Beneath the Reagents Keep

234BeReKe

Liss stalked the dilapidated halls of Krak’s keep as she sought out the self proclaimed reagent and ruler of these lands. As she moved passed the door-less frames, the gore streaked walls and the many coloured lichen that grew in these dank rooms her feral grin grew.

Outside of the keep she could hear the screams and cries of ghouls, hundreds of them as they bayed for a feast day and above it all the terrifying screech of the massive bat like creatures, Terrorgheist’s. In particular she could hear Goreshadow, the mount of her champion Will Wicksplitter, one of the largest beasts she had ever encountered.

The ghouls and minor courtiers that stalked the halls outside the vast entrance room huddled and cowered against the wall. She supposed that to them she would appear as something quite feral and unnatural. How ironic as they were cut from the same cloth. Well maybe not as regal as her but the same none the less.

Ever since she was sired she was different from the other ghouls. Twisted by dark magic of a vampire lord and coerced to complete dark and violent acts of cannibalism she morphed into the being she is today. Rather than becoming twisted by some grand delusion of a king she was aware of what she was, what she did and she revelled in the power that came with her depravity. In fact she relished the ghoulish acts she committed and enjoyed feasting on the flesh of the realms mortals more than the ghouls she commanded.

“Queen Liss…” a quivering voice from the doorway in front of her spoke. “Arch Reagent Krak, the Crowncracker, bastion of hope and champion of light sends for you.” The Crypt Ghast said in a quiver.

“Does he now?” Liss replied, not expecting an answer. “Show me to Krak. I have grave tidings”. As the ghast bowed and hurried through the doors, the only ones that appeared to be functional she breathed in the heady smell of fresh meat.

Pushing past the piles of bones she stepped up to the table and gave a polite curtsey to the most arrogant ghoul she had seen in some time. Krak slurped the marrow from the bones of of some duardin that they had fought recently, feathers of a phoenix framed his throne and a shard of ghurish magic buzzed in a crown – fragments of an Incarnate she was sure of it.

“Queen Liss, your presence here is either a great of foul portent. Which tidings do you bring to me this eve?” Krak said as he slurped red liquid, blood, from a skull.

“My scouts have tracked strange happenings, disappearance of serfs and the odd knight to mines near your keep. I suspect that something particularly fowl is taking them and that they have eyes on your keep and have come to grant you my aid.” Liss said with all the decorum of nobility. After a moment of silence Krak roared with laughter, followed immediately by his courtiers.

Arrogant king Liss thought as she bared her fangs and warped teeth, the room silenced immediately. Her ferocity, strength and bloodlust was well known. “I do not offer my assistance lightly as I also bring proof.” Liss screeched into the room. A moment later the flapping of wings answered her call and a great shape blocked the failing light from a nearby large window.

With the flapping of torn wings a Crypt Flayer, a large bloated ghoul with great spiked bat-like wings flew through the window and landed next to Liss. As it landed it dropped a large bag in front of its queen and bowed low to her. Liss reached for the bag and slowly began to untie it – her long dagger like claws still able to demonstrate a great deal of dexterity despite their capacity for violence. The courtiers leant forwards as did Krak as they watched with their foetid breath held in anticipation.

Liss reached in and pulled out the contents, a body. Its brown fur was mattered with sticky blood and what remained resembled a rat – a particularly large rat. It wasn’t until Liss threw the body to the table that the full extent of it was revealed, the rats head was part of a larger corpse – one with humanoid features including a torso and large muscular arm with a triangular symbol lashed to its wrist.\

“I caught this trying to drag away one of my serfs into a hole. Fear-riddled creatures it soiled itself and died before I could question it fully. Following the holes though my scouts found that it lead to the mines near your Keep. So with this as proof I once again offer you my services, and that of my champion, to eradicate these vermin from your lands.” she said as she watched Krak stalk towards the corpse. After a moment the Arch reagent picked up the body and bit into the fleshy part of the bicep.

A wicked grin crossed its face as he strode towards a nearby window to address his kingdom. As he stood there he held the body up high and a bestial roar burst forth from his swelling chest. “Tonight we feast!” he called as he threw the body down the the heaving masses.

Turning around Krak stalked towards Liss. “When do we leave?” he asked.

“Immediately” replied Liss as her smile turned into a feral snarl. The bloodshed she craved was about to happen.

