Campaign Booklet

Old campaign - Where the Druchii Net Online Campaign was discussed

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Langmann
Malekith's Tastetester & Physician
Malekith's Tastetester & Physician
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Campaign Booklet

Post by Langmann »

A draft of what the initiatives have been working on:

Okay, here's the first draft. I'm still waiting for the prologue, and tmlas hasn't been able to do any articles. Also, the pictures and illustrations are needed, and I gotta change the headers etc. But the content is more or less finished.
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Prologue
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Game Mechanics
To Whom Do I Teach a Well Deserved Lesson

This campaign is essentially a battle between the forces of Slaanesh and the forces of Khaine. Most battle sites will reflect that, however the construction of the campaign has been designed with your opponent in mind. By that we mean the other WFB armies. Each army has unique initial roles to play in the campaign. The campaign has been set up with 5 or six initial battle sites, which allow competition between several difference forces for a win for two or more sides. For example, in the Northern Wastes, the invasion of Chaos allows battles between defending forces of Dark Elves, Khainites, and the aggressive Cult of Slaanesh, Slaaneshi aligned Dark Elves, and various Chaos forces. This accumulation of aggression in the Northern Wastes has incited Orc and Goblin war bands to join the fracas, and at this time the Orcs and Goblins can fight anyone. This can mean disaster for either side because an Orc War band can log battle wins for either Slaanesh or Khaine.

A three-way battle is also being fought in the Underway between the Dwarfs, the Skaven, and the Dark Elves. Wins can be recorded for those three sides in this case.

Because we are trying to run a logical campaign, the battle reports will be interpreted by the Campaign Managers (CM). This means that the players can directly influence this campaign. No definite flow of events has been pre-determined. This allows for a very fluid Campaign. For example, imagine that the players of the Orc forces all decide that from now on they are following the Big-Boss Grimlak and will now only attack Khainites and Dark Elves aligned to Khaine. Slaanesh has bought them with promises of certain… pleasures. Since this is what the players decided to do (and if they actually do it as represented by the battle reports) then the CMs will shift the campaign to reflect what the players have done!

Or imagine that the Dark Elf players decide that beating down the High Elves in Arnhelm is a better idea than fighting amongst themselves in the Northern Wastes, well perhaps the CMs will design fluff and campaign direction around that as well. Perhaps both the Cult of Slaanesh and the Khainites decide that those pesky Empire human slaves in Karond Kar are too tasty to leave alone and both sides attack Empire, you could even see an alliance between the two groups.

The point is that the campaign is open to the actions of the players. Those actions will influence the campaign.

Stick a Knife in More than One Place

Battle sites will influence other battle sites. The most obvious one is the skirmishes between the Cult and Khaine in Ghrond. Obviously these wins will have direct effects on the battle sites in the Northern Wastes, Karond Kar, and the Southern Reaches. However other effects may be more subtle. If a lot of battle reports are logged for Arnhelm and hardly any for the Northern Wastes and the Underway, perhaps the Dark Elves will start losing in the Underway and the Northern Wastes as they appear to be distracted by the High Elves. A major loss by the Khaine aligned Dark Elves in Karond Kar could result in a weakening of the Khainites in the Northern Wastes and Ghrond. Fight and choose your alliances and battles wisely.

Striking Deep

An overall win will be decided at certain battle sites based upon many possible player actions. Unlike the SoC campaign, no battle site has been predetermined to fall. No outcomes have been predetermined.

So what will determine an overall win? Several things can. As already mentioned wins in one battle site can influence other battle sites. Straight number of overall wins for one side will of course have a major effect. Large pushes by one individual side against another ie: Skaven and Dwarfs log large number of battles in the Underway while Dark Elves log hardly any could mean that the Dark Elves will lose points indirectly. Druchii Net sponsored official Games Days will also have a large impact. Other things will also have an impact, but they will remain secret at this time.

Since the campaign is being logically run by the CMs, it will function a little slower than the SoC campaign. It may take quite a while before an overall win is decided. We hope that this is balanced by the adaptability of the campaign.

The Thin Edge

The battle sites each have a percentage bar similar to the SoC campaign. Each logged battle will be worth a certain number of points and will affect the status bar. For example the bar is at 50% Khaine and 50% Cult of Pleasure. The numbers show 50 Khaine wins and 50 Cult wins. Someone enters a Khaine win and now the overall numbers are 51 vs 50. Khaine is now at 51/101 *100% = 50.5%. Cult is now at 49.5%.

The most important thing to note here is your opponent must also log a battle report for you or your opponent to get full points. So if you won and he lost, he has to also enter a battle report indicating his loss while you enter one indicating your win. These verified battle reports will be worth more points to the winner. So using the above example, the verified Khaine win is now worth 10 points instead of just one point. Therefore the numbers now read 60 Khaine wins vs 50 Cult wins. Khaine is now at 54.5% and the Cult is now at 45.5%.

Each battle site will start with an initial ‘seed’ number. The higher the number, the harder it is for any side to influence the movement of the status bar. Status bars can also be influenced by actions at other battle sites or any of the other effects already indicated. So the number of battles fought at a site might not completely reflect the status of a site.

Your battle reports will not immediately affect the status bar of a site. You’ll have to wait for us to verify the report. We’re trying to prevent cheating as best we can. Cheaters will be dealt with and their names will become mud.

You are the Game

The important thing to remember is that you are the main focus of the game. It is up to you to recruit your non-druchii friends to play in the campaign, and they might like to. After all, beating down Dark Elves on their own home turf is pretty enticing. Let them know that the campaign is not pre-designed to beat down any particular race. Give them a tour of the website and the fluff. Playing in the campaign doesn’t require a lifetime commitment, you can even log other campaign games in this campaign, and we’ve made it pretty easy. All they need to play is an email address, they don’t even need to log in to druchii.net. It’s supposed to be about fun after all.

That being said, the campaign is only about fun. People who take it seriously, are either too young to play in the campaign or are people who need to seek professional help. So don’t feel bad about playing for more than one side, at least it will mean that you’ll be one the winning side no matter what. After all, isn’t that what Dark Elves do best anyway?

Fluff
Introduction
by Darkprincess

(Note that this was suggested as an introductory article for the Monthly, but I think it would work very well in your booklet)

Ever since the dark days of the Sundering, the Cult of Pleasure has found itself ostracised by the larger part of the Druchii population, forced to exist in a shadowy underworld of secret meetings and forbidden rituals. The Temple of Khaine, under the unforgiving leadership of the crone Hellebron and her fanatical witch elves, has long persecuted and terrorised the population in general, and the Cult of Pleasure in particular, with the dark practices of the Harvest of Souls and Death Night. Any elf who deigns to follow the path of Slaanesh can expect a slow and terrible death at the hand of the Khainist zealots.

