Felsward: Difference between revisions

From Games Day
No edit summary
Line 2: Line 2:
[[file:felswardflag.jpeg|right|thumb|Felswald Flag]]
[[file:felswardflag.jpeg|right|thumb|Felswald Flag]]
[[file:felswardtown.jpeg|right|thumb|Felsward Town]]
[[file:felswardtown.jpeg|right|thumb|Felsward Town]]
Hidden in a quiet valley on Bretonnia’s western border, the town of '''Felswald''' is a symbol of strength and survival. Its history is full of courage, loyalty, and battles against Chaos, all under the leadership of the Duke of Argenvale, whose family has ruled the area for many generations.


Nestled deep within the foreboding expanse of the Drakwald Forest, the town of '''Felswald''' bears a rich and tumultuous history. Shaped by resilience and the ever-present interplay of Order and Chaos, its story reflects the precarious existence of settlements in the Old World.
=== Founding of Felswald ===
Felswald was founded in 1870 IC during the reign of King Louen Leoncoeur. It started as a small village of farmers and craftsmen who were granted land and protection by Duke Edouard of Argenvale. In return, the settlers pledged their loyalty to the Duke. The name "Felswald" means "Rocky Forest," inspired by the sharp cliffs and dense woods surrounding the valley.


=== Founding and Early Struggles ===
Life in early Felswald was tough. Beastmen roamed the forests, raiding farms, and greenskins often attacked the area. To protect the town, Duke Edouard built a stone keep and strong walls. These defenses not only kept Felswald safe but also became a symbol of its strength. Knights loyal to the Duke patrolled the region, ensuring peace and justice.
Felswald was founded in 1870 IC during the reign of Emperor Mandred Skavenslayer. The settlement began as a modest outpost for woodcutters and trappers seeking to exploit the Drakwald’s abundant resources. Its name, "Felswald" (“Rocky Forest”), derived from the jagged stone outcrops that define its rugged terrain.


From the outset, Felswald faced immense challenges. Beastmen raids, greenskin incursions, and the lurking menace of Chaos cultists threatened its survival. To protect themselves, the settlers constructed a fortified stone wall, portions of which still stand as enduring symbols of their determination. Over time, the town’s growing reputation as a refuge drew merchants, artisans, and refugees, fueling its gradual expansion.
=== The Alchemist’s Guild ===
In the 22nd century IC, everything changed when miners found a rare mineral called '''Aetherium''' in the cliffs near Felswald. This magical mineral attracted alchemists and scholars from across Bretonnia. Duke Guillaume, who supported learning and innovation, allowed these scholars to create the '''Alchemist’s Guild'''.


=== The Ascendancy of the Alchemist’s Guild ===
The guild’s experiments brought wealth and recognition to Felswald. However, their work also drew the attention of dark forces. Followers of Tzeentch, the Chaos God of Change and Magic, infiltrated the guild, using its experiments for their own evil plans. Over time, their influence caused fear and mistrust within the town.
In the 22nd century IC, the discovery of a rare mineral called '''Aetherium''' in the nearby rocky outcrops transformed Felswald’s fortunes. Aetherium’s arcane properties attracted scholars and alchemists from across the Empire, culminating in the establishment of the prestigious '''Alchemist’s Guild'''.
 
The guild’s groundbreaking experiments in metallurgy and enchantment brought prosperity to Felswald, elevating its status. However, such success attracted unwanted attention. Tzeentch’s followers, lured by the promise of power, infiltrated the guild under the guise of scholarly pursuit. Over the decades, the guild became a battleground for influence, its once-noble pursuits increasingly corrupted by Chaos.


=== The Plague of 2301 IC ===
=== The Plague of 2301 IC ===
The Great War Against Chaos in 2301 IC marked a dark chapter in Felswald’s history. A virulent plague swept through the town, a sinister gift from Nurgle’s agents. The disease ravaged the population, leaving death and despair in its wake.
During the Great War Against Chaos, Felswald suffered from a deadly plague. The disease, created by Nurgle, the Chaos God of Decay, killed both commoners and nobles, and many thought the town would not survive.


In this dire time, '''Father Edvard Graustein''', a Sigmarite priest, emerged as a beacon of hope. His unshakable faith and leadership inspired the townsfolk to resist Nurgle’s forces. After the plague’s end, a grand shrine to Sigmar was erected in Graustein’s honor, solidifying his legacy as a protector and symbol of resilience.
In this dark time, '''Father Edvard Graustein''', a priest of the Lady of the Lake, inspired hope. His prayers and leadership helped the people fight back against despair. He performed rituals and led efforts to cleanse the town. After the plague ended, the people built a chapel dedicated to the Lady to honor Father Graustein’s courage. This chapel became an important place of worship.


