<div style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family:Sofia"><span style="font-size: 26px">Through the Drakwald</span></span>​</div><span style="font-family:Sofia"></span><br/>All of you grew up listening to stories of the Great War Against Chaos. The tale of Magnus the Pious and his victory over the armies of Chaos is well known. While there have been wars and threats in the 200 years since, there has been nothing on that scale. Until now. This year the Chaos Lord Archaon invaded the Empire with five mighty armies. They swept down from the Chaos Wastes, ranks filled with mutant warriors, nightmarish monsters, and power-mad sorcerers. Flagellants and other prophets of doom declared these the End Times. And as these armies pillaged and burned their way through the northern provinces of the Empire, it was easy to believe.<br/><br/>You’ve heard endless stories over the past few months. They say that Sigmar once again walked the earth. They say an army of wolves attacked the Kislevian city of Erengrad. They say the dead rose from their graves to defend the Empire. They say a mighty victory was won at Middenheim. They say a plague has choked the streets of Talabheim with bloated corpses. You can only believe what is in front of your eyes. You are in the town of Untergard in the Drakwald Forest. A nine-day battle took place here, as Beastmen tried to force their way across the town’s great bridge. They were rebuffed but the price was high. The town is in ruins and its remaining citizens struggle to survive. The Imperial army has long since moved on from Untergard, leaving behind only its dead. You’ve heard tell of more battles up north but the war here seems over. Or so you hope.<br/><br/>You have been in Untergard for several days, as rainstorms of utmost savagery lashed the Drakwald. You find two things when you awaken: the rainstorm has broken and there is a commotion in the nearby Ackerplatz.<br/><br/>Most of the 75 survivors of Untergard have already gathered in the decrepit town square, and are muttering restlessly to one another. Many still nurse battle wounds; whilst others are clearly too old or young to have taken place in the fighting. All are ragged and pale, and some are clearly pinched by hunger. Passing through the crowd murmurs or conversation can be overheard, concerning the town and gathering here in the square, overheard  as you stand waiting to see what is going on "<b>They say a new garrison for Untergard is on the way North from Altdorf</b>" an old bandaged man excitedly informs those stood around him, a look of pride and relief on his face. A young woman, likely considered rather pretty beneath the dirt and bruises that she has earned surviving the battle for the town, speaking with admiration in her voice "<b>Captain Schiller once commanded his own mercenary company you know?</b>" A group of weather beaten men, the look of long nights spent in the wilderness talk of one of their number seemingly missing "<b>Y'know Hans Baumer? He's been gone for a week now, reckon he's probably dead out there on his own</b>".<br/><br/>A ripple runs through the crowd as Captain Schiller appears. One of his watchmen sets up a box for him to stand on. He mounts it spryly for a man of his age. Though his uniform is torn and his armour dented, Captain Schiller still commands the respect of the crowd. He only needs to motion once before the crowd quiets down. “<b>People of Untergard</b>” he begins, “<b>this is a glorious day. I have received a letter from Count Todbringer of Middenheim. The old wolf still lives and the city of Middenheim also stands strong!</b>” The crowd cheers and once again Schiller must motion for silence.<br/><br/>“<b>Count Todbringer sends his thanks to all of Untergard for the part we played in hampering the invaders. He said, and I quote, ‘the battle for the Untergard Bridge will go down as one of the most glorious battles in Middenland’s history.’ Be proud, people of Untergard, for our sacrifices have not been in vain!</b>” When the cheers die down, Schiller continues. “<b>To show his gratitude for our valour, the Count has sent us a token of his appreciation.</b>” The captain reaches into a bag and pulls out a loaf of bread and a bottle of wine. “<b>We were honoured to receive thirty loaves of bread and a dozen bottles of wine, straight from Middenheim.</b>”<br/><br/>The crowd goes wild at the sight of the Count’s largesse, hungry eyes fixed on the fresh bread in the Captain’s hands. They begin to chant, “<b>Long live the Count! Long live the Count!</b>” Schiller holds bread and wine high in the air as the hardened survivors of Untergard shout themselves hoarse. Suddenly, there is a loud crack and the bottle shatters, showering Schiller and the bread with glass and wine. Pandemonium erupts as the crowd scatters in panic.<br/><br/>The sound of the single gunshot echoed around the square, best guess for the direction was over the bridge to the east, likely that ruined coaching inn. As the crowd scatters in every available direction you notice across the bridge heading towards the scattering crowd and yourselves several hideous Mutants. You can see among their number tentacles instead of arms, horns and thick fur, pig-like snouts, some with third eyes in the middle of his forehead and all manner of mind wrenching aberrations. They are dressed in filthy rags armed with clubs, hatchets and farming tools. As they get closer, you can see the hatred that burns in their eyes.