War of the Beard / War of Vengeance

The War of Vengeance (referred to by the Dwarfs as the Great Betrayal, and by less serious Elves as The War of the Beard' ) was a great conflict fought from around -1997 IC to -1560 (though some battles occurred later, notably the Seige of Sith Rionnasc'namishashir in -1502) on the Imperial Calendar between the proud High Elves and the unforgiving Dwarfs. While the war itself was orchestrated by the Witch-King Malekith, each side place the blame heavily on each other. The whole affair was a great travesty and served only to weaken each race - neither the Dwarfs nor the High Elves have ever recovered. After the war, the Asur who stayed in the Old World became the Asrai or Wood Elves.

A long before the time of The Empire, Sigmar or Gilles Le Breton, during their Age of Discovery, the High Elves had allied themselves with many races; perhaps the most powerful of these were the Dwarfs. Already a great civilisation when they first made contact with the Asur, the combination of cultures increased the stature of both races. Dwarfs were well versed in the secrets of ancient runes and made the finest weapons in the world, of which many were gifted to the Princes and Dragonlords of the Asur. The Elves taught the Dwarfs how to enchant items on their own and of arts, such as literature and poetry. Trade between the races flourished, Elven silk and steel was much valued by the Dawi, and Dwarf armour, weaponry and alcohol became a common sight in Ulthuan. The fortress of Sith Rionnasc'namishathir was established at the mouth of what is now the River Reik (present day Marienburg in the Wasteland). Other colonies, such as the mighty city of Tor Alessi (present day L'Anguille in Bretonnia) were also founded.

In the Age of Strife and the tragic civil war called the Sundering, the Phoenix King Caledor the Conqueror steered the High Elves through their time of turbulence, after the murder of the previous King Bel Shannar by Malekith, the son of the first King Aenarion. However as long as Malekith and his followers still lived there would be no peace. After his defeat at the Marches of Maledor and the exile of the Dark Elves to the cold land of Naggaroth, the Witch King hatched a plan, creating a spark that would become an inferno.

In the Imperial Year -2005 IC, several Druchii raiding parties were dispatched in secret to the Old World with the intention of causing as much strife and unrest between the two races as possible. The Dark Elves achieved this by posing as Asur who were ambushing trading caravans, cheating Dawi merchants out of goods and razing several smaller settlements to the ground (the most notable of these being Zakbar Varf ). This led to the tighter strictures on Dwarven trade routes, harsher sanctions on Elves trespassing into Dwarvish territory and ultimately the reckoning of many grudges against the Asur responsible.


The High King Gotrek Starbreaker stalwartly tried to avert conflict; and unaware of the civil war that had just taken place within Ulthuan, due to the Elvish refusal to speak of it, sent messengers to the Elves demanding to know the reason for the attacks and why the Phoenix King did little to resolve the crisis. The foolish reply was immediate and uncompromising, if Gotrek wanted recompense he should come to Lothern, the High Elf capital; and beg for it. The Dwarf nations were outraged, but Starbreaker attempted again to cool the temper of his Kings, and in -1997 IC sent his best ambassadors and Reckoners, led by Forek Grimbok, to Ulthuan to raise the issue with Caledor II. When the envoy arrived many Elves realised how serious the claim was, the Phoenix King's advisors among them.

The current Phoenix King, Caledor II (son of Caledor the Conqueror) recklessly denied the charges against him and the Asur, and refused to even investigate the origin of the attacks. When Grimbok demanded once again that if the Elven court could not discover who of their number was responsible for instigating the unrest then the Court themselves would be held accountable, Caledor became uncontrollably angry at Grimbok. Fearing for his reputation, Caledor ordered that Grimbok be shaved and expelled from Ulthuan, gravely insulting the him, the High King and the whole Dwarf race by extension. He returned home across foreign lands, humiliated but with purpose. Starbreaker, upon learning the terrible truth, immediately ordered the forges and armouries to begin preparing for war. Grimbok himself later became a Slayer due to the shame the incident placed upon him.


