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"It was over two years ago when I developed the Amoeba House at the Imperial Zoo. It was a simple setup, really: a large, metal bowl, no cracks for the Amoebae to escape through. The top of the bowl had piping attached through which steam was passed. As Amoebae shy away from heat, it worked well. I had it created at the Emperor's order by the Imperial Engineers. It made one hell of a racket, but it kept them in... most of the time."

—Wenzel Immelman, Zoo Keeper[2a]
Imperial Zoo

The Imperial Zoo in Altdorf is home to some of the most dangerous monsters of the Old World. This menagerie contains all manner of grotesque monstrosities, such as the Abomination of Stirland, the Drakwald Gibberbeast and many more. In addition to being one of the wonders of the Old World, the Imperial Zoo also has a practical function, stabling the Emperors' more dangerous and bizarre mounts.[1a] It was originally founded by Dieter IV.[5a]

The Imperial Zoological Garden of Altdorf, as it's officially called, sits on Goellner Hill. It houses many strange and exotic plants and creatures from across the Old World and beyond. A high stone wall with sturdy wooden gates encloses and protects the gardens. A hastily scrawled notice nailed to the gate reads: ‘Wanted, gryphon and dragon eggs, highest prices paid.’ It is unclear whether this is a request from the management, or a very mischievous prank.[6a]

From the gate, a long-walled corridor leads to the zookeeper’s cottage in the centre of the complex, which provides access to all the enclosures. There are Arabyan Zedoncs, Lustrian Tiguanas, Bretonnian Pegasi, Tilean Murs, Estalian Bordles, Baffins from across the Great Ocean, and even reptilian creatures from Lustria. Deathclaw, the Emperor’s famous battle mount, is sometimes displayed here. But the mighty Griffon inevitably gets restless for campaign and eats the other exhibits. The Imperial Dragon is also housed here occasionally, but utterly resents the indignity.[6a]

History[]

Emperor Karl Franz has few serious eccentricities, but amongst his fervent passions is the Imperial Zoo, a vast complex of beast-pens and mosaic-covered caverns. Within its halls resides strange creatures that have been given as gifts from foreign potentates or hunted and captured from the hidden corners of the world. The gigantic menagerie within has always housed stables of pegasus and Hippogryphs for the elite of the knightly orders to ride to war, but its furthermost recesses are home to even larger and fiercer creatures. Over the course of his reign Karl Franz has acquired whole families of eagle-headed Griffons whose leonine bodies are borne aloft on powerful feathered pinions, sting-tailed Wyverns from the highest peaks, and even Chimeras. In it furthers recesses can be found the Imperial Dragon, an elder beast that lies brooding upon a mountain of golden Imperial heirlooms and the soot-blackened bones of incautious stewards.[3a]

The Imperial Zoo exists by the efforts of adventurers who capture monsters from the most dangerous corners of the Old World, hoping to be paid well.[5a]

Recently a Tilean Mur has escaped from its enclosure and is stalking prey in the local area of Altdorf. The zookeeper offers a sizable bounty if someone finds it and brings it back, but they need to keep the whole affair quiet. If the killed it out of necessity, they will only grant half the money due to the high value of such beasts.[6a]

Notable Attractions[]

  • Abomination of Stirland
  • Drakwald Gibberbeast
  • Bretonnian Pegasi (available for Empire officers)
  • Spawn of Hochland
  • Deathclaw (the Griffon favored mount of Karl Franz)
  • Arabyan Zedoncs
  • Lustrian Tiguanas
  • Estalian Bordles
  • Baffins

Sources[]

  • 1: Warhammer Armies: The Empire (8th Edition)
    • 1a: pg. 34
  • 2: Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay 2nd Edition: The WFRP Companion
    • 2a: pg. 111
  • 3: Warhammer Fantasy Battles Core (8th Edition)
    • 3a: pg. 185
  • 4: Reiksguard (Novel) by Richard Williams
  • 5: Warhammer Armies: The Empire (4th Edition)
    • 5a: pg. 15
  • 6: Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay 4th Edition: Altdorf Crown of the Empire (RPG)
    • 6a: pg. 103
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