Asur Fluff

Old campaign - Where the Druchii Net Online Campaign was discussed

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Enthardon
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Asur Fluff

Post by Enthardon »

Here is the beginning of the fluff for us Asur. It introduces Enthardon's role, and sets the stage for the high elves wanting to get involved.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE
IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE

    Enthardon Alar, Prince of Nagarythe
    Commander Varamas, Officer of the War Council of Asuryan
    Prince Calaidan, Noble of Nagarythe
    Phoenix King Finubar Seafarer, Leader of Ulthuan
    Lady Esperanza, the White Lady of Chrace
    Feldarion Nightstar, Provincial Commander of Tiranoc
    Sea Lord Shannar, Provincial Commander of Eataine
    Elthair Minathar, High Commander of the Second Legion
    Prince Regulus, Noble of Caledor
    Elias Kalderon, Prince of Shades
    Prince Therefas, Merchant Prince of the Colony Arnhelm
    Nachri, Champion of Eataine
    Lord Aseiar, Commander – Arnhelm Citizen Levy
    Thilion Aellesar Dragonhearth, Prince of Caledor
    Captain Ilitar, Captain of the Second Legion


The Hawk Ship glided through the waves with ease. After months of fighting under the banner of Lord Aislinn, Enthardon was finally returning home. Since first dawn, the rocky shores of his homeland had slowly grown larger and larger – driving Enthardon’s longing to return to the island continent of Ulthuan. The crew of the ship sought to avoid the Aesenar at all cost – his brooding silence was enough to intimidate even the most stalwart of the sea guard on board.

The elf was not brooding over the crew though – he was brooding over his own failure. Aislinn had commanded Enthardon and his shadow bands to hunt down the skaven threat – Clan Eshin. While Enthardon had managed to slay many of the ratmen, ultimately they still managed to wreck severe havoc against Middenheim and its defenders. When Aislinn’s fleet began its pull out of the Sea of Claws, all forces around Middenheim were recalled as well to return home to Ulthuan. Facing the possibility of not having a way to journey back to Ulthuan for quite sometime, Enthardon was forced to end his pursuit of Clan Eshin.

When the sun was high over the sky, the noise of footsteps drew the shadow warrior’s attention. It was one of the Captain’s deck officers. “Lord Enthardon, I apologize to disrupt you but I feel you might want to take a look off of our port bow – we are coming on a courier ship under assault by the druchii.” Druchii. The very word filled his soul with hate. Without a second of pause, he grabbed his weapons that were resting on the deck railing and gestured for the deck officer to follow him to the bow. Enthardon watched as the ship’s crew readied the bolt thrower batteries for firing. The Pernicious Wrath was the name of the ship, and was one of the new second generation Hawk Ship’s employed in Aislinn’s fleet – it featured a wider deck over the an improved hull that allows for the same speed as the older generation of ships but more deck space for the Eagle’s Claw batteries.

Even from the distance the Wrath was at, Enthardon could see the other ships the deck officer had mentioned. In the center of the group was an Asur courier ship. Smaller than the Hawk Ships employed by the navy, these were designed with speed in mind. It carried a long Eagle’s Claw to ward off any raiding parties and a small compliment of Sea Guard, but nothing in comparison to the Hawk Ships. And that is why it was in trouble – many dark elf Hydra ships were currently swarming it. The much softer hail of sea guard bows and the occasional fire of the single eagle’s claw answered the twang of reaper bolt throwers firing.

Enthardon turned to see Captain Morvelion – master of the Pernicious Wrath – walking up next to him amongst the busied preparation for combat by the ship’s crew. “Prince Enthardon, do you recognize the markings of that ship?”

The ship’s hull bore nothing of interest, but what did draw his attention was the large solitary rune on the sail – the rune of Asuryan. It was a very untraditional marking for a ship of the Asur fleet. After a moment of thought, Enthardon recognized it. “That is a ship of the war council of Asuryan.”

“Indeed, and a courier ship at that. It must be bearing something important if it is of the war council’s bidding,” the Captain said. The war council of Asuryan was a sect of the Priesthood that dealt with what it deemed were significant external threats to Ulthuan. It commands its own private force of ships and soldiers – and at the bidding of the Phoenix King the council dispatches some of its forces on missions throughout the world. Enthardon knew from his recent trip to the Old World that they had been responsible for the unearthing of many High Elf watchstones in the present day Empire. However, this ship’s course brought it from the west, away from both the Old World and Ulthuan. “Most curious indeed,” the Captain murmured to himself.

As Enthardon and Morvelion pondered over the mission of the courier vessel, their ship had closed in on the harassing druchii. With a group of cries from the battery commanders, the Eagle’s Claw bolt throwers launched their salvos in unison, scything through the decks of the dark elf raider ships. Preoccupied in their attack on the weak prey, they had not noticed the approach of the Hawk Ship. As the Wrath drew even closer, it fired another volley, scattering most of the Corsairs to the decks of their ships. Reaching bow range, the Sea Guard aimed their bows at a high arc for a mass volley into the ships. They were forced to quickly raise their shields; however, as the Corsairs launched a scattered counter attack with their repeater crossbows.