The legions of Krak Crowncracker

235LoKC

First off in traditional Warhammer style I have the list.

Now to explore the legions I have something a bit different.

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Royalty

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Name: Krak Crowncracker

Unit: Abhorrent Arch Reagent

Krak Crowncracker stole his crown from the previous king. Being an older, more experienced Abhorrent King the overthrowal of the old ruler of the courts wasn’t a particularly difficult task. In fact with the support of the Lady Reagent and his most loyal courtiers it was child’s play.

Wearing the dermal robe, a treasured artefact, he is a particularly potent spell caster. With his natural abilities no surprise that he is able to bolster his knights to perform greater feats of bravery and heroics.

When fighting near his two supporting kings, those that rule over kingdoms nearby who swore loyalty to him, he is a potent commander.

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Name: Lady Alloren Drakrender

Unit: Abhorrent Ghoul King on Zombie Dragon

Kraks second in command when he is not on the field Alloren is a ferocious combatant with or without her dragon. Leading the charge and wading into the masses of bodies she shows The legions of Krak Crowncracker how its done. She herself fights harder to convince the serfs and knights to follow her, and her dragons, foot steps. With her ferociousness in full display, and the ancient dragon under her command, it is a rare sight indeed for troops, serfs or otherwise, to flee from the battlefield when she is nearby.

Adorning the Decrepit Coronet she is chosen of Krak to lead his legions, for this battle at least, and the legions of serfs are more than happy to follow her to their demise.

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Name: Duke Bryce Tallowswallow

Unit: Abhorrent Ghoul King

Lord Bryce Tallowswallow is ruler of one of the fiefdoms of Krak Crowncracker. Bryce inspires the troops he oversees to fight harder, the serfs and knights are normally eager to prove themselves to Bryce as he is in charge of distributing the most delicious of loot.

Bryce wasn’t always third in command, no, until Krak took over he was fighting wars with the previous reagent. However the demonstration of Kraks’ power, his cunning and his ruthlessness to get what he desired swayed Bryce take a knee instead of taking up his sword.

Nobility

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Name: Bran Hoofgnasher

Unit: Crypt Haunter Courtier

Bran is a huge knight, and a bigger Crypt Haunter at that. Standing way taller than the average man the magic and blessings from his king swell him with pride, fervour and the desire for bloodshed. Normally positioned near the thick of it he is not afraid to bound into melee himself. With the bolstering of his king, and the artefact he carries (the Flayed Pennant) those around him and in particular his knights are fast and brutal first engagers.

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Name: Lord Tyson Tearn’swallow

Unit: Crypt Ghast Courtier

Unlike Bran, Lord Tyson is a small and weaselly man. Thin of nature he manages to whip the Serfs that follow him into a frenzy and even has displayed the uncanny ability to bring order back into the hosts when they start to waver.

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Name: Luke Bonespittle 

Unit: Crypt Ghast Courtier

Not yet given the title of Lord, Luke is a relatively untested courtier who has followed Krak to the battlefield to gain experience in commanding troops. Whilst not as thin and weasel-like as Lord Tyson he is just as persuasive to the lower classes, coming from one of them himself, and they follow his orders. Given the smallest contingency on the battlefield, except for Kraks Scouts, he is generally well organised and follows the plan to the letter.

Knights

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Name: Bran’s Burning Knights

Unit: 6xCrypt Horrors

Leader: Kale Ironshot

Brans Burning knights are the biggest of his knights and when they charge the impact of their blades is felt across the battlefield. These knights are the true hammer of the court and are able to smash through and battleline or regiment that is foolish enough to stand in their path.

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Name: Shining Tooth

Unit: 3xCrypt Horrors

Leader: Reginald Tongueslitter

Quicker and more of a skirmish unit than the Burning Knights the Shining tooth pick off key units and wade into them without fear for their safety. To them the mission is all and if they can prevent invaders and those who challenge Krak or Bran from reaching their lords and kings then they consider their mission complete.

Serfs

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Name: Tyson’s Fury

Unit: 30xCrypt Ghouls

Leader: Kitty Flayedback

Kitty Flayedback leads the most zealous and ferocious infantry and footmen that Krak has ever seen. With a single call from his horn, or inspirational command they throw themselves like cornered beasts into the enemy and bring them down with blade, pick or axe. Although not as big or armoured as the knights, generally just wearing the colours of Krak’s courts they fight as if they were the mightiest warriors on the battlefield – and they might be just right.

