Festus chest. The Vampire's gamble had worked. Filled to the brim with the burgeoning energies of unbridled life, Festus' body turned the inert wood of the stake into a wild and twisted tree in the space of a single surreal second. Impaled on a majestic Drakwald Oak that suddenly sank its great roots into the stone, the Leechlords chest slowly pulled wider and wider until finally it burst into a cloud of grey-green ectoplasm. With his death, the whirling maelstrom at the heart of the poor district raged and was whipped back into the Realm of Chaos. With the Altdorfers ascendant, the Daemon host found themselves unable to penetrate the circle of holy ground around the Temple. For a fleeting moment, both sisters and survivors huddled together, too tired to cry out their victory but was contempt of a small prayer of deliverance in their lips. With the intervention of the dead and the selfless death of the Bretonnian lord, the pearl of purity at the heart of the poorest district in Altdorf had been saved and with it, the city's soul. |
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| − | ===== The Glottkin Ascendant (Early 2526) ===== |
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| − | [[File:Warhammer End Times Glottkin Attacks Altdorf.PNG|thumb|451x451px|The Glottkins rampage across Altdorfs streets]] |
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| − | Outside the city, the battle rages on. To the north, Hans Zintler, Captain of the Reikguard Knights led the charge against Gutrot Spume and his Warshine. One by one, the Knights dragged the mutants holding up the shrine down but Gutrot leaped into the air and slammed bodily upon the Reikguards. In moments, Gutrots tentacles killed Knights within seconds but Zintler took action and plunged his sword upon Gutrots back, the blade bursting towards the other side. The warlord simply chuckled and pinned the Captain down as he grabbed the sword out from his back, blood running like rivers down his helmet as he rammed the sword back down upon the Captains neck, ending his life. With the Reikguard broken, Spume's counter-attack allowed the Beastmen to begin clambering up the rotting northern walls of Altdorf. |
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| − | To the east, the Empire's blades held fast against the daemonic onslaught. Epidemus have not seen so much diseases erupting in the frontlines and so distracted was he that he did not notice the barrel of cannons aiming at him. Seeing his plight the Maggot Riders tried to intercept the crews, but there were only three of them and dozens of the murderous cannons. Soon, a barrage rang out and Epidemus looked down at the hole that had gored his torso like a rotten apple. Slowly his quill scrabbled to a halt and the daemon herald faded from the mortal realm like a bad dream. With his death, the Daemons lost their vigour and were as slow as any sickly creature. Yet as their advance stalled, Taurox the Brass Bull and an entire warband of Minotaurs launched another assault, punching a whole through the line of spearmen and halberdiers. Yet as the Imperials fled and the Minotaurs stopped to feast on the remains, [[Mundvard the Cruel]], having survived the destruction of Marienburg, uttered a spell which saw a whole regiment of Undead rise up on the Minotaur's flanks, and in a span of a heartbeat, each one of them simultaneously thrust their spears and killed several of the massive creatures. Taurox however continued on, unable to know the taste of flesh, and as he massacred his way towards the East Gate, he foolishly allowed his brown patch of flesh on its throat to reveal and in that instant, an arrow was lodged deep within, the amber trail pointing to the topmost tower within East Gate, where stood [[Markus Wulfhart|Huntsmarshal Markus Wulfhart]] proud against the skyline. The massive creature's eyes rolled back and toppled over dead. With its death, the Empire took heart and the Imperials pushed back the dark tide. Better still, out from the north, two mighty Griffons soar across the skies, one carrying a man that all Imperials couldn't believe to be. In that darkest of days, Karl Franz, Emperor of the Empire had returned. |
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| − | To the west, the Glottkin however would not be denied. Barreling in like a mighty avalanche, the massive Ghurk slammed through Altdorfs walls and made his way towards the Imperial palace. Yet there to intercept, the vengeful Mundvard the Cruel shot beamts of dark magic at the sorcerer-brother Ethrac whilst the Suiddock Beast slammed itself upon the giant Ghurk. Soon, undeads by the hundreds began to clamber like a living flood towards the Glottkin brothers, literally swarming them like ants and covering them all the way to the giant brothers neck. Ghurk shot a tentacle at the Terrorghiest, but like an obese child pulling a kite, the Glottkin were slowly being pulled away. Up above, a trio of Vampiress upon a Coven Throne shot rays of dark magic upon Otto Glott, nearly incinerating his head. Outraged, Otto shot his scythe up and decapitated the head Vampiress, forcing the Throne to rise up once more. A furious Ethrac launched a magical explosion which saw the Undead propelled out from their giant brothers way. Mundvard had enough and was prepared to launch a spell that would end the Glottkin once and for all. Ethrac Glott was quicker still and launched a way of dark clouds upon the Vampire, and when it dispersed, all that remains was a skeleton of the once powerful Vampire. Without his masters presence, the Terrorgheist lost much of its power and was suddenly yanked down to earth, where it was pounded to oblivion again and again by the boulderfist of Ghurk Glott. |
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| − | Finally, the brothers have managed to reach the Palace, and out of the skies, a voice rang out as if from the heavens. Karl Franz, Emperor of the Empire of Man demanded the Glottkin to undo the magic done, leave this place once and for all or die upon his sword. Up above, [[Supreme Patriarch]] [[Gregor Martak]] looked down with a savage snarl atop his mighty two-headed Griffon whilst upon the streets, [[Vlad von Carstein|Elector Count Vlad von Carstein]] formed up alongside rank after serried ranked of the [[Palace Dead]]. The Glottkin, with savage amusement, denied the demand. Then, battle had begun. Dozens of the [[The Chosen Few|Chosen Few]] charged headlong into the fray whilst [[Red Reavers|the Clotted]] and the [[Knights Entropic]] came charging behind. Before the Glottkin could so much as charge, Otto Glott took a punch to the face which saw his helmet split open, the form of Vlad forming up within the roof of the palace armory, the act as revenge against the death of the head Vampiress he killed. Otto and Vlad fought, but the Vampire was much quicker and landed a stab which burst through Otto's torso. But the blade Vlad had used sucked the blood from its victims and as corrupted blood was fed into Vlad, he fell back and vomited. Soon, Otto grabbed the sword and tried to decapitate the Vampire, but the ring once more saved him and a swarm of bats fluttered away into the night. |
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| − | Hauling himself back unto his brother, the Glottkin recommenced the attack but was suddenly assault by the two Griffon riders, the two-headed creature taking out the eye of the mutant giant Ghurk. Ethrac frantically spat a spell which saw the Griffon slowly wither from corruption but the wizard Martak intoned a nullification spell and shot an Amber Spear towards them. Otto intercepted it and took he brunt of the attack. Ethract spat another spell and dark tendrils shot up from the earth and killed the twin-griffon, forcing Marthak to jump out of the way. Martak quickly went inside and tried to find his way out, being pursued by the [[The Harbinger|Harbinger]] and his beastmen allies. Finally, they corner him but before they could so much as raise their axes, embers began to lit the room as a mighty dragon caged within the Imperial Menagerie shot out fire and killed the Harbinger and his beastmen. Martak's gambit had succeeded and darkness soon claimed his vision. |
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| − | ===== Gods and Monsters (Early 2526) ===== |
