WFRP - The Imperial Zoo

I am familiar with a merchant who deals in, nctmtimooeaHmhsasnwaTatcbatroaurfhahnrheertenngroieensetchtleeessthadtoetssihlourPhgreietysvfe.h.sbyacfrtiFaUhClacnsfchyeifrteitaelnofbrgheodcer,nshtdlumlethceeuabaei!co‘anistomyhginAnnvoifgivattlefillnayhiettcnycnbdsalrae,t—nl’ueleoirtW,weofedureulifntfsifrietibhttwaUnhttshntleholetdneohieeuserrseisiGtcCyvdcavshhioherheieygceafrdesnaiaeIlsnyM,enlmciimunigtenW,taycc,euitis,eglsnohinetslnciroeoerctahfdfdl.owatemoanAsicelibmohuantgcany,eghrlctuytpssrhltPyhsaoreosaermpoerrucudrordreipigerfelonuetycgvohscleefeseesssoytrs
shall we say, unusual experiences. He has wares

to cater to many tastes, and Spit is certainly
in his repertoire. Here is the intriguing bit
though: he once told me that the quality and
effects of Spit can greatly change depending
on how the Chameleoleech feeds. Apparently,
the variations are so great that there are Spit
‘connoisseurs’ and dealers who specialize in
particular, I suppose you would say, ‘tenors’
of hallucinogen. When I inquired what repast
brings about such a change, he grew nervous

and changed the subject.

51

Fen Worm

ightiest of all the snakes of the Old World, Fen Worms n a small shop in Schilderheim, I found a curious

M are immense creatures, with even the smallest of their I sculpture that I think was intended to represent a Fen
kind reaching ten long paces when full-grown. There Worm. It had certain markings I’ve come to associate
are many old stories of Fen Worms that measured hundreds of feet with the Old Faith, but it was strangely distorted. It had long
from head to tail. If such titans still slither about the marshes of protrusions of some kind, not unlike tentacles, ringed about its
the Empire, they have become elusive creatures indeed, for none so mouth. When I asked about it, the shopkeep promised to inquire
large has been reported in many generations. Perhaps due to their after the owner for me. When I returned the following day, the
massive size, Fen Worms are only found in the boggy soil of their sculpture was gone and the shopkeep singularly unforthcoming.
namesake and strictly avoid dry land, which they cannot easily She ignored my entreaties, and swiftly threatened to call the
move their bulk over. The Imperial Zoo went to a considerable Watch if I didn’t move along at once.
amount of effort to create a suitable ‘enclosed bog’ for Lady Scales,
who is most beloved by the children of Altdorf. I must confess,
I’ve never been able to look at pigs or snakes quite the same way
after watching her crush and consume several during one of her
bi-monthly feedings.

There are some very obscure tales that associate Fen Worms with FEN WORM
the Old Faith, the ancient religion that once dominated the lands
where the Empire now stands. Depictions of endlessly coiling M WS BS S T I Ag Dex Int WP Fel W
serpents can still be found upon some of the eldest surviving 3 50 - 60 55 10 30 - 30 45 - 80
menhirs associated with the Old Faith, which abide even now,
slowly gathering moss and lichen deep within our forests. It is Traits: Armour 2 (7), Bestial, Cold-blooded, Dark
said that devotees of Rhya and Taal still practice a few rites that Vision, Size (Enormous), Stealthy, Swamp-strider
associate snakes with fertility. When I asked after such, several Attack Traits: Constrictor, Weapon
priests told me that I was mistaken and then would speak with (Crushing Coils) +10
me no more. Sensing far more to the story, I began making more Endless Coils – A Fen Worm has scaled
discreet inquiries as we travelled along the Reik. length to spare and can Grapple up to five
targets of smaller sizes simultaneously.
I uncovered strange, whispered tales of a faith not as gone as some Skills: Stealth (Rural) 50 (+3 SL for Stealthy)
would have you believe. A most interesting ‘herbalist’from Uhland Optional Traits: Fanatical Cultists, Painless,
told me about an ancient schism of belief, leading to factions both Size (Monstrous), 4xTentacles +10, Terror 1
benign and utterly debased. I previously heard fearful references —
always given accompanied by the sign of the Hammer to avert evil
— of a creature called the ‘Pale Wyrm’, with the implication that
it was some kind of Fen Worm. This was unusual to hear, as the
creatures near-invariably have brown and green stippled scales,with
mottled patterns that allow them to blend into marsh foliage.When
I asked the herbalist about it, she turned quite pale herself and said
‘some falsely believe there must be pain to ensure prosperity’. Then
she too, as the priests before her, would speak no more.

C
† †

52

asFfdaaenAeoroLnsOsecnrednasttvonmcohcyotdWaneaecetaopcyioreodouuraaetterfutslotnomaciweflrftlabdtahseiueleDt.nledaawlwapdel.sdT,tigroolhshthSnostiechwesrhednadpameelespha,m,iilsc,gerrckmeoeafoairhhoiemcry‘ml.ltsriaFeiliboenAenvypaoenuneeggrurssiooelsrseWtsbpobclsAosnylpoetaooferigamotconmdheHsdrfbbgas-easeoiheosds’rorl,ree,intlnteriyos,d,
among the Asrai.

53

The Corpse Render of Carroburg

here is an old Sylvanian proverb which states: ‘That While all Hydra are quick to recover from their wounds if they
are not killed, returning from the dead is, fortunately, a trick that
T which is Evil endures. All else fades’. While I suspect relatively few of their ilk seem to possess. The Crimson Scourge
they had something else in mind when they first of Zhufbar has hunted the fens about the Black Water of the
uttered it, the Sylvanians may as well have been talking about the Worlds Edge Mountains for over a thousand years. Like the
Hydra known as the Corpse Render of Carroburg. This monster Corpse Render, the Scourge has been ‘confirmed slain’ by warriors,
has stalked back and forth between the Furdienst and the Mirror mercenaries, and no few Slayers.Yet, it keeps returning to kill again.
Moors of Middenland for centuries, despite having been ‘killed’ Some scholars have suggested, carefully, lest they arouse the ire of
on a number of occasions. Hydra are reptilian monstrosities that the Dwarfs, that perhaps Hydras can produce descendants that
roam the dismal swamps of the Empire, consuming anything they look exactly like their progenitor. I spoke directly with two Slayers
can catch. They are infamous for their multiple heads, voracious who had fought the Crimson Scourge ‘to the death’ on more than
appetites, and in a few notorious cases, a seeming unwillingness one occasion and both swore that it was the same beast, returned.
to stay dead.

The Corpse Render is a legendarily aggressive beast, unwilling Hydras seem heavily prone to mutation, as the tales of their
to back down against nearly any foe. There are stories about it appearances vary wildly. The majority bear seven or more heads
charging bands of Ogres and Demigryph knights, and it once resembling those of either snakes or lizards, mounted atop long
tried to consume an Imperial Steam Tank. It soon despoils the flexible necks and connected to an exceedingly broad torso. The
area about its chosen lair, eventually consuming all other life that Crimson Scourge breathes great gouts of flame,whereas the Corpse
does not flee. Its preference for swamps may be directly tied to Render has a wide, fanged maw concealed within the folds of its
its great hunger, for the marshes of the Empire have wildlife in trunk.Hydras’scaled skins come in a wide variety of colours,ranging
great abundance. Unsurprisingly, Krause notes the Corpse Render from solid black to the impossible shades that flicker over the Corpse
is one more excellent reason to avoid swamplands. Outside of the Render. These latter can ‘unhinge the mind’ as some stories have it.
Empire, Hydras are often found in mountainous caverns, though No matter the shade, all can easily turn arrows. Hydras seem to be
how they sustain themselves is a bit of a mystery. Perhaps they near-voiceless creatures, managing only a menacing, burbling hiss
needs must grow fond of the taste of Cave Squig. when they charge. None have accused them of being particularly
clever beasts, but they are tenacious far beyond the point of reason.

ttrtkWCrpshWwrIoeneteooaamgticesonihrtnhrensswa,ecyendeetetiwts:Hnys,ehiJsvtaortSiseyyh.ahdmad,nhedPebtaeeaeyreelelstvbriyyaCresedfson,scvrahnodotholoelc,chaylnmtwacaetfteheehognneyhapwoferaec,tfiuav,etnlteaiehregsn,aedncehrasecnodheuwtnsdeCtttnohtcheyhhiolrthetdtaaeeruoohrh,rtpctnsmrbei,srrhsnnygeaepeeeewaetaenamrraRursrtogedgtbuireyuwsosanen‘tsrlhOriaaidoednttefnsrsirhretogstdfdauronciiteaamvacvr.hwtreelennnhiesvtatmeyeehseAhodesrll.fauaueoe’mbTtrwbcssdirhshetloisoeovlitmoyauasotehmofddgeyIt.h.seetrt THE CORPSE RENDER

M WS BS S T I Ag Dex Int WP Fel W
6 65 - 60 65 15 30 - 20 35 - 84

Traits: Armour 3 (9), Bestial, Distracting (Colour-
shifting Scales), Grim, Night Vision, Regeneration,
Size (Enormous), Swamp-strider, Territorial
Attack Traits: Bite (Hidden Maw) +12,
Constrictor, Weapon (Teeth) +10
Seven Shrewd Glares – The Corpse Render
cannot be outnumbered in combat or Surprised.
Skill: Melee (Teeth) 75
Talent: Berserk Charge 3

54

55

Dark Pegasi

t is always dangerous to assume that anything can be Hippogryphs are ferocious, blood-thirsty beasts, savage killers
with the forequarters and wings of a massive raptor and the
I true of an entire people, but one is hard-pressed to find a hindquarters of a horse. By all accounts, they hate everyone
Bretonnian who does not love horses. Surely, there must and everything. Few riders indeed have the courage to mount a
be exceptions, but I suspect those keep it to themselves, lest they Hippogryph.The would-be rider must raise the beast from a chick
be turned out of hearth by their relatives. The folk of the Duchy by their hands alone. Even then, they are never ‘safe’ creatures to
of Couronne are said to learn how to ride a horse before they can be around.
even walk — a rumour that no few travelers confirmed to me,
including a Couronnian, after we passed into the Gisoreux Gap Pegasi and Hippogryphs have fought amidst the peaks of the
through the Grey Mountains. Indeed, many claim that the horse Grey Mountains for as long as recorded history, or so the Dwarfs
breeders of the Duchy of Couronne produce the finest destriers say. Pegasi are more clever by far than Hippogryphs, which is
the Old World has to offer. Patrons in several taverns in Gisoreux fortunate, as those vicious beasts are far more brutal. They are
assured me that Couronnians were all determined to breed the also, sadly, swifter — and that, I suspect, is where the tragedy
swiftest steeds possible, as racing is a pastime their entire duchy began. The story is not easily found, one told in quiet taverns on
obsesses over. Alas, from such single-mindedness can calamity dark, ill-omened nights. It holds that many centuries ago, some
spring, for I uncovered here the roots of a much darker tale… Couronnian breeders felt that their native Pegasi should be given
a ‘fighting chance’ against the Hippogryphs. They began a secret
Many fierce creatures dwell in the heights of the Grey Mountains breeding program in a high valley of the Pale Sisters, one intended
and the northerly Pale Sisters. One old trapper swore to me ‘on to create a ‘faster Pegasus’. Exactly what they introduced to the
the Lady herself, sir’ — no small oath for a Bretonnian — that Pegasi’s line is shrouded or, perhaps, purposefully lost. At least one
he’d seen a colossal Squig, ‘as big as a house’, jumping between scholar told me those misguided folk used a beast from the Chaos
two of the smaller peaks of the Pale Sisters. Many stories hold Wastes to ‘enhance’ the Pegasi.
that a few of the legendarily dreadful Basilisk still roam the high
valleys (hopefully leaving statues of Greenskins in their wake). The resulting creatures were swift as any Hippogryph: darkly
To Bretonnians though, the most important beasts that wander coloured Pegasi with great wings like unto those of a bat and
the heights are the sorts that could potentially bear a saddle, jagged, serrated horns. Unfortunately, they were also cruel and
should one be inclined to ride them. Most famous of these are cunning hunters that reveled in devastating ambushes against
mortal enemies of one another: the noble Pegasi and the fierce unsuspecting or weakened foes.These ‘Fallen’ or ‘Dark’ Pegasi soon
Hippogryphs. turned against their breeders and, ultimately, were driven north
across the sea. None are said to live now within the borders of
Pegasi, as my readers doubtless know, are magnificent horses with Bretonnia, but there are caves within the mountains that hide
vast feathered wings. A knight that would ride such an intelligent many secrets. Rumours persist that certain breeders yet engage in
creature must help rear it from a foal. This is an expensive and unsavory activities not spoken of within earshot of knights.
time-consuming prospect to be sure, but one that eventually leads
to a loyal, flying mount.They are so desirable that some lords boast
entire units of Pegasus-mounted knights. The Imperial Zoo’s pair,
Boralis and Corana, are certainly wonderful and friendly creatures,
as eager for an apple as any horse I’ve ever met.

56

DARK PEGASI

M WS BS S T I Ag Dex Int WP Fel W
8 45 - 45 40 25 40 - 15 25 - 28

Traits: Belligerent, Bestial, Dark
Vision, Flight 120, Size (Large)
Attack Traits: Horns +8, Weapon (Serrated Horns) +8
Ruthless Strike – On the round a Dark
Pegasus charges, all of its attacks have the
Impale and Penetrating Qualities.
Optional Traits: Mutation, Trained
(Broken, Magic, Mount, War)

57

Bt'LhraeetwPtoéangllaiaos,feaRatatbrmaibrpuoantneitda',ltphoaooiunnseteiJnienganseaeDesntue'urBnploannc.

58

Nightravens

hile we stayed in the city of Gisoreux, capital of the decree was never rescinded, and Bretonnian Knights — being
keen to make the place of the peasantry absolutely clear to them —
W Duchie of Gisoreux, I noticed the strangest practice. sporadically check to see that torches are still set out.That called for
Outside every house, every few days, the occupants a round of drinks and I thought the matter closed, but I was wrong.
place a fresh torch, usually in some sort of ceramic sconce. I never
saw any of them used, only regularly maintained. I found the One of the people I’d been drinking with, a cooper named Ferragus,
Gisorens to be a delightful people, friendly to travelers, and I’d quietly approached me after the others were retired for the evening.
struck up a good rapport with a few, so I finally asked about the He told me there are those who believe the Nightravens are not
torches. I confess, I wasn’t quite prepared for the tale I heard. gone, merely that they’ve become far more clever, taking folk
undetected in the depths of the Forest of Arden or from lonely
The Duchies of Gisoreux, Artois, and Bastonne were once plagued mountain vales amidst the Grey Mountains. Worse, when he was
by terrible creatures known as Nightravens. More monster than deep in his cups, he muttered a disturbing story about a secretive
twisted raptor, the black-feathered Nightravens would descend in witch cult that summons flocks of Nightravens to savage their
swift flocks that tear the unwary to shreds, reducing a person to enemies. I could find no Bretonnian Knights willing to call his
bare bones in well less than thirty seconds. The bird-like creatures final tale anything other than ‘foolish peasant nonsense’. More
dreaded light, attacking only when neither of the moons appeared telling, I thought, was the villagers’response.They would not speak
in the sky, but were otherwise fearless. Their depredations were of it at all, saying it was best not to discuss such evils, lest one draw
so terrible that eventually the Duke of Gisoreux ordered fresh their attention.
torches regularly placed before every home throughout the city.
He gave strict instructions that they were not to be used otherwise,
so as to be ready if needed to ward off a Nightraven attack.