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Name: Bolstered Bulwark

Unit: 20xCrypt Ghouls

Leader: Kate Goredribble

Whilst not ferocious and hungry for a fight as Kitty’s warriors Kates are staunch defenders and never falter. Listening to their lords or kings last orders they carry them out to the letter regardless of what crests the hill in front of them or kicks down the gate. Proving themselves resourceful multiple times they have earnt a seat at Krak’s table – good things are in Kates future goblet

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Name: Sparrowhawks

Unit: 10xCrypt Ghouls

Leader: MIA

Not given a specific title based on the deeds of a few in the group Krak’s Sparrowhawks are the first to spot the enemy. Generally used as a rear guard to ensure that the Arch Reagent, his courtiers and lords are safe from an ambush. This has however resulted in a higher than average turnover of this specialised group and they are always seeking new members.

For the Sovereign

234FothSo

The green grass of the field ahead of them was only broken by the pillars of woodwork and stone that his men had erected years ago. The vibrant banners flapped in the winds as his followers, mighty knights, his courtiers and the largest gathering of serfs that had been witnessed on a battle field for many years now.

Looking across the battlefield the serfs had just finished setting up the tower from which he could sit upon and conduct battle. It was a fine day for a fight and these interlopers, these invaders were here to fight to claim the title Sovereign. It was his title and not one that he would share lightly. In fact there was only one other that he would consider sharing this title with and she was vacant from this battlefield. Probably wise as her appetite for bloodshed was almost as high as her other appetites.

Climbing his throne-like tower he stood high above the surrounding lands and looked across his men. His general caught his eye. A woman of rare bearing and even rarer martial prowess, much like himself. Tall for her kind and despite her ruthlessness in combat she shared a strange fondness for the beast she rode into battle. A dragon. Shaking his head, his twinned moustache floating in the spring breeze he heard the first trumpets of his scouts saw the unholy minions of darkness streak towards the ground in bolts of lightning.

“How she can manage to keep astride that beast and still manage to direct troops is beyond me” he muttered to himself.

“Arch Reagent!” a portly man, one of his courtiers, Bran Hoofgnasher, called to him as he strode swiftly towards him. “The invaders have fell beasts on their side. The knights are ready to engage but I fear the Serfs will falter.” The man was correct, he rarely was wrong when it came to his knights and their ability to sew chaos and bloodshed.

“Well I better hope that Lord Tyson Tearn’swallow and Luke Bonespittle can keep their men in order until reinforcements arrive. This is a battle we can not afford to lose as I hear rumours of a gathering of others who would wrestle my crown from me.” The Arch Reagent, Krak Crowncracker, said as he looked over the gathering of men, beasts and knights.

Besides. We also have a dragon.

The call to arms went out swiftly and with a sudden burst of movement the enemy was advancing towards them. Foul black knights in armour the glimmered and shone in foul mockery of their dark nature formed walls of flesh and steel. ‘Clever’, he thought to himself as he noticed the key positions that they sought to hold. The giant dragon, foul scaled and crackling with fouler lightning landed on the left flank to bolster the small contingent of forces that had gathered there.

“Sire! They have a sorcerer!” a call shrieked out from the front lines as bolts of putrid lightning and thunder rumbled forth across the battlefield bolstering their warriors and shaking the serfs nerves.

Dashing forward he climbed the tower with ease, for someone of his physique it was an easy test. “Do not falter!” he called, his voice magically bolstered by the holy robe he wore. “Do not fear, my people. We will beat these invaders back. They have brought foul sorcery and dark beasts to our lands but they have not faced our might and fury before. Onwards to Victory!” he roared above the din of the contingents.

A chant broke out from Lord Tyson Tearn’swallow “For the Sovereign!” the call went out. Soon the serfs started to mirror the chant. “For Krak Crowncracker! For The Sovereign!”. He smiled and swelled with pride at his footmen, his beloved infantry who had served him well for years. The knights bellowed and soon his general, Lady Alloren Drakerender and her mighty companion flew above head to land just in front of him. The dragon bellowed forth a rage filled roar. Challenging any and all to come towards its rider or the Arch Reagent they served.

The serfs moved up, maintaining regimental rank and keeping their banners and weapons high. These were highly trained troops and as the enemy forces finished their positioning they too had mirrored their hold on the key positions.

