Marshal’s Log, Entry 9:
The Ravaged Coast campaign continues. It has been a moon’s turn, and the bloodletting has only increased in it’s ferocity. As the various forces of the mortal realms clash, we can see that certain factions have made a great impact on this forsaken piece of land.
The Lightning strip has been severely strained by the assailing forces of Chaos, Death, and Destruction. The Warlords in the north have relentlessly launching assaults, seeking any weakness to exploit. In the last few weeks, the Gilded Skulls have been the most prolific, clashing in gruesome spectacles of bloodshed. It seems from the experience of those who encountered them that this was mere sport; no other army would throw themselves like this upon their enemies but for a dark and twisted joy. On shudders at the thought of meeting them in close combat.
After our last report on the tides of warfare, we reported a lack of action from the forces of Nagash. Our worst fears came to pass, as not long after, reports came in from slaughters wrought by the various forces of death. While we struggled with the Mortis Praetorian, the Death Merchants struck as well in the east. Even worse is the news our spies could give from further south; from lake Shattenmeer, a warhost of vampires has been unleashed, feasting upon mortals like locusts from green fields, leaving only desolation in their wake. There have also been reports of another vampiric outbreak near the Emberflow, though the nature of this foe is as of yet unclear. We can only warn travellers to watch themselves at the Emberflow, though that is a hollow warning here.
The most prolific foes have been up till now the forces of destruction. This month, we have seen two of the three warlords wreak havoc across the ravaged coast. On of the most infamous among them is Brrjok Bonechewer, who has vanquished two Duardin armies on the western coast.
Yet we have acknowledge the valiant actions of our allies as well. In days of doubt like these, we should count ourselves lucky with formidable allies such as the Stormcast Eternals. Both the brotherhoods of the Obsidian Watch and the Black Aegis have fought with inspiring tenacity to keep us safe. A more unusual ally has appeared beyond the great mountain range dividing the lands in the north in two. Over the last weeks, we have continuously received reports of a monstrous stampede appearing from the Shadow Valley, wreaking havoc before vanishing without a trace. The details we have received indicate a Seraphon army guarding the region. These daemons of order are allied with Sigmar, but their ways and goals are alien to us. While highly unpredictable, I believe it is time to send emissaries to these lands to see whether we have these creatures share our goals.
With the events transpiring around us, I believe it is time to muster our defences. It will not belong before enemies on either our southern or our northern borders will test how far they can push. We will have to be ready. But as we do so, I believe it is time to call upon the followers of the Pantheon of Order. In dire times like these, we are called upon one another to stand side by side. Alone, we and those we protect might crumble to nothingness. But united we are capable to change the odds and create a bulwark to expulse the forces who wish to harm us. May Sigmar guide us towards the demise of our foes.
Marshal’s Log, Entry 6:
I am writing this entry while still recovering in Indrinienburg. It is one of the most dreadful aspects of fighting Kruleboy orruks; long after the battle, the wounds they afflict still are not fully healed. May Sigmar cast them from the Mortal Realms.
Our forces have been busy taking care of the wounded and improving our camp. Much toil has been made but we have been able to clear the harbour, and multiple barracks have been set up. The most important thing however, is that we have a messenger outpost set up. With this, we cannot only send out messages, but more importantly receive them as well on the swift wings of Aetherwings and Hyshian Sunhawks. With this, we have received much news about the happenings here on the Ravaged Coast.
Our allies on the Lightning Strip have made overall steady footing. Our closest allies, the Black Aegis, have been able to halt both a warlord of Tzeentch and a band of Gargants to the north, while a Lumineth host has defended the Sanctum of Stone from both Skaven and Orruk raiding parties with a grace typical of this kin. From further away, the results have been more mixed, with forces of our sister city Pyrehaven having been attacked by a separate Ossiarch force, while the Obsidian watch have had fierce fights against two separate warhosts of Chaos. Our Sylvaneth allies also seem to have been attacked by Tzeentchian cultists. Finally, we have received news that a fleet of Kharadron claimed victory over a growing orruk warclan, while the mountains near Esmir were the sight of what is believed to be a clash between Gargants and Seraphon beasts.
The Ruinous Powers have for now gained little holding in this part of Aqshy. Of the three warlords in the north, two have not yet been able to press further south, fighting in the shades of Ironwood (as of yet, there is no news of what has become of the Slaaneshi host). Skaven raids haven been recorded on both shorelines with variating levels of success. This is however just the first skirmishes. Any proper general always keep in mind the fickleness of the Chaos gods, and how they like to toy with illusions of confidence.
The forces of death have been largely silent. They seeming to gather their forces in the south. While the Ossiarch Bonereapers have been marching with little regard of subtlety, the various vampire bloodlines seem to stay in the shadows for now. What this means for us is unclear, but I am certain we will dread how shallow our imagination is of their vicious schemes.
The forces of Destruction have been largely spread out, looking to cause as much violence as they can, and generally acting like brigands. It is with some surprise that on of the most infamous warlords on this island seems to be one of their ilk; The Orruk breaker-boss, named Brjok Bonechewer. Together with his tribe, the Marrowcravers, they have moved south from the river Kiera, carving a bloody path through the Ravaged coast. His reputation has only exasperated as he has released many of our captured soldiers, who have spread the horrors they have seen in the Marrowcraver camp to other settlements as far as the Sanctum of Stone and Stormspire.
