Good sir, I believe you are misinformed. The principal enemy in the Forest of Shadows is what is technically known as "everything". Orcs, goblins, beastmen, wyverns, giants, trolls, ogres, hobgoblins, gnoblars, northern raiders, mutants... the list goes on (and on and on).
Hmm... Service under a foreign pretender who SUCKLES FROM THE TEAT OF A GODESS WITH TO PRETENTIONS TO SIGMAR'S WILL to reclaim Solland, or fighting all manner of monsters in a province that desperately needs Sigmar's light...
BAH WE ARE BLESSED OF FIERY BLOOD WE SHAL DO BOTH
TO ARMS BROTHERS
But we will require coin to sustain our efforts, campaigning is never cheap after all
Second option in case the Knights of the Everlasting Light are not up to the task:
Cult of Ahalt the Drinker
Arch-cultist Ernst Meier , head of the Black Robes
Head of ancient family in a small and irrelevant farming village in what was once Solland , Ernst has been forced to practice the faith of his Menogoth distant ancestors in secret , as his father and grandfather and so on and so on , have been since the betrayal of the cultists of Taal and Rhya.
But with the Empire fractured and the Cult of Taal and Rhya fighting against other faiths , the Age of the Three Emperors has left the old ennemies of Ahalt vulnerable and Ernst see many opportunities...
Goals:
- Spread the Faith
- Oppose the cult of Taal and Rhya and the possibility of their dominance with an eventual Talabec Emperor.
Covertly help the cults opposed to them.
- Try to revive Solland as a realm of the Empire once more , in order to restore the home of the Menogoth and build a power base for the cult
Headmaster Karl Keiner "The societal responsibility of all learned persons is to use that talent for the betterment of the common folk: to teach them virtue through example and banish the dark shadows of superstition and ignorance through practice. It is through this just guiding principle that I will lead this hallow institution to a path of further greatness. If one disagrees with this singular point, I fear they have no room within my council or this institution."
Welcome, welcome. Myrmidia's worship is largely restricted to Wissenland and the Westerlands so far, but you've been making some small progress spreading the ideals among those who send their children to the local university before returning to their homes in other states.
I'm provisionally scrapping that for now, though as a guideline you can generally sustain between 1.5-2x your starting allowance of fleets and armies before you start running out of bodies.
Ah, yes, good, a distinguished mercantile type, just what we like to see! Kemperbad is yours, since I got the approval of the relevant player in the discord.
Bruno von Warendorp, Guild Master of the Altdorf Mercers' Association
To most merchants, there are few things as sweet as the clinging of a bag full of Gold Crowns being handed over to them, and in their quest for that most temptatious of sounds, many novice merchants travel far and wide in search of profit to be made. Many meet their deaths at the hands of bandits on such journeys - or worse, bankruptcy due to their own ineptitude - yet those who manage to return from distant travels with exotic goods will find themselves with enough wealth to live comfortably for the rest of their lives.
From there on, there is, in general, three ways a newly successful merchant will take. The first is to retire, mary well, and raise a family off of their fortune. The second is to embark on another adventure, hoping to leverage their prior success into even greater levels of wealth, yet often squandering much of their wealth or simply perishing on the trip. The third way, however, is for a newly wealthy merchant to invest his money, being content to see the black numbers in his ledger grow ever larger.
Bruno von Warendorp falls in the latter category. In his youth, he took the largest gamble known to merchants: braving the Silk Road in an attempt to reach the legendary realm of Cathay. Against all odds, he succeeded, returning to Altdorf with enough silk to set himself up to live like all but the greatest of nobles, were he so inclined.
None too eager to risk his life again or to sink into comfortable obscurity, Bruno spent his wealth thriftily, setting himself up as an influential merchant in Altdorf, becoming a prominent member of the Mercers' Association, and ascending to the status of guild leader a few years after his fiftieth birthday. In the decade since then, he has wielded the organization to increase not only his personal wealth but also fill the coffers of fellow guild members in good status on account of the Mercers' Association overseeing the flow of trade into and out of Altdorf.
Obrist Anna Frederick "Pay us our dues and a sea of red will flow."
With emerald-colored eyes and a silver encrusted prosthetic hand, Anna is a striking figure to observe in any situation. Born to the previous obrist of The Silver Company, one Malthe Frederick, and his mistress, little was expected of her. Perhaps, at most, he thought of her as a convenient cup-bearer -- certainly he treated her, with her deformed right hand, little better than the cup. Abuse of the verbal and physical nature were common place during the early years. Anna's silent tenacity in the face of that onslaught, a byproduct of survival instincts than any real character trait, earned a speck of respect from her father. "If you can take a hit like that, boy," he said. "Then I can make you into something worthwhile."
Each day thereafter was one dedicated to training. Cruel as her father was, he was no fool. Malthe knew how hard to hit and when to relent; he wanted a soldier not a broken toy. Slowly, ever so slowly, Anna learned the mercenary trade: how to cut a man, how to break a man, how to haggle a man, how lead a man, and so forth. Upon slaughtering her first man, nay, boy, her father rewarded her by cutting off her right hand. The pain was unbearable but she survived like always. Feeling that his investment had finally paid off, he bought her a prosthetic hand -- one filled with silver.
