The Call of the Bloodstained Shield

The library of Baron Mayhem Calhew was modest indeed compared to those found in the mighty castles of Bretonnia proper. After all, here deep in the Border princedoms, there were few book sellers to stock it, and even fewer sages to peruse its dusty contents. It was, as a consequence, only rarely visited.

Indeed, had not Damsel Bellecoeur been searching that day for an ancient Grail text, it is possible that none might have noticed: The Dwarven runes, carved deep in an ancient shield hung on the wall, had begun to glow. The Bloodstained Shield was calling.

The Shield was among the oldest heirlooms of the House of Calhew, and certainly the most treasured. It had belonged to Baron Stefan Calhew, companion of Baron Tybalt a millennium ago. Its bloody stain, turned dark brown with age, was a grim reminder of how the Baron had died—pierced by a dozen Goblins arrows and a huge spear-bolt while fighting alongside the Mountain Dwarves against a rampaging greenskin horde.

In gratitude for his noble sacrifice, the Dwarves of Karak Kadrin had presented his bloodied shield to his widow, the Lady Cathyrn Calhew. Upon it, they had engraved three powerful runes. The Master Rune of the Eagle informed clan Calhew with the disposition of any hostile army within 20 leagues. The Rune of the Iron Mountain assured that the bearer—or the walls to which it was affixed—would be resistant to the arrows and war engines of an attacking enemy. Finally, the Rune of Calling would magically warn of an ally in need.

Over the centuries that followed, this rune warned on occasion when the Mountain Dwarves sought the support of their old allies. Its counterpart in Karak Kadrin had called at times too, when a beleagured Castle Calhew needed aid against an attacking foe. Since the end of the Errantry Wars, however, and for the two decades of the reign of the present Baron, it had remained dark. Its warning today was therefore unexpected.

Once notified, the Baron summoned his paladins and commanders to the the large square table that dominated the audience chamber. All of the heroic paintings and ornate heraldry on the thick stone walls could not change the reality that clan Calhew was but a minor branch of the Houses of Carcassonne, almost forgotten in their ancestral land since the decision centuries ago to leave and settle in the Borders. Yet true Bretonnian hearts beat in the chests of the knights, retainers and stalwart peasants of the these holdings, and the many dangers of the Borders had finely honed their lances, halberds, swords, and bows for war. Baron Calhew was rightly feared among the greenskins and other lesser creatures of the area.

“Sir Comfrence? You will lead an advanced column to aid our Dwarven friends. Sir Perfluous, Sir N’Dippity, and young Sir Tandeath will accompany you. I will follow as soon as I can, once I have had time to parley with the other Border Princes and raise additional reinforcements.”

“Yes, my liege!” the eldest Knight noded.

Baron Calhew glanced for a moment at the Troll heads and Wyvern tail mounted above the large fireplace. “I will also beseech King Leoncoeur to declare this cause for a new War of Errantry. The Orcs have been allowed to plot and multiply for far too long!” With this, his mailed fist crashed loudly down upon the table to emphasize the point.

“Should you meet any greenskins… they are to be put to the sword. All of them, young and old, green and browny-green and grey-green alike. Their foul huts are to be toppled and burnt. Their tunnels and caves cleansed of their disgusting presence. When you are done, mount their severed heads on halberds. By Our Lady’s radiant grace, let this be a warning to them all.”

“Yes, of course my liege. I swear by the cusp of the Holy Grail itself, it will be done!” Sir Comfrence stood up as the others in the room cheered, and left together with his fellow paladins.

Baron Calhew smiled proudly as his knights departed. Truly, chivalry and honour shone in the hearts of all Bretonnians.

* * *

Special rule: Baron Mayhem Calhew is a Bretonnian Lord, mounted on a barded Bretonnian warhorse He may accompany any Bretonian Army (regardless of size) other than the initial advance column.

Baron Calhew has the Virtue of Noble Disdain, and carries a Birth-Sword of Carcassonne. He also carries the Bloodstained Shield. This acts as a +1 magic shield and also adds 1 to the wearer’s toughness against all missile weapons (Rune of the Iron Mountain). In addition, the opposing army is required to deploy first, and to deploy two units for each unit deployed by the Bretonnian player (Master Rune of the Eagle).

Baron Calhew costs 250 points. However, should the Baron be slain in battle, the shield is lost forever and the victory point cost is doubled.