The Modryn Return

Arlos Darkleaf’s Tree-like features cracked with what might have resembled a smile, “So you cling to your old life and old name?Good, good. You will need that determination in the coming days.” His deep voice booming and echoing around the glade.
Arthyr stood and realised how different he felt; lighter, stronger and there was something else, a power deep within which pulsed through his body. He looked up to Arlas, “What, what has happened to me? Where am I?” He stuttered.

The Treeman turned and started to walk away, “An old friend is on the way, he will explain. As for me, I have other places to be and others to attend to.” And with that Arlos vanished into the woods as if he had never been there. Arthyr stood in the middle of the glade stunned, he looked around trying to determine where he was but no matter where he looked he could not tell. The sky was shrouded from him by the overhanging trees, and the woods that surrounded him seemed to continue to shift and change each time he looked carefully at them.

Bright white light spread out of the gateway and into the glade. Then through the gateway came a figure carrying an odd looking staff. Arthyr cocked his head, another memory sparked in his mind, he knew this being, an Aelf, old far beyond his appearance.
“Arthyr, it is good to see you. You’re new form is formidable.” Chuckled the Aelf, “You look unsure, it is to be expected. I am Dayga, Spellweaver of Spiteshade Vale. I am here to guide you and help explain what has happened.” Arthyr nodded, the memory became clearer. “Dayga, I, I, remember you. Thank you for coming. I have many questions, but what happened to me?” Dayga smiled and sat down cross-legged and placed his staff across his legs.

“Arthyr, you died. Glasznik and his beast extinguished your life. However, somehow, Kurnoth and Alarielle saved your soul before it was lost to Slaanesh. Your soul was kept safe in one of the hidden soul pods. Where Kurnoth has kept a watchful eye over you, granting you the gift of your new life.” Dayga said as he pointed at Arthyr. “You have been awoken. A quest has been bestowed to you and your kin, the Tower of the Eternal Wood has been claimed by the Bad Moon, and you shall take it back.” Arthyr nodded, it made sense now. The shattered memories, the otherworldly power he could feel pulsing throughout him; he stepped towards Dayga, “Where to now then old friend?”
“First to Spiteshade Vale to collect your weapons and your brother!” Replied Dayga as he stood and returned to the glowing gateway through which he had entered the glade.

Rebirth

Pain, dull echoing pain thrummed across Arthyr’s body, he recalled seeing the giant red Squig bite down on him almost swallowing him whole and then shaking him like a rag before he everything went dark. Now as consciousness returned the pain was everywhere, he managed to open one eye to see he was in the grasp of a giant bird of prey, glowing with the power of Ghyran. Atop the bird carrying him sat an Aelf, glowing with the same power, as if life was emanating from deep within them. The Aelf turned his head and looked down at Arthyr, “Rest brother, you have fought well.” Arthyr gasped and pain wracked his body again, it can’t be he thought!? “Aias?” He whimpered through broken and bloody lips. “I once was, but your brother still, yes.” Replied the Aelf.
Arthyr shifted his focus to the clouds above, they swam by quickly, bathed in faint green light while the sky above darkened before all went dark again and consciousness left him.

There in the darkness the pain started to fall away, peace started to blanket him, he could hear a strange song off in the distance and smell flowers and spring rain. Vibrant, clean green light enveloped him as the pain finally left him. Where am I he thought as he drifted further into the peace and serenity of this place. The music got louder, and the smell of flowers and rain got stronger. Who am I? The question shocked him as he realised he could not remember who he was, he searched inside for something, Stornos, Tal Stornos, Spiteshade. These words floated in his mind as he tried to remember. “Wake my son, wake up Lord of Spiteshade.” A dry rough voice called out, disrupting his peace. He forced his eyes open, at first all he could see was green, dark green, as he focussed he realised it was the a thick forest canopy stretching out far, far above him. He turned his head to where the voice had come from and there stood an old bearded Treeman, it was kneeling and bending over him. It’s eyes glowed with a bright blue light, while its wooded body, was a dark mossy green, a bright blue spirit hawk sat on its shoulder. “Where, where am I?”
“You are home my son.” Replied the Treeman. “We are deep inside Spiteshade Vale.”
“Spiteshade, Stornos, what...?” He replied.
The Treeman picked him up and cradled him in his arms, “ You were once a Prince, Arthyr Stornos, Scion of Tal Stornos and Lord of Spiteshade. I was once called Arlas, Lord of Tal Stornos, but my Queen now calls me Arlos Darkleaf, and you are reborn, reborn as the living remnant of Tal Stornos and the Modryn clan. Now rise and tell me who you are.” Demanded Arlos Darkleaf.
“I am, I am Arthyr Stornos!”Replied Arthyr.