Afterwards, Anna grew up to be her father's trusted lieutenant. Quiet until spoken to, she followed him to the ends of the Empire. Never once did she show any signs of rebellion until a fateful day where Malthe ran from battle. Seemly safe from danger, she pulled him off his horse. "W-what are you doing?" He would shout. "Following your example," she would respond. "Death to all deserters." Thus, ended the life of her father and the start of her reign as obrist of The Silver Company.
Dogs of war, The Silver Company prides itself on having sharp teethes. They are a band of professional mercenaries, a thousand strong (divided into two-hundreds with a hauptmann each), equipped with pike and shot. Wherever there is a need for them, they will arrive. And when they arrive, men will die. That is the promise Anna gives to all who employ her men. As of today, it has not been broken.
P.N.: Should either player not accept Keiner then Anna will be my backup. Hope she's allowed.
Blessed by both the pudgy hands of Handrich and the salty touch of Manaan they said. Lord of an trading empire stretching from Erengrad to Margritta, the wealth of a thousand thousand men he had. A man with a fine noble wench and a son to to safeguard the bloodline, fat and jolly from a life of debauchery across the Old World even as his body lost its vitality every passing winter, he was.
He had the blessings of the gods, yet like the sea they were always fickle and capricious, and so clear skies turn to tempestuous storms that shake the world. It was his final voyage whereupon completion he would pass his mantle to his eldest son as his mettle was tested by leading a convoy across the treacherous Sea of Claws. The fates were smiling upon them, with a bleating goat hanging from the mast to ensure a safe voyage and a generous donation to the Cult of Handrich for good fortune did they cast off from Marienburg towards future wealth and prosperity. With proud tears flowing from rheumy eyes and arthritic joints popping as he embraced his most prized investment, did they set sail in the greatest father-son voyage in all of recorded history. Yet Manann gives and takes, as through the morning mists the dragonheaded prows of the Norscans emerged, roaring with exaltation to their dark gods as their knives pierced the flesh of their mewling sacrifices as surely as they pierced into the flanks of the convoy. As his crew was slain around him, the old man rose onto shaky knees and charged wobbling with lard against the chaos champion happily playing with his men's entrails. Like a cat gingerly playing with a bird, they took his eye, his arm, his leg and his manhood while laughing with demented glee. It was then, lying broken in his blood and piss, did the son give his life for the father, pushing him into the frigid seas as the seedling gave its life for the tree.
The ferryman sailed him to the domain of Morr and back, leaving him in the throes of madness as the roar of the wind fails to silence a father's sorrow. Falling into the dark waters with his vision dimming and lung and his lungs aflame he cried to Handrich for his lost wealth, to Mann for his lost ships and Sigmar for his pride, yet none answered. Blood intermingled with salt, with the sharks circling hungrily as he gave his last scream.
A silent cry pierces the abyss, as a bereaved father without a son forswears all hope and desire beyond the vain hope that all of Norsca would be devoured as he would be soon.
The sea heard, the sea that breaks ships upon the rocks, drowns your son and steals your husband. For He is the Wrecker, the Predator and the Tyrant of the dangers that lurk beneath the waters.
Praise the Deep for it had heard.
It was weeks later when his broken body floated back to Marienburg, where painful recovery led to painful discovery. For his wife had thrown herself to the waves in grief, whilst his remaining children fought over the scraps that remained. The once great trading empire was torn to pieces by disaster and the cannibalistic merchant houses, with the banks seizing his assets while both investors and captains deserted for those with better fortunes and deeper pockets.
Gaunt, haggard and possessing of not inconsiderable insanity, Elmo seized control of what remained of his empire's corpse that the carrion hadn't stripped away. Disowning the ungrateful bastards, and letting the maggots eat away at the rot, he's dedicated all that is left to a final cause. Without a future, without an empire and without a heir, he seeks an eternal war with Norsca set aflame.
For the Manann has many names, Manalt, Manas, Olovald and Manhavok. Yet only one of them has found interest in Elmo's suicidal vengeance.
Praise the God of Sharks.
Stromfels awaits his promised feast.
House Meyer's record of its history begins with the meteoric rise of Friedrich Meyer, funded by his family to deal in Altdorf. There he rose quickly, through gumption and thrift, and founded a prosperous company that dealt in grain and other agricultural products, always caring for his relatives back home. The reality is far less inspiring- young Friedrich ran away from home after being accused of robbery. Arriving in Altdorf, he took on work for a guild, but kept his habit of theft on the side. It took little for such a man to find religion- the local cult of Ranald sought him out, and that would be how he rose in society. Deals with corrupt factors and what remained of his familial contacts helped him on his way up, and on his death he left behind both a prosperous business and a stiffed cult. Through careful investments and good marriages the next three generations of House Meyer saw the company expand to deal with foodstuffs in general, including the ever-necessary commodity of beer. Being a powerhouse in these means being one of the great merchant houses of Reikland.