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| − | [[File:Warhammer_End_Times_Karl_Franz_Rebirth.png|thumb|300px|Rebirth]]This was the end. Karl Franz knew it. Despite his most valorous efforts, the Emperor had been knocked out if his mount, the mighty Griffon being pinned down by the massive Ghurk Glott. His right arm severed, the Emperor valiantly tried to ward off Otto Glott's attacks, but even at his prime he knew he wasn't a match for such an evil being. Otto was about to douse his foe with corrosive bile when suddenly he was intercepted by a knight in shimmering armor, the form of Reikmarshal Kurt Helborg appearing by the Emperors side. As one, the two fought Otto and Franz had managed to lung his sword just a hair-breaths away from his evil heart. His chance thwarted, Otto lunged his own sword to his throat but the Reiksmarshal shot his hand out, the palms bleeding like a river before Otto ripped it free, cutting several of his fingers before he plunged the blade into the Reiksmarshals eye socket. Helborg stuttered out a plea for forgiveness in the name of Sigmar before his corpse slid from the blade unto the floor. |
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| − | Otto laughed maniacally as lightning flashed across the sky, raising his blade up and bringing it down to sever another of the Emperors arm before plunging itself deep into his heart. The world seemed to freeze in fear for a brief second, the tableau outside the palace strobbing white in the light of the celestial storm above. Karl Franz sank to the flagstone with the Glottkin triumphant above him. With his last breath, the Emperor called out the name of his god one last time. And the world was changed forever. |
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| − | Above the Glottkin, the skies ripped open to reveal a celestial being, a twin-tailed sphere of pure force slamming itself through the sky and blasted itself upon Karl Franz corpse, hurtling the Glottkin through the air with the power of a God. Tails of blinding lightning curled up into the skies, an incandescent helix that burned away every trace of Nurgle's tainted garden and scattered the white tornado at the city's heart to nothingness. At the heart of the grounded comet stood a figure, golden and tall. Emperor Karl Franz burst unharmed from the fires, a hammer made of pure golden light blazing In his hands. Luminous and terrible, the warrior crackled with raw etheric power as he charged straight at the triplets. Ghurk growled and lunged out with his tentacle, but the shining apparition was faster than the eye could follow. Karl Franz grabbed Ghurk's pseudopod and yanked hard, pulling the giant in close. The Emperors hammer of light swung upward in a great uppercut, thudding into Ghurk's gut and bursting it apart to splash unclean fluids across the courtyard. The brute fell, his giant frame opened to the air. Otto roared and leapt from his brother's shoulders, sword raised. Karl Franz turned, his hand outstretched, and blasted the warlord with a column of lightning. The blazing energy sent Otto flying across the Grand Boulevard to slam into the Reikstemple's walls, his limbs limp. Gravel steaming beneath his feet, the godly warrior strode over to Ethrac as the sorcerer gabbled in panic. The Emperor's golden hammer rose high. Ethrac's spell finished with a shout, and all three of the triplets turned into swarms of fat flies. The hammer fell and the swarms spiraled into the aether, a foul smell left in their wake. High above, the clouds parted to reveal a cold but pure winter dawn. |
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| − | In the realm of dreams. tears streaked Shallya's face as she laid her delicate hands on the shivering, corrupted mess that had once been her proud Lord of Nature. Healing energies flowed out. and for a moment the plagues crippling the fallen god shimmered and faded. Yet Nurgle's power was too strong. and the grotesque marks left by the diseases came back again. Liver spots discoloured the goddess' arms, and pimples rose on her unblemished flesh. She tossed her beautiful mane of hair in anguish. the end of each golden strand turning white and breaking away in a halo of mist. Behind her, the shining figure of the Lady leant in, her lips pursed in thought. She looked to the shining golden paladin by her side for a moment. Inspired by her faithful warrior's sacrifice, she too knelt down next to the stricken god and placed her hands on Taal's chest. Gradually the spots on Shallya's arms faded. and her flaxen hair returned to its former lustre. Under her hands a lambent white light flowed out. mingling with the emerald energies channeled by the Lady at her side. Taal's mighty chest heaved. his eyes opening wide. Another glowing figure stepped in. a giant of a man with a wolfskin helm and a long white beard. Looking at the stars above for a long moment, the weather beaten giant placed his gnarled hands on his fallen friend's chest. Winter had finally come. and with It, a chance for rebirth. |
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| − | The geometric power of the three gods mingled. driving the corruption from the nature god's body. A layer of frost crackled across Taal's body. thickening until he was encased from head to foot. Ulric raised his fist and brought it down hard. shattering the icy cocoon into a thousand fragments. Great Taal slowly got to his feet. whole. unblemished, and as majestic as the winter sun. In the realm of mortals. a great change was taking place. As the sun of a new dawn crested the horizon. the unnatural storm above Altdorf dwindled away and dissipated. the daemon hosts fading away with it as they were robbed of their etherlc powers. The last of Geheimnisnacht's thunder was more a curmudgeonly grumble than a boom of laughter. |
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| − | |||
| − | Gutrot Spume was the first to realize the moment of conquest had passed. ordering his forces to withdraw Into the forest. Orghotts Daemonspew and his maggoth riders were not far behind. With their leaders withdrawing and the daemons of their patron disappearing with the storm. the Norscan armies that surrounded Altdorf were gradually broken and driven off by the disciplined defence mounted by the Old World's menfolk. By noon of the next day. the armies led by Gutrot Spume. Orghotts Daemonspew and the Glottkin had been scattered, and the city had been retaken by its people - hesitantly at first, but then with pitiless vigour. Across the length and breadth of the Empire, a white fire blazed along each river. stream and tributary. The rippling wave of magic scoured away Nurgle's choking taint as it went. leaving crystal clear water in its wake. The people of the provinces slowly caught on to the miracle happening in their midst as all the diseases and fevers that had plagued them simply disappeared, farm by farm and hamlet by hamlet. Though much of the Empire had been left in ruin. It was soon washed clean by the first cleansing rains of winter. Before the month was out children frolicked and played in the shallows of the great rivers. their parents looking nervously from the banks before throwing caution to the wind and jumping in after them to splash and dive and drink of the beautiful, ice-cold water. |
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| − | [[File:Warhammer_End_Times_Karl_Franz_Ascendant.png|thumb|300px|God-King]]Deep in the Garden of Nurgle, the rotten, insect-gnawed timbers of the Urfather's manse moaned and creaked as the hurricane of its master's wrath raged outside. Not even the tiniest beast would roam abroad In the garden today. The Lord of Decay had been denied his prize. In the shadowed pyramids of the manse's great attic. three newly shaped ceramic jars rattled and clinked amongst the dust, a faint buzzing sussurus coming from within. Two were more or less man-sized. but the third was a massive round urn that could have held a boulder the size of a house. In the throne room of Altdorf's palace Emperor Karl Franz sat in his rightful place once more. His body had been made whole once more by the raw magical energies that burned inside him. and his soul was a hundred times more powerful than ever before. His throne room was thrown into flickering monochrome by the titanic helix of raw power that curled up from the comet's Impact point Into the night sky outside. Altdorf had been burned clean of the curses afflicting it by the energies of the twin-tailed comet, yet those same forces raged still, bleeding the power of the stars into the mortal realm. |