A third repeater bolt thrower volley, forcing the small druchii ships to flee, quickly countered the druchii bolts. The Hydra ships were designed for harassment and transport – not to go up against capital ships – and were thus far outclassed by even a lone Hawk Ship. While the batteries on the ship trained their bolts on the fleeing druchii, Captain Morvelion ordered his ship alongside that of the courier vessel. As they glided up to the ship, Enthardon could see the soldiers on the courier vessel readying a boarding plank for a trip to the Wrath. All of them bore white and black clothing underneath their armor – which was splendid ithilmar in silver and gold. Even for Sea Guard, their armor was quite impressive. At the front of the small squad of soldiers moving to the Hawk Ship was an elf with no armor – but clad in the same white and black robes.
“Greetings, and thank you for the much needed assistance,” the elf said as he nodded in greeting to the Captain. “I am Commander Varamas of the War Council of Asuryan, and that is the courier ship Righteous Judgement.”

Morvelion returned the greeting, “And this is the Hawk Ship Pernicious Wrath, under the banner of Lord Aislinn. I am Captain Morvelion. Do you have any wounded or any repairs that needs the tending of my crew?”

The commander shook his head, “No Captain, but I will be needing to take command of your ship. The Righteous Judgement was carrying important information for the Phoenix King himself, and by the royal edict that established our order, it is my right to temporarily take command of any vessel or regiment if it aids me in my mission.”

If there was one thing Enthardon knew, it was that the Captain prided himself in his position as master of his own ship, and would not be surprised if he attempted to defy the edict of one of the members of the War Council. A mysterious group indeed – since the Phoenix Court had little to do with the descendents of Alith Anar, Enthardon had never interacted with them; rather, he only heard of them through the mouths of others. A sect of the Priesthood of Asuryan, members of the War Council of Asuryan bear black and white robes, representative of the black and white mask worn by their patron god. Not only do the operate under only the Phoenix King and the temple, but they also have the privilege to take command of units or ships if necessary to complete their mission – save that commanded by the nobility themselves. It was that rule that the Captain attempted to exploit, “Commander Varamas, I would be happy to escort you to Lothern, but I will be unable to relinquish command of this vessel, as it currently under command of a Prince.”

Varamas’ eyes narrowed, “I am sorry Captain, but I insist that command must be relinquished. The information we have is dire and must be presented to Finubar as soon as possible. I care not whom is in command, you will be defying the edict of our King if you do not allow me to take command!”

The distinct sound of an arrow being drawn back on a bow caused Varamas’ head to snap. Enthardon’s gaze was cast on the commander, “Perhaps you shall care about my bow, good commander.” In an instant, the bows of the War Council’s soldiers were drawn, their arrows aimed at Enthardon. The Shadow Prince smiled and lowered his bow, “Now that I have your attention. I am the Aesenar Enthardon Alar, Prince of Nagarythe. I know all about the purposes of the War Council commander, and let me assure you that I am quite aware of the fact that you cannot relinquish command from one of the Princes. I find it silly and a testament to the politics of our nobility, but a rule nonetheless that applies here.”

The bows were still trained on Enthardon as Varamas spoke, “I have heard of you Enthardon Alar, and indeed I cannot take control of this ship if you are in command. But I must protest your refusal and request that this ship set sail for Lothern.”

“No we will not. I long for my home, as desolate as it may be. I shall have the Captain deliver you to Lothern after myself and my men are on the shores of Nagarythe.”

The commander was now beginning to show external signs of his anger. Despite his frustration, Varamas attempted to remain level headed. He was a smart, and knew how to play off of the shadow warrior’s emotions. “Prince Enthardon, as I have said I bring important news from Arnhelm. As the duty of the War Council is to the external policies of our race, we have a small establishment in each colony and fortress not on Ulthuani soil. The rangers that guard Arnhelm came across startling news while scouring the mountain passes the druchii use to assail our colony. They came upon a pile of corpses all druchii – only there were two distinct groups – one bearing homage to Khalea Mensha Khaine. And the other group bearing homage to – “

Enthardon cut him off, “Slaanesh.” The commander nodded as Enthardon continued to soak in the words, “But it was simply a skirmish, druchii have been known to backstab each other countless times.”