The Bad Moon Rises

Arthyr sat cross legged in his ornate wooden throne, slowly sharpening the Modryn Blade as he reflected on the news of his brothers death. The vile children of Chaos would pay dearly for taking the life of so many of his kin. His focus was suddenly broken as Rayvon appeared in the shadows in the corner of the hall.
"Arthyr, I am sorry for your loss," Rayvon said, stepping from the shadow and placing a hand over his heart, "Aias was a brave and skilled Aelf, and though his body is lost to us, know that he is still here with us."
"Aye, I know. Thank you my mentor." Replied Arthyr.
Rayvon walked up to Arthyr and placed a hand on his shoulder, looking him straight in the eyes. "Arthyr, I have more dire news. My mistwalkers have returned with news from the Realm of Beasts, Shadow and here in Ghyran, an unusual moon has been seen, strange fungoid growths covering villages and settlements as well as Greenskins too numerous to be counted roving and raiding."
Arthyr looked back into Rayvon's eyes, and smile creeping across his face. "Greenskins my old friend?' He chuckled. "You are worried? Do not be, we can easily hunt down a few rowdy grots!"
Rayvon shook his head, "Arthyr, this is no mere greenskin warband. They are different, driven and focussed. One of my mistwalkers has been observing a large force crashing through our domain, we might be able to halt them and discover what is driving them."
"Kias!" Arthyr called to his guard, "Send word to Braern, we hunt greenskin tonight!"

The night was brighter than usual, a strange pale green light bathed everything giving the world around the Sentinels of Spiteshade Vale an even more otherworldly appearance. Arthyr strode through the hidden forest paths with Dayga and Braern nearby, while the rest of the warband followed silently behind them. Dayga pointed his staff at the moon, something was wrong with it, but what they couldn't quite tell. "I feel an odd magic in the air, something dank and wet." Dayga whispered, more to himself than to those around him.

Braern knelt to study the tracks and mess they had been following left behind by the Greenskins. He looked up to Arthyr and Dayga, "They picked up their pace here, after stopping for several minutes. We are not far from them."

Arthyr nodded and reached down to his loyal spite, Tui, fluttering around his knees. "Tui, go see what we hunt, and come straight back." Tui darted off through the forest canopy, leaving a glittering trail of blue dust in the wind.

A rocky valley below caught Tui's attention, there in the middle of the valley stood a unusual shrine, a shrine with rough carvings of a half moon bedecking them, and there half hidden on the edges of the valley a horde of Greenskins. Tui dove and darted back to where the Sentinels of Spiteshade Vale awaited its return. Tui sped through the forest with all the sped it could manage and almost slammed into Arthyr as it burst through the undergrowth to where Arthyr, Braern and Dayga crouched. "Tell me my wee friend, what did you see?" Arthyr asked Tui. The reply was a pattern of clicks, giggles and chirps, but Arthyr understood every word. "Dayga, the Greenskins are approaching an old shrine to a moon, no, the Bad Moon." Arthyr translated.

"We must move my Prince! The Greenskins must not be allowed to capture this shrine!" Warned Dayga. Arthyr stood and raised the Modryn blade above his head, the Sentinels of Spiteshade Vale advanced towards the valley.

The Sentinels formed up their battleline, Eternal Guards forming a shield wall, while they Glade Guard and Rangers of the Watch formed up behind them, ready to send volleys of arrow into the greenskins. The Wildwood Rangers and the Wild Riders of Kurnous set up in the western flank.

Across the valley the Greenskins formed their own battleline, Grots too numerous to count formed up in the middle of their force while on the western flank a colossal spider surrounded by smaller spiders ridden by savage looking Grots advanced towards the Aelves, while at the head the army two bright red mangler squigs darted forwards towards the Eternal Guard. 

The squigs smashed into the shield wall of the Eternal Guard, the Aelves were knocked back, slammed to the ground, torn and swallowed by the monstrous beasts. The Eternal Guard that survived the impact flooded back in and sent spears stabbing out at the red ball shaped beasts, but no matter how true their spears stabbed out they couldn't harm them. Arthyr charged forward, he sprang at the nearest squig, the Modryn Blade speared through the beasts flank. He pulled it out swiftly and swung again, the beast toppled over. He quickly spun around and sent the blade sailing into the second beasts eye, it bellowed in pain, shaking both the Modryn Blade and its rider from its hide, before it pounced on Arthyr, smashing him down and then biting down. Arthyr's world went dark.

The Grots flooded across the valley, too many for the Sentinels to kill altogether. Dayga saw Arthyr fall before the squig and then observed a mysterious green phoenix appear above them and flew down, tearing the squig to pieces before picking up Arthyr and heading back towards Spiteshade Vale. Dayga slammed his ancient staff into the ground, drawing on the magic of Ghyran, he then drew a glowing rune on his arm, sending a blast of green lightning out into the sky above. The Sentinels knew this was the signal to retreat and they carefully fought their way back out of the valley, while the Eternal Guard and Wild Riders of Kurnous sold their lives to secure the survival of their kin.

"Run little Aelves, run! Ya been beated by Glasznik! Da Bad Moon boss!" Shrieked the leader of the Grots. "Da Bad Moon comes, and me is 'ere!" 

The Labyrinth closed...