After mustering for almost a year, Dawi throngs marched to war on the Elves, drawing troops from the far ends of the Dwarven realm; Karaz Ankor . Ironbreakers of Karaz-a-Karak marched with Longbeards of Karak Azgal, Slayers from Karak Kadrin marched with Hammerers of Ekrund. Upon reaching Tor Alessi, Gotrek made an oath that he would extract recompense either in gold or blood from the High Elves or he would shave his beard. With a desire to avenge their injured pride, the Dwarfs were not about to let their King break his promise. Upon hearing of the assault on Tor Alessi, Caledor was outraged and ordered his generals to send an enormous fleet to relieve the city. The force that left Ulthuan was truly huge, dwarfing any navy before or since, and though the Council of Princes was worried that this would leave their lands undefended, Caledor was determined.

Elves and Dwarves fought bitterly until in -1974 IC Caledor slew the Dwarf Prince Snorri Halfhand after Snorri challenged him to single combat. Being tired of slaughter, and wishing reduce their losses, the Elves then retreated. Seeking revenge for his cousin’s death Morgrim Baugrim led the forces that pursued the Elves. For many years the Asur retreated until they decided to stand and fight at Oeragor (-1968 IC). When the lines met, rivers of blood flowed and hundreds on each side lost their lives until Lord Imladrik, the prince commanding the High Elf main army, was slain in single combat by Morgrim and the elves retreated once again, this time leaderless.

Morgrim was crowned a hero and he continued to capture through the Elven towns and cities across the Old World, notably razing the city  Athe Maraya in -1948 IC. The heroes Lord Salendor of Tor Achare and Brok Stonefist of Karak Azgul, who had previously fought many great battles, eventually lost both their lives in the doomed city, crushed by the burning crumbling towers. The Dwarfs were quite unlike any foe the Elves had ever faced, refusing to give up even when doom or defeat was assured for them. The war became a stalemate, the mountain fortresses of the Dwarfs were unassailable and the Dawi laid siege to Tor Alessi thirteen times, but could not seem to penetrate the city's walls. Much of the Athel Loren was destroyed as the war continued for another 450 years.


In the year -1560 IC at the fourteenth siege of Tor Alessi (later called "The Battle of the Three Towers"), for over a hundred days Dawi engines of war (at that time, the Dwarfs had not discovered black powder) attacked the cities mighty walls and, when it proved fruitless, they instead focused upon destroying the finely constructed towers. Eventually, the dwarfs gained entrance to the fortress and Gotrek finally comfronted Caledor at the heart of the city, where the pair dueled for three days on end, not stopping or disengaging for a second. Finally, when Caledor began to tire, Starbreaker disarmed him, broke his sword with the Rune-axe of Grimnir, and cast the Phoenix King to his knees. Pleading for his life, Caledor swore to surrender and sued for peace; however, Starbreaker not only saw that the King did not intend to keep his oath if his life was spared, but he also knew mercy was not his to give, only justice, executing him on the spot. As a final recompense, demanded so many years ago, Starbreaker took the Phoenix Crown from Caledor's head and declared the war to be ended. The remaining Asur briefly considered the impossible task of besieging Karaz-a-Karak in order to reclaim the Crown but by this time Malekith's plan had come to fruition and the Druchii had launched a titanic invasion of Ulthuan, their legions of warriors raising the ancient sunken city of Anlec from the depths of the Great Ocean. It was ordered that all the Asur, soldier, civilian and otherwise retreat from the Old World to defend Ulthuan.


Another crown was made to replace the first Phoenix Crown, which remained in the great treasure hoard of Karaz-a-Karak. The fortress of Sith Rionnasc'namishashir, ("Star Gem of the Sea in Eltharin) was razed in -1502, marking the last result of the Betrayal between Elves and Dwarfs. Although some (mainly Elves) gainsay them, the Dwarfs claim to this day that they won the War of Vengeance. However the war cost both sides hundreds of thousands of lives along with cities, fortresses, mountains of treasure, and a powerful ally in each other. Niether side ever reached such heights of greatness ever again.

A Thief's Shadow Vol 2

A Thief’s Shadow Vol 2

We arrived at a small mining town called Hollin, south-west of Nuln. All the people there seemed more working class compared to some within Nuln; covered in dirt and coal. We decided to head to the local tavern: The Hammer and Anvil. Dundas and Calista sat down as I talked to the bartender; this man would not shut his face and I zoned out half-way through. Interestingly enough he mentioned that the injured men and dwarves have been travelling through the town recently, without any particular reason; maybe just a small local dispute or much more?

