Force concentration was the order of the day in Turn 13. The Dark Elves massed some of their many banners near and over the Scaly River, even managing to sneak over the river and claim the Lizardman HQ. Things look bad for the Lizardmen who also had to contend with a raiding Tomb King banner heading for the ziggurat. The Dwarves gathered their banners together in the western mountains, hoping to fend off both the Dark Elves and the Tomb Kings who seem intent on claiming Gebirggshicksal for themselves.
Powerful ground tremors have wracked Mehetia in recent days and the winds of magic have blown strangely. Gebirggshicksal has begun to smoke and steam and is set to become the focus of the campaign as the two evil armies vie for control of its strategic peak.
Current leaderboard
Player
Score
Banners
Lunzo
38
12
Ash
23
7
Elo
22
7
Syfro
12
3
Nemisii
0
0
Grublord
0
0
Turn 12
With a mighty roar (or perhaps a small whimper) the Ogres have left Mehetia. Ognom's Feasters laid a trail of destruction across the Tomb King realm, but tiring of living on nothing but bones and dust they were forced back by The Legion of the Flame
and, with their retreat path cutoff, dispersed into the jungle, marking the passing of the Ogre Kingdoms as a force to be reckoned with on the isle of Mehetia. Elsewhere the Dwarves reclaimed their HQ by allying with the Lizardmen but seem in danger of losing control of the mountains as forces of the dark alliance converge on Gebirgsschicksal. The Lizardmen attempted once again to cross the Scaly River to take the fight to the Dark Elves but were forced back. Meanwhile the crafty Druchii bypassed the fortified bridge and crossed the river at its mouth and are now within striking range of the Lizardman HQ.
Turn 11
Epic battles involving all players were the hallmark of turn 11. The Ogres tried vainly to hold their HQ against the hordes of the undead but their defence proved ultimately futile. The Tomb Kings now control the landing site of their erstwhile allies and with no hope of reaching the ships before their food runs out the remaining Ogres on Mehetia are living on borrowed time. Responding to the Dwarven territory grab of last turn the Lizardmen marched on the Dwarven stronghold on Doppelte Bucht. Despite a fierce struggle the Dwarves were massacred to a dwarf and must now reclaim their HQ to ensure their continued presence on the island. In a massive military operation the Dark Elves attempted to cross the Scaly River and enroach on the Lizardmen domains. The Lizardmen declared "You shall not pass!" and mustered their forces. With over 2500pts on each side the stage was set for the largest battle of the campaign to date. Surprisingly the Lizardmen held the line, massacring the Dark Elves and throwing them back over the river.
Turn 10
Turn 10 saw some epic battles with 9 banners involved in fighting in the south. The Dark Elves, ably assisted by their Undead allies, returned to form, massacring the Lizardmen enroaching on their territory. While the Lizardmen were able to fortify the bridge over the Scaly River, they now seem to face another threat as the numerous Dwarf forces seek to expand their realm from the western mountains. The Tomb Kings attempted to secure their flank by crushing the Ogres and driving them from the island. Choosing their position wisely, the Ogres prepared for a Last Stand to rescue their hopes for a future on Mehetia. After a tense battle the Ogres were victorious, driving back the Undead armies with only slight losses themselves. The Ogre presence is secure for the time being.
Turn 9
For the first time the Druchii have been defeated! Wave after wave of cold-blooded Lizardmen threw themselves at the Dark Elves and drove them back from the bridge over the Scaly River. Time will tell if the Lizardmen can press the advantage and make further inroads into the Dark Elves territory in the face of numerous reinforcements. Late last night the Tomb Kings pre-emptively marched on the Ogres, catching them in their camp before they could set out to reclaim their HQ. Sweeping down from the mountains the forces of Khemri defeated the Ogres, who may have one last chance to survive. The Dwarven forces, enjoying a temporary reprieve, further consolidated their position in the peaks surrounding Gebirgsschicksal and prepared for future conflict.
Turn 8
Treachery! The Tomb Kings have turned on their Ogre allies and occupied the Ogre Kingdom's landing site and the adjacent coastline. Quick action and clever generalship will be required if the Ogre expedition to Mehetia is not to be cut short. The Dwarves continued strengthening their grip on the western mountains and the Dark Elves finally advanced into territory 60, defeating the opposing Lizardmen. The white ships of Uluthan have been seen departing the eastern shores of Mehetia, carrying the bloodied remnants of The Boned Company who made a valiant attempt to regain the High Elf landing site but were ultimately scattered by the notorious Blackiron Company. With this victory the Dark Elves have cemented their hold on the lead and are ready to turn all 8 banners on the island towards the next threats, the three realms tied for second place.
Turn 7
Turn 7 saw a return to hostilities, the Dwarves marched on the fortified positions of their enemies (ie. everyone) but were thrown back by both the Lizardmen (terr. 65) and the Ogres (terr. 28) (with help from their undead allies). The Lizardmen became the first realm to halt the Druchii advance, fighting the Dark Elves to a draw and causing both banners to retreat from territory 60 to lick their wounds. The High Elves continued their scorched earth strategy, ensuring that every territory lost to the Dark Elves would be useless for a time. Unfortunately their sole surviving banner took too long about the razing and could not move in time to prevent the Dark Elves from taking the High Elf HQ. With only 3 more turns of supplies left, those High Elves better get lucky, fast.