The Labyrinth

Braern looked on in anguish. The heat emitting from the ground here in Aqshy was almost unbearable, combined that with the bestial noises coming from the filthy hordes of Beastmen made it difficult to concentrate.
Ahead of him a dozen beastmen were charging towards him and his brave waywatchers; green fletched arrows shot out in a steady stream, but there were too few and the beatsmen too close. Over on the western flank his brother Aias made a defiant last stand against the leader of the beastmen, he swung his bladed spear faster than seemed possible and slammed it into the chest of the beastlord, the monster grunted, grabbed the weapon and threw it aside as he swung his own axe. The foul rusted blade landed with a wet crunch as it hit the side of Aias’s head. The Aelf went limp and collapsed, shield clattering to the ground, Braern’s world went sideways. His closest brother lay there in the scorching clay, his life-blood flowing from the grievous wound in his head. The beastlord placed a hoof upon Aias’s chest and let out a roar of victory.
Braern pulled his hood back, and let loose a single golden arrow into the sky. It exploded in a cloud of green, blue and red. The Wanderers knew what this meant, they would stop at nothing to stop the beasts of Chaos from reaching the portal while it was open. They all prepared to sell their lives to protect Ghyran, bows and blades were readied, prayers and promises were made. The final stand of the Wolves of Ghyran was at hand…

The doors to Arthyr’s hall crashed open, a breeze gushed in bringing with it the smell of burnt wood and flesh. There in the doorway was Braern, his cloak burnt and torn, his bow nowhere to be seen. He carried the prone form of Mandia Nightlock, he took a step forward and stumbled and would have fallen if it had not been for one of the Eternal Guard who dashed forward and helped him forward. Arthyr leapt from his throne and dashed to Braern; “Brother what happened!?”
“We held them back from the portal, but, but Aias…” Braern tripped over his words as he tried to make sense of what he needed to say. “Aias has fallen…”
Arthyr’s head dropped, the weight of loss suddenly crushing him. How many more needed to perish before their King and Queen would accept them back? He focussed, and tried to get his thoughts together. “Kias, take Mandia to old Dayga. He will be able to heal her wounds.” He called to the Eternal Guard who had assisted Braern.
He turned and put Braern’s arms over him and helped him into his chambers. “My brother, I am sorry I was not there… I will avenge Aias, the beasts will pay and we will earn our place back with our King and Queen.” Arthyr said through gritted teeth and wet eyes. “I swear by our ancestors and Kurnous.”

The Labyrinth of Eternity

The Wolves of Spiteshade

The forest sped past, spites grinning and leering at her from the foliage as she urged her steed onwards. Her vision had been clear, the Labyrinth was open and it’s vaults ready for the picking. Mandia had rushed to Arthyr and informed him of her vision, where Arthyr told her to seek out his brothers Aias and Braern.

Mandia knew they were out on the fringes of their domain hunting down scattered bands of Nurgle, and this is where she would head. Ahead the forest started to get darker, the spites and other creatures of the forest were more withdrawn. She could feel the taint of Nurgle as it gently infiltrated and infected the weak and broken. Deeper and deeper into this part of this forest she cautiously went, she could now sense the two Stornos brothers and their warband. Here and there she could see a fallen Chaos warrior, pierced with green fletched arrows of Spiteshade Vale. Ahead she heard the distinct sounds of battle, she dismounted swiftly from her steed and silently crept towards the sounds of battle. There, amongst some ancient Waystones she made out the swift shadows of Wildwood Rangers and Wardancers slicing and dancing around a group of beleaguered Nurgle daemons. She leant down and slid her fingers into the soil at her feet, feeling the energy and power within Ghyran. She focussed and let her song echoe out across the grove, the Wanderers attack doubled in pace while the daemons struggled and tried to locate the source of the song. Too late though, as her song increased, vines and roots burst  from the ground beneath the Nurgle daemons, surrounding them in a wall of greenery before being crushed and torn apart.

Aias stepped over the corpse of the Nurgle champion who had led this band, pulling his spear from its head and looking across the grove to where Mandia still crouched as she finished her song. He stalked forwards towards her, wary of any foes that might still draw breath. As Aias reached her, he bowed his head slightly. “What brings you all the way out here my friend?” He asked.
“I have seen the Labyrinth opened, and foul forces opening its secrets. Arthyr has requested we leave at once to hunt down as many foes as possible and halt the enemies of Life.” Mandia replied quietly.

Aias nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. He pulled his whistle from its pouch and let go a crisp note. Within moments his warband gathered behind him, the youngest of the Stornos brothers Braern stalking quietly around the edges of the group.
“My brothers and sisters, we are set to a new hunt in lands outside our realm. The Labyrinth of Eternity has opened and Prince Arthyr has requested we, the Wolves of Spiteshade, hunt down and slay the enemies of Ghyran. Check your bows, sharpen your blades and make your offerings to Kurnous.” Aias announced to his warriors.

That evening they slipped through the secret paths and into the realm of Shyish. The hunt and the tale of Aias and Braern Stornos begins…

Hunting the Dead

Aranion's body hit the ground hard, rolling across the hard packed ground, a small cloud of dust erupting where he landed. Standing above him was Lord Barrowmire, seated upon his fearsome zombie dragon. The dragon was covered in white fletched arrows, it had thrown Aranion into the air without effort, while the Wanderers poured a storm of arrows into the monster.

The Mithrin brothers, Seral and Kiro had watched in disbelief as Aranion had charged across the dusty terrain in an attemplt to slay Barrowmire resulting in him getting thrown around like a rag doll. Before Barrowmire's dragon could feed upon Aranion, they both took aim and sent a flurry of magically blessed arrows into both Barrowmire and his accursed dragon. The dragon shuddered and collapsed, while Barrowmire himself vanished in a cloud a black and red mist.