There were other mercenary bands in the tavern. Most noticeably, men displaying black spears on their armour: we would later find out that they were indeed called The Black Spears. I decided to snoop in on their conversation; they were just simple men out of contracts and looking for work. Dundas, Calista and I decided to head to sleep for the night; however the room we got was not the most pleasant of places. The next day, Calista wanted to see the local herbs woman. Dundas and I sat out the front keeping guard. We heard a lot of noise coming from the shop but nothing too concerning. We headed out of the town, directly south towards our rendezvous point but ended up straying west because we were a day ahead of Grey Wolf party. We stumbled on an abandoned mine, in which we managed to scrounge up approx. 10 silver ore which Dundas could smelt when he could. I looked for the symbol, with no luck. I will find you.

                                                            

Eventually, we came upon a Hag tree which was our rendezvous point. When hunting for a rabbit, I overhead Dundas and Calista talking, but only caught the phrase "shouldn't trust him?” I decided to confront them on the matter. Dundas proceeded to explain the conversation he had with Brahlmar (See Bralmar's warning to Dundas). This is not like the Jacobs I know, the man I saw at the Battle of the Redbark would never do such things.

The Silver Lady concerns me, I have never seen nor heard of a Silver Lady until Dundas spoke of his conversation with Brahlmar. Furthermore, the end of the conversation did not sit right, ‘It’s all happening again’….what does this mean? Has Jacobs been corrupted by this Silver woman?

…

Could she be involved with my parent’s death? No, can’t be? Don’t be ridiculous...thieves do however meddle with all sorts of people, it is not entirely unheard of for thieves to seek council from magical folks. NO! Don’t be stupid, if Jacobs had seen the mark on the coin he would have told me…or maybe she is controlling him I can’t dwell on it now, I need to focus. I need to find out what is going on with Jacobs, the Silver Lady and my parents murderer; no time for theorising, only facts.

…

After our lengthy discussion we all decided to call it a well-travelled day. We forgot to set a watch...such fools we were. The Black Spears surrounded us as we slept and woke us up with their jeering snickering. After Dundas failed diplomacy with the band, they asked us for our silver ore and information.  To prevent them from killing us, we told them what we knew of the Iron Hilt's breaking their contract with Bugman's Brewery; they sure did leave in a hurry after hearing that. All was quiet then on until the Grey Wolf party arrived.

Jacobs, uncharacteristically did not asked to be briefed; this was strange. Increasing my conflict with the man I know. I cannot blindly trust this man now, knowing now what I know. Instead, Belkov recieved all the information. Jacobs did not approve of us saving our lives by telling the Black Spears about the Bugman's contract, why is this contract so important to him 

why is this so important to him?

 - does he have an unknown deal with Josef Bugman

-          Does the silver Lady have a secret agenda for Bugmans

Now we have been sent on a bewildering scouting mission to the east, separated from the rest of the Wolves just because Jacobs is angry. I need to find out what is going on, for my own piece of mind. We need to tail the Wolves and survey Jacobs’s activities. Before we parted ways, Bralmar spoke with Calista, I am interested to know what he said.

No sign of the coin nor its symbol. I will find you.

O. 

Bralmar's warning to Dundas

With your decision to trust Ombra. Here is a transcript of a chilling conversation between the two Dwarfs, Dundas and Bralmar.

Dundas being an intelligent and educated dwarf was able to recall the conversation almost word for word. It went something like this.....