But over time, the Cult has grown in strength. Morathi, in her unique position of being the mother of the King as well as a formidable political leader, has been manipulating the nobility in ways both subtle and gross, in order to create the right sort of political environment that would allow the Cult of Pleasure to flourish in a way that has not been known since those far-off days when the elven nation was united.

Morathi has charged her foremost High Sorceress, Lonicera with the task of raising a great army for the cult, in order to defend against the fearsome hatreds of the Khaine worshippers. Long has she forseen a time when elf will fall upon elf as the two religious factions battle for the hearts and minds of the general population.

Inspired by the recent successes in the Lustrian campaign, Morathi has become bold and open in matters concerning the Cult of Pleasure, a decision that has forced the hand of the Khainists and caused them to prepare for war. Already there have been a number of isolated skirmishes and minor incursions by either side into the sacred places of the other, and the situation has become a tinderbox which threatens to explode into open warfare at any time.

As the two sides ready their forces for battle, the people of Naggaroth can do little but wait for the inevitable. The future is an undiscovered place, and only time will tell what is going to happen. The only thing known with certainty is that much blood will be spilled before the outcome is decided...
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The Northern Wastes

Background
by Langmann

The Northern Wastes - the CoP has arrived with backing of Chaos left over from the SoC. They will attempt to push past the watchtowers and attack Har Ganeth and Ghrond, and push through to Naggarond itself. The first battlesite will be in the Northern wastes around the towers. Combatants : CoP, DE, Khainites, Chaos, Orcs and Goblins (fight on either side, just want to fight, therefore though they may choose a side during a Batrep, its an indirect effect as they are not really on any side).

Northern Wastes:

Long has the Shadow War, the struggle between the Cult of Pleasure and the Temple of Khaine been carried out in secrecy within the under-dark of the cities of Naggaroth. Never in recent memory has the Cult openly defied the Temple, but never before has the Cult been recognized so openly by its mother-patron: Morathi the Queen Mother.

Finding succor from such powerful patronage has released the followers of the ancient Cult from their ‘inhibitions’, and large quantities of human mercenaries from the north have swollen their thin Druchii ranks. The Cult, attempting to gain acceptance as a viable part of Druchii society gathers its hordes in the Northern Wastes only to be opposed by the followers of the Temple of Khaine.

Many Druchii, unsure of which side to choose, remain in their homes. Some gather their weapons and march forth under their various Lords and Nobles to fight the Chaos incursion, for Druchii will not tolerate other races walking openly upon their lands. Some, however, have accepted the human barbarians as a necessary source of muscle, viewing them as no better than slaves. They have chosen to welcome the Prince of Pain and Pleasure and have succumbed to the calling to experience His caress upon the battlefield.

It is the beginning of what was known as the War of Flesh and Blood. Naggaroth is divided.

The Cult and its Dark Elf and Chaos allies attempt to drive a wedge into Naggaroth from the north. If the Cult can lay siege to the cities of Naggaroth, perhaps their numbers will call others forth who have chosen to keep their worship of Slaanesh a dark secret. The Temple and their Dark Elf allies will try and stop them here rather then allow them to lay siege to the cities of Naggaroth.

Battlesite: The Northern Wastes
by Damaer

“Lord Kiorl, the caravan master is here, as you requested.” At an acknowledging nod from Kiorl his aide let the caravan master into what passed for Kiorl’s office. “ I am Kiorl, Commander of this watchtower. You may address me as ‘Lord’.” With a broad gesture he indicated that his guest should sit down. The man pointedly ignored the invitation and remained standing.

“My name is Nahrek. I’m returning from a slave procuring assignment ordered by the Lady Morathi herself. ..Lord.” Habitually scrutinizing the new arrival Kiorl could only feel contempt for this pompously clothed merchant. Here was a man weak with easy living, spoiled by the untold excesses of the rich. Quite unlike the rigors of life on the northern border Kiorl had experienced for most of his adult life.

“So you say.” Kiorl sneered. “I trust you can prove this to my satisfaction?” Nahrek nodded, holding out a sealed scroll bearing Morathi’s personal seal. Kiorl broke the seal and scanned the strong, bold script. All seemed in order, but his instincts told him something wasn’t quite right.
“You seem to have an extraordinary amount of tribesmen in their prime, caravan master. No women, no children, only young men. You must either be very skilled, or very fortunate.”

“Skilled, I'd like to think.” Nahrek allowed himself a thin smile. “Well, perhaps somewhat fortunate. We were able to ambush a column of these tribesmen as they were trekking toward our borders.”
“Curiously, from what I have seen there’s not a wounded man amongst them.”

Maybe you should take a closer look, Lord. Although I will not deny that I take good care of my cattle. Lady Morathi demands the best.”
Kiorl decided to go with his gut instinct and call the man’s bluff. He wasn’t sure what was wrong, but he intended to get to the bottom of it. “Then you won’t mind if I go down and inspect them for myself?”

“Not in the least, Lord.” That infuriating smile widened as Nahrek obediently stepped aside to allow Kiorl to pass. As Kiorl reached for the heavy bronze doorknob he saw a streak of silver from the corner of his eye. Searing agony lanced through his body as the ghlaith pierced the base of his spine. He landed hard on the marble floor tiles before he was actually aware of falling. “Now Now, Lord. We cannot have you stop this little excursion of our barbaric allies. Morathi needs them to bolster our Cause.”

Kiorl had not the slightest idea what the man was talking about. “What cause? You will never leave this tower alive, Asur-brood!”
The ‘caravan master’ chuckled. “More than three quarters of ‘your’ men are loyal to the Cult and Morathi, ‘Lord’. I am in command of this tower as we speak.” Nahrek’s eyes lit up as Kiorl hissed in pain. “Isn’t it delicious? I will leave you to your pleasure.”

The column moved forward. Many thousands of barbarians, ready to aid the Cult. Morathi would be pleased.
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The Cult Of Pleasure Marches To War
by Darkprincess

(I originally posted this as part of the Northern Wastes project, but it's quite a generalised piece and I guess you could put it just about anywhere in your layout)

The enormous mass of troops had assembled in neat, disciplined ranks on the plaza in front of the great tower. All focussed their gaze upon the high balcony where Lonicera finally appeared after several days of silent meditation in her private chamber. What prayers she had offered unto the Lord of Pleasure during this time, none can tell, but this day, she had the undivided attention of all who stood before her in the numbing cold. The sun had risen but two hours ago yet had done nothing to lift the icy chill of night that threatened to freeze the devoted army where it stood.

Lonicera lifted the Staff of Kython above her head, and the troops cheered their approval loudly. The Dark Princess raised her hand and the army fell silent in anticipation of her words.

