Kislev and the Cold

Lore & Background

In the harsh, unforgiving lands of Kislev, the cold is not merely a weather condition but a living entity that tests the soul. The scenario draws heavily upon the ancient legends of the Witch Hunters and the eternal battle against the forces of Chaos that seek to corrupt the northern wastes. As the Great Winter approaches, the people of Kislev face a dual threat: the physical ravages of the ice and the supernatural corruption brought by Tzeentch's Pink Horror. The lore emphasizes the resilience of the Kislevite tribes, who must set aside their historical rivalries to stand as one against an enemy that seeks to extinguish all life. The narrative weaves together the myths of the Great Mother and the protective spirits of the land, highlighting how the very soil of Kislev is sacred ground in the war against darkness. This struggle defines the nation's identity, forging a people who are as hard and unyielding as the ice they call home.

In Their Own Story

The wind howled across the frozen steppe, carrying with it the scent of ozone and rotting meat. Grand Prince Boris stood atop the ramparts of Kislev, his breath pluming in the air like a dying ghost. Below, the snow was not white but stained a sickly, shifting pink. The Pink Horror had arrived. It did not march; it bloomed, consuming the world in a tide of chaotic flesh and impossible geometry. "Hold the line!" he roared, his voice cracking against the gale. The Tsarskaya Guard raised their pikes, steel glinting in the pale light of a sun that seemed to have forgotten how to shine. From the treeline, the shaggy forms of the Tzarina's wolves emerged, eyes burning with unnatural fire. There would be no retreat today; only the cold, the blood, and the desperate hope that the Great Mother still watched over her children.

Reader's Guide

The campaign begins with the player assuming control of a specific Kislevite faction or the united front against the encroaching Chaos armies. The primary objective is survival through a series of escalating waves of attacks, where each turn represents a critical moment in the defense of the realm. Players must manage resources carefully, as the harsh winter drains manpower and gold rapidly. Key objectives include holding specific strategic locations that prevent the Pink Horror from spreading further south. Failure to defend these points results in immediate corruption or loss of territory. Progression involves unlocking unique events that reflect the folklore of Kislev, such as summoning the Great Mother's aid or rallying the disparate tribes. The narrative branches based on player success; a triumphant defense leads to a legacy of unity, while failure results in the fall of the realm to Chaos.

Did You Know?

• The scenario heavily features the unique mechanics of the Kislevite tribes, emphasizing their need for unity against common threats.
• Tzeentch's influence is central to the narrative, represented by the terrifying and surreal Pink Horror.
• This campaign mode was designed to showcase the specific strengths and weaknesses of the Kislev faction before its full release.
• The storyline draws inspiration from real-world Slavic folklore adapted into the grimdark setting of Warhammer.