With this news, we will soon have to make our next action. Perhaps we can support one of our nearby allies with their conflicts, such as the tides of chaos in the north, or the undead assaults from the south. Winter is almost over and instead of rain, this soil will wake and feast of the blood of many a fierce warrior.
Marshal’s Log, Entry 4:
We have made contact with a native force that has come to our call, though it were not the allies we thought would answer it. During the midday, our camp was called to the ready as unknown figures had appeared in front of our gates.
The mysterious messengers were wreathed in foliage and timber. It was a group of tree-revenants, guardians of the strange and wondrous Sylvaneth. They asked to talk to me directly. As allies of Sigmar, they were let in.
The revenants have told us that they hale from the Inivre clan. This clan has lived for ages in the forests north of Indrinienburg, constantly struggling against the ravenous forces that have assaulted them over the ages. This fight has only became more dire since the Vermindoom.
Our hidden neighbours have informed us of an ancient foe causing great destruction in their home. A group of Kruleboyz has been culling the local monsters in the valley for their bones, specifically the marrow inside it. If left unattended, these orruks might cause great damage, for it is unlikely that they will halt their murderspree when they notice our encampments.
And so, we march with our new allies to face this new foe. Sigmar protect us, for the Kruleboyz are known for their horrid poisons and their merciless tactics. If we wish to win this fight, we will have to match their cunning, and watch our backs.
Marshal’s Log, Entry 2:
Our scouting forces have returned from their mission. Their tales have given us a clearer overview of the land, our allies, and our enemies. And our enemies are many.
Most friendly forces who wish to bring order to these lands have their strongholds on a strip that goes zigzagging across the width of the island. We have come to call it ‘The Lightning Strip’. The issue is that there is at the moment no clear connection to our allies, as most roads are crossing hostile territories. Our nearest allies seem to be a brotherhood of Stormcast Eternals North from here, calling themselves ‘The Black Aegis’. Though we hope we can rely on their aid, we must not trust a hope. These are dire times, and even Sigmar’s greatest can be everywhere at once.
The foul forces of Ruin are mainly located further North. From there, three hosts from three of the dark gods, Khorne, Slaanesh, and Tzeentch, have arrived to wreak havoc upon the Ravaged Coast. Having said this, we must never forget the treacherous Skaven, who run rampant here on the Ravaged Coast, and can appear from anywhere, as well as warbands led by cruel warlords who worship all aspects of the apocalyptic pantheon.
Various familiar foes are running rampant in these lands as well. From what my scouts have told me, a significant amount of Kruleboy orruks have gathered near a place called the ‘Scorched Marshes’. I hope our allies will be able to subdue this beast before it grows big, for all the signs are there that a mighty Waaagh! is bubbling there to the surface. And if the Waaagh! is unleashed, who knows what else will answer.
Our final coalition of foes I have kept for last, for they are the most pressing for our expedition. The southern parts of these lands seem to be infested by Nagash’s vile creations. Usually, they can be expected to quarrel amongst themselves, as lifetimes of pride, arcane defects, and a wearisome disposition towards their master keeps them from uniting. However, I fear that being so close to the Vermindoom will cause the vain vampire lords and aspiring arch-liches to set aside their differences for a common cause. And to our peril, one of these undead foes is right on our doorstep.
The scouts who came back first had not even gone for a full day before they returned, describing ebony monoliths, depicting watching warriors. These are clear signs of the presence of Ossiarch Bonereapers, the cruel foil from Nagash to our Stormcast protectors. Their skill in warfare is legendary, and if we have seen them, they have seen us. It will not be long before we will receive a messenger from them giving us the false comfort of peace in return for a ‘bone tithe’. It will be in our best interest to take up arms, and meet the Ossiarch head-on at our border. If we wish to stay here, we will have to answer this threat with the fearlessness of a lion. Let our cannon fire be our roar.
Marshal’s Log, Entry 1:
We have been able to set a perimeter in what appears to be our headquarters for the foreseeable future. A watch has been set around an inner wall between the harbour and the rest of the ruined city. Volgi has made sure that every entrance is fully manned with at least a detachment of steelhelms and fusiliers on any advantageous position. For now, the nights are quiet.
Thank Sigmar on His throne in Azyr for our journey. It has been as fast and smooth as a thrice-blessed bullet through a grot’s eye. After the news from the Dawnbringer’s Crusade in Aqshy, we were prepared to witness the worst the Mortal Realms could muster. Yet here we are, practically whole, with even a few souls extra, desperate either to claim vengeance against our foes ahead, or running from whatever is behind them.
When looking for a place to set up our camp, we received news from Renstan’s Keep about the ruins of a kingdom called ‘Pyrix’. Our inquiring questions were waved way. ‘This is Aqshy.’ We were told. ‘Ghur has not enough beasts for the parchment to record all the kingdoms than once rose and fell here.’
The ruins we found were deserted. A strange occurrence, though I suspect whatever made this their boding has ran to the mountains after the Vermindoom. We have scouted the nearby buildings, but so far, we have only found the ashen silhouettes of the city’s past inhabitants. May Morrda guide them to their final rest.
We have decided to name our outpost Yndrinienburg, after our patron Yndrasta. May she watch over our trackers and let our shots hit true.
I have sent out scouts to the North, South, and East. With a pinch of luck, we will be able to find other’s who share our cause of protecting the Mortal Realms from the blight that is known as the Skaven.
Zinkev is busy with inspecting the deeper levels of what seems to be a former armoury. I hope he finds the resources for us to forge Aqshian weapons. The masters at Torvil would be pleased with access to such a treasure, as would I.