Thought I would post these in on the site as well as our game website for your enjoyment.

Journey with us now … into the grim the world of perilous adventures!

The scene is set the day after the wedding betwixt Kaspar Reinholt and Estelle Warren, clearly an arraigned marriage as both bride and groom had other romantic interest that very day. It was the night just before the dark of the moon, the rain fell hard and fast on this thirteenth day of Sigmarzeit in the year 2522 IC. Estelle fled the wedding reception in to cold, wet dangers of Averheim as she fled towards the Griffon Bridge along the Aver River. Several people went searching to no avail, her parents engaged Johannes Hengst , a local fop and good friend to the groom, and a dashing foreigner El Cuervo , having some close relationship with their daughter the bride offering each ten silver shillings.

The next day once the rains had cleared the enquiry into several disappearances began in earnest as a mercenary recently arrived in Averheim seeks out an old colleague. Thyrus Norrener had only just seen an old friend Ulster Traven then have him vanish so the Ulric warrior of Middenheim sought out Captain Marcus Baerfaust, now the defacto guardian of Averheim. Thyrus asks his old companion to look into the missing Ulster yet the captain is much too busy keeping the city from collapsing into anarchy given the current political chaos. But Baerfaust agrees to give the former solider some latitude into conducting his own investigation if he agrees to be the eyes and ears of captain.

An Initiate of Sigmar, one Alexius Wilhelm is sent by the Sun Society to the docks to seek out Rambrecht Delfholt and learn of his pamphlet decrying the nobility of Averheim, if he is circulating such propaganda to bring it to a stop.

A few days earlier Johannes had received word from an acquaintance and fellow gambler Tomas Radische to meet him at the Upright Pig Tavern [1] , a tavern along the Handel Weg off Brückburg Strasse near the Griffon Bridge. Reputed to be a center of less-than-legal dealing and dare one say criminal enterprises. Johannes suggested to El Cuervo to start their search there knowing Estelle was likely seen in her white wedding gown along the docks late last night.

En route El Cuervo befriends a casual social contact, Olga Klinkski who has been passing out leaflets regarding her missing husband, a well-liked fisherman. Unable to read Reikland El Cuervo holds on to the slip of paper for Johannes to read later, the Estalian does what he can to consol the woman and give her hope that her missing husband will return.

Wilhelm finds the wide-eyed, frazzled Delfholt ranting about the inequality of the social order and downtrodden populace perpetuated by the aristocrats, etc. The initiate tries to calm and quiet the diatribe of the societal zealot. The manic advocate for the brass-tier points to Johannes (believed to be gold-tier) calling him as the cause for societies’ woes. The fop buys a pamphlet while the Sigmarian attempts to get a free copy so he can better understand the plight of Rambrecht’s calling.

It is here the Sigmar Initiate meets El Cuervo and Johannes, all of these men stand out in this area of town; the servant of Sigmar tall with a shaved head and striking light blue eyes donning chain armour and a metal breastplate bearing the symbol of his faith and walking with an oversized hammer, the handle itself nearly six feet long. El Cuervo (aka der Rabe or Raven) a shade taller than the initiate with brown eyes and jet black hair (likely being the reason for the nom de guerre ) and stylised thin-moustache and beard wearing black leather clothes of foreign-make with a silken sash, possibly white once and at his hip a simple rapier. The dandy Hengst with his light brown hair and blue eyes attempting a beard and moustache dressed in fine clothes better suited to the silver- or gold-tiered regions of Averheim, a brocade doublet over a small-gauge mail shirt and silver owl necklace, he too with a rapier and matching dagger.

As they turn down Handel Weg and pass some stockyards, Johannes recognises another fellow. This man standing just over six feet tall fashioned in worn-leather armour from a far-off military detachment adored with small pelts of wolf fur, upon the shoulders and along the vambraces. The mercenary carrying a broadsword and long bow had once worked for the Kohlenstaub Raße Stallungen (Coal Dust Horse Stables) breeders of the famous Rathebur horses (Silver Dapple, black horse with silver-white mane). Johannes and Thyrus re-introduce themselves after a long time then Johannes introduces Initiate Alexius and El Cuervo (of Estalia).

Just as they approach the porch to the tavern, where Tomas with dark features stood in dark leather clothes and wide-brimmed hat (looking more like a witch-hunter than gambler), two men come rolling out. One stumbles off the porch and lands on El Cuervo sending both men to the muddy lane. Werner Kleb, leader of the Wharf Rats street gang, stands looking down on his opponent Gerd Knakk, leader of the Fish street gang. Their argument stems from another missing person, Rolf Haller. Ruffians from both gangs seem to have amassed outside the tavern from nowhere and small skirmish breaks out. In the fracas the Alexius, Thyrus and EL Cuervo all get hurt while gambler and fop move just inside the tavern. It only lasts a few moments before fists turn back to words and Kleb blames Knakk for Rolf going missing. The initiate uses his divine gifts to heal the Estalian, himself then finally his ‘rival’, the Ulric mercenary. Others injured turn to the power of Sigmar for healing but Alexius has to turn them away.

Inside Johannes buys a round of the local swill for himself and Tomas, his contact that had scheduled this meeting today, Backertag . The fop tries to engage the proprietor but Rosalie Freuhner is immune and slight put off by the young lad. She seems to have more in common with Tomas as he enquires about Rolf. Johannes doesn’t hear the quiet conversation per se but notices another person seems interested it, a shady man sitting a nearby table (later identified as Frederick Grosz, criminal); whatever the result of the tête-à-tête Radische slides a shilling to Freuhner.

Still outside Initiate Alexius gives a short homily and gains a devoted follower, a 10-year old boy named Stephan. The seemingly homeless lad is hungry and barely clothed missing his left shoe. Moving inside the Estalian grants the initiate ten pence to help feed the child before them. With that Stephan gets some soup, old bread and goat’s milk. Then Alexius gives his hanger-on two pence to go home.

El Cuervo, obviously a performer of some type attempts to encourage the few patrons within the Upright Pig to proffer information about any or all of the known Electors of Solland [2] : Estelle, Jurgen, or Rolf. Though of flowery words he is not a gifted orator, at least not to this crowd, but he does gain the grumbling attention of a regular local clank farmer [3] Kurt. The drunkard mumbles something about seeing a white dressed girl but doesn’t know anything about the missing people. She met up with some “friends” and was seen “hugging” one of them in a dark cowled cloak down by the river wall. The foreigner buys Kurt a drink or two hoping to learn more.

Tomas moves from the bar to the table occupied by Grosz. They too speak in whispered tones, mocking some of the inhabitants of the tavern; namely Johannes, El Cuervo and Alexius. Grosz has heard of someone in a black hood, someone new in town and since people have gone missing.

Johannes spies an attractive young maiden gambling at another table and joins her group of card players. He buys a round or two of drinks for everyone there and tries to chat up Beatrice Knox, a woman not in Ranald’s favour this morning. Johannes strikes out again; he is actually booted from the game after he inadvertently raised the stakes with Beatrice’s coin instead of his own. Soon Tomas joins the table and learns the young lass is in debt and not likely to come out ahead this day.

El Cuervo suggests engaging Thyrus to help look for Estelle whereupon Johannes says he will speak with the Warrens on the merc’s behalf. The observant fop notices a lad a year or two younger than himself watching even staring at him, the teenager appears to be sweating though it is not a particularly warm morning. Johannes has seen looks like this before from hat boys [4] . The boy leaves after being noticed by Johannes. Miss Knox agrees to meet up with Mister Radische later in the day.

Alexius Wilhelm, Johannes Hengst, Thyrus Norrener and El Cuervo all leave this tavern for the one on Geruch Weg , the White Horse (sometimes referred to as the Knackered Horse). Following a few strides behind his compatriots Johannes looks for and spots the boy from the Upright Tavern then moves to engage in him conversation but the lad dashes away making his motions quite obvious. Thyrus approaches a couple of men in the watch and asking if they know anything about missing people more notable Estelle Warren, a young bride who ran off last night in the heavy rain. They know nothing.

Outside the White Horse Tavern El Cuervo moves towards a plain maiden minstrel playing a hurdy-gurdy; Ute Herz, a mousy waif of a girl, seems to see or notice much of everything along this lane. Tomas knowing how to speak and get assistance from the locals along the Aver docks pays Ute for any information she can find on the missing Estelle. El Guapo , as Tomas diminutively refers to the Estalian raven, still tries to ply information from the unadorned lass. This time Thyrus buys a round of drinks for the party then notices something salient outside across the way. El Cuervo seemed to have noticed and fear for the worse thus ran outside. The others followed.

A pale figure was discovered behinds some large burlap sacks of grain. It is Johannes who bends down to turn over the body; thankfully it was not anyone the men were looking for. Rather someone in the crowd recognised him as Klaus Keller, underworld figure. Johannes pointed out the two Saratosa Needle [5] puncture marks on the back then the obvious lacerations on the front. The skin around the puncture holes seems to have gone to mush, fleshy consistency of grey cheese; Johannes seeks to have gotten something on his hand. Upon seeing the body Tomas makes his way back to the Upright Pig, Johannes declares he’ll scare up Old Wilhelm [6] .

After the Watch declare the will see to it the priests of Morr will received Keller, the Brash Young Fools head back to first tavern. Radische informs Grosz of Keller’s demise. The others arrive and decide to eat and drink as it has been a long morning.

Later that day still at the Upright Pig, Kaspar Reinhold (groom to the missing bride) and his best man Brion LeFluer enter drunk and looking for trouble. There was a time Johannes could have easily been with this pair of men instead of his new cadre of misfit adventurers. It isn’t long before Brion and El Cuervo exchange insults and temperaments leading to duel outside. Tomas is able to pickpocket Kaspar in the excitement of the rapier challenge.

Johannes falls into old habits betting on Brion, Alexius and Thyrus take the bet (7 bp for the initiate, 1 ss for the mercenary). Brion gets a well placed strike but then takes a minor wound, he begins to fall back. Johannes tries to prod him back into action without much success. Alexius moves to aid El Cuervo when it is discovered the Bretonnian did not disengage but rather outflanked the southern without his awareness. Sigmar’s follower is able to warn the Estalian in time to avert a craven blow, Johannes calls to the Templar of Shallya [7] . El Cuervo disarms the aristocratic foreigner as Johannes persuades Brion to leave or suffer the humiliation of his pusillanimous actions. Another street brawl ensues ending quickly with Alexius again healing others attracting the common folk to also seek his curative powers.

Journey with us now … into the grim the world of perilous adventures!

Johannes Hengst (Averland fop), Alexius Wilhelm (Reikland initiate of Sigmar), El Cuervo (Estalian performer) , Tomas Radische (Wissenland gambler), Thