GM Note: Some...interesting rolls this year. Thanks for waiting!
Old World Rumor Mill
Black Fire Towers: Black Fire Keep is one of the eldest defensive structures in the Empire, though it has fallen many times before. Built after the second battle of Black Fire Pass by men and dawi alike, fallen to beastmen and greenskins on occasion, sometimes even so badly that it was torn apart down to the foundation. But it has been rebuilt, every time, sometimes to previous specifications, sometimes in a lesser manner, and sometimes with a grander ideal in mind. It sits at a point in the Black Fire Pass which is less than a mile wide. Approach is near impossible. But only at that single point. The Count of Averland has seen fit to expand the amount of structures within Black Fire Pass itself, in the form of squat yet defensible outposts, dominated by thin towers and equipped with seeing-eye glasses for advanced warning. Additionally, it should provide more eyes on potential greenskin incursions as well as watching over the trade routes and those who might attempt to abuse them. As for Black Fire Keep itself, a number of war machines have been brought south and held there, certain elements of Leitdorf's troops coming to rest there. Ever so slowly, it seems the man himself is pushing his troops south.
Silver Saved By Ulric: Before the untimely destruction of Salzenmund, it's silversmiths were renowned across the Old World. Demand for the silver of Nordland, whether in ingots or masterpieces, could be found as far as Araby and Estalia. Demand that has, for many years, gone unfulfilled. But no longer. With the aid of the Cult of Ulric sending out its White Wolves, the Elector Count of Nordland has rebuilt the mines and formed new smaller settlements nearby, bringing in those surviving silversmiths who fled the machinations of Gruber. Impossible to replicate, Nordland silver is now once more being bought as quickly as it can be produced and refined. A fine boon for the treasury of Nordland, and a joy to those who desired their masterful creations once more. More than a few Arabian ships were seen in the Sea of Claws this year, forging far north of their desert country to gain what could be eagerly provided. It was only thanks to the Cult of Ulric that this could be done, protecting and guarding the people as they worked, and thanks have been given mightily indeed. It is even said that the Cult of Ulric was responsible for providing some of the funds required to re-establish the operations hence. Salzenmund itself remains without resettlement, rather it is Oldenlitz which has been rebuilt and resettled. The trade which now flows along the paths through Nordland has benefited those travelling east to Kislev and south to other realms as well.
Due to increased trade along the roads and coasts of the Northwestern Empire, Gain Minor Trade Income Boost: +50 Per Turn
The Hunting Marshal of Middenland: Another title joins the esteemed list possessed by Gräfin Sieglinde, parody and deathly all the same. Referred to as the 'Fourth' Law Lord for her contributions, presence, and iron-hand in the matters of the courts of Middenheim, she is now considered the 'Fourth' once more to another of the vital ruling aspects of Ulric's city. That position, of course, being of the Midden Marshals of the city. Divided into three, previously and still technically, these Marshals had authority over the various parts of the great military that the city has access to. However, where once Middenland and Middenheim were divided, the city possessing its own army and still doing so, they have been united once more through marriage and other legal measures introduced by Graf and Emperor alike. As such, Lady Sieglinde felt that it was time that the two worked together, for each other, more closely. As such, she took out a good number of Middenheim army troops from the city, joining them with militia, wolf-kin, and some White Wolves, to patrol about the province. Up until her growing pregnancy kept her from doing so, this small army spent their days hunting down isolated bands of beastmen and greenskins outside the Drakwald, but most impressively bringing down a hideously mutated wyvern from the Middle Mountains first with her bow, and then hacking it apart with her two hand axes – said to be of dwarf make as a wedding gift from her husband. Thus, has the Gräfin become known as the 'Fourth' Midden Marshal, not the Wall Marshal, the Standing Marshal, or the Watch Marshal, but the Hunting Marshal. Only the direct intervention her husband dragged her home from her relentless hunting, in the end, so that six months later she could give birth to their eighth child, a healthy girl named Emmanuelle von Bildhofen, within the walls of the city.