Across the battle field Ceryn had led his brave glade guard through the hidden paths to attack the undead army's flank. They were hunting two monstrous undead contructs, as they left the hidden path the caught site of their prey hiding behind a ruined crypt. Unleashing a devestating salvo, one of the beasts lost cohesion and collapsed into a pile of bones and dust. The second beast let lose a bestial scream, it's hide covered in Aelven arrows.

The scream let out by the beast was answered... Ceryn turned to look behind him and his warriors as a feeling of primal fear flared up in his chest. A low guttural growl sounded from behind them, while Manfred looked down and quietly chuckled. Before the Wanderers could turn and fire Manfred and his mount bounded across the ground between the Wanderers and himself. He and his mount tore into the Wanderers, quickly slaying all the Aelves except for their champion Ceryn.

Ceryn, pulled his sword free and slashed at Manfred. His blows rung hollow on the flanks of Manfred's mount, before the beast Ceryn had been hunting landed behind him and cleaved him in two, his sword falling to the dirt with a dull clunk.

Manfred laughed as he tore through the pitiful Aelves who stood before him, lifting one before him and sinking his fangs into the mortals soft flesh and drinking his life blood. It was so clean and full of life, the warm fluid dripped down his chin and onto his ancient armour. His devious smile quickly changed to a grimace as an arrow of pure life magic thudded into his shoulder. Turning to face this new threat, he could see more hooded Aelves stepping through a strange dark green mist, they had glowing bows trained upon him, more damned life magic he thought.

Lythal led his rangers of the watch against Manfred, they would hunt him down and slay him, he would pay for the lives he had taken. Lythal and his rangers were supported by the Mithrin brothers and Nimue and her Tree Revenants.

Together they pursued Manfred, encircling and trapping him. Nimue and her Revenants run ahead and caught up to the powerful vampire lord. Their mighty blades hacked in both Manfred and his mount. The mount was hacked to pieces while Manfred suffered many deep and mortal injuries, but he used the dark magic at his command to vanish in the melee before Nimue could step in and take his head.

Arthyr paced the ruined crypts with Mandia and Nimue. The undead seemed to have either fled or collapse into broken heaps after Manfred vanished. They had managed to cleanse this area, but at a heavy price. Aranion was badly wounded and clung to life, whereas Arthyr's cousin Ceryn had been slain along with all his warriors.

The forces of death and destruction were being hunted all across the Flame Scar plateau. Arthyr's Wanderers and Slazenger's Stormcast effectively pushing into the occupied lands. Arthyr knew to give Slazenger a wide birth and so decided they would next try to hunt more foul undead...

Blood & Fog

The fog was thick and Mandia choked on the thick scent of blood and fear. All around her she could hear her friends screaming in rage as they attacked. The rain beat down through the fog creating a mire of blood, mud and broken bodies. Her head was pounding, why were they attacking and being attacked by Stormcast? She tried to clear her head, all around her she could see Aelves injured and bleeding. 

Arthyr swung his blade at the apparition in front of him, normally the Modryn blade felt weightless in his hands, but today it felt like he was swinging a tree. The apparition in front of him had put down too many of his Aelves and he had to avenge them. He felt as if he’d been fighting in this fog and rain for days, but could it have been that long? Surely not…

From atop the ruins Lord Slazenger looked down and across the littered battlefield. The fog was still thick and the rain was not easing, whoever they fought were quick and shifted with the shadows. Frustrated he led his mount forward, hunting down these wraiths.

“Kurnous, hear my cry! Let your call cry out and clear this cursed and bloodthirsty fog!” cried Mandia Nightlock as she held tight her small rune stone dedicated to the god of the hunt. A hound sounded from far away, booming and getting louder. Her head cleared and she could think clearly, the fog started to clear. What she saw around her was devastating, Aelves fighting for their lives against Stormcast Eternals. But as the horn boomed again, she could see all the combatants dropping their weapons in confusion. Stormcast Eternals and Aelf alike shook their heads to clear the last of the fog they had so consumed them. 

She looked around to find Arthyr dragging the Modryn blade behind him, devastated by the loss of so many of his Aelves. In the middle of the field atop his draconian steed sat Lord Slazenger, his face now un-helmed was a picture of confusion and disappointment.

Arthyr looked around the field of battle, heartbroken at the loss of so many Aelves. He made his way to the leader of the army they had been engaged with unwittingly. “Lord Slazenger, it seems we have been fooled and have both now suffered for it.” Slazenger made no reply, he nodded his head slowly and turned his mount away from Arthyr, and letting his mount give out a low and sonorous cry. The StormcastEternals all started to form up and depart the scene of devastation, they had no need to collect their dead as they were already in Azyheim and the wounded gathered themselves under their own prodigious strength to follow Slazenger away.

With the dead at rest, the wounded and unwounded made their way to the shrouded portal opened by Mandia. Arthyr and Rhavon stood back to ensure all made it through the portal, Arthyr then turned to Rhavon, “We must find who is responsible for this, they will be punished, our fallen will be avenged. I swear to Lilleath and Kurnous.”