Now this all seemed imminently sensible to me and I said as much, bwsNoTiuftfenfATohlhiitnolegshimleBcscctuheekhhh.BrbcrrxIeaheoaeertciytnfsraevamomttestannC,romnhraaetnnobeashytelnpii.tdlenpanewueTiroegatrdihwewreessnwialssa,illwyottuapmhrbhurenhescieciaahsatoagsh.tpsicahWmhdcatcciatoa,nedaoirnbisttzlnfslstretascostlyhttairhtuo,eobeedsevkprrertassenoesaeaawn,sovtanNhiwatrmiacetegeiiirhmgeeminrwlhinagtniyttbthirrstollteircaterhtibhiiivtrtceteleeueusnaaslls.
but I also noted that I hadn’t heard of the Nightravens or any
attacks. It struck me as the kind of thing my party would have
certainly learned about. My new Gisoren friends agreed and told
me that the legendary Sir Thorpas purportedly destroyed the
last Nightraven flock five centuries ago. Apparently, the Duke’s

NIGHTRAVEN FLOCK

M WS BS S T I Ag Dex Int WP Fel W
2 55* 20 42 45 60 24 - 14 38 10 55*

Traits: Afraid (Light), Dark Vision, Fear 2, Flight 100
Attack Traits: Bite (Vicious Beaks),
Swarm*, Weapon (Talons) +8
Murder on the Wing – All of a Nightraven Flock’s
attacks have the Impale and Penetrating Qualities.
Optional Traits: Infected, Magical, Unstable

59

Preyton

he Forest of Arden has a fell reputation that stretches infamous beast: blighted in form, incandescent in rage. They are
ferocious and relentless, destroying all about them, reminiscent of
T beyond the borders of Bretonnia. Not unlike our Forest Razorgor. But unlike those hell-sent boars, Preytons kill for sport.
of Shadows or the Drakwald, the depths of the Forest They leave rent corpses in their wake, upon which they don’t even
of Arden are filled with mutants, stag-headed Beastmen, and far, bother to feed. They are twisted creatures, with their forelegs and
far worse. Portions of the forest actually lie within five different body resembling those of a partially-scaled and malformed stag,
duchies, but only its outermost borders have any settlements of their hindquarters ending in a lion’s bent legs and claws. Their
note. The few villages of the interior are said to be so isolated that equine heads hold great sharp blackened antlers, glaring red eyes,
whole generations live and die without ever seeing an outsider. and multiple rows of jagged fangs. They bear shredded wings like

It was, in fact, one of the legendary terrors of unto those of a great raptor, but seldom fly above the
the Forest of Arden that was partially forest canopy, preferring to stalk beneath
responsible for our excursion into the trees.
Bretonnia. The Preyton is an

60

Regimius Braun, a Priest of Taal, told me a dark tale of the PREYTON
Preytons — one that several worthies at the Imperial Zoo excitedly
asked me to further investigate when I spoke of it. Braun said M WS BS S T I Ag Dex Int WP Fel W
that some within his cult believe that Preyton are neither natural
creatures, nor directly born of Chaos. They believe the monsters 6 50 - 55 50 40 35 - 15 45 - 38
are created by foul Beastmen rituals from the corpse of a Great
Stag. Their existence is thus one of intense pain and scattered Traits: Arboreal, Armour 2 (7), Bestial,
revenant memories that constantly hint at what they once were, Corruption (Minor), Frenzy, Flight 50, Grim,
driving them on in their destructive madness. If Nightsong has Night Vision, Painless, Size (Large)
the right of it about Great Stags, the priest’s story is highly suspect.
Unfortunately, uncovering actual knowledge of Preytons proved Attack Traits: Horns (Antlers) +10,
to be a frustrating endeavour. We spent more than a month in Weapon ( Jagged Fangs) +9
Gisoreux, searching for a guide. Most of the folk we met, upon
learning that we wished to travel into the interior of the Forest of Endless Malice – If a Preyton kills or incapacitates
Arden for a time to do research, at first guffawed. Realizing that a living opponent, it must pass a Willpower Test
I and the rest of the band were quite serious, they immediately or pause to utterly rend the fallen, losing its next
began praying to their Lady for our souls, while begging us to Action and Move. An unconscious foe takes an
reconsider such folly. automatic Critical Wound from this treatment.
Witnesses to this are subject to Fear 2.
At last, we found a village with a well-built stockade along the
eastern edge of the forest and there met Sir Carloman, a Realm Optional Traits: Infestation, Mutation
Knight. Sir Carloman was a soul of courtesy, most intrigued
to meet us, being especially taken aback by Kistiane — I think
he suspected her to be a ‘Grail Maiden’ (one of the chosen
handmaidens of the Bretonnians’ goddess, I gather) despite her
protestations otherwise — and Nightsong, whose ability to walk
across even the thickest forest leaves without a whisper of sound
impressed him mightily. Sir Carloman told me all he knew of
Preytons. He had even fought one, once. He passed along enough
lore to satisfy most of the demands of the zoologists. Sir Carloman
said that he’d heard stories similar to Braun’s, but that the beast he
fought was no undead creature, regardless of whatever other truths
the story might hold. I have rendered his last words on Preytons
here, for I’ve pondered them often since:

Sir Carloman – ‘This at least, I grant you, Master Schreiber — they
are not natural beasts. The Preyton hates all life, its own as much as
every other, with a hatred so pure that it is madness. They will ignore
the sound blows of a knight, in order to ravage a fallen peasant in an
unspeakable and ghastly manner. There are entire tribes of Beastmen
that hold the Preyton as sacred, worshiping them from afar. Seek them
not, save duty or honour compels.’

61

Great Raptors of the Grey Mountains

he high imposing wall of the Grey Mountains is all

T but impenetrable, save for a few storied passes — and
several infamous ones. The Grey Mountains’ upper
slopes are clad in year-round ice, while thick clouds obscure their
lofty summits. There, high above the world, the Great Eagles set
their eyries. Largest of all the raptors of the Old World, the Great
Eagles are said to have lived amidst the high peaks since long before
the coming of Humans. They are vast creatures, with wingspans
frequently stretching over thirty feet. Yet, they can move with
blinding speed. Their eyes are the strongest of any mortal being;
they can stare unflinching at the sun, or study the movements
of a rabbit across the fields of the Vorbergland from their eyries.
Their talons are as long as a man’s arm and can easily pierce armour.
Many Bretonnians believe that Great Eagles cannot die from old
age or sickness, that they rejuvenate themselves by flying high
above the clouds to burn off old feathers with the heat of the sun,
before plunging deep into the Great Ocean to emerge renewed.

The Great Eagles are said to be a noble species, though bitter
experience has made them distrustful of others. The Elves
alone have learned something of their difficult whistling tongue.
Persistent rumor has it that some Great Eagles can speak the
languages of other folk, but they seldom feel the need to do so.
They clearly hate the Greenskin races with a fierce passion, and
many’s the tale on both sides of the Grey Mountains wherein
Great Eagles descend from a clear sky to fall upon a hidden Ork
or Goblin ambush party, alerting nearby troops to the raiders’
presence. The warriors of Bretonnia and the Empire both afford
them great respect, and ill luck befalls anyone who should cause
a Great Eagle harm. While these mighty birds mostly subsist on
wild game, farmers near the mountains resent their sporadic sheep
snatching. They find it even more galling that few other folk are
sympathetic to such complaints.

62

For reasons unknown to scholars, the Grey Mountains hold
many large avian species beside the Great Eagles. Veangthur the
Learned, of the University of Altdorf, suggested in his seminal
work, Peculiar Patterns Natural & Otherwise, that the range may
have some property, as yet unidentified, that leads to the prodigious
growth of birds. The hawks and the shrikes, while not the grand
size of the Great Eagles, grow very large indeed, with wingspans
averaging nearly eighteen feet. The Bretonnians especially esteem
the hawks for their sheer fearlessness. I heard several remarkable
tales illustrating their courage. Most notably, they frequently attack
Hippogryphs that dare encroach on their territory, even driving
the far larger predators away with remarkable determination. I met
a Dwarf trader from Karak Azgaraz who swore some Elves even
ride into battle atop the backs of the largest hawks, a rumour the
exceedingly secretive Elves of the Forest of Loren never deign to
confirm (or deny).

GREAT EAGLE IsTtDwto‘bbhhfhGmeoeeueimnieeitsnoapHtdytnIhgnhresilidtooenwyn,myuOiigsdtplswrt,hlalaeelgeaesrttnsrpcahhe’hteo,ey,wefvkyw:SrwaeiicehnsttrdhqhhhetrwouiecrceoeuwiheifhtGnbobihmsoLtterdsIllaireeeyegouy.lssmhdnsruiTMtneoehpyhatlrspooancetortrvruyodsraneuneepsa,mtettpytashrateyoobeeihtrasnuhiletsarkesiarnw.dcertaocowefgirhaueaieeornlsfldetunlots.sno,cetas.ll

M WS BS S T I Ag Dex Int WP Fel W HEOMRETH
2 65 - 55 43 35 40 - 45 45 25 68
M WS BS S T I Ag Dex Int WP Fel W
Traits: Armour 1 (5), Night Vision, 2 55 - 40 45 30 45 - 50 45 20 64
Flight 120, Size (Enormous)
Attack Traits: Bite (Beak) +9, Weapon (Talons) +10 Traits: Arboreal, Armour 1 (5), Dark Vision,
Lightning from a Clear Sky – All of a Great Eagle’s Flight 80, Size (Enormous), Stealthy
attacks have the Fast and Penetrating Qualities. Attack Traits: Weapon (Talons) +9
Skills: Perception 85 Skills: Language (Eltharin) 60, Lore (Any)
Optional Traits: Fury, Regenerate, 80, Stealth (Rural) 75 (+4 SL for Stealthy)
add Language (Any) 50 Optional Traits: Blessed (Verena),
Fear, Miracles (Verena), Ward +8
GREY MOUNTAIN HAWK

M WS BS S T I Ag Dex Int WP Fel W
2 35 - 35 40 45 50 - 20 55 - 32

Traits: Bestial, Flight 100, Night Vision,
Size (Large), Territorial
Attack Traits: Bite (Beak) +6, Weapon (Talons) +7
Optional Traits: Frenzy, Trained
(Broken, Magic, Mount, War)

63

Cockatrice

he twisted and repulsive Cockatrice is the foulest Cockatrice once dominated all the mountains
of Bretonnia, regularly emerging from their
T of aberrations: a creature allegedly once ‘blessed’ by foul cavern lairs to skulk about the edges of
the Ruinous Powers, long since forsaken and utterly battlefields — for they are eaters of carrion and
wretched, but still mortally deadly. The Knights of Bretonnia hold enjoy despoiling the dead. Some stories have
that there are few other creatures that can so test the mettle of a them spitting acid or dripping with venom,
warrior. When they hunt the beasts, the wisest among them don as if their feared gaze were not enough of a danger. Even the
helmets that leave them near-sightless, for those who meet the Bretonnians’ oldest tales do not account for a time before their
cursed glare of a Cockatrice are turned to stone. scourge, though some ancient ones state that the Cockatrice first
came on ‘the wings of the Great Storm, from the north, long ago’.
A Cockatrice resembles a large, misshapen bird, but few are the In truth, this isn’t surprising, for the tribes of the Bretonni refused
raptors that sport jagged fangs within their beaks. Their bodies Sigmar’s call. Not until the coming of their first king, Giles le
sprout both feathers and fur, but their coverage is uneven and Breton, nearly a thousand years later, did they start writing down
haphazard. Bald patches and aberrant colours not found in true their history, while deriving much from oral traditions. After the
nature are common. Their tails are serpentine, scaled, and tipped unification of Bretonnia and the formal adoption of their ‘Decrees
with razor sharp clawed talons like those of their feet. At least, that of Chivalry’, many young Bretonnian knights needed worthy foes
is certainly how the one stuffed and mounted in the Museum of to prove themselves. They found them in Cockatrices. The Pale
Triumphs in Outer Montfort appears. The curator assured me it Sisters and the Grey Mountains were soon mostly depleted of the
was a proper representative of its loathsome kind, and I did not profane beasts. Still, statues that mark their passage linger in many
doubt her sincerity. She also noted that knights remarked upon shadowed valleys, and they are said to stalk the crags of the Massif
the echoing ‘sibilant hiss’ that ever emerged as the beast struggled. Orcal in central Bretonnia.
The sound was distinct enough that it helped the willfully sightless
knights to target their prey. For my mind, it near beggars belief that there could be two beasts
in one mountain range capable of turning their foes to stone that
I was once at a soiree with a delightful have, apparently, no connection to one another. The virulently
BsomreetoinmnpioarntgaisrlI, trheecdaallu.gShhteertoolfdaakfnaisgchitnaotfing poisonous reptilian Basilisks of the eastern Grey Mountains
story about a Cockatrice that her father seem nothing like the bird-like Cockatrices of the western Grey
fought in his youth. Apparently, Cockatrices Mountains. Yet Chaos is ever insidious, and who knows what foul
are cowardly creatures, hence their preference kinship may exist between the two species?
for carrion, but go berserk when cornered.
was near overcome by the beast’s wtaoithtnfeoTwhtehxthorunoacaerlheoureidnrivdegtnafsedlshglhdneiafneahl.eosoaIglryeImtrdtkdslidm.oenyaariIasurogngdtbehofdrgettieuaussvefanvmaeriaseridlosnibuapdsouunircbtntrrtleohpsnseevhplolee,eaaaytcrdrusht.aotpsuCsanrioigvpeeoabercebsgllponekecee.r,adhrsaIcusttertahcumreyreiacinivcsvhetgeetdhaser,ier
Her father rage when suddenly it fled the field,
unexpected
squawking in terror. What had so startled the
foul thing? Nothing more than a common stoat,
which had left its lair, upset by the skirmish.

Seek to kill a Cockatrice?
Consider investing in an ermine cape.