High Elves Arrive In Sylvania: A great party of High Elves appeared first in Altdorf through hidden means, and then travelled by river and overland to Sylvania this year, to arrive at the compound of the Magic Colleges created there and still currently run personally by Supreme Patriarch Volans. A notable number of these High Elves appeared to be mages, while others bore blades and spears that gleamed no matter the lighting in that dark place. They immediately scattered about the province, escorted by large compliments of troops from Stirland, and set about examining sites where the old masters of Sylvania once erected their malicious towers and foreboding castles, as well as other places that had no real known significance to anyone living. No one other than the Supreme Patriarch and the Grand Theogonist, and perhaps the Emperor and the Gods, know what they are doing, but no one is going to be interfering with them. It is a mark of pride, after all, that they are allowing themselves to be escorted by guards of Stirland and Sigmarite origin, through Knights of the Fiery Heart. Their strange and ethereal ways are something to worry over, but with the eye of the Emperor, the Cult of Sigmar, and the announced permissions of the Countess of Stirland, none dare dispute their presence there lest they gain the ire of thrice their betters in powerful persons of the Empire.
Couronne Miracles: Only the truly desperate or mightily pious are willing and able to make a true religious pilgrimage. Nothing like going across the village to the temple, up the hill to a hallowed grave of the past, or the like. No, but a true pilgrimage, a showing of faith and light of the soul, regardless of the circumstances of the body. Most famous of these to the Empire are those like Sigmar's Exodus, the Journey to the Sea, the Pilgrimage of the Stones. But it is the Road to Couronne, known also as the Path of the White Dove, which is of subject today. A great many poor folk were escorted to Couronne this year on the patronage of none other than Magnus the Pious, the Emperor himself! Through correspondence between the Emperor and the King of Bretonnia, these pilgrims seeking nothing more than the mercy offered by Shallya were granted greater protections than ever before. Preyed upon by bandits, greenskins, beastmen, and simple wild monsters, many die or are forced to turn back in such journeys as these. But not this year. No, this year, the Knights Griffon escorted hundreds west from Nuln and down through the mountain passes, whereupon they were met by dozens of impetuous Bretonnian knights errant guided by many noble knights of the realm. Onwards did the caravan go, onto Couronne, where the Most Holy Matriarch Giselle awaited them. Miracles, for there can be no other word for it, occurred hence. Sicknesses banished, broken bodies restored, and even a dozen men and women outright cured of insanity to fall weeping at the feet of the Holy Matriarch for the blessed relief she provided. Blessed thanks to the Emperor, who may even make such protections a part of the duties of the Knights Griffon for the Empire a permanent state of being! The Cult of Shallya would certainly be most thankful.
Flying Men Of Ostland?: Rumors are, quite near literally, flying out of Wulfenburg this year. The drunken engineers of that northern land have invented a new device entirely, rumored to be inspired by mad writings recovered in the Tilea by Anna von Hohenzollern, and the natural world through all flying beasts. It is one thing to say that you can feel like you are flying when particularly affected by certain substances, but they are literally doing so! Though it takes significant work, considering they need to be quite high up indeed to manage it, it is definitely possible. Merchants, traders, carriages, and more, saw them soaring slightly over the city, some being dropped by the enormous gryphon which is the resident beast of the Elector Count himself. They soar, twist, and dip about in incredible feats that should be impossible by all rights. Some suspect that it is some sort of strange enchantment, a mixture of the chill winds perhaps brought about by the Count's witch-wife, or other sorts of magic? Philosophers and scientists alike refute their existence, despite the overwhelming evidence, simply because it would require that they rewrite many a paper.
Extranormal Northern Lights: A cascade of searing lights erupted over the northern lands of Norsca. While this is not necessarily a new thing, the phenomena of the strange colors in the sky, known by some as the aurora borealis or more simply the northern lights, have rarely if ever behaved in such a manner before. Whites and blues broke through the more common greens, this year, seemingly centered in center and eastern Norsca, whipping and cracking even more unnaturally than the normal display. This accompanied another wave of nightmares and strange visions by crackpots and hags in Kislev and the Northern Trident especially. This is disturbingly similar to the same wave of horrors and nightmares which passed a short time ago. The overwhelming pervading commonality amongst the 'visions' that so many appeared to have had is the same as before, cracking stone and thrumming blood…but this time it appeared to be flowing differently. Almost...coldly. No one knows what this means, but it is certainly nothing good! On the other hand, doomsday criers for 'visions' and crackpot dreams are found everywhere, little truly makes this one stand out. There are more important things worth bothering with!
