The lost Ogres of Athel Loren

Before the emergence of the Wood Elves the Ogres of Athel Loren were a force to reckon with. Although their cousins slag them for solely eating elves the Wood Ogres have their pride. Within their woods they will only be seen if they want to be seen. As masters of camouflage they strike swift and tough. Nowadays the Wood Ogres and their friends, the Bigfoots are an endangered species. Hunted down by Wood Elves on sight.

At the risk of his life the imperial explorer Speedus Killus has recently drawn some real-time paintings which will be subsequently published at his very place. Speedus Killus has his strengths, but painting is not one of them. Before you judge these paintings, please be aware that he drew them mostly in life threatening situations.

Here you can see a single Bigfoot.

While their cousins are supported by Yhetees, the Wood Ogres live together with Bigfoots. Observe the very dangerous Ice Weapons and claws. Because of their camouflage the Bigfoots are very hard to find. Hunting them is nearly impossible. They ignore terrain, hide and run very fast, even compared to ogres. If you are in close combat with a Bigfoot you will find it difficult to hit them. There ice blue magic talismans seem to protect them.

That is probably the first-real time drawing of a Bigfoot!

This gnoblog is great Good work Speedkills

JJ

Imagine the surprise when Speedus Killus suddenly faced this unit of Ogre Bulls returning from a raid in Altdorf heading directly to Athel Loren. You can clearly see the camouflage paint on the skin and the dyed trousers. The battle-worn gut-plate gave additional protection. These Ogres had bronze weapons together with the dreaded Ironfists and Speedus Killus feared for his life when he saw them. The champion was very observant and easily recognizable by his trophies bond into his beard. It might have been elven or even human skulls and Speedus Killus shivered involuntarily.

Fortunately the ogres did not notice him and marched on. While they passed him, Speedus Killus could clearly see the Bellower, the ogres musician, and hear how he tried to rally the troops. His grunts were heard all over the valley and the sound was so deep that Speedus Killus could feel it in his stomach.

As you can easily see, Speedus Killus hand was still shaking when he was drawing the backs of the ogres as they disappeared into the mist surrounding Athel Loren. One cannot appreciate too much the valuable information Speedus Killus brought to the empirial university at the risk of his life.

Those pictures are way, way too big. From the thumbnails however, they don't look bad.

The Grand Theogonist Volkmar himself ordered Speedus Killus to use a canvas with a width of maximally 1200 pixel and is thankful to Lord Reginald for the hint. Speedus Killus will subsequently update all so far published drawings.

- Urgent -

The Grand Theogonist Volkmar notifies that the update will not be finished before tomorrow. Speedus Killus has stopped to work and has started to celebrate the award of a Pet Gnoblar. The Grand Theogonist emphasizes that Sigmar has not turned away from us and that Speedus Killus will be punished severely for this neglect of duty.

- Urgent -

The punishment of Speedus Killus is set out. The Explorer returned just now with disturbing news. The Wood Ogre units he reported were the remains of an army battling a huge number of creatures looking as if they were crafted from the "the blighted soul-stuff", as Speedus Killus puts it, of slain mortals. These creatures are lead by a gigantic figure "bloated with decay, disease and all imaginable kinds of physical corruption", again as Speedus Killus puts it. The Wood Ogres seemed to be victorious in that they could capture and hold three out of four energy vortices and thereby closing something which looked like a gigantic gate. This was possible only with the help of a, so far unknown, terrifying ogre master wizard and three independently acting ogre heroes accompanied by "gigantic cats with teeth as long as a man's forearm", again according to Speedus Killus. However, it was a dearly purchased victory as the Wood Ogres suffered more casualities than their enemies. The remaining monsters, including the great unclean one, are heading towards Altdorf, while the rest of the Wood Ogres retreats to their safe haven Athel Loren.

The Grand Theogonist Volkmar stresses that there is no reason to be anxious. Up to now we are still waiting for an independent confirmation of these observations. In any case the Emperor has ordered the production of another Steam Tank.

In his constant struggle to proliferate knowledge the empirial explorer Speedus Killus has established a place gathering all the tiny bits of information he contributed to the great empirial library Stadtbucherei.

