Decades ago, an Imperial expedition set out to establish a profitable trade route to the lands far south of the Empire. Unfortunately, the expedition suffered one hardship after another.

The terrain was treacherous and the wagons were constantly in need of repair. Supplies ran short, and the caravan was frequently attacked by packs of wolves and bands of brigands. The expedition's leader, Erich Krieghoffer, the son of a wealthy Imperial Baron, frequently argued with the captain of the mercenary guard hired to protect the convoy.

This captain was none other than Dietrich Lichtermann, founder of the renowned Imperial militiamen regiment "Dietrich's Dogs". More used to giving orders than taking them, the veteran soldier found it increasingly difficult to put up with the spoiled, impetuous Erich.

Following a heated argument, Lichtermann decided to abandon Erich and the remaining members of the expedition. His mercenary warriors following behind him, Lichtermann struck out into the Badlands, determined to find his way back to the Empire. Without the expedition's maps, however, the mercenaries soon become lost in the wilds.

Lichtermann knew he would never see the Empire again unless food, shelter and water could be secured. Though his warriors had no supplies, they did have weapons and the skill to use them. They hunted to feed themselves and while exploring a network of caves they had discovered in a winding canyon, found an underground stream suitable for drinking water. The caves soon became the mercenaries' home and Lichtermann ordered his men to begin stockpiling supplies in the hopes of making a second attempt at returning to the Empire.

<< Warhammer Fantasy