“The team caravan continued to push due north. Once they crested Ragnarok Pass the temperature dropped fifteen degrees and the wind picked up blasting an artic chill. The view however was spectacular, and even the human eye could see for miles as nary a cloud blocked the vision of the empty plain below. Hamlets dotted the horizon but the only structure of note was the Stadium of the Charioteers standing proudly in the open tundra.

This was the land of the hardened Men of the North. These were the men tasked with stopping the seasonal flood of chaos that came from the wastes further North. Thus far their heroism is what had saved the Southern lands from decimation time after time. In this grim existence the rare outlet of joy came from Blood Bowl, and year after year and match after match that joy had been provided by the legendary Hellbound Charioteers.

The Archer caravan pulled up to Charioteer stadium and Kondor went directly to see Coach Arktoris only to be dismayed by what he found.

“What do you mean the Charioteers are on holiday? Do you know how far we have traveled for this match?” grumbled Kondor.

Arktoris just smiled. “A team with the value of the Archers simply cannot be prepared for a match with the Charioteers. I gave them a much needed break in the hot springs to rejuvenate a bit. They will be back before winter. In the meantime the Archers can play against the practice squad.”

Kondor grumbled and looked at the roster of the practice squad. Indeed, it would provide a good match-up. The players were skilled enough to be first string on most professional Norse teams. He just couldn’t let the Archers know they would be playing the Charioteer B Team.

“Ok Arktoris, you have a deal…but only on the condition that the Charioteers play the Archers if the Archers manage to win.”

Arktoris extended his hand to solidify the agreement. “It is their funeral but if that is how you want it, you have a deal.”

With the deal in hand, Kondor went to the visiting team lodgings to address the Archers. Once he explained that they could only play the Charioteers after defeating Raid’s Ragers, the Archers agreed to take the field.

The Archers played an inspired match scoring thrice before the Ragers could put one on the board.

Arktoris smiled sitting in the owner’s box. Perhaps he had found a worthy rival to play the Charioteers. Only time would tell.
”