64

COCKATRICE

M WS BS S T I Ag Dex Int WP Fel W
5 40 52 35 45 55 35 - 20 25 - 34
Traits: Armour 2 (6), Bestial, Dark Vision, Flight
60, Grim, Hardy, Size (Large), Territorial
Attack Traits: Bite (Fanged Beak) +7, Petrifying
Gaze, Tail +7, Weapon (Talons) +7
Wicked Claws – A Cockatrice’s Talons
have the Trait Venom (Hard).
Optional Traits: Afraid (Weasels),
Breath (Corrosion) +9, Infected

65

Chimera

he dread three-headed Chimera is a true monster like heads, crocodilian heads — an inexhaustible cascade — but
invariably at least one Dragon head. The three heads generally
T of Chaos. Warped and twisted creatures that shall work in concert, though there are certainly tales of their heads
never see the inside of any zoo, Imperial or otherwise, getting into snarling ‘arguments’. I can tell you from unfortunate
Chimera seem to exist only to kill. They are horror made flesh; personal experience that at least one Chimera’s heads were capable
indeed, some say they are formed of raw Chaos and have no true of independently tracking several foes at once.
material birth. I can see why some may embrace such thinking, for
to consider a Chimera’s potential bloodline too deeply is to court The body of a Chimera is commonly most like to that of a massive
madness. It was certainly not my or my companions’ intention to and misshapen great cat, with wide paws bearing curved claws —
ever seek out such a beast, but ‘Ranald will have his day’, as they though I’ve also heard tales of Chimeras with bodies more similar
say in Altdorf… to an outsized bull. The dreaded Oblast Beast, which periodically
devastates the lands of Kislev and will hunt its chosen prey for
While no two Chimera are completely identical, all bear one days on end, is said to have a vast body like a shaggy grey bear
striking similarity: three distinct heads. Prevailingly, one is leonine, with the heads of a large falcon, a massive-tusked boar, and an
one a large raptor, and the last that of a Dragon.There are accounts ice-spewing Dragon. Chimera fly on great wings, of similarly
of Chimera with ursine heads, feline heads, reptilian heads, insect- mutable form: some leathery, others feathered.They have long tails,
which may end in boney blades, scorpion stingers, or even a fourth
snarling head.

All accounts of Chimera note their unpredictable nature coupled
with overwhelming rage. One story from Middenland has a
Chimera fall upon a party to tear apart two of its members and a

horse, then fly away without a backward glance. Another, from
Nordland, described a Chimera systematically consuming
an entire caravan — wagons and all.

I have fought many terrible foes in my life and there are a
few I care not to recall, but the discordant three-throated
roar of the Chimera will haunt my nightmares till I stand

before Morr. In my experience, you don’t so much fight
a Chimera, as survive it.

C
† †

66

Our sojourn in Bretonnia completed, our group prepared to Our trip went smoothly and we passed through the
head back into the Empire via Axe Bite Pass. On our last night mountains without incident. In Helmgart, we discovered
in Bretonnia proper, we stayed at a famous inn, The Braided Fish, that neither Nightsong nor Ghorshkov had ever laid eyes on
which has the best grilled trout imaginable and a stunning view of the famed Drachenberg, so we made a point of taking one of
the Grey Mountains. A cluster of magnificent peaks caught my the branches of the River Bögen that would take us close to the
eyes and I watched the setting sun ignite their summits in a circlet mountain. We camped along the river, in the mountain’s shadow.
of gold. When I drew my friends’ attention, they all gazed up in
admiration, save Jorunn who regarded me with a strange expression. ‘lggdcdTvsfhoTdiewIocrrtssoostlhatbovcbNvGeyeouGhahwywtfnuapshuhiuraueaadeocate.csrrok’elbeeeatrrnsddteuttenyhgtdoobesxenhyytiaNd..rnum,ispotttIuklterwwipseotl!orieutMmslIeisnostefisguarlntheyse.nmsdrttdnsohowsyhcfykl,weohaetgouwopydlrartI,ariiruhenieltioneonsdanaoefininemrtatwsmgaSmasgw.dgarxrdtlaeiahysguterehereahrom?,cneniotIaIpmshtK,lnuabnptrhdNdsotlieKpoaiarddIneiaotrfeqtmaamnaseikgcarsftnIsytretmiuusnimkimlsh.eiigbpekaesidbtouidkpdl.ale?ehnsrrirtfheeraeTnsseyerai.easastrirgtieNenowaaaoeotstosn,ycoe,IhpaabnIDatdhkndonetcueiteariltuhrInsor.sarecoeslgirhciukaCid,po.o’efgdlnrehEtskFnisrulfxuvnea’orofi,hnsitt,roSbgibddpwenesgvn,pgsuoiaigePnlmpogwlhomocdplmgarahoetecfbnaonuornhii,slosaieuoiiltgnudcetabisowosmdgatpm,?r.edrtwohetebaecu.nts.wekiiav.dre.egnbdBrsonfaylniIaIm.oyseaTliea.iiudasnFgbeInes.votvrwk.dtly?l.lluthwP.eesoeeleyteoIIoacIsseeio’araytbhIefoohNnrtsu.end.mhtihrdouemsfmhnecgttrtoucnoilsYiTaasiyia.aIhiegnueabawetenga,pnnrfociishimegJmghSnrgtatkinvug.rfhgmoahl,amt.xpdd,erkappoeolreismtIgniaotoe.uesre:uaaoaINneefmd;hw.arenrntnnolg.oirlorgdnymwas,ss
‘Those, Schreiber, are the crowning peaks of Karak Ziflin, my hold.’ I told
her I thought they were beautiful and asked when she intended to We obviously (if barely) survived. See the Appendices for the tale
return. “One day. This wine isn’t bad, for Human swill.” of our convalescence.

CHIMERA

M WS BS S T I Ag Dex Int WP Fel W
6 65 55 63 52 50 54 - 24 40 - 80

Traits: Armour 2 (7), Bestial, Corruption
(Minor), Flight 80, Fury, Grim 2, Magical, Night
Vision, Size (Enormous), Territorial, Terror 1
Attack Traits: Bite +10, Breath (Fire)
+12, Weapon (Claws) +10
We See You – A Chimera can neither be
Surprised nor outnumbered in combat.
Optional Traits: Corrosive Blood, Horns +10,
Infected, Mutation, Stealthy, Tail +10, Trained
(Magic, Mount), Tongue +10, Venom

THE OBLAST BEAST

M WS BS S T I Ag Dex Int WP Fel W
6 75 63 71 65 42 38 - 32 40 - 92

Traits: Armour 3 (9), Bestial, Corruption (Minor),
Flight 80, Fury, Grim 2, Magical, Night Vision,
Size (Enormous), Territorial, Terror 1, Tracker
Attack Traits: Bite +12, Breath (Cold)
+14, Weapon (Curved Claws) +12
We See You – The Oblast Beast can neither
be Surprised nor outnumbered in combat.
Mangling Jaws - The Oblast Beast’s Bite attack
has the Hack and Penetrating Qualities.
Skills: Melee (Curved Claws) 95,
Track 62 (+4 SL bonus)
Talents: Implacable 2, Relentless 2

67

WThhaet SHeacpopennds IinnciWdehnetbu—rg

he Chimera wounded our party badly, leaving several of †Vasya simply declared he needed plenty of ale to replace the blood†
he lost.
T us gravely injured, and Erich near death. Kistiane was
seriously burned and lost her golden locks entirely for So that was our party in Wheburg — recovering, drinking, playing
a time. Vasya had been near torn to pieces. Nightsong’s right leg games, eating fine foods, gambling, visiting houses of both good
was severely damaged — particularly galling for the effortlessly and ill repute, and more drinking. I tried to write between bouts of
graceful Elf. Jorunn, alone, escaped serious injury, but she was entertainment and pressed my compatriots to write their thoughts
badly cut. As for myself, it’s fortunate I wield both sword and pen on entries for the Zoo book — direct reproductions of which
with my right hand, for the beast sheared off the ring and little you’ll find throughout this tome. We were invited to all sorts of
finger from my left. Shallya and Sigmar were both with us though; parties, met a number of nobles, both openly and clandestinely;
the battle could’ve gone much worse. Jorunn’s skills and Kistiane’s high-ranking Imperial officers; and eventually scholars once word
arts managed to at least stabilise the rest of us. of our work for the Imperial Zoo got about. Ghorshkov must have
told a dozen or more variations of our fight with the Chimera,
The following morning, Ranald winked at us, and an Imperial along with other anecdotes from our travels during the last two
River Patrol happened upon our riverside campsite. I hope I never years. All in all, we were having a marvellous time.
forget the look on the Captain’s face when Vasya called out, ‘Hey,
you lads hungry?’ A furious Jorunn threatened to kill Ghorshkov C
if he reopened the wounds and undid all her hard work, as he
leapt about, enthusiastically telling the awed Riverwardens about fter a time, I noticed a recurring theme in conversations
our battle with the Chimera. The crew were impressed and their
captain declared we were all due a sizable bounty in Wheburg on A with Imperial officers, fellow scholars, and a few nobles,
the Chimera’s heads. While not strictly ‘by the book’, Captain all of whom asked probing questions about Beastmen
Krause and her crew could see our condition and agreed to take us and what I had ‘uncovered’ during our travels. Noting that they
to Wheburg, along with our prizes. Needless to say, I made certain were unnatural creatures,I said I had few details to share.I certainly
a fair portion of our bounty purse was ‘donated’ to the Imperial disclosed none of the events of the previous appendix (the First
River Patrol, trusting Captain Krause to sort out the details. Even Incident) publicly, noting only that Beastmen certainly seem to
so, my party found ourselves in Wheburg with a sizable purse of have multiplied in the forests and grown more active of late.
crowns. The tale of our valiant struggle soon spread through town
like a wildfire in Wissenland. Wheburg is a fun town even if you’re All agreed, but that wasn’t what they were looking for. I was quietly
poor, but an amazing one if you’ve got extra coin. What’s more, the asked if Humans can turn feral, beastlike; such questions always
second the inhabitants of any tavern discovered we took down the couched as mere curiosity. I eventually discovered that a number
Chimera, we didn’t pay for any drinks at all. of unusual attacks had occurred throughout the Vorbergland, from
Bögenhafen to Eilhart. Some folk had been slaughtered, rent limb
We set Erich up at a lovely Shallyan chapel infirmary, after a from limb, even ones safely ensconced behind high coaching inn
generous contribution. Lynathryn’s leg called for a skilled surgeon, walls while buildings were left unbreached. Others had gone
as the hunter had made it clear any attempts to amputate would missing —no bodies ever discovered, nor hints of foul play — just
result in bloodshed — and not for the patient. Fortunately, Doktor disappeared without a trace.
Spalten’s quiet, steady demeanour and that he swore Nightsong
would walk without difficulty inside of two months reassured all of Did I know of any Beastmen that acted in such a manner? I had to
us. Kistiane decided she liked her hair short, laughing, ‘How many confess I couldn’t think of any, not at first, at least…
women can claim a Chimera was their stylist?’ And Ghorshkov?

68

Just over a month after we arrived in Wheburg, I received an the stomach, but there seemed to be little inside. Its hollow nature
illustrated invitation to a private soiree hosted by Master Lief made me think it was some sort of elaborate costume, until I
Steirlich-Olmn. The invitation noted that I could bring a guest. noticed the deep bite marks along the torn skin flaps of its chest.
Kistiane was delighted to accompany me to the noble’s estate in
northern Wheburg. It took an even greater act of will than mastering myself to stand
against a Chimera to hide my revulsion, my immediate terrible
We presented ourselves at the appropriate time at Master Lief suspicions replaying the previous weeks’ conversations, as I knew
Steirlich-Olmn’s manor. Steirlich-Olmn, a scion of a Nordland with sudden glaring clarity what I was looking at. Yet, I laughed
family, with reportedly little interest in the Reikland’s politics but lightly and said, while looking into Steirlich-Olmn’s piercing feral
a keen interest in beasts and natural science, could barely contain gaze, ‘What a delightful costume! Do you practice taxidermy, my Lord?’
his excitement when we arrived. The estate proved to be a little His expression was one of mild disgust and disappointment, but
run-down but heavily reinforced, with defenses reminiscent of a he hid it smoothly. ‘Not as such, but a great deal of effort went into
coaching inn. The Reikwald looms immediately to the north and it, eh?’
east, so what might have been considered excessive elsewhere
seemed merely prudent. While his other guests were taciturn and
more interested in their wine than conversation, I found Lord
Steirlich-Olmn to be a most erudite and urbane man.Though of a
pale and sickly constitution, he had travelled extensively, and had
clearly seen a great deal of the world, including things many will
not speak of in the Empire. He was very perceptive and after a few
leading questions to Kistiane and I both, he nodded once, then
lowered his voice to state, ‘Ah, you’ve fought them, haven’t you? The
Ratmen.’ We tried to hide our shock, but he had his answer before
we said a word. ‘No need for denials. I know a Dwarf and an Elf are
among your compatriots. The Elder Folk are wiser about such things.
Come, there is something I would show you.’

He led us to his manor’s extensive cellar. Strangely, I thought at
the time, several of his guests moved to accompany us, but he
dismissed them with a wave. The cellar had many closed doors,
and rooms beyond. We were taken to a large antechamber, filled
with glass jars containing herbs and a wide variety of other
substances I couldn’t identify, but I suspect it was not unlike the
study of an apothecary or an alchemist. At the centre of the
room stood a large marble table and upon it lay something
ghastly. Lord Steirlich-Olmn gestured at the thing upon
the table. ‘Well, Herr Schreiber, what do you make of this?’
He watched me intently, his eyes occasionally flickering
to Kistiane.

The corpse upon the table resembled that of a
massive Great Wolf, but it was elongated, the
proportions entirely wrong. Its forelegs were far too
long and ended not in paws, but in huge clawed
hands. The centre of the body was torn open along

69

We were ushered out soon after. I would not answer wIsnscdeoeLuoIorfobonlswinetorlpchfe’duiitetlectalstSfiolWsloohyetanrbi.ednyisiaDA.nrkctItldolkhiotykcsdyiohunWsooau-:pourtOIhwfwyar.selomealbeyulcrw,ouarneuarl’wsslsgnto’aorsicobfnteiraeehltdyldruhiasnoetrt,tfhgyi.otliolhNhwtcr?eaaoiiytrdttiehhwefbsiumnoe,ulegblynyl:udSnctmnioogw’ntahtvigrttteaaihcywkcaoeyeuiltolyythuoiarun
Kistiane’s questions till we were back in our room at
Wheburg. What I did not tell Lord Steirlich-Olmn is that
I have heard of the Twisted Changers, the Skin Wolves. While
they resemble the legendary Children of Ulric who are said to be
able to naturally transform into wolves, they are Chaos-tainted
beings born of a terrible curse: monsters who walk in the form of
Men, till Morrslieb calls them forth from their flesh prison. Then
the beast they hold within claws free of their Human form — a
terrible upright wolf-creature that wreaks havoc on the world for
the amusement of the Dark Gods, clad only in the tatters of its
previous body.