“Right, and our council members there thought the same. That is, until the rangers reported more of their findings. The party not of slaanesh bore the traditional markings of the druchii forces of Clar Karond – and of course symbols of Khaine. Their commander was found a few hours running pace down the mountain passes. He was dead of course, but he was carrying orders to shut the Wrath Gates – small entrances to the mountain passes the druchii use to assail Arnhelm. They are no fools the druchii, and know we will use the passes someday to attack them. Thus they devised magically enchanted gates to the passes that can be sealed if needed.
“The orders were explicit – ‘the Asur cannot be allowed to take advantage of Morathi’s assault on the Temple, and the gates must be sealed to avoid the use of Arnhelm as a staging point into our lands.’ That and the fact that half of the so-called Wraith Gates were indeed shut caused us to investigate the matter further. Our own unit of rangers from the War Council traveled through the open passages into Naggarond is captured shade garb. What they found out confirmed our suspicsion – they saw many clashes between warriors representing the two gods. Nothing of large scale battles, but small skirmishes. Nonetheless, from what we can tell the druchii are diving into a civil war.”

Enthardon and Captain Morvelion were speechless. The dark cousins were fighting amongst themselves. “If they are fighting over the dominances of Slaanesh over Khaine as your reports indicate, then there will be significant bloodshed, and a reprieve from the assaults launched from Naggaroth.”

Nodding in agreement, Enthardon knew that going to Nagarythe was no longer a priority, “ Captain, I believe I have had a change in heart. Lothern sounds like a much better destination than my blighted homeland.”
Last edited by Enthardon on Sat Sep 25, 2004 7:12 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Post by Underway »

‘the Asur cannot be allowed to take advantage of Morathi’s assault on the Temple, and the gates must be sealed to avoid the use of Arnhelm as a staging point into our lands.


Change this to keep Morathi out of it. Make it:

"the Asur cannot be allowed to take advantage of the Cult's assault on the Temple..."

Morathi we have decided will sit back and then take sides when the smoke clears...


Otherwise excellent stuff. I think my Hydraships could take you though.. LOL
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Post by Anaryin »

Very nice really, keep Morathi out of it and it is really very good :)
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Enthardon
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Post by Enthardon »

Thanks guys :) And I will change that part about Morathi.

Here is the fluff continued:

* * *

The door to the meeting chamber opened to reveal two of the palace guards flanking an elf garbed in ornate armor. As the elf walked in, one of the guard spoke, “Presenting Prince Calaidan of Nagarythe, requested by Finubar, Phoenix King of Ulthuan.” The Prince bowed low to his king, who returned the bow with a curt nod. Calaidan looked around to see a handful of elves gathered around a massive table – at the head of it was the Phoenix King.

“Lord Calaidan, I thank you for your presence here today,” Finubar said as he gestured for the elf to sit down. “I have asked you to join this meeting today to answer some questions for us. As the only recognized noble in Nagarythe, we require your knowledge of events in that province. What are the current levels of druchii attacks in relation to the past months or even years?”

Calaidan sat down and then began responding to his question, “Druchii attacks have indeed dropped off, albeit slowly. They still press us at every opportunity, but my rangers and shadow warriors as well have come back to me with reports of druchii just up and leaving their units to return to their ships. There was even a wild rumor of druchii suddenly fighting one another.”

It was what the council needed to hear, and suddenly low conversation sprung up amongst the other elves. The Phoenix King gestured for all of them to settle down, “Thank you Lord Calaidan for your report, it was much appreciated. Now allow me to explain to you the purpose of this meeting. A week ago a hawk ship of Lord Aislinn’s fleet arrived with a Commander of the War Council of Asuryan and his personal guard bearing important news – the druchii have begun an open civil war between the Temple of Khaine and Cult of Slaanesh.”

Calaidan’s jaw dropped. “I don’t know how that fool Malekith would allow his race to quarrel like that, but I know that this is our opportunity to strike a decisive blow against our dark cousins.” Other elves nodded in agreement, but a solitary elf shook her head.

“Lady Esperanza of Chrace, you have a differing opinion?” Calaidan asked.

The she-elf stood up clad in her all white robes – some say she exhibited a calming grace almost equal to that of the Everqueen, “Fellow Provincial Commanders, I beseech you to consider patience. The druchii squabble now amongst each other just as a lesser race would. This is not an opportunity for bloodshed – nay we have Eltharion for that. Calaidan has spoken of a gradual decrease of attacks against us. Let us use that to our advantage and strengthen our defenses here in Ulthuan. By the time the druchii are done with their fighting, they shall find even more impregnable defenses waiting for them.”

“No, that will only bring more death.” This time it was the Provincial Commander of Tiranoc, Feldarion Nightstar, who spoke, “We may be able to strengthen our defenses, of that I will not disagree. But if we leave the druchii to their will indefinitely they will only continue to flourish. While our citizens fight in the levy to defend our shores their population grows unmolested. This civil war may stem the tide of the attacks for now – but for forever? Everyone knows that if one force is left unchecked to grow while the other stays on the defensive, the later force will always be overcome. We must use this opportunity to strike at our dark cousins and show them what it is like to have their cities assailed.”

The White Lady simply shook her head, “Violence of that sort will only send us on the same path our dark cousins travel.”

