"With disgust, Bürgermeister Geltmacher scowled at the wet wood hissing in the fireplace of the great hall. He had ordered the lamps lit and the fire stoked to make his hall look as inviting and prosperous as possible. The man he was about to meet had something of a reputation, and Geltmacher had wanted to make an impression. Instead of a warm, roaring fire, however, the mercenary would be greeted by nothing more than steam and wet smoke.
The Bürgermeister's Chamberlain disturbed Geltmacher's concerned meditations by announcing, "Captain von Schädel, sir." A man, thin but hard, entered the hall warily and made a quick bow – a bow not quite low enough to meet the courtly standards of the day, but one that demonstrated a perfect economy of motion, a warrior's bow.
Geltmacher wasted little time with pleasantries. "I want to hire you and your men, von Schädel. An uncharted island has been discovered southwest of Magritta. There are rumors - rumors of beasts, treasures, and artifacts of terrible power. Rumors do me no good. I need answers, and I need to keep my enemies away from any wealth or weapons that might be on that island. I need you to go to the island, explore it, and bring back any treasure and anything that might be of value to our military or my court wizard."
Von Schädel said nothing, but a greedy, piratical gleam came into his eye. Geltmacher glared contemptuously at the mercenary and continued. "I've arranged for four of my fastest ships to carry you and your men to the island. For your services, you will receive 2,000 crowns plus a tenth of whatever you bring back." Geltmacher paused. "And know that Commodore Waechter has been instructed to keep you honest."
Von Schädel smiled a wry smile. "When do we leave?"
Maximilian von Schädel stood on the prow of die Tapferkeit, the flagship of the Marienburger fleet that had been dispatched to locate the fabled Estragon’s Island, a near mythic place rumored to hold untold treasures and riches. Over 400 miles southwest of the shores of Estalia, von Schädel’s ships had spotted an uncharted island. Even though the fleet had reached latitudes far south of the cool climes of the Old World, the air around this island was uncharacteristically hot and tropical. As die Tapferkeit cut through the hazy air and the tepid waters of the island’s lagoon, von Schädel spied a serpent three yards long, pink, and two-headed. Through the sail master’s spyglass, von Schädel watched the snake slip gracefully into the water. Instantly, its bright hue changed to blue-green to match the waters around it. Von Schädel faced aft and shouted, “Captain, I believe we have found it. Please make arrangements to row my men to shore.""
- —Report of Von Schädel Expedition[1b]
Map of the Estragon's Island.[1]
Throughout the early decades of the 24th century (Imperial Calendar), Don Diego Estragon, Estalian merchant and explorer, have discovered a misterios Island, known as Estragon's Island, that seems to shift its location from time to time. Pirates and explorers have occasionally reported sighting his island some 400 miles southwest of Estalia’s coast, in the direction of Magritta, a tropical isle of lush and exotic plant life that is told to hide Estragon’s gold and artifacts, guarded by terrifying monsters.[1]
Points of Interest[]
Alkaline Beach[]
The wide Alkaline Beach is a beautiful stretch of Estragon’s Island. Several different plant species thrive there, including a giant carnivorous type that the locals call Flesh Vines. Resembling nothing more than giant Venus Flytraps, these plants will attack almost any nearby creature. Unfortunately, because of the density of the flora on the Alkaline Beach, the Flesh Vines are difficult to distinguish from the other plants. A local band of pirates and cutthroats knows this stretch of the island well and will often lie in wait for the Flesh Vines to do their work. The pirates will then plunder the undigested wealth, weapons, and equipment of the victims of the vines. There are no Items of Power at this location.[1]
Mount Arpía[]
Mount Arpía is the highest point on Estragon’s Island. Because of the view afforded by this tall mountain, many canny explorers will be tempted to send a scout to scale it and survey the island.[1]
Undead Swamps[]
This bleak, boggy area is a difficult ground for cavalry moving through it. Kryger, an Exalted Champion of Chaos, and his forces dwell here and will attempt to attack any foe who enters the Undead Swamps.[1]
Abandoned Temple of Gor-Loq[]
The Temple of Gor-Loq is a long abandoned Lizardman construction which is over a millennium old. While its grandeur and majesty remain apparent even after centuries of vegetation growth and inhabitation by jungle creatures, the Temple has been stripped of all its treasures by pirates, explorers, and Estragon’s followers. Any army moving into the area that contains the Temple will be beset by an horde of Jungle Swarms.[1]
The Wrecked Fleet[]
Estragon’s fleet made landfall on the island at this location. Seeing an island paradise on which to make his new home and knowing that dozens of sailors still loyal to their old gods were locked in the brig, Estragon had his ships cleared of all useful items and then scuttled his fleet with the captive men still aboard. Whether it was the power of Tzeentch, Estragon’s will, or the curse of some long-forgotten Necromancer, the drowned prisoners did not rest long in their watery graves. Dozens of Undead sailors now inhabit the waters and shoreline near the Wrecked Fleet and will attack anyone who seeks to board the sunken ships or search the wreckage on shore.[1]
Tahmak Village[]
Many of the descendants of Estragon’s original crews settled in the large village known locally as Tahmak, the name of the tribe from which Eigil Tcharssen originally hailed. Though centuries old,
has been preserved by the power of Chaos and still rules the village to this day. Eigil wields the Scythe of Change.[1]
Pool of Tchar[]
Perhaps the spot on the island most tainted by Chaos, the Pool of Tchar lies at the center of an area of eldritch and evil power. Odd creatures like two-headed snakes, blue monkeys, and furtive, amorphous organic masses hide in the shadows and skitter among the treetops. At the center of this area is the Pool of Tchar and a monolith erected to honor the God Tzeentch. Ty’Chan Cho, a sailor recruited into Estragon’s fleet in Cathay many years ago and one of Estragon’s most powerful apprentices, lives in this area, and it is perhaps his power that corrupts the natural order of this corner of the island. Ty’Chan Cho is an Aspiring Champion of Chaos with the Mark of Tzeentch, a hand weapon, Chaos armor, and the Cathayan Robe.[1]
Festerskrit Cavern[]
There is absolutely nothing of interest in Festerskrit Cavern except a thriving community of Skaven. No one knows for sure how many of the vile ratmen inhabit the area, but Estragon allows them to live as they help to protect the eastern side of his island.[1]
The Caves of Naizondra[]
Inside these serpentine cliffs and caverns hides the Cursed Chest, one of the five Items of Power hidden on Estragon’s Island. The passages are narrow and labyrinthine. The Caves of Naizondra always seem to be occupied by a group of wandering, hostile creatures. Some seek the cursed chest itself, while others are perhaps considering making the caves their home.[1]
Estragon’s Fortress[]
In this mighty fortress, Lord Estragon, now centuries old, makes his home. Though now much of his time is dedicated to worshipping the God Tzeentch and honing his understanding of the Lore of Change, Estragon manages to stay in touch with his people and with the occurrences on his island. Well before the first banner reaches his Fortress, he will have been made well aware of its presence and will have prepared his defenses well. Estragon is a Chaos Lord with the Mark of Tzeentch. He wears the Crown of Estragon and is equipped with the Staff of Change, Chaos armor, a hand weapon, and shield. He will often ride a Disc of Tzeentch.[1]