
It has been an age since Lord Kruuel last tasted victory. Once spearheading a mighty force to victory after victory but now reduced to leading a disjointed mob and fighting petty conflicts.
The memory of his first and profound defeat still preys heavily on the Lord. After one of the countless victories that seemed to fall into his hands over the years, he was sure he could actually feel the blessings of the Gods that soared through him, making him feel invincible. Unstoppable. This was a mistake; this inspired arrogance impelled him fearlessly, heedlessly onwards to the next, surely imminent, Chaos victory.
The ambush was devastating.
Surprised and overwhelmed by the forest kin that exploded from nearby trees, Lord Kruuel was forced to retreat the field with the loss of most of his force. Many of those that survived soon deserted, looking for another to lead them to victory. Their general’s reputation in tatters, the Gods favour now obviously with another.
Upon the realisation of his folly he recognised what would come next. The Gods would severely punish him for his failure. There he waited their wrath, awaiting his fate. And he waited. He waited for his soul to be thrown into eternal torture. But it did not come. Was this a pardon? Surely not. A second chance? Perhaps. A sign then? Most definitely. A sign that his part in the impending Chaos domination of the world was not at an end!
So now he roams the wastes gathering a host to yet again blight the world. The remnants of recently disbanded armies and the survivors of recent battles currently make up the majority of his force but its numbers, and discipline, are growing. As is his confidence. He will show the Gods that they were right to give him this responsibility. He will become the tide to cleanse the world. And those loathsome forests and all who dwell within shall be the first to perish.
However, the Chaos Gods are fickle and the reason for Kruuel’s lingering existence on this plane may not be his redemption. They may still have his end planned, or maybe they use him for amusement. He is, as are we all, truly in their hands.