Most of the scholars that will speak of such matters at all declare WAYWARD MOON CULTIST
that all Skin Wolves are cursed and desperate creatures, unwitting
pawns of the Ruinous Powers. But I know of a scholar’s tavern, M WS BS S T I Ag Dex Int WP Fel W
The Cursed Pelt in Altdorf, with a dark reputation and a penchant
for ominous lore. I once spoke with a haunted traveller there, who 4 30 40 40 45 30 30 40 35 40 30 20
spoke indirectly of a cult he named the Wayward Moon, one
dedicated to ‘achieving a grim transcendence’ through fell rites Traits: Armour 1 (5), Mental
that would transform adherents into Skin Wolves. Corruption (Beast Within)

I did not tell Lord Steirlich-Olmn any of this. Attack Traits: Ranged (Longbow) +10*
(100), Weapon (Dagger) +6
I did not tell him that when the beast has had its fill of slaughter,
the Human within the Skin Wolf must claw and chew their way Skills: Charm Animal 50, Climb 45, Consume
back out. Alcohol 55, Cool 50, Endurance 55, Gossip 40,
Intuition 40, Lore (Beasts 45, Skin Wolves 45),
I suspect he already knew. Melee (Basic) 40, Outdoor Survival 45, Perception
40, Ranged (Bow) 50, Research 45, Secret Signs
(Hunter) 45, Set Trap 50, Stealth (Rural) 40

Talents: Accurate Shot 2*, Hardy

Trappings: Feral Mien, Longbow with Wicked-
looking Arrows, Tattoo of Morrslieb

SKIN WOLF

M WS BS S T I Ag Dex Int WP Fel W
7 60 – 54 58 55 48 30 35 50 30 25

Traits: Armour 1 (6), Die Hard, Fear
2, Grim, Frenzy, Hardy, Magical, Night
Vision, Regenerate, Stride, Tracker
Attack Traits: Bite +9, 2x Weapon (Claws) +10
Endless Rage – A Skin Wolf is
always subject to Frenzy.
Optional Traits: Mutation, Hungry, Infected

70

71

After convalescing in Wheburg, I returned to Altdorf finally particularly keen on discussing her personal matters. I knew only
prepared to finish the Imperial Zoological Society’s book, but that she suffered from joint pains and an unusual blood clotting
an invitation from abroad changed my plans entirely. Chancellor problem, making injuries particularly dangerous.
von Festschrift of Altdorf University had received a startling
open invitation from Tilea, which was directed to the ‘Bestiara I pointed out that she might learn something useful in the south,
department and the worthies of the Imperial Zoo’ concerning which was bound to have lore not known in the Empire. I also
an amazing find that was being displayed at the Great Coliseum. teased her just a bit about how it would improve my book, as I’ve
While the Chancellor was deeply suspicious of any such thing long tried to talk her into writing a chapter with her great store of
originating from Tilea, it was intriguing enough that Warnicke apothecary knowledge. This time, she didn’t snort in derision, but
asked if I was ready for a ‘third trip to pay for all’. suddenly gazed at me with a great deal of intent. ‘If I swear to write
you that chapter, Theodosius Schreiber, will you swear to take my body
All my compatriots save one were willing to travel to Tilea. Erich home to Karak Ziflin, should I perish?’
was particularly enthused, as he speaks Tilean quite well; however,
Jorunn was hesitant. I know that her condition had been troubling Be wary when Dwarfs speak of oaths. Nevertheless, I told her she’d
her, but few details. Like many Dwarfs, she has never been outlive me by a century at the least, but she had my word and with
that, she agreed to come. We headed south a few days later.

The Third
Expedition

Great Taurus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Tregara. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Razorbill. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Wondrous Beasts
of the Southlands. . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Wild Cats. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Il Potente Granchio. . . . . . . . . 84
Siren. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Merwyrm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Shard Dragon . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
The Final Incident —
Lesser Evils. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

Great Taurus

have written briefly of the Dark Lands, that realm A Priestess of Verena told me an ancient tale about the GreatTaurus.
The story goes that the gods originally sent the monstrosities as
I of pitiless sun, howling winds, and bitter ashes that punishment for a terrible transgression that occurred in the heart
lies east of the Empire, beyond the Worlds Edge of a once-fertile land fallen into debauchery. There are several
Mountains. Few are the creatures that would willingly call those different versions of exactly what it was that the populace did
cursed lands home. Fewer still could thrive on the desert plains of that angered their deities. The most common accusation is that
the Blasted Wastes where none save Greenskins dwell, or amidst they had turned from their gods to worship the Ruinous Powers,
the toxic volcanic vents of the Desolation of Azgorh. Yet there hurling into an active caldera those who would not give up their
is at least one beast, said by some scholars to be one of the most old faith. The volcano erupted with such force that it effectively
dangerous predators in all the Old World, that flourishes there. exploded, leaving the land about it for hundreds of miles a waste.
They believe it personifies the Dark Lands: The Great Taurus. From the blazing heart of the former volcano came the first Great
Taurus to hunt down any survivors with all the fiery wrath of a
The Great Taurus is a creature of rage and fire which, going by deity scorned.
accounts of the Dwarfs, is native to the Dark Lands. It resembles
a massive winged bull with deep red skin that continually burns I did not write of the Great Taurus earlier for, in truth, I had not
with all the heat of a gigantic forge. A shimmering haze and clouds intended to at all. During our time in Karak Kadrin, I found
of billowing smoke continually wreathe the Great Taurus. Their the Dwarfs very reticent to discuss the ‘fire bulls’. They were at
breath issues as gouts of flame from their steaming fang-filled pains, however, to tell me those creatures of the Dark Lands had
mouths, and where they tread, their burning hooves leave scorch never been seen beyond. I was willing to let that stand, having
marks on the earth. No being that dares to roam the Dark Lands many other creatures to write of, until we headed south. We
is free of their wrath, for they are furious killers, forever filled with found that the villages of southern Wissenland were all affright,
hatred, and there is no creature they will not attack. While they for their lands were preyed upon by a creature they referred to as
consume some foes, they leave countless partially burnt corpses in the ‘Crimson Bull of the Black Mountains’. I try to keep an open
their wake, slain only to momentarily appease their endless fury. mind, but I’m hard-pressed to believe another ‘flying fiery bull
monster’ has suddenly appeared to bedevil the Empire. Apparently,
The Karaks along the Worlds Edge the Great Taurus can leave the Dark Lands, though who can say
have suffered much pain from the what has driven this particular one to do so? To Ghorshkov’s great
Great Taurus, and we Dawi are not disappointment, we did not encounter it on our way to Karak Hirn,
quick to discuss such things, though we did see the blackened ruins of a village it had destroyed.
schreiber. A small vial of Great
Taurus blood is said to be sufficient
to ignite a roaring campfire, even in
the heart of the fiercest Norscan
winter. Their molten eyes run like
quicksilver after their death and
are attributed with many mystical
qualities associated,
unsurprisingly, with fire.

74

TWfba‘DshrwChlntooaiaerremndwsiorlGmdcnktssotrhugsomhLveeofmaeeawynerFtnDmiyltiTBtidrhkahasoesuoertun.AlurlksyIrelou’gqdusLnnhhgsusagiehgtatsnel,iey,sypsdIsdnetbtocfscioesevletteiabeesttattnrrhuehohr.cesatlseasryhtteyuuaoeaaisaisstnnteervbhaeseetifiatroihonsn,syreefogstalfrFdhaorouioektfrfmmhenreAnaod.WqmtsTpsesslhieohaontnmayhmidnt,efeetsatthoh,hrneiisne g GREAT TAURUS

M WS BS S T I Ag Dex Int WP Fel W

6 55 40 63 52 32 35 - 30 48 - 80

Traits: Bestial, Dark Vision, Flight 80, Grim,
Immunity (Fire, Bright Magic), Magical,
Size (Enormous), Stride, Territorial

Attack Traits: Breath (Fire) +10, Horns +11,
2x Weapon (Burning Hooves) +11

Blazing Body – At the end of each combat round,
all targets Engaged with a Great Taurus take 1d10
Wounds modified by Toughness Bonus and Armour
Points, to a minimum of 1. Additionally, the Great
Taurus’ Toughness Bonus counts as doubled (10)
against non-magical weapons and attacks.

Bloodrage – Great Taurus are always subject
to Frenzy and Hatred of everything.

Optional Traits: Armour 3, Trained (Mount)

75

Tregara

he Black Mountains form much of the southern border poking long-stemmed pipes at me and insisting I use my book
to ‘set some heads straight’. I earned approving stares and curt nods
T of the Empire. While not as massive or imposing as when I asked, ‘You mean Skaven?’ The eldest Dwarf present, or so
the Worlds Edge Mountains or the nearly impassable I gathered, Drumin Norgrimling, told me all sorts of interesting
wall of the Grey Mountains, their passes are few and treacherous. things that night, but most fascinating was why he believed Karak
According to the Dwarfs, before the coming of Sigmar, the range Hirn didn’t have a Ratmen problem: ‘Though those accursed vermin
was filled with unstable caverns dug by Goblins.The Dwarfs made riddle the Vaults to the West, they steer clear of us. Too many Tregara.’
a concerted effort to drive them out long ago, which was fairly
successful. While the range itself remains a dangerous one, full Tregara, it turns out, are the largest insects that I’ve ever heard of —
of sharp peaks and dangerous roads, it also boasts many beautiful ones with a taste for Skaven, apparently. They resemble something
high mountain pastures. of a mix between a praying mantis and a massive hermit crab,
though they grow their own stone-coloured outer shells. The pale
Near the centre of the Black Mountains lies the Dwarf kingdom exterior of their shells mimics the ceilings of many natural caverns,
of Karak Hirn, the ‘Hornhold’, so called due to the massive hollow making for perfect camouflage. Tregara have no smell whatsoever;
mountaintop at Karak’s heart, which regularly sounds a mighty even their vital fluids have no scent. Doubtless, this aids them in
blast when high winds rush through it. The Dwarfs have long evading Skaven detection. They are outwardly sightless, as they
since mastered the once-natural wonder and have engineered a lack eyes, but their actions show that they can clearly perceive the
series of devices that lets them direct or change the sound as they caverns about them. The Dwarfs believe that Tregara are highly
wish. It can act as a signal to outlying settlements, a call to war, sensitive to vibrations of stone, using these to locate prey. When an
and a way of frightening off bestial predators. Karak Hirn is not unwary target gets within reach, the Tregara snatch them up with
wealthy by the standards of Dwarfs, but certainly well off by the long, hook-clawed forelimbs. A Tregara uses its phenomenally
standards of Humans. It is one of the few Dwarf kingdoms that powerful jaws to end the siezed victim’s struggles quickly. How
has cities exposed to the sky, albeit only in relatively inaccessible powerful? Norgrimling put it this way: ‘Saw one’s mandibles cleave
places.The Dwarfs of Karak Hirn regularly trade with the Empire a Rat Ogre’s skull like it was a pastie.’
and bold Tileans. It was via their kingdom that we intended to
cross into the Border Princes and on to Barak Varr, from there to TREGARA
book passage to Remas. This would not be possible for most folk,
as the Dwarfs seldom let outsiders pass through their realm. Most M WS BS S T I Ag Dex Int WP Fel W
travellers must cross the Black Mountains via the infamous Black 6 38 - 45 42 47 38 15 18 32 10 30
Fire Pass, but we had certain tokens from King Ironfist of Karak
Kadrin that we hoped would ease the way, along with Jorunn to Traits: Armour 3 (6), Size (Large),
plead our case. Stealthy, Territorial, Wallcrawler
Attack Traits: Bite (Vicious Mandibles)
Fortunately, the Dwarfs stoically accepted our petition and +9, Weapon (Barbed Forelimbs) +8
allowed our passage through their realm. I found them gruff but Barbed Forelimbs – A target successfully struck
relatively welcoming, though I strongly suspect Jorunn’s presence by a Tregara’s cruel arms automatically acquires
explained the latter. When rumour of what we were about swiftly the Entangled Condition. The Tregara may then
made it round the taverns, that very night, I had several greybeards automatically enter a Grapple if it wishes. A Tregara
can keep up to two opponents Entangled at once.
‘cTrthTroareheapegaeitgdrayldarytarhoahsarfveeawipeptrea’ rahtibrenoeosmlnobteteriwtsnghtaettineinrrohawespmihehdGeriiescrcaleehtlsytsiplo.wMrlusaoeogltdouhlunmi,octebfneeasoaDiosrwnaftasIn’rv.thfeiIic’hdmnehRissaeot.vnroegrltedrhsat Vibrational Senses – Tregara automatically detect
all physical creatures within 4x their Initiative
Bonus in yards and cannot be Surprised.
Vicious Mandibles – A Tregara’s bite has
the Impale and Penetrating Qualities.
Skills: Stealth (Underground) 68
(+3 SL Agility Bonus)
Optional Traits: Corrosive Blood, Painless

Razorbill

ast of Tilea and the Apuccini Mountains lies the Lagoon to a somewhat clandestine market in fresh Razorbills, which are
not easy to procure. This leads to high prices and, Tileans being
E of Tears, which the unimaginatively named Black Tileans, ‘counterfeit blood’. To further complicate matters, various
Peninsula separates from the Black Gulf. The lagoon is mercenary and criminal groups seeking notoriety often actively
actually very beautiful, with stunning silvery cliffs and pleasingly use imagery incorporating or hinting at Razorbills in some fashion,
shaped sea caves. We viewed it briefly from a distance as we passed as do some covert sellers. Such groups are occasionally directly
by on our trip from Barak Varr to Remas. Regrettably for would-be affiliated, but frequently have nothing to do with one another,
sightseers,the Lagoon has earned its name many times over,for along which leads to dangerous (or hilarious) misunderstandings.
those cliffs dwell thousands of Razorbills. Large omnivorous coastal
raptors with incredibly sharp hooked beaks, a single Razorbill is a msdIuw’icaemnnuRhsIiranfbazaoecutsvgzsaiwgaeftoeoortnnhrufdlriaytdyostdlbcet,uiRult.tttaswctlhIihtzanosvhiencneeoadocoaigs.rsptofdnbe,T,eduiahmshnlT—itntilehpeleahtslqayileobwoe.nutoelnrayireTdatierenfuhctrshejncekeaiuoitedsrtnsaemseeeuoxrtertaacretssiprhflesrtkhofseea.eufiodaorctittwtarntukhhgefibsecsealeoseerytirnsnag,mreake
daring predator, swift to attack a lone traveller, or ravage the injured
at the edge of a battlefield. Fortunately, a determined resistance soon RAZORBILL
sees one off. The problem lies in the fact that Razorbills frequently
attack in vicious flocks of a dozen or more birds, and these seemingly M WS BS S T I Ag Dex Int WP Fel W
fear nothing.I once,years before,saw a flock of Razorbills tear apart a 2 38 - 22 34 30 24 - 10 24 - 11
band of Ogre mercenaries in less than a minute.The Ogres died from
their countless lacerations and the Razorbills feasted well that night. Traits: Bestial, Flight 90, Hardy, Night
Vision, Size (Small), Skittish
While a Razorbill’s main diet is fish, they readily eat carrion or, really, Attack Traits: Weapon (Hooked Bill) +7
anything they can catch.The smell of a Razorbill colony is atrocious: Flight of Razors – A flock of Razorbills has the
a repulsive mix of rotten fish,sour blood,guano,and moulted feather Swarm Trait, which has several effects, including
rot, the stench of which carries for miles. Local fishermen always making them Immune to Psychology, raising their
know where the Razorbills trawl and steer well clear of their chosen Weapon Skill to 48, and their Wounds to 55.
hunting waters. While the Lagoon of Tears is infamous for its All opponents engaged with a Razorbill flock
sheer number of Razorbills, they dwell in other parts of the Old automatically lose 1 Wound at the end of every
World as well. Flocks have been reported in the Tilean Sea and the Round (which ignores AP and Toughness Bonus).
western cliffs of Estalia.Nightsong tells me they even roost in the Anyone caused damage by a Razorbill must
northernmost portions of the Empire, along the cliffs overlooking succeed at an Average (+20) Endurance
the Sea of Claws. Fortunately, they clearly prefer the sea to rivers, or Test or acquire a Bleeding Condition.
they’d swiftly become a menace along the Empire’s many waterways. Optional Traits: Hungry, Infected,
Swarm (Flight of Razors)
Razorbills are dangerous enough on their own, but the large
amounts of blood they spill have an unfortunate habit of
beckoning other beasts and monsters to the feast as well. Predators
far more dangerous than Razorbills sometimes stalk the edges of
their territory, having learned to recognize the particular raucous
cries that signal a choice meal. The people of Tilea see Razorbills
as accursed and hold such ill regard that, Rosella tells me, they
are actually a mark of hatred. Many Merchant Prince houses
actually declare ‘vendetta’ (something like ‘formal hostilities’ but
approaching Dwarf Grudge status,excepting that one can be called
off or redeclared at any time) against their enemies by splashing
Razorbill blood, or an entire carcass, on their doorstep. This leads