Altdorf Alchemical Angers: Since time immemorial, the nature of the world has been known. The Four Elements of Existence, Earth, Air, Fire, and Water, underpin all of existence. So it has been known by alchemists and herbalists and learned mean across the world since the time of Sigmar. But now that is being challenged by, of all things, the Gold Magisters of Altdorf! They claim that there exists something known as the so-called True Elements of Existence, and have supposed proof for it! Worse, they have come into conflict with one of the greatest places of learning in the Empire, the Guilde of Alkemie which was formed many centuries ago. They debate, even now, with many previously ironclad alchemical theories proven incorrect by the hands of the magisters of Altdorf. This, in turn, calls into question much of the Guilde's own works, while others accuse the magisters of quietly gathering all such knowledge unto themselves and restricting its usage to themselves! In turn, the Gold Magisters claim that the Guilde is made up of nothing more than calcified scholarly work, never advancing or even daring to study past, present, or future. It is, many are saying, the greatest academic firestorm to hit the Empire in over a century. Thus far, things are limited to symposiums and letters denouncing each other, rather than actual violence. At the least this proves that the Gold Magisters are more human than previously thought, if odd, for only humans could cause such an uproar and then try to fight it out with ink and quills.
Wolf-Care In Middenland: Many in the Empire now know of the power of the Magic Colleges, specifically those of the Light, Bright, Jade, and Amethyst, battling against the horrid undead. But less known were the Amber Brotherhood, yet that may be changing. A small number were sighted visiting Middenheim this year, conferring with the priesthood of Ulric, about the Winter Wolves, though what was discussed and what might result of it has as of yet remained under wraps. Still, a single of the blessed animals of Ulric was sighted departing with one of the Amber Wizards the next day, back towards Altdorf, the purpose of which is largely unknown to the people. Perhaps these wizards, who apparently are attuned to the wilds and beasts, might be able to do…what? None know, for sure, but anyone who is thinking of making a fuss about it aren't saying anything, for the foreboding gaze of the Graf and his wife would surely fall upon them like Ulric's own fist. Rumors of the Amber Brotherhood also having some members in Wissenland to examine the Razorbeaks have been heard.
Drunken Trolls Assault Bugman's Brewery: A band of thirty-odd river trolls pulled themselves out of the rivers which flow south from the Middle Mountains into the River Talabec this year, before falling straight onto their faces. Others managed to stay upright, and headed towards their destination, Bugman's Brewery, which has established itself next to one of those very rivers for the facilities purposes. A tragedy in waiting, apparently the run-off from the brewery, within a certain distance before being more diffused by the waters, had been absolutely pickling the damn beasts. So drunk were the trolls that the furious dwarfs, eager to prevent the loss of this incarnation of the Brewery, were able to slay them all from afar, risking no lives at all. Still, it is an interesting tale to tell, the trolls so badly reduced in mental capacity further than their already deficient brains. To hear some of the more comedic dwarfs present tell the tale, it is just another example that almost no problem in the world can't be solved with strong dwarf drink!
Bordeleaux Brigands Of The Sea: A group of criminal outlaws have performed a vicious heist upon the docks of Bordeleaux, stealing away with a full squadron of four Bretonnian Buccaneer vessels! Apparently rising up against the inhuman conditions put upon them by their 'noble' captains, they slaughtered all of those who had beaten them in the galley and on top of the decks. Some with kitchen knives, others with stolen blades, and still others with their bare fists. Sir Louis, a noble son of Bordeleaux, was still living when they escaped over the horizon, but his corpse hung limp upon the prow by the time they sailed into Sartosa, dead not from beatings but from exposure to Manann's rage. So too were the ships, which now resemble some sort of awful greenskin contraption than anything else, all four ships lashed together into one abominable pile of wood. As is the nature of that despicable island, they welcomed these new cutthroats with open arms – after a huge bout of violence, of course. They say that the only reason these newest brigands of the sea survived at all is their leader, a man who bears some measure of sorcerous power or another. The name of their horrible amalgam of a ship leaves something to be desired, of course. Who ever heard of a crew calling their ship 'The Vengeful Vineyard'?
