Bagrian's last stand at the Battle of La Maisontaal.
Bagrian, the abbot of the monastery of La Maisontaal, was a Bretonnian High Priest of Taal, the god of nature, who stole the Black Arc from Skavenblight. [1a] He often adopted the persona of an old, learned scholar but was a powerful priest of his deity blessed by him with powerful control over the forces of nature.[1b]
Bagrian is still considered an authority on the labyrinthine and convoluted Skaven politics, he describes it as "a tyranny moderated through assassination".[2a]
History[]
Bagrian investigated the history and threat of the Skaven for some years before daring to enter the depths of Skavenblight, where he stole the Black Arc. The Black Arc is a powerful Skaven magical artifact that held a large chunk of pure warpstone suspended in magical energy. Opening the Arc was said to bring down the wrath of the Skaven's deity, the Horned Rat, on a foe and cause devastation upon all present. Bagrian sought the relic so that he might investigate the nature of the warpstone it contained. After obtaining the Black Arc, Bagrian magically transported himself and the artifact home to his monastery at La Maisontaal but despite his wards and spells of protection, his theft was discovered almost immediately, sending the Skaven capital city into a vengeance-fuelled frenzy.[1a]
Only a few days later a powerful Skaven force appeared before the gates of the monastery and fell upon the monks who defended the abbey bravely, holding the ratmen off. Worse was to come as the moon rose and a legion of corpses arrived, led by the Lichemaster who had been raiding Bretonnia. Initially the Skaven and Undead clashed but Bagrian knew that they may unite against him and his monks to gain the Arc, even if they fell upon each other later.[1a]
Bagrian magically sent his spirit out of his body to seek aid and discovered an encampment of Bretonnian knights led by Tancred II, the Duke of Quenelles. Bagrian communicated the nearby Skaven threat to the Grail Damsel that accompanied him. The meeting of the three armies would be known as the Battle of La Maisontaal.[1a]
During the battle, the Grey Seer Gnawdoom, seeing the three armies embroiled in a brutal melee, led a small cadre of Gutter Runners into the heart of the monastery, seeking the Black Arc and killing Bagrian in the process.[1a] The High Priest of Taal, was stabbed countless times by the poisoned blades of an Assassin. Many say that Bagrian brought his end upon himself and that his interest in warpstone reeked of the taint of Chaos.[1a]
Wargear[]
- Amber Periapt - The Amber Periapt is a statue of the god of nature, Taal, surrounded by a golden halo which both protects and heals its wielder.[1b]
- Parchment of Bark - The Parchment of Bark contains the sacred writ of Taal and can be used to dispel other enchantments.[1b]
- Staff of the Owl - This oaken staff of power can enhance its wielder's own magical talents.[1b]