KISLEVITE ARMY:
Background

Emperor Dieter III realized that the Empire would benefit from this bulwark against chaos and the barbarous Norse, and formed an alliance with the Tzar Alexandr I. Since then Kislev and the Empire have enjoyed a strong alliance with each other, and often send allied troops to help their friends in the hour of need. A notable example of this is the Gryphon Legion that is based in the Empire and includes many of the noblest sons of Kislev.

Both Norse barbarians and the dread hordes of Chaos threaten the borders of Kislev. Because of this the army of Kislev is numerous and powerful, and mercenaries are always welcome in Kislev. The realm is in the state of continual warfare, and the people have grown hard in the face of their trials.

The last great Chaos Incursion almost overrun the World, and only by the valiant efforts of Kislevites, supported by the dwarfs and a mighty army of Magnus the Pious barely turned the tide 200 years ago.

The current ruler of Kislev is Tzarina Katarin, who followed his father Radii Bokha after his mysterious death. City States of Kislev, Erengrad and Praag in particular are independent realms, but owe their fealty to the ruler of Kislev.

GOSPODARS

The mainstay of the people of Kislev are Gospodars: tall, broad-shouldered and blond or red-haired people with deep voices. They are quiet and grim in the face of the outsiders, but in fact they are very sentimental people, with deep love for their families and their land. They are mighty fighters, and the most courageous opponents of Chaos anywhere.

Womenfolk of Kislev are famed for their beauty, and the Kislevites value their females as highly as men. There is no reason why a woman could not rise into important positions in the government, and the bloodline is traced by the mothers side. Most Kislevite women tend to stay at home, however, but in the house and home their authority is absolute and far above of that of a man.

Most powerful Kislevite sorcerers are always women, and many tales have been told about Baba Yaga, the most powerful Witch of all time. Gospodars love music, and their dances, especially the Bladedance, are famous throughout the Old World. Their battle-songs are one of the most impressive sounds in the Known World, and their dreaded war-cry "URAAA! URAAA!" is feared where-ever it is heard.

COSSACKS

Cossacks are nomadic people who live in the far North. Riders and scouts without peer, these brave warriors have always stood in the defense of the realm against the wrath of Chaos. Year after year a war of ambush and counter-ambush is fought, and usually Cossacks are victorious. Even when faced with the overwhelming odds and power, their hatred against the forces of Chaos often sees them through.

HUNS

The most primitive and savage of all peoples of Kislev, Huns are little more than animals. They file their teeth, scar their bodies and enter battles in a berserker state of fury. They are cannibalistic, vicious race, but never-the-less fearless in the defense of their land. No opponent wishes to be captured by the Huns, for his fate shall be worse than death.

ERENGRAD

Of the trading cities of the Old World, only Marienburg is larger and more important. Whale-oil, sea-ivory, timber, pearls, tar and fish are traded here, and even the sleek ships of the High Elves often come here, daring the dangers of the seas polluted by the Chaos. Traders from Bretonnia, Marienburg and the Empire come to this city which is situated in the lagoon at the head of river Lynks.

KISLEV

This city stands in the banks of river Urskoy, and is built around "Gora Geroyev", known also as Kreml, "The Hill of the Heroes". It is a fortress-city, for the Realm of Chaos draws ever nearer every year, and the many valiant Kislevites are buried every day in the red soil of Kreml. Dwarfs hired from the Empire and from their own realm work tirelessly to strengthen the defenses.

PRAAG

During the last great Chaos Incursion this once-beautiful city was completely overrun by the forces of Chaos. The minions of the Four Powers breached the defenses of the city and put the inhabitants to sword. Those few who survived by fleeing in the surrounding woods returned to find their homes twisted by the Chaos. The buildings had melted with the flesh, forming disturbing and sickening visage of horror.

Tzar of Erengrad ordered the city to be burned down and re-built. This was done, but the Chaos returned. Travelers tell tales of cries of agony that pierce the nights, and faces appearing in the walls of the buildings, consuming unwary with sharp teeth. Kislevites burn down and re-build their homes continually to retain some measure of sanity. They refuse to move away, for they feel that this would mean giving in to Chaos.

Current Tzar Saltan spends his time drilling his militia and dreaming of the revenge he will inflict upon the foul spawn of chaos.