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| − | Despite his narrow victory over the forces of Chaos, the Emperor smiled not at all, and the courtiers and Electors dotting his throne room were as silent as the grave. This was no time for jollity, nor celebration. Roughly half the population of the Empire had died in the last few months, and Bretonnia had expended much of its strength in their defence. Worse still was the news that the Emperor's Nordlander scrollbearers had delivered to him earlier that day. An armada of wolf ships had been sighted in the Sea of Claws. more numerous than any that had been seen before. Every one of them bore the symbol of the Three-Eyed King upon its sails. Karl Franz crunched the parchment scroll in his fist. |
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| − | Archaon was coming. |
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| − | ==== Great Lustrian War (Early 2526) ==== |
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| − | [[File:Warhammer End Times Great Lustrian War.jpg|thumb|350x350px|Clan Pestilens marches to Lustria once more]] |
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| − | [[File:Warhammer End Times Lustrian War.PNG|thumb|300x300px|War Map of Lustria]] |
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| − | Throughout the continent of Lustria, war continued to be fought on many levels. The skaven, commanded by Lord Skrolk, had arisen from their subterranean lairs once more. They came as a swarm, hundreds of thousands of rats investing every length and breath of Lustria, driving the beasts of the jungle away and smothering the Temple-Cities under a sea of rats. With the Slann still in comatose, several mighty Lizardmen cities, each one a bastion of brutal defiance, fell to the verminous hordes but soon the Lizardmen rallied into massive armies and pushed the vermin back. Yet the vermin return and with greater numbers. Thus was the great battle of Lustria begun anew. This was a crusade of annihilation. It was a total war, fought not just by mighty armies but by the land itself. Yet the virulent diseases unleashed by the Skaven pushed the Lizardmen back. Itza, the First City fell to ruin, the greatest and most powerful of the Temple-Cities fallen not by sword or blade but by cowardice filth and contamination. |
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| − | This contamination touched all within Lustria. Mighty Stegadon eggs blackened, creeper-vines withered and sentient bogs turned to toxic sludge. Everyday, swarms of infested rats fester within the Jungle, eating the youngling reptiles that remain or being eaten by predators, themselves growing sick by the contagion infecting them. When the Slaan awoke once more, they sent magical storms across Lustria, winds dispersing the foul corruption away and cleansing rain attuned with magic to wash away the filth. Lord Mazdamundi even magnified the light of the sun, bathing Lustria for three days in purest illumination. Despite all this, they could not stem the creeping malignancy spreading across their empire. There wasn't time to dwell upon such matters, for the minds of the Mage-Priest were preoccupied with events taking place elsewhere. The Vortex had been unmade by the Elves and in turn, hurricane of magical winds howled across the world. In desperation, all of the Slann combined their mighty magics together to enact another great barrier, but division soon erupted and only Lord Mazdamundi held the key to victory. His time will come soon. |
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| − | Elsewhere, a mighty warcouncil had been created, [[Thanquol|Lord Thanquol]] and [[Skreech Verminking|Verminking]] demanding Lord Skrolk and Verminlord Vermalanx to continue to assault against the last great Lizardmen city. Yet despite their power, even a Verminlord has fears of their own, for they are still vermin at their core, and the one thing Verminlord Vermalanx feared was the arrival of the greatest of the Slann Mage-Priest. Soon, mighty armies of Skaven clans advanced northward passing the Scorpion Coast. Behind them, they left the mighty city of [[Tlanxla]], the City of the Sky in utter ruins despite the tremendous loss of life the Lizardmen had dealt to the Skaven, the piles of Skaven dead outnumbered many times the number of the Lizardmen. This was the final city to remain and in their wake, four mighty Plaguelords marched at the head of their own mighty armies. There marched [[Lord Blistrox]] at the head of many thrall clans once again. Lord Gritch had been slain during the Battle of Itza and it was [[Lord Seep]] that had arisen to claim the title of Great Potentate of Pestulates. [[Lord Grule]] took up the mantle once given to Lord Kreegix before his death at [[Tlaxtlan]] whilst [[Lord Grilok]], the Pontifex of Plagues brought what remains of [[Contagion Conclave]] with him. This was the greatest formation of Skaven within Lustria, the very air clouded by infection and the jungle itself withering in their wake. Their path leads straight towards [[Hexoatl|Hexoalt]], the City of the Sun and nothing it seems would stop them from reaching it. Nothing, except for the jungle itself. |
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| − | ===== Jungle Warfare (Early 2526) ===== |
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| − | [[File:The Rise of Soteks.png|thumb|437x437px|Ambush in the Deep Jungle]] |
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| − | [[File:War.png|thumb|250px|Battle of the Ash City]] |
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| − | Far hidden by the eyes of the vermin, a mighty host of warriors laid in wait for the coming hordes that march northward. These were the armies of Tehehauin, the Prophet of Sotek and in his armies stood some of the greatest and most feared jungle fighters this world will ever see. Again and again, vast cohorts of Chameleons, Skinks and Saurus warriors would appear out of nowhere and kill hundreds of Skaven without so much as losing any of their own. Volleys of darts would appear from the treetops whilst leaping Salamanders would shoot fiery waves of flames upon columns of Skaven infantry. Great traps of mystical quicksand or massive holes filled with sharpened stakes awaited those that foolishly tried to pursue. Every open combat the Prophet had allowed were picked personally by him, and in each battle, the losses upon the Skaven were much more staggering than even the mighty ambushes and traps that were laid before them. In the green fields of the Lush Plains, the high grass concealing entire cohorts of Lizardmen that took each column down like the mighty predators they are. In the Xloxlec Swamps, swarms of Ripperdactyls attacked the long fleets of rickety rafts which houses the armies whilst aquatic predators and schools of Piranha feasted upon those that foolish fell to the water. For every step a Skaven take, another of its fellows die an ignoble death. |
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| − | In return, the Skaven unleashed their own way of fighting; the technologies of Clan Skyre. Flocks of Terradon were cut from the skies by a hail of Ratling Gun flak batteries whilst Stormfieds burnt entire swaths of jungle with mighty Warpfire Throwers. When even the mightiest of their weapons could not break through, each of the Plaguelords summon forth mighty [[Verminlord|Verminlord Corruptors]] to aid them. Soon, dozens of these malign entities were able to materialize as the air itself begins to be charged with rich magical energies. Nothing could stop them. When Lord Bistrox was ambushed upon the Trail of Bones, a Verminlord answered his pleas and sent forth clouds of corruption which withered the surrounding jungle, killing his ambushers. Finally, despite killing many times their numbers, the Prophet of Sotek had finally decided to make a final stand upon the ruins of [[Pahuax]], the City of Ash. |