"Loyal devoted..." she began, "Long have you given yourselves to our great and noble cause. Long have you sacrificed much for the good of the Cult. We honour you for your devotion. We honour your sacrifices. We honour those of you who fell during our glorious campaign in Lustria. May their names be remembered always."

Another great cheer went up and lasted for several minutes before she was able to continue.

"But today, we face another enemy. Our own kin would see us sacrificed upon the altars of their false god, whose name I shall not speak. Our most glorious King has decreed that the land of Naggaroth shall be purged of the infidels, and we rise to accept this noble duty, and we shall carry out this task with honour, with passion, and above all, with pleasure !"

Again they cheered, even longer this time.

"Long have we known that this day would come. Long have we waited for the opportunity to ascend to our rightful place at the heart of Druchii society."

Lonicera raised her voice even higher.

"A new power is rising in Naggaroth. So go forth and claim victory in the name of the Cult. In the name of Slaanesh. Khyrkan Belalakh !"

Again, she raised her hands and held up her staff for all to see. Again she shouted at the top of her voice.

"Khyrkan Belalakh! Khyrkan Belalakh !"

Pleasure is the Path to Glory.

The troops waved their arms, spears and swords in the air. "Khyrkan Belalakh !", they chanted. Lonicera surveyed the massed army from her high vantage point. A faint smile crossed her lips as she sensed that the balance of power was about to shift. She allowed herself to imagine a great victory against the Khainists there were amassing even now, preparing to clash bloodily with her own army.

With banners held high, the great army began to march across the bridge, through the gatehouse, and into the frozen wastes of Naggaroth.

Elora joined Lonicera on the balcony and watched as the troops headed to war. Lonicera glanced at her briefly before returning her gaze to the leaving army.

"And so, it begins..." she muttered quietly to herself.
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The Blackspine Mountains

Background
by Langmann

The Black Spine Mountains:

Ever deceitful and full of guile, the High Elves of Arnhelm have taken the initiative and pounced upon a divided Naggaroth. Pushing past the enclaves of Shade defenders, the High Elves have invaded the Black Spine Mountains. Small numbers of High Elves, returning from Middenheim have also joined their brothers in Arnhelm, bolstering their confidence and strengthening their resolve. To claim the Black Spines and close the underdark Gates that lead into Naggaroth would alleviate the constant harassment they have received from the hands of cunning and dangerous Druchii slavers that ply their trade within the underdark. A bold stroke indeed and one that would allow the colony to grow and finally flourish as citizens would not be constrained to farm within the close proximity of the city’s defenses.

Unfortunately the single cause that unites all Druchii is the destruction of the Asur. The High Elves have been met in battle by the vengeful Dark Elves in deep and immense dim-lit caverns within the underdark of the Black Spines. A place where Druchii knives, blackened by years of bloodshed, lurk within the shadows waiting for the opportunity to banish the souls of the foolish Asur into the darkness forever. The sun has set upon Arnhelm and the land is cast into the twilight of war.

Battlesite: The Blackspine Mountains
by Damaer

The Shadow Warrior retreated deeper into the shadows of the overhanging rock face, its darkness a comforting shield against prying eyes. They had been on the run for what, four days now? His company had set out from Arnheim a ten-day ago, their commander eager to take advantage of the apparent kin strife between the dark ones.

The deluded followers of Aenarions son where waging war amongst themselves on a scale unprecedented before. This was not the common skirmishing between noble houses, but something far deeper. From what he had heard, this seemed to be a religious war, unknown to the Elves of Ulthuan. His company had been tasked with finding and reporting entrances to the underdark, the deep tunnels that the Druchii used to launch their surprise attacks. If the Elves of Arnheim could wrest control of these from the grasp of their corrupted kin, The colony would be a great deal more secure, and expansion a distinct possibility.

After only few days out in the wilds they became aware of a military column traveling through the same pass they were. There was something very disturbing about these traitors, beyond the loathing he normally felt for them. They dressed lewdly, displayed opulence without restraint. But that was not the worst of it; these craven beasts trafficked with Daemons! Commander Kyrion had identified them as followers of Chaos, The other faction in this struggle for Naggarond from which they sought to profit.

Their fortunes turned for the worse when reports came in of a large Khainite force heading towards them. In the mountainous terrain of the Black Spine Mountains, usable passes where few. Commander had smiled grimly, quickly explaining how they would lure both groups to a head on collision. The small Shadow Warrior Company could easily pick off any survivors.

Their plan was working wonderfully well, he thought as he observed the Witches of Khaine march past, singing songs of praise to their vile Lord of Murder. He suppressed his glee, knowing how close the Chaos worshippers were. He watched as the column grind to a halt, howls of hatred filling the air. “Good.” he thought:” Let them destroy each other.” He carelessly shifted, eager for a better look.

Dread constricted his throat as he realized that his scuffling had been heard. He instinctively backed deeper into the shadows, but the movement only betrayed him to keen Druchii eyes. Both Khainite and Chaos worshipper fell upon the Shadow warriors, easily spotted now that their dark kin where aware of their presence. Khainite and Cultist slaughtered the hated Asur with wanton glee, reveling in the bloodshed.

It was over before it had truly begun. Unable to get away, the Shadow warrior found himself skewered on cruel spear points. He coughed up blood, the result of a vicious trust to his lungs. The Druchii had laughed as he twisted the spear point around, finally moving on in search of more sport. As the light receded from his eyes the traitors turned on each other.
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Ghrond: The North Tower

Background
by Langmann

Ghrond - here is a site of most of the skirmish games, not a site of pitched battles. The CoP has infiltrated Ghrond and will attempt to seize and destroy one of the last Cauldrons and destroy the Temple. They are also attempting to seize the Watchtower from the Sorceresses and watch the Chaos winds in order to gain insight. These skirmishes will attempt affect the other battles between the CoP and the Khainites, ie: in the Northern Wastes.

Ghrond:

Ghrond lies in the bitterly cold north of the Witch King’s domain. In shape it is like the great city of Naggarond, yet in size it is far smaller, a fortress to be garrisoned rather than a place in which to dwell. Its single massive tower, grim, black, and slender like a spear, rises from its mountain spur.
From this tower sorcerers watch over the ever shifting Realm of Chaos, place of the gods and source of all magical power for good and ill alike. Within the Realm of Chaos the lands seethe with energy, rising like the sea, whilst the air is bathed in competing colours of sorcery, turning and twisting, howling and crying like the wind. The sorcerers observe the changes in the Realm of Chaos, for it is said that the patterns of change hold the secrets to the future, and that all secrets are contained therein for those who dare to look.
Every day dark clad riders gallop away from the tower of Ghrond bearing the reports of its guardians to Naggarond. These foretell of things to come, of auspicious moments when the Witch King's armies may meet with success, or of the growing power of his enemies, from these observations the Witch King plots his strategies and launches his armies upon the world.

