The Tale: Part I

(23 mar 04)
TURN 0 - Pre-campaign BFG

Armies have landed on the isle of Briternia and already have begun fighting for dominance.

The teams (chosen at random):

Humanoids (High Elves (General); Empire; Vampire Counts)
vs.
Non-humanoids (Lizardmen (General); Orc and Goblins; Beastmen)

The fighting was fierce as beastmen snuck up behind High elf archers and goblin squig hoppers bounced around the field causing mayhem. The non humanoid races pushed heavy on the flanks with a weak center while the humaniod races pushed a strong center and weak flanks. The result? Well lets just say the humanoids were blaming their dice and leave it at that ;)

And now for everyone's favorite:

Blunders of the Week

"Banners?! We need no stinkin' banners!"

The skeletons were a bit too quick to leave thier graves as they had forgotten their banners at home. As a result of their forgetfullness (not having a brain does suck at times), other fellow skeletons were sadden and began to crumble in dispare after each round of combat.


"Run Forest, Run!"

The sneaky beastmen took a short cut to the battle and ambushed the High elf archers from behind. The elves were quick to respond by turning around and firing a volly of arrows. With their superior archery skills and crafted bows they managed to kill not 1, not 2, but 0! beastmen at point blank range. The beastmen laughed at the sissy elves and charged them, taking out 2. The elves responded by droping their weapons and running after failing to tickle any of the furry beasts. General's Tatical
Redeployment or Sissy Elves, you decide.

THE CHRONICLES OF
THE CURSE OF THE HIDDEN DEAD

(6 apr 04)
Introduction – Fallen Empires

“Grandpa, tell me a story before I go to bed,” pleaded Timmy.

“Alright, this one is about an ancient kingdom an island far far away from here…” began Grandpa.

“Long ago a young Nehekharan prince left his home to seek his own fortune and fame. During his travels he came across an island inhabited by a wide range of races. There were High Elves, Lizardmen, Beastmen, Nurgle Chaos, Dwarves, Empire, Bretonnia, Orcs, Goblins, and Vampire Counts. The island was a neutral meeting ground for races to trade. Over time warlords began take command of their various races and formed kingdoms that waged war on each other. High Elves summoned huge comets to the battlefield that eventually led to the instability of the island and causing portions of it to sink into the ocean. Those were dark times back then….”

“Grandpa?” Timmy interrupted.

“Yes?”

“What happened to the prince?”

“I was just getting to that…” continued Grandpa.

“As I was saying, during those dark times the prince had established a mountain kingdom and was fighting off chaos beastmen incursions with the help of a Vampire Count to the south…”

“Grandpa?” Timmy interrupted again.

“I though the people of Nehekhara and those of the vampires hated each other.”

“That’s true Timmy. They do hate each other but the found they had a common enemy right next to them. They formed an alliance until the chaos threat was eliminated. Now please, no more interruptions or you will go right to bed.”

“Ok, Grandpa, I will listen,” sighed Timmy.

“After the Beastmen were pushed back and the Prince had just taken control of the Beastmen city, he decided to that it was time to end things once and for all. He ordered the Casket of Souls to be carried to the highest mountaintop and then opened for all to see.

There was a blinding light as the souls of countless trapped victims were released. The souls plunged into the mind and bodied of all who gazed upon them. These souls drained the life of the victim and force their souls to join them in damnation. Those who did not look at the light were spared and hid in terror for decades to come.

The Prince crowned himself king and proceed to build huge necropolises in the capitols of the fallen kingdoms. He waged small wars, fighting back the survivors of the previous kingdoms but eventually began to succumb to age. His priests began sealing vaults within the necropolises and moved the king to his final resting place in the tiny island at the center. The priests formed the ancient rituals passed down from generations to prepare the Tomb Kings for the afterlife.

Decades passed and the survivors of the empires grew and eventually formed new kingdoms. The Britonnians were the first to establish a new kingdom and decided to name the island Briternia. During this new era, they had all but forgotten about the ancient threat. All that remain of the great Nehekharan legacy are the decaying ruins of the once proud cities. “

“Grandpa?” Timmy asked sleeply. “Tell me about the ruins….”

“Another time, for now it is time for you to sleep.”

(18 apr 04)
Chapter 1 - Lords of Briternia

"Grandpa, can you tell me the story of the first battle between the new kingdoms?" pleaded Timmy

"All right Timmy, my boy..." began Grandpa.

"The Empire kingdom and the Southern High Elf kingdom shared a common border. These two rival kingdoms decided to launch an attack on each other's lands, at the same time no less."

"How did that plan work out?" inquired Timmy.

"Well, the Elves were a bit quicker with their long legs and halfling scouts. They were able to advance and engage the Empire army in their own province. The Elves conscripted over 40 halfling archers for the offensive. It was a sight that I wouldn't forget. The archers stood in a line along the battlefield peppering the Empire soldiers as they advanced. The Empire army was led by a brash young Captain known to his men as the 'Butcher'."

"Why was he called the 'Butcher', Grandpa?" asked Timmy.