Oskar Meyer Blood always tells
Grandson of the last head of House Meyer, Oskar's early inheritance was brought by a bout of illness that took the whole of his adult family, save his mother, immune. Just he and his younger sister survived the trgedy, and Oskar would have to take the reins at the age of 20. His youthful ambition has initially been tempered by his mother's sage advice, but as he grows into his position, Oskar's desire for prestige and wealth influence the Beetoberer company's actions more and more.
He himself is rash and unforgiving to dishonesty, yet unfailingly open to new ideas and ventures. Loss brought the Meyer family together, and this closeness is well known among locals. Oskar Meyer may well not be the man to steer a steady ship, but in times of turmoil a man who risks much may find himself gaining all.
As a minor faction I've already asked @TenfoldShields for permission to base it in Reikland, which they've said yes to.
I have a question if you don't mind. Any reason the Knights of Sigmar's Blood would have 5 to 10 influence lower than some other? The worship of Sigmar being notably more widespread hailed and accepted than that of Ulric and Myrmidda in the realms of the former Empire. Or is it because of the Knights of Sigmar's Blood extreme and rigorous training to be able to be counted among them?
EDIT: The Knights of Sigmar's Blood seems to be actually predominantly based in Tabalecland where their chapter house is (Heldenhame Keep; a large major fortress) but they have a foothold in Averland too apparently.
I have a question if you don't mind. Any reason the Knights of Sigmar's Blood would have 5 to 10 influence lower than some other? The worship of Sigmar being notably more widespread hailed and accepted than that of Ulric and Myrmidda in the realms of the former Empire. Or is it because of the Knights of Sigmar's Blood extreme and rigorous training to be able to be counted among them?
EDIT: The Knights of Sigmar's Blood seems to be actually predominantly based in Tabalecland where their chapter house is (Heldenhame Keep; a large major fortress) but they have a foothold in Averland too apparently.
15 influence is the standard amount for a knightly order - the Blazing Suns get more because they have contacts and allies beyond the Empire itself, while the White Wolves get more because they are essentially the militant arm of one of the two main faiths in the land with a pedigree stretching back over a thousand years of heroism and valour.
15 influence is the standard amount for a knightly order - the Blazing Suns get more because they have contacts and allies beyond the Empire itself, while the White Wolves get more because they are essentially the militant arm of one of the two main faiths in the land with a pedigree stretching back over a thousand years of heroism and valour.
I'll be honest a veteran mercenary company is, while theoretically doable, a bit... limited? Pretty much by definition they have virtually no stake in the ongoing political situation and are restricted to playing a supporting role in someone else's story.
Blessed by both the pudgy hands of Handrich and the salty touch of Manaan they said. Lord of an trading empire stretching from Erengrad to Margritta, the wealth of a thousand thousand men he had. A man with a fine noble wench and a son to to safeguard the bloodline, fat and jolly from a life of debauchery across the Old World even as his body lost its vitality every passing winter, he was.
I am not keen on adding a cult of Stromfels to the game, on account of how the Shark God is generally outlawed and seen by most as mortal enemy of Maanan and all right-thinking folk. Also being hyper dedicated to fighting the Norse is awkward because it means your character's entire focus is on something largely outside the scope of the game.
I am perfectly willing to play second-fiddle to the narrative of others if allowed. I mostly see Anna and The Silver Company as a literary vehicle to interact with the world at large: weaving in and out of interesting areas and stories. Suppose I envision her more for the roleplaying part of grand strategy roleplaying.
As player faction, similar to the Cult Factions, except consisting of the various Hedgefolk of the Empire. Probably low influence and low capital, but diffuse throughout the Empire, and generally well hidden.
Or would you prefer I just type up the sheet and show it to you?
As player faction, similar to the Cult Factions, except consisting of the various Hedgefolk of the Empire. Probably low influence and low capital, but diffuse throughout the Empire, and generally well hidden.
Or would you prefer I just type up the sheet and show it to you?
As player faction, similar to the Cult Factions, except consisting of the various Hedgefolk of the Empire. Probably low influence and low capital, but diffuse throughout the Empire, and generally well hidden.
Or would you prefer I just type up the sheet and show it to you?
I can't say I'm an expert on Warhammer Lore, but from what I can tell, the Hedgefolk do have an organizational structure, though it is certainly loose, and while it isn't an official institution, I would say it's on par with the Church of Ranald, given both are secretive and persecuted, but again, I'm not an expert. Would you prefer I just make a sheet, or just dump the concept entirely?
I can't say I'm an expert on Warhammer Lore, but from what I can tell, the Hedgefolk do have an organizational structure, though it is certainly loose, and while it isn't an official institution, I would say it's on par with the Church of Ranald, given both are secretive and persecuted, but again, I'm not an expert. Would you prefer I just make a sheet, or just dump the concept entirely?