=== The Tzeentch-Nurgle Schism ===
=== Conflict Between Tzeentch and Nurgle ===
The aftermath of the plague left Felswald vulnerable to Chaos’s manipulations. Tzeentch’s agents capitalized on this weakness, embedding themselves within the town’s leadership. Nurgle’s followers, unwilling to cede their influence, launched their own incursions, igniting a covert struggle for dominance.
After the plague, Felswald became a battleground for Chaos. Tzeentch’s followers, hidden within the Alchemist’s Guild, fought for power against Nurgle’s agents. Their rivalry peaked in 2428 IC during the '''Battle of the Shrouded Glade'''. Tzeentch’s sorcerers unleashed a powerful magical storm to destroy a Nurgle warband near Felswald.


This rivalry culminated in the '''Battle of the Shrouded Glade''' in 2428 IC, when Tzeentch-aligned alchemists unleashed a devastating magical storm to annihilate a Nurgle warband encamped near Felswald. Though the warband was obliterated, the storm also scarred the surrounding forest, creating a cursed region known as the '''Shrouded Glade'''. To this day, the glade is avoided by all but the most reckless, its twisted trees and unnatural phenomena a chilling reminder of Chaos’s power.
While the warband was defeated, the storm left a scar on the land. The surrounding forest became a cursed area known as the '''Shrouded Glade'''. Even today, strange and dangerous events happen there, and locals avoid it out of fear.


=== Felswald Today ===
=== Felswald Today ===
In the present era, Felswald is a town of stark contrasts. Its streets are lined with both crumbling, plague-scarred ruins and newly constructed buildings symbolizing renewal. The population is a blend of hardened locals and eccentric scholars drawn by the town’s alchemical heritage.
Felswald is a town of contrasts. Its people are loyal to Duke Reynard of Argenvale, who rules from the keep overlooking the valley. Bretonnian knights patrol the area, protecting the town and following the strict code of chivalry. However, whispers of Chaos remain. The Alchemist’s Guild still operates, but rumors of dark experiments and secret loyalties persist.


Despite its outward semblance of normalcy, Felswald remains shadowed by Chaos. Tzeentch’s followers weave their schemes in secret, while Nurgle’s lingering influence manifests in sporadic illnesses and blighted harvests. To the average resident, these events are dismissed as misfortune or superstition, but those attuned to the winds of magic perceive a darker truth.
The town’s economy thrives due to its trade routes and unique alchemical products. Even so, the people are cautious of strangers, remembering the dangers that often follow prosperity. Felswald’s survival depends on strong leadership and the faith of its people.
 
As the Empire faces mounting instability, Felswald stands at the nexus of a grander conflict between two of Chaos’s most insidious powers. The town’s fate could influence the balance of power in the Old World.


=== Notable Locations ===
=== Notable Locations ===
 
* '''The Chapel of the Lady''': A beautiful shrine dedicated to the Lady of the Lake, honoring Father Edvard Graustein.
'''Graustein’s Shrine''': A magnificent Sigmarite temple erected in honor of Father Edvard Graustein, serving as a pilgrimage site for the devout.
* '''The Alchemist’s Guildhall''': A large building where alchemists continue their work, despite its troubled past.
 
* '''The Shrouded Glade''': A cursed forest outside Felswald, filled with strange magic and danger.
'''The Alchemist’s Guildhall''': A partially ruined edifice where daring alchemists continue their research, though its history is marred by Chaos.
* '''Argenvale Keep''': The Duke’s fortress, which serves as the center of leadership and defense for the region.
 
'''The Shrouded Glade''': A desolate, cursed area marked by the magical storm of 2428 IC, known for its eerie phenomena.
 
'''The Hidden Sanctum''': Rumored to be a clandestine gathering place for Tzeentch’s cultists, its location remains shrouded in mystery.


=== The People of Felswald ===
=== The People of Felswald ===
The citizens of Felswald are a resilient and superstitious people, their lives shaped by generations of hardship. Many bear the physical and emotional scars of their turbulent past. Their deep faith in Sigmar and reverence for Father Graustein’s legacy serve as unifying forces, even as whispers of hidden allegiances and secret rituals persist.
The people of Felswald are hardworking and deeply devoted to their traditions. Most are farmers, merchants, or craftsmen, but a small group of knights and scholars add to the town’s prestige. Past battles and hardships have left their mark on the community, making them cautious but strong.