Turn 6
Turn 6 involved a lot of strategic manoeuvring, but little actual conflict. The Dwarves chasing the razing Ogres stopped to recover their territory, rather than pursue the Ogres, who had fortified in preparation. The Lizardmen that had defeated the Dwarves previously fortified their new found territory, as did the Dwarves in their HQ, leading to a Klatchian standoff. The Ogres ensured their continued survival by allying with the Tomb Kings and performed some complicated manoeuvres with the Tomb Kings whereby each realm sent their banners into the other realm's territory. As has been the pattern of recent turns, the real action was happening in the east of the island. The High Elves retreated from Van Dieman's Eiland, razing it as they went. Also, the first direct conflict between the Lizardmen and Dark Elves occurred in territory 63. Despite the help of 2 supporting High Elf banners the Lizardmen were massacred, leaving a Dark Elf banner within striking distance of the High Elf HQ. Will the High Elves survive the next turn? Or will the Dark Elves expand their domination of the island by performing the first player elimination of the campaign?
Turn 5
The action hotted up in Turn 5 with the Dwarves facing off against the Lizardmen and the High and Dark Elves continuing hostilities. The Dwarves marched forward from their landing site once again to face off against another army threatening their HQ. On the Plaines de Poisson battled was joined [Spoiler]
The battle began with the two armies facing off against one another across the entirety of the battlefield, Dwarven artillery being primed even as the Lizardman host marched forward as one.
Cannonballs, bolts, bullets and shrapnel flew forward from the entrenched Dwarves, but while many Lizardmen were unfortunate enough to be caught in the blasts, these casualties did little to deter their march on the Dwarves. A small contingent of Terradons stole past the Dwarven gunline and descended into the northern woods, ready to dive upon the Dwarven war machines. Xa'Bupi, the Skink general of the forces, took to the skies and joined one of the Saurus units, not fancying the thought of being stuck with his disposable brothers.
On the western flank, the Saurus Cavalry were in position to begin their charge into the side of the Dwarves, while on the Eastern flank the Terradons struck, disabling the Dwarves' Organ Gun, though at no small cost. In the center of the battlefield, the Saurus and their Skink comrades marched ever onward, and with the Dwarves in range of their blowpipes, the Skinks let loose a hail of poisoned darts upon the Dwarven warriors, inflicting only a handful of casualties. Swarms of lizards and snakes interposed themselves before the Ironbreakers, hissing threateningly and blocking their path to any of their larger brethren. The Dwarven artillery continued to rain down, killing the Kroxigors with one of the Skink regiments, but causing insufficient damage to give the Lizardmen pause.
The flank forces charged in, slaughtering the Dwarven ranged troops and engaging the Dwarven Warriors. The Saurus in the center backed off slightly, waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike. Meanwhile, the few surviving skinks from the Eastern screen took shelter in the nearby barrio, while the last surviving Terradon dropped several boulders upon the crew of the remaining Bolt Thrower, to little effect, and was soon shot down. The Ironbreakers charged forth, trampling through the jungle swarms in their way and crashing into the barrio, causing the skinks sheltering their to quickly regret their decision.
The Ironbreakers made short work of the Skinks in the barrio, but left themselves open to a rear charge by the Skinks. Between the surprise and the two Kroxigor in the Skink ranks, the Ironbreakers held their ground but could not mount an effective resistance. Meanwhile, the Saurus Cavalry pushed into the Warriors who had turned to face them, and broke through into the Longbeards. Against the combined ferocity of the Saurus Warriors and Cavalry, the Longbeards fought bravely but ultimately did not last long. Xa'Bupi directed his unit of Saurus Warriors to move towards the flank of the Ironbreakers so as to clear the last of the Dwarven forces.
The Saurus Cavalry overran a great distance and were able to take the Ironbreakers in the flank alongside the Saurus Warriors led by Xa'Bupi, while the Skink Regiment in the north engaged the bolt thrower crew. Faced with overwhelming odds, the remaining Dwarves found themselves surrounded and kept on swinging to the last.
The lizardman armies pressed on grimly, leaving the hills carpeted with beards.
, but this time the Dwarves were overcome and were scattered, before regrouping once again at their base camp. Despite some help from their new-found allies, the Lizardmen [Spoiler]
The stable was empty. Honored Red-Eye Prophet Talhuex stared at the empty stalls, livid with reptilian rage. He slowly turned his gaze to the scout who had reported this most terrible of crimes. "Who did thisssss?"
The scout lowered his head immediately. "Elves, Honored Red-Eye Prophet, Elves came in the night and stole away our glorious Cold Ones to support their expanding army!"
"Which elves?"
"Witch elves, Honored Red-Eye Prophet."
Talhuex eyed the scout quizzically. "Which elves?"
"Witch elves, Honored Red-Eye Prophet."
Talhuex spat. "Do not presume to riddle with me, ssssscout!"
Turning aside, Talhuex ignored the scout's rushed apologies and grew thoughtful. The High Elves had never had enough sense to utilise the magnificent Cold Ones in their forces, preferring to train unreliable warm-blooded beasts of burden to support them; and their military might was suitably lessened by this grave oversight. Of course, Talhuex realised he should be grateful - it meant one less people after their resplendent Cold Ones, and of course one less genuine threat to the great plan of the Old Ones. But even so, Elves did have their uses...
Talhuex turned back to the scout, who silenced himself immediately. "The Long-Ear-Points will pay for this terrible transgression with blood! Send an envoy to the Elves; tell them that with our support they may cleanse this isle of their brethren."
Bowing abjectly, the scout replied "Of coursssse, Honored Red-Eye Prophet! It shall be done at once!" before rushing off.
Moments later, the scout returned. "Forgiveness, but... which elves?"
The look Honored Red-Eye Prophet Talhuex shot the scout was so filled with pure loathing that the scout yelped and fled at once. Talhuex shook his head side to side.
This was going to be a long day.
, the High Elves were unable to enter the forest, being pushed by the numerous Dark Elf forces [Spoiler]
Moranoth watched with satisfaction as his shades and dark riders ferried supplies between the forest clearing and the coast along animal trails. The supply had been sufficient to feed another army.
Walking over to where the dark riders were loading food sacks, he gave three of them a rolled scroll each, sealed with his family crest.
