Nick: A bloody sunset saw the forces of Archaon's Horde close fist-like around the city of Middenheim. Mannsleib and Morrsleib waxed and waned as the chittering hosts of Daemons, Chaos-touched mortals, vile ratmen and other darker things pulled into position around the Ulricsberg. To the north and east, hell-spawned drums pounded to the heartbeats of the terrified defenders. Gory rites of sacrifice were conducted in plain sight, and the very stuff of nightmares flashed fire into the sky.

But it is to the south that our attention is drawn, and the fortified position at the base of the southern causeway, the Middesgade. After savage attacks from the Greenskin forces, the tired defenders sit in the lull snatching what rest they can. After hours of quiet, the gates of the Middesgade open, and the armies of light march forth to reclaim the ground around the causeway. It is now that the forces of Archaon strike. With the armies in the open, the opportunity to outmanoeuvre them and make a dash for the Middesgade has arisen. If the southern elements can force an early breach, the battle for Middenheim could be over quickly, and so began the battle for the south gate.

The forces in the area were broken up into eight factions, four defending Middenheim, and four attacking. The four defending factions were known as the Daemonchasers, consisting of forces heralding from Sylvania, both living and Undead striding side by side. The Stone Shields; Dwarfen forces supported by Middenheim's finest and a mercenary force. The Faithful, a mysterious alliance of High Elves and the outlandish Lizardmen that had come to lend their weight in the fight against evil, and finally the Celestians, a force of Empire troops supported by elements of the Bretonnian forces, Wood Elves and another of the mercenary forces under the employ of Todbringer.

The daring forces of darkness, sworn and held by dark pacts were the Death Haunters; hordes of Skaven warriors backed by the implacable Khemrian Undead. The Banelords, an allegiance of Daemon Legions and the Dark Elves of the Cult of Slaanesh. The Brotherhood, who numbered forces from all walks of evil, and the Blood Drinkers, a force of Chaos in its multitude forms. With dark purpose they stalked the lands, encircling the forces of light in an attempt to strike through to the Middesgade.

The weekend began with the forces of light controlling the entire area. In this campaign, unlike others, once the forces of darkness have taken a territory, it may not be recaptured. The weekend started like this (Click the image to see a better view of the map):

Defenders of Middenheim
White - Stone Shields
Yellow - Daemonchasers
Green - The Faithful
Purple - Celestians

Attackers of Middenheim
Red - Blood Drinkers
Black - Death Haunters
Blue - The Brotherhood
Orange - The Banelords

As the dawn breezes stirred the bloodied grass in the meadows surrounding the Middesgade, Archaon's strike forces made their first attack. The armies of the Brotherhood assaulted the Dwarven defenders of the Stone Shield forces. Stalwart and true, the grim Dwarfs and their human allies stood strong to the sudden attack, and no advances were made into their territory.

Next: Battle of the South Gate Report Part 2.