Imperial Dwarfs Immigrating To Ostland: Everyone who has ever been in a tavern, pub, or watering hole, or even the gutter, has heard of Bugman's XXXXX. The loss of the Bugman Brewery along the River Sol has been one felt for generations amongst humanity. Every last cask, every tankard, had grown ever more expensive, for lack of its brewing anymore. Yet through the actions of Frederick von Hohenzollern, the Brewery re-opened, this time not in the south but in the north, along the rivers which pour down from the Middle Mountains and into the Talabec. In recent years, the Brewery has grown in size, while also ensuring continued production of that blessed ale into the gullets of the Empire. Both Bugman's Old, the original XXXXX, and Bugman's New, though there will always be a niche market for things such as the infamous Troll Brew, make their way along the rivers to the rest of the Empire. More recently, however, many are noting with some mild amounts of frustration, that a significant number of dwarfs who have lived long in the Empire are picking up and moving to either the Brewery itself or the Dwarf Quarter of the city of Wulfenburg. This is depriving a goodly amount of places without blacksmiths or bartenders who have begun moving away, some to Ostland, but also some towards the dwarf holds of the World's Edge Mountains, taking on family names and digging up old suits of armor and wealth that had been buried for in some cases over a century as they go.
Knights of Magritta Fighting…Each Other: The debate between the Knights of Margritta, about whether to try and conquer the rest of Estalia to join them against Araby, to simply sail there themselves and launch the fight alone – something not entirely impossible to find victory in, considering the size of their military forces – or otherwise has come to a new and tragic phase. A most violent one. Even with the destruction wrought upon the city by the accursed undead lord of Nehekhara, this has only exacerbated matters. According to fleeing citizens, the Eagles of the order have come to open blows over what to do, none able to agree with the other. Resources were forced to be expended on rebuilding the city, and now mercenaries flee their ranks in droves now that the coin has been taken away. Either by the sacking or by the necessary rebuilding efforts afterwards. Nowadays the streets of Magritta run red with blood, with shops and homes boarded up and kept barred in an attempt to avoid the violence. Citizens show their allegiance to their preferred Eagle by colored armbands, and fighting is common between the crowds. None know how long this inter-conflict can go on. The city-state was largely kept protected from the predations of the darker powers of the world until the sacking, but now…it seems that the inherently over-passionate nature of Estalia is turning in against itself. Thus far, the fighting is contained in the city, but the docks of Magritta have already begun to run red. Ships fear to pass there, lest their crews be forcibly conscripted, their goods appropriated, or worse. Such things have already occurred, as the Eagles compete for resources, the various heads of the Order now all present within the city, concentrated where once they existed spread out across the Old World. So close, with competing viewpoints, and the chaos caused by the conflict before? There are already rumors of food riots. Things seem to be growing dire there indeed! Smaller settlements along the coast are benefiting however, as the trade over the coastlines must continue.
Strange Disappearances In Eastern Hohenzollern Forest: It was not that long ago that the Hohenzollern Forest was known as the Forest of Shadows. It is, still, a vastly dangerous wilderness, of course. But it is no longer the same exacting death sentence for anyone regardless of power or numbers as it once was. Without its horrible vampire master ruling it, nature itself has begun to take back its place, yet nature remains a dangerous place indeed. A number of rumors have come out in Ostland, this year, of strange noises and disappearances from isolated communities in the eastern forest of the northern province. Beastmen and greenskins alike, isolated bands, were fought there in larger numbers than usual there, the Army of the Forest thankfully having been split into bands and outposts allowing them to deal with these various threats before they could congregate and grow worse. Yet even once that was done, the disappearances continued. What is happening in Ostland?
Remas Restoration?: Through magic and impossible skill that has to have been honed for centuries and centuries, Prince Asarnil has restored the long collapsed circular harbor of Remas to its former glory. Or at least something approaching it, when once there were elves who had fully lived throughout the city. It is a wondrous sight to see, and heavily defensible as well. Great amounts of ballista and other siege weapons have been established on the ring, with regular Reman 'militia' patrols along it. Outside of that, enormous amounts of trees have been harvested from the countryside claimed by the city-state, while more prepared lumber has been purchased from various sources. Both of these streams are flowing towards the harbor, for ship construction. Both defense and assault, more likely than not, but also a considerable trading fleet! Unfortunately, shortly after the harbor was rebuilt, the rest of the elves save for Prince Asarnil departed, leaving the city less resplendent for their absence. But under his leadership, the people are hopeful! Well, most. Only a few assassination attempts have occurred thus far, with every single assassin offered up as a meal to Deathfang, which is remarkable all things considered. It is not wholly unsurprising with all of the strangeness that Asarnil has brought to the city. Mercenaries now bereft of clients, rivals from other cities, merchant princes of Remas who do not like this inhuman specter ruling from his tower from atop his
beast! None can say for sure who might be responsible, but thus far none have succeeded. Though the worry continues. 'Militia' training? What is next, a city-based army? Didn't this prince come from the elf
kingdoms? Surely, surely Asarnil is not planning on trying to make himself 'royalty' in the parlance of the arrogant barbarians of the Empire and Bretonnia, right? Or the insane Kislevites?
