The Monolith of Borkill the Bloody-handed, also called the Monolith of Jet,[2a] is a Chaos Monolith located in the south-western reaches of Norsca, in the tribal lands of the Skaelings, that records the deeds of the Norscan chieftain and Chaos Champion Borkhill the Bloody-handed, and tells the tale of his hunt for the Bonegrinder Giant Maulgrong and discovery of a black pillar containing the Chalice of Chaos. Drinking deep, Borkhill grew mighty with dark power, helping him defeat his Giant foe. The black pillar exists: a slim obsidian spire, with a violet sphere of energy crackling at its pinnacle. At its base is a geode-like cavity containing the chalice, filled with a silver liquid, bearing the scent of dreams.[1a]
Drinking from the cup fulfils the drinker's foremost need by transforming them. In Borkhill's case, he needed the might to defeat a Giant; so, he became Giant-like, bigger, and stronger. Thus, any drinker becomes, in some manner, more like their own immediate challenge in order to overcome it.[1a]
If a drinker simply needs to get through the mountains, their body transforms into cold stone, with its strength and hardiness, though also becomes slower of foot. If another hunts a stag, their legs become deer-like, enduring and fleet. The drinker who, more than any immediate quest, seeks their true love, becomes very similar (though not identical) to the person they seek, whoever that might be. The effects last only as long as the need. Hopefully.[1a]
Many of the Graeling tribesmen have journeyed to the monument to ask the spirit of the long-dead chieftain to lend them his strength in whatever trials lay ahead for them.[2a]
Sources[]
- 1: Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay 4th Edition: Sea of Claws (RPG)
- 1a: pg. 52
- 2: Warhammer: The Old World website
- 2a: Explore the Old World (Interactive map)