 You think moving south is a good idea?
You think the captain knows what he's doing?
That's because you don't know about The Silver Lady.
Number of seasons back, before you and these other newbloods joined up with us,
Jacobs had us attached to a warhost of one of the Border Princes.
One night before settling in, Jacobs tells us we have a special mission in the morning.
We were to secure and guard a supply dump and wait for a delivery from our contacts in the empire to the north
Easy work says I to our brothers. Fighting's one thing but when you are given a soft support mission you take it
Only in the morning I notice we travel more westerly than Northwards.
After two days of slog through rough country we spy a redoubt up ahead on the lee of the hills.
Only one of the lads sees a sentry mark us. Seems we are in for a scrap after all
Thats it says Jacobs. There'll be a bit extra for us lads says he
But that's Jacobs' gift, isn't it? Always knows just what to say to push us harder, further, make us all pull together for the cause.
The lads have their blood up anyway and most are spoiling for a scrap
So we storm them on hillside, even though its held against us, even though they are dug in and know we are coming
We lost many good men taking it and for a haul nowhere near what Jacobs had promised.
The defenders were well armed and had the look of hard men. And they fought to the last man
All but two, brothers I thought, or cousins, softer than the fighting men rich merchants sons thinks I or Noble by blows
When all seems lost and with the last of their protectors dead they try to surrender
Well all of the lads paused, you never know what a ransom might be worth
Jacobs however does not hesitate, quicker than you can think he's done for both of them
Most of the lads took it in their stride the captain is the captain after all
But there was no shipment of supplies, no wagons or rations or extra weapons or ammunition.
and no real loot to speak of, a little yes, enough to keep most of the lads content.... just enough
After I'd caught my breath I took it to the Lieutenant.
He was unmoved, to say the least.
"Just two rich bastards less in the world," he said.
At the time, I'll admit, I took his point.
But days later we connected up with the warhost.... or what was left of it.
Seems that Prince Gambon's army had met and fought the greenskin Waaagh in seven days of battle.
They had prevailed but only just.
Gambon had seen enough of war and was headed home.
He paid us off well enough, minus a moderate penalty for not recovering the supply train
Once again it was just enough to keep the lads content... just
Two weeks later we arrive back in Nuln, tired, dirty and very thirsty!
First night back in Nuln the lads are celebrating at the Bear 'n' Plow
I am unlucky enough to draw dry duty. So I'm in the street, keeping a clear eye open
I see Jacobs leave the place.. the lads are deep in their cups by this time.
Something nags at me from the inside... so I follow him
Several districts down and round a corner or two I see Jacobs enter the front parlor of a swanky merchant house
I see a lady waiting for him. Tall and silver hair under a hood. Rich dark cloth.
But when Jacobs reaches her, two words escape his lips.
"They're dead.”
Storming that redoubt was never about securing our supply line.
It was an execution.
All those men we lost, they died so Jacobs could settle some personal vendetta for her.          You watch.
Good men will die for some hidden agenda.
The Silver woman's agenda.
Mark my words.
It's all happening again.

Hello again adventurers!

Another session lies ahead of us at 3 Rosella Ave on Sunday 9th August starting around 10:30

But first a small recap on what transpired during our last session.. and it was a lot of story, made possible by not getting too bogged down with a combat. Don't worry though. I'm sure there will be much opportunity soon to bash some skulls!

1. I recounted that Dundas and all dwarfs feel a deep rooted mistrust of all elves. Dundas knows about the great war between Dwarfs and Elves that occurred many centuries ago. Dwarfs call the conflict the War of Vengeance. Elves know it as the War of the Beard. A full post will be published on the blog detailing this historic event.

2. You met a new mercenary company that Dundas knew as the Black Spears. They have 10 members at least. Initially our crew met them in a tavern in the small town of Hollin. You discovered that they were looking for work but you decided not to make contact. The less the competition knows the better right?! Later in your travels they woke you up very rudely at your camp in the middle of the night. They made snide remarks about you not setting a watch. All diplomacy failed and you were forced to part with some hard won silver nuggets and information about possible work at Bugman's brewery. In an inexplicable act of mercy they decided not to attack you and left you on your way. Perhaps there is something to be said about the rough brotherhood of mercenaries.

3. You spent many hours of hard toil digging up some silver in an abandoned mine... only to have it taken from you.. Well easy come.. perhaps there will be opportunity to reclaim it.

4. While in Hollin, Callista met with a local 'wise woman'. She purchased some healing supplies and also took a reading. "There is a menace in the east, but your destiny lies in the South West" Homework for Brenda is to research and blog about Grand Experiment

5. Callista and Dundas have decided to trust Ombra with their deep concerns about Captain Jacobs. Emotionally torn Ombra has decided that the evidence is overwhelming and cannot blindly trust Jacobs any more. To represent this internal conflict Ombra has the Demoralised condition. Dundas reveals a conversation he had with Bralmar. Dwarf to Dwarf.