Horrible Beasts Beached: The Wasteland is exactly that, yet the power of Westerland's central city of Marienburg is essentially enough to qualify it for a province. But the Wasteland yet remains inhabited, though largely only through sparse but hardy settlements pepper throughout the wastes and swamps. Utter nonsense of course. In any case, a great mass of horribly mutated monsters emerged from the sea this year upon the coats of the Wasteland, enormous leviathan-esque monstrosities, no one alike the other. Some even had the beginnings of limbs that they used to crawl forth as far onto the beach as possible before death. All were mutilated by what looks like multiple ship carcasses brutally implanted into their frames, the purpose of which is unknown. Either way, their accursed existence is over now, their bloated rotting frames leaving the area flooded with diseased animals and plant-life, what little there is. The Cult of Shallya has cordoned off the area with aid from the Cult of Manann. The Wasteland seems impassible, but the very nature of the place has made it difficult to discern anything more. Worse, the fimir were agitated, making initial cordoning difficult in the area. Though on the brighter side, the resulting fighting involve the slaughter of all the fimir involved. Though the number of the damned beasts was worrying. Perhaps it is time for another purge through the Wasteland? There were some signs of fighting between the beastmen of the Drakwald and the fimir, the latter clearly having brought about the former through their agitated state, with the reptilian abominations slaughtered in turn.
Sea of Claws Report - 2334: The Sea of Claws was positively anemic this year, in terms of threats. Of the Druchii, there was no sign. Not even a single black sail upon their knife ships was sighted, not a single hamlet or even isolated guard post was touched. Nor were there any Norscans, even during the winter months when they often come in search of the stockpiled meats and grains of the people. The ships of the Empire scoured the coasts of Ostland and Nordland relentlessly, only to find nothing. No beached ships or signs of landing either. In Kislev, the ships of their supposed 'Grand Navy' found nothing to cut their teeth upon, despite possessing far more ships than Ostland. From their specially built anchorages with their ice-breaker ships to carve passage in and out, they swarmed…and dispersed. Again and again. Not a single ship was lost this year, and the sheer lack of threat emboldened many fishing ships to make far more trips out and then back in than usual, bringing a mighty bounty from Manann to the fish markets. Strange…not unwelcome, but strange. Many worry, of course, for why would they draw back so completely unless they were preparing for a greater strike? Or…something else?
High Order Success Due To Lack Of Enemy, Raiding Pressure Reduced to None During This Turn? +200 To Treasury Through Additional Fishing For Turn.
Grand Conclave of 2334: Only one topic could truly be said to have dominated the Grand Conclave this year. Myrmidia. A foreign Goddess, one invited into the Empire many years ago, further allowed its representatives into the Grand Conclave by the ever-kind Magnus the Pious. But the reveal of the Knights of Magritta, a clearly and wholly Myrmidian organization, one who had agents amongst the populace from peasants to knights to even some lords and higher merchants? A very serious issue indeed. Rumors from servants attending in Nuln say that this year's Grand Conclave was less a communal meeting and closer to an informal trial! The Myrmidians, even lesser in number as some of their highest representatives were part of the Knights and are now departed from the Empire, put up a valiant effort at the least. Obviously, all of the cults have their informants, their agents, but this, so wide-spread, all bent towards pushing vast amounts of men and materials for a war long over and done? Very concerning indeed! And especially at a time like this, when there are far more important threats to the Empire! Some of the more cynical folk say that part of it is genuine outrage, but far more is just a farce to cast doubt and pressure upon the cult and stymie its growing influence and wealth in the Empire. And also to deflect accusations of the same. The Cult of Myrmidia did not find itself ejected from the Empire, however, despite some certain zealot hopes, and has not been barred from attending future Conclaves. Time will tell if they will be able to repair their damaged reputations. In the meantime, the sudden disappearance of so many of their members has allowed the Cult of Sigmar and Ulric to make up significant lost ground, in terms of both new tithes and declarations of worship.