“Lord Feldarion,” another elf said, “While I do not agree with the merits of the Lady’s concern, I agree with her position. Where are we to find the troops for an assault on Naggaroth. Eltharion is already there with those we can spare, and even if their homeland is in a tumultuous civil war, there are still black arks out there that would kill at the opportunity to strike at a weakened Ulthuan. If we were to commit a large enough army to lay siege to any one of the fortress cities on Naggaroth, it would leave a part of Ulthuan exposed to a druchii attack.”

Feldarion was not pleased with the opposition, “Your navy Shannar, Sealord of Eataine, would be more than sufficient to assault Naggaroth.”

“And leave the waters around our land naked? Do you have any idea how many human marauder ships, how many druchii raiders were slaughter that Ulthuan does not hear word of? The navy of Lothern is far busier than your pompous charioteers of Tiranoc.”

“Enough!” the Phoenix King shouted. His re-emergence into the conversation startled all parties involved. “This is ridiculous. Feldarion, you are correct in that we must take to the offensive; however, your comrades are also correct in that we do not have the resources at this time. I propose that we let this conflict resolve itself, let the casualties mount up and the black arks return home to fight for whichever side they want, and THEN let us delve into the option of launching a strike. For now perhaps the advice of Lady Esperanza should be taken with the greatest consideration.”

“Indeed, I must concur. A policy of patience and preparation would be the most prudent all of us could make,” it was Elthair Minathar, commander of the second legion of Saphery and acting provincial commander of that kingdom. “But be it known that if we do choose to strike at some point, Saphery will pledge its forces to the cause.”

Feldarion stood up in protest, “King Finubar, I must protest your decision. It could be that this war ends swiftly, and our window of opportunity may soon fade! I am charged in the defense of my people and I believe all of us here know that Tiranoc takes the blunt ” His hands were gripped firmly onto the table edge, and his comrades wondered if he would not break off a chunk of the wood.

Before anyone could answer the statements of the Commander, the Royal Guards reentered the meeting chamber. “Pardon the interruption sirs, but we have someone requesting to join this meeting outside.”

The chill wind of silence filled the room. Only the provincial commanders, the War Council of Asuryan, and the Phoenix King himself knew of this gathering. The only member who was not present but was invited was Thoronthol Ardagnirhir, the commander from Yvresse. He was engaged in other affairs, and asked that Elthair relay the results of the meeting to him. The Phoenix King was a wise elf, and knew that clearly anyone requesting to join the meeting both knew about it, and was unlikely to have harmful intentions. “Send him in, with a guard of course.”

Nodding, the elf guard left for a moment and returned with five comrades, all of them flanking an elf drabbed in dark brown cloaks and regal blue robes. “Presenting Enthardon Alar, Prince of Nagarythe.” The Provincial Commanders turned to look at the new arrival, and most of them could see Prince Calidain looking rather upset over Enthardon’s presence. It was no secret that there was a political war for power in Nagarythe, vying between the descendents of Alith Anar and that of Lord Calidain, who was sent by Finubar to begin the rehabitation of Nagarythe. Enthardon and his last remaining brother – Eloth – both held a slight deal of resentment towards Finubar for ordering another noble to aquire power in Nagarythe when House Alar still had two descendents living there.

“Prince Enthardon. I have never met you, but I must say the stories of your bravery make you welcome in my court whenever you please. But I must ask how you gained word of this meeting?”

The Aesenar bowed low. “I thank you King Finubar for admitting me to this meeting. Perhaps a better notion than admitting me to your court for my actions would be to honor my family’s rule in Nagarythe rather than put another house in my home kingdom.” Enthardon paused to glare at the other Prince of Nagarythe in the room. “As for why I know about this meeting, well for one it was my ship that delivered the War Council Commander to your court. So I was already well aware of the topic at hand, and when I saw the staggered arrival of the various provincial commanders to this city, the conclusions were rather simple.

“I have been in council with my brother and other allies of House Alar for the past week, and I would like to present my conclusions to his majesty the Phoenix King.”

Not paying heed to the comment over Lord Calidain, Finubar nodded for Enthardon to proceed. “Provincial Commanders – we are presented with a golden opportunity. Our hated cousins now wage open war amongst themselves, giving us a chance to stab deep into their hearts. I can all but guarantee that my hatred for them is far greater than the hatred that fills your hearts – if there is even any hatred at all. My first thought was to join Eltharion and my father and drive deep into the territory of the druchii while they bickered amongst themselves. However, after centuries of fighting our dark brethren if there is one thing I learned it is that many of my mistakes could have been avoided if I had not used haste as my weapon. So I sat with the Aesenar Eloth and discussed for three days what we and our shadow warrior brethren should do – for as you know King Finubar we are not afraid to fight beyond the edicts of the distant Phoenix Throne.

