Skirmishes increase on HSE borders

As the fifth century came to a close a number of skirmishes took place around the growing Holy Sigmarite Empire. Its rapid expansion meant the HSE was now approaching the vast Kaalroen Empire in terms of population, and it was increasingly the centre of conflict in Palurin.

In 497 the northern states found themselves under surprise attack from daemonic entities. House Volbeck, one of the houses rumoured to be harbouring vampires and dark magicians, lead the defence of the HSE and was able to crush the daemons wherever they arrived.

Only a few years later the house had far less success against Domovoi raiders. For years the Domovoi had been attacking the HSE across the 'Flachland Gap' a no-man's land that separated the Dominion, HSE and Kaalroen Empire. Having defeated a group of Dark Elf Dominion slavers the Domovoi were flush with success and a small band daringly penetrated deep into the HSE. Unprepared, House Volbeck's defences crumbled and much of their lands were razed before the attackers returned to their homeland. leaving the Volbeck capital, Ratzberg, thankfully untouched.

Not seen for many years, the greenskins of the Cloudy Mountains re-emerged as the year 500 came, with scholars suggesting that the date was either due to an ancient propechy of goblins overrunning the world, or just coincidence. Admittedly the first foray by the goblin tribes resulted in a defeat on the southern borders of the HSE by Dark Elf raiders from Khaldieth, but further attacks upon the Domovoi in the north were much more successful.

The Khaldieth elves meanwhile, smarting from defeats from both the goblins and Domovoi attempted to repeat the success they had had against the HSE a few years prior and made numerous slaving raids. But time and again they were defeated, by armies from both House Volbeck and then in 502 by horse-lords of House Aureus who rode down from Pellenar to defend the coast. Unable to penetrate the armour of the Pellenar knights the Dark Elves retreated. Success has eluded them and they returned to Khaldieth to brood on their evil plans.

After their successful skirmishes, House Aureus was eager to prove itself further and gain acceptance for Pellenar to merge into the HSE. The very same year they bravely lead a small sortie into the Cloudy Mountains to put down the rising goblin tribes. The attack was a success but at a great cost, and Aureus was unprepared when Domovoi raiders attacked Pellenar itself only a few months later. Reliance on heavily armoured knights proved a weakness against the powerful warriors. Much of Pellenar was sacked and the Domovoi were gone before the HSE could send a relief force.

Though attacks by the forces of Chaos, greenskins and Dark Elves might be expected, the HSE found itself in a less likely battle as a small group of High Elves from Mellvellon were found marching in secret through the HSE. Empress Matilda was outraged as the Elves refused to explain their actions and tried to fight their way back to a ship on the coast. Forces from the Alptraum family intercepted them and cut the elves down. As scholars debated the possible elven motive it was clear to all that whatever great events were coming for Palurin, the Holy Sigmarite Empire was at the centre of them.