Kislev Rumor Mill
Ungols Move South…Somewhat: On the demands of their hags, from many quarters, the Ungol Tribes shifted south en masse this year, to the surprise of many. They seemed to make little note of ancestral paths, or traditional territories. They huddle around Praag, now, and many worry that this is a sign that they are favoring the Bohka over the rightful rulers in the Romanovs. After all, was Praag not an Ungol city before the time of the first Khan-Queen? And is it not currently yet a hotbed of unrest and Bohka support despite its governorship being one granted by the Tzarina? The hags are not prone to explaining themselves, not to anyone, at least in anything approaching understandability. More cackles and riddles, really. But either way, a great many Ungols have shifted south for some reason, and many are saying that there is an undercurrent of tension amongst their hordes, one very worrying for everyone. Some madmen are even saying that his is a prelude to the Ungols trying to remove the Gospodars from power, whether Bohka or Romanov! Only idiots say that, of course, but it is still being said. That the words are spoken at all has ratcheted up tension even further, not to mention the fact that Praag does not have the natural facilities to simply accommodate so many Ungols.
[Early Year] Chaos Raiders Head To Norsca?: This year, there were a great many worries that the Ungols shifting so far south down the steppes would allow the yearly raids to go unchallenged until they got further down in Kislev than normal. But instead, roving bands of Kul, Dolgan, and even the more distant Khazags were seen bellowing out of the pass and heading west, into the mountains of Norsca. The latter were horrifyingly recognizable due to the two dozen mammoths that tromped along with their horde. While there were no sightings of the even more deadly armored champions of Chaos, their numbers were worrying enough. While they would be nowhere near enough to challenge Praag's defenses, swollen as they are with Ungols around them, the amount of villages they could have ruined is considerable. The appeared to travel as three separate masses, with only minor amounts of fighting amongst themselves. The latter is especially worrying. Soon enough, the snow flurries covered their movements, and such was their size that none but the Grand Army of Kislev could have confidently assembled quickly enough to attack them. Nevertheless, the northern lands of Kislev were left ravaged in their wake, meaning that even should the Ungols return there will be issues. Bands of beasts were enslaved from Troll Country before they moved north. Fort Ostrosk, Fort Kaminski, and Fort Straghov were all found burned to the ground, but of the three hordes, the trail only leads…north, into Norsca. Rebuilding efforts began almost immediately, the Grand Army pivoting north, but obviously not too north, else they enter Norsca itself through the mountains. With the Ungols centering themselves around Praag, it is likely this pattern will continue, despite the fact that there are plenty of nobles who are more than able at defending themselves! Do not allow the Romanov's to stomp your rights into the snows, they are not all of Kislev, damn it!
[Late Year] Romanovs Show Strength: Yes, yes, let the Bohka proudly point to their blood strewn pulks as the solution, many men desperately required back at their stanistas lying dead in the snow. Idiots. Let those who have nothing else but the Grand Army of Kislev, who pay for goods and services that their homes might retain thanks to the generous payments of the Tzarina, take to the fore! A great horde of Dolgan and Kurgan thundered into the Peak Pass, tens of thousands strong and found themselves matched by the Grand Army of Kislev. Having purchased new cannons and guns to replace what was too broken to fix, and repaired what could be, they rammed into the hordes, led by none other than Ursus Mattrin! From the flanks, at dangerously high positions, did Torus Ivan lead the Gryphon Legion down from the mountainsides. In the end, the enemy fled, and the Grand Army stood, Ursus Mattrin riding atop the great bear he has tamed! Uraaa, Kislev! In the eastern forests, Dazhus Andre led another detachment of the Grand Army against the greenskins which have long infested the area, though some worry that the greenskins continuing to come down from the mountains are now coming for the fight, as much as anything else. Either way, they come only to die!