"See to it that these get to your commanders safely."
The rapid pace of the Druchii advance on Mehetia brought even his cold, embittered heart some joy.
. Things look grim for the Asur as yet more Druchii warriors arrive with every passing turn. Elsewhere on the island the Ogres retreated before the advancing Dwarves [Spoiler]
"Hey boss, those gnoblars you sent scout'n are back, they say them dwarfs are comin' this way, and spoilin' for a fight, what we gonna do?" inquired the bull put in charge of wrangling the gnoblars. Ognom, the butcher, Grunted, then sighed heavily. "After what they did to kraul's lot, I'm not letten them get anywhere near us, but I'll be damned if I let them take what's ours with a mean look, tell the boys to eat everything they can, then burn the rest. If we can't have it, then no one will!"
, pursuing a scorched earth policy to deny precious victuals to the Dwarves. The Ogres sent an exploratory banner northwards instead, but seem set to be intercepted by the multiple Legions of the Tomb Kings [Spoiler]
"That pool will be a useful tool. Never again will our forces be hindered by the lay of the land. Shemizzar has begun fortifying the land around it. In addition - " Kahamat stopped his report abruptly as a black vulture flew in to the middle of the pavilion, a papyrus scroll attached to a wicked talon. One of Alkehesh's guards retrieved the scroll and passed it to his King, who unfurled it immediately.
A moment later he spoke. "It seems battle will be upon us soon. Sehmizzar reports that a troupe of ogres approaches us from the west."
Kahamat spoke. "The ogres should be no problem. The Jackal's are close by and can intercept them before they approach the pool."
Alkehesh shook his head. "No, priest. If the Jackal's should lose then Sehmizzar will face the ogres alone. No, we must send both the Asp Legion at the pool and the Jackal's to intercept them."
"But my King, you will leave the pool undefended!" Kahamat protested. He turned to the map where the hidden ways were only partially marked. "We must keep the pool if we are to move without hindrance!"
"No we shall still defend the pool, for I shall take the Vulture's and lead them there myself!" Alkehesh turned to the captain of his guard. "Korseth, assemble my legion. It is time we returned to war!"
Kahamat watched his king leave the pavilion. "You're a fool, Alkehesh," he spoke under his breath. "You will learn one day, that ignoring the advice of the Liche Priests will have dire consequences..."
before too long. With all realms within striking distance of their enemies now, the island of Mehetia is set to erupt into violence.
Turn 4
Turn 4 saw the second battle of the campaign, with the Dark Elf Blackiron Company advancing into High Elf territory and being met by the Wyrdstone Warriors, supported by Dje Vervloekte. Despite a 10% points advantage and a pair of free powerstones the High Elves were massacred and retreated to their HQ. [Spoiler]
Raeleneth's face was grim as the courier approached in a small boat. Construction of the island's defenses was proceeding slowly, a wooden watchtower barely beginning to take shape as the Lothern Seaguard (relegated to mason duty) piled stones at its base. The wizard wasn't sure it would be ready before the main Dark Elf force arrived.
He hailed the courier himself, as soon as the elf was within shouting range. "What news from Ar'lethil Strand? Has my strategy succeeded?"
"The Druchii assaulted the Strand, my Lord, just as you prophesied. Our troops awaited them, however, and your strategy was a resounding success. Our initial wide deployment spread their forces, giving our more mobile flanks the advantage as we swept into the center; a barrage of magic, arrows and dragon-fire decimated their right flank entirely, and we were able to drive them before us as our center and right flank hit theirs simultaneously, with Lord Elfington and our bolt thrower emplacements providing ranged support."
"Ah, so the day is won! I needn't ha-"
"Ah," the courier interrupted, "with respect, my Lord, I did not say that. The Druchii massacred our forces and took the Ar'lethil Strand."
"Well of co- wait, what?" Raeleneth blinked. "You're saying we lost?"
The courier did not make eye contact as he continued, "Uhm, my Lord, it is difficult to explain... Essentially what happened was... You see, we rampaged up the center looking to sweep aside opposition and collapse their entire line. To this end, three of our most powerful units descended upon a chariot in the center, looking to overrun it. In the ensuing meleé, however, only one or two elves from each unit actually... fought..."
The War-Leader's mouth was opening and closing, but there was no reply.
The courier swallowed. "So you see, my Lord... the beasts pulling the chariot were too stupid to realise they were hopelessly outmatched, and... well, they held our entire line in place for as long as it took for the entire Druchii force to recover from their rout, surround us in advantageous positions, and then assault us in such a way that almost no-one on our side actually had a chance to fight back.... uhm, my Lord."
"Our..." this was too much for Raeleneth. "Our men just STOOD THERE, fighting three or four at a time?! What of the famed Warmage Tar'leril?"
The courier flipped some pages in his missive. "Er... it says here, my Lord, that almost all of the dark elven force was warded from magic by one cheap magical trinket, which our two wizards did not dare oppose. Warmage Tar'leril eventually decided to chance spellcasting nonetheless, and our reports indicate that he first reeled from a near-fatal magical explosion, then tried a second time and had his head burst into flames and explode as a few magical flames briefly flickered out towards the dark elves. The report goes on to indicate that this was... uhm, both noisy and messy, but entirely useless to our side, my Lord."
Raeleneth paced, clutching his head. "And our secret weapon? The Lion Chariot of Thrace?"
Flip, flip.
"Run off the road by five dark riders, my Lord. The report goes on to note that the King of Brettonia ought to consider changing his title to 'Cold-one Hearted' instead."
The War-leader's hands opened and closed in impotent fury. "And the mighty Glamrus the Flamebringer?!"
Flip.
"Slain by... two dark riders, my Lord."
Raeleneth's eyes boggled. "And our two deadly repeater bolt throwers, the pride of the elven fleet?!"
