The Dwarven citadel of Karak Norn in the Grey Mountains stands on a high plateau dominating the Loren forest. Its strategic location allows the Dwarfs to keep an eye on the Wood Elves' activities from a good distance, although the Elves are no more a treat for the Dwarven race since the victory over the Phoenix King four thousands year ago. The Dwarfs and the Wood Elves now respect a (quite nervous) ceasefire and avoid each others. But on this cloudy day of Sigmarzeit 2513, a mighty Dwarf army - led by King Brokk Ironpike the Grim - marches to war, descending the mountains from the citadel of Karak Norn and heading for the Loren Forest.
Prince Sirwendil Silverhead (warden of east-Loren): A great dwarven army ? Are you sure ?
Skarloc (scout captain): I saw them myself, they were descending the Grey Mountains. Hundreds of Dwarf warriors, led by their King Brokk Ironpike, himself. They will soon reach the hills at the mountains feet.
Prince Sirwendil: Mmh... the fools, what are they up to?... Well, I will mobilize as many warriors and archers as I can. In the meantime, Skarloc, you will head for the hills and meet with the Dwarf King. You know what to say: no armed force is allowed to enter our sanctuary. They shall not pass!
Skarloc: Ay! So be it.
Prince Sirwendil: Be careful, my friend.
Skarloc: Always.
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A few hours later, on the hills looking over the nearby Loren Forest.
Josef Bugman: It's not too late to renounce, King Brokk.
King Brokk Ironpike: Never! I will find my son or die trying. We already had this discussion. You refused my well-paid offer, hence I must do it myself. With my warriors.
Josef Bugman: I'm not a mercenary, King Brokk, if I can help you while I'm in the region, I'll do and for free. But only a fool would accept your offer. I'm good, my men are good and brave. But we are no fools. In the mountains, it's different, it's our environment and we know it pretty good. But penetrating in the Loren Forest, seeking for a lost idiot is another story. In the elven realm, all trees have eyes and we would not take a single step into this damned forest without being riddled with arrows.
King Brokk: Don't you dare call my son an idiot!
Josef Bugman: He is! Why did he venture alone in the forest?
King Brokk: He was not alone, he was escorted by twenty of my finest warriors! And I already told you: I sent him to Quenelles for business.
Josef Bugman: Yeah, but any other Dwarf would have crossed the mountains through the Montdidier Pass and reached safely Quenelles by the Loren Road… Anyway, why didn't you take the opportunity to negociate with this Elf scout... this Skarloc... to retrieve your son?
King Brokk: Negociate? With Elves??!! Never! Better shave my beard myself!...
Josef Bugman: Mmh… here they are.
King Brokk: What? Where? You see those sneaky pointed ears?
Josef Bugman: Nay, but I can feel it.
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The battlefield before the arrival of the armies:
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The battlefield before the arrival of the armies:
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