77

Wondrous Beasts of the Southlands

he hodge-podge trading community that is Aldium is As we headed towards the quays, I turned to point out our true
destination to Ghorshkov: a huge, squat building in the midst of
T one of the only places in the Border Princes that I recall the city, visible even from the harbour. It bears many names —
with any fondness. It was a surprising comfort to see the Proving Ground, Leonardo’s Triumph, the Crimson Zoo, and
that it still stood, despite the ever-changing tides of fortune that the Tallest Pit, to name just a few — the largest gladiatorial and
continually wash through the region. From Aldium, we travelled exhibition amphitheatre in all the Old World, the Great Coliseum
with a trade caravan to the legendary Barak Varr. In all the world, of Remas. Vasya was already gazing at it. He grinned at me, as
there is no other Karak quite like the ‘Gate to the Sea’ which close to tears as I’ve ever seen him: ‘The House of Glory, Schreiber.
the Dwarfs carved directly into the cliffs of the Black Gulf, not Never did I think to see it.’ No scholar can reliably say just how
as a fortress (though it is that) but as a harbour. The markets of old it is, for Tilean records are notoriously ‘fanciful’. All reputable
Barak Varr are exquisite, for the goods of many lands pass through historians are in firm agreement that the renowned Leonardo de
them regularly. I daresay, one can find rare items of interest in Miragliano renovated it in 2006 IC. Many of the cunning devices
the shadowed corners that would never elsewhere see the light of that the brilliant Leonardo built into the Great Coliseum are still
day, even in Marienburg. I think Erich and Kistiane would have in use till this day, five centuries later.
happily spent several more weeks in Barak Varr, though it was
certainly not at all to Lynathryn’s taste, but we soon found a ship We soon made our way to the Casa di Ruggisce, formal invitations
with a reputable captain bound for Tilea. in hand. The ‘House of Roars’ handles all ‘bestia’ for the Great
Coliseum.The clerks swiftly ushered us all into the office of Rosella
The Grand Harbour of the Republic of Remas was built by Elves Vanvitelli, the House’s ‘Procuratore Extraordinari’ or so it said on
long, long ago. It fell into ruin when they mostly withdrew from her door. Signorina Vanvitelli proved to be a vibrant and striking
the Old World for distant Ulthuan. As we rounded the coast from woman, who was delighted that we had accepted her invitation
the south, I got my first look at Remas: it was utterly breathtaking. and made a great fuss over each of us, immediately calling out to
A colossal bridge spans the narrow harbour entrance. Upon the an assistant to bring wine. It was Vanvitelli’s last expedition that
bridge rise towers, houses, and veritable palaces, each boasting brought back the mighty prizes we had all come so far to see. She
multiple stories and all of them leaning out at dizzying angles, did not keep us in suspense long, laughing,‘I know I’m gorgeous, but
with staggeringly large buttresses providing occasional support. you didna come so far to see me, eh?’
The bridge connects the two halves of the city, which lie on either
side of the harbour. I was later told that the households of the The Casa di Ruggisce is a mere stone’s throw from the Great
Merchant Princes of the Council of Fifty who rule Remas all have Coliseum. Wide underground tunnels connect the cages of the
their abodes upon ‘Il Ponte Eterno’. The Grand Harbour is vast House of Roars to the amphitheatre, allowing for transport of
enough to hold Remas’ entire fleet — which is not a small one — various beasts directly to the arena floor. The House’s cages are
but the huffers of Remas surely must be well paid. Titanic pieces some of the strongest I’ve ever seen. Vanvitelli noted, with a
of broken masonry lie partially submerged throughout the bay and nod at Jorunn, that the best were ‘of course’ all Dwarf work. She
make navigation hazardous. I can scare imagine what Remas must led us through a short series of tunnels and into a tremendous
have looked like when the Elves first built it. Even now, the broken open space that the House had excavated. Vanvitelli noted that
ruins the Tileans have as yet left untouched are beautiful. it stretched near sixty feet below ground in some places. Finally,
she brought us to a reinforced balcony overlooking several large
enclosures. With a single theatrical bow she turned and gestured
below: ‘My greatest triumph.’

78

In the flickering light of Dwarf-wrought lamps stalked an The one difficulty she did talk about at length was quite
enormous bipedal reptilian beast, standing seven full paces high amusing. Another of the beasts she brought back was no
at the least. It immediately tilted its head to regard us, its nostrils less amazing than the Carnosaur. She had managed to secure
snuffling the air in a great rush. Its eyes burned with a predatory a big enough boat to transport a vast horned reptilian creature
light and its fiendish teeth gleamed. Its body entire was built known as a Stegadon. The earth shakes when a Stegadon moves
for speed, with a jaw that could easily snap an Ogre in half. The and their charge can easily reduce even the mightiest trees to
monster glaring at us from that enclosure was the most storied splinters. While Stegadons prefer foliage (they’re especially fond
of all the ferocious creatures of legendary Lustria and the distant of immense orange gourds originally brought from Lustria), they’ll
Southlands: the Thunder Lizard, a Carnosaur. readily eat just about anything — and a great deal of it. All that
eating produces a lot of waste. Rosella was constantly making new
Completely stunned, I asked how she managed such a thing, even arrangements to cart it all away. ‘Mountains and mountains and
as several of my companions gasped aloud. She wrapped an arm mountains of it, Theo. The fields of Remas will be green for generations.’
around my shoulders and winked: ‘How else? Money.’ The Council
of Fifty is always led by three merchant prince members who are
picked, supposedly at random, each year to rule as a triumvirate.
The Remas Republic’s interests for that year are then heavily
influenced by the preferences of that year’s triumvirs. Vanvitelli
picked a year when two triumvirs fond of the Great Coliseum
were in power and convinced them all of the potential glory
in funding an expedition to the Southlands to bring back
wondrous creatures for science, art, and some spectacular
bloodshed. She was unwilling to talk much about the
difficulties of the expedition, preferring to speak of how
successful it had been and the huge sums the beasts
were bringing to Remas. In the nearly two months I
regularly spent in her company, one of the only times
I ever saw her downcast was while we were talking
about the true cost of the expedition. ‘I lost so many
people, Signore Schreiber. To the jungle. To disease. To
Al Saurim. To them.’

STEGADON

M WS BS S T I Ag Dex Int WP Fel W
6 55 - 63 82 15 15 - 28 65 10 112

Traits: Armour 6 (14), Cold-blooded, Grim,
Immunity to Psychology, Night Vision,
Painless, Size (Enormous), Swamp-strider
Attack Traits: Bite +10, Horns +12, Rear
+6, Tail +11, Weapon (Sheer Bulk) +12
Unstoppable Charge – A Stegadon gains
+3 Advantage when they charge.
Optional Traits: Hardy, Size (Monstrous),
Territorial, Trained (Guard, Mount, War)

79

In our time in Remas, we saw several feeding exhibitions HORNED ONE
of the Southlands creatures, which were always before sold-
out crowds. Watching a Carnosaur hunt down and devour a M WS BS S T I Ag Dex Int WP Fel W
bull running through an artificial jungle is a unique experience. 7 42 - 42 45 25 30 - 15 35 - 22
While the others busied themselves exploring Remas, Nightsong
particularly enjoyed trips into the ruins surrounding the city Traits: Armour 2 (6), Bestial, Cold-blooded,
proper. Erich was beside himself, scribbling furiously for hours on Size (Large), Stride, Territorial
end. I swiftly lost track of his many excellent sketches. I produced Attack Traits: Horns +9, Weapon (Bite) +8
an additional notebook’s worth of annotations and observations Optional Traits: Arboreal, Belligerent,
for Altdorf University and the Imperial Zoo. Some of what I Stealthy, Stupid, Swamp-strider, Trained
uncovered was fascinating. There are rumours that some of these (Broken, Guard, Mount, War)
beasts have travelled into the Badlands, and a few are said to have
even made it to the Border Princes!

Extraordinary creatures. I hope to never meet them in the wild.

‘c‘swHstHVshawdsocWmhhPhoklruuaaoeealouaoei?nnsuinarnlwrmltcbtldssnvdpamyredWesobeivnorg.trdidehIe.uorngegeyorofeTlogaaOBsrlcaoodhoiiianoGdnntt,‘lomftuuseK.eelS.afsftlaaso.GfidoThn,roirnkgQnrrWsneuyoesheeblolum’e!tetfaltufksxhii.vriptcotnOcnylhkeiSakkmSatoCeodniidce.oewnlb.ushkeedoaluidLelbnItotsgoihthnteihgsurfoloeeseooeeeofugltenttrwwuarfdtuoiht.ttoah,’wnthmhrbatumredmyo,lhost,isa.us!oooail.en,ycn’”itdtN.hz.dofgTesamiueoaIW,ycgS?o“hoearu’hrNdrnehkd.rdamct.yoneshofIoacai.oorsrcsnsglwsrtueaalsSomyhaalytroVhlI,ethypdasurea,erilpntlsriaeyseracesak,,

80

CARNOSAUR

M WS BS S T I Ag Dex Int WP Fel W
7 65 - 75 55 20 20 - 25 55 - 88
Traits: Armour 4 (9), Belligerent,
Bestial, Cold-blooded, Grim 2, Night
Vision, Size (Enormous), Stride
Attack Traits: Bite +13, Tail +11, Weapon (Teeth) +13
Blood Frenzy – Once a Carnosaur causes a Wound
in combat, it immediately becomes Frenzied
till all foes in range of its senses are slain.
Optional Traits: Arboreal, Champion, Hardy,
Painless, Size (Monstrous),
Trained (Guard, Mount, War), Tracker

81

Wild Cats

f all the creatures I’ve seen or heard of in my travels, Tilea’s Great Cats are much like the Empire’s. They sport thick,
multi-coloured fur, ranging from dark blacks to russet. Many bear
O few exhibit the grace of that most common of creatures swirling patterns or stripes, presumably for camouflage. Their long
— cats. Many farms and smaller settlements in the tails sport black rings that are said to indicate their hunting prowess
Empire look to cats to keep their vermin problems under control, and thus, likely their desirability as mating partners. Hunters
a job that the felines often handle with aplomb. Throughout Tilea, claim these beasts are exceedingly difficult to track because they
and certainly in the Casa di Ruggisce, cats are exceedingly well use their tails to wipe away paw prints and so leave no trace of
regarded, but it isn’t just simple farm cats that make the southerners’ their passage. Their eyes glitter with golds and greens, and miss
hearts sing. Tileans prefer their deadly creatures to have grace and little. While they are usually low of stature, measuring less than a
skill, for they see much of the ‘gladiatore’ in them. pace high, they can stretch over two paces from nose to the base
of the tail. They are quick and deadly beasts, famously near-silent
Correspondingly,the Casa is ever searching for new ‘Boia Silenzioso’ while stalking, only yowling once their prey is dead. Many believe
for exhibition in the arena. Some they intend merely for display at that the cries of Great Cats can scare away dangerous spirits and
times, not unlike our Imperial Zoo. Others are brought in to hunt that the undead fear them. Children’s tales suggest that all cats
wild game across the arena floor for the amusement of spectators. can lie without batting an eyelid. While this is obviously fanciful,
Far rarer are the ‘Killer Exhibitions’ when one of the Great Cats of the followers of Ranald have always favoured cats, claiming that
the Irrana Mountains, or an Arabyan Leopardus, is set against an that they are phenomenally lucky, and frequently employ different
equally dangerous predator, such as a Tilean Mur. In our time in symbols that allude to them in one manner or another.
Remas, I only saw one such display, but the Great Coliseum was
packed to overflowing with a wildly enthusiastic crowd. For the most part,Great Cats avoid Human settlements,preferring
forest or mountainous terrain, though they’ll take the occasional
chicken or sheep from an outlying farm if the opportunity presents
itself. Rarely, one touched by disease or the taint of Chaos becomes
a menace to unwary travellers.

WILD CAT WAR LION OF CHRACE

M WS BS S T I Ag Dex Int WP Fel W M WS BS S T I Ag Dex Int WP Fel W
6 41 - 43 32 45 55 - 10 44 - 14 8 55 - 52 48 38 42 - 35 50 30 36

Traits: Arboreal, Bestial, Disruption, Night Vision, Traits: Armour 2 (6), Fury, Grim 2, Night
Skittish, Stride, Tracker Vision, Size (Large), Stealthy, Stride, Tracker
Attack Traits: Bite +6, Weapon (Claws) +7 Attack Traits: Bite +9, Weapon (Claws) +10
Disruption – In the presence of a creature with Rahagra’s Gift – War Lion’s natural weapons
Disruption, Unstable creatures count their Advantage at have the Fast and Penetrating Qualities.
the end of the Round against their foes as effectively Skill: Melee (Claws) 65, Stealth
two less, though they do not lose Advantage from this. (Rural) 62 (+4 SL for Stealthy)
Skill: Stealth (Rural) 75 (+5 SL for Arboreal) Optional Traits: Champion, Hardy, Magical, Painless
Optional Traits: Infected, Infestation, Magical,
Mutation, Trained (Broken), Ward (9+)

82

I once was sent to Marienburg as part of a
diplomatic mission at my queen’s request. I
find politics tedious, but there were unwelcome
tensions with the Asur at the time and she felt
that a hunter’s eyes might serve as well as an
envoy’s tongue, especially if anyone sought to
interfere with the security of our emissaries.
To that end, I was to coordinate with some
of the Asur’s agents.To my delight, I found
that one of my counterparts was a wizard who
had brought her own companion: one of the
legendary War Lions of distant Chrace. He was
a resplendent creature. He stood as high as my
shoulder and ran twice as long. His mane was
like to a silver fire that swayed and rippled,
even when there was no wind. His claws were
grey daggers that I saw tear though Human
plate steel like it was paper. His roar was a
bell that could shatter faint hearts like glass.
I never saw him willingly leave her side and,
even at idle rest, he was ever watchful.
I fancy that he approved of me, as he

consented to let me stroke his mane —

with his mistress present, of course.