In the early days, Ghrond was granted to the house of Kalanth as the bastion of the Temple of Khaela Mensha Khaine, the bloody handed god. It is also said that the First Cauldron of Blood is kept within the Temple of Khaine.

In an attempt to strike a decisive blow to the Temple of Khaine, the Cult of Pleasure has sent a small number of some of its best warriors to infiltrate the Temple of Khaine and seize the Cauldron of Blood.

The Cult is also attempting to capture the Tower of Ghrond from the Dark Sorceress guardians so that they can study the winds of Chaos and channel its energy to their own ends. For the first time the Convent and the Temple have found themselves strange bedfellows.

This is not a site of pitched battles, but rather a site of skirmish scenarios. You must use one of the skirmish scenarios from the links below and declare the results in the Battlereport as usual.

Battlesite: Ghrond
by Tastyfish

(This is a very long and great description of the Citadel of Ghrond from Tastyfish. I was hoping that he would do more like this for the other main locations, but I haven't been able to contact him for a couple of weeks. AFAIK, he's still on holiday...)

Ghrond was one of the first cities to be built after the founding of Naggarond but its original form was very different from the way the city is today. The city has gone through three distinct phases that it observable in its architecture as its purpose has changed to meet the need of the Druchii people. As a rule, the oldest buildings are in the centre, with the buildings becoming increasingly new as the distances increases from the central spire, though this is not always the case as will be revealed later.

The Fortress Spire
At the core of the city lies the Fortress Spire, almost a replica of the impenetrable Royal Palace at Naggarond though smaller and with many of the staterooms and grand hallways replaced with additional barracks and armouries. Upon looking at the Spire there is no doubt to its original purpose, resting upon a rocky promontory overlooking a valley granting passage from the north through the Spiteful Peaks, its high walls in the sheer nagarythine style lacking in the ornamentation common in most Druchii buildings of later design. The original plan was for a fortress designed purely to be the first line of defense against an attack from the Chaos Wastes, however in a few decades of its completion a new purpose was granted after it was found to stand along one of the great Empyrean Flows, the channels that the winds of magic flow strongest as they are sucked into the Vortex at the centre of Ulthuan.
Many would have foolishly attempted to seek to harness such power, but in his infinite wisdom King Malekith saw beyond this deadly temptation and commissioned the founding of the Order of the Seers of Ghrong and the construction of a shrine to support them at the very top of the spire. The Seers of Ghrond were taken from those among the Druchii who were still focusing on the Old Lore of the Arcane rather than experimenting with the New, this allowed them to see and interpret the strengths of the different winds. As the balance of power shifts in the world, so does the currents of the winds of magic though it is almost impossible to see outside the Empyrean Flows where the concentration of the arcane winds is densest, here however the Seers read the flows and use this to scry events happening on the far side of the globe.

Spire District
Like all Druchii cities, Ghrond is organised into Districts, generally based upon the tiers the city is constructed upon and here it is no different. Surrounding the central fortress are the oldest buildings in the city, though unlike the majority of Druchii settlements these are not home to the richest noble families but instead long established merchant houses that support the garrison of the Fortress Spire. Indeed, it is said that the merchant princes of Ghrond are second only in influence to the Temple within the city and intrigue and political manoeuvrings are just as fierce and complex among the weapon forges and armour warehouses of Ghrond as they in the Queen’s District of Naggarond, it is a widely held superstition among the Fortress garrison that it is the blood of disposed of rivals mingling with the molten metal in the furnaces which gives weapons of Ghrond Steel their edge. Few of the populance actually live in this area other than the soldiery of the Fortress guards and its streets are usually empty of people save the regiments marching fifteen abreast down its broad plazas

Temple District
The Temple district is the second oldest section of Ghrond and was built not long after the Seers of Ghrond were established. Morathi, as then head of the Temple with her position as First Bride of Khaine, realised that the Empyrean flows offered a great deal more than raw power with their ability to spy upon the entire world and argued that only the most loyal to the King and the Druchii nation should be set to guard the Spire. Wise to his mother’s wiles, Malekith forbid his mothers followers to garrison themselves in the fortress and dispatched a detachment of his Black Guard to ensure none but he had access to the Seers. However he was willing to compromise in letting his mother build a small estate near the base of the tower for her use in studying the winds of magic and interpreting prophecies spoken by the Seers, construction began at work immediately on extravagant palace and extending the outer walls to protect it.

It was soon evident though that the distance from Naggarond and the lack of any of the luxuries Morathi and her handmaidens were used to proved too much. Instead of a second capital, Ghrond became a place where Morathi would send those who displeased her or who were too fanatical to easily control through courtly intrigue and favours. But while the court of Naggarond ignored the events in Ghrond which seem insignificant compared to the other great cities, subtle changes were occurring to the city that would change the Druchii race forever.

Pilgrims and fanatics began flocking from the other cities, following the more devout of Khaine’s priestesses who had been sent to Ghrond supposedly under the guise of ‘protecting the souls of the garrison from the corrupting influence of Chaos’, a role they took very seriously, blind to the simple truth that they were politically inconvenient. Small cults led by influential leaders soon started springing up and the streets were regularly thick with blood as rival bands fought over the true nature of Khaine. Around the eastern wall of the fortress shrines and temples were torn down as fast as they were erected as cults tried to get as close to Morathi’s palace as possible in the belief that the First Chosen of Khaine would return and favour them. Soon the walls of the fortress themselves were threatened as stones were stolen at midnight to repair damaged holy buildings and the garrison spent more time trying to prevent the open warfare from spilling into the city as they did training to fight the hordes from the Wastes. The captain of the garrison was forced to act.

Throwing his support behind the most highly ranking of the priestesses who had been exiled to Ghrond, a beautiful Maibd called Helbronne, the garrison and her followers rounded up all the cult leaders and prophets and offered them a choice, they could either listen to Helbronne’s proposal or take their grievances to Khaine in person at the blade of the City Executioner. This show of force backed up with the respect they had for Helbronne convinced the majority and they listened as she told them of her vision. Revealing several brass cauldrons of an arcane design, Helbronne declared herself the new most Favoured Bride and leader of the Temple of the Thousand Faces of Khaine, she declared that there was no one true nature of Khaine as he encompassed all things and that to fight over this merely weakened the Druchii people and displeased Khaine. She ordered the building of a huge cathedral to house the new cauldrons, one that would put even the Great Cathedral of Naggarond to shame.