Temples of the Widow Complete In All Three Cities: While smaller symbols of the so-called Pantheon of Kislev have been steadily making their way into the stanistas for years and years now, further fully sized temples have been constructed to the Widow in Kislev, Erengrad, and Praag together. The religion itself is growing slightly more fervent in its growth and conversions as they speak to one thing which all of Kislev recognizes – Kislev must stand strong. Certain southern influences are inevitable, for instance the fully acknowledged gunpowder and cannon, though these are strange and distrusted things by most. Or, universally despised, their God of Thieves, of whom all should be put into the Oblast slathered in blood and wounds. Also dead. In any case, the temples are built, and they feature not the Gods of the South, but the Gods of
Kislev, the Gods of the Land. The Widow watches down from above, her features cast in that of the starkest of mothers, for that is what she is, and beneath her stand her children, beneath her icy aegis. Ursun. Dazh. Tor. Salyak. Kalita. While shrines to 'Taal' still exist, the King of Beasts is the bear, is it not, and thus Ursun stands above him. There is little farming to be had in the Empty Quarter, and the forest spirits are what must be paid heed to in the north, thus does Taal and Rhya stand but simply not necessarily fully required. Of course, anyone with a lick of sense will pray to any of the wilderness Gods if it might help, Ursun to keep the bears away, Ulric the wolves, Taal others, and all three that they might find one or the other if they require. In any case, preachers and orators walk the streets and possess armed escorts to the stanistas – for what use have the people of priests with nothing to contribute? At least with steel and protection, perhaps furs and food, the stanistas will willingly listen after all, yes? That the Tzarina's agents – and make no mistake, friends, for that is what they are – are respectful of the Hags and Wise Women of Kislev is a remarkable thing, and one that many suspect might be a blatant attempt to win that vast organization over to her side. More than one construction project has halted entirely after they came from the oblast, screaming of angered spirits and sprites, while certain roads have been bent around other locations entirely. That those who attempt to forge through anyway suffer misfortune is only right. On the other hand, the darker aspects of the deities worshipped by the Roppsmen and Dolgan who reside in Kislev have been less…respected. Or so they say.
Karaz Ankor Rumor Mill
Zhufbar's Air Corps Growing: Princess Fenna is…not…normal. She never has been since being engulfed in flame by a prototype flamethrowing device, a pale imitation to the weapons used by the Irondrakes. Ever since she has been swathed in her leathers and wool, though some swear that her plaits have since slowly begun to regrow in the decades since. Furagrum on the other hand is a fine, fine prince. He is a proud warrior, a peerless foe to the dark things in the tunnels, and has fulfilled his royal duties with exceptionalism that any other hold would struggle to match! Or at least, that is what those of Zhufbar says. Princess Fenna, on the other hand, has spent her time bouncing about the Engineer's Guild, adjacent to the politics that go on there almost in their entirety. Perhaps it is because she knows of the shame she should feel for associating so closely with those Ostlander wastes of manlings who dare to call themselves 'engineers', with none of the principles that those of Altdorf and Nuln have possessed in even passing! Bah! At the least, she has spent her considerable free time assisting in the construction of more gryocopters and gyrobombers for the Air Corps, and training pilots. At least it is better than listening to her talk about Ostland, or the thieves within. Pfah!
Belegar Barrels On: The new Lord of the Angrund Clan finished the Karak Ungor campaign with a dead father. Since then, he has only yet proven himself as befits himself in the closing fights of reclaiming the Delving Hold under and in tandem of command with others. The same goes for the earlier fight against the skaven and night gobins north of Everpeak this year. Knowing that he needs to prove himself far more, he elected to take his throng, supplemented with volunteers, to head west, reclaiming minor posts along the Black Mountains, before stretching slightly towards the north. He was accompanied in this by the surprisingly doughty warriors of the manling Knights of the Fiery Heart, and their strange Rememberer Evangeline Hertwig, who had not yet properly interviewed the warriors of the Angrund Clan for their contributions in Karak Ungor. Only once this was done, scourging greenskins and beastmen alike – while reclaiming a few minor outposts in the process – did he plunge into the depths of Karak Izor, to aid that hold in their vengeful fight for the lamented King Yorrin! The Knights, however, strangely continued into the dark with them, chasing after Evangeline and her other bodyguards who relentlessly pursued Belegar and his hammerers personally so that she could have a fully complete story, meticulous in the extreme per each account of Karak Ungor. As the months stretched on, Belegar refusing to remain behind the lines, the human Hertwig proved so damned dedicated to getting the facts correct that she fought alongside him with her entire contingent including the knights of the Fiery Heart, if only to help his hammerers keep the doughty young king alive! The fighting continues even now, and even some of the longbeards of Karak Izor have to admit...the manlings are actually worth a modicum of respect as fighters, even if they'll never quite be as good as a dwarf. By the reckoning of the throngs, never before has the name of Sigmar been bellowed so loudly and continuously as by the throat of Regina Leitdorf and the Knights of the Fiery Heart. Those cries'll be echoing through the Underway for years yet, most likely.