“At any rate – I recalled the information given to me by Commander Varamas. The orders of the druchii war party were to active the wrath gates – magical warding spells that seal off the underground mountain passages that connect the valley of Arnhelm and Naggaroth under the Black Spine. They were told to activate the Wrath Gates to prevent the Cult from using the Asur in dealing damage to the temple of Khaine. Both factions know that a large scale assault traveling with ease from the colony of Arnhelm would be a devastating blow to nearby Clar Karond – which hosts a sizeable force loyal to the Temple of Khaine. While we would indeed score a major victory for the Asur, we would also be playing into the wishes of the Cult of Slaanesh, something I never wish to be a part of.”

The Provincial Commanders nodded in agreement, and even Finubar found the words of Enthardon to be somewhat wise. It was Calidain; however, who spoke up against Enthardon. “So you would sit idly and allow the druchii to harass your shores unmolested once this conflict is over?”

“Silence puppet, I do not speak to you, “the council was taken back by Enthardon’s quip. “No I do not advocate us sitting by idly. My first thought was to advocate the strengthening of the gates and of the sea patrols along the druchii invasion routes. However, this would be folly as we would continually remain on the defensive and would allow the druchii to simply continue in the escalation of their forces.

“No friends, what I propose is most drastic indeed. Whether you agree or not is up to you, but as an Aesenar I am not afraid to venture out on my own. Your agreement would be most appreciated though, because your resources and knowledge would prove invaluable to myself and the other shadow warriors. Already, the War Council stands behind my decision, too.”

Now Finubar interjected, “Excuse me Enthardon, but you better explain yourself – only the Temple and I can order the War Council into action.”

“Indeed King Finubar, but I said that I simply have their backing in voice. If you were to ask the council, they would say my plan is a sound one – that is all. Your War Council is most honorable – they were more than willing to hear me out after rescuing one of their officers.

“But I am getting off track. As you know, the growth in the majority of our provinces is stagnant. Even in Arnhelm, the bastion of those who lost their homelands in Tiranoc during the Sundering – the constant harassment by the shades has prevented any growth there. Yvresse is still paralyzed from the assault of Grom the Paunch – only barely showing signs of activity in its capital Tor. Lothern is the only city with major growth, which is not a good sign for the fate of the Asur. We must find a way to allow our population to grow again. War is not an option, that would slay more of our citizen levy. We need a bastion that can stem the druchii tide so that our cities can slowly progress towards flourishing again.

“Arnhelm, until the discovery of the sub-terrainian passages by the druchii, was the fastest growing elf city in the history of our Phoenix Kings. It is away from the strife of the outer kingdoms.”

Lady Esperanza became curious, “Lord Enthardon, you clearly propose allowing Arnhelm to flourish and help with our population issues. But how can this be done? Even if we station an even larger standing garrison, their shades will still manage to get through and do some damage.”

Enthardon nodded, “Waiting would not be an option. Jumping on the moment and attacking would lead to unnecessary death. While bolstering the defenses in Ulthuan would simply focus the combat even more in Nagarythe, bolstering the forces in Arnhelm would prove to be a miraculous benefit. The forces that assail Arnhelm are small - small but deadly – the shade warbands of the druchii. They are great in the arts of assassination and sabotage, and thus have forced the citizens of the colony to huddle close to the city walls. I propose the construction of the sixth gate – one that mirrors those in Ulthuan. Such a fortress that protects the mouth of the valley would block off all the passages the druchii use, and make it impossible for them to go through.”

Now commotion filled the room. Finubar’s eyes were wide at the insanity of such a proposition. It was then that Elthair chimed in, “Do you know how long it took to complete even one gate here in Ulthuan? It would take over twenty years to complete in the colony, and that is if the construction efforts go unmolested.”

“Yes, Elthair Minithair, you are right. However, the geomancers of Saphery would accelerate the construction enough to provide enough protection for a garrison to operate from. While the levy holds back and guards the construction, I plan on leading my shadow bands through the mountain passes, scouring any attempt by the druchii to harass us.”

“But population growth is a loft goal. Constructing a gate also has significant offensive purposes – if Arnhelm is free of harassment, it can easily become a staging point for assaults into Naggaroth. The Wrath Gates could be dispelled given time – and if we have a Gate to our back time would be our greatest ally.”

Finbuar stopped the discussion, “That will be quite enough Enthardon Alar, your intentions are made fully aware. The meeting will be adjourned while I contemplate what has been said.” With that, the elves filed out of the room, Enthardon and Calidain not speaking at all, but both talking to all of their other comrades. As an hour passed outside, Enthardon watched as eight elves garbed in white and black walked into the room where they were meeting earlier. It was clear Finubar wanted the opinion of the War Council as well as that of the Provincial Commanders.

It was then that the White Lady approached Enthardon. “My lord Enthardon, your proposal was indeed most bold. Do you know how long it has been since a gate has been constructed?” Enthardon nodded with a sly smile as Esperanza continued to talk, “Be it known that regardless of the Phoenix King’s decision, I shall pledge a company of my White Lions to your cause. They should prove able fighters in the mountainous terrain you plan on fighting in.”

