The Black Gulf Campaign – Part III: The Battle at the Necropolis

 

The Black Gulf Campaign – Part II: The Battle at the Necropolis

“Streets ran red with blood and ash.”

Beneath pale skies and crumbling spires, the fractured forces of the Anti-Piracy Alliance (APA) descended upon the ancient Necropolis—a long-abandoned city now crawling with the undead legions of Fleet Admiral Gambi. From the East, the Dwarves of Karak Zurn marched grimly through broken roads and ossuaries. From the West, the proud High Elves and primal Lizardmen advanced through shattered aqueducts and crumbling walls.

 

Chaos erupted as the Goblins of the Black Spike Tribe emerged from the depths, launching a surprise assault on the Dwarves—joined by rearguard undead forces trying to delay the APA advance. Meanwhile, the Skaven, ever treacherous and ill-prepared, were swiftly overwhelmed by the combined might of the Phoenix Guard and Lizardmen cohorts. Screams echoed through the marble tombs as enchanted blades and reptilian fury tore through warp-flesh and bone.

 

Desperate to hold the line, the undead defenders surged through narrow alleys and over ancient bridges, their numbers swelling with each fallen warrior. Yet even the deathless tide could not stop the onslaught. The streets of Kalzareth ran thick with smoke and blood as fighting turned savage, brutal, and unrelenting.

 

Then, with a cry like burning wind, a giant phoenix descended from the skies, leading the Phoenix Guard in a blazing final charge. Walls melted. Crypts exploded. At the heart of the Necropolis, the High Elves cut down Ludwig the Mad, the vampire warmaster and steward of the city, ending his reign with righteous flame.

 

Yet once again, Fleet Captain Mario and his ever-smirking companion, Luigi the Gunnery Wight, slipped away into the shadows—leaving only charred ground and empty tombs in their wake.

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Aftermath

The APA now holds the Necropolis, but at great cost. The alliance is bloodied, and cracks in their unity deepen. Gambi remains elusive, one step ahead, and the recovery of the Crimson Countess appears closer than ever. As ghost-lights flicker in the ruins and dark omens gather on the wind, the next stage of the campaign looms...

 

Fleet Captain Mario (Vampire Pirate Commander, Dreadfleet)

“Let them take their little victory. The Countess wakes, and the sea will weep blood.”

Luigi the Gunnery Wight (Undead Artillery Master)

“Lost the guns. Lost the city. Kept my hat. Could be worse.”

Ludwig the Mad (Vampire Lord of Kalzareth, deceased)

“Do you hear the city’s song? She sings of bones and sorrow… and now, of betrayal.”

Lord Belanor Sunspear (High Elf Phoenix Guard Commander)

“We do not march for vengeance. We march for justice—and justice burns brighter than undeath.”

Tlatuoni (Saurus Commander, Lizardmen)

“The winds of time shift. The enemy withers. The Tablet shall be recovered.”

Durgan Ironbrow (Dwarf Commander of Karak Zurn)

“We came for heads and gold. Got both, and a fine bit of vengeance too.”

Snazzle Gutspill (Goblin Big Boss)

“Wot? I wuz helpin’! I fink. Hard ta tell wiv all da screamin’.”

Arch-Warlock Skritch of Pestclaw (Skaven Survivor)

“This was not a defeat! No no! Just... tactical retreat yes-yes! More-boom next time!”