This is a tale of the ill-fated Dwarf King, Thorgit the Arrogant, who ruled over a series of holds in the Border Princes over 300 years ago. Famous, even amongst Dawi, for his ill-temper, stubborness and pride, he led a series of invasions against neighboring Tomb King and Araby dominions. This is the story of one of those battles...
"My Lord! The undead advance to meet us!" Thorgit whirled around, spilling foamy beer all over the sand-encrusted ranger that appeared behind him. The suds carved runnels through the dirt and grime on the doughty rangers face but the dwarf didn't even so much as grimace at the liquid assault.
"Valaya's teats! Don't sneak up on me like that!" roared the King, trying to hide his surprise behind anger. "Now quit tip-toeing about like some Elg prostitute at Fleet Week in Barak Varr and give me your report!"
Used to this sort of abuse from the young Lordling the ranger stuck a stubby finger into his ear and scratched out some grit. "Large formation my Lord. Three skeleton units, large number of chariots, at least one large beasty. Plus one of those Caskets is being dragged along. They will be upon our positions within the hour."
"Pfah! Pathetic resistance! Draw up the lines! Load the cannons! Prepare to repel the assault!"
Pausing a beat the ranger responded. "We have no cannons my Lord. You left them behind when they slowed down the march. And we be outnumbered three to one."
"Impudent whelp!" The King ignored the fact the grey-bearded ranger was probably three times his age. "Setup an ambush or whatever it is you above ground freaks do! I HAVE A BATTLE TO PREPARE FOR!"
Taking the opportunity the ranger vanished as quickly as he arrived. Standing nearby and shaking his grey head, the venerable Runesmith Krall the Morose finally decided to speak up.
"My Lord, we may want to consider a tactical advance to the rear. We've lost track of our Quarreller and Warrior units during the last sand storm. They probably returned to Redstone mines...that is after all the rally point you so wisely chose prior to..."
"SILENCE! I have no need of your nannying and nagging. I only tolerate your presence in honor of my dearly departed father. Why he counted you among his advisors I'll never know. Now why don't you make yourself useful and bang on some tongs or something." Turning away to his guard dwarves he began calling for his armor and wargear.
---
"Well, this isn't going to go well." The dour ranger was chewing on a stalk of wild wheat as he stared at the oncoming skeletal horde. He turned briefly to the wizened Runesmith at his side. "We don't have the numbers to hold this position."
"Aye, the only possibility we have is to attack, drive into their midst and destroy their commanders. Without their priests and princes this undead army is worthless."
"Did ye strike the runes on the banners?"
"Aye Ranger, I have. You will not be exposed in your forward position for long.
"Did they King order it?" The ranger smiled around the stalk as he said this, already knowing the answer.
"That young fool? He couldn't order a bath in a cathouse properly. Fortunately he's so impetuous he'll think it was his idea and not the runes power driving the Throng forward."
"Welp, that's for the best. We'll keep them off the army until you can bring the lads to grips..." The rest of what he was about to say was lost in a roar of machinery and steam as two gyrocopters buzzed the Dawi formation. "Ah, the ancestor gods smile up on. At least we have the engineers to help. I'm surprised they got those things working again with all the sand that gummed up their engines."
Before the Runesmith could reply a roaring shout was heard over the blast of Dawi horns. Over a small rise appeared a tide of Orange and Pink as a slayer force made an appearance.
"Grimnir! Grimnir!"
"Aye laddie, we're not alone in this fight. Take your forward positions, I'll try to keep the King from messing this up too badly..."
"Grimnir! Grimnir!"
The shouts and roars of the trollslayers filled the air as the rest of the Dwarven force cheered. Across the battlefield the silent undead hordes shambled slowly forward making barely a sound...
2500 Point Battleline
Tomb Kings vs. Dwarves!
Thorgit's Overland Throng
Dwarf Lord
Shieldbearers
2xRune of Might, 3xRune of Warding, Rune of Stone
Runesmith
Shield
Rune of Spellbreaking, Rune of Stone
Thane
BSB, GW
Master Rune of Grungni
Dragon Slayer
27 Slayers
Musician, Standard
Strollaz Rune, Rune of Sanctuary
15 Irondrakes
Full Command, Trollhammer Torpedo
39 Warriors w/GW
Full Command
23 Longbeards w/Shield
Musician, Standard
Strollaz Rune
10 Rangers
Musician
10 Rangers
Musician
2xGyrocopter
Tomb King Army
Tomb King
GW
Tomb Herald
Banner of the Undying Legion
Chariot
Tomb Prince
GW, Chariot
Armor of Destiny
Liche High Priest
Level 4, Nek
34 Tomb Guard w/Shield
Full Command
27 Skeletal Archers
Full Command
39 Skeleton Warriors
Full command
6 Chariots
Scorpion
Bone Giant w/Extra Hand Weapon
Screaming Skull Catapult
3xStalkers
Casket of Souls
SPECIAL RULES:
After crumble a new Heirophant can be chosen (like Vampires)
Friendly units within 12" of the Tomb King General can march
Constructs heal 1 wound per spell cast, not per phase
Characters on chariots use a merged profile (like Monstrous cavalry)
Chariots count as Fast Cavalry
Owning player must chug a beer every time a character dies
Edited by Stymie Jackson, 26 January 2015 - 11:05 PM.