Enthardon began to say his thanks when the signal was given for the elves to return to the room. They all proceeded in to hear what Finubar had to say. “Friends and allies, I thank you for your patience. I feel that the news of this civil war reaching us so swiftly is a sign from the gods. A sign that this is an opportunity for the Asur to move even closer to restoring our kingdom to the status it once saw in the Golden Age. Enthardon presented a lofty goal, but after thinking over it and consulting with the War Council, I think it is an achievable one. If we succeed, it will provide us with a barrier and a staging point at the same time – both strengthening our defense and allowing us to prepare to go on the offensive. It is my edict then that we officially commission this mission as a mission of Ulthuan as a whole. I will not order a province to contribute, but I shall make it known the potential significance of this project.

“My only order to you goes to Elthair of Saphery, that you rezvendous with the Tower of Hoeth and recruit wait Geomancers you can for this mission. Your word is to represent mine.” Elthair nodded in agreement.

“And to the rest of you – this is not a crusade that we should all embark on – but rather an opportunity that we have chosen to seize. Do not send your finest and your best to leave Ulthuan ripe for anyone’s picking. The War Council is pledging its full strength – so all I ask if a few regiments to help, and mostly your prayers that this may finally be something to turn the tide against our dark cousins.”
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Post by Anaryin »

Great! :) I'm not sure if something I saw were spelling mistakes because I'm not a native speaker and with such an "elven" speech I'm not sure of how formal things can be. But besides that, it's a really great story. Good plot, very nice style.

Now that I said this, I'll inform Lord Malekith of your plans ;)
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Post by Jeffleong13 »

Good stuff - just remember that characters who take an active part in the campaign have the chance to die ... once they begin to battle in the fluff, their fate belongs to the players in the campaign.

There will be characters who die ... most likely many of them.

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Post by Underway »

Yah with a list like that, there are bound to be a few casualties...
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Post by Enthardon »

Yeah, remember most of the guys in that meeting aren't going to Arnhelm, but pretty much every character after that is open game to die. Specifically (so far):

Shandiar Aminaith, Loremaster of Artifacts
Prince Therefas, Merchant Prince of the Colony Arnhelm
Captain Ilitar, Captain of the Second Legion
Sethilor Avinnasle, Lancer of Yvresse
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Post by Underway »

And Enthardon as well... OK got it.
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Post by Enthardon »

lol if you mean Enthardon dies then I have free reign to kill of Underway :D Just kidding, I actually would like Enthardon to get injured just to make things dicey, but yea he'll be there fighting in the passes.
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Enthardon
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Post by Enthardon »

And Chapter one ...

-Chapter One-
Eleven days later

Elthwar was exhausted, but the fact that his round of duty was almost over kept his eyes open. After many months of serving during the mid-day guard, he was finally landed with the unlucky job of manning the seaward walls during the night shift. That shift lasted from sundown to sunrise, and consisted of a skeleton force that walked the walls that overlooked the port of Arnhelm. For a few hours in the late night he even said to himself he wished he was manning the landward side of the city’s walls just because it would some sense of excitement – but then the thought of being struck by a crossbow bolt erased the idea from his mind.

The spearelf had not faced the harbor for quite some time now – he would much rather watch his fellow citizens begin their morning routines than watch water crash upon the shores. There had never been an attack against the colony through the harbor entrance and Elthwar knew that if that event happened on his watch, one of the other levy soldiers on the wall would be sure to notice. As the young soldier was starring at a young she elf walking through the streets below, Elthwar heard a shout resonate from farther down the wall. His stomach turned chill when the shout of “Incoming ships!” was sounded.

Grabbing his spear and shield as he turned around, he eyed the harbor arrayed under the rising sun. His mind raced as he tried to count the number of sails that dotted the entrance, and he lost track after seventy. They did not move as a fleet though, but they were all-moving irregularly and were certainly not cohesive. Most ships were still have a day’s sailing out of the colony, but some were only a few hours away. It was then that Elthwar scanned the harbor even closer to see a ship that was not there when his guard duty had started.

Cold metal touched his neck. “If I were a druchii this colony would be in flames by now.” The dagger was lowered, and Elthwar turned around to see an elf shrowded in a dark brown cloak, flanked by another elf in the brilliant armor of Arnhelm’s levy. The soldier assumed it was the colony’s recent arrival – Enthardon of Nagarythe, the famed descendent of Alith Anar.

“I apologize Prince, I was simply enjoying a change of scenery from the endless waters.”

Enthardon laughed at the comment, “I watched you stare at that woman for half an hour now, do not feed me such lies. If you were under my command –“

“He is not under your command, Prince. He is under mind,” the Captain interjected into the conversation, “And Enthardon still has a point. It took you how long to realize dozens of ships were in bound? If the druchii were ever bold enough to test our defenses while we were on our skeleton shift, they would be able to slaughter us before the battery crews were awakened. Dockyard duty for two weeks soldier, in addition to your remaining period on the levy.”