The Hunter

The scorched ground was a painful experience for Arthyr and his Wanderers to witness. This was a blatant attack on Life and they felt obliged to heal and revive the damaged land they had explored so far in the Realm of Fire. This Scorched Forest would be their bastion, and they would slay all who meant it harm.

Arthyr stood beneath a charred and broken tree, ancient symbols were carved into its trunk and still faintly glowed white with Life. Next to him his pet and friend Tui darted back and forth trying to catch the small flame beetles that were so common in this part of the forest. Mandia Nightlock sat at the base of the tree, her green hair swirling in an unseen vortex as usual. Arthyr and Mandia were discussing the vision of Orion they had both witnessed and discussed what it might mean.

They had both barely managed to walk away from an ambush by two separate Grot clans. In the midst of the battle an Avatar of the Hunt had appeared and fought bravely alongside the Wanderers, however he was only a small portion of the power Orion held and was eventually slain by the Greenskins. Arthyr had been badly injured and now focussed on healing and planning with Mandia while his sister Lyloth patrolled with the rangers.

Initially they had both believed the vision had been a sign that Orion would return to them, however, when the Avatar had been slain they worried this was an ill omen. As they discussed their thoughts, the withered and broken tree suddenly shuddered, the ancient runes which had only faintly been glowing earlier flared to life, bright blue and green light bursting forth from the runes. As the tree shook the same blue and green light appeared through a rent in the dry and parched earth directly in front of them and shot away drawing a straight line of blazing light through the ground. Arthyr and Mandia looked at each other, one word escaped from their lips at the same time: “Ley-line!”

Lyloth strode through the ruined woods of the forest, ahead she could see the top of an ancient Aelven waystone, the bright white stonework shone in the light. Her rangers had returned and confirmed that a force of Grots were attempting to pull down the waystones and set up some form of filthy fortification. She would not stand for this, she would kill them all and secure the ancient site. She directed her force to spread out and surround the Grots. As Lyloth turned to head towards her position she was confronted by a stranger, an Aelf, not of her kin. He took a knee in old formal traditions and introduced himself. “Princess Lyloth, I am Aranion. I have been tracking the Sentinels of Tal Stornos for weeks and wish to join your ranks.”

His formality and unusual accent through Lyloth off, the Sentinels of Tal Stornos were not known for their adherence to high born traditions. They grew up in the forests and wilderness, being beneath the forest canopy was where they were comfortable, not under some constructed building. She looked him up and down, he was well armed and equipped, bow and shield hung over his shoulder while an ancient looking sword hung from his belt. His skin was tanned by the sun, whereas the Aelves of her kin had ethereal green skin from their close proximity to the realm of Life and the secret magical vortex at the heart of Spiteshade Vale.

“Stand up Aelf! No-one calls me Princess apart from my Father, and he left the realm of the living long ago.” Replied Lyloth. “You look as if you can handle yourself in a fight, but can you hunt and live through a battle? I guess we will see. Follow my sisters and support them, they should keep you safe.” She turned away and headed to her position before arrows rained down on the Grots catching them unaware.

The battle was fast and bloody, the Grots had their pet gargant and his pet squigoth with them both reaping a high toll on the Wanderers before being brought down. The Grot chief slipped away in the carnage with a large force of Grots. As the Wanderers secured the waystones a line of brilliant blue and green light flared to life across the cracks and runes of the waystones, the trees around the area started to sway as if caught in a gale. Lyloth looked around, taking in the sight, as the trees swayed she could see patches of colour breaking through the burnt and cracked bark. Life was returning, these trees were fighting back the damage caused years before. Aranion approached Lyloth; “Princess, it seems we might be witnessing a new season.” He smiled, cocking an eyebrow at her.

The Sleeping King Awakes...

The night sky above Spiteshade Vale was clear, thousands of bright blue stars flickered in the heavens. Green, blue, red and pink lowing spites flittered amongst the leaves and branches of the Ghyfir trees. Within the ancient Aelf tower Mandia Nightlock suddenly bolted upright from her dreams, her head still rang with the sound of the warhorn, Orion?!

She cleared her head and focused on what she had seen, Arthyr and his Wanderers had made it to the Realm of Fire. They had appeared in the Charred Forest and claimed the area around the Dragon gate, setting to work brining life magic to the devastated vegetation. She saw Arthyr and her sisters approach a giant charred oak and start the process of healing. Bright green blossoms burst across the branches of the tree, swirling white runes flared to life around the mighty trunk.

The ground beneath their feet trembled, the white flaring lines of the runes speared into the earth and suddenly shot out across the ruined ground and into the distance. Then a horn blared, the sound came from everywhere, her hair stood on end, her eyes widening, her desire to run and hunt became hard to ignore... Then she had awoken, along with a power that had long been thought lost...

The Dragon Gate

Arthyr and his allies appeared out of the mist and into another part of the forested realm of the Great Green Torc, this was where they would find the ancient Dragon gate which connected this part of Ghyran with the realm of fire. Arthyr sent the Mithrin brothers, Kiro and Seral, to scout the forest ahead. Arthyr and his allies knew there were still greenskin in these parts and would have to fight through them to reach the gate.