Most current Wood Ogre army and strategy
http://ogrestronghold.com/forum/index.php?topic=9889.0

Alternative Wood Ogre army and strategy
http://ogrestronghold.com/forum/index.php?topic=9699.0

QotD - Part V / V - Gorger on strike
http://ogrestronghold.com/forum/index.php?topic=10079.0

QotD - Part IV / V - The most impressive loss
http://ogrestronghold.com/forum/index.php?topic=10068.0

QotD - Part III / V - (Sort of) Thundermace Powergaming
http://ogrestronghold.com/forum/index.php?topic=10058.0

QotD - Part II / V - Butcher on steroids
http://ogrestronghold.com/forum/index.php?topic=10043.0

Question of the Day - Part I / V - Shooting at a Tyrant in a unit
http://ogrestronghold.com/forum/index.php?topic=10027.0

Another nice puzzle, this time provided by Lord Ganymede
QotD - Part VI / V - A Butcher Saves the World
http://ogrestronghold.com/forum/index.php?topic=10102.0

An analysis of Wood Ogre Warfare - 7ed pre High Elf Always Strike First
http://ogrestronghold.com/forum/index.php?topic=9941.0

As the Wood Ogres tried to close the supernatural gate Speedus Killus observed a lone Ogre deep behind the battle lines. Speedus Killus sneaked further, trying to identify the ogre and approached him from behind. The ogre was huge, wielding a bronze club twice as tall as a human being. His heavy armour was bronze, too. The ogre was wearing the usual camouflage dyed trousers of the Wood Ogres. The ruby-colored ornament identified him as a leader or even a nobleman, if ogres have something like that. He might probably be one of these redoubtable Tyrants. This question has subsequently to be decided by the adepts of the empirial library.

All of a sudden Speedus Killus saw a small goblin-like creature hiding between the legs of this giant. It was pure luck, as Speedus Killus still insists, that this pipsqueak detected him. It started to point in his direction and with a loud scream the massive oger was alarmed. The ogre turned over and with a single gaze he curdled Speedus Killus blood.

The gnoblog is great! Superb way of formatting it

JJ

- Urgent -

Grand Theogonist Volkmar expresses that the evacuation of Altdorf has no connection to the sudden appearance of the monsters. People must take a leaf out of Captain General Joshs book, cheer to praise Sigmar and go to Middenheim as fast as possible.

- News from the front

Currently our two Steam Tanks are heading towards the enemy and there is no doubt that they will prevail in the name of Sigmar.

- News from the front

Everybody runs ... it is hell on earth ... a single blow and one of the tanks was gone ... we rally in Altdorf to make our last stand ...  where is Sigmar?

From the corner of his eyes Speedus Killus could see the ogre wearing a scintillating necklace magically providing additional protection and two of the finest empirial handguns sticking in the belt . "Hopefully only as adornment" Speedus Killus was thinking when he did what he can do best: Running! Running as fast as possible. 

Meanwhile, the massive ogre refrained from pursuit. He opened his gigantic mouth and yelled loudly:

"I am Hragged and I am back!"

The Grey Mountains echoed this howl back and forth.

Speedus Kills ran. Desperately trying to get as much distance as possible between him and the ogre noble. Finally his lungs told him to stop. Heavily breathing he cowered near a rock and realized his hopeless situation. The huge ogre did not follow him for a single reason: a Hunter! Speedus Killus had seen three Hunters fighting against the daemonic monsters the day before. Operating on their own they circled around the enemy. Throwing their harpoons for devastating results and sending out their Sabretusks to finish off the remains. These Sabretusks might well be his end now. As strong as a normal ogre bull, but much faster and more skilled with their claws there was no way out. Speedus Killus prepared himself for the final move.

That might well be the first and only real-time drawing of a Hunter releasing his Sabretusks. Again we compliment Speedus Killus for delivering such a rare collectible. Unfortunately he played for high stakes. The Sabretusks were heading straight into his direction and closing in rapidly. No way out. He looked around with his heart beating like crazy. A tree! With all the mastery of descendant of apes he climbed it just in time. The Sabretusks reached the tree, surrounded it and ... started to climb up too.

A last prayer to Sigmar and ... the Sabretusks retreated. They were gone so fast that Speedus Killus didn't even notice for a moment. He didn't see the Hunter either. What was going on? Sure, he was a true believer in Sigmar, but so far praying never helped. Speedus Killus remained suspicious.

Then he saw them appearing from the outskirts of Athel Loren. First it were just a few, but then they became more and more. A whole army was approaching the Grey Mountains. That was the reason why the Wood Ogres let go of the daemonic monsters. Now he understood ...

- Urgent -

Grand Theogonist Volkmar demands a picture of the mysterious master wizard of the Wood Ogres. He reminds Speedus Killus that not having competency in painting is not a good excuse in the presence of Sigmar. Dedication is sufficient. Furthermore, the Grand Theogonist regrets that he cannot lead the defense of Altdorf against the monsters. Important business matters make his presence in Middenheim unavoidable. Grand Theogonist Volkmar is sure that everybody will fulfill his duty and defend Altdorf. For that reason he advances lance-corporal Bertram Beisenblitz to a captains rank and awards the title "Defender of the Empire". United we stand in the name of Sigmar!