Today, the Cathedral of Ghrond and Morathi’s palace, now home to Helbronne and known as the Hag’s Hall form the heart of the Temple District. The streets are much narrower than those of the Spire District and the buildings far more ornate, covered in gargoyles and figures representing the many aspects of Khaine and each of the many smaller shrines tended by Khaine’s preists and priestesses here being a work of art. Despite this, the Temple District is a small one compared to the much larger Market and Southern Districts with few people actually living there, other than a few very dedicated Khainist noble houses with estates that surround the Hag’s Hall. The few stores that exist here are bound in the Blood Market, though compared to the markets in other districts and cities it again is very small consisting of just a few vendors selling incense, candles and other Temple goods clustered around the slave pens. Slaves are rare in Ghrond as most are brought by the temple so compared to the slave market in the Clar Karond’s Grand Bazaar it is hardly worth the name, though still a few merchants eke a living out of marching the slave trains from the coastal cities along the paths through the mountains to try to meet the Temple’s eternal hunger for lives.

Market District and Battle Quarter
Second largest of Ghrond’s Districts is the Market District, as its name suggests this area is home to the vast majority of Ghrond’s merchants and traders, and is vastly more typical of Druchii settlements in its design and architecture with a combination of wide thoroughfares and many narrow back alleys. The buildings themselves all resemble those in areas close to temples in other cities and have the traditional Druchii high roofs to prevent build up of snow and wicked spikes along the edges of the roofs to discourage those trying to enter on Death Night...

Flavour-piece for the Ghrond article
by Darkprincess

Hellebron looked down upon the fortress walls from her vantage point high above the streets. Her grim tower offered an unrestricted view not only of the city, but of the twisting, churning Realm of Chaos to the north, beyond the watchtowers. Far below, none of the ordinary population dared to look up at the towering spire for fear of the consequences of so inquisitive an action. The crone witch was as dreaded here as she was elsewhere in Naggaroth, for it was said that nobody who would speak ill of her should live long.

As war fast approaches, she is preparing to defend her dark citadel from the forces of Morathi and her enraptured Slaanesh worshippers. They come to destroy everything that Hellebron holds dear. They come to take the Cauldron. To take her wisdom. To take her life.

Hellebron has put her faith in the blood-soaked hands of Khaine, god of murder, god of vengeance. The time has come fot the Temple of Khaine to drive the Cult of Pleasure back into the shadows, and hopefully to destroy it completely. She sees the opportunity to kill her great rival, Morathi. She knows that Malekith, the Witch King, will not prevent this, and that she could rise to become the Queen of Naggaroth. With a concerted war effort, fuelled partly by her deep-seated hatred of Slaanesh, but mostly by her own ambitions, she will restore Naggaroth to the correct path.

Tiamehk wandered into the chamber, pausing slightly as Hellebron spun around, a look of unrestrained evil upon her face.

"Speak", Hellebron ordered.

The sorceress hesitated slightly. "The winds of magic are moving, my Queen. Predictions will be difficult at this time".

"Do not bother me with your excuses, Tiamehk. I require definite answers. We do not have much time."

"I have sensed a great disturbance in the Realm of Chaos. I feel that something terrible is happening."

"It is the future you see. I feel it too, but we are prepared."

"We cannot win this war my Queen. Not if the forces of Chaos march with our enemies."

Hellebron glared at her, the hatred burning deep within her twisted soul. "I said that we are prepared. Did you not hear my mighty words ?"

"I did, my Queen.....But the Chaos gods did not."

"Damn your insolence ! I could have you put to death for saying such things !"

"I wish only to serve you."

"You hate me. You cannot hide this from me."

"That is not true my Queen. We all....."

Hellebron cut her off in mid sentence. "Do not lie to me. I know you hate me. You all hate me. The people hate me and the convents hate me."

Tiamehk did not speak.

"I care not for things such as love", Hellebron continued, "I do not want them, nor do I need them. I need only the respect that comes from terror. Let them hate me all they wish - so long as they fear me. You do fear me, Tiamehk, do you not ?"

Tiamehk remained silent. Hellebron was enraged. She picked up a skull from a shelf that held many similar grisly souvenirs and held it in front of Tiamehk's face.

" This was once your illustrious predecessor", she hissed. "Unless you wish to join her, I suggest you bring me something more tangiable than disturbing visions !"

Tiamehk backed away slowly, before leaving the chamber.
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Battlesite: The Southern Reaches

Background
by Langmann

Southern Reaches - The CoP, returning from Lustria is waylaid by the Khainites. Also an alliance has been forged between the Khainites and their Dark Elf followers and the Lizardmen. Ever stoic and rational, the Lizardmen recognize an opportunity to weaken the DE in this strange alliance. Moreover, arriving from the west across the boundless western seas are strange armies of undead seeking something unknown. Both the Khainites and the CoP each claim to have allies in the undead forces, and conversely each claim that the other is using the undead for their own means. What truth is to be learned over the coming year? Combatants: DE, CoP, Khainites, Undead Armies (VC,TK), Lizardmen.

The Southern Reaches:

The strange and unusual events transpiring within Naggaroth pale in comparison to the news from the south. The Temple of Khaine, hoping to end the Cult of Pleasure once and for all, have ambushed the Cult as they return to Naggaroth from the invasion of Lustria.

Ever stoic and pragmatic, the Lizardmen have allied themselves with the more ‘moderate’ supporters of the Temple of Khaine or those Druchii wishing to maintain the status quo. Lizard and Dark Elf alliances have existed before, and in this case the destruction of the Cult is a objective both would find… satisfactory. The Lizardmen hope to reclaim articles of their faith and magic that the Cult now possesses. The Temple and its Druchii supporters would also like to claim those artifacts, not necessarily to return to the Lizardmen, but Dark Elves are also pragmatic. If the Temple cannot have the artifacts, neither would they allow the Cult such possessions.

Nothing, however, is more peculiar than the arrival of fleets of undead ships. Drawn to the Southern Reaches by reasons yet to be explained, relentless hordes of undead march across the death-still deserts of the south. In their wake the necromancers and liche priests draw from the silent earth the ancient skeletons of prehistoric creatures to fight their battles. Whose side, if any, the undead are on has yet to be determined. What their purpose, if any, has yet to be declared. What is known is that both sides, the Temple and the Cult, claim that the other is responsible for calling forth the undead by using the artifacts of ancient power gleaned from the Lizardmen temples to fight bloody and bloodless battles in this early-game gambit.

Introduction
by Loremaster Nagathi

With a well planned attack against the weak disbelievers the sacred artefacts was finally hers. A smile extended over Crone Hellebron’s lips, this was precisely what she had urged for. For so many years she had tried to overthrow the foul cultists and their fetid leader, that Morathi the Deceiver. Finally things started to look really promising for the Temples.

Morathi had been Hellebron’s archrival ever since she overtook the position as leader of the Temples of Khaine, the true Hag. Morathi, mother of the king, had done nothing but ruined the druchii society. The temples lost more faith by each passing day, and it was time Hellebron reacted. With the artefacts on the way to her hold in Ghrond she could show the sceptics that Khaine smiled upon those who listened to her.