"Uhm... one... lone... dark rider... uhm, my Lord."
Raeleneth closed his eyes, massaging his temples.
"Leave me."
The courier flipped a final page.
"You should know, there were no survi-" he began.
"LEAVE ME!"
"... Yes, my Lord."
Elsewhere on the island the other realms captured more territories with notable captures of territory 32 by the Dwarves from the Ogres [Spoiler]
The scouts returned to Lord Stoutshield, “They’re running Sir, far and fast.”
“Great, I needed that excerise after being on that ironclad. Now let’s see what we can find those mountains over there, I hear that Lord Thunderhammer has already found some interesting ruins”
and the Tomb Kings finally taking control of the Pool of Dreams [Spoiler]
The skeletons snapped apart in an instant, their bones falling into a thousand pieces. Without a word, Kahamat began the incantations that would knit the fallen soldiers back together. Alkehesh paced within his pavilion glaring at the warriors surrounding him. Where his gaze fell, warriors were blasted apart by the force of his will. Kahamat stood beside his King, with only the hint of a smile on his withered visage.
After he had calmed down, Alkehesh motioned to to dead vulture on the ground. Kahamat spoke and the carrion bird rose again. "Go to Sehmizzar and let him know that he is to enter the marsh again. We must have that pool!"
. The Dark Elves also captured a special map section, Het Levendige Bos, propelling them up the leaderboard and allowing the Dark Elves to field a multitude of forces. [Spoiler]
Moranoth's Marines had successfully cut and burned their way through the forests of Mehetia. Het Levendige Bos lay before them for the taking. What treasures lay in store for the Druchii?
The Blackiron Company were given the orders to advance into High elf territory. The eagerly accepted their command and prepared for war.
Most realms also received further reinforcements, pointing to an increase in the pace of the action in turns to come.
Turn 3
Turn 3 saw the first battle of the campaign with the newly arrived Dwarves under Lord Stoutshield march out to defend their HQ from the rapidly approaching Ogres Kraul's Crushers. The Dwarves fought resolutely and utterly defeated the Ogres, scattering them all the way back to their HQ. The Lizardmen and Tomb Kings banners advanced unopposed to claim more territory [Spoiler]
Kahamat entered the pavilion of his king. When Alkehesh turned to him, he bowed low, hiding his glare. "The ships carrying the Legion of the Jackals have arrived, my King," the Hierophant spoke.
Alkehest nodded. "Send them north along the coast immediately. We cannot afford the Ogres or the Asur landing on our shores."
"As you command. And what of Prince Sehmizzar? The omens of misfortune have now disappeared."
"Send word to him that he is to march into the marsh at once. Whatever power lies within, must be ours."
-- Alkehesh, the Third of His Glorious Name
, but the omens were still bad for the Tomb Kings, who failed a 3+ Difficult Terrain test to enter the Pool of Dreams. The Dark and High Elves manoeuvred to claim and defend their Special Map Sections, respectively [Spoiler]
Moranoth commanded that his marines enter the forest and march on Het Levendige Bos. The sorceress Elspeth had been using her magic to spy upon the enemies of the Druchii and discovered the powers they had uncovered from their special territories. Her recommendation to the captain was that they should secure a similar source of power immediately. The superstitious sailors were uneasy at moving even further away from the ocean, but none were brave enough to openly question the order of their captain...
Meanwhile a new company of soldiers had deployed at the Dark Elf HQ, and began to march Eastwards to defend their base from the advancing Asur armies.
. With Druchii and Asur banners now within striking range of one another the western shore of Mehetia seems likely to be the site of this most ancient and bitter feud reigniting into violence.
Turn 2
Turn 2 saw the players consolidating their realms in preparation for the arrival of reinforcements (more banners) and impending conflicts (Warhammer games). The Tomb Kings and Dark Elves kept to their respective side of the River Brenta, perhaps a condition of their alliance? [Spoiler]
Sehmizzar looked up from the missive with a strange expression. "My father seems confused. First he ordered us to take the shore, now he orders us back inland. It makes little sense, not with this curious marsh to our west."
"Perhaps we should request a clarification of His Majesty's orders," the under-priest Kolhiseth advised his Prince.
If Sehmizzar's lungs still worked, he would have snorted. Instead he spoke slowly, to remphasize his words. "Only a fool questions Alkehesh. Prepare the troops. We leave at dusk."
-- Alkehesh, the Third of His Glorious Name
The High Elves left Van Dieman's Eiland with a swag of Wyrdstone and the Dwarves continued to head deep into the western mountains. [Spoiler]
Lord Thunderhammer turns to his Gyrocopter Pilots, “So where did you see this Gromgil vein?”
“Up ahead in the Mountains Sir, I have to warn you I saw some minions of Chaos in that area”
Thunderhammer grims “Excellent, it was a long journey on the Steamship, I could do with a good fight.”
He turns to his men, “Ok lets move out, keep an eye out for any signs of Chaos and lets claim this range!”
The Lizardmen regained their Ziggurat, shooting to the equal lead and offered an alliance to the Ogres. [Spoiler]
Honored Red-Eye Prophet Talhuex gazed in awe at the marvel before him. The Ziggurat was in remarkably good condition, as though the monument of the Old Ones had been awaiting their arrival all these years. The smooth granite blocks of its construction seemed to glow in the morning light, basking the field in a sublime radiance. This find would solidify their hold on Mehetia; his brethren would flock here to defend the temple; their numbers would rival the accursed Rat-spawn, and their enemies would fall before their mighty host.
A scout interrupted his reverie. "Honored Red-Eye Prophet Talhuex, he who brings fire from the sky in carefully measured doses; we have found interlopers within the temple!"
Talhuex's gaze snapped to his fellow skink. "Interlopers? Here?! How is this possible?"