- News from the front

A smallish force of elf-like warriors is reported to approach the Grey Mountains. While they come from Athel Loren they are definitely no Wood Elves. It seems that the Wood Ogres and these elves are heading to each other for a huge battle taking place sometime next weekend. 

- News from the front

Speedus Killus sends us a couple of real time drawings of this battle. The Wood Ogres won, but only barely.
http://ogrestronghold.com/forum/index.php?topic=10188.0

- Urgent

Grand Theogonist Volkmar notifies that strong enemy forces had crossed the River Stir near Grünburg and were heading towards Altdorf. Our army stroke back and annihilated a unit of hound-like creatures. That put a halt to the progress of the enemy. Furthermore, after their recent success the Wood Ogres could be convinced and hired as mercenaries to support the Empire in their battle against the monsters. Their forces will approximately arrive on Friday for the final battle against these Daemons. Nothing is lost. We will defend Altdorf.

Grand Theogonist Volkmar declares that after the barely victorious Altdorf battle people have deserved a little distraction. For that purpose he points out the competition initiated by the highly decorated Lord EverHunger. 

http://www.ogrestronghold.com/forum/index.php?topic=12153.0

The Empire planned to participate with Bertram Beisenblitz. Unfortunately, his soap opera "Don't tell Karl Franz" did not meet internal (imperial) quality standards and will be soon be published at this place.

Stay tuned.

Don’t tell Karl Franz

Episode I - The lost village

Dramatis Personae

Empire vice general in command Bertram Beisenblitz. The defender of Altdorf stumbles over a secret of gigantic implications. The emphasis is on “stumbles”.

Speedus Killus the renowned marksman of the imperial archers. He and his unit are in duty to protect Bertram, Haidy and Mike on their dangerous adventures in the name of the Emperor.

Haidy Kljum, the warrior priestess with the body of a german super model finally reveals the secret of her becoming a chaste follower of Sigmar.

Mike Angel, master engineer and inventor of the pigeon bomb fumbles already at the very beginning.

Rhandom Guhy. He could be anybody and, without revealing too much, has only a slight chance to survive this episode.

The voice from the off is essentially what it says, a voice from the off.


Sometime after the Altdorf battle and somewhere far away from it, vice general in command Bertram Beisenblitz is sitting in his tent contemplating about his strategy to reveal the secret of the lost village. Suddenly, a yell “Bertram! …” Speedus Killus the renowned marksman of the imperial archers enters the tent and attempts a dramatic gesture. “Speedy, Speedy, Speedy.” Bertram shakes his head. “I must insist, that this is the empire and we are at war. Where are your manners?” “Vice general Bertram …” Speedus tries again and is interrupted by Bertram turning around “Personnel are just not what they used to be. How can Speedus enter without greeting you Haidy?” The chaste warrior priestess accustomed to getting attention without much drama raises an eyebrow: “What’s up Speedy?”

There is no warrior priestess in the books and a chaste warrior priestess even less. The voice from the off complains.

“We have found the village.” Speedus says solemnly. “Excellent! Hence, we have finished the task and can start to plan our return to Altdorf!” Bertram smiles. Haidy raises the other eyebrow. “What is the problem, Speedy?” “There are survivors. Well, at least sort of.” “What? Since when are survivors a problem and what does it mean “sort of” and what did they survive?” Bertram desperately tries to catch up. “It depends on your definition of survivor.” Mike enters the tent and strikes a dramatic pose. Bertram resigns: “Definition of survivor? I mean, either they survive or they don’t? There is not much elbowroom for a definition.”

The sole survivor, the catatonic mayor of the village is brought to Bertram. The mayor cannot speak anymore, but upon seeing a picture of Karl Franz’s dragon he quickly passes away .   

“No survivors then.” Bertram insists. “We should play save and send the steam tank!” Everybody nods and they watch Mike who seems to have a problem. “We have a problem, a technical problem.” Bertram, now suspicious: “Please define a problem.” “We … we … we forgot to generate steam for the tank this morning.”

One cannot forget to generate steam points. This is not an option. One has to generate steam points. The voice from the off is desperate.

“We essentially have to wait a day or two to have enough steam.” “Well, then we send our heavy cavalry.” “There is no heavy cavalry.” Haidy points out. “Canons, Mortars, Handgunners?” “No!” “Not even Greatswords?” “Not even Greatswords.” Bertram gets pale. “What do we have and how are we supposed to deal with the dragon?” “All we have is a unit of archers!” Speedus Killus smiles and attempts a dramatic gesture. “We are lost!” Bertram blacks out.

The archers pick up Bertram. They march towards the village and investigate the situation.