83

Il Potente Granchio

ne early evening in Remas found Erich and I sharing I’ve heard of creatures such as Il Potente Granchio before, in the
dockside taverns of Altdorf and Marienburg, though I know them
O a glass of wine an hour or so before sunset in a quiet by another name. In the Empire, we call such monsters Leviathans.
office the worthies of the Casa di Ruggisce had By all accounts, they are massive creatures, resembling an immense
generously offered us during our stay in their fair city. Suddenly, hermit crab crossed with a lobster and measuring more than thirty
we heard a massive hue and cry erupt, followed by the sounds of feet across. Their shells are harder than tempered steel; arrows and
people running. My Tilean remains paltry, so I looked to Erich small-arms fire mean little to them. Their pincers can cut a fully
who swiftly called out a query to the street. I heard the same armoured Bretonnian knight and his barded steed in half with ease.
phrase yelled back by several voices and Erich turned to look at They are creatures of the deep sea, rising seldom, but are perilous to
me, slightly bemused. He translated,‘The accursed crab has struck all vessels while they hunt the surface. Some say they are heralds
again’. Before I could ask further, Rosella looked into our office of Manann’s wrath, sent to punish those who’ve displeased him,
and said: ‘Ah bene; hoped to find you both here. Bring your notebooks, and sailors occasionally give offerings to ward off their fury. Cults
you’ll be wanting them.’ She explained as we walked towards the dedicated to specific Leviathans have even arisen in desperate
harbour that there had been a monster attack at sea and a Remas harbours. For my part, I think them merely destructive beasts,
ship lost along with the bulk of her crew just north of Sartosa. albeit particularly dangerous ones. The best advice of the Casa di
When such things occurred, authorities and interested parties Ruggisce, should you encounter one at sea, is to dump any ‘edible’
invariably consulted Signorina Vanvitelli and her colleagues at the cargo in your wake and sail away as fast as you can manage. Some
Casa di Ruggisce, for they were widely accepted as some of the sailors told me tales of drawn lots and ‘noble’ sacrifices meant
most knowledgeable experts on every kind of monstrous creature to sate such creatures for a time: a few lives for many. A terrible
to be found anywhere in Tilea. Rosella told us, quietly, that it was practice, but perhaps an understandable one. May Sigmar preserve
really a bit of a standing sham agreement the Casa had with the us all from such terrible choices.
Council of Fifty. The real purpose behind their ‘consultations’ was
to have the experts calm people’s fears, tell them the beast had KahcaNsrenatoriulaexhsinocea‘edtmetarvtwrndioaernsreminroniotmlelrytlomlod.tha,iendhvHgosere,aimierwltnyseemlasSesm’sgowst.sohearpitI,rfItreas,hcittobascttthhaetkhmehmoiecianlesnrakenti.drftkrshcotoC,iaoLsfanrwyaaniecotIdgwnllevitultlrdicimPlhhhrnasoioeeoettlgactntoihyikwogreastannwoinnmocnfmietsauocoywestiionltalnrsdlhGwcdsmhodtritnreshaneseearegreriargeswneditktofyucvyobeefohtarryeiuhctileneyoouhtesomctoeretunaotehpoipondneaeonlnr.oet
likely moved on (which is usually the case), and listen to the stories starting to rub off on me, Theo.
of the survivors for useful information. Inevitably, once Tileans got
to talking about such things, all sorts of stories would start flowing.
She tapped my notebook and winked: ‘I’ll make certain Renzo stays
with you to help with translation. Ooo, you’re going to get an earful
tonight, Signore Schreiber!’

Rosella proved to be right. That night, I heard enough lurid tales
of the sea and the great beasts that roam itto fill several notebooks.
There were accounts of the monstrous ship-breaker known as the
Behemoth; massive sharks the size of galleons; the evil Kraken
that stalked specific ports for weeks on end; the dread Black Maw
who could swallow fishing vessels whole; and many, many stories
of the horrors perpetuated by ‘Il Potente Granchio’. The Mighty
(or Big) Crab had torn the recently lost ship to pieces, before deftly
plucking her sailors from the ocean for feasting.

84

LEVIATHAN IL POTENTE GRANCHIO

M WS BS S T I Ag Dex Int WP Fel W M WS BS S T I Ag Dex Int WP Fel W
4 65 - 60 68 30 14 10 10 44 1 176 4 70 - 70 73 30 14 15 20 54 1 208

Traits: Armour 6 (12), Dark Vision, Fury, Traits: Armour 8 (15), Dark Vision, Grim 2, Hungry,
Grim, Size (Monstrous), Stride Immunity to Psychology, Painless, Size (Monstrous), Stride
Attack Traits: Bite +11, Weapon (Claws) +12 Attack Traits: Bite +12, Weapon (Claws) +13
Cruel Claws – A Leviathan’s Claw attacks The Cruellest Claws – Il Potente Granchio’s Claw
all have the Penetrating Quality. attacks have the Hack and Penetrating Qualities.
Crustacean – A Leviathan can breathe Crustacean – Il Potente Granchio can breathe
underwater. They have a Move 8 within water. underwater. It has a Move 8 within water.
Optional Traits: Cult (Fanatical or Chaos), Skills: Melee (Claws) 80
Magic Resistance, Painless

85

Siren

est of Remas, across the Tilean Sea, lies the shattered There is an ancient story amidst the followers of Manann that
suggests the first Sirens were born of a tryst between the Sea
W Carvorna Archipelago, which acts as the first natural God and a powerful water spirit. Unbeknownst to Manann, the
defense of Tobaro, most remote of all the Tilean City Naiad also favoured Stromfels, the terrible shark god of pirates
States. At the heart of Tobaro rises the city of the same name, but and wreckers. Thus, various Sirens take after the nature of one or
she is also called Vedenza the True by those who love her. Vedenza both of their ‘fathers’, which goes to explain the wild variances in
resembles Barak Varr in that it arises directly from the shoreline appearance. What is certainly true is that bold wreckers seek to
of the Abasko Coast, where it was built directly into a cliff face. make use of Sirens whenever they can. The Navigator Families
The Tileans made use of a series of sea caves carved by erosion and have been fighting them for centuries… or encouraging them to
expanded, then abandoned, by the Elves long ago. Thus, the city sabotage rivals, if you believe some dark tales I heard amidst the
exists throughout the cliff, as well as rising above it in soaring towers. taverns of Porto, the cavernous harbour neighborhood of Vedenza.

The countless small islands that line that coast are treacherous and SIREN
exceedingly difficult to navigate. The Tobaran huffers who know
the few safe routes have risen to such prominence over centuries M WS BS S T I Ag Dex Int WP Fel W
that they are, effectively, regarded as minor nobles and referred 2 35 - 49 33 42 49 35 30 52 35 15
to as ‘The Navigator Families’. The individual islands have many
names, but the Tobarans usually talk about them collectively as the Traits: Amphibious, Dark Vision
Fool’s Rocks, which tells you something about Tobarans. Maps Attack Traits: Weapon (Claws) +7
that do not call them the Carvorna Archipelago name them the Siren’s Song – Those who hear a Siren singing
Isles of the Sirens, after their most notorious inhabitants. must make a Difficult (–10) Willpower Test or
be enthralled and become unable to perform any
Sirens are infamous creatures with the lower torso of a fish and action excepting moving towards the song’s source
the upper torso of a beautiful Human or Elven maiden, capable of – effectively acquiring the Unconscious Condition
bewitching passing sailors with their haunting songs. That, at least, (though they are awake and likely drooling).
is how most stories speak of them.The reality is that Sirens vary wildly Those who prepare in advance by stopping their
in appearance. There seem to be entire family groups derived from ears with wax or the equivalent face only an Easy
different strains, but they are all notoriously reticent to deal with other (+40) Willpower Test. An enthralled victim may
folk in any but a hostile manner.Their lower torsos are often like to that immediately Test again if attacked in any way.
of a scaled fish, but some have serpent bodies, while others have been Water Born – Mermaids can breathe
reported with octopus-like tentacles. Their upper body appearance is underwater and have Move 8 within it.
equally flexible.While some certainly have a kind of feral beauty to them, Optional Traits: Armour 1–3, Bite, Distracting,
others are hideous and savage, with shark-like teeth. All have wicked Fear 1–2, Fury, Painless, 2xTentacles+5
claws,though some can apparently conceal such,extending them only
when prey is within their grasp. While Sirens mostly consume sea
creatures, many stories indicate they don’t object to Human for variety.

Most celebrated, and feared, of a Siren’s attributes is their voice.
When raised in song, it can snare the will of others, causing them to
abandon any other pursuit in favour of drawing closer to the Siren.
While some Sirens use this ability to lure prey,others seem to sing for
pure joy,with either no care as to what harm their songs may cause,or
grim amusement at the fates of smashed ships and floundering sailors.

86

The seal of the city of Marienburg is a Siren —
twiaohsirebtty‘ahhmeguteyhnorefcdmhesgaoeruisasdiet.la’dPhnaeeedsrrrststfhohaoenenryad‘bSluleiaysrau?esuawntlI’oyslryaCsdunc.asadlCpllelt’ochhotmeefimratgo’ss—osnlbodcethicahaoalotlluuidosginenhgt
too well. Regardless, Sirens are said to favour
cwplreeeavtlettryhwbtraaeukcbeklneesrf,sruohsamuvawelrlleyecaakrdenoderdsnhitinopgsb.rtPihbeeermhsaeplvsessowmieth
them in some fashion?

87

Merwyrm

t was not chance that brought me and my compatriots The Merwyrm was set loose in the tunnels of the Trafuro to feed
as it willed. It was weeks before the engorged creature returned to
I to fair Vedenza, but a series of tales I’d heard from an old sleep off a staggeringly large meal of ratmen flesh in the depths of
sailor on the night that news of Il Potente Granchio’s latest the Tilean Sea.
attack had come to Remas. North of Tobaro and south of the Irrana
Mountains lie the Blighted Marshes, known also as the ‘Zombie Merwyrms are terribly dangerous, incredibly ancient beings said
Swamps’ — as dark and as desolate a place as you could imagine to be part dragon and part sea serpent. While they are creatures
from the name. The sailor told me the valiant folk of Tobaro and of the oceans’ depths, stories say they have no trouble existing on
Miragliano believe that the Blighted Marshes are a stronghold of the land for lengthy periods of time. Their greenish-silvery scaled
Skaven.The Miraglianese are said to fight the loathsome ratmen on a bodies resemble a heavily muscled eel, save that they have four
regular basis.The Empire’s conceit — that the Skaven are mere myth undersized limbs which bear oversized vicious claws. Merwyrms
— is to them incomprehensible. So, too, do the folk of Vedenza fight do not usually employ their limbs to move, but rather thrust
them frequently, though not always on a conventional battlefield. themselves forward with an undulating motion that lends both
great speed in the sea and a frighteningly quick pace on land. A
The Trafuro district of Vedenza belongs, in the main, to the poor. It Merwyrm’s hunger puts an Ogre’s to shame — they are always
is a warren of tunnels dug from the sea caves of the cliffs, deep into eating, devouring vast quantities of whatever flesh they can catch
the earth.The folk of Trafuro are frequently miners and their lives are with their heavily fanged maws. Injury barely slows them and they
hazardous and brief,spent in damp,dark tunnels awaiting misfortune. are frightfully quick to heal. A few older scholarly sources suggest
The tunnels of the Trafuro connect to old passageways that run deep that while Merwyrms grow slowly, they never truly stop. If this is
under the Abasko mountain range to the west and elsewhere,formed so, the oldest Merwyrms must be truly massive beings. While few
by both nature and hands unknown.Years ago, a massive incursion of
Skaven erupted from the tunnels,andTobaro all but fell to the ratmen. MERWYRM
Fortunately, a merchant prince named Meldo Marcelli, along with
an army of mercenaries, arrived in time to push them back. Skaven M WS BS S T I Ag Dex Int WP Fel W
still emerge from the tunnels, as do other, even worse, things. The 6 62 - 65 60 45 26 - 15 38 10 84
oldest tunnels are so dangerous that Vedenza maintains a celebrated
guard known as the Deepwatch to protect against incursions from Traits: Amphibious, Armour 3 (9), Dark Vision,
below.The Tobarans Engineers Guild regularly collapses ‘unwelcome’ Grim 2, Hungry, Immunity to Psychology,
tunnels. The guild engineers so often ply their trade within the Painless, Regenerate, Size (Enormous)
Trafuro that their headquarters, the Palazzo in Profondita, lies deep Attack Traits: Bite (Fanged Maw) +11,
within, inside a massive hollow limestone pillar. Tail +13, Weapon (Fanged Maw) +11
Whale Bane – All of a Merwyrm’s Fanged
The sailor’s story that compelled me to investigate further begins Maw attacks have the Venom (Difficult) Trait.
a few years ago. There was, supposedly, an incursion of Skaven so Optional Traits: Infected, Size (Monstrous)
great that the Deepwatch could not stand against it. The current
prince of Vedenza, along with the Council of Tears which governs
her, were forced to unleash a whispered horror. The captains
of Tobaro swear that the city has a most formidable weapon: a
Merwyrm bound by sorcery (Kadon’s, if Kistiane has the right of
it) they call Silak One-Eye.