However, many of the rank cultists escaped the claws of her witches. It would not take long before Morathi herself heard the news and sent reinforcements. Hellebron’s troops had to move quickly or be counter-attacked by the cult’s forces. Or even worse, be attacked by the survivors. The hate those survivors infested made them a complicated enemy. Not much can withstand a warrior filled with pure rage.

The khainite forces still had the possession of the artefacts, but Morathi would not be late to respond, and her armies were surly already on their way. Hellebron turned to Tiamehk and spoke in a soft voice, “We are in the lead, make sure it stays that way, or you will be next on the altar.”

With both factions of the Druchii sending reinforcements, the Lizardmen has forged an alliance with the temples to bring vengeance upon those who defiled their holy temples. Even they see the dishonour in the cultists’ actions. Moreover, strange ships of the undead are seen closing in on the southern shore. Armies of undeath are dispatching into the lands, reason yet unknown. All they seek is more death, and those who does not watch out will soon fall under the cursed blades.

Accompanying flavour-piece
by Darkprincess

(This article by definition has to take place after the ambush of the CoP forces in the Southern Reaches. I see the events in that part of the campaign as the actual catalyst for the war in the first place. With this in mind I think that the ambush of the returning army needs to go near the beginning. We all know that there has always been bitter rivalry between the opposing religious factions in Naggaroth, but open war needs something to trigger it off - the siezure of the spoils of the Lustrian campaign (which by definition would belong to Morathi) by the forces of Hellebron would be just the sort of even to start the war).

The proud Noble stepped forward hesitantly, as if in fear of his very life. Indeed, his survival beyond the next few moment was by no means certain, for he brought with him news so terrible that merely voicing it in front of the Hag Sorceress might well prove fatal.

"Come forward. Quickly !", Morathi snapped curtly. "What is it that you are so fearful of telling me ?"

The Noble fell to his knees before the great throne, looking at the marble tiled floor in front of him. He remained silent until he was ordered to speak.

"Forgive me, my queen, for a great tragedy has befallen us on our journey back from Lustria. Our returning army was ambushed by forces loyal to Khaine. Many of our number were slaughtered like beasts. Many more were taken. Our warriors fought the infidels with valour, but we were outnumbered. Much of the spoils that we would place before your feet in tribute is now in the hands of the Temple of Khaine."

The Noble glanced around the great chamber at the assembled courtiers, before returning his gaze to the floor. Morathi was about to speak when he quickly rose to his feet, looked directly at Morathi and spoke a voice loud enough to be heared by everybody;

"I have nothing to offer you in tribute other than my unworthy life. Please accept my blood as payment of this debt, and spare that of the other survivors of your army."

Morathi stepped forward and down the six high steps that led up to the dais on which rested the great throne. But she was not able to reach him in time.

"Let this be a lesson to one and all that our Great Queen will never accept failiure !", he shouted as he drove his dagger deep into his chest. He stood motionless for what seemed like an eternity, before collapsing to the floor. Two of Morathi's handmaidens rushed over to him as he lay dying before the court. While they lifted his head, Morathi walked over and looked down at him without saying anything.

"Forgive me..." he whispered quietly before becoming limp.

The maidens placed his head gently on the floor, and looked up at Morathi, her eyes filled with firey hatred, the like of which she had not felt for some considerable time.

The Hag Sorceress stormed towards the grand doorway, and the handmaids followed hurriedely. "What would you have us do for you, my Queen ?" one asked.

"Prepare Sulephet ! - I ride at dusk !", Morathi boomed as she walked out of the great hall.
--------------------------
The grim tower loomed ominously, silhouetted against the moonlit night when Morathi and her Dark Pegasus arrived at the Fortress of Pleasure. Riding with great haste across the narrow bridge with its central gatehouse, she slowed slightly, as if to collect her thoughts, before racing across the coutyard and right up to and through the great iron-clad doorway. Once inside, she dismounted and ran up the steps to the balcony on which Lonicera was waiting for her.

"The hour is late, my Lady, and I have seen that which grieves you so. What would you have me do ?"

Lonicera could see that Morathi could hardly contain her fury at the audacity of the Khainists.

"I will teach Hellebron a lesson that she will not forget !", Morathi told her. "But first we must recover the items that now reside in the citadel of Ghrond. Nobody steals from me and lives !"

Lonicera's expression did not change. "The army stands ready. We can take Ghrond if we would wish us to do so, but the risks are many and the price may be terrible"

"Terrible it might be, Lonicera, but I must have those items back. Now ! "

"Then you will have me attack Ghrond ?"

"I would prefer to recover my property by stealh rather than open conflict"

"My Lady, you must already know that this may not be possible. We have both forseen a great war dividing our people. We have fought the Shadow War against our old adversary for thousands of years, but this might be the one thing to light the fires of hate on both sides, plunging Naggaroth into open warfare. If Ghrond falls to our forces, the Voice of Khaine will cry out for vengeance and the streets of all our great cities will become rivers of blood."

"Then so be it", Morathi snapped.

"And what of the King ? Where does he stand in all of this ? He has said little given the degree of concern following the siege of Middenheim and the growth of Chaos-worship throughout the Old World."

"Agh - Malekith despises me. He would let me go to war hoping that I would fall, thus allowing him total control over the people. He is not interested in the Druchii as much as he is in the Asur. So consumed he is with hatred of our former kin and the desire to sit upon the Phoenix Throne, that he cares little for the affairs of his own subjects."

"But the King needs you, my Lady."

"Yes he does, but he has neither the humility nor the intelligence to recognise the fact that he will never be able to manipulate the population as I can."

"You will still need to keep his eye focussed elsewhere if we are to achieve our objectives"

"I believe that I have convinced him that the greatest threat we face is from Arnhelm. Nothing gratifies him more than the slaughter of Asur, so I think he will be more than happy to stay away while you and I cleanse Naggaroth of Hellebron and her foolishly misguided followers."

"As she once tried to do to us, my Lady ?", Lonicera thought aloud.

A faint smile crossed Morathi's sensuous lips for the first time since she had arrived. "No, Lonicera. This is quite different. We ride to war with a far more powerful god looking over us. Their foolish allegiances will prove their undoing now as it did on the Night of Death all those millennia ago. More and more of my people are emerging from the shadows. The more that come out, the greater our chance to sweep aside the false god that has been a part of Druchii society for too long, and return the people to the true path. The King has issued a decree - that we should purge this great nation of the infidels. Well that is exactly what I plan to do !"

"Many are shocked by the sudden rise of Chaos. Druchii everywhere fear an invasion by the Northern Tribes. There are even rumours that the foul reptiles have allied themselves with the Khainists !"

"The tribes answer to me, Lonicera. I will use them as and when necessary. As for the lizards..They are a dying race. Let them pass."

