Eric Gregory’s Age of Sigmar short story The Warden in the Mountain – his second Black Library release – is billed as a Warhammer Underworlds story, although it’s much more than a straight tie-in to the game. Upon the slopes of the Beastgrave, a vast mountain in the Realm of Ghur, Greatwarden Tythrae leads five aspirants to the Ruinhorn for their final challenge before being ordained as Wardens-in-the-Wild. The test is to endure the whispered voice of the Ruinhorn for a full night, but for Maethys, Laeren and Weheol the mountain’s voice is only the beginning of their trials.
Like all the best Age of Sigmar stories, this takes an interesting premise and builds a compelling new world around it, bringing the Mortal Realms to life in unexpected ways. Details are inferred as often as they’re openly explained, gradually building up in a sinister, psychological sort of story which focuses on the personal challenges faced by these characters. Doubts, fears, anger, all are played upon by the strange nature of the Ruinhorn, as Gregory explores the Beastgrave and the people who live in its shadow. It’s a story which only gradually reveals its intentions, which might not suit readers looking for instant-gratification action but makes for an intriguing tale for anyone interested in the small-scale, personal side of Age of Sigmar.
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