Kiro and Seral ran through the forest canopy , feet deftly finding purchase on the branches and trunks of trees. Kiro leapt across a gap twice his height, catching a branch with his free hand and swinging himself up onto the next tree. Seral clambered further up the tree swung his rope out and across to the tree that Kiro had landed in. The two brothers had grown up amidst the forests outside of Spiteshade Vale and their father had told them stories of how their ancestors had watched over the Night Glades of the ancient realm of Modryn, unseen within the forest canopy.
Suddenly both brothers stopped, on the air they could smell something off, something that didn't belong in Ghyran... Greenskin.. They stalked quietly around the Greenskin camp, taking their time to analyse the enemy.
"Grots... lots of Grots..." Whispered Kiro.
"And they've brought spiders and squigs along..." Quietly chuckled Seral. Seral's swirling tattoos started to glow all over his body, as he started to prepare for the fight. Kiro knew this was the sign that things were about to get fun, he pulled his hood up and drew his long bow.
"I guess you should signal to Arthyr then brother?" Whispered Seral to Kiro with a grin.
With that, a fiery green arrow launched from Kiro's bow signalling the other Wanderers hiding in wait further back in the forest.

Arthyr sat perched at the base of a mighty Ghyfir tree waiting for the signal from the Mithrin brothers, there, a fiery green arrow arced over the trees and landed inches from Arthyr's head. He turned to his warriors, "Our quarry has been found, time to slay them and reclaim the dragon gate."

As the Wanderers of Spiteshade Vale advanced thunder crashed overhead, as seven spears of lightning smashed into the earth ahead of the Wanderers... Uhtred and his Prosecutors surged forward to attack and stem the counter-attack from the Greenskin.

The spider mounted Grots slammed into the Stormcasts as they held the line allowing the Wanderers to slip in flanking positions before sending a storm of arrows into the Greenskin ranks.

Aertas's rangers surged forward to hunt down a giant squig beast. They quickly ran through the wooded terrain and tore into the beasts flanks, hacking massive swathes from its flesh. In no time at all the beast had been brought down.

Meanwhile, Uhtred and his Stormcast were not faring well. The spiders had sent several Prosecutors back to Azyrheim leaving only Uhtred and his two champions. Arthyr knew that he could not make it to save his friend and ally, and if he tried Uhtred's sacrifice would be in vain. Arthyr slipped back into the shadow paths and headed closer to the Dragon Gate. When he re-appeared, Uhtred was gone along with his last Prosecutors. Arthyr knew that he must claim this gate back and continue through to the Flamescar Plateau.

The Wanderers continued to hunt down the scattered Greenskin, stalking them through the forest. The Greenskin were in disarray, every time they tried to counter attack the Wanderers would vanish in the mists only to reappear elsewhere in the forest. Arthyr, made the most of the confusion and headed to the gate, slaying any straggling Greenskin which crossed his path.

As he reached the gate, a mist formed around its base and a horned silhouette appeared. Arthyr prepared to battle, drawing the Modryn Blade from his back and carving a line around him in the soil. "Know that you come to your death, by the scion of Tal Stornos!" Arthyr called into the mist.
A familiar chuckle danced through the mist, this was no enemy! "Rhavon! What... How? Where did you come from?" Laughed Arthyr. 
"Ah, Princeling. So serious. I have come back to guide you through the Dragon Gate. I also want to visit the Flamescar Plateau, it's been to long." Rhavon chuckled, his voice ancient beyond count.

The Call to War

The rain had ceased it downpour for the moment, scattered around Arthyr and his warband were the remains of a dozen squigs and at least as many Grots. Arthyr looked around to get an idea of the damage sustained to his brave Aelves; most were injured and a couple were lying with their life blood mingling in the mud and grime. He had felt their spirits pass from this mortal realm and said a quiet prayer to Kurnous.

Before he could finish his prayer and contemplate their losses, the sound of angelic wings broke through the sound of distant thunder. Uhtred landed heavily splashing mud across Arthyr's soaked cloak. The two old friends, soaked and tired, embraced each others hands in the warriors grip and nodded a welcome.

"Arthyr, war approaches. The Flamescar Plateau is being invaded by the forces of Chaos, Death and Destruction. We cannot let the treasures and knowledge of the ancient Agloraxi fall into their hands. Our scryers at Spiteshade have also seen us battling together again, hunting and slaying the minions of Chaos."

The message delivered by Uhtred to Arthyr was not easy for him to hear. His friend and ally needed his help, but he had yet to reach the Tower of the Eternal Wood. He knew that if he were to abandon his quest now the Tower would likely be overrun by greenskin.

"I must take a moment to meditate on this news old friend." Arthyr replied.

Arthyr stalked across the clearing and sat cross legged under the closest tree, closed his eyes and focused on the magical vortex under Spiteshade. There his mind met with his chief spellsinger - Mandia Nightlock. There she confirmed the news and the importance of leaving his quest and mustering his forces to leave for the realm of fire.

"Uhtred Greenwing, we leave to hunt!" Arthyr called as he rose.

The rain started again, shrouding the Sentinels of Spiteshade as they vanished into a swirling mist, leaving the Tower of the Eternal Wood to the greenskins for now...

