Shadows of Skavenblight

Oh, and there's no reason you can't play a Skaven warband. The Skaven hate each other almost as much as they hate everyone else.

Background

Governments, too, have cause for hope and worry. In the receint past, the Empire defeated an invading Ork army and the majority of a huge Norse fleet was destroyed by the High Elves. The Dwarves have reclaimed Karak Azul from the Orks, and even the vampire lords have been silent since their defeat in 2495. It is a time of peace, quiet, rest and relaxation. Hands up, everyone who thinks it'll last.

So much for the good news. The Kislev government is currently on hold, as the leader Radii Bokha lies in a coma. He has been crippled since the coming of the New Year from an assassin's blade. While plotting for the throne continues, nothing may be resolved while he lives. On the other side of the border, the Empire has been weakened by intrigue, plots and the destruction of a large part of the army while killing the Orks. Emperor Karl-Franz is deeply mired in politics, court intrigue, diplomacy, assassination and other civilized pastimes.

Six weeks pass and things get worse. Kislev is on the verge of civil war as rival factions consolidate their positions. The Dwarven trade caravan from Karak Kadran is late, and rumors of orks and goblins begin to circulate. The High Elf fleet has withdrawn into the Sea of Claws, in part to preempt a further Norse attack and in part to avoid the plagues which have broken out along the coast north of the Middle Mountains.

Another month passes and things haven't gotten any better, but at least we know who's behind it all. Both Kislev and the Empire have degenerated into near-anarchy and civil war, and the Skaven are the ones with an army marching out of the Northern Wastes. They've already overrun the city of Praag, and with no central authority to collect the fragmented armed forces, it seems that they may reach the capitol itself. Even three weeks after the first reports, some members of the aristocracy maintain that it's a fabrication intended to force them to relinquish their claim to the throne. Knowing Skaven tactics, some of these probably have other reasons.

Two weeks pass. Kislev is a city under seige and the grave of thousands. Poison, disease, starvation and all the other nicities of Skaven warfare display themselves. The Empire has finally consolidated itself militarily and is on the march. Scattered bands of Skaven, mercenaries, feudal lords and Imperial troops ravage the land, putting an end to the farmer's fears. When the Skaven get word of the approaching Imperial forces, they advance and seemingly invite open battle. Sufficient forces are left to maintain the seige and the battle approaches.

That was two days ago. In a series of hit-and-run strikes, the Skaven crippled the Bretonnian cavalry and destroyed the majority of their supply train. A large force of rat-ogres and fell beasts then attacked in order to disorganize the infantry and allow the Skaven to overrun the fleeing survivors. Unfortunately for the Skaven plans, the massed ranks of pikemen and halberdeers held fast and withstood the initial charge to hold the battle-line. When the major Skaven force appeared, it was charged by the remaining knights and descimated. Thousands died on both sides and while the Empire held the field, their remaining forces were insufficient to break through and relieve the seige of Kislev. The Skaven leader, Alexander Ratsky, was last seen fighting a griffon singlehandedly. He was losing, but there's no word of his actual death. The Imperial leader, Wolfred is calling for reinforcements while holding his position, and though broken and disorganized, the Skaven retain powerful forces in the land. It it only a matter of time before they again coalesce into an army. Meanwhile, the seige of Kislev continues.

This is where you are now. Your warband represent a small military force in the area. The first game begins in the ruins of a small town, northwest of the capitol about halfway to the river. For one reason or another you're not part of a major army - we can figure out why when you create your warband. No, it doesn't really matter, but I find it's more fun to have a reason to fight.

Act I
"In The Midst of War"

Scene Two: The Face of the Enemy.

Scene Three: Hunters Hunted.

Scene Four: In the Still of the Night.

Scene Five: Between a Rock and...

Scene Fix: Homeward Bound.

Act II
"The Rise to Power"