"We do not need the tribes ! We can win this war without them". Lonicera could do little to hide the distaste she felt over the idea of mortals fighting alongside her Devoted followers.

"Yes we do", Morathi replied quietly. "When the time comes, we will need their help. I have forseen it."

"And all the time, Chaos becomes more powerful. I do not wish to see the brute god worshipped in my land. It is bad enough that the foolish people still cling to the bloody hand of Khaine. Only Slaanesh is worthy to receive the souls of elves. The brute, whose name I shall not utter in this sacred place, is unworthy of us. Let him take the mortals. Slaanesh is the One True God and all others are nothing but underlings and pretenders. Slaanesh alone will rise from this."

"And will continue to rise, but we are Hir masters, not Hir servants. When Chaos overruns the world, all will belong to us ! The time of Khaine is over. The reign of Slaanesh is about to begin..."
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Karond Kar

Background
by Langmann

Karond Kar - the returning CoP and its followers from the Lustrian amphibious invasion have been denied entry into Karond Kar by the Khainites. They are encamped on the plains around Karond Kar. With the current northern invasion, they attack. Some of the citizens of Karond Kar have deployed their armies for either side. First battlesite plains outside Karond Kar. Combatants: CoP, DE, Khainites, Human Followers of Slaanesh (Empire, Dogs of War. Human armies may NOT include priests, BUT one of their wizards may use a Chaos magic lore).

Plains of Karond Kar:

In the tongue of men the city of Karond Kar is called the City of Despair. It is to this terrible place that thousands of slaves are brought: men from the Old World, Elves from Ulthuan, and more from all across the world, all destined to serve the Witch King. The wailing spirits of dead slaves are said to haunt the whole city. The Dark Elves love to hear this sound of dread and despair. It fills their dreams with delicious images of suffering and pain.

Many slaves die upon the altars of Khaine, their hearts torn from their bodies, whilst others are sent north and south to labour in the mines and quarries of the Witch King.

Thousands die as they cross the seas to Karond Kar, stifled and suffocated in the holds of the slave ships, or tortured to death for the entertainment of the black-hearted crew. From the docks the slaves are driven in chains amidst the jeering crowds. As the slave masters beat them forward many stumble upon the steep rock and are trampled to death by the chained feet of those who follow. At this sight the crowds laugh all the louder and cry with pleasure, for such is their love of cruelty that this sorry spectacle is rated a great entertainment.

The Cult of Pleasure and its followers have returned by sea from the invasion of Lustria and have been denied entry into Karond Kar by the city leaders and the Temple of Khaine. The followers of the Cult are encamped on the plains around Karond Kar and some of the citizens of Karond Kar, drawn forth by the lure of Slaanesh, have joined the ranks of the Cult. At the same time, many from the city have decided to attack the Cult to reap and enslave the bountiful harvest of human mercenaries that swell the ranks of Slaanesh. Followers of Slaanesh, recruited by the Cult of Pleasure from the barbarian north and the human Empire, fight not only to experience the sensations of the battlefield but also for their own ‘freedom’.


No accompanying articles for this one as yet
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Arnhelm

Background
by Langmann

Arnhelm - Malekith leads an army to remove the troublesome colony of Arnhelm from the New World. First battlesite is in the Black Spine Mountains. The effect of these battles on the other battlesites will be determined by the CM. Combatants: Dark Elves and High Elves.

No accompanying articles for this one as yet
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Ancient Dwarven Stronghold

Background
by Langmann

Ancient Dwarven Stronghold - Dwarven Lord <insert name> leads an army in a bid to retrieve a lost Dwarven artifact <insert name and fluff> deep in an old mine. Malekith has dispatched Dark Elf warriors under <insert name> to “roast those dwarves on a pint sized spit”. Unfortunately for the Dwarves and the Dark Elves, there are other combatants seeking the treasure: the Skaven. A three way fight. How this battlesite will swing the campaign is up to the CM but it could be that if the DE retrieve the artifact it could be used to affect the invasion in the north. Combatants: Dwarves, DE, Skaven.

No accompanying articles for this one as yet
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Day 1

Northern Wastes:

Long has the Shadow War, the struggle between the Cult of Pleasure and the Temple of Khaine been carried out in secrecy within the under-dark of the cities of Naggaroth. Never in recent memory has the Cult openly defied the Temple, but never before has the Cult been recognized so openly by its mother-patron: Morathi the Queen Mother.

Finding succor from such powerful patronage has released the followers of the ancient Cult from their ‘inhibitions’, and large quantities of human mercenaries from the north have swollen their thin Druchii ranks. The Cult, attempting to gain acceptance as a viable part of Druchii society gathers its hordes in the Northern Wastes only to be opposed by the followers of the Temple of Khaine.

Many Druchii, unsure of which side to choose, remain in their homes. Some gather their weapons and march forth under their various Lords and Nobles to fight the Chaos incursion, for Druchii will not tolerate other races walking openly upon their lands. Some, however, have accepted the human barbarians as a necessary source of muscle, viewing them as no better than slaves. They have chosen to welcome the Prince of Pain and Pleasure and have succumbed to the calling to experience His caress upon the battlefield.

It is the beginning of what was known as the War of Flesh and Blood. Naggaroth is divided.

The Cult and its Dark Elf and Chaos allies attempt to drive a wedge into Naggaroth from the north. If the Cult can lay siege to the cities of Naggaroth, perhaps their numbers will call others forth who have chosen to keep their worship of Slaanesh a dark secret. The Temple and their Dark Elf allies will try and stop them here rather then allow them to lay siege to the cities of Naggaroth.

Orc and goblin tribes have been drawn out of their holes and into the fray. With no sense of purpose, they destroy and ambush anyone they find causing disasters amongst either side.

Ghrond:

Ghrond lies in the bitterly cold north of the Witch King’s domain. In shape it is like the great city of Naggarond, yet in size it is far smaller, a fortress to be garrisoned rather than a place in which to dwell. Its single massive tower, grim, black, and slender like a spear, rises from its mountain spur.

From this tower sorcerers watch over the ever shifting Realm of Chaos, place of the gods and source of all magical power for good and ill alike. Within the Realm of Chaos the lands seethe with energy, rising like the sea, whilst the air is bathed in competing colours of sorcery, turning and twisting, howling and crying like the wind. The sorcerers observe the changes in the Realm of Chaos, for it is said that the patterns of change hold the secrets to the future, and that all secrets are contained therein for those who dare to look.

Every day dark clad riders gallop away from the tower of Ghrond bearing the reports of its guardians to Naggarond. These foretell of things to come, of auspicious moments when the Witch King's armies may meet with success, or of the growing power of his enemies, from these observations the Witch King plots his strategies and launches his armies upon the world.

