15 April, 2009
Today’s Tabbloid
PERSONAL NEWS FOR riorio2@rogue-games.net
ROGUE FEED
More Lower Temple, Plus
Monster
APR 15, 2009 01:07A.M.
The Lower Temple has been updated and a new monster has been added
to the site.
ROGUE FEED
Sir Evad filzArn
APR 15, 2009 12:12A.M.
With the Easter preparations behind me, I can return to updating
Megadungeon.net. I have quite a number of submissions already —
thank you for that — as well as my own material, so there should be
several significant additions online over the next day or so. Ideally, I’d
like to add something every day, but I don’t want to commit to that, since
we all know how real life has a way of throwing unexpected curve balls in
one’s direction.
One giant one came last week in the form of Dave Arneson’s death. For
about 48 hours, this blog was hammered with visits and I received lots of
comments and emails. I’m still digging through them, so please bear with
me. I know I owe several people responses to things they sent me during
that period or shortly before and I apologize for my tardiness in getting
back to them. It’s not for lack of interest so much as lack of stamina.
Believe it or not, sorting through hundreds of emails can be exhausting.
Nevertheless, the old brain has been hard at work and one of the things
it’s been working on is a proper way to honor Dave’s memory above and
beyond the explicit dedication of Megadungeon.net to him (which will be
added to the site shortly). In doing so, the name Sir Evad filzArn sprang
into my head almost unbidden and I quickly decided that this little bit of
punnery would make a fine addition to the background to Urheim.
Expect to learn some more about Sir Evad and his role in fighting Chaos
contained by the Gray Monks soon.
1
ROGUE FEED
[Lost Works] Lustria, Part 3
APR 14, 2009 07:22P.M.
In early versions of Warhammer Amazons were given brief mention and
were not fleshed out fully. This did not change with Warhammer Fantasy
Battle 4/5, but were only given a few paragraphs in Warhammer Armies:
Lizardmen and then simply vanished from the game. In my take on
Lustria I have tried to flesh them out some more and reintroduce them to
the Warhammer FRP setting.
The Vampire Coast is a new creation and was introduced in the late 90’s
with Warhammer FB 4/5 (Warhammer Armies Lizardmen, Games
workshop, 1997). Among old-timers, the Vampire Coast is just another
example of Games Workshop disregard for continuity and the settings
past history. Like the Amazons, the Vampire Coast is briefly mentioned
and then no further development of it was done. I thought about
ignoring the area all together, but there is something about it that
intrigues me. Personally I think it adds a new dimension to the region.
The Dark Elfs have always been a major part of the Warhammer
background, but in Lustria’s case GW dropped the ball with them.
Though they are briefly mentioned here, I plan to pick up with their
actions in Lustria in a future installment.
Conflicts with the Dark Elfs
The Slann have always been troubled by the Dark Elfs. Located far to the
north in Naggaroth, the Dark Elfs sail south raiding Slann temple cities
looking for arcane artifacts. Often these raids are quickly beaten back
and the Dark Elfs are slain or forced to retreat, but in –115 I.C. the Dark
Elfs sacked the city of Quetli and stole the Star Stela.
Dating back to the time of the Old Ones, the Star Stela is able to tap the
Winds of Magick and allow the user to work great magick. Seeing
potential in this item Malekith the Witch King coveted for himself.
Assembling an invasion force he ordered its general to sail to Lustria and
claim the Star Stela in Malekith’s name.
The armies stormed the city of Quetli and in a week of constant battle the
Slann were destroyed and the Dark Elfs possessed the Star Stela.
Unfortunately the Dark Elfs did not have the mental ability to use the
item, so it was kept as a token of their victory.
The loss of Quetli was a great blow for the Slann. Stuck in their never
Today’s Tabbloid PERSONAL NEWS FOR riorio2@rogue-games.net
ending war with the Skaven; Quetli’s destruction could not be quickly
avenged. This angered many Slann, but nothing could be done with the
threat the Skaven still posed.
When Sotek drove the Skaven out of Lustria the Slann finally turned
their attention to the Dark Elfs. Though the destruction happened many
years in the past, the Slann still nursed their grudge. They debated for
many years on what to do, but no decision could be reached. Suffering
great losses with their war with the Skaven and the destruction of
numerous breeding pools the Slann felt they could do nothing. Tired of
the debate Lord Tepec-Inzi of Hexoatl took matters into his own hands.
A Slann of the Second Spawning, Tepec knew the Dark Elf threat well.
His forces had been fighting Dark Elf raiding parties since the fall of
Quetli and the loss of that city still angered him. Tired of endless debates
