Felsward

The History of Felswald

Felswald Flag

Felsward Town

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 and Early Struggles

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 Ascendancy of the Alchemist’s Guild

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 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.

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.

The Tzeentch-Nurgle Schism

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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 partially ruined edifice where daring alchemists continue their research, though its history is marred by Chaos.

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 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.

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?