Sigmar's Children

In the centre of Talabheim, right in front of the Temple of Sigmar, stands a statue showing the renowned Johann Helstrum, the first Theogonist of the Empire. Johann was the General of the Army that relieved Talabecland during one of the great Chaos Incursions. It is said that he single-handedly wiped out an entire regiment of Chaos Knights wielding an enormous mace. However, being heavily wounded he lay this mace on the altar of the temple before collapsing. Until this day the mace remains in the Temple, only to leave it in the hands of an Arch Lector going into battle.

Now such day is near. The current Arch Lector, Karl Schürzenjäger, has called upon the reserves of Talabheim to prepare for war. Large numbers of evil troops habe been spotted near the plains of Leopoldsbürg. Karl has taken it upon him to keep the civilians from these devious influences. The troops that are dispatched under his banner are of the bravest among the Talabheim military… Many mercenaries, cut-throats and even some under the sentence of death have enlisted hoping to gain from this campaign. As it is common nature when a Priest of Sigmar calls upon arms, a mob of Flagellants joins the army for they search death as deliverance.

Accompanied by two military advisors, Schürzenjäger, enters the temple. One is Kürz von Stoff, a rather small but strongly build man, renowned for losing his temper easily but having a heart of gold. He has been carrying the personal standard of the Arch Lector for several years now and is considered more a friend than a subordinate. The other is Jann Krawall, a young captain that has earned his laurels on the battle field. In fact, Jann is the personal champion of Karl and hasn’t been beaten in a duel yet. Some say that one day he may succeed Ludwig Schwarzhelm as the Emperor’s Champion. Before the altar where the Mace of Helstrum lies the three men kneel down in awe. After a short prayer the Arch Lector grasps the mace and raises it above his head. An aura of light falls upon the man as he leaves the temple to overlook his troops. As his men see their leader bearing the mace they cheer upon Sigmar.

‘My Lord!’. A voice comes out of the crowd gathered to see the troops of Karl Schürzenjäger. An older man, wearing a worn-out cloak steps forward. ‘I am Stefan Schlafmütze. I’m a mage who seeks a master to serve. Maybe you can use my services?’. The Arch Lector does not hesitate and utters that his knowledge of the winds of Magic might indeed come in handy on the battle field. ‘Thank you, my leash. Accept this small casket as a sign of my loyalty.’ Karl accepts the small box and gives it to Kürz. ‘You’ll never know if it might come in handy? We go!’

And so the army begins its journey. For the liberation of Leopoldsbürg, the freedom of the Empire and the glory of Sigmar…