88

WNyhenawwwcevhaoetohaeiivrtvitanteardolnehcreccsrelckeh,anasoafi.nisonnmaotsenTdtcsigosdneeuhankdirgrmenongseolfouinMomeotntnwlbthaseehegijweirdm,emanvwi,cnedeIpiutysfdolecblotrhreahhretmotamegohfevo’tleyneehsedfisrrtedsgssMsnmeyaheenitelesesacanatciroitiifvurwlrttart.aeeseohyshrs.tmTeerheaawxmhWdladatcieshdhfevtn.bteerhieierrdlulIraluSoeamiaienrknnniIganaeegytepentdoholshdayfjaposirovtnCotfottyhoefloiwtt,,enxcaohsdueiwuftgeaceholrcsw.arrepfoh.tartoWruufollraooyhnnltnlwvidakoafiwrfnitteeaoectalfdfrehyek,mwei,nn

89

Shard Dragon

I noted previously that the Dwarfs of Karak Kadrin had †The one we fought moved erratically, and it was exceedingly†
generously shared a great deal of their beast lore with me (though disturbing to watch the tangle of its ill-jointed claws flex. Their
the fact that they were Slayers and I was buying their ale may have venom is so acidic that it can score stone. The Dwarfs believe that
had something to do with it). Some of their accounts were more Shard Dragons mark their hunting grounds in this way to ward
fanciful than others, and far too many featured creatures touched off rivals. A sergeant of the Deepwatch who became a friend, Siro
by Chaos — such grotesqueries are often unique, and while they Melagari, told us of a particularly nasty and cunning Shard Dragon,
make for a good tale, they are difficult to research or speak of the Fantasma. This creature could expel a deadly poisonous fume
further.There was one beast, though, of which I heard many stories, that caused bouts of fear so intense as to kill. Fortunately, the one
one that had menaced the Dwarfs from the oldest days, a terror we faced wasn’t capable of such a feat.
of their legendary Underway, the ‘Ungdrin Ankor’. As a creature
of the hidden depths of the world, I never expected to actually C
see one, much less meet one. The Old World has a cruel sense of
humor though, for as we toured an outlying area of the Trafuro, we he cavern at the heart of the Trafuro, where the Palazzo
ended up fighting a Shard Dragon.
T in Profondita resides, is filled with stalactites and
Shard Dragons are huge serpentine creatures that typically stalk stalagmites that the Elves carved into gorgeous statues
through lightless caverns far below the surface of the world. They thousands of years ago. I’d been in the Trafuro following rumours
know no rivals in the depths, only boundless hunger, and so their of the rampage of Silak One-Eye when first I discovered these
lives are an endless hunt for anything they can catch and devour. statues and found they had lost none of their beauty, but were
When they breach a Karak, they wreak sheer havoc, slaughtering preserved by the underground environs. My glowing descriptions
all they find and only retreating when they’ve utterly glutted convinced Nightsong and the others to return with me to see them.
themselves on flesh. This is true whether it is a Karak the Dwarfs
still hold or, to the grim amusement of the Slayers, one taken by SHARD DRAGON
Greenskins or Skaven. There is a convoluted argument between
the Loremasters of the Dwarfs as to the true nature of Shard M WS BS S T I Ag Dex Int WP Fel W
Dragons. Despite their name, one faction holds that they are not 5 48 38 62 76 34 45 - 10 44 5 96
truly Dragons, but wyrms or great serpents of the sea, somehow
caught far from the ocean and mutated by the shadow energies of Traits: Armour 5 (12), Dark Vision, Grim,
the depths. Another says they are Dragons, but have indeed been Size (Enormous), Stealthy, Wallcrawler
twisted by their environment into something strange. Attack Traits: Bite +11, Weapon (Sickle Claws) +11
Rabid Frenzy – When a Shard Dragon is
If the beast we faced was not a Dragon, it might as well have been. wounded in combat, it immediately becomes
Its scales were pale, but that generally implies ‘white’ and, in truth, subject to an unbreakable Frenzy which grants
I know not how to describe a near-colourless being. Each scale it two Free Action Melee Tests per round.
was raised, with jagged edges that cut members of the Vedenza’s Razor Scales – Every time a Shard Dragon is
Deepwatch to ribbons. The Dwarfs contend that some Shard attacked by an Engaged opponent, that opponent
Dragons have scales which are near impenetrable because the takes 1d10 Wounds reduced by Toughness Bonus
beasts eat Gromril ore to fortify their armour.Their limbs can twist and Armour Points, to a minimum of 1.
at odd angles, the better to negotiate narrow passages, I expect. Rock Melter – A Shard Dragon’s bite has
both the Penetrating and Venom Traits.
Talent: Enclosed Fighter
Optional Traits: Corruption
(Minor), Infected, Ward 8+

90

While we were there, we heard a great many screams and shouts THE FANTASMA
from a large side passageway. We barely had time to glance at one
another before a Shard Dragon issued out of the tunnel, tearing M WS BS S T I Ag Dex Int WP Fel W
apart running, screaming Tobarans. Dark-armoured members of
the Deepwatch followed, attempting to bring down the monster. 5 58 48 62 76 44 63 - 35 44 5 96
We could’ve left them to it, but Ghorshkov charged without
hesitation and that was that. Traits: Armour 5 (12), Dark Vision, Grim 2, Size
(Enormous), Stealthy, Wallcrawler, Ward 8+
It was a brutal fight but, in truth, even against such a creature,
we had the upper hand. It was now greatly outnumbered by Attack Traits: Bite +11, Breath (Nightmares)
competent fighters and outside of the narrow tunnels to which +12, Weapon (Sickle Claws) +11
it was accustomed. The man leading the Deepwatch troopers,
Sergeant Melagari, told us later that he was greatly heartened by Breath of Nightmares – Any Wounds caused ignore
our unexpected reinforcement, and swiftly rallied his troops to Armour Points. Targets must immediately make a
press their advantage. The beast did not die easily. It went mad Test against a Terror 2 effect, based on Endurance
with rage, lashing all about, and several brave Deepwatch met a instead of Cool. Note that even if they are normally
gruesome end. Yet die it did at last. immune to Fear or Terror they must still Test as it is
not a psychology-based effect, but a distorted poison.
We saved lives that day, but we eventually paid a heavy toll for it.
See the Appendices on page 106. Razor Scales – Every time the Fantasma is
attacked by an Engaged opponent, that opponent
For what it’s worth, Lynathryn greatly enjoyed the statues. takes 1d10 Wounds reduced by Toughness Bonus
and Armour Points, to a minimum of 1.

Rock Melter – The Fantasma’s bite has
both the Penetrating and Venom Traits.

Skills: Melee (Sickle Claws) 73,
Stealth 68 (+6 SL for Stealthy)

Talents: Enclosed Fighter, Reaction Strike, Shadow 2

91

The FLeinsaslerInEcviidlesnt —

ur assistance in the fight against the Shard Dragon did on. In exchange, he offered a generous purse; access to some of
the rare books of beast lore that Vedenza had gathered over many
O not go unnoticed in Vedenza nor, as we soon found out, years; and, when we were ready, a berth on one of Tobaro’s regular
by the Council of Tears. The Tobarans made a great trading vessels to swiftly take us all the way to Marienburg, if we
deal of us, and just as in Wheburg after the Chimera, we didn’t were so inclined.
pay for our drinks anywhere in the city. We were invited to several
functions in the Scogliera, the high-class neighbourhood built into We were definitely so inclined.
the cliff face, with streets cut from ledges and houses that cluster
along the rock face. I had a particularly memorable discussion on Thus, we soon found ourselves on the near-lightless ‘streets’ of
beasts of the sea with scions of several navigator houses, including Molto, surveying grey single-story stone cottages that greatly
Dacia Ferazzo, the head of her house. resembled tombs, and wondering if The Lost Sparrow, Molto’s sole
tavern, served anything actually worth drinking. I found the folk
We should have left immediately, as we had planned. of Molto to be especially hesitant and cautious when speaking
with us, very uncharacteristic of the Tileans we’d met during our
Sergeant Melagari followed his duty and reported on what had travels. Admittedly, we were outsiders, and Erich had to do a lot of
happened to his superiors. I gather he talked us up a great deal. translating, but even when they discovered we were the ones who
After a few days, we were summoned by Lord Piero Riina, interior had recently helped put down a Shard Dragon, their reaction was
minister of the Council of Tears. The invitation was ostensibly subdued. There was surely something wrong in Molto, but it was
friendly but delivered by heavily armed guards, and refusal wasn’t very subtle; a pause before answering, a flickering glance about
an option. Nevertheless, Lord Riina was quite gracious, and started before speaking. It took days before a man furtively approached
the conversation off by giving us a small purse of Imperial Crowns us near the edge of the community, as we were leaving for our
as ‘a reward from Vedenza for your courage’ — so we were certainly lodgings in Scogliera.
inclined to listen to what he had to say. It was a proposal.

The neighbourhoods of Vedenza have their own sub-regions The miner told us his name was Sandro and he was fearful for his
and those of the Trafuro are particularly varied. Long ago, back young son, Orazio. The omens, he said, indicated that the boy was
before the Skaven first attacked the city, the Trafuro was far larger ‘segnato’. This took Erich a bit of back and forth to understand,
and extended deep beneath the Abasko Mountains. The Tobaro but he soon conveyed that it meant ‘marked’ or perhaps ‘chosen’.
Engineer’s Guild and the Deepwatch have mostly pulled the Sandro told us that there were certain signs that indicated to
people back, to better secure the ‘borders’ of the city. Nevertheless, the Iron Circle — the Miner’s Guild representatives of Molto —
there are communities that dwell somewhat beyond the protection when someone was ‘wanted’. He had heard that we were brave
of Vedenza. Lord Riina explained that one such settlement, Molto, and sought our help to save his Orazio. He was also terribly afraid
had turned very strange of late. While the mining families who of retribution against him and the rest of his family if his request
made up the bulk of Molto’s populace continually swore they were to us became known. Further questioning indicated the ‘marked’
fine when questioned, some Deepwatch patrols that visited the were all taken away by the Iron Circle deep into the mines, never
place unannounced had disappeared without a trace. Lord Riina to return — a fate Sandro was certain awaited Orazio within
was concerned that ‘malicious influences’ were present. While he another night or two, no more. We agreed to help Sandro and
was very careful with his language (his Reikspeil was flawless), it his son.
was clear he suspected a cult of the Ruinous Powers might be
involved. He requested that we visit Molto, using our work as a
cover, and see if we could determine what, if anything, was going

92

Ghorshkov suggested the miner might be setting a trap, one that UNDEAD KNIGHT (WIGHT)
had caught the missing Deepwatch patrols before us. Nightsong
believed there was a ‘ring of truth’in the man’s evident fear, but also M WS BS S T I Ag Dex Int WP Fel W
stated that didn’t mean Vasya was wrong. In the end, we decided to
follow the Iron Circle’s representatives when they took the boy, but 4 50 35 45 45 38 30 20 35 50 30 17
to expect a trap and act accordingly.
Traits: Armour 4 (8), Dark Vision, Fear 2, Immunity
It was not a trap. Fearful miners had made a dreadful bargain for to Psychology, Magical, Painless, Undead
the sake of their community. In their delving, they had unearthed
an ancient tomb, the undead inhabitants of which demanded Attack Traits: Weapon (Wight Blade) +9
blood for security — the blood of Molto. The crypt was home
to a large circle of ancient Tilean knights, who bore blades that Wight Blade – The weapons wielded by Wights
could sheer steel like it was paper, and their shrieking paramours, burn with a cold, fell light. They have the Impale
beautiful even in death, but deadly. They were not interested in Weapon Quality. Additionally, whenever a Wight
negotiating a new bargain. We saved Orazio, but it was rough causes a Critical Hit with one, it makes two rolls
going, and we were forced to swiftly retreat to summon help from on the Critical Hit Table and inflicts the higher
Lord Riina. We returned to Molto with the Deepwatch, priests of result. A blade taken from a Wight is a Magical
Morr and of Myrmidia, who is beloved in the south, leading the hand weapon that does +SB+5 Damage.
way. We destroyed the undead knights and their entourages. The
bitterly protesting Iron Circle was taken into custody. Hail the Talents: Combat Master 2, Strike to Injure
courageous heroes…
Optional Traits: Champion, Chill Grasp,
Mighty Sigmar, give me strength, for my heart is a searing wound. Fury, Hardy, Stealthy, Territorial, Unstable
I do not want to write what came after. Let it be a nightmare, from
which I will yet awaken. Sometimes when a mortal hero of sufficient will falls,
they do not lie quietly within their grave. Wights are
the remains of such fallen warriors, made Undead by
powerful magic and their own dread resolve. Wights
are invariably clad in the full armour in which they
were buried. They seldom have either flesh nor skin left,
resembling Skeletons, but their eyes gleam with a fell
light and they move with terrible purpose. They retain
all of their fighting skill from life, plus much that they’ve
learned in battles since their deaths. Wights carry blades
infused with Dhar and their cuts are frequently lethal.

We had not yet left Vedenza when they came — the loathsome
ratmen, the thrice-cursed Skaven. We thought the folk of Molto
hesitant because they feared we would learn of their bargain; it is
the nature of their compact we failed to understand, for it wasn’t
just Molto the undead knights were guarding. The Skaven caught
us carousing, still celebrating our great victory over the Undead
several nights later. When we first heard the screams, we thought
they were over-excited revellers. It wasn’t until the shouts grew in
volume and number that we slowly realized something was very
wrong. I staggered out of a tavern the Deepwatch favoured in
the Trafuro to hordes of screaming Tobarans rushing past, fleeing
towards Scogliera and the sea.

93

Down the street behind them, at the far end of the cavern I looked at my friends, the valiant Melagari, and the Deepwatch
in which I stood, the flickering dim of Trafuro was suddenly soldiers assembling about us. ‘We must slow them.’ We all charged as
lit by a burst of brilliant green flame, which clearly showed one. What followed was a mass of ringing blades, spurting blood,
leaping forms of rat-headed Beastmen that rendered me and the dying shrieks of Skaven and Men. A horrible musky smell
sober in seconds. I yelled ‘Skaven’ into the tavern and drew steel. filled the air, emanating from the ratmen.The Skaven had a weapon
Ghorshkov was at my side in seconds, with my other companions that poured forth green flames. I saw a Deepwatch soldier die,
and Sergeant Melagari soon following. screaming, with strange protrusions of bone erupting from his skin
where the unnatural flames played over him. I caught a glimpse of
As the Skaven continued to pour into the Trafuro up from Molto, Ghorshkov roaring with laugher as he hewed at the weapon-limbed
we swiftly realized it was no small raid we faced. Hordes of Rat Ogre creature, both fighters bleeding from many wounds. I
ratmen carrying blades, but also strange weapons including, to heard Jorunn’s clear battle cries in Khazalid even above the din of
our amazement, firearms of some kind, were flooding into the the cavern. I saw Nightsong kill far too many Skaven to count, one
neighbourhood in great numbers, and at such speed as to surely fatal arrow shot at a time, and I cut down no few ratmen myself.
overtake us if we tried to run. A massive figure stalked forward
through the Skaven lines, knocking lesser ratmen out of its path
without even acknowledging them. It raised one arm and I realized,
to my horror, the limb had been replaced with some sort of cannon.
A staccato clatter echoed through the Trafuro as the thing’s arm
unleashed a stream of shot into a group of hastily assembled
Deepwatch, ripping them to pieces. Vasya grinned. ‘Mine, da?’

SKAVEN CLAN SKRYRE TROOPS

Favoured Clanrats in the service of Clan Skryre often Warp Blade: Warp Blades are two-handed weapons
wield the arcane devices their masters craft for war, which wielded by the leaders of Clan Skryre that can unleash
are utterly lethal to their opponents, and frequently, electrical blasts of eldritch lightning which ignore Metal
themselves. Such Clanrats will have a Ballistic Skill of Armour Points entirely. An opponent that takes more
40. They will be armed with either Poison Wind Globes than a single Wound from a Warp Blade strike in melee
or a Warp Pistol, and a Hand Weapon. It takes teams to combat must make an Average (+20) Endurance Test
wield either a Ratling Cannon or a Warpfire Thrower. or take a Stunned Condition. Additionally, Warp Blades
Clanrats that attempt to use a Warplock Jezzail need have the Defensive, Hack, and Impale Weapon Qualities.
a partner to steady their aim, with either a modified
bipod or a special steadying shield. Without such a Warpfire Thrower: The Skaven’s dread Warpfire Thrower
partner, the Warplock Jezzail loses the Accurate and is an evil device, which inflicts horrific wounds upon
Precise Qualities. With steadying shield, both benefit its targets, burning their flesh even as it mutates them.
from the quality Shield 2, but they cannot run (or flee) It is a Ranged Weapon with a Rating +6, Range 8
without tossing it away (which they’ll be killed for). yards, Ablaze, Blast 4, and the Dangerous Flaw. Targets
wounded by a Warpfire Thrower must make a Corruption
Clan Skryre Armaments (Moderate) Test from the unnatural transmuting flames.

