Prologue:

The year is 2523
In the northern borderlands of Ostland, where the harsh landscape meets the tempestuous Sea of Claws, towers Salkalten—a port city that, in the wake of great trials, has risen again as a beacon of hope and resistance.

This city, now the temporary headquarters of Grand Prince Valmir von Raukov, stands as a testament to Ostland’s unyielding spirit and its will to survive and flourish, even beneath the most ominous shadows. With the threat of the savage Norsca tribes gathering on a dark horizon, and with malevolent forces working in the shadows to undermine our defenses, Grand Prince Valmir von Raukov has issued an urgent plea to the heroes and allies of the Empire.

It is a call to stand together in this hour of destiny—not merely to defend our borders, but to reaffirm our shared vows and strengthen our unity.

“Noble warriors, worthy protectors, and faithful allies, in these times when the shadows of darkness threaten to envelope our land, and the drums of the enemy sound a grim warning, I turn to you with a call for unity and strength. From Salkalten, this northern fortress of resolve and hope, I summon you to gather at a place of great significance and might: Hammersborg.

Hammersborg, named in honor of Sigmar and his unyielding hammer, stands as a monument to our will to fight and overcome. One Imperial mile west of Salkalten, among the ruins of this ancient stronghold, we shall meet to prepare for the invasion that threatens our very existence. This place, scarred by the passage of time and the battles of the past, will now become our rallying point for preparation and training—a symbol of our ability to stand united and renew our strength in the face of overwhelming odds. Let us rebuild Hammersborg, not only as a physical fortress, but as a bastion of our solidarity and resolve.

As we prepare for the challenges ahead, we shall also strengthen the bonds that tie us together, reminding ourselves that together we can withstand any foe, empowered by Sigmar’s blessing and the unyielding will that lives within us all. With deep respect and unwavering faith, Grand Prince Valmir von Raukov of Ostland, Margrave of the Northern March, Hammer of the East.”

This call to arms, to preparation, and to community marks the beginning of a crucial era for Ostland and the entire Empire. At the ruins of Hammersborg, you will find more than just a fortress to be rebuilt; you will find a fellowship rebuilding the hope and strength needed to withstand the forces of darkness. Now is the time to answer Grand Prince Valmir von Raukov’s call, to journey north, and to stand together at Hammersborg—ready to shape the future and defend our home with honor, courage, and a will of steel.