The scout bowed deep as he explained, "Some of the Ogre host was lost at sea after a storm; their ships were in too poor condition to rejoin their forces, so they sheltered here. However," he added quickly, "it appears they have not yet had time to disturb the Holy Edifice, may the Old Ones bathe it in the blood of our enemies. What will become of them?" A spark appeared in the scout's eye. "Can we eat them? A few ogres will feed many of our number, Honored Red-Eye Prophet." He licked his lips, his long forked tongue flicking sharply.
Talhuex stood deep in thought. Ogres were a delicacy in Lustria, hard to come across... however...
"Grant them a vessel so that they may rejoin their forces; and bid them carry an offer of alliance to their leader."
As the scout scampered off, Talhuex's crocodilian maw elongated in the Lizardman approximation of a grin. This would be most interesting.
The Ogres accepted the Lizardman leader's offer [Spoiler]
"Hey boss, them scaly things has sent us some funny lookin' gold" "hur hur, looks like they don't want to be eaten. Tell the boys that those lizards ain't to be touched, we're working with 'em 'till they run out of gold"
and advanced southwards along the coast, towards the Dwarven HQ.
Turn 1
Turn 1 began sedately, but with obvious promise of things to come. The Lizardmen Banner of "Furies of the Marsh" moved towards the Lizardman Ziggurat (territory 66), seemingly unopposed in the sourthern part of Mehetia. The Ogre Banner "Kraul's Crushers" moved towards the Dwarven encampment. Meanwhile the Dwarves, led by Lord Thunderhammer moved towards the western mountains. The High Elf First Company passed their Difficult Terrain check and claimed Van Diemen's Eiland, shooting to the top of the leaderboard in the process. In the north the Tomb Kings "Legion of the Asp" [Spoiler]
"Is that wise, my King? Surely we can take that river bank at any time? There are much more valuable pieces of land that we could claim as ours first."
Alkehesh's eyes burned with fury as he stared at the priest. "Do not question us, priest. Obtaining that river bank is part of a bigger plan to deal with different threat, one that you cannot see through your lack of foresight." Kahamat's parched, dry face showed no emotion as he bowed, but the King could sense the priest felt he had been insulted. Alkehesh turned back to his son, with whom he had been speaking. "You will lead the legion that will take the bank. Kill those you must, enslave the rest. Our new friends will like a few more toys to play with."
"Which legion should I take, my King?" Sehmizzar asked his father.
"The Legion of the Asp."
-- Alkehesh, the Third of His Glorious Name
and the Dark Elves "Moranoth's Marines" moved to secure a common border as the realms of Naggaroth and Khemri declared an alliance [Spoiler]
Let it be known to all the denizens of the Isle of Mehetia, that the forces of the Druchii and that of Khemri have formed an unstoppable alliance. It is our intention to drive forth from this island those interlopers that wrongfully claim it as their own. Leave now, before you face the wrath of our combined might.
-- King Alkehesh, the Third of His Glorious Name and Captain Moranoth Lanthari
. How will the other races react? Will they band together against the evil alliance? Or employ the murderous Ogres? And how long will the evil alliance last? Only time will tell...
And so it begins...
The various players are introduced below (with more detailed introductions by the players themselves in the spoilered sections).
A Black Ark of Naggaroth has beached itself near Het Levendige Bos and is disgorging rank upon rank of pallid, black armoured Druchii.
[Spoiler]Captain Moranoth Lanthari stood on the prow of his father's slaving ship, watching the icy waves break around him. For the past three days the sorceress Elspeth Blackflame had been shut in her cabin, attempting to divine the most auspicious landing point from the winds of magic. Moranoth dreamt of the wealth in gold and slaves that would soon be his, were he to succeed in conquering the island.
Elspeth interrupted his daydream with her melodic voice, "Captain, I have determined our landing point. The winds of magic have answered my sorceries."
"And what is the answer?" the captain asked.
"23"
"Very well," answered Moranoth. Calling his first mate over he gave the order to set the course and the crew leapt into action.
(Lunzo)
A small flotilla of bone ships, rowed from Khemri by the dreaded Bone Giants, and carrying serried ranks of Skeletons, horses and chariots has landed near the Colline Asciutte.
[Spoiler]The flotilla of war galleys approached the beach with a steady implacable pace. Every rower moved with the same rhythm, as though to the beats of a silent drum. Overhead, a flock of dead birds feasted upon their living brethren. Skeletal archers lined the ships their bows drawn and ready to loose at a command of their lord.
King Alkehesh, the Third of His Glorious Name, surveyed the island before him. The beach was in a sheltered cove that would protect his ships. To the east, a river wound its way from deep inland and to the west, a group of hills protruded from the ground. The hills would provide some concealment from foes, while not impeding the movement of his own forces. The river would make it difficult for most enemies to approach him.
Alkehesh turned to those gathered behind him. His son, Sehmizzar, newly awakened under the direct commands of Settra the Lord of all Kings, stood ready for his fathers will. Beside him, the Hierophant Kahamat, and his three priests, bowed as his deep, deathless stare encompassed them.
This shall be where we go ashore. From this beach shall we do battle for the glory of the First King. Here shall we demonstrate the true might of Khemri!
By the will of Settra the Imperishable, First Priest King of Khemri, and ruler of all Nehekhara, and for His glory, the forces under the banner of King Alkehesh, the Third of His Glorious Name, trusted sword of the god-king Settra, hereby lay claim to territory three.
-- Alkehesh, the Third of His Glorious Name (a.k.a. Ash)
"And, behold, the almighty god-king Settra did awaken from his sleep of blessed oblivion. His legions, long buried beneath the sands, did arise and stand to attention, awaiting his order. And he did say 'War', and the world did tremble..."
(Ash)
A clanking, steam-powered contraption has arrived from the port of Barak Varr, landing its cargo of Dwarves in Doppelte Bucht.
