Greetings Warriors of Sigmar,
Rejoice, for the time has come - we can now begin diving into the game itself!
We will catch up with the current events of Tempestfall in our Warhammer Age of Sigmar lore devblog series, but less theory today - let’s kick off the new series with the Story So Far, and Factions you’ll encounter on your mission as Lord-Arcanum.
THE STORY SO FAR
Nagash, the deceitful god of Death and ruler of Shyish, began planning his revenge on Sigmar ever since the Age of Myth. After conquering all defiant Underworlds in his realm, and discovering the powerful Realmstone; Grave-sand, the inverted Black Pyramid of Nagashizzar could finally be completed. For Nagash, it was time to put his plan in motion.
A great ritual meant to unleash the accumulated Death magic in the Black Pyramid, and in turn grant Nagash dominion over the Mortal Realms, was sabotaged by the Skaven. Instead of killing every living being across the universe and funneling their souls directly into Nagashizzar, all the dead across the Realms have risen from their graves. A vortex of Death magic formed over Shyish, while the sweeping shockwaves altered the nature of eldritch power.
This event became known as the Necroquake, and with it began the era of Soul Wars.
Although Nagash’s plan was thwarted, the god of Death saw it as a temporary setback. With new armies raised across the Mortal Realms, he unleashed the Nighthaunt on all Free Cities, and ordered his minions to harvest souls of the fallen.
In response, Sigmar launched the Resurrection Crusade - fifty five Sacrosanct Chambers led by Lord-Arcanums descended upon Shyish to reclaim the lost territories, and investigate the soul-stealing threat.
Among them are you, Lord-Arcanum Castor Stormscryer of the Hammers of Sigmar, although your mission is much more dangerous than advancing the frontline shoulder-to-shoulder with your comrades. You will descend in the overrun Free City of Dread Held and reunite with your fellow Hammers of Sigmar before investigating further on your own.
FACTIONS
Dread Held was utterly overrun by the unrelenting forces of Death in the hours following the Necroquake. Deathrattle Skeletons poured into the streets and districts, engaging any living and breathing being in sight. Whenever a defending Stormcast Eternal stood against the tide of bone, the Nighthaunt - with complete disregard for the city’s physical fortifications - appeared out of nowhere to finish the slaughter. Even though the Anvils of the Heldenhammer did their best to hold their position on the frontlines, the citizens fled in disarray, and eventually met their demise.
But, your mission carries much greater weight than simply retaking territory. The Stormcast Eternals posted in Dread Held fall in battle, yet their souls do not return to Azyr to be reforged and sent back to war. By Sigmar’s order, the Celestant Prime sends you and a small supporting force of Hammers of Sigmar to Dread Held. You will set up camp and evaluate your position from there on.
Every battlefield in Shyish is littered with shattered bones, cracked skulls, and broken, battered armaments. The sight of advancing silent legions of Skeletons from the Deathrattle kingdoms can be truly terrifying, and it is their synchronized ranks who meet enemy blades first in battle.
Although they don’t stand a chance against a Stormcast Eternal in small numbers, their nigh endless tide can certainly slow down the enemy in the grand scheme of things.
After securing the streets and slaughtering the living in every nook in Dread Held, the Deathrattle skeletons patiently await their next orders. Unquestionable service in undeath is their only bidding.
These vengeful wraiths are one of Nagash’s deadliest weapons. Their existence in the Mortal Realms is fueled only by hatred for the living, and the desire to remind everyone what happens to the souls of those Sigmar doesn’t save. They come in many forms, but ultimately their purpose is one and united - to kill.
In the hours after the Necroquake, the Nighthaunt swarmed Dread Held and overpowered the scattered defenders. Ambush and deadly precision are their advantage, while their sweeping, powerful strikes easily cut through flesh and armor alike.
The fact that Bladegheists and Glaivewraiths still roam the city after it fell has raised suspicion in Azyr. When someone steals the souls of Stormcast Eternals, any sinister scenario might be possible.
As Lord-Arcanum Castor Stormscryer, you will encounter warriors of one more Warhammer Age of Sigmar faction.
We haven’t shown or told you anything about them so far in the game.
Which other faction do you think you’ll see in Tempestfall? Vote now on Strawpoll @ https://www.strawpoll.me/45210219
We’re really curious what will be the most popular choices! Are we going to reveal the real answer? We’ll have to find out in the future ;)
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1337100/Warhammer_Age_of_Sigmar_Tempestfall/