Vermin Swarm

The Threat Beneath

Beneath the surface of their former empire lies a hidden threat that few remember. Waiting only for the right moment to strike, these creatures are as treacherous as they are ruthless, infesting any nook or cranny they can find. Empowered with diabolical technology and hordes of pestilent beasts, their greatest wish is always to reinstate the inescapable dominion of the Vermin Swarm.

Long ago, Sunna was able to unite the tribes of men and overthrow Vermin supremacy over Avras and most of Vetia. Since that time, the rat-people have laid low, but they have been far from idle. Their great Houses, heritage from an Avrasi past, are divided and pursuing their own ambitions for now, yet every one of them is a threat to the nations above. If the Swarm’s political and religious institutions could come into alignment, who knows what devastation they might wreak.

T9A world map name Vermin Swarm map
decoration Key 1

The vermin were born in Avras, and for long centuries they controlled an empire centered on this great city. Now they live mostly below the ground, often under the ruins of old Avrasi cities. But they still cling to a semblance of an empire that branches out from their capital beneath “Vrotmog” (as they now call the city), each colony feeling less of the Senate’s power the further away it is.

Playstyle

The hordes of the Vermin Swarm are an army that is based on its huge blocks of infantry and using characters to bring discipline to its masses. Occasionally these forces will be accompanied by a mighty Ruinous Dictator to lead their legions into battle. Their armies are supported small shooting units, other specialist units, as well as war machines.

Lore of Vermin Swarm

The Age of Plague

An Age of Plague the Third of Ruin
Redoubled might, redoubled maille
We thicken armour, sharpen blade
We harden hearts, and bolster soul
Unknown to us new foes drew In

We paid it back the gift of men
Who came to aid when so beset
We shared the greatest gift of all
The gift of stone and mountain’s call
Thus we built great Avras’ wall

The Mountains White once lost to us
We marched upon and took anew
Alliance made at last with men
A peace to hold and carry forth
O’er earth and mount an honoured trust

At last we saw our hidden foe
As elf slew elf across the sea
Great sickness spread ‘cross ev’ry land
And vermin rose upon its wake
To murder men and dwarf to woe

The empire fell the rats took throne
Did murder life and poison land
They left in wake but Avras’ bone

From The World Hymn Part 5, from The 9th Age Fantasy Battles Rulebook 1.3.5.

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You will find here the lore that has currently been released. More lore will be released in the future, and will subsequently be added to this section.