Letter from Marienberg (March 15^th)

Dearest Cousin Frederick,

All is well here in Marienburg and her ports continue to thrive. I have interesting news to report of late. I have just recently returned from the Duke’s annual celebration of his reign over our fair city. Though it is normally a stuffy affair, this year turned out to be quite interesting. Recently a convoy to the jungles across the sea returned with much treasure. The Duke of course made no small show of his new found wealth. On exhibit were exotic gold statues, jewels, and several rare and beautiful birds. But despite the beauty of this hoard it was nothing to report compared to what happened later in the evening.

Just after dinner three strangers entered the banquet hall clad in long robes that I assumed to be men of Sigmar. Though it is common for priests to congratulate the duke on this day, there seemed to be some confusion as to how these three gained access to the great hall. Upon further examination I realized that their cloaks were not usual for monks when I noticed that the trim was covered in gilded serpents and runes that I had never before seen. The size of these visitors was also of note. Two of them stood about man height while the smaller was no taller than a halfling. The guards paid them no mind until they removed their hoods.

To the amazement of all in attendance they were not men at all, but some sort of beast resembling a man-sized lizard! Each was covered in scales with protruding mouths lined with sharp jagged teeth. The two largest creatures wore ornate headpieces covered in jewels and brightly colored feathers. The smallest had a great red fin upon his head and hissed and grunted in some unintelligible Lizard language. Naturally this caused great concern among the guests and the guards were immediately summoned.

Before the guards could make their way through the crowd, the little lizard beast stepped forward and knelt before the dais, lifting up what was by all appearances a skull carved from green stone, and offered it as a gift. One of the Duke’s stewards was ordered to retrieve the item. The poor man was hesitant, but eventually summoned the courage to approach the lizard men. When he took the skull from creature’s hand a great wind swept through the hall shaking the glasses and putting out most of the light. One of the ladies in waiting was even knocked off her feet. The room would have been mostly dark, but the skull began to glow with unnatural green light that bathed the hall. The steward, normally a quiet man, (I know him well) turned around and moaned in a deep booming voice. His eyes had turned back into his head and his body was shaking. I can only assume that the skull held magical properties for the poor man seemed to go into some sort of trance. He then began to speak in a voice that was not his own:

"A great peril mounts to the north and the winds of magic are in flux. Our common enemy has banded together once more to bring destruction on this world. They are concealed behind dark walls which hold greater dangers than you can imagine. We would not concern ourselves with such matters, but you, the children of the Old Ones and all their progeny are threatened by these events. Unless this power is stopped…"

And before the Steward could finish this message he began to shake violently and fell to the floor dropping the skull. Once out of the Steward’s hands, the glow of the skull dissipated leaving the room in total darkness. When the candles were re-lit the three beasts were gone and several of the court members were passed out on the floor. I left the party soon after, fearing that more uninvited guests might arrive (obviously the Duke’s security is very lax). I have heard no more of the strangers or their message. The steward eventually recovered, but now resides in the asylum ranting about foul daemons all around him. Besides this peculiar evening I have no other news. My family is well and my Business is profitable. I hope this letter finds you well. May Sigmar bless you.

Your devoted cousin,