Elthwar began to turn away but spoke up one last time, “Captain, what are those ships?”

“I don’t know, and I hope they are indeed friendly. The batteries are being manned as we speak, and the veteran contingents are arming up.” Indeed, he could hear the distinct noise of scale mail armor as the Sea Guard rushed to man the walls and the batteries of Eagles Claw throwers on the top of the towers. Elthwar found the regiment’s wall position and stood fixated on the flotilla slowly approaching their colony. It would be a half a day of standing and waiting to see if they were friend or foe, a painfully nerve-wracking process for any young elf.

Studying the harbor itself, Elthwar could see a contingent of Sea Guard scrambling to launch a mighty Dragon Ship toward the oncoming ships. He watched as an elf clad in ancient armor oversaw the casting off as he boarded. The standard on the ship matched the standard on the elf’s ship, and it was clear it belonged to the de facto ruler of Arnhelm – the Merchant Prince Therefas. While there were half a dozen noble houses in Arnhelm, the impressive trade fleet that Therefas’ family owned allowed him to secure a sizeable economic grasp on Arnhelm. Flanking Therefas were elves bearing a color pattern he had never seen before for Sea Guard – they wore all their robes in black and white, their shields bearing the standard of Asuryan. Something was certainly afoot.


* * * *

“Tell me again why we are on this blasted land,” the noble asked as he disembarked his flagship Pride of Caledor.

An elf clad in the robes of an attendant rushed up to him , “Belannear of Hoeth ordered you to investigate the lack of contact with Eltharion and his expedition of swordmasters here in Naggaroth. As you are a member of his order, you are bound by duty to ….”

Regulus waved his hand in dismissal, “ It was a rhetorical question, but thank you attendent.” He looked around at the black forest in front of him, “This is no place for a Caledorian and his noble clothing.” The Prince kept one hand on the hilt of his ceremonial greatsword at all times – he may be a prince of Caledor but he was a swordmaster at heart, and he knew danger was near.

“Our Sea Ranger guides report that they have indeed found one of Eltharion’s camps, and they report that the commander will be making contact with us very soon.”

The Prince’s face turned sour, “I had to be dragged all the way up here and we find him before we even have base camp set up? This is simply absurd.”

As the other soldiers of Hoeth began disembarking the Dragon Ship, a hail of crossbow bolts poured into the clearing. Ducking out of reaction, Regulus saw many of his soldiers’ lifeless forms collapse from the poison tipped death. “Shades!” he cried as he scanned the forest for the attackers. The surviving swordmasters fanned out, knowing that keeping in tight formation was suicide. Without warning they lunged out – over forty of them. Regulus cried out and charged into a group of the dark elves, slicing through them with ease. Scanning the battle further, he saw that the swordmasters were more than a match for the shades, but the enemy’s numbers were beginning to take their toll.

Regulus sensed a blade coming for him, and he dropped into a summersault before coming up on one knee. Using the momentum of his turning motion, he swung his great sword out in a great arc against his attacker. The sound of two masses hitting the ground confirmed the severed druchii was no longer a threat. As he looked around again for the next immediate threat, he was hit on the head by a the butt end of a repeater crossbow. From then on he knew nothing but darkness.


Regulus awoke in a daze to see a blur of forest all around him. He was still far detached from reality, but he could tell that he was being carried and had been drugged to keep him from reaching full awareness. The party of shades ran for what seemed like ages until they abruptly came to a halt. Regulus was still very confused and groggy, but he could see a dark elf coming towards him from the front of the group of shades. “Hello Regulus, do you know me?”

The asur could do nothing but shake his head. The dark elf continued, “I am Elias Kalderon. Welcome to your hell.”

* * *

The Merchant Prince’s ship had returned only moments before the flotilla reached the harbor of Arnhelm. The fact that Therefas’s ship wasn’t annihilated was a good sign that the ships were indeed friendly, but their unexpected and unknown arrival still left many of the soldiers to be very concerned. Clearly they were Asur ships, but the standards on the sails of the Hawk Ships and Dragon Ship were for the most part not of the Sea Guard. They were adorned with the personal standards of lords and nobles all over Ulthuan. There was a lone Dragon Ship in the group, and from what he heard from the other soldiers it bore the rune of Saphery’s Second Legion. Smaller transport vessels surrounded the ship bearing the same standard as well – and the fact that Arnhelm would attract a legion of Saphery left Elthwar to be very concerned.

It was then that the lieutenant of his regiment ran up to them, “ We are to act as honor guards for the arrival of the various ships. Follow me.” The two regiments under the Lieutenant’s command left their post on the wall and returned to street level of the colony. Exiting the massive gates of Arnhelm, they lined up each regiment facing on opposite sides of the port entrance. One by one, the incoming ship’s began to dock. There were so many that they had to dock, unload their transport compliments, and return to the harbor for anchoring there. Nonetheless, all those who landed passed by Elthwar and his comrades to be introduced to the merchant princes and the captains of the colonial forces.