Felswald’s leaders tread a precarious path, striving to preserve order in a town teetering on the brink of chaos. With every passing year, the question looms: will Felswald endure, or will it succumb to the forces that threaten to consume it?
The Lady of the Lake is central to their faith, uniting them in hope and purpose. However, some whisper about secret cults and hidden plots, adding tension to their daily lives. Under Duke Reynard’s guidance, Felswald stands as a beacon of Bretonnian resilience, holding firm against the ever-present threats of Chaos.

Revision as of 12:29, 21 January 2025

The History of Felswald

Felswald Flag
Felsward Town

Hidden in a quiet valley on Bretonnia’s western border, the town of Felswald is a symbol of strength and survival. Its history is full of courage, loyalty, and battles against Chaos, all under the leadership of the Duke of Argenvale, whose family has ruled the area for many generations.

Founding of Felswald

Felswald was founded in 1870 IC during the reign of King Louen Leoncoeur. It started as a small village of farmers and craftsmen who were granted land and protection by Duke Edouard of Argenvale. In return, the settlers pledged their loyalty to the Duke. The name "Felswald" means "Rocky Forest," inspired by the sharp cliffs and dense woods surrounding the valley.

Life in early Felswald was tough. Beastmen roamed the forests, raiding farms, and greenskins often attacked the area. To protect the town, Duke Edouard built a stone keep and strong walls. These defenses not only kept Felswald safe but also became a symbol of its strength. Knights loyal to the Duke patrolled the region, ensuring peace and justice.

The Alchemist’s Guild

In the 22nd century IC, everything changed when miners found a rare mineral called Aetherium in the cliffs near Felswald. This magical mineral attracted alchemists and scholars from across Bretonnia. Duke Guillaume, who supported learning and innovation, allowed these scholars to create the Alchemist’s Guild.

The guild’s experiments brought wealth and recognition to Felswald. However, their work also drew the attention of dark forces. Followers of Tzeentch, the Chaos God of Change and Magic, infiltrated the guild, using its experiments for their own evil plans. Over time, their influence caused fear and mistrust within the town.

The Plague of 2301 IC

During the Great War Against Chaos, Felswald suffered from a deadly plague. The disease, created by Nurgle, the Chaos God of Decay, killed both commoners and nobles, and many thought the town would not survive.

In this dark time, Father Edvard Graustein, a priest of the Lady of the Lake, inspired hope. His prayers and leadership helped the people fight back against despair. He performed rituals and led efforts to cleanse the town. After the plague ended, the people built a chapel dedicated to the Lady to honor Father Graustein’s courage. This chapel became an important place of worship.

Conflict Between Tzeentch and Nurgle

After the plague, Felswald became a battleground for Chaos. Tzeentch’s followers, hidden within the Alchemist’s Guild, fought for power against Nurgle’s agents. Their rivalry peaked in 2428 IC during the Battle of the Shrouded Glade. Tzeentch’s sorcerers unleashed a powerful magical storm to destroy a Nurgle warband near Felswald.

While the warband was defeated, the storm left a scar on the land. The surrounding forest became a cursed area known as the Shrouded Glade. Even today, strange and dangerous events happen there, and locals avoid it out of fear.

Felswald Today

Felswald is a town of contrasts. Its people are loyal to Duke Reynard of Argenvale, who rules from the keep overlooking the valley. Bretonnian knights patrol the area, protecting the town and following the strict code of chivalry. However, whispers of Chaos remain. The Alchemist’s Guild still operates, but rumors of dark experiments and secret loyalties persist.

The town’s economy thrives due to its trade routes and unique alchemical products. Even so, the people are cautious of strangers, remembering the dangers that often follow prosperity. Felswald’s survival depends on strong leadership and the faith of its people.

Notable Locations

  • The Chapel of the Lady: A beautiful shrine dedicated to the Lady of the Lake, honoring Father Edvard Graustein.
  • The Alchemist’s Guildhall: A large building where alchemists continue their work, despite its troubled past.
  • The Shrouded Glade: A cursed forest outside Felswald, filled with strange magic and danger.
  • Argenvale Keep: The Duke’s fortress, which serves as the center of leadership and defense for the region.

The People of Felswald

The people of Felswald are hardworking and deeply devoted to their traditions. Most are farmers, merchants, or craftsmen, but a small group of knights and scholars add to the town’s prestige. Past battles and hardships have left their mark on the community, making them cautious but strong.

The Lady of the Lake is central to their faith, uniting them in hope and purpose. However, some whisper about secret cults and hidden plots, adding tension to their daily lives. Under Duke Reynard’s guidance, Felswald stands as a beacon of Bretonnian resilience, holding firm against the ever-present threats of Chaos.