Styrkaar
Styrkaar of the Sortsvinaer is a Chaos Champion of Slaanesh, leader of his tribe of the Norse, killer of his own father and one of Archaon's Lieutenants.[1]
He moves with fluid grace in battle, filling enemies with both awe and horror. [2]
History
Born in Norsca as the son of Jerg Svengor, the chieftain of the Norse tribe of the Sortsvinaers, his mind interfered with that of a daemonic entity, which called himself Sle'zuzu since his birth. Sle'zuzu cautioned the child that his presence should not be mentioned to anyone - friends or family included. Following the whisperings and advice of the Daemon the young boy became a charming youth, making friends effortlessly although his father allowed no favourtism. [2]
He learned the traditional skills of crewing the tribal Longships, fighting and hunting, excelling in all and impressing the elders. He grew into a tall, powerful warrior who led raids against Bretonnia, the Empire and the Kurgan, even veterans of his tribe following him without question. [2]
However, his father was incrasingly eaten away by jealousy until finally during a feast celebrating one of Styrkaar's raids, a confrontation occured when the Jerg refused to toast his son's victories. He told Styrkaar that he would never achieve the successes he had - in reply, prompted by Sle'zuzu, his son calmly told him to raise his goblet. The Jerg punched him in the face but he rose swiftly with a smile, wiping the blood from his nose. [2]
Svengor found that no-one supported him and indeed a great clamour had arisen for his son to strike back, hearing Sle'zuzu amongst them, Styrkaar attacked. After a short fight, he viciously clapped his father's ears, making him deaf forever and displacing him as Jerg of the tribe. The resulting feasting lasted for three solid days and nights. As Styrkaar slept, women on either side of him, Sle'zuzu came again to him, telling him that Slaanesh was looking upon him with great favour. [2]
Over the next few years, he led his tribe into more and more ambitious battles and raid, revelling in the debauchery and slaughter of war. After one such encounter, Slaanesh forced Sle'zuzu into his mind and merged the two entities. The mortals form began to glow with a cold light and his teeth became delicate fangs - it was obvious to all of his tribe that he was godtouched. As he continued to ravage in the name of his god, he was further gifted with a Steed of Slaanesh and warriors from across Norsca flocked to his side. [2]
He led his tribe through the Chaos Wastes and against the armies of the champions of the other three Gods of Chaos such as Asgeir, Karnik and even against rival champions of Slaanesh. After killing Vandred, a Champion of Slaanesh, his warband cried out their praises of Styrkaar as they dropped to their knees. [2]
Soon another name came to the attention of Styrkaar - Archaon, one seemingly favoured by all the gods of Chaos - he was at first angered as he rose from his bed, pushing away those that reclined with him. However, Slaanesh itself spoke to Styrkaar, telling him not to stand against his chosen vessel but instead plan for his arrival. [2]
Vandred had been a favoured companion of Archaon and so when the mighty warlord approached the territory controlled by Styrkaar, many anticipated a conflict between the two champions. Archaon rode unopposed to the hall of the Slaaneshi champion, his huge form having to stoop to enter the room, waiting for Styrkaar to rise to meet him. They nodded to each other in mutual respect and Styrkaar dismissed all his attendants. [2]
When they emerged together, they found a great horde had travelled to witness the outcome - Styrkaar had pledged to assault the southlanders in his longships as Archaon attacked by land. [2]
Storm of Chaos
After Archaon crossed the River Lynsk, he divided his vast horde into five still huge armies, one of which was led by Styrkaar. [3a] Styrkaar then ravaged and desecrated the town of Boven. [3b]
He and his army sacked the towns of Kurst and Zundap, but the excessive victory celebrations delayed the march of the Slaanesh horde. Then he laid siege to Hergig, the capital of Hochland and sacked it, with the help of Skaven allies. Exhausted from the long siege and the following celebrations, that lasted for weeks, he and his men did not play a big part in the upcoming siege of Middenheim.
Trivia
Styrkaar of the Sortvinaer is shown on card 8 of the "Legions of Chaos" card set for the WarCry CCG.
Sources
- 1: Warhammer Armies: Storm of Chaos (6th Edition), pg. 14
- 2: White Dwarf 273 (UK), pgs. 38-40
- 3: White Dwarf 296 (UK)