Airship down

Chapter 5

The forest canopy sped by under the hull of his faithful Ironclad 'Grim Lady'. Vaughm Stormmantle looked through his periscope, there in the distance he could see the monstrous tree surging through the canopy and then disappearing into the cloud cover. He must reach his cousin Beldak, there was danger coming... An Oruk warlord, violent and savage was making his way through the forest.


Suddenly Vaughm was shaken from his thoughts as a green explosion burst from the side of the 'Grim Lady'. He looked down to the forest, more green flaming balls were hurtling towards his ship.
"All hands on deck! Prepare to engage!" Shouted Vaughm as his Ironclad started to lose altitude.

Gonza the Mad cackled hysterically as he hurled arcane ball after ball at the stunty airship. His trusty guards Baz and Bol were grinning from the top of their squig mounts, the flicker of blood lust in their eyes. The plan had worked, and down fell the stunties, right into the squig feeding grounds... This going to be fun!
"Lads! Go bring me some beards! Our Boss demands 'em!" Screamed Gonza.



The latest battle saw King Beldak's cousin Vaughm crash into Grot occupied woods. Surrounded by squigs Vaughm and a handful of brave Kharadron Arkanauts had to hold out while King Beldak raced through the forest to reach them.
The Arkanauts sacrificed themselves to protect Vaughm long enough for Beldak and his Duardin to arrive and slay the squigs. Beldak himself accounted for no less than a dozen squigs. In the face of the might of Beldak and his band Gonza fled the field of battle to return to his Boss with news of what had happened...

The Ritual

Chapter four

Through the rain, mist and trees an unusual green light flickered and flashed off in the distance. The Grots were up to no good, whatever they were doing it needed to be stopped. King Beldak Ironhouse turned to his war band;

"The Grots are somewhere ahead, and they need to be shown the sharp side of our axes!"


The next battle saw our brave Duardin war band heading into a forest clearing to stop the Grots from completing a dark ritual. Beldak and his Duardin battled through the spider mounted Grots and brought down Shagduf Blacktongue before he could complete his ritual.

As the storm raged through the forest around the Tower of the Eternal Wood, Arthyr could feel something sinister and dark creeping at the each of his senses. He knew Beldak and his Duardin had engaged with the Grots again, but there was something else happening... Another ritual on the other side of the forest... A summoning? Nimue approached him and confirmed his fears;

"Arthyr, the Greenskins are trying to summon an ancient power to assist them in pillaging the Tower. We must stop them."

The next battle for the Wanderers had them also trying to stop a ritual from being completed. Through the rain the Wanderers surged from the forest the wipe out the Grots and their Troggoth allies. Unfortunately a handful of Aelves were smashed aside by the brutish Troggoths before Arthyr could get there. Arthyr and his rangers fought valiantly but were overwhelmed by the combined might of Troggoths, Oruks and Grots. Luckily, Lythal managed to bring down Lugrat before he completed the ritual then the remaining Wanderers grabbed the wounded and retreated back into the forest.

Shagduf Blacktongue and Lugrat Snoteye...

Chapter One

The forest loomed out in front of King Beldak Ironhouse and his war band. Rumor's had reached him that this Aelf Tree Tower had ur-gold hidden within its depth. This needed to be recovered by his Duardin warriors.

From his lookout within the branches of the trees he could see the hated Duardin marching, he patted his spiders flank, today we will feast on Duardin flesh. Shagduf Blacktongue whistled back to the other hidden Grots and their spider mounts. They skittered off and surrounded the unaware Duardin war band.



The first encounter of the campaign happened between the Duardin and the Grot spider riders. The Duardin caught off guard were mercilessly attacked and forced back, however as the spiders looked to finish the Duardin a group of Aelves arrived and helped the Duardin drive back the Grots and their spiders.

Finally, after marching through the night the had caught up with the Grot war band. "Troggoths, 3 none the less!" Thought Arthyr. This hunt would not be easy pickings, first to figure out who was leading this rabble of Greenskins. He sent Tui off to observe the Grots and soon located a loud and rough looking Grot barking orders at the other Grots. Arthyr turned to Lythal, "Start with the leader, I'll take care of the Troggoths."

"Who has my boot!" Screamed Lugrat Snoteye; "When I find the Grot who has my boot, I'll shove it down your throat you filthy worms!" Lugrat had heard there were Duardin in the forest and that his cousin Shagduf was heading to eliminate them. "Damn him and his spiders!" He thought.


The first battle for the Wanderers pitted them against the Troggoths and Grots under the command of Lugrat Snoteye. The Wanderers surrounded the Greenskins and quickly picked them off, while Arthyr strode through the Troggoths and butchered them. They then pursued Lugrat as he fled through the forest only to lead the Wanderers to the embattled Duardin.

Chapter Two

"My Lord Battlebeard, we've heard reports that the Grots have seized an ur-gold relic and are taking it back to their encampment. Our scouts have located them not far from here. Shall we go hunting?"

"Move it you miserable whelps! We have to get this shiny to the camp and melt it down before we come across those stunties or pointy eared bastards." Screeched Lugrat as his Grots and Troggoths made their way through the forest path.


