THE WAR OF THE BEARD - Angelfire

® THE WAR OF
THE BEARD
This is the first article in a
two part series detailing the Dwarf versus High Elf in bitter conflict
epic War of the Beard. This
was fought in the mists of
time before the rise of Man.
Anthony Reynolds tells us of
this dire age.

In an era long past, more than 2,000 clockwork toys were the to strike brutally against the trade
years before the birth of Sigmar, the delight of Elven children. Great routes, slaughtering countless Dwarfs
renowned Phoenix King Caledor I underground roads linked the and seizing their wares. Suspicion
steered Ulthuan through its time of flourishing Dwarf strongholds, and naturally fell on the High Elves
turbulence, the vicious civil war that the Dwarfs knew little of the strife the of Ulthuan.
tore the Elven nation apart. Elves had suffered, believing
As brother fought themselves to be far removed from King Gotrek demanded recompense
brother for any danger. from the Elves. When word of this
control of demand reached the Phoenix King his
the isle and As the Elves of Ulthuan forged reply was immediate and
the Phoenix friendships with the Dwarfs, Malekith undiplomatic. He sent a message
Crown itself, the Witch King continued to plot saying that the Phoenix King did not
Caledor led those against the Phoenix King. Garbed as
loyal to his cause warriors of Ulthuan, Dark Elves began
against the traitorous
Malekith, eventually
driving him from Ulthuan.
Despite the troubles that had
befallen the Elves, they were still
a mighty nation, their magic at its
pinnacle and dragon-riders
soaring through the skies
above Ulthuan.

The streets of Ulthuan
were filled with the
sounds of despair and
much lamentation when
the time came for
Caledor to pass away.
Caledor had left his
successor, his son Caledor II,
with a strong army and the
most powerful navy in the
world, but the folly of
hereditary kingship was soon to
be learned.

Caledor II, though sharing the
blood of his father, had none of
his good sense and wisdom. The
young Phoenix King was rash and
impetuous, vain and pompous. He
was a mighty warrior, but with
Ulthuan desperate for stability, far
more was needed in a leader than he
could provide.

Early in his reign, trade routes with
the Dwarfs which had been closed
during the times of Elven civil war
were reopened. The Dwarfs were at
the peak of their power, and their
runesmiths had a far greater
knowledge of their art than is present
today. Dwarf-forged steel was the
finest in the world, and their intricate

THE WAR OF THE BEARD - 40 - JANUARY 2002

answer demands but granted pleas. army. As they watched the towering almost their entire military strength
Dwarfs are a touchy, proud race and ships sail forth, his advisors were was spent. Tired of their lack of
to suggest to a Dwarf King that he dismayed because they feared that the success, Caledor II dismissed his
should beg for anything was almost as dispatch of such a force would leave generals and took command
bad as suggesting he shave off his Ulthuan almost defenseless. Caledor personally. It was his last great
beard. King Gotrek sent a blunt reply flew into a towering rage and mistake. At the fourteenth siege of Tor
to Caledor saying he made pleas to dismissed their fears as groundless. Alessi he charged right into the heart
neither Elf nor god and demanded of the Dwarf infantry and was cut
twice the recompense originally asked In the Old World the war dragged on. down by King Gotrek who snatched
because of the implied insult. Caledor Neither side was strong enough to the Phoenix Crown from his corpse
sent the Dwarf ambassador back with overcome the other. The fortress cities and took it in payment for the
his beard shaved off and said that if of the Dwarfs were virtually Elves’ insolence.
Gotrek wanted compensation, he impregnable. The dour, stalwart Dwarf
should come to Ulthuan and collect it troops were quite unlike any foe the The Dwarfs retreated from the field
himself. While all this was going on, Elves had faced before and they claiming that honor was satisfied and
agents of Naggaroth were abroad simply refused to give up or admit refused to answer any Elf petitions for
throughout the Old World stirring up defeat, even when hopelessly the return of the crown. Gotrek
trouble. Now it was a matter of honor, outnumbered. This was not the claimed that if they wished, they could
and there could now be only one berserker fury of the Chaos Hordes; come to Karaz-a-Karak with an army
outcome: war. this incredible tenacity was allied to and plead for its return.
tactical cunning and consummate
Dwarf armies marched down on the military skill. For their part, the Even as the Elves mustered a suicidal
trading city of Tor Alessi (present day Dwarfs were astonished by the power expedition to besiege Karaz-a-Karak,
L’Anguille in Bretonnia) and laid siege of the Elf forces. They had judged the the world’s most unassailable fortress,
to it. King Gotrek swore an oath that strength of Ulthuan by that of the least word came that the Dark Elves had
he would have his money or its of its provinces. The huge armies of invaded Ulthuan once more. The
weregeld price in Elf blood, or he mailed knights and disciplined Witch King’s plan had come
would shave his head. It was a mighty infantry was not what they had to fruition.
oath. His ambassador had already expected. Still, in true Dwarf fashion,
become a Trollslayer from the shame they were not about to admit to The first Phoenix crown remains in
of having his beard shaved, and the a mistake. the great vault of the Everpeak to the
Dwarfs were determined that their present day, a source of festering
The war engendered a legacy of hatred and recrimination between the
king should not endure a hatred and bitterness that was to last two peoples. The Dwarfs refer to the
similar fate. for thousands of years. In response to Elves as oathbreakers and
the beard-shaving incident, the Dwarfs beardclippers, while the Elves call the
Upon hearing of the Dwarf chopped down entire virgin forests to Dwarfs thieves. It was a petty, spiteful
attack Caledor was spite the Elves. Both sides fought until and pointless war and worse was yet
outraged. He instantly to come.
dispatched an expedition to
relieve Tor Alessi. It was a
mighty fleet and a great