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| − | But this wasn't an army of remnants and survivors, but a vast horde that stretch from horizon to horizon. Between the cohort stood roaring monsters the size and power of which could probably match that of the Verminlords themselves. The Prophet allowed his army to stand upon the ashes of this city, the sight of which instills the Lizardmen with images of the near future should they fail here now. And with the Prophets fiery oratory, the already steely determination of the Lizardmen had just turned to bloodthirsty fanaticism and each and everyone of them is willing to die for this cause. |
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| − | Soon, warbands of Night Runners made fleeting skirmishes against the outlying Skink ambushers. Like a stampede, the first three of the great Skaven hordes burst through the treeline, eager to finally sink their blades upon lizard flesh. First came swarms of massive rats which covered every inch of the jungle floor followed by the Skaven hordes themselves. With ash covering the entire city like a blanket of snow, the dust rose high into the air and none could deny the approach of the Vermin. In an instant, an array of Bastiladons with Solar Engines magnified their beams together to sent a blast of pure solar energy directly to the first of the Plague Furnaces. Then, the lines met but the numbers of the Skaven could not break the implacable wall that is the Lizardmen cohorts. Soon, wave after wave had been broken by the Lizardmen and a massive counter-attack was issued. An entire herd of Stegadon stampeded through the enemy ranks and as the Skaven Horde reeled back, Skink ambushers and giant snakes the size of Ogres hidden beneath ash piles burst out and sowed further chaos within the ranks. |
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| − | As the day wore on however, the fiery resolve of the Skinks soon cooled. With most of the army being made of Skinks and jungle monsters, the Lizardmen lacked sufficient Saurus Warriors to hold the line against the impeccable numbers of the Skaven. Soon, one by one, the Lizardmen were being grinded down. As nightfall descended, the desperate Prophet of Sotek called to his god once more and a storm of Snakes appeared from every crack within the city, a sea of snakes which held the Skaven back whilst the Lizardmen made a hasty retreat. |
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| − | As the Skaven hordes neared the city of Hexoatl, Lord Mazdamundi knew that the time to act was near. Knowing the power of the Mage-Priest, the Council of Thirteen sent out the dreaded Black 13 ahead of the army and to infiltrate the city and kill the Slann before the final battle. Yet despite this groups prowess, one by one, these assassins were picked off by a lone hunter, the eyes of Oxyotl, the greatest Chameleon Hunter within Lustria saw through all deception and would not be denied his prey. With the assassination attempt thwarted, Mazdamundi summoned Kroq-Gar to lead the army of the Sun. Three days later, the Arm of the Sun met the verminous hordes near the monument known as the Obsidian Column. Three of the four plaguelords vied against each other for the glory of being the spearhead of the mighty assault, their overconfidence bolstered by their victory at the City of Ash. The Army of the Sun was perhaps the last and greatest of the Lizardmen army and yet they are still outnumbered by their foe nearly thirty to one. Yet still they stood ready to endure the charge of the vermin. With one eye opened, Mazdamundi used the magic stored within the Obsidian Column, the Slann uttered a croak and a flick of his wrist to summon forth one of his greatest spells; the Ruination of Cities. Like a living tidal wave of rock and flagstone, the massive force slammed hard against the Skaven hordes, killing thousands outright. It was at that moment that he had an epiphany. All of what has happened was merely a ploy, a distraction to keep him busy whilst the dark powers of Chaos grew in power. And yet even the Chaos Gods underestimated the volatility of the ratmen, for they were ready to unleash forces far beyond their comprehensions, forces that would destroy....everything. Knowing what must be done, the greatest of the Slann opened a portal and called for all his brethrens to be ready for the final battle which lies at the heart of their very empire; Itza the First City. |
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| − | ===== The Last Battle of Itza (Early 2526) ===== |
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| − | [[File:Warhammer_End_Time_Final_Battle_of_Itza.png|thumb|300px|The Last Charge of the Lizardmen]]With a flash, half of the great Army of the Sun had teleported itself within the city of [[Itza]], leaving the rest to make a last stand upon the Obsidian Column, giving the city the time it needs. Before the First City, filling the horizon on the opposite side was the largest Skaven army yet seen in Lustria, with [[Skrolk|Lord Skrolk]] at its head. [[Sky Cohort|Flying Cohorts]] reported the Skaven had already breached the city limits as the sharp crack of [[Warplock Jezzail|Jezzail Teams]] could be heard in the distance. Despite the city contaminated by a mist of corruption, the Lizardmen, their scales slowly withering from the toxins, was ready to die for their cause. The battle for Itza had begun. At the other side of the very world, beneath the fetid ruins of [[Skavenblight]], [[Zingetail|Warlock Zingetail]] the Great Skreeductor had finally completed his greatest and most powerful weapon yet. The foolish [[Ikit Claw]] tried to build a rocket to achieve the plans of the Council but it was Zingetail who created something even grander and more horrific then any world-ending device the Skaven have ever created. With a crackle of power, gears the size of ship sails moved whilst steam engines hissed and vats of warpstone fluids filled the machine to a bursting point. Finally, the signal was given and the coven of [[Grey Seers]] further magnified the already apocalyptic power of the engine. With a final twitch of hesitation, Zingetail threw the switch, and in that instant, all of Skavenblight shook as a surge of energy burst outward, the enormous barrel of the great [[Morskittar Engine]] glowing with power. |
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| − | None of this was known half a world away, yet Mazdamundi felt a great disturbance within the world's harmonic balance and sent his warleader a single thought; faster. With haste, a small detachment of the army led a powerful assault through the enemy armies. Running battles between Skink skirmishers and Javelin teams fought against Clan Eshin Gutter Runners and Night Runners all across the pyramid and alleyways, yet the corrupting mist slowed the Skinks whilst the ratmen were invigorated by it. Lord Skrolk himself led his personal army of [[Pestilens Guard]] and [[Bearers of Creeping Death]] against Kroq-Gar's [[Cohort of the Copper Sun]] and [[Yellow-Crested Cohort]]. The cracks of Warplock Jezzail teams were heard as high above, [[Tiktaq'to]] and his [[Sky Cohort|Sky Host]] swooped down low and let loose a rain of ogre-sized boulders, the sea of ratmen filling the streets having little room to maneuver and thus could do nothing but look up and see death raining down upon them. With the Skaven wavering, the Lizardmen pushed hard through the enemy masses. Kroq-Gar was at the forefront of the assault and following in his wake were the [[Honour Guard of Hexoatl|Honor Guard of Hexoalt]], the greatest and most ancient of the [[Temple Guard]], each warrior possessing the strength and power of even the mighty [[Saurus Oldblood|Oldbloods]]. In the middle of the cohort stood Mazdamundi himself, his mighty Stegadon stomping its way through the streets whilst the Slann unleashed the powers of the sun-standard and projected an aura of protection for his warriors. Their destination was within sight, the monumental Great Temple of Itza, where at its apex the greatest store of magical power could be harnessed. High above, a large pillar of dark-green light pierced the sky as it headed directly towards the Chaos Moon, the Morskittar Engine having finally unleashed its power. As the beam reached higher and higher, it finally pierced the moon, and for a split second, the Chaos Moon glowed dimly before it sundered and finally shattered and broke asunder. Tidal waves of entropic energy washed outward as chunks the size of continents were slowly falling towards the very earth itself. |