More Dwarf Mercenaries Traveling To Everpeak: Mercenary life is not the worst life to have. There are none better than the dawi for warfare, our arms and strength are unmatched in all the world. Thus our kind can be paid quite a good amount of gold for a life full of battle, something that is quite the good life indeed for a dwarf. But there are a few, a
few, things more important than gold. Blood. Oaths. Grudges. Thus has this year seen a great number of dawi, from singles and duos, to companies, to the few other mercenary throngs which most recently marched in Estalia and Tilea, have arrived at Karaz-a-Karak. Obviously they still require some amount of money for ale, food, and lodgings, but none would be so base as to demand anything less than a significantly reduced price. The Goldeneye Throng is not among them, having retired to either Karak Ungor or Ostland, but then they were never a simple mercenary throng. They have integrated well with the other throngs present, many in the hold itself, or camped just outside in the shadows of the World's Edge Mountains. Some beardlings, not knowing any better, have posited about attempting to purchase other mercenary groups, not knowing yet that umgi mercenaries cannot be trusted. They would lie, steal, and run away when the fighting gets too intense! Far better to trust in our own.
Karak Kadrin Stops Ogre Band From Crossing: There is a clear and defined difference between the ogres of the Northern Trident, and in some measure the rest of the umgi Empire, and those of the east. One shown in complete fashion to the High King himself, as well as the King of Karak Kadrin when he was but Garagrim Ironfist, the Oath of Baragor yet unfulfilled. But as King Baragor himself, he knew well to stand against their attempts to get through the mountain passes as they have before. They do not offer gold, only battle and a ravenous desire to eat all they see before them. When the ogres came through the pass this year, they offered only these to the Throng of Karak Kadrin, and the slayers with them. Then again, only a truly significant amount of gold could have convinced King Baragor to allow these ogres through. Even a few dozen of these eastern ogres would be easy to track, the devastation they leave in their path recognizable to anyone with eyesight or hearing, or a sense of smell. Two hundred of them?
Very easy to stop, find, challenge, and upon finding the answer unsatisfactory, remove from the world of the living. Slayers fell upon the ogres in number from the sides, while they were crushed by stones of the grudge throwers from afar. Leading straight up the middle, his hammerers with him, King Baragor stood not upon any shieldbearers or oathstone, but instead upon his own two feet, wielding the Axe of Dargo in manner to do the Last Slayer King proud. Still, it is something to watch for, these ogres, so desirous of the lands. One, their leader, even called himself
Mountaineater! The ogres of the east would literally consume our homes, eh? Not while the dawi stand!
Bonelands Fighting Continues: The skaven have re-emerged from their holes in the Bonelands, it seems, something learned by careful reconnaissance through the efforts of dawi rangers. Whole hordes of the furred beasts came from the Bonelands, assaulting both the trail of giants and greenskins tearing apart Iron Rock, the greenskins within Black Crag, and even the few supply lines of the greenskins fighting inside Karak Eight Peaks. The sheer damage dealt was...impressive. Skaven assassins are some of the worst their accursed kind has to offer, and their ability at murder cannot be denied. The death of so many underbosses, leading goblin big bosses, and the like, can only be attributed to the damned skaven from their clan known as 'Eshin', who have many pages in the Dammaz Kron dedicated to their many crimes. Clouds of poisonous gas, poisoned grog and water supplies, whole squig herds driven cannibalistic and berserk through some unknown method, all these and more were used against the greenskins, turning it nearly against themselves. Fights erupted with incredible violence, and it was not until one of the new ruler of Black Crag arrived before matters were put in order. The High King, well learned indeed when it comes to the myriad enemies of the dawi, was able to deduce the sheer effectiveness of the skaven this year to be due to the deploying of some of the greatest assassins possible, up to and perhaps including the Chief Assassin of their clan. Who this skaven is, none can say, of course, for the skaven are a treacherous and secretive people, including against themselves. Either way, the greenskins, by sheer dint of their brutish animosity, have clearly enraged the skaven to a tremendous extent. And whether human or dwarf, there exists an ancient saying about cornered rats...
