The Siege of Nuln

Lore & Background

The threat to Nuln is twofold: external armies seeking conquest and internal corruption from the Undead. Vampire Counts have frequently laid claim to the city, drawn by its wealth and magical ley lines. However, it was often the forces of Chaos that posed the existential threat during the Great Wars. The resilience of Nuln's defenders became a legend in itself, symbolizing the Empire's ability to withstand even the most overwhelming odds through unity between soldiers and scholars.

In Their Own Story

The air above the Reik River tasted of ozone and blood. Archmagister Valerius raised his staff as the dark clouds swirled with unnatural green fire. Below him, the stone walls of Nuln trembled under the impact of Chaos catapults. 'Hold the line!' he roared over the din of war horns. A bolt of lightning struck a daemon in mid-leap, vaporizing it before it could touch the ramparts. The mages stood shoulder to shoulder with Reiksguard knights, knowing that if Nuln fell, the Empire would follow.

Reader's Guide

The inciting incident often begins with Chaos or Vampire armies massing on the outskirts of Reikland, aiming to sever the Imperial heart from its magical spine. Scouts report breaches in the outer defenses, forcing the city commanders to mobilize the garrison and summon reinforcements from Altdorf. Key battles focus on the defense of the River Gates and the University towers. Mages engage enemy sorcerers in aerial duels while infantry repel boarding attempts across the bridges. The turning point usually involves a decisive counter-charge by Reiksguard or a powerful spell that turns the tide against the undead horde. The resolution sees the attackers retreating, battered but not destroyed. Nuln remains standing, though scarred. In the ultimate timeline of the End Times, however, this resilience eventually fails as Chaos consumes the world, marking the final fall of the city.

Did You Know?

• Nuln is home to the largest concentration of mages in the Empire, making it a primary target for Chaos sorcery.
• The University of Magic often contributes directly to battlefield defense during sieges.
• Despite its strength, Nuln eventually fell during the catastrophic End Times events.
• The city's layout is heavily influenced by the Reik River, which serves as both trade route and moat.