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| − | Despite all their strength and power, the small band of the greatest and most elite of the Lizardmen that remains within Lustria were slowly being overwhelmed by impossible odds. Without a second thought, Mazdamundi knew what he had to do. With a flash, the Slann used his greatest powers to teleport himself upon the very Temple itself. A distant roar was heard as Mazdamundi's loyal mount of a thousand years had finally fallen and those of his mighty Temple Guards as well. Alone and vulnerable, the brave Slann scaled the Temple where below he could see the great battle of Itza continue, the remaining armies of Lizardmen fighting on whilst the small band of Saurus led by Kroq-Gar fought a last stand within a literal sea of ratmen. Mazdamundi knew what he had to do. |
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| − | ===== Exodus (Early 2526) ===== |
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| − | The battle was growing into apocalyptic proportions. The spawning pools of Itza, once known to spawn only a handful Lizardmen each year, was now bursting with movement as more and more of the Lizardmen walked out, stumbling at first before they rose up on two legs and began to grab whatever weapons could be found. Outside the city, hundreds of tunnels and caves have opened up, and within each a whole army of Ratmen surged through like a river, each one running with all their might towards the city. The streets became thick with brutal fighting and the battle continues to not only spread outward but always upward. Upon each Temple or Ziggurat, hundreds of Skinks and Chameleons fought running battles against Night Runners and Gutter Runners, hurtling darts, javelins or throwing stars at each other. Above the skies, mighty swarms Terradons continued their assault but were slowly picked off by a flak battery of Ratling Guns and Warplightning Cannons. |
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| − | At the Plaza, Kroq-Gar stepped out from the ruined and withered husk of his carnosaur steed, the beast dying by the hands of the loathsome Lord Skrolk. The mighty Saurus laid his hand one last time upon the snout of his Carnosaur before his cold eyes were finally set upon the ratmen. Whilst the battle whirled around them, the two combatants fought but the air was thick with toxic clouds as Skrolks censer spilled forth unholy air. With the last of his strength, the Saurus gave out a mighty roar and charged at Skrolk, first using his Hand of the Gods to obliterate the census-staff, the searing light purifying the air around him before impaling Skrolk upon his Revered Spear of Tlaxla. Lifting the impaled plaguelord high above him, Kroq-Gar roared to the heavens. With that roar of triumph, Verminlord Vermalanx the Corruptor, incensed at the sight of his favored one skewered upon Kroq-Gar's spear, appeared from the ether. His maw stretched wide, yawning like a black pit before it shot out streams of bile upon the Saurus. The Verminlord did not finish off the Lizardmen warleader but sprang to Lord Skrolk's side. His hands burning at the touch of the holy spear, the Verminlord yanked it free and uttered words from the Liber Bubonicus to stitch the wound upon Skrolks chest. Lifting up the Clan Pestilens lord, Vermalanx gave one last hate-filled look at Kroq-Gar before he disappeared in a cloud of darkness. Slowly, inexorably, Kroq-Gar arose from the filth thrown at him, the shining light of purity upon his gauntlet purifying the taint from his body. Kroq-Gar had recieved a new message from Mazdamundi and knew where he must be next. Not matter how thick the streets were of ratmen, none would dare fight the shimmering Saurus that killed their leader. Realizing he can't reach his destination in time, Kroq-Gar released a roar and in answer, a mighty Carnosaur appeared and allowed itself to be mounted by the injured Saurus. |
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| − | Upon the Temple, Mazdamundi had finally reached the solar chambers where he finally could grasp and wield the full power of the overflowing geomantic grid. As he rose to the plinth of power and began the Great Exodus, the minds of all the remaining Slann within the World had formed into one to aid their eldest in this dire time. At dozens of sites all around Lustria, massive stone blocks that had not moved in ten thousand years were shifted. Words of command were spoken that had not been uttered since the days before the first elves, dwarfs or men walked the world. Strange lights ran within the stonework pyramid-temple of Hexoatl, and a hitherto unknown ramp lowered from the Great Ziggurat of Tepok. Rumbling shook all around the Obelisk of Silver Stars in Itza. In the lonely jungle outposts of Chicxulubta, stone stairs opened amidst the overgrown ruins, leading to a long-buried structure. Excitable skinks squawked and clicked, not knowing what to make of the situation. Certain of their kind -high priests or key attendants - were summoned to enter such edifices along with the slann mage-priests. The majority of the lizardmen, however, were left behind, the skinks' questions unanswered. All watched in amazement at what happened next. With the crack of thunder, the monoliths rose high into the air upon the winds of magic so ancient and powerful that none comprehend it. For a moment, these monoliths hovered in the sky, their hulk as large as mountains before a flash of light appeared, their bulks moving faster than anything humanly possible as they were slingshot to the night sky. For the Slann, it was time to return to the stars. |
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| − | Far below, Mazdamundi continues his epic struggle against the falling moon. Using every fiber of his being, Mazdamundi shot blast of magic against the continent-size chunks, the fragments of which were still as large as mountains but were further hammered by his might. Dozens of other Slann Mage-Priest lent all their power to their eldest but the straining of wielding such power were great even for their own kind. One by one, all of the remaining Slann that stayed behind slumped off their palanquin, their very soul having been extinguished, leaving only Mazdamundi remaining. None of the mortal races knew of that epic struggle. Alone and unaided, the lone Slann fought a noble battle, blood running freely down his panting mouth and eyes as he surpassed feats his logical mind would have deemed impossible. Every ounce of his being was strained beyond breaking point, and at this critical point in time, it would've almost been enough. |
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| − | |||
| − | Blackness enveloped his sight and Mazdamundi awoke on the cold stone floor. He tried to rise, but to his shame he could not. What remains of the moon was still large enough to destroy the planet, and to his ultimate defeat, Mazdamundi knew he had failed. With nothing left to give, the poor Slann, once the greatest being in this world, crawled up the stairs like a injured animal, wishing to sit once more atop the pyramid-temple where he could at least feel the cool air breath through his skin one last time. He nearly made it, but at last his poor heart finally gave out. The world now is destined to be consumed by fire and ruin, were it not for the sacrifice of one last unsung hero. Atop the pinnacle of the Pyramid, the first of the Slann, [[Venerable Lord Kroak]] saw his pupil expire on the steps and knew now what must be done. With a flash, Lord Kroak lifted his hand in defiance and summoned forth the greatest magic he knows, the Shield of the Old Ones, a massive magical dome which protected the rest of the world from the apocalypse, whilst Lustria and the Southlands was consumed by fire. It was a selfless act, and as millions were saved by utter annihilation, the last of the Slann simply looked on as he was consumed by the wall of fire which slowly approaches him. The world had been saved, if only for the briefest of moments. |
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| − | |||
| − | ==== Eternity's End (Early 2526) ==== |