The second battle for the Duardin found them springing an ambush on Lugrat's warband in order to recover an ur-gold relic. The Duardin quickly took down the Troggoth vanguard and moved in to wipe out the remaining Grots while Lugrat slipped away into the forest to lick his wounds.

Nimue raced through the forest, she could hear the Grots and their foul spiders pursuing her. She sprang into the next clearing and there they were, Prince Arthyr Stornos and his companions.
"I need your help! Filthy Grots are hunting me!"

"Faster! Move it Dimleg! We must catch the she-Aelf!" Growled Shagduf to his spider mount. His Grots had found the wandering Aelf as she was singing to the trees, but she was too fast on her horned steed. "If she makes it to find help, I'll have your guts for garters!!!"


The second battle for the Wanderers pitted them against Shagduf's spider riders. After suffering more casualties than Arthyr was prepared for the Aelves managed to drop enough of the Grots to make them flee back into the forest and leave the path clear for them to escort Nimue back to their hideout.


Chapter 3

From deep within the Tower of the Eternal Wood, Talu sat, cross legged in meditation. His new sense gifted to him from his True Queen prickled and twitched. He watched his distant brethren battling the foul green skins that were coming to his tower; he watched as the greedy Duardin slowly progressed through the forest, their hearts set on the ur-gold which was weaved through the mighty trees that formed this Tower.


He had dispatched dryads to observe and quietly interrupt with the interlopers progress. He needed time to complete the Tower, the roots went deep and spread far, but they needed to go further if they were to complete their quest. Through the gloom and mist that blanketed the room strode Talu's friend and body guard. Once he had been known as the Shadow King, Alith Anar, now he was known as Anaroth, Hunter of Kurnoth and Guardian Eternal. His mighty bow slung over his back, and a massive great blade in his hand he made an impressive silhouette in the mist.


"Ah, my friend. What news do you bring?" Talu said as he rose from his meditation.
"I have found him, the leader of the Greenskins. I come to request leave to pursue him." The words made no noise, but resounded within Talu's head. He nodded his approval and with that Anaroth strode out into the gloom.

The Story begins

The forest spread out for miles around the massive conglomeration of giant elder trees that formed the Tower of the Eternal Wood; how a mere Spell Singer created this was a question that Arthyr Stornos could not answer. He had never seen anything like it in all of Ghyran, even the stories he had heard of Athel Loren didn’t talk about the Tower being this majestic and yet monstrous at the same time.

 

As he crouched in the branches of forest he studied the landscape, lush, deep dark forests as far as he could see. He could feel the power of Ghyran flowing through the area, he could sense old magic in places too where rune stones had been erected to tap the ebb and flow and to mark sites of importance. He let his senses flow further; his faithful spirit hawk Tui, flew alongside; flowing and weaving through the forest. He felt joy like he hadn’t since, since he couldn’t remember. This  place must be protected he realized, the taint of darkness mustn’t be allowed to ruin this.

 

Arthyr’s senses travelled further, suddenly he reeled back. Something was wrong, something shouldn’t be here… Greenskins! Foul Troggoths and Moonclan Grots were  here, hacking at the precious trees and despoiling the forest. Were they here to pillage the Tower? Or were they just drawn by the thought of spilling blood and sap?

 

He withdrew back into himself and Tui landed at his feet. Arthyr turned to his trusted advisors and friends Lythal and Aertas.

“The Greenskins are here, we have some hunting to do my friends.”

Into the Forest

This weekend the Lord of Tal Stornos, Arthyr Stornos, ventures forth with his companions Aertas and Lythal...




What secrets will they uncover? What relics will they find? And will they find allies in the Forests around the Tower of the Eternal Wood or just foul creatures?




Keep an eye out for updates on Twitter @KNlGHTH00D over the weekend as I post up what is happening...


I just thought I'd share what we are going to be doing with the start of this campaign (hopefully it will continue and lead into Firestorm). So far we only have 2 players involved in the campaign and we both run Order forces... Now this is just annoying to me, as I really don't like having to play off Order vs Order in a campaign unless the theme justifies it... As such, and after some inspiration from watching Black Fyre Productions Whispers in the North campaign, I thought why don't we take turns with our Order warbands and also with a couple of Destruction warbands...


Enter the Gobbo's...


As such we have decided to create several Gobbo warbands that our Order warbands will be encountering during the campaign (including a pure Troggoth warband).


This should be fun :)

Skirmish loot cards!

So I've put together some loot cards for the loot that could drop during the campaign.

How will it work?

At the end of each battle select one character to look for loot. Roll a D6. If you score a 6 or more, you may then roll a D20 on the chart below.

1. Amulet of Spirits
2. Guardian Gem
3. Book of the Oracle
4. Thorn
5. Knightfall
6. Storm-Forged Great-cloak
7. Twilight Shroud
8. Titan's Guard
9. Ranger's Pin
10. Seeker's Crown
11. Seeker's Sword
12. Ethereal Arrow
13. Ancestral Duardin Axe
14. Phoenix Shield
15. Final Shield
16. Vinelimb Aldershadow (mysterious ally)
17. Shinerious, the Treasure Sniffer (pet)
18. Siro, Shadow Wolf (pet)
19. Mogg, the Stone-Spite (pet)
20. Firebelly, infant dragon (pet)