Ratling Cannon: The Skaven designed this devastating Warplock Jezzail: The Skaven knock-off of the
multi-barreled killing machine after studying a few Hochland Long Rifle. Add the Dangerous Flaw and
of Von Meinkopt's Whirling Cavalcades of Death in targets wounded by a Jezzail must make a Corruption
action. It takes two Skaven to properly wield a Ratling (Minor) Test from the warpstone-laced shot.
Cannon: one to feed ammo and one to grimly hold
on as it spits streams of warpstone-laced rounds. This Warplock Pistol: Skaven versions of Human
Ranged weapon has a Rating +10, Range 40 yards, pistols, ‘improved’ by their standards. They have the
Blackpowder, Blast 3, Impale, Penetrating, and the Dangerous Blackpowder, Damaging, Impale, Penetrating, and
and Imprecise Flaws. Targets wounded by a Ratling Reload 1 Qualities and the Dangerous Flaw. Targets
Cannon must take an Average (+20%) Corruption wounded by a Warplock Pistol must take a Corruption
(Minor) Test from the warpstone laced-shot. (Minor) Test from the warpstone laced-shot.

94

It was not enough. We left corpses piled high on the cavern CLAN SKRYRE WARLOCK ENGINEER
floor, but we were being pushed back by the sheer weight of
their numbers all the same. A large Skaven with a huge halberd M WS BS S T I Ag Dex Int WP Fel W
crackling with eldritch energies seemed to be leading the Skaven 5 45 50 40 40 50 50 30 60 45 30 16
horde. Melagari tried to kill it but was seared and knocked
unconscious by a blast of lightning from the warlord’s blade. Traits: Armour 2 (6), Night Vision
Attack Traits: Ranged (Warp Blade) +7 (48)
A voice rose above the din of battle, a voice I have come to cherish or Ranged (Warplock Pistol) +9 (20),
before all others. She stood atop one of the stone houses of the Weapon (Warp Blade) +10
Trafuro and a light played about her hands. She looked at me, Made-Made Myself – A Warlock Engineer’s
caught my eyes, and gave me the slightest, saddest smile. Then Warplock Pistol lacks the Dangerous Weapon Flaw.
she pulled the cavern down upon herself and the greater mass Optional Traits: Disease (Ratte Fever), Mutation
of the ratmen. Blasts of emerald light lashed up from her hands, The Warlock Engineers that lead Clan Skryre
disrupting faults in the cavern ceiling that only her arts could have blend sorcery with Skaven technology, creating
found. The Skaven barely had time to scream before they were lethal and useful, if highly volatile, devices.
utterly crushed under tons of falling stone, as was she.
CLAN SKRYRE ‘PROTOTYPE’
Thus passed Kistiane Brockdorf, Druid of the Jade Order, my love,
and the bravest person I’ve ever known. M WS BS S T I Ag Dex Int WP Fel W
5 50 45 65 55 45 35 - 30 45 10 50

Traits: Armour 2 (7), Dark Vision, Grim,
Hardy, Painless, Size (Large), Stupid
Attack Traits: Ranged (Ratling Cannon) +11 (40),
Weapon (Pistonfist) +12
Shoot-Kill – One of the Prototype’s arms
has been replaced with an improved Ratling
Cannon, which it altered to accurately wield.
It does not have the Imprecise Flaw.
Murder-Crush – The Protype’s other arm
ends in an engineered maul-device designed
to pneumatically smash both rock and flesh to
smithereens. It has the Impact and Pummel Traits.
A ‘Skryre-modified’ Rat Ogre not yet
ready for full-scale ‘production’.

95



Appendices

Gory Riches. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Potions and Unguents . . . . . . 103
Weapons and Armour . . . . . . . . 112
Magical Items. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Afterword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Expected Expeditions. . . . . . . . 120
Pre-Generated Characters . . . . . 122
Creature Traits. . . . . . . . . . . . 134

Gory Riches

“Clever hunters get paid in advance to kill monsters; they don’t do so out FINE EATING
of charity.” – Sorge Krause
Rules for creatures hunted for their meat are effectively
ith the notable exception of the legendary hoards of already covered by Characters in the Hunter Career,
as that is what they are doing during their Income
W Dragons, the majority of the fierce creatures of the Endeavours. Rhinox, for example, are often considered
Old World do not have convenient chests of loot lying ‘monsters’ by many folks, but ones highly valued for
about their lairs. There are a few beasts clever enough to realize their meat. Hunting them, though, is a dangerous
that acquiring riches for bait might bring more meals to their prospect – they are deadly, it takes time and resources,
door. Such creatures are, near invariably, far more cunning and they dwell in the high mountains far from most
dangerous to encounter. settlements, you have to salt or smoke the meat to
transport it, the merchants will get their cut, etc. This is
Most of the time, if you manage to kill a dangerous beast, anything why a thick Rhinox steak in an Altdorf tavern may be
of value to be gleaned from whatever is left of the bodies of their an expensive luxury, but most hunters are fairly poor.
previous meals is there for the taking, but only if one has a strong
stomach, and it likely won’t amount to much. Folk that travel with What makes a monster’s innards
gold and jewels don’t generally journey to, or get eaten in, lonely valuable? Well, it’s a number of
mountain passes or far off well-trod paths, deep in the forests of factors. Rarity of the beast,
the Old World, where monsters typically roam. properties of its organs, danger of
the hunt, logistics of preservation
No, the real treasure may well be the creature you just faced. Well, and transportation... Most
parts of it, anyway. importantly, though, remember that
most folk haven't so much as clapped
What follows herein are some rules detailing the odd, but eyes on a real monster. Oh they’ve
occasionally lucrative, market for ‘beast parts’ that flourishes in the shared plenty of tall tales around
Empire and various other countries of the Old World. These rules the hearth, maybe even taken a turn
specifically concern creature remains acquired for reasons other around the zoo, but actually seen
than sustenance – generally for their unusual properties, though one in the wild and lived to tell the
ofttimes, such may just be rumoured. As Gromsdottir pointed out tale? Not likely. so when you're a
– demand creates value, even if it is made under false pretenses. myth hoarding commoner, and a learned
alchemist with titles and tinctures
claims that the liver of a cockatrice
will cure your ails, who are you to
argue? Course some of those self-
same alchemists couldn’t tell the
difference between a Rhinox horn and
their own nose, but that’s a different
matter. Folk will pay through the
nose for a mythical cure,
and monsters are myths
you can harvest.”

98

What’s This Thing Worth? Beware the lure of harvesting
arcane attributes. Though they
Base Cost may promise riches, I have seen too
many of my contemporaries driven
The base cost of raw monster parts is determined by the rarity of to destitution, madness, and worse
the creature in question and just how deadly it is. All monsters in vain attempts to harvest magic
are assumed to be at least ‘somewhat’ dangerous, but any creature from dead beasts. Potent venoms,
with unusual abilities will see the price double. Of course, some quality hides, gastric juices,
creatures are so foul that few would consider doing anything with and scything claws, on the
their carcass other than burn it. Skaven livers, for example, may other hand, rarely disappoint.
have some kind of alchemical use (beyond the use to the Skaven it
came from) but so far no one has been brave enough to discover it. Usable Material

The basic unit of measurement is 1 Encumbrance point. Creature The amount of usable material a beast’s corpse can potentially offer
parts that weigh less than 1 Enc still count as 1 for carrying purposes, up is based on its size.
as they will doubtless require some care to be taken with them.
0 Less than Average – 1 Enc
RAW CREATURE PARTS BASE COST 1 ENC 0 Average – 2 Enc
0 Large – 4 Enc
Common Scarce Rare Exotic Unique 0 Enormous – 8 Enc
0 Monstrous – 16 Enc
80d 10/- 1GC 3GC 5GC+
Which Bits?
Threat
You may have killed the beast, but do you know what parts of it
Some creatures are so deadly that hunters can rightly demand a buyers actually want? It may be one or more organs, or perhaps its
premium due to the risk of dealing with.Conversely,other creatures blood, that are rumoured to have medicinal properties. Characters
are considered relatively harmless and therefore command a poorer will have to make an appropriate Lore Test to determine what
price. The ratings given for each creature represent the perceived should be kept of the corpse before them.
threat these creatures pose to the average denizen of the Old
World, and should not be used to plan encounters for your party. A successful Lore (Beasts or Medicine) Test determines what
Some creatures will be far more dangerous to certain parties than parts of a creature are desired from most creatures. A Trade
others, and the circumstances in which a creature is encountered (Poisoner) or similar Test can be made if the creature in question
will also affect the threat they pose. A Rhinox charging across an is poisonous, venomous, or both! Lore (Magic) can also be used
open plain toward a group armed with blackpowder weapons is for any beast that clearly has ‘mystical’ qualities about it that may
at best a moderate threat — the same beast charging into a forest be of interest to Wizards. Any level of success means that the
clearing in the dead of night is another matter entirely. Character has a good idea of what parts to retain. For each level
of failure, downgrade how much useful material can be collected
Multiply the base price per encumbrance by the number given from the corpse to the next lower size on the Usable Material
below to determine the final price for each creature's 'bits'. Chart; e.g., what to keep from an Enormous beast vexes a group
and they get -2 SL on the Lore Test.They only know how to glean
CREATURE THREAT PRICE MULTIPLIER 2 Encumbrance worth of useful material out of it.

Harmless Hazardous Dangerous Deadly

1/2 X 1X 2X 3X

99

Threat & Price Table

Creature Rarity Typical Size Cost per Page Commonly Claimed Uses
Threat
Amoeba Scarce Enc.
Amphisbaena Exotic (Encumbrance)
Arachnarok Spider Scarce 10/-
Caledair, The Scythe of Fire Unique Average Hazardous 1 GC 10/- 44 Amobae jelly is incredibly flammable
Exotic Large Harmless 46 Mixing the venom of both heads cures any poison
Carnosaur Scarce Monstrous Dangerous 1 GC 12 Spinerettes are pressed to create exceptional glue
Chameleoleech Exotic 15 GC 31 Endless uses to wizards and alchemists
Exotic Monstrous Deadly 6 GC 81 Hearing their roar said to cure cowardice
Chimera Unique Enormous Dangerous 50 Creates a potion to take on another's appearance
Cockatrice Exotic Harmless 5/- 66 Pelt is fearful to animals resembling the Chimera
Corpse Render of Carroburg Scarce Small 9 GC 64 Their head stuns any who meet its gaze
Dark Pegasi Exotic 6 GC 54 The scales of such beasts can be used to create a
Drakwald Mancatcher Rare Enormous Deadly 15 GC 56 A feather pillow grants easy sleep to the guilty
Dread Maw Exotic 6 GC 13 Venom glands create untraceable poison
Fen Worm Rare Large Dangerous 1 GC 22 Teeth, tusks, and horn polish beautifully
Forest Dragon Exotic Enormous Deadly 6 GC 52 Fenworm skin makes very fine clothing
Rare 1 GC 30 Cloak of scales renders wearer untraceable
Giant Rare Large Dangerous 9 GC 34 Giant toenails make impenetrable shields
Great Eagle Rare Large Dangerous 2 GC 63 A poultice of their macerated eyes cures blindness
Great Mountain Hawk Scarce 6 GC 63 Arrows fletched with their feathers never miss
Great Stag Rare Large Dangerous 1 GC 10 Poultices for longevity and vitality
Great Taurus Exotic Enormous Hazardous 1 GC
Great Wolf Rare Enormous 2 GC 74 Taurus horn makes one immune to fire
Unique Enormous Deadly 10/-
Griffon Unique Enormous Dangerous 1 GC 16 Pelt signals the favour of Ulric
Heomreth Exotic Dangerous 9 GC 20 Feathers bring great luck
Horned One Exotic 1 GC 63 Impossible to lie while holding their talon
Il Potente Granchio Rare Large Hazardous 15 GC 80 Arrows tipped with their teeth pierce any armour
Krag-Breaker Unique Large Hazardous 10 GC 84 Shell said to be made of valuable gemstone
Leviathan Exotic 9 GC 25 Powdered horn of a great Rhinox cures any ill
Merwyrm Exotic Enormous Dangerous 6 GC 85 Carved Leviathan bones grant unnatural powers
Nightraven Unique 1 GC 88 Holding a Merwyrm dispels all illusions
Ol' Gribbleback Scarce Average Hazardous 10 GC 59 Powdered beak and talons stops any bleeding
Scarce Enormous Hazardous 3 GC 19 The blood of a great Razorgor induces frenzy
Preyton Scarce Enormous 6 GC 60 A sword hilt of their antler ensures a sharp blade
Rat Ogre Bonebreaker Rare Deadly 10 GC 41 Possible to harvest warpstone from flesh and blood
Rare 17 Liver of a two-headed wolf will double your life
Raukos Exotic Large Hazardous 5/- 77 Knife made from their beak said to cut any
Razorbill Rare Monstrous Deadly 10/- 18 Stomach can be cured to hold any liquid
Razorgor Exotic Enormous 10/- 24 The tail of a Rhinox keeps away flies
Rhinox Scarce Monstrous Dangerous 1 GC 48 Eating the flesh will regenerate a limb
River Troll Exotic Deadly 2 GC 49 A Hag's net can capture and remove any curse
River Troll Hag Common 9 GC 90 Their scales creates wounds that never heal
Shard Dragon Unique Enormous Dangerous 1 GC 86 A lock of siren hair lets one breath water
Unique 3 GC 70 Flaying one alive can cure another of the curse
Siren Unique Small Hazardous 5/- 26 Squig droppings are fine fertiliser
Skin Wolf 6 GC 79 Plates said to make impenetrable armour
Enormous Dangerous 40d 36 Casting the scales into water foretells the future
Squig Large Hazardous 15 GC 91 The heart of great Shard Dragons is pure ruby
Stegadon Dangerous 15 GC 67 Slaying a great Chimera ensures fame, or infamy
Stirpike Enormous Dangerous 10 GC 10 Said to bear the special flavour of Taal
The Fantasma Large Harmless
The Oblast Beast Small Drinking from the skull grants the ability to see
The River's Shadow 37
Large Hazardous
Large Hazardous and hear the dead
Large Hazardous
Enormous Dangerous 76 Their urine is said to keep rats away
Enormous 82 Amulet of their claws wards off lesser animals
Deadly 93 Powdered Wight bone briefly awakens any corpse
82 Pelts are highly valued
Average Hazardous 32 Venom from tail said to kill anything that breaths
Average Hazardous
Average Harmless
Enormous Dangerous
Large Harmless

Enormous Deadly
Enormous Deadly
Dangerous
Large

Things from the Dead Wood Exotic Average Hazardous 3 GC

Tregera Rare Large Hazardous 1 GC
War Lion of Chrace Unique Large Dangerous 10 GC
Average Hazardous 1 GC
Wight Rare Average Hazardous
Wild Cat Common Enormous Dangerous 80d
Wyvern 2 GC
Rare