"Well he was the last man to survive the battle. He ordered his men to continue marching towards the archers, and Elven calvery knowing full well that their fate was sealed. The result of the battle as a massacre as the only person to survive was the Captain. He retreated back to the Capitol to conscript more men. Rumors about the battle circulated around the capitol and he was only able to muster an army half the size of his starting force. From that day forward the men referred to him as the 'Butcher' as a reminder of all the lives lost in that battle under his command."

"Wow Grandpa! He was the only one to survive? What happened to the Empire Kingdom? Were they destroyed by the High Elves?" Timmy asked excitedly.

"Whoa, slow down there young fella," smiled Grandpa.

"The Empire made an unknown friend at the time of the battle."

"How was that so Grandpa?"

"Well... I was just getting to that," began Grandpa, "You see as the High Elves and Empire were battling, the other kingdoms proceed to expand their lands and position their armies. The Lizardmen kingdom hired some local rabble as mercenaries to launch a raid on the Southern High Elves army. The raid ended up as a failure..."

"Can you tell me more about these mysterious Lizardmen? I want to know why they funded the raid," begged Timmy.

"Alright. Since you behaved so well at dinner I will tell you about them. This story takes placed before the first kingdoms were established. This time I will tell it from the Lizardmen prospective so you can see how they think and operate. I want you to get an understanding of what goes on in the world of these races."

Chapter 2 - Defense of the Land

"It was the great enemy. Tlaloc, our most wise and powerful Slann, speaker for the Old Ones, attested that the force of evil had manifested on our borders. The children of monkeys were weak and often gave in to the lie-lure of the chaos powers. Our lord Tlaloc had decided. It could wait no longer. The Infected ones must be destroyed.

This would be the first time I saw combat. My instructors had already given me the rites of advanced initiate in the Order of the Mysteries of Sotek, yet I was still one of the youngest skinks in the school. But I knew I could not waiver in my duties as Tlaloc had chosen me by name... me! young Zappatec, for this honored task. I watched the army form up in the courtyard of the Moon from the first tier of the temple pyramid. Three full units of Saurus warriors stood in formation before their commander for inspection. Three salamander predators were being led from their pens beneath the temple. More impressive still was gentle but powerful swaying on the Steggadon who towered above the warriors in formation. I could see the scouts telling stories and jokes- many of them friends from early instruction, some even from my same spawning. I longed to join them and joke, to ease this anxiety, but ritual demands my isolation in the Temple of the Moon until the moment of embarkation. The warrior commander snapped out a final order as the Old Blood himself, emerged from the Temple of the Sun. A sudden quiet washed over the square as he strode toward the awaiting army atop the mighty Carnasaur. Even from this distance, the sight of the beast slowed my blood.

It being my first battle was bad enough. But I soon realized I would not be accompanied by any other Initiate of the Mysteries of Sotek. The twisted monkey children of the false gods are often known for their frightening magical powers. I had a very bad feeling about this.

As we approached the clearing where the chaos followers had made camp I got a good look at their host. The entire array seemed to pulsate with decay and disease. I saw banners for two warrior units. One had many in number and wore the armor which is more protective than when a Great Tortoise closes up. The other, while smaller in number, rode the tall mammals who also bore such armor. Two of these beasts were attached to what they call a 'Char-Ot". Normally of no threat in the jungle, here in the clearing it could be very dangerous. Worse than these, there were three huge twisted beasts around a fire, body armor like a Kroxigor, and just as big, but seething in chaos. Their leader was a hulking brute of a mammal, encased in armor that leaked foul diseased discharges. He sat upon a creature not of this world, and I was thankful for the presence of the Carnasaur. Of personal concern, I felt my attention pulled, against my will, to a spot behind the warriors of chaos... here was a robed, stooped creature. Though small by comparison to his fellows, I was struck by his obvious magical powers and had to remind myself to breath. All I could think to do was thank Sotek that he was the only such creature in their ranks.

From here, the battle began quickly, and I am embarrassed to say it now feels like a dream gone by too fast. Our army had surprised them and we pressed the attack. I stayed in a small grove of rubber tree plants, knowing their presence would shield me from the vile magics of the great enemy. Our scouts bravely fired a volley of darts at the huge mutations, and seemed to damage them some, though it is difficult to tell. Our brave warriors marched up the center of the clearing, led by the Old Blood. The salamanders were before me and advanced towards the warriors on foot and the Char-Ot. The Steggadon was also on this flank, and I looked up at the skinks in the How-da who waved jovially at me as they strode forward. This calmed my nerves some as I prepared magics against the invaders.

Invoking the name of Sotek, I called a lightening strike upon the Char-Ot. The enemy wizard was unable to block the call, and I saw the machine greatly damaged, though not destroyed. The salamanders breathed upon the walking warriors and it was not long before they all fell before the predatory flames- consuming the enemy wizard in their flames as well. I breathed a heavy sigh of peace. Javelin throwers finished of the Char-Ot and before I knew it, this entire side of the battle was clear and peaceful. Sotek be thanked.