His anvil. The knights and his courtiers the mighty keening hammer that would drive the invaders home he thought to himself. But, he also knew no fury like the serfs. They were loyal and ferociously so to not only himself and the lady Alloren Drakerender but also his adjutant Duke Bryce Tallowswallow – and unfortunate name for one of his rank – but he had proved himself time and time again.

Watching his serfs, their courtiers move and mirror the invaders brought a smile to his mouth. For he had organised a surprise gift for the invaders. Grabbing a horn from his side he pressed the cold metal to his lips and blew – the sound like a screaming horse split across the sky and the same haunting sound came from the flanks of the opposing forces. Lord Vorn Blackblood, his mightiest courtier was joined with a contingent of his fiercest of serfs and drove the enemy back one of the key defensible positions.

Blowing a second time and his scouts returned from off field to join him by his side.

“You called sire?” they yelled as they ran towards him, the rest of his forces moving up to take the field and key positions.

“I need you to watch our territory. I feel as though they are holding back from us. This can not be the force we heard about there are far too few men.” he said as he counted only 20 foot knights that accompanied the large drake-like mount, the dragon and the hideous feather winged abomination that some had called a Tauralon.

The scouts nodded and retreated to climb a nearby house to watch for other invaders.

Noticing that his opponent was on the backfoot he blew into his horn again and raced down from the tower. It was time to go on the offensive.

“Onwards Lady Alloren Drakerender. Show them how its done!” he called out as the drake roared and charged into enemy lines. Moments after a torrent of fire roasted two knights in their armour and their bodies fell to the ground with foul lightning forking out around them.

The serfs, courageous and hungry to prove their might to the Lady, also charged into the dark warriors. Brave souls they were as a few of them were struck down with foul lightning on the charge. His knights also charged in – bolstered by his call to combat they made short work of the distance between them and the foes.

Krak Crowncracker watched as his small contingent of elite knights met a fiery end as the dragon breathed fire down upon them. One knight and his steed survived the fire onslaught but that made the remaining warrior all the more ferocious.

Soon the dragon, the knights and even Vorn Blackblood had charged into the invaders and the knights fell shortly after. Foul magic whisking across the field keeping falling warriors alive by unholy magic and the arrival of anther five knights looked to cause an issue for the noble warriors.

Then the dragon fought back. The brave knights that charged into it and his warriors were gone, cut in two by those putrid claws. The serfs, courtiers, knights and Alloren had killed the land drake, a Dracoth, was ripped in two by the ferocious jaws of her dragon. After a few heated moments of conflict his forces had decimated all the foot knights and a few small lords on foot. However the dragon and winged creature posed a threat.

The counter charge was brutal. His instincts were right as the most unholy creature fell to the earth – a Lord Celestant-Prime, his ancient tomes had warned of their dark magic and ability to single handily win fights. He only had to get his troops to hold long enough so that his reinforcements could arrive and all would be well – Lady luck was normally on his side.

After the dragons fire, claws and worse his entire left flank was gone. The middle contingency of troops was down to a few standing but those approaching with Vorn were nearly uninjured – a few scrapes and scratches. The dragon had killed Bryce and Tyson and there wasn’t anything between him and his foe. But, a horn sounded in the distance and another unit of his fiercest troops appeared, a unit of 30 strong!

Lord Vorn Blackblood charged into the remaining troops and made the final push to hold the enemies position. His troops, his men and women controlled the field. There wasn’t an inch of land that wasn’t under his control and the enemy knew it. The crack of bones rumbled through the battlefield as Alloren Drakerender and her mount were killed by a ferocious and desperate charge from the dragon. The Celestant-prime strode up to Lord Blackblood and with a swing of its unholy mace his most loyal courier fell.

Cursing he screeched across the battlefield. The field was his but what remained was no match for the foul creatures. As he pressed the ornate horn to his lips to bellow a retreat another horn rang out. Reinforcements were appearing and the thundering of feet on ground sounded the arrival of more of his zealous serfs. The battle was not over and with a bolt of dark lightning the Dragon, Tauralon and Celestant-Prime fled the battlefield. A chorus began to spread across the battlefield. “For the Sovereign!” and his loyal troops returned to gather around him as they grabbed the bodies of the fallen to form piles of the dead. There would be a feast tonight in their honour.