[Spoiler]The Dwarven Lords and their retinue have decided to scout the mountains for any metals and precious stones to be found in this land. To help them with this endeavour the pilots of the Gyrocopters have advised to land in Area 54.
(Elo)
Strange, amphibious creatures have been sighted arriving from the west, bringing serried ranks of Lizardmen to the mouth of the Fleuve callieux.
[Spoiler]After great deliberation and a large amount of throat lozanges, the Skink Priests have interpreted Venerable Lord Kroak's subtle hints and occasional strange bubbly noises to mean that the Lizard host must land in Area 74 if there is any hope of victory!
(Syfro)
A glittering fleet of white-hulled ships have arrived from the mystical isle of Uluthan and the High Elves have set up their camp on the shores of Baai van de Vervloekte.
Let it be known that the superior armies of the Asur claim territory 46, and all the lands and incomes of this recently discovered island.
Interlopers will be punished most severely.
In the name of Finubar the Seafarer, by the grace of the Gods Phoenix King of the Inner and Outer Kingdoms, so shall it be.
Signed and witnessed on this day, the 27th of Januarius, two-thousand-nine-ius. (By ye olde Calendarius.)
(Grublord)
A ramshackle collection of privateers and commandeered merchant ships has landed on Das Schumende Ufer and deposited a large band of very hungry Ogres.
[Spoiler]Tattered empire colours fluttered from the mast of the seemingly derelict vessel, as several bulls held ropes connected to the mainsail, the yardarms, not built to withstand their weight, had long since snapped under the rough treatment of the ogres. The mast matched the rest of the ship, which had large holes knocked in various places to allow for the massive bulk of the ogres, and even the shady dockmaster who had sold the deathtrap to Tyrant Kraul and his kin would have been both shocked and amazed at the condition the ship was still sailing in.
The butcher Ognom squeezed his massive girth into what remained of the captains quarters and spoke to the tyrant in a voice stained by tar and other foul substances the butcher had ingested in an attempt to feel the will of the Maw "we're gettin' close. The maw is strong ere, you was right to bring us. There's anudder fire maw over there, what ain't been fed propper for a long time, if ever. The great maw should be well pleased with us if we feed it all the thinglings we heard was coming too." The tyrant grinned, and moved to speak when there was a bellow from above.
Jorgen, the hunter, was sitting high atop his perch in the remnants of the crows nest, his tusks paitiently waiting in the hold with the rhinoxen. none of them knew how he was able to climb up there, onr how his massive bulk had not collapsed the mast, and none had the opportunity to ask either, since he had remained there for the duration of the voyage, indeed, this was the first time he had said a thing the entire trip. "OVER THERE, that's where we need to land to start the next leg of this journey." Down below the tyrant's grin broadened. "I knew I brought him along for a reason" he muttered to the butcher. then he turned and looked up at the ceiling and bellowed "WHERE, WHAT'S IT LOOK LIKE?" "THERE" The hunter fired his harpoon in the direction he had been pointing. "NUMBER 16" Another bellow came from bellow. "ALLRIGHT, GET TO IT YOU LOT". From bellow there was a steroephonic roar as the 'tusks raced out onto the deck, purring, it was time to begin the hunt.
(Nemisii)
Below is a copy of the map as it stands at the beginning of the campaign (spoilered for width). The coloured castles represent the players' HQs and the Warhammer miniatures are their first "banners", representing the armies that will fight for control of the island.
The campaign will last 19 turns and the player with the most territories under his control at that time will be declared the winner. Special map sections (temporarily shown by yellow dots) are worth 5 territories for victory condition purposes.
I'll update this post (and the map) as the campaign progresses, adding a short description of the turns events. If any players would like to contribute more detailed, in character accounts of any glorious victories (or otherwise) please email them to me and I'll edit them into the post.
Good luck to all the participants, I'm really looking forward to seeing how this turns out and hope you all have a heap of fun.
And now, as they say in Iron Chef: "Let's get it on!"
I'ŀŀ jüsŧ repŀace ŧhe map ŧhoügh, no sense în ŀoadîng 10 of ŧhose each ŧîme.
*Maÿ or maÿ noŧ be ŧrüe
GrubLord: I'd say it's fine to toss up a new post every turn.
I'll even collect 'em on the Junk page once we've had a few turns, and keep a link to the latest map there.
Lunzo: Hey teh_saq, the thumbnails for those photobucket maps are all "Campaign m..." at the moment. It could get a little difficult to see what's going on after a few turns...
Apart from that, the Van Dieman's Eiland bonus is insane .
GrubLord: I was going to say the same about that alliance.
Lunzo: Things are heating up in the WH campaign.
Dun dun duuuuuuuuuuuuuh...
teh_saq: Jüsŧ a qüîck üpdaŧe whîŀe mÿ home înŧerneŧ îs down:
The Ogres and Dwarves have meŧ ŧo baŧŧŀe în ŧerrîŧorÿ 48. Ŋem & Eŀo pŀease prepare ŧo pŀaÿ a game as soon as îs convenîenŧ. More deŧaîŀs and an üpdaŧed map comîng ŧo everÿone vîa emaîŀ ŧonîghŧ (Opŧüs wîŀŀîng).
Elo: Hmm I thought this would be the case, but I know I will be away for most of this weekend coming.
When do we have to have this fight done by?
Nem - I may be home on Sun afternoon. Can we try to organise a game for then (I will be able to confirm tonight if I'll be home).
teh_saq: How many points do we get to spend?
teh_saq: Jüsŧ a remînder for Eŀo and Ŋem ŧo geŧ hammerîn' ŧhîs weekend and ŧhen îŧ'ŀŀ be ŧîme for orders agaîn.
