The Story Thus Far...

ar has come to the Great Forest, and the sky has turned black as ash-laden clouds obscure the sun. The forest resounds to the sound of marching feet and clashing steel. The armies of Men, Dwarfs, and Greenskins seek the Nemesis Crown, and smaller hosts from many other races are drawn to the fighting, determined to affect the outcome of the conflict.

The Nemesis Crown has been discovered, yet it was almost immediately lost. First a Dwarf Miner and then a Night Goblin claimed the crown before disappearing, having slaughtered their compatriots. None knows exactly who holds it now, or the terrible powers at work upon its bearer.

The armies of the Empire are mustered while the expert woodsmen of Talebecland are scouring the forest in search of the Goblin who escaped with the crown. The Emperor himself is encamped nearby and leads daily forays against the enemies invading his realm. Karl Franz harbours a desire to return to Altdorf with the crown, to enshrine it within the temple of Sigmar as an artefact as revered as any of the Runefangs.

The Dwarfs are encamped along the Old Dwarf road and have erected mighty fortifications around their camp. Thorgrim himself leads the hunt for the crown, yet a tension is building between Dwarf and Man. Whether or not the old allies will come to blows remains to be seen, though no one is in doubt that a time of great strife is fast approaching, and this oldest of alliances will be tested as never before.

Grimgor leads his vast greenskin horde from his lair in the Middle Mountains. Entire tribes of Forest Goblins crawl through the dark woods at Grimgor's command, seeking out the crown. A network of runners brings news of the hunt to Grimgor; yet few volunteer for the task, for bearers of bad tidings seldom survive Grimgor's wrath.

These are the factions active in the forest in the greatest numbers and with the most hope of gaining the crown. Yet, others are drawn to the conflict, whether through the desire to aid an ally, stymie a rival, or perhaps even to claim the crown for themselves.

The Beastmen have been driven from their ancient lairs in the deepest woods by the conflict, yet now they rally to the fell creature known as Morghur. The Wood Elves have responded to the intrusion of the other races into the deepest glades of the Great Forest by despatching parties to expel any and all invaders. The High Elves lend their aid to the forces of light, while their opportunistic dark kin sow fear and confusion in the name of the Witch King. The forces of the Undead are abroad too - the Vampire Rahtep leading the aristocracy of the night, taking advantage of the bloodshed to swell his shambling legions. Outrageous tales of bone-clad Khemrian ships traversing the Reik by moonlight have been discounted as hysterical rumour.

Whatever their agenda, every race in the world has a stake in the events unfolding in the Great Forest. Whether they seek to use the crown for their own ends or to hide it away so that others may not, to aid allies or simply to profit from the mayhem and bloodshed - the dark earth of the Great Forest shall soon be fed by the blood of those who would claim for themselves the Nemesis Crown!

Bretonnia Initial Despatch

What follows is a true account of the proclamation issued by his regal and blessed majesty, King Louen, may fortune favour him, and The Lady preserve him.

Loyal subjects! Our neighbours in the Empire of Sigmar have become embroiled in war, and conflict wracks their heartlands. Our royal emissaries report that, even now, many of the Empire's military forces are embattled in the Great Forest. We have no reason to believe that they shall meet with anything other than ultimate success, for our cousins have ever been possessed with an admirable, if crude and unchivalrous, tenacity in matters of warfare. We wish them the very greatest of fortune in their endeavours and entreat The Lady to show them favour.

However, we are minded at this time to contemplate the common folk of the Empire, the lower orders left unshielded in pursuit of higher goals. Even now, the westernmost provinces of the Empire are ravaged by cruel Goblins and other, far more dreadful foes. Should the weak go undefended whilst the strong are distracted? I say thee nay! Honour dictates that such events cannot go unchallenged, and we shall not sit idle.

On this day, we present our loyal subjects with a cause both glorious and noble. We declare a war of errantry and charge all noble sons of Bretonnia to gird themselves for battle. Our armies shall muster and ride east. Our strong right arm shall bolster the defences of the Empire, and our valour shall preserve those who have been abandoned by their rulers. We call upon each and every Knight of The Lady to take up sword and lance and to wield them in thy cousins’ defence.

As spur and bounty, we pledge the lordless lands of Sularême, Gisolarau, and Touloran as prizes to those Knights who display the greatest valour. Furthermore, all nobles are hereby granted royal authority to extend our gracious protection to any township or village of the Empire whose elders prefer our honourable rule to that of an Emperor who has left them defenceless.

Ride now, Knights of Bretonnia. Ride for honour, for glory, and in The Lady's name.

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