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| − | {{Quote|For the entirety of my reign I have desired to march out with the axe-hosts of the dawi kingdoms and exterminate the skaven. Time and again I argued that this alone would save our kind. But you counselled against it, you and your like, Nockkim. And so we find ourselves skulking like trapped badgers in our hole, while our enemy, allowed to grow unchecked to uncountable numbers, plots our final demise. No more!|High King Thorgrim Grudgebearer}}[[File:Warhammer End Times Eternity's End.PNG|thumb|508x508px|Vengeance given form]] |
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| − | Nothing remains forever. Even the most indomitable objects, whether they be mountains or even kingdoms, will one day crumble under the endless tide of age and decay. There is only one constant; death. So it was that the Everlasting Realm of the Dwarfs, whose kingdoms had withstood the ravages of time and armies, have now begun to be snuffed out one by one by an endless tide of vermin. The great halls of Karak Azul now remains plundered and forgotten, their mighty King having died far from the halls of his ancestors. Barak Varr, the great Port-City of the Dwarfs now remains a total wreckage, huge smoke burning out of its harbor as innumerable Ironclads sink beneath the waves. The Holds of the Grey Mountains having fallen in only three, bloody days. Karak Eight Peaks, once one of the only holds which was reclaimed by Dwarfen hands, now remains in the hands of the Vermin and their lord, the legendary Queek Headtaker. |
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| − | |||
| − | The next to fall was Karak Kadrin, the great Keep of the Slayer Cult. In a twist of irony, these fearless and death-seeking Dwarfs did not die by the blades of their enemies, but by an ignoble death of suffocation and deadly clouds of toxins. A great and mighty Hold, which held out against impossible odds, had fallen in but a single, mournful day. The great Slayer King walked the halls of his deceased kingdom, now a tomb for all he once strove to protect. There were too many dead, too many to grieve and to many to bury. With a heavy heart, the Slayer King ran his hand across the sacred runes struck upon the Shrine of Grimnir, rage and shame filling every fiber of his being. Suddenly, the runes glowed white hot and embers shot out and entered into the Slayer King himself. Flames curled and danced around his body, his crest a fiery living flame and his Axe of Dargo glowing molten. Ungrim had been blessed with the power of [[Aqshy|Asqhy]], the Winds of Fire and as his rage and shame filled to bursting, a great torrent of purifying fire swept all across the Hold, cleansing its halls of the putrid clouds. Only when Karak Kadrin was a funeral pyre for his people did Ungrim lead his remaining followers, Slayers all, out from the halls of their forefathers for the last time. Ungrim did not look back. |
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| − | |||
| − | All that remains is Karaz-A-Karak, the great Everlasting Hold of the Dwarfs, the finest and grandest of their holds. It is a fortress of fortresses, the greatest and most impregnable this world has ever known. No invader since the dawn of time, neither demons nor greenskins, had managed to breach its gates. None of them, until now. Being the last of the Dwarfen Holds, armies of Skaven numbering in the millions from all across the Old World now converge upon its gates, led by the infamous Warlord Queek Headtaker. War has come to Everpeak. |
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| − | |||
| − | ===== War for Karaz-a-Karak (Early 2526) ===== |
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| − | [[File:Warhammer End Times Karaz-A-Karak.PNG|thumb|350x350px|The Last Saga of Karaz Ankor]] |
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| − | Karaz-a-Karak had never fallen to an invader and it would not do so now. So said High King Thorgrim, swearing by stone and steel, axe and oath. They would hold out and they would wear down the enemy like never before. So long as Azamar, the Rune of Eternity remains intact, it is said that Everpeak shall never fall. So it was that the greatest Hold of the Dwarfs, with numbers coming in the hundred thousand, all armored-clad warriors of indomitable spirit, readied themselves for the coming storm. Great stores of magical weapons had finally been unsealed, warmachines the numbers and likes of which had never been unleashed have now been entrenched in every tunnel and passageways. The greatest and most battle-hardened Dwarf Lords have arisen amongst the multitudes and stand ready to lead their people in their darkest of hours. Yet the stubborn Dwarfs, in their pride fail to realize the great darkness which seeks to invade their homes. |
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| − | |||
| − | [[Queek Headtaker]], leader of the greatest Skaven army within the Old World, marches to war. Though he may now be old, almost a decade in age, this lone Skaven had fought the length and breath of the World's Edge Mountains, destroying many Dwarf Strongholds one by one, exterminating their inhabitants wherever they were to be found. Behind him came the full might of Clan Mors and Clans from all across Skavendom. Along with him came [[Ikit Claw|Chief Warlock-Engineer Ikit Claw]] of [[Clan Skyre]] and [[Kaskritt|Grey Lord Kaskritt]] of [[Clan Scruten]]. The whole of the Silver Road teemed with the unimaginable numbers of the Skaven Hordes. Millions of footsoldiers clog the roads and valley from end to end whilst hundreds of warmachines from Clan Skyre forming a long line of metal at the center. Small patches of black shows operatives of Clan Eshin hiding amongst the troops whilst packs of Warbeasts from Clan Moulder stalk behind blocks of infantry. This was an army that can unmake eternity and they are almost at the very doors of Everpeak itself. |
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| − | |||
| − | Yet this wasn't the first and last of armies. Karaz-a-Karak had been besieged for years now, cut off on all sides above and below. The streams of refugees pouring into the dwarf capital from other kingdoms had given Thorgrim much anguish. At a time when he thought his dream might be fulfilled, that the lost realms of the Karaz Ankor would be reclaimed, it had all come to nothing. The fleeing dwarfs brought with them tales of proud strongholds cast down, and not only in dwarf lands. Many dwarfs of the diaspora had fled back to their ancestral homeland from human cities – telling of similar woes beyond the mountains. But what was more horrifying than the incoming flood and the dire tidings they brought was that it had stopped. No dwarf had come into Everpeak for months. Tilea, Estalia and Bretonnia ashes. The Empire devastated. The moon cracked in the sky, invasion from the north, and ratmen swarming from everywhere. |
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| − | |||
| − | Finally, the Dwarfen defences had been finally breached after constant and daily assaults by the innumerable hordes of the Under-Empire. The endless seas of enemies, whose bodies stained the roads leading to his kingdom brown. There were so many of them, more than there had ever been before. Many hundreds if not thousands of Dwarf lives were lost, moreso the lost of [[Kragg the Grim]] during the Battle of the Undermines. At the great Battle of Granite Gate, the first major breach into the inner deeps of the Hold has been assaulted. Having had enough, the High King himself personally led the Throng which held the Skaven at bay. One hundred [[ironbreakers]], a dozen [[Irondrakes]] and three score of the mighty [[Everguard]] stood with the mighty King. When the Granite Gate melted under a blast of Warpfire, fifty cannons and scores of Irondrakes fired their payload. The Skaven sent thousands into the breach, but they all fell to the hands of a few hundred. Finally, at the peak of the fighting, a mighty [[Verminlord]] appeared from a cloud of smoke, and with a cry, Thorgrim challenged the creature. A duel ensured between the two combatants, but as Throgrim launched a blow, the daemons warpmetal glaive pierced through the runic powers of the High King's throne and pierced the side of Thorgrim, punching its way through the near-impregnable Armour of Skaldour. In that moment, the world turned golden and Thorgrim opened his eyes to feel the power of [[Chamon]], the Winds of Metal course through him. Coursing with power, the High King smited the Daemon with a blow from his Axe of Grimnir, and with its demise, the Skaven hordes, still numbering many thousands, lost heart and fled, where they were cut down by their superiors for cowardice as they reached their lines. Finally, at his mighty Throneroom, the High King had finally decided to take the fight to the enemy. Though many protested, the High King would not be denied his vengeance, for should the Karaz Ankor fall, they will not die like cowards behind walls but as brave warriors, proud to the last as they take the fight to the enemy. |