Yarkin: Looks like a great campaign! Sorry I wasn't able to participate. I'm in for the next one if things are less busy then!
teh_saq: Inŧeresŧîng ŧhaŧ ÿoü shoüŀd saÿ ŧhaŧ Yarkîn, as I've acŧüaŀŀÿ been ŧhînkîng aboüŧ anoŧher campaîgn seŧŧîng süîŧabŀe for Breŧŧonîans, Wood Eŀves and Empîre sînce ÿoü, Eŧh and RJ mîssed oüŧ on ŧhîs one.
I presenŧ ŧo ÿoü, a concepŧ map for Troübŀe în Wîssenŀand (SE Empîre):
Leŧ me know haŧ ÿoü güÿs ŧhînk, ÿoü maÿ sŧîŀŀ be büsÿ ŀaŧer on, büŧ Eŧh îsn'ŧ back for a whîŀe (?) so we've goŧ ŧîme ŧo sorŧ ŧhe deŧaîŀs.
Ethistan: I am back in 5 weeks, and am totally up for some themed warhammer action
teh_saq: FYI Specŧaŧors ŧhe Meheŧîa campaîgn îs on hoŀd whîŀe we awaîŧ ŧhe resüŀŧs of a Hîgh Eŀf/Dark Eŀf baŧŧŀe for conŧroŀ of ŧerrîŧorÿ 26.
GrubLord: Battle be scheduled for Sunday at 2.
Until then each army is having tea time and unprotected sex with demons respectively.
Lunzo: Just to clarify the preparations, the Dark Elves are celebrating their pre-battle tea ritual in praise of Khaine and the High elves have been lead astray by the cult of Slaanesh and are giving in to their baser desires.
GrubLord: Seems to me, the preparations are somewhat irrelevant when he can lock down my whole Magic phase with a 25-point item...
If only my race were, you know, good at Magic. Or got powerful magic items cheap, like the dark elves.
Lunzo: Yeah well, maybe the priests of Vaul should have done a better job of guarding his magic hammer.
For those not in the know Hotek stole Vaul's hammer (the same Vaul as in the ''Vaul's Unmaking'' spell) and ran off with the Dark Elves. He has been making magic items for them ever since.
teh_saq: OK a qüîck acŧîon üpdaŧe:
Dwarves wîŀŀ be fîghŧîng Lîżardmen for conŧroŀ of map secŧîon 65.
Hîgh Eŀves wîŀŀ be fîghŧîng Dark Eŀves for conŧroŀ of map secŧîon 43.
More deŧaîŀs and an üpdaŧed map wîŀŀ be forŧhcomîng ŧonîghŧ.
GrubLord: Elo & Lun: Let's organise this at our place early Sunday if possible, so's we can also go to Jorb's Watchmen event.
GrubLord: Oh God.
He's got THREE SUPPORTING ARMIES?
This isn't going to be even remotely fair.
RJorb: I could be wrong, Grub, but I believe Lun is away all weekend with Mrs Lun, celebrating their anniversary.
GrubLord: That's right children. I guess the High Elves can rest easy 'til next week.
Lunzo: It's only 2 supporting armies. But that is enough to outnumber you by 170pts and bring me over the magic 2000pts threshold .
GrubLord: Dude, you far outnumbered me even when you had less points than me to spend, even though you were fielding a much stronger single-monster, more chariots and the same number of heroes (with much more powerful magic items).
GrubLord: The Saq-isms were starting to get a bit much with such a longass post, so I've turned upgraded NWTJ's translation software to do a slightly more creditable transliteration of Saq's native Visigoth.
It's trial software, of course, so it can only be used for this post... >_>
Lunzo: That looks nothing like Visigoth. At least you kept it in the traditional bottom to top Visigoth order.
GrubLord: Our filters do what they can. The ancestral Visigoth language of sharp blows to the crotch and head is fiddly to transliterate at the best of times...
Lunzo: In case teh_saq didn't get the emailed result, Lunzo massacred Syfro.
GrubLord: ... aaagh!
Always with the massacres...
teh_saq: Yeah, I've been qüîŧe sürprîsed aŧ ŧhe sŧrîng of nüŧhîn' büŧ massacres, pŀaÿ for ŧhe draw peopŀe who are ŀosîng!
The ŀack of ACTIOŊ îs aŀso somewhaŧ dîsappoînŧîng, especîaŀŀÿ for Ash, who hasn'ŧ foüghŧ a baŧŧŀe ÿeŧ. However ÿoü've goŧ no-one büŧ ÿoürseŀves ŧo bŀame, sŧop aŀŀÿîng aŀŀ ŧhe ŧîme and geŧ fîghŧîn'! Eîŧher ŧhaŧ or go gank Lünżo, he's goŧ pŀenŧÿ of ŧerrîŧorîes afŧer aŀŀ...
Ash: Fighting battles? What do you think this is, a war game or something? Hopefully, I can end this campaign without having to fight a single battle .
GrubLord: ... I've been battling plenty. An alliance with Lunzo is soundin' pretty good right now.
Demons? Blood rites? Poison and shit?
Show us how you do that eternal hatred thing and hook us up with your power-dice spell, we're pretty much gonna be cool with all the other stuff.
Just show me where to sign, buddy - Dark is the new High.
Lunzo: I've had plenty of Action, teh Saq. One battle a turn for four turns in a row. Not bad if you ask me.
And Grubs, here's how eternal hatred works:
1. Get exiled from your homeland by your worst enemy.
2. Spend the next 5000 years in a bitterly cold wasteland plotting your revenge.
3. See every invasion of Ulthuan you launch during those 5000 years fail.
4. ?????
5. Eternal Hatred!
GrubLord: Hm... Call me crazy, but I don't think we've got that kinda time.