In the early days, Ghrond was granted to the house of Kalanth as the bastion of the Temple of Khaela Mensha Khaine, the bloody handed god. It is also said that the First Cauldron of Blood is kept within the Temple of Khaine.

In an attempt to strike a decisive blow to the Temple of Khaine, the Cult of Pleasure has sent a small number of some of its best warriors to infiltrate the Temple of Khaine and seize the Cauldron of Blood.

The Cult is also attempting to capture the Tower of Ghrond from the Dark Sorceress guardians so that they can study the winds of Chaos and channel its energy to their own ends. For the first time the Convent and the Temple have found themselves strange bedfellows.

This is not a site of pitched battles, but rather a site of skirmish scenarios. You must use one of the skirmish scenarios from the links below and declare the results in the Battlereport as usual.

Plains of Karond Kar:

In the tongue of men the city of Karond Kar is called the City of Despair. It is to this terrible place that thousands of slaves are brought: men from the Old World, Elves from Ulthuan, and more from all across the world, all destined to serve the Witch King. The wailing spirits of dead slaves are said to haunt the whole city. The Dark Elves love to hear this sound of dread and despair. It fills their dreams with delicious images of suffering and pain.

Many slaves die upon the altars of Khaine, their hearts torn from their bodies, whilst others are sent north and south to labour in the mines and quarries of the Witch King.

Thousands die as they cross the seas to Karond Kar, stifled and suffocated in the holds of the slave ships, or tortured to death for the entertainment of the black-hearted crew. From the docks the slaves are driven in chains amidst the jeering crowds. As the slave masters beat them forward many stumble upon the steep rock and are trampled to death by the chained feet of those who follow. At this sight the crowds laugh all the louder annd cry with pleasure, for such is their love of cruelty that this sorry spectacle is rated a great entertainment.

The Cult of Pleasure and its followers have returned by sea from the invasion of Lustria and have been denied entry into Karond Kar by the city leaders and the Temple of Khaine. The followers of the Cult are encamped on the plains around Karond Kar and some of the citizens of Karond Kar, drawn forth by the lure of Slaanesh, have joined the ranks of the Cult. At the same time, many from the city have decided to attack the Cult to reap and enslave the bountiful harvest of human mercenaries that swell the ranks of Slaanesh. Followers of Slaanesh, recruited by the Cult of Pleasure from the barbarian north and the human Empire, fight not only to experience the sensations of the battlefield but also for their own ‘freedom’.

The Black Spine Mountains:

Ever deceitful and full of guile, the High Elves of Arnhelm have taken the initiative and pounced upon a divided Naggaroth. Pushing past the enclaves of Shade defenders, the High Elves have invaded the Black Spine Mountains. Small numbers of High Elves, returning from Middenheim have also joined their brothers in Arnhelm, bolstering their confidence and strengthening their resolve. To claim the Black Spines and close the underdark Gates that lead into Naggaroth would alleviate the constant harassment they have received from the hands of cunning and dangerous Druchii slavers that ply their trade within the underdark. A bold stroke indeed and one that would allow the colony to grow and finally flourish as citizens would not be constrained to farm within the close proximity of the city’s defenses.

Unfortunately the single cause that unites all Druchii is the destruction of the Asur. The High Elves have been met in battle by the vengeful Dark Elves in deep and immense dim-lit caverns within the underdark of the Black Spines. A place where Druchii knives, blackened by years of bloodshed, lurk within the shadows waiting for the opportunity to banish the souls of the foolish Asur into the darkness forever. The sun has set upon Arnhelm and the land is cast into the twilight of war.

The Southern Reaches:

The strange and unusual events transpiring within Naggaroth pale in comparison to the news from the south. The Temple of Khaine, hoping to end the Cult of Pleasure once and for all, have ambushed the Cult as they return to Naggaroth from the invasion of Lustria.

Ever stoic and pragmatic, the Lizardmen have allied themselves with the more ‘moderate’ supporters of the Temple of Khaine or those Druchii wishing to maintain the status quo. Lizard and Dark Elf alliances have existed before, and in this case the destruction of the Cult is a objective both would find… satisfactory. The Lizardmen hope to reclaim articles of their faith and magic that the Cult now possesses. The Temple and its Druchii supporters would also like to claim those artifacts, not necessarily to return to the Lizardmen, but Dark Elves are also pragmatic. If the Temple cannot have the artifacts, neither would they allow the Cult such possessions.

Nothing, however, is more peculiar than the arrival of fleets of undead ships. Drawn to the Southern Reaches by reasons yet to be explained, relentless hordes of undead march across the death-still deserts of the south. In their wake the necromancers and liche priests draw from the silent earth the ancient skeletons of prehistoric creatures to fight their battles. Whose side, if any, the undead are on has yet to be determined. What their purpose, if any, has yet to be declared. What is known is that both sides, the Temple and the Cult, claim that the other is responsible for calling forth the undead by using the artifacts of ancient power gleaned from the Lizardmen temples to fight bloody and bloodless battles in this early-game gambit.

Dwarven Grudges:

From across the seas a solitary dwarven clan holds a grudge from the ages. Once, millenia ago a dwarven thane was taken into slavery by cruel Druchii raiders. Tortured, beard shaved and murdered by the sadistic corsairs, his body was thrown to the sharks. By chance it washed up on shore near Barak Varr. His clan knowing who had taken him swore such oaths that if they had a way to they would make these Elves pay a thousand-fold for their wrongs.

Hundreds of years passed and now the dwarven clan has their weapon. Small submarines called Natalus and stealthy Ironclads. The dwarven sailors began shadowing Dark Elven Raiding ships, attacking here and there, disrupting the slave trade and destroying those ships that they could. One fateful day a dwarf Natalus was shadowing a Doom fortress when the mighty sea monster turned and entered a cavern on the western coast of Naggaroth. The Dwarves were ecstatic. They finally found the legendary Underworld Sea. Returning to the Dwarven Fleet already underway, they reported their great find.

The Dwarven Admiralty quickly developed a plan. If they infiltrated the Underworld Sea with small ships they could make the Dark Elves pay a heavy price as they attempted transit to the Boiling Sea and the lands beyond. By leaving small dwarven strike forces in the Underway they could also strike from the tunnels against Dark Elven exploration groups and armies on the move.

Little known to the dwarves the Skaven had found a path to the caverns and caves under the Black Spine Mountains. They were there to mine the precious minerals and warp stone that was buried and hidden in the caves. As Dwarven Natulli steamed into the Underworld Sea both Shades and Skaven Gutter Runners marked their presence. The black waters of the Underworld Sea would run red with blood!

Scenarios
Raid the Temple (
While running a million dollar company, singing at weddings, and his frequent jetting to Spain Elton Jon style, Dark Alliance found the time to stand on the doorstep of Games Workshop like Moses and the Pharoah and calmly state, "Let my people go."
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