The further side of the battle was not so easy. The three vile creatures were attacking our warriors. The "trolls" were no match for them though and gave flight only to be cut down.

The Great Foul One charged into our Commanding Old Blood. It seemed the battle paused as both sides watched this clash of titans. For what seemed hours, the two hammered upon each other their was much blood. Then, as if it sensed its fate, the Diseased-One turned and fled- only to be run down and consumed by the carnasur. I cheered, but for a time, we were alone. The diseased mammal riders were upon us lead by their cursed commander. They crashed into the side of one of the warrior formations, and left no room for their two brethren units to help them. All they could do is watch the slaughter and be prepared to attack should their spawning-mates fall. The salamanders could get to the chaos creatures though, and bravely attacked. The earthquake I felt just then was the charge of the great Steggadon into the side of the mammal riders. His crushed two of them but their diseased leader and his knights held on. It was all that was left of their cursed force, but nothing seemed to shake their resolve- they slaughtered our kin, until only the leader was left, yet still he clung to life and the bringing of death.

Then, the Old Blood crashed into him with his carnasaur. The carnasaur bit into the riding beast and flung the Knight-Lord into the air. Before he hit ground, the Old Blood battered and cut him in a brutal bashing like a spawnling hitting a festival treat-creature.

Their bodies were collected and burnt. I said the prayers of victory-thanks as the smoke bore our duty to Sotek. Yet, despite the solemn moment, I could not stop the thumping of excitement and pride over my small, but helpful role in the cleansing of our lands of the Great Enemy and their mutated monkey-spawn servants."

"Grandpa! Grandpa! Tell me more about these 'Chaos Followers'!" shouted Timmy.

"Alright, just one more story then its off to bed. I will begin the story from Chao's point of view..." began Grandpa.

Chapter 3 - Beware the Salamanders

"The Armies of Nurgle are on the move. The Chaos Lord Bulbous the Bile on his Demon Steed Swampgas was heading through the countryside. An advanced contingent of Marauders had been wiped out in the region and Bulbous was investigating rumors of Lizardmen in the area.

Placing the Steel of his mighty Chosen Chaos Warriors supported by a Chariot and Sorcerer on the right flank Bulbous took his Trolls and Chosen Knights, lead by Exalted Champion Puspussy, in a classic Anvil and Hammer maneuver. The Warriors were the Anvil and the Knights and Trolls were the Hammer, aided by some fast moving if weak Furies.

Out of the mists and dust the enemy strolled into view. First in view were the skinks - trivial. A Stegadon appeared in the distance - Bulbous would watch that. Some larger lizards appeared behind the Skinks - His Warriors were not afraid. Bulbous advanced swiftly on the left followed by the Trolls.

The larger lizards were prodded by some Skinks with sticks. One Lizard turned upon it's tormentor hut the others spewed forth a flurry of death upon the Warriors - 7 of the Mighty fell in one pass close to half their number. The Stegadon had a Bolt Thrower atop it's Howdah and attacked the Chariot reducing it by wounds by half.

>From behind the Skinks on the left the enemy general strode forward - Bulbous and his Trolls would make short work of him and the fell beast he rode. Bulbous charged in - The Trolls could not get passed the Skinks and though they passed their stupidity test on their own, no mean feat, they attacked the Skinks, who actually stood their ground, silly lizards....

Some dastardly magic from the Lizard General sapped the initiative from Bulbous and he had to fend off his opponents attacks before he could strike back. So quick were the blows that several got through and Bulbous was glad of his blessing of Regeneration although he still received a wound. He struck back and wounded the Lizard but could not escape the feeling that all was not well here - Nurgle had deserted him.

The trolls routed the Skinks and charged into the Lizard warriors behind them but not without taking a wound. The Knights and Furies continued their flanking move.

Disaster came from the foul Salamanders as I now know them to be called. They spit out their foul venom and took out the Warriors to a man in the next round of shooting. The Howdah and skinks removed the Chariot as well - the Anvil was shattered. The Hammer was wavering.

The Trolls struck out and killed two Lizards but lost one Troll in return - the press of numbers confused the slow beasts and they fled - cut down from the rear - worse yet the Lizards pursued out of the charge arc of the Knights to their left - the Hammer had no target.

The Generals exchanged blows again with the outcome not decisive the weight of larger Karnosaur bore down on Bulbous - He had a chill in his heart and decided to flee to fight another day. Alas his steed could not outrun the rampaging Karnosaur and after an extended chase Bulbous was slain like the coward he truly was.....

The rest of the battle was not an immediate rout but the outcome was never in doubt after Bulbous died. Puspussy and his Knights put up a fight until the end slewing as many as they could. Puspussy even grappled with the enemy general and almost managed to kill him before going down to defeat in heroic combat.

The Lizards won the day and Nurgle was wiped out to a man.... The warning..... Beware the Salamanders!"

"Heh, sleep well little Timmy. Tomorrow is another day and another chapter in the world of Briternia," chucked Grandpa as he tucked in Timmy who was already fast sleep.

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