Hey saq, I don't suppose that upon the destruction of their ships, my dudes can defect to the Lizardmen? >_>
They give us some dried figs to eat, we capture territories for 'em... everybody wins...?
teh_saq: Sorrÿ Lîv, once ŧhe HQ îs gone îŧs aŀmosŧ game over man! However ŧhe GC (p.42) gîves ÿoü 3 game ŧürns în whîch ŧo geŧ ÿoü base back. Therefore ÿoü have ünŧîŀ ŧhe end of Türn 10 ŧo recŀaîm ÿoür base, oŧherwîse îŧs bÿe-bÿe Hîgh Eŀves. (ooh, and îf ÿoür banner geŧs scaŧŧered, eg bÿ beîng massacred, îŧ cannoŧ reform, so game over ŧoo)
And Lün, I ŧhînk ÿoü mîssed an împorŧanŧ poînŧ re: ŧhe Dark Eŀves, ŧheÿ ŧhînk ŧhaŧ ŧheÿ're în ŧhe rîghŧ and aŀŀ ŧhe oŧher Eŀves are ŧraîŧors.
GrubLord: Well, then, no points for guessing my next move, eh?
Lunzo: Well duh the Dark Elves are in the right. Crowns generally pass from father to son. I guess an extra point should go before 1 - get your rightful rule of all Elvenkind stolen from you.
GrubLord: I'll admit the Dark Elves have a pretty darn good point with the hatred and all...
... but how do they get their HORSES to hate us so darn much?
And someŧhîng eŀse ŧhaŧ I decîded on a whîŀe ago, I've decîded ŧhaŧ ŧhe permanenŧ Forŧîfîcaŧîon aŧ each reaŀm's HQ (as shown on ŧhe map) wîŀŀ be ŀosŧ îf ŧhe HQ îs conqüered bÿ an opposîng reaŀm. Therefore ÿoü won'ŧ have ŧo go üp agaînsŧ 3 defended obsŧacŀes and a poînŧs bonüs ŧo geŧ ÿoür HQ back. I fîgüre ŧhaŧ îf ÿoü've forŧîfîed an area ÿoü'ŀŀ know where ŧhe weak poînŧs are and wîŀŀ be abŀe ŧo expŀoîŧ ŧhem pŀüs I ŧhînk pŀaÿers sŧrüggŀîng ŧo geŧ ŧheîr HQ back (and sŧaÿ în ŧhe campaîgn) need a bîŧ of heŀp.
GrubLord: Bring it on!
Your miscast items only make my power dice harder!
Oh wait, I'm not fighting.
Hurry it up, you guys!
teh_saq: Thanks for ÿoür conŧînüed înŧeresŧ în ŧhe campaîgn güÿs, we're on ŧhe downhîŀŀ rün now and wîŀŀ hopefüŀŀÿ fînîsh before Haŀŀoween. I was ŧhînkîng of brîngîng üp ŧhe cüsŧom ŧrophÿ (as promîsed) when I reŧürn home aroünd ŧhaŧ ŧîme.
Ŋow, în order ŧo creaŧe an approprîaŧeŀÿ awesome ŧrophÿ I need ŧhe heŀp of aŀŀ ŧhe parŧîcîpanŧs în ŧhe Meheŧîa campaîgn. Mÿ pŀan was ŧo have a represenŧaŧîve of ŧhe wînnîng race sŧrîdîng vîcŧorîoüsŀÿ over ŧhe remaîns of hîs faŀŀen enemîes. I'm happÿ ŧo süppŀÿ ŧhe ŧrophÿ base and maîn sübjecŧ, whaŧ I need heŀp wîŧh îs ŧhe remaîns bîŧs. If each of ÿoü coüŀd fînd a spare head from ÿoür bîŧż box and eîŧher posŧ îŧ ŧo me or hand îŧ ŧoo me when I come back în Ocŧober ŧhaŧ woüŀd be greaŧ. Ash & Ŋem I've goŧ ÿoü covered (spare Ogre heads from mÿ box of Büŀŀs and generîc sküŀŀs from Chaos boxes) büŧ îf ÿoü'd ŀîke ŧo süppŀÿ ÿoür own ŧhaŧ woüŀd be fîne ŧoo.
GrubLord: Will do, mate. Next WH day, let's have everyone bring a head. I'll give my one(s) to Bog.
teh_saq: Thanks Lîv, oŧher bîŧs are good ŧoo (eg shîeŀds), whaŧever ÿoü can spare (max. 2 each). If possîbŀe ŧhe heads shoüŀd be heŀmeŧed ones as I wanŧ ŧhem ŧo be abŀe ŧo be recognîsed as ŧhe race ŧhaŧ ŧheÿ represenŧ.
teh_saq: ŊB: I mîscaŀcüŀaŧed Lünżo's score ŀasŧ ŧürn, hence hîs meŧeorîc jümp în poînŧs ŧhîs ŧîme aroünd.
Copyright
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Right? Right.
The Conquest of Mehetia
RJorb: Nice map and introductory comments. I'll be watching with interest!
Lunzo: Lookin' good teh_saq. One suggestion of mine is that you make each turn a separate post.
teh_saq: Hmmm, I ŧhoüghŧ aboüŧ ŧhaŧ Lün, büŧ însŧead of spammîng üp ŊWTJ wîŧh posŧs I'ŀŀ creaŧe ŧhe ŀongesŧ posŧ ever!!!*
GrubLord: I'd say it's fine to toss up a new post every turn.
.
Elo: Hmm I thought this would be the case, but I know I will be away for most of this weekend coming.
Yarkin: Looks like a great campaign! Sorry I wasn't able to participate. I'm in for the next one if things are less busy then!
Ethistan: I am back in 5 weeks, and am totally up for some themed warhammer action 
.
Ash: Fighting battles? What do you think this is, a war game or something? Hopefully, I can end this campaign without having to fight a single battle 
.