Upon arrival in the now empty village Bertram, the defender of Altdorf, informs the others about his plan: “We should split up, occupy as many buildings as possible and stay overnight. That maximizes our chances to catch the monster.” “What?” Haidy, Speedus, Mike, the Archers and the voice from the off yell unison. “That can hardly be a good idea.” Speedus puts forward. “Facing the monster alone could result in severe losses.”

The cheapest plot since Texas chain saw massacre. The voice from the off shakes its head.

“You are right.” Bertram agrees. ”Let’s split up in pairs and we are not alone.” “No! Please!” Speedus is frustrated. “Why not?” Haidy winks towards Speedus, Mike and actually all the Archers. In a complete misunderstanding of the situation suddenly everybody thinks Bertram’s idea is actually a good idea.

The voice from the off: That could become VERY interesting.

Honestly, even the author wants the group now to split up and learn more about Haidys plan. “Who joins me?” Bertram wants to know. Speedus points towards Rhandom Guhy.  “No!” Rhandoms face expresses pure pain. “Why me? Why always me?” Speedus attempts a dramatic gesture: “The empire needs you …“ and before he could say more he was pulled away by Haidy and the others.

Bertram and Rhandom distribute the night shifts. Bertram has to start and after a couple of minutes he falls asleep. An hour or two passes by.

“I knew it!” Rhandom shouts and Bertram wakes up just to watch a gigantic black shadow throw Rhandom through the air. Bertram shouts, dodges away and accidently stumbles upon a strange arcane object.

A bolt pistol. Use it!

The monster turns around to watch the new enemy. Bertram can see the white in its eyes.

No he cannot. The eyes of the monster are blindfolded and technically it is not entirely clear whether it is a monster or just infantry.

Bertram uses the strange arcane object by throwing it directly into the face of the monster.

Not like this you … idiot.

The monster seems unimpressed and even worse, the strange arcane object has torn off the blindfold. Cursing on his bad luck Bertram runs. He runs as fast as he can to the next building with the monster presumably being directly behind him. The others have to be alarmed. If they are still alive! Slowly Bertram opens the door to face the facts, only to find the archers, Mike and Speedus sitting around with Haidy. She has just finished the story on how she became a chaste warrior priestess. The archers wipe tears from their eyes. Speedus and Mike look shocked and the voice from the off murmurs:
 
This is bad, this is really bad.

“Why? What?” Bertram asks: “What did Haidy tell you?” “Just a minute Bertram.” Speedus turns around. “The monster took the bait!”  The archers pick up their bows and hurry up to hunt down the Gorger. “What bait? What is he talking about?” Bertram asks towards Haidy who is obviously very pleased with herself.

After the bloody work is done, the whole group gathers around the smashed body of Rhandom.

“What is with Rhandom? Will he survive?” Speedus is obviously worried. Haidy shakes her head. “I try my best.”

What? Snake eyes! The voice from the off sounds disgusted by that amount of sheer luck.

Haidy realizes her success and her eyes lighten up. “He will survive. The Gorger just hit him hard, but no flesh wound.” “What? Come on! He was supposed to … I mean … how can he survive. This is impossible.” Now it is Speedus time to shake his head. “Not impossible Speedy, not impossible Speedy. Just highly unlikely” Mike explains and strikes a dramatic pose.

Will Bertram finally find out about Haidys story? Will Rhandom Guhy finally accept his fate? What about Speedus, the voice from the off and the bolt pistol? How long can Mike hold the final pose?

All these exciting questions and many more will be answered in the next episode of Don’t tell Karl Franz.

Hurray! I'm a Lord. *does victory dance*

No but great Gnoblog mate. Love the story, are you sure you're not entering that?

-Evii

- News -

Vice general in command Bertram Beisenblitz is ordered to submit the first episode of "Don't tell Karl Franz" to Lord EverHungers competition. He, personally, is held responsible to meet the formal criteria of the competition within the next couple of days. If he does not comply, serious measures will be taken.

Not winning is bad, but not competing is worse!

Tell me more about Haidy, I have the feeling, I know here from a wannabe musician add

- News -

Vice general in command Bertram Beisenblitz in deep sorrow announces the passing away of the bravest dog of war ogre slaughtermaster Grollorg, the Greedy Hand. It all happened last tuesday while carrying out his duty. It is unknown how many wives and kids Grollorg ...

Read more

http://www.ogrestronghold.com/forum/index.php?topic=13390.0

- Further news -

The renowned archer Speedus Killus is currently negotiating contractual details for a second part of 'Don't tell Karl Franz'. The producer, Lord Everhunger, returned from a hiatus and seems eager to ...

Read more

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