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| − | |||
| − | ===== The Last Saga of the Dawi (Early 2526) ===== |
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| − | [[File:Warhammer End Times Last Saga of the Dwarfs.PNG|thumb|488x488px|The Last Charge of the Dawi]] |
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| − | A day later Queek ordered the attack. Alone atop a newly broken statue, he watched the advance through brass looking glasses – made for him by a foolish warlock, who was dead as soon as he completed the commission. The slave legions went in first, if for no other reason than Queek had them, and they went in first by tradition. From their thousand gunports, the dwarfs gave fire. He saw the light flashes of cannons long before he heard the sound. Rolling thunder filled the pass. The vast numbers of skaven looked puny in front of the great gates of Karaz-a-Karak. The hundreds of lightning cannons in the skaven train were pushed into range and set up under fire. Warlocks squealed frantic orders. The guns elevated and replied. Soon the vale at the doors of Karaz-a-Karak was thick with gunsmoke lit by discharges of greenish lightning. |
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| − | |||
| − | The skies overhead were dark, polluted by magic seeping into the world from the north. The thunders of the battle vied with those ripping the heavens apart. The imaginings of the most deranged flagellant of the Empire could not outmatch the scene. This was the end of the world, beating its apocalypse upon the stone doors of the dwarfs. The skaven died in howling masses at the gate, the machines they dragged with them to penetrate it smashed to pieces before they ever reached the stone and steel. Slaves surged back and forth, waves on a beach capped by froths of blood as they were cut down by dwarf and skaven alike. So it went. So Queek expected it to go, until one of the many attacks he had ordered from the underworld broke through and skaven got into the soft underbelly of Beard-Thing Mountain-place, silenced the guns one by one, and allowed his siege engines to approach unmolested. |
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| − | |||
| − | The dwarf bombardment ceased. The last thunder of their discharge rolled and died. Queek watched, fascinated, as smoke puffed from the gunports and blew away. The lightning cannons went on firing unchallenged, blasting showers of rock from the mountain and its fortifications. The great horns mounted high up the mountain blared: first one, then the other, their mournful, bovine hooting joined by hundreds of others from every covered walkway and battlement carved into the mountain. The noise of it was dreadful, and Queek flinched from it. Under it there came a great groaning creak. He pulled the view back into focus in time to see a gleaming host emerge from the gates of Karaz-a-Karak. The king went at the fore upon his throne. He looked as if he rode a ship of gold upon a sea of steel. From out of the gates, the last great throng of the dwarfs marched to meet their doom. Thorgrim stood upon his throne platform, one finger tracing the pages of his open book. His words, though faint, were heard clearly by Queek even from so far away. |
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| − | |||
| − | === Chaos Reigns (Early 2526) === |
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| − | {{Quote|The Three-Eyed King has long awaited this moment, the hour of which his destiny is at last unveiled. He leads an army of madness and rage, against which no sane being would willingly stand. Perhaps I am not sane, as I will fight one last time. Not for victory, but for survival, for the hope that a spark can endure. It is a slender hope, and the laughter of the Dark Gods rings loud in my ears.....These are the End Times...|Prophecy of the End Times|}}{{Fn|1a}} |
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| − | |||
| − | ==== Fall of Middenheim (Early 2526) ==== |
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| − | |||
| − | ==The End is Nigh== |
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| − | |||
| − | ==The Series== |
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| − | |||
| − | <center> |
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| − | <font size="4" font face="serif">Death rises,<br />Empires rot,<br />Gods perish,<br />Kingdoms fall,<br />Chaos reigns,<br />These are the End Times</font> |
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| − | </center> |
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| − | |||
| − | <gallery captionalign="center" position="center" navigation="true"> |
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| − | Nagash ET1.jpg|Volume I|link=The End Times: Nagash |
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| − | Glottkin ET2.jpg|Volume II|link=The End Times: Glottkin |
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| − | Khaine ET3.jpg|Volume III|link=The End Times: Khaine |
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| − | 60040206005_ThanquolSoftback02.jpg|Volume IV |
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| − | ETArchaonLTD.jpg|Volume V |
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| − | </gallery> |
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| − | |||
| − | == Timeline == |
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| − | Below is a page compiled by White Dwarf Weekly #52 which contains a chronological timeline of the End Times which starts from Volume 1 to Volume 4. |
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| − | [[File:ENDTIMES-chronology-1.jpg|centre|thumb|400x400px|Part 1]] |
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| − | [[File:ENDTIMES-chronology-2.jpg|centre|thumb|400x400px|Part 2]] |
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| − | |||
| − | ==Source== |
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| − | *{{Endn|1}} ''The End Times vol. I: Nagash'' |
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| − | **{{Endn|1a}}: pg. 2 - 8 |
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| − | **{{Endn|1b}}: pg. 9 - 15 |
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| − | **{{Endn|1c}}: pg. 16 - 18 |
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| − | **{{Endn|1d}}: pg. 19 - 25 |
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| − | **{{Endn|1e}}: pg. 26 - 31 |
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| − | **{{Endn|1f}}: pg. 34 - 36 |
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| − | **{{Endn|1g}}: pg. 37 - 39 |
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| − | **{{Endn|1h}}: pg. 40 - 42 |
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| − | **{{Endn|1i}}: pg. 43 - 45 |
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| − | **{{Endn|1j}}: pg. 52 - 54 |
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| − | **{{Endn|1k}}: pg. 59 - 73 |
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| − | **{{Endn|1l}}: pg. 74 - 88 |
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| − | **{{Endn|1m}}: pg. 91 - 110 |
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| − | **{{Endn|1n}}: pg. 114 - 135 |
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| − | **{{Endn|1o}}: pg. 136 - 165 |
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| − | **{{Endn|1p}}: pg. 174 - 180 |
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| − | **{{Endn|1q}}: pg. 183 - 221 |
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| − | **{{Endn|1r}}: pg. 222 - 237 |
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| − | **{{Endn|1s}}: pg. 241 - 296 |
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| − | **{{Endn|1t}}: pg. 299 - 323 |
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| − | **{{Endn|1u}}: pg. 326 - 348 |
