Tzar Boris Bokha was a fierce warrior and devout follower of the bear god, Ursun. He was known by many as Boris Ursus or Radii Bokha (Red-Bokha - a reference to the oceans of enemy blood he spilled in battle). Rising to the throne in 968 (2492 in the Imperial calendar) after his father. Tzar Vladimir Bokha, died fighting Goblins east of Kislev, Boris inherited a nation that had done little to recover from the devastation caused during the Great War against Chaos of 2302. In a move resented by the old guard of the Kislev court, Radii Bokha nearly emptied the treasuries hiring mercenaries to re-train the Kislev army, rebuilding bridges, roads and towns, and importing black powder and engineers from the Empire.

Though it almost bankrupted his family (and several other noble families into the bargain). Tzar Boris' reign will be forever remembered for his driving spirit and eagerness to reclaim the lands that had become infested with Goblins, Trolls, Beastmen and other vile creatures. He was also instrumental in a revival of the Ursun bear cult, which had slowly been overtaken by worship of Ulric, Taal and other foreign gods. To do so, he undertook the trial of initiation that all priests of Ursun must overcome, and went into the forests to tame a bear. He was not seen or heard of for eighteen days, and many feared he had met a gruesome fate in the depths of the icy forests. Preparation began for the coronation of his infant daughter Katarin (who was only four years old at the time) when the search parties came across his unconscious form on the nineteenth day. His still body was guarded by a bear of gigantic proportions that would not allow anyone near. The Tzar was surrounded by the corpses of over two dozen wolves, and the snow was red with their blood. Nothing the searches could do would entice the bear away from their ruler or convince it that they meant no harm. Finally, after another day had passed. Boris awoke and the bear allowed the searchers to approach and tend to his wounds.

The tale Boris related upon his return to Kislev has since passed into folklore, though few doubt the truth of it. Four days before being found by the searchers and after much wandering, he came across the mightiest bear he had ever seen, with teeth and claws like sword blades. Taking this as a sign from Ursun he had confronted the beast, and it had charged him, the ground shaking with the fury of its charge and a bloodcurdling roar echoing through the forest. With his bare hands, he fended off the creature's attacks, but could not overpower it. The struggle lasted a full day before a wolf pack, drawn by the scent of their combined blood, attacked. The wolves immediately went for the bear, but Boris sprang to its aid, crushing their skulls with his fists and tearing them from its back. Boris was badly wounded however, and fell beneath the attacks of the wolves. As the beasts closed in for the kill, it was the bear's turn to protect his erstwhile over the supine Tzar, tearing the wolves apart with its claws and savaging them with its powerful jaws. Boris had slipped into unconsciousness, yet each time he had drifted awake, the bear had been mere, protecting him from the wolves. The bear returned to Kislev with the Tzar, and from then on. whenever Boris look to the field of battle, it was atop me back of Urskin (as the beast came to be known, meaning bear-brother), both a symbol of Ursun's power and affection for Boris, and also an implacable enemy in battle.

Tzar Boris met his end in battle in 2517 whilst leading a pulk north of the Lynsk into the Troll Country. At an unnamed river crossing, the Tzar charged deep into the Kurgan army of Hetzar Feydaj, but soon found himself surrounded and cut off from the rest of his army. He and Urskin fought with all the might and fury of the Bear God himself, but even Red Boris could not triumph against such odds. Urskin was able to fight his way clear of the Kurgans and carry the Tzar back to the rest of the army, but it was already too late; the Tzar had taken a score of wounds, each enough to be mortal. Only when the battle was won, did the Tzar slide from the back of Urskin and die. His faithful mount roared in mourning for a full night before setting off into the bleak northlands and legend has it that to this day Urskin continues to hunt down the creatures of Chaos that slew his master.

Boris Ursus can be taken as commander for any allied Kislevite Allied Contingent. Tzar Boris counts as a single Lord choice and be must be fielded exactly as described here. He must be the Allied Contingent's commander and may not purchase any additional equipment or magic items. If you field Tzar Boris, then you may not field the Tzarina Katarin.

Cost: Boris Ursus, the Red Tzar - 285 points. Urskin the Bear - 90 points.

Weapons & Equipment: Boris carries the Shard Blade and is protected by the Armour of Ursun and a shield. He is mounted on Urskin.

Kin of the Bear God: If Boris Bokha is taken as the leader of your Allied Contingent, then any units of Kossars present in the army may be designated Kin of the Bear God at a cost of + 30 points per unit. Models with the mark of the Bear God gain +1 Attack in the turn they charge.

Armour of Ursun: forged on the Spring Equinox, one of the holiest days of the cult of Ursun. the powdered bones of a score of the mightiest bears were mixed with the steel of the armour before it was quenched in the
finest mead. This suit of armour is imbued with the power and might of Ursun himself and those who wear it feel bis power coursing through their veins.

The Armour of Ursun counts as full plate (4+ Armour save) In addition, for each hit caused by his enemies in close combat, the Tzar may make an additional attack back after his enemies' attacks have been resolved (and assuming he's still alive!). He may make these bonus attacks even if he has already attacked that phase.

Shard Blade: Boris carries a mighty polearm with a blade crafted from ice hewn from the glaciers of Norsca, and magically bound by the ice wizards of Kislev to remain forever frozen. When Boris strikes a foe, shards of ice water enter their veins and freeze their blood.

When using the Shard Blade, Boris adds +2 to his Strength. In addition, any models who suffer a wound (after saving throws, etc) must take an immediate Toughness test. If this test is failed, they suffer an additional wound, with no Armour or Ward save possible. Remember, a roll of a 6 is always a failure, no matter the Toughness of the opponent.

Winter Coat: Urskin is swathed in thick layers of winter fat and muscle. that protect him from the worst excesses of Kislev`s harsh weather and the blows of his enemies. As a result he counts as having a 5+ Armour save.

Thunder of Ursun: Urskin the bear causes fear.

Fury of Ursun: The ferocity of Urskin is such that should a unit fighting him break, he must always pursue it regardless of the wishes of his rider.