THE WAR OF THE BEARD - 41 - JANUARY 2002

WAR OF THE BEARD HIGH ELF WAR OF THE BEARD SPECIAL RULES
HIGH ELVES ARMY LIST
• There is a +1 to all casting • Champions of Spearmen,
This army has been designed so that you attempts made using High Magic. Lothern Sea Guard and Silver
can recreate the War of the Beard, a Helms may take magical items
tragic time of epic battle between the • Lord choices may take up to worth up to 25 points.
proud races of the High Elves and the 150 points of magical items.
Dwarfs at the height of their power. This • Swordmasters, Phoenix Guard
army list may only be used when fighting • Hero choices may take up to and White Lions are 0-2 choices.
an army chosen from the Dwarf War of 75 points of magical items.
the Beard army list, featured in next • A Dragon ridden by a Lord (so
month’s White Dwarf – these armies • Spearmen, Lothern Sea Guard NOT a Drake ridden by a Dragon
would be far too lethal to play against a and Silver Helms may take a Prince) may be upgraded to a Lvl 1
regular army! The magical items here magical banner worth up to Wizard for 50 points. The Dragon
may ONLY be used in War of the Beard 50 points. may only use Fire Magic.
armies, as they have been lost in time
and cannot be used in ‘modern’ battles. • Swordmasters, Phoenix Guard • Dragon Princes as they are in the
and White Lions may take a High Elf armies book cannot be
magical banner worth up to taken at all but are replaced by the
100 points. following new unit.

• No Dogs of War units are to be used.

CHOOSING CHARACTERS DRAGON PRINCES OF CALEDOR Points/Model: 270

Army Value Maximum Maximum Rare Unit 0-1 choice (takes up two Rare choices)*
Characters Lords
< 2,000 1 Profile M WS BS S T W I A Ld
2,000-2,999 0-4
3,000-3,999 up to 2 Dragon Prince 5 5 5 43 3 6 2 9
4,000-4,999 0-5 Drake 6 5 0 55 5 3 4 7
each +1000 up to 3
0-7 *You may take 1-3 Dragon Princes as a single choice.
up to 4 Unit Size: Each Dragon Prince is a single unit.
0-9 Weapons & Armor: Hand weapon, lance, dragon armor and shield.
+1 Options:
+2
• Each Dragon Prince may be equipped with magical items worth up to 25 pts.
CHOOSING TROOPS Special Rules:

Army Value Core Special Rare • Dragon Prince: Dragon Armor
< 2,000 1+ 0-4 0-2 • Drake: Fly, Cause terror, Large Target, Breathe Fire (S3), Scaly Skin (4+ save).
2,000-2,999 2+ 0-5 0-3
3,000-3,999 2+ 0-6 0-4
4,000-4,999 4+ 0-7 0-5
each +1000 +1 +0-1 +0-1

THE WAR OF THE BEARD - 42 - JANUARY 2002

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The Vanquishingof
Snorri Halfhand

The year 224ofCaledorII
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THE WAR OF THE BEARD - 43 - JANUARY 2002

His horse stamping its hooves impatiently, in the sun, they soared overhead as the commander, the Dwarf nevertheless
commander Fierann of Ulthuan gazed over Silver Helms thundered over the hard, managed to fend off most of the blows.
the open field towards the tight ranks of sun-baked field. As Fierann approached Those attacks that slipped past his
Dwarfs arrayed before his army. Today the Dwarf line, he picked his target; an defense rebounded forcefully off his
their treacheries would be repaid, he impressive figure with an exceptionally gleaming armor, leaving faint smoking
vowed, as he raised his finely wrought long beard, wielding a large axe bedecked traces where they struck.
blade high into the air, its tip crackling with runes. The Dwarfs stood unflinching
with barely contained magic. He swept his before the Silver Helms, their faces grim Hatred was etched on the faces of the
blade down in a chopping motion, and the and resolute. Lances were lowered as the combatants, Elf and Dwarf battling
Elves of Ulthuan let out a great roar, Elves closed on their foe, and the ranks murderously. The resolute Dwarfs struck
surging across the grass towards their of bearded warriors let out a deep- out savagely with axe and hammer, felling
hated enemy. Fierann kicked his mount throated war cry of defiance. the steeds of the Silver Helms, and
into a gallop, his proud unit of Silver dragging them from their saddles. The
Helms a step behind him. The Silver Helms crashed into the tightly Elves fought with great finesse, their
packed Dwarfs with brutal force, their elegant blades weaving deadly patterns
A trio of great blue-scaled dragons leapt lances punching through sturdy armor, through the air, slicing through armor and
from the ground, weaving gracefully horses kicking out with flashing hooves. flesh. Sorcerous blasts of energy ripped
into the air. The Dragon Keeping his eye on his opponent, through the ranks of Dwarfs, tossing
Princes of Caledor borne on them into the air like dolls, and Fierann
the backs of the drakes Fierann slashed downwards with his smiled grimly. His brother Danalon had
hefted their ornate lances. crackling blade. His foe raised his shown great magical prowess even when
ornate battle-axe before him, and the they were children.
Resplendent armor two weapons clashed in a great burst
gleaming brightly of light and sparks. Letting fury wash Feinting to the left, Fierann turned his
over him, Fierann struck out blade in mid air to sweep the weapon
repeatedly with his flashing sword. towards his enemy’s exposed neck.
Satisfaction burned in the Elven
Barely able to follow the blurring commander’s ice-blue eyes as his blade
movements of the Elven
sliced into Dwarf
flesh, cutting through
bone and tendon with
ease. The sickly smell

