Dragonback Expansion Effort

The Dragonback Expansion Effort is a venture originally set up by the richest and most ambitious of Marienburg's enterpreneurs. To them, Ekrund represents opportunity; vaults to be emptied of their valuables, ancient dwarven lore to be uncovered, but most importantly, a readily built stronghold in the Black Gulf to occupy. Should they be able to claim the port, there will be countless opportunities for them. Who knows, perhaps one day they could even eclipse Barak Varr itself.

To realize their ambitions, the Marienburgers must be remorseless. They understand that the dwarves would never let them rule one of their holds- the best they can hope for is being allowed to fight and die at the dwarves' side, in return for permission to set up a small enterprise in the city, all under dwarven authority. Such a reward is too small for the Marienburgers' ambition, especially considering the investment they have made. No, in order to make a profit they would need full authority, something the dwarves would never allow. So, instead of asking for permission, the Dragonback Expansion Effort has declared itself hostile to any dwarven expedition sent to reclaim Ekrund.

Next to the impressive force and resources the Marienburgers are bringing themselves, they have also hired an army of Tilean mercenaries, and have promised the corsairs of Araby both letters of marque and protection against Sartosan pirates in return for their service. They are entirely unscrupulous in pursuit of their goals, prepared to remove the dwarves by force should they show themselves.


GM's notes
Your objective is simple; claim Ekrund, crush the dwarves preventing you from doing so, and keep the approaching Waaagh! out. Whether you are part of the Marienburgers' council or simply on their payroll, you cannot allow either the dwarves or orcs to keep Marienburg from establishing a center of power here. Many within the Effort have put everything they have into this venture. If they claim the hold then they will see their investment returned tenfold- if not, they will be penniless, and any mercenary in their employ can forget about getting paid.

Characters
The Dragonback Expansion Effort is perhaps the most diverse faction attempting to claim Ekrund- after all, Marienburg will hire anyone willing to do the job. While Imperial and Bretonnian nobles might consider themselves somewhat above mercenary work, they might be willing to aid Marienburg's efforts in return for certain trade concessions. Others might simply be interested in looting the vaults of Ekrund.