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| − | **{{Endn|1v}}: pg. 351 - 364 |
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| − | **{{Endn|1w}}: pg. 367 - 399 |
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| − | **{{Endn|1x}}: pg. 403 - 445 |
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| − | **{{Endn|1y}}: pg. 448 - 456 |
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| − | *{{Endn|2}} ''The End Times vol. II: Glottkin'' |
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| − | **{{Endn|2a}}: pg. 3 - 5 |
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| − | **{{Endn|2b}}: pg. 8 - 17 |
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| − | *{{Endn|3}} ''The End Times vol. III: Khaine'' |
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| − | **{{Endn|3a}}: pg. 10 - 13 |
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| − | **{{Endn|3b}}: pg. 14 - 17 |
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| − | **{{Endn|3c}}: pg. 18 - 27 |
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| − | **{{Endn|3d}}: pg. 30 - 35 |
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| − | **{{Endn|3e}}: pg. 36 - 45 |
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| − | **{{Endn|3f}}: pg. 48 - 51 |
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| − | **{{Endn|3g}}: pg. 52 - 55 |
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| − | **{{Endn|3h}}: pg. 56 - 71 |
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| − | **{{Endn|3j}}: pg. 74 - 76 |
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| − | *{{Endn|4}} ''The End Times vol. IV: Thanqoul'' |
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| − | **{{Endn|4a}}: pg. 2 - 7 |
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| − | **{{Endn|4b}}: pg. 8 - 10 |
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| − | **{{Endn|4c}}: pg. 14 - 15 |
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| − | **{{Endn|4d}}: pg. 16 - 23 |
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| − | **{{Endn|4e}}: pg. 24 - 33 |
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| − | **{{Endn|4f}}: pg. 34 - 53 |
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| − | **{{Endn|4g}}: pg. 54 - 71 |
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| − | **{{Endn|4h}}: pg. 74 - 87 |
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| − | **{{Endn|4i}}: pg. 90 - 117 |
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| − | **{{Endn|4j}}: pg. 120 - 123 |
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| − | **{{Endn|4k}}: pg. 126 - 147 |
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| − | *{{Endn|5}} ''The End Times vol. V: Archaon'' |
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| − | **{{Endn|5a}}: pg. |
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| − | *{{Endn|6}} ''Warhammer Armies: Warriors of Chaos'' (8th Edition) |
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| − | **{{Endn|6a}}: pg. 18 - 21 |
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| − | *{{Endn|7}} ''Archaon: Everchosen'' (Novel) by Rob Sanders |
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| − | **{{Endn|7a}}: Chapter 1 |
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| − | **{{Endn|7b}}: Chapter 2 |
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| − | *{{Endn|8}} ''Sigmar's Blood'' (Novel) by Phil Kelly |
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| − | **{{Endn|8a}}: Chapter 2: "The Conclave of States" |
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| − | **{{Endn|8b}}: Chapter 6: "Sylvanian Border, the River Stir" |
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| − | **{{Endn|8c}}: Chapter 7: "Helsee" |
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| − | **{{Endn|8d}}: Chapter 10: "The Great Western Road" |
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| − | **{{Endn|8e}}: Chapter 12: "Deihstein Ridge" |
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| − | **{{Endn|8f}}: Chapter 18: "Swartzhafen" |
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| − | **{{Endn|8g}}: Chapter 20: "Sternieste" |
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| − | **{{Endn|8h}}: Chapter 21: "Epilogue" |
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| − | *{{Endn|9}} ''The Rise of the Horned Rat'' (Novel) by Guy Haley |
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| − | **{{Endn|9a}}: Chapter 0: "Prologue" |
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| − | **{{Endn|9b}}: Chapter 1: "King's Meet" |
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| − | **{{Endn|9c}}: Chapter 2: "Lord Gnawdwell" |
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| − | **{{Endn|9d}}: Chapter 3: "Karak Eight Peaks" |
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| − | **{{Endn|9e}}: Chapter 4: "The City of Pillars" |
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| − | **{{Endn|9f}}: Chapter 5: "Treachery in the Deeps" |
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| − | **{{Endn|9g}}: Chapter 6: "The Breaking of the Mountains" |
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| − | **{{Endn|9h}}: Chapter 7: "The Halls of Reckoning" |
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| − | **{{Endn|9i}}: Chapter 8: "The Halls of Pillared Iron" |
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| − | **{{Endn|9j}}: Chapter 11: "A Confrontation" |
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| − | **{{Endn|9k}}: Chapter 12: "Skarsnik's Big Deal" |
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| − | **{{Endn|9l}}: Chapter 13: "Payment for Services Rendered" |
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| − | **{{Endn|9m}}: Chapter 14: "The Hall of Clan Skalfdon" |
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| − | **{{Endn|9n}}: Chapter 17: "Ikit at the Eight Peaks" |
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| − | **{{Endn|9o}}: Chapter 18: "A Gathering of Might" |
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| − | **{{Endn|9p}}: Chapter 19: "War in the Great Vale" |
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| − | **{{Endn|9r}}: Chapter 20: "Lurklox's Deal" |
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| − | **{{Endn|9s}}: Chapter 21: "The Final Saga of Clan Angrund" |
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| − | *''The End Times vol. I: Nagash''. |
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| − | *''The End Times vol. II: Glottkin''. |
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| − | *''The End Times vol. III: Khaine''. |
||
| − | *''The End Times vol. IV: Thanquol''. |
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| − | *''Warhammer Armies: Warriors of Chaos'' (8th edition) pg. 18-21, 48. |
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| − | *''Warhammer Armies: Hordes of Chaos'' (6th Edition) pg. 98 - 99. |
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| − | *''Gotrek and Felix: Kinslayer'' (Novel) by David Guymer. |
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| − | *''Gotrek and Felix: Rememberers'' (Novel) by David Guymer. |
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| − | *''Gotrek and Felix: Slayer'' (Novel) by David Guymer. |
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| − | *''Sigmar's Blood'' (Novel) by Phil Kelly. |
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| − | *''The Rise of the Horned Rat'' (Novel) by Guy Haley. |
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| − | |||
| − | ==External Links== |
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| − | *[http://www.blacklibrary.com/Home/endtimes.html The End Times Library]. |
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| − | [[es:El Fin de los Tiempos]] |
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| − | [[Category:The End Times]] |
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| − | [[Category:Campaign]] |
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| − | [[Category:Chaos Incursions]] |
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| − | [[Category:Warhammer World]] |
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| − | [[Category:E]] |
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| − | [[Category:T]] |
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