6. when you finally joined up again with the Grey Wolves you found out that Jacobs was furious at you for allowing the Black Spears to know about possible work at Bugman's. You have been ordered to scout east and report back in 2 days. With little choice in the matter you depart in that direction. Or at least you are seen to be doing that.

7. Before you leave. Bralmar is able to snatch a quick word with Callista. This will be a new blog post. Stay tuned!

A Thief's Shadow Vol 1

A Thief's Shadow - Ombra Vol 1

I have decided to keep a log of my journey's from now on. Every now and then when I have time, for I hope that my accomplishments be known.

My names is Ombra, a member of the Grey Wolves. We have had some new recruits recently, Dundas Parryson (a dwarf) and Callista (a wizard). Both are quite good companions on this little adventure Captain Jacobs has sent us on. We are on our way to our rendevous point, south-east of Nuln.

Our travels have not been pleasant though, Callista picked some mushrooms from the road which attracted a group of snotlings as we settled down for the night; those sneaky bastards. The seem to be quite attracted to these mushrooms Callista found as they attacked her in battle. We dispached them quite quickly.

Today we encountered more snotlings, straight after we killed their beloved wolves when they attacked us. Dundas managed to punch a wolf in the snout, the power that man has will prove beneficial to our cause. Callista's spell crafting still amazes me, she will be a valued member of the team in times to come.

There are still many unknown answers:
- Captain Jacobs says this is a scouting mission, I am content in believing him until is see otherwise. I Do not think the others are convinced.
- The iron hilt legion broke their contract with Bugman's Brewery, why?
- Castillas close dwarf friend talked to Dundas about his fears of our contract, why would he do that and not confide in her?
- Bugmans Brewery is shrouded in mystery, a dwarf named Olaf in the tavern was concerned about it.
- How are these mushroom connected to these snotlings, are they used for reproduction or another purpose?

No sign of the symbol on the coin. I will find you.

O.

Grungi and Valaya


Grungi

Grungni is one of the ancestor gods, said to be carved by time from the rocks of the first mountains. In Dwarven legend, he led the Dwarfs away from the increasing perils of the upper world and into the safety of the earth. He is generally portrayed as a male Dwarf clad all in chainmail, with a forked iron-gray beard reaching almost to his feet.

Dwarfs consider Grungni to be the most important of all gods, for it was he who first discovered the knowledge of mining and smelting ores, which he then passed on to the earliest Dwarfs. He is credited with inventing iron and steel, so enabling the Dwarfs to destroy their foes with superior weaponry. Grungni is worshiped most by the miners, smiths and engineers who work the rock and metal of the mountains and his greatest shrine is in the hold of Karak Azul, which is famous for its excellent armories and weaponsmiths.

Valaya

Valaya is unique in being the only female Dwarf god. She is the protectoress of the homeland and the clan, blessing her devotees with special powers of protection against magic and the influence of the Realm of Chaos. The capital city of the Dwarfs, Karaz-a-Karak, is said to have originally been founded by Valaya

Hi all, as discussed we shall reconvene this Sunday at Grandma's to resume our adventure in the old world.

This morning I have updated the blog to reflect your xp reward choices. Ombra purchased a new action: nimble strike, Callista trained a skill, channeling and Dundas has yet to select a reward. There is no pressure to cash in xp immediately you can 'save' xp as you wish and turn in several xp at once if you like

Also watch the blog for some info that Dundas knows about Grungi and Valaya the two Dwarf gods.

and

a small story link to bring you to Sunday's adventure

also here is a quick reminder of some of your story questions unanswered.


Who killed Ombra's parents?  What is the meaning of the mysterious coin?

What is happening with Captain Jacobs?

Why did Brahlmar talk to Dundas about his fears and not his close friend Callista?

What is going on with all these weird mushrooms?

Why did the Iron Hilt legion break their contract with Bugman's Brewery? Why would the Dwarf Olaf so upset about it?

There is something in the air.... something is 'brewing'.... all clues point to a little alehouse tucked away in Black Fire Pass!