of charred meat rose
into the air as sparks

danced over the
Dwarf’s nearly
decapitated body.

With a tremendous
roar that made
Fierann’s ears ache, one
of the drakes landed in the
midst of the battle. A
Dwarf was impaled on the
lance of the Dragon Prince,
crying out in pain as he
was hefted high into the
air, his struggling form
sliding slowly down the
shaft. The drake lashed
out with an immense
clawed hand, swatting a
number of foes to the
ground, and roared
again. Fierann raised his
blade in salute to the
Dragon Knight. As he
turned back to the
fierce battle, the
Elven commander
smiled grimly.

Today, Elven pride would
be restored.

THE WAR OF THE BEARD - 44 - JANUARY 2002

Two regiments of Archers defend their temple from attack.

New Magical Items Stone of Midnight: 45 Points Dragonheart Pendant: 20 Points
The DragonheartPendant symbolizes
Stolen from the Dark Elf Hag the spiritual bond that the bearer
shares with his mount.
MAGICAL WEAPONS Sorceress Morathi by Alith Anar,the
If the character wearing the
Sword of Ages: 80 Points enigmatic Shadow King of Nagarythe, Dragonheart Pendant is slain whilst
riding a monstrous creature, the
This ancient and powerful blade is the Stone of Midnight exudes a monster will automatically pass its
Leadership test and can fight on as
said to have been forged by the cloying mist of darkness, disorienting normal. In addition, the creature will
crippled god Vaul the Maker. It guides suffer hatred towards the enemy
the arm of its wielder, striking at the the bearers foes and filling their model or unit that killed the
character. In the same manner, if the
minds with terrifying visions and creature itself is slain, the rider will
suffer hatred towards the enemy
enemy with unerring skill and power. waking dreams. model or unit that killed it.

Confers a +1 to hit, +1 A and +2 S to In hand to hand combat any MAGIC BANNERS
all attacks made by the wielder in successful rolls to hit and to wound
Close Combat. targeted at the bearer must be Sacred Banner of Avelorn:
re-rolled. The second roll stands. 30 Points
Blade of the Phoenix: 60 Points W oven from living leaves and the hair
This sacred blade is housed within the ENCHANTED ITEMS of the fairest Elven maidens, the
Sacred Banner of Avelorn is a
Shrine of Asuryan. In times of The Crown of the Phoenix King: stunningly beautiful creation that
150 Points inspires awe in all who see it.
particular strife, the keepers of the The Crown of the Phoenix King was
Any enemy wishing to charge the unit
Shrine will present the blade to a worn by Aenarion himself, and is one must first pass a Leadership test. If
failed, the unit does not move,
warrior of purity and honor, to wield of the most revered symbols of the transfixed by the beauty of the banner.
The unit holding the banner must
in the name of the great god Asuryan. High Elves. make their charge reaction before the
Leadership test is taken.
No armor saves are allowed against The model wearing the Crown of the
hits made by the Blade of the Phoenix King and the unit it is with is
Phoenix. Once per battle, at the start Unbreakable. In addition, all friendly
of any Close Combat phase the models within 6" of the model
wielder will attack first and will fight become stubborn.
with an additional D6 Attacks. This
effect only lasts for the one Close Horn of Isha: 35 Points
Combat phase. The blade can only be
used by a character who has the Pure Made from a pearl-colored sea shell,
of Heart honor.

the Horn of Isha summons the

TALISMANS blessing of the Elven Mother Goddess.

Cloak of Stars: 60 Points Once per battle the horn may be
used, at the beginning of any Close
The Cloak of Stars is thickly woven Combat or Shooting phase.
The bearer and the unit he is with
with enchantments, sapping the may make an additional Attack in
power of blows struck against it. close combat, or may shoot twice in
the shooting phase.
All shooting and hand-to-hand attacks
struck against the bearer are resolved
at -2 Strength.

THE WAR OF THE BEARD - 45 - JANUARY 2002