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Border Princes – Year 2506 IC
Overview
The year is 2405 IC. Various powers turn their attention toward the wild and unsettled lands of the Border Princes. Riches, influence, ancient power, and the promise of new dominions lure ambitious rulers south of the Empire. These rugged territories lie between harsh mountain peaks and the coast of the Black Gulf. Though not overflowing with treasure, the land itself holds great value for those willing to claim it.
Aftermath of the Greenskin Invasion
The Broken Waaagh
Four years earlier, a great Greenskin Waaagh swept through the region. The remaining orcs and goblins now wander the countryside as scattered but dangerous remnants. They raid villages, caravans, and isolated farms whenever opportunity presents itself.
Siege of Monte Castello
Their advance was halted at the Siege of Monte Castello. The defeat shattered their morale. In true Greenskin fashion, they immediately turned on each other, fighting brutal contests to decide which warboss would rise next.
The Empire’s Ambitions
Karl Franz’s Expedition
Emperor Karl Franz looks southward to restore depleted Imperial coffers. Recent military reforms, veteran recruitment, and ongoing border defense have strained the treasury.
To stabilize and exploit the Border Princes, he dispatches a disciplined expeditionary force. These soldiers include:
- State Troops
- Recalled veterans
- Allied contingents from Kislev and several Imperial provinces
Their goal is to impose order, claim resources, and establish new Imperial footholds.
Elven and Druchii Activity
Druchii Raiding
Malekith, Witch King of Naggaroth, commands his Druchii corsair fleets to intensify raids on the coasts of Estalia and Tilea. Still recovering from the defeat at the Battle of Finuval Plain, the Dark Elves seek slaves, wealth, and vengeance.
High Elf Intervention
In response, the High Elves dispatch naval forces to shadow the feared Black Arks. These contingents include:
- Lothern Sea Guard
- Mages of Saphery
- Rangers and Swordmasters
- Naval marines and supply vessels
Their mission is to intercept Druchii incursions and protect southern trade routes.
Dwarfs of Karaz Ankor
Defenders of the Mountains
The Dwarfs maintain strongholds across the Black Mountains. Trespassers, especially Greenskins, quickly learn the consequences of approaching Dawi territory. Crossbow volleys and grudge-fueled artillery are common greetings.
Ancient Oaths
Though stern and unyielding, the Dwarfs honor their ancient alliances. Their loyalty to traditional friends remains as enduring as the stone halls they inhabit.
The Shadowed Powers
Vampires and the Undead
Vampires lurk within ruined keeps and forgotten tombs. Their undead servants stalk lonely roads, preying upon isolated travelers and abandoned settlements.
Chaos and Norscan Raiders
From the frozen north come:
- Norscan reavers
- Chaos warriors
- Tribes devoted to the Dark Gods
Their fleets raid coastlines and clash frequently with Sartosan pirates and the undead fleets of the Vampire Coast. Each faction seeks the greatest spoils or corpse piles to appease their dark patrons.
Araby’s Distant Interest
The desert kingdoms of Araby observe these conflicts with curiosity. Merchants, explorers, and mercenaries sometimes travel north to experience the turmoil of Old World politics.
Chivalry in the Wilds
Bretonnian Knights
Bretonnian knights, including Questing Knights and possibly Grail Knights, wander the Border Princes. They fight Greenskins, protect travelers, and uphold the ideals of chivalry. Their growing numbers suggest that a larger Bretonnian host may soon arrive.
Threats of the Forest
Beastmen Tribes
The forests of the region are claimed by Beastmen tribes. Many outsiders underestimate their intelligence and organization. Such arrogance often leads to violent disappearance. To the Beastkin, the wilderness belongs to Chaos alone.
Conclusion
The Fate of the Border Princes
The Border Princes remain a cursed and contested land. Rival nations, ambitious warlords, and ancient powers all seek to carve their destiny into this frontier.
Unanswered questions remain:
- Which faction will triumph in the clash of cultures?
- Which god will be honored as the ultimate victor?
- Who will be recorded in future chronicles as master of this wild and blood-soaked land?
Only time, war, and the will of the gods will decide.