The first to march towards the city was a contingent of Lothern Sea Guard, bearing the standard of Eataine. Their commander marched in front and bowed humbly to the princes and commanders of Arnhelm. “I am Nachri, champion of the Sea Guard and of Eataine. I bring you my warriors for the cause at hand.”

Merchant Prince Therefas nodded in approval, “ I am Prince Therefas, and these are the other princes of our city. To my right are the commanders of our forces.” He gestured to one armor clad elf in particular, “This is Lord Aesiar, commander of Arnhelm’s contingent that will be defending the construction site. He will fight alongside your forces.” Nachri nodded with a smile and signaled for his forces to continue marching. Elthwar watched with awe as the Lothern Sea Guard marched by. He may be a member of the Sea Guard in Arnhelm, but the colonial equiavelents were nothing in comparison to the tradition and splendor of the Sea Guard from Lothern – the capital of the elf world.

Behind Nachri’s forces was a completely different group of elves, clad in deep greens and reds of the fireblasted region of Caledor. “I am Thilion Aellesar Dragonhearth, Prince of Caledor. I bring with me the House Guard of my noble family and five of my fellow dragon princes to ride into battle on our glorious steeds.” Therefas repeated his introductions, and Dragonhearth’s forces marched past. Elthwar looked at the House Guard first – infantry clad in dragon armor and wielding ornate halberds – and then in amazement at the Dragon Princes on their barded steeds. Arnhelm had never fielded soldiers of this kind.

Behind Dragonhearth’s soldiers was a small group of cloaked figures, armed with simply a longbow and sword. As they approached the princes, Enthardon emerged from the gate and walked towards the lead elf. The two met in a short embrace. “It is good to see you are well,” Enthardon said.

The cloaked guest nodded and turned to the Princes. “I am Shadow Blacksong, shadow master of Nagarythe. I come not for your cause or any of the other pompous nobles arriving with me, but to slay druchii and to aid the Aesenar Enthardon. Know that you weak colonists better not even consider issuing me orders.” Therefas was shocked along with the other princes as the shadow warriors walked past.

Enthardon chuckled lightly, “I’m used to being around non-nagarythians, so you’ve seen the lighter version of my kin with me. That is how my kin and I usually are.”

Nobles continue to pour in, and finally Elthwar broke the silence of the regiments by whispering, “What are all these nobles doing here?”
A soldier next to him leaned in, “There is something going on with the druchii. The Phoenix King has issued a call for all nobles able and willing to aid to sail to Arnhelm. Whatever is going on has caught the eye of every zealous or ambitious noble in all of Ulthuan.”

Elthwar pondered those words and watched as the various units of different provinces poured in. He stared in awe as chariots trotted by – bearing the standard of House Imrael of Tiranoc. Behind them marched regiment upon regiment of silence. At the front of the next force was a standard bearer of the Second Legion of Saphery and juding by the plume on his helm, a Captain. The regiments behind the two officers wielded huge swords that rested on the shoulders of their heavy armor. Elthwar knew them only by myth: Swordmasters of Hoeth. As the unit approached, the Captain bowed low. “I am Captain Ilitar, sent on the bidding of Elthair Minathar, commander of the Second Legion of Saphery. As provincial commander for our kingdom, he bids you welcome and assures that you he pledges his forces to your cause. He also wishes you to know that he is in dialogue with the White Tower concerning the subject of Geomancers for the construction project.”

“That is good news indeed, and we will gladly bow to the banner of Lord Elthair when he arrives. Until then Captain, I remind you that our title of Prince supercedes your rank as Captain of the Second Legion, no matter how much power Elthair has given you.” Ilitar nodded, and his long parade of forces marched into Arnhelm. The day was far from over, and rumor had it even more ships would arrive in the week from the Old World. The curious young elf hoped that very soon, he would learn what was going on.
Burn Naggaroth

Enthardon the Aesenar
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Anaryin
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Post by Anaryin »

Great :) Still some mistakes like "mind" instead of "mine" but still, it's close to perfcet. :)
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Nagathi
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Post by Nagathi »

Anaryin wrote:Great :) Still some mistakes like "mind" instead of "mine" but still, it's close to perfcet. :)
You really want to be an editor, right? :D

I could say that this piece is absolutely great, but you probably already knew that...

- Nag
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Anaryin
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Post by Anaryin »

;) Actually, I offer myself to every job I feel I'm able to do ;) But here, naa, I'm not trying to be the editor :) Just noticed those two or three mistakes :P
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Enthardon
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Post by Enthardon »

Thanks from the comments guys :) And yeah I have the curse of "not proofreading" my stuff haha.
Burn Naggaroth

Enthardon the Aesenar
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Enthardon - Part of official GW fluff
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