The Wasteland Province
The Wasteland, or Westerland in official records, is a desolate region located northeast of Marienburg, across the estuary from the city. It borders Middenland to the west and Nordland to the north. Though technically under Marienburg's jurisdiction, the Wasteland has become a no-man's-land, largely ignored by its neighbors. No towns, castles, or villages remain, leaving the land barren and lifeless.
Historically, the Wasteland was part of the Empire, known as the Drakwald Province. It was inhabited by the Thuringians and ruled by Barbarian King Otwin. However, during the purge of Beastmen in Imperial Year 1110, Elector Count Werner of Drakwald fell to Skaven assassins, and his army was annihilated by Beastmen hordes.
With no heirs or relatives to inherit the position, the province was left defenseless. At the time, the Empire was consumed by the Black Plague and Skaven Wars. Even Emperor Boris the Miser perished, and the province's fate was sealed. In the following decades, Middenland's Elector Count Mandred Skavenslayer achieved victories but was assassinated before revitalizing the Empire.
Drakwald Province's decline accelerated over the next few centuries. Beastmen raids wiped out the remaining population, turning the once-thriving land into a haunted wilderness. Attempts to reclaim the province, such as Middenland's campaign under Elector Count Volk, ended in catastrophic failure.
During the Great War Against Chaos, Emperor Magnus the Pious partially restored the Drakwald's borders, granting sections to Nordland and Middenland. However, the western portion, too ravaged by centuries of Beastmen assaults, became the Wasteland.
The March Through the Wasteland
As Ryan's chivalric army passed Marienburg and the northeastern town of Salzenmund, they faced over 200 kilometers of barren, uninhabited terrain. The only remnants of civilization were outposts, watchtowers, and relay stations established by Boris Todbringer, the Elector Count of Middenland.
The landscape was bleak—snow-covered plains, empty grasslands, and the occasional ruins of once-prosperous towns. These decayed remnants served as stark reminders of what unchecked Beastmen devastation could do to a civilization.
Ryan studied the desolation while holding several opened letters. He handed them to Morgiana, Lauen, Hagen, Berchmond, Veronica, and others.
"Here's the latest intelligence. Let's discuss how we should proceed," Ryan said.
The news painted a grim picture:
- Erengrad Stands: Despite unimaginable hardship, the city still held, inspiring hope. However, it was unclear how long its defenders could endure without significant reinforcement.
- Nurgle's Advance: Festus the Leechlord led his plague-ridden horde steadily toward Bechafen, the capital of Ostermark. Elector Count Hertwig Wolfram had gathered 60,000 troops to make a stand.
- Chaos Armies Near Imperial Borders: The massive Chaos host threatened the northern provinces of Nordland, Ostland, and Ostermark. Refugees and infiltrators further complicated efforts to fortify the border, with Chaos cultists sabotaging infrastructure and inciting unrest.
Between early December and late December, Imperial forces suffered successive defeats in battles such as the Defense of Tetschev, the Battle of Konecpol, and the Defense of Ostroti. Hastily assembled militias and conscripts lacked training and organization, serving only to delay Chaos's advance.
"Chaos's main force is expected to reach the Imperial border by mid-January—assuming there are no significant delays," remarked Duke Berchmond.
"Can we reach the front in time?" Lauen asked, concern evident.
Ryan shook his head. "Even at maximum speed, with no delays or battles, it will take at least until early February to reach Ostland. That assumes ideal conditions, which we're unlikely to encounter."
The chivalric army's daily marching speed was limited to 30–40 kilometers to preserve the troops' stamina and readiness. Heavy cavalry like knights and Old Guard troops only donned full armor when entering combat. To march fully armored through harsh terrain like the Drakwald Forest was impractical.
"Our best chance is to reach the battlefield before Chaos crosses the Talabec River," Ryan said, spreading a map on Veronica's back, much to her surprise. Morgiana snatched the map, irritated by the duo's camaraderie.
"If the Empire holds its border defenses long enough, we can engage Chaos at Talabheim or Middenheim," Ryan continued.
Hagen frowned. "The Empire has its Emperor. Shouldn't he take command on the frontlines?"
"The Emperor won't leave Altdorf until Chaos crosses the Talabec River," Ryan replied, rolling up the map. "Let's focus on crossing the Wasteland first."
Berchmond, standing with arms crossed, surveyed the barren expanse. "Beastmen won't attack here, but once we enter the Drakwald Forest, all bets are off."
Ryan nodded. "We must clear the Wasteland as quickly as possible."
---
January, Imperial Year 2515
At the border of Kislev and the Empire, the Chaos main force advanced like a black tide. Numbering 120,000, they moved under a blizzard's cover, leaving a trail of devastation. The lands they passed were reduced to wastelands, marked by giant Chaos sigils and mountains of skulls.
Mortals wept at the sight of their atrocities, but Morkar the Ironclad, the Everchosen of Chaos, had no interest in prisoners or mercy. Cities burned, fields were salted, and Chaos banners filled the sky.
Two Chaos dragons soared overhead, spreading corruption with each wingbeat.
Morkar, astride his mighty daemon-steel bull, surveyed the landscape with icy blue eyes. Reports flowed in, and the Everchosen made his decisions with cold precision.
Phase one of his plan—crushing Kislev—had succeeded spectacularly. The Zedovka Campaign annihilated Kislev's last defenses, allowing Chaos to sweep south unimpeded.
But problems plagued phase two. Erengrad's continued resistance endangered their momentum, while setbacks such as Ulfryk's defeat hampered efforts to contain Bretonnia.
Worse, dissent brewed within the Chaos ranks. Many Chosen and champions grumbled about Morkar's relentless advance, claiming he neglected their desires for plunder and sacrifice. Even critical rituals to honor the Chaos Gods were rushed or skipped entirely.
Morkar ignored the complaints. His singular focus was revenge—on the Empire, the Elector Count families, and any who dared oppose him. He dismissed strategies proposed by champions like the Tzeentchian Chosen Hal, such as widespread corruption, infiltration, and guerrilla tactics.
"Whoever blocks my path is my enemy," Morkar declared, executing several dissenting champions.
---
As the Chaos horde approached Ostland's borders, its defenders, led by Elector Count Oleg von Zhukov, prepared a desperate defense. Three hastily constructed lines of fortifications awaited the onslaught.
Meanwhile, Ryan's chivalric army pushed through the Wasteland. Upon hearing of their advance, Morkar immediately issued orders to Graktal, Supreme Beastlord of Drakwald:
"Delay Ryan MacArthur and his knights at all costs!"
In response, over a thousand Beastmen warhorns sounded across the Drakwald Forest. From the Warpstone-infested Rock of A Thousand Gods, the largest Beastmen army since the days of legendary Beastlord Gorthor began to gather.
Tens of thousands of Beastmen emerged from their dark lairs, heeding the call of the Dark Gods.
"Gather… Fight!"
"Kill… the knights… Kill them all!"
"Feast… on their flesh!"
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