Tepec told his fellow Slann he would deal with the problem personally.
Then doing something never before done by any Slann, Tepec closed his
mind to the others, and severed the telepathic link. Summoning the bulk
of his army he led them north into Naggaroth.
Cutting a bloody path to the homeland of the Dark Elfs Tepec’s forces
finally arrived at Clarkarond (Tower of Doom) where the Star Stela was
kept. The battle lasted for two days and both sides suffered heavy losses.
Tepec prevailed and reclaimed the Star Stela and returned to Hexoatl as
a hero. To this day the Star Stela rests on his palanquin, as a sign of his
power.
The Dark Elfs pride has never recovered from the defeat. The fact that a
group of toads and lizards marched into their kingdom is something one
does not quickly recover from. There have been numerous attempts
through the years to reclaim the Star Stela, but these attempts have
failed. To make matters worse the Slann seem to be aligned with the
Humans living in Skeggi. In the past these Humans have proven to be
resilient, and now quickly come to the Slann’s defense.
Dark Elfs view Slann as rivals in both magick ability and knowledge.
Rumors abound dealing with the number of artifacts the Slann posses
and their power. These artifacts are said to date to a time before the Elfs
walked the land. These artifacts are said to be able to harness powers
beyond the scope of Elfs. It is this power that can aid the Dark Elfs in
their war with Ulthuan. The lust for power is the driving force behind
their continued hostilities with the Slann.
Dark Elf raiders are a constant sight along the Isthmus’ coast. Slavers
routinely come ashore to abduct Human and Lizardmen alike. These
slaves are taken to the slave camps in Naggaroth and there, live out the
remainder of their days. In recent years these slave raids have become
less frequent and this is a result of the continued cooperation between
Hexoatl and Skeggi.
The Vampire Coast
Though Losteriksson is thought by many to be the first Norse to arrive in
Lustria, he was not. Before his arrival in 2410 I.C. many explorers
attempted to reach this fable land. Most met their end either by a High
2
15 April, 2009
Elf sword, or in an ocean gale. If they managed to survive the journey,
they encountered Lizardmen striving to keep their land pure from Warm
Blood taint.
Losteriksson is given credit for his discovery because he was the only one
that survived to tell his tale. If he was unlucky to land along the Vampire
Coast, Losteriksson might just be another name added to the roll of lives
lost in Lustria.
The Vampire Coast, as the area is known, is evidence that one Norse
expedition survived the ocean voyage and made it to Lustria. No one
knows what took place during this voyage, but some theories exist and
have been written about by Skink sages and Lustrian scholars.
Luther Harkon
In 1876 I.C. a Norse ship raided the merchant ship Sigmar’s Wake as it
was sailing toward Marienburg. According to records kept at the Baron
Henryk’s College of Navigation and Sea Magicks, Sigmar’s Wake was
bound from Araby laden with gold, precious jewels, and spices. Led by
Olaf the Red, he and his men boarded the ship, striping it of everything
of value. Included in their plunder was a nondescript sarcophagus
containing the Vampire Luther Harkon.
While sailing back to their homeport the crew began disappearing. No
one knew what was behind this, and many felt that the ship was cursed.
It was during a storm that Luther made his presence known, and those
who refused to join him, ended up serving as food for the Vampire and
his new followers.
Having learned of Lustria in ancient and forgotten tomes, Luther
commanded his men to set for it. Luther’s interest in Lustria was not
academic. He wanted to carve a kingdom out of the jungles for himself.
After weeks of sailing the ship was beached on the coast and Luther laid
claim to the land.
This stretch of coast became known as the Vampire Coast and the High
Elfs tried to purge the land of the undead. All these attempts met in
failure and the Elfs watched helplessly as their warriors served Lord
Harkon in death. Through the years the Undead population has grown,
and this growth is speculated to be a result of subsequent Norse
expeditions landing at the coast unaware of the danger.
Conflicts with the Lizardmen
The Kingdom of Harkon, as Luther likes to refer to it, has been a
constant annoyance for the Slann. Much to their displeasure the
Vampires seem immune to the climate and the jungle’s native diseases.
Also rankling the Slann is the dead Lizardmen who fill Luther’s Undead
legions.
Luther, much like the Dark Elfs, desires the arcane artifacts that can be
found in the numerous vaults of the Slann’s pyramid temples. Artifacts
have been looted from the temples and even more disturbing the
mummified remains of a few Slann have been stolen as well. Once back
Today’s Tabbloid PERSONAL NEWS FOR riorio2@rogue-games.net 15 April, 2009

in Luther’s realm, these Slann have found unliving life and serve as
advisors, and sometimes generals in Luther’s legions.
Though Luther and his Vampires still rule their stretch of shoreline, they
have not grown to dominate the region. The reason for this is the
constant vigilance of the Lizardmen and the strength of the Slann.
Though Luther loves to gloat that he is a powerful wizard, his magick is
but a candle in comparison to the Slann’s power. Besides the
Lizardmen’s constant vigilance, the other reason for Luther’s lack of
expansion can be traced to the Battle of Axotl.
The Battle of Axotl
Luther makes his home in an ancient tower of High Elf construction.
Lying on the edge of a vast swamp, the tower dates back to the early days
of High Elf occupation on the continent. It is in this tower that Luther
studies and uses the Slann artifacts he has acquired. As to Luther’s goals,
no one has been able to ascertain them.
Some speculate he is searching for away to attain godhood. Some have
stated that Luther’s real goal is to create a spell that will open the Realms
of the Dead and allow Khaine to enter this world. Some even speculate
that he is searching for a way to reopen the Warp Gates and leave this
world all together. Luther gives no answers, and no one wants to seek
them.

In 2234 I.C. Lord Quatol of Axotl grew tired of the constant raids from
Luther’s legions. Even more tiring was his fellow Slann’s lack of desire to
stop them. The Slann felt that the best way to deal with the problem was
by a large show of force. His fellow Slann advised against the course of
action, but Quatol would hear no more. Breaking the telepathic link, and
closing his mind off from the others, he marshaled his forces and
marched toward Luther’s realm.
Luther’s scouts learned of the advancing troops and he ordered his forces
to harass the advancing army. With numerous Skink Undead in his
command, they served as the perfect tool to do this. Quatol’s forces were
out matched, and to make matters worse, their dead rose up to fight
against them. Despite suffering heavy losses Quatol pressed on, and his
forces managed to repeal numerous attacks.
No major settlements are found in the Vampire Coast. There might be
clusters of Vampires who have gathered together, but you will not find
any villages. Scattered throughout the area are numerous graveyards
filled with the remains of Lizardmen, Elfs and others. Here in their
earthy slumber the dead wait for Luther’s summons.
The Vampire Coast is avoided by all. The Norse sail as far away as they
can from the coastline, and the High Elfs have proclaimed the area off
limits. Even among the Slann, the place is an area no one should venture.
Lord Xltloc who has vowed to avenge the lost of Axotl has ignored this.
Posted in Games Tagged: Games, Lost Works, Lustria, thoughts,
Warhammer FRP

It was the Battle of the Two Swamps that saw the breaking of Quatol’s
forces. Over a three-day period Luther’s legions and Quatol’s army
clashed. In the end the 20,000 troops led by Quatol was cut down to
5,000. Embarrassed and ashamed, Quatol was forced to retreat. Sensing
that his enemy was weakened, Luther raised Quatol’s dead soldiers and
added them to his legions. Once finished, he led his new army to Axotl to
finish the fight once and for all.

In one night Luther accomplished what only the Skaven were able to
do—destroy a temple city. In the aftermath of his victory, Luther stole all
of the artifacts from Axotl’s vaults and returned to his kingdom with his
plunder. Many Slann view the destruction of Axotl as lost needing
avenging. Though the Skaven destroyed many temple cities the majority
of these artifacts have been recovered. The fact that Luther not only
possesses Axotl’s artifacts, but openly uses them in Lustria offends the
Slann to no end.

Over the past twenty years Skink raiders and the Saurus Legions of Lord
Xltloc of Itza have harassed Luther’s kingdom. Itza has vowed he will
slay Luther and reclaim the heritage of Axotl.

Life in the Vampire Coast

The Vampire Coast is a small realm devoid of life. The coastline is rocky
and the surrounding jungle thick with undergrowth. Scattered through
this area are numerous caves populated by Vampires loyal to Luther.