Content warning just in case, Chaos and Nurgle shit in particular can get really gross so if your squeamish be careful of such.
All of Europe was ablaze, as the eyes of the Hound and the Crow opened slightly from their sleep. Half awake, seeing only flickers and remembering practically nothing, for any other beings it would be a foolish endeavor.
Unfortunately, these were gods...and rarely do their actions affect little.
it started off with those first touched, the disgusting slothful wretches, the raging madmen. Yet before where few would ever listen to either, now all were forced by the new power they wielded. No injuries could keep them down, no foe could slay them. Swiftly hamlets and villages were lured or forced into sickly corruption, before armies of peasants suddenly stronger then they ever should have been overwhelmed kingdoms.
Plague and war cut through all, as the people fell faster then holes could be dug. They would call this terrible event, that which had seemed to so quickly destroy all semblance of order-
-The Black Death
In the Middle East and Asia, the whispers of a different god were put into the ears of those in power. Population centers were quarantined, infected bodies and all of their old possessions were burnt, all while armies were called to arms.
The refugees were many, the first waves moved to isolated tent cities. Those after however, were already changed. Massive boils of puss that would burst before rapidly regrowing, maggots clinging onto and into skin, while the flesh grew rancid with sores or hideous rashes.
These people were to far gone, put to the sword and given the caretakers mercy. Yet still the horrors did not end, as after this those even more cursed came about. Those who had their minds fully claimed by the plague, shambling undead that moved in massive herds which only cared to feast on the flesh of the untainted. Leading these hordes were those that had given into chaos, warriors of rot and plague.
Their bellies had burst from the build up of noxious gasses, leaving their organs to spill out for all to see. Some grew brittle looking horns, while others seemed to have swarms of vile insects about their bodies. What matterd most however, was that they wouldn't stop unless the most lethal of wounds were given to them.
The undead could be dealt with via jars of oil lit aflame upon their shambling forms, yet the warriors of Nurgle needed what felt like four men to bring down one of their number.
The first lines were slowly grinded down by endless numbers, the insects that reaped flesh, or by succumbing to illness. Yet, soon enough a line was formed, as the naval forces of the uncorrupted outnumbered the fallen which meant the fell armies could launch no invasions across the waters. Instead, they were forced to go by land, which led to them being stuck sieging the great city of Constantinople.
For now, you watch as both sides are at an eery equilibrium. The chaos armies are poorly equipped compared to yours due to the fact your worship has spurred much in the way of advancements, yet the foul powers of the Arch-enemy mean their armies have vast numbers and have forces of cultists with inhuman strength.
Your brother is still somewhere unknown to you, while you find yourself stuck gazing at the south and east. Your sight has been crippled by the oozing energies of the enemy, to look upon the lands held by chaos is to wish to vomit immediately.
What worries you most however, is your children. Isis and Apollo have taken to holding back the plagues made by the Unclean one, a very helpful endeavor that fills you with pride. Odin however, was off in the far north of Scandinavia, the only place in Europe where your worship managed to take root. He has been cut off from you, leaving you immensely fearful for what has occurred to him.
All you know is that while you are dealing with the forces of Nurgle in the south, the north was made the playground of Khorne. Fatherly instinct guides you to act immediately to reach him, but practicality forces you to be rational.
Currently you were outnumbered, however you had forces in the east still gathering that would turn that around once they arrived. Until then, you needed to think quickly on a proper course of action. Nurgle and his followers were marred with slothful tendencies regarding anything that wasn't spreading disease, but that did not mean you could afford to be careless.
Eventually, you moved to-
[ ] Hold the line - You needed to ensure you had reinforcements before making any moves, while the forces of chaos may perhaps grow weak without new pillage.
[ ] Naval push - You have been as successful as you have so far through your ships, use them further to launch an invasion point where chaos won't expect.
[ ] Break the siege - Will will have to ensure the safety of Constantinople, by cutting down the forces outside its walls you will have the perfect point to supply and launch further pushes north.
AN: Sorry Europeans, some disasters play out no matter what you do. Whether through fleas on rats, or through the machinations of terrible beings beyond comprehension.
Anyway! This is a basic introduction to the Big Bad Battle that will take up the next bit of the quest. For this fight, I'll actually be doing some rolls in the background for things that will come up later.
Time to see if I can actually write decent combat, until then, cheers!
