When most human civilisations of the World of Legend were little more than hunter-gatherers in mud huts, the mighty kingdom of Nehekhara was at the height of its power. Ruled by kings and queens whose every whim was law, the city-states of Nehekhara eventually descended into civil war, until the all-conquering Settra ascended to the throne of the city of Khemri, unifying the kingdoms of Nehekhara under his mighty rule – and changed the fate of his people forever.
The Mortuary Cult
Under Settra’s rule, the Mortuary Cult grew in prominence. At his command, the priests of the cult promised to conquer death itself, granting Settra the immortality he craved, and by their magics the lives of Settra and his favoured servants were vastly extended. However, even the power of the priests could not entirely stave off death’s icy embrace. As his inevitable end drew near, Settra commanded a great pyramid be built in which his mortal remains could rest until such time as the priests made good on and their oaths to restore him to life – oaths which they would honour… in a manner of speaking.
When the traitorous priest Nagash cast his great ritual to raise the dead across the world, the kings and queens of the innumerable dynasties that had ruled since the death of Settra lived again as wrathful spirits bound to the cadaverous remains of their mortal bodies. When Settra himself awoke, he commanded demanded all the monarchs of Nehekhara kneel before him as they had done in life.
The Armies of the Tomb Kings
The risen monarchs demanded armies, and the liche priests obliged, raising the long-dead warriors of the kingdoms as rank upon rank of skeletal soldiers, armed with blades, spears, and bows. Many rode skeletal steeds, or fought from the sturdy chariots they had taken to war in life.
Supplemented by bizarre and terrifying constructs such as Necroserpents, Ushabti, and even skeletal dragons, the armies of Nehekhara were again the equal of any in the world. Driven once more by dreams of conquest, and united under the everlasting rule of Settra, the Tomb Kings – as they became known – set out from their Land of the Dead to conquer the empires of the living.
War in the Border Princes
When a crusade from the upstart kingdom of Bretonnia dared to enter Nehekhara and steal treasures from the great tomb-cities – as well as striking down one of Settra’s most trusted lieutenants – the imperishable king swore vengeance. Gathering the mightiest host of the dead assembled in unliving memory, he began the long march to Bretonnia, travelling through the Badlands and the lawless countries of the Border Princes.
Many upstart enemies dare to stand in the way of this vengeful host, including the High Elven guardians of the tower of Tor Anrok, and the Orc and Goblin tribes of the Badlands – not to mention the thieving, honourless Bretonnians. What happens next is up to you, as you recreate the mighty clashes between these armies in your games of Warhammer: The Old World.
Check out the Warhammer: The Old World website to find out more about the game, and take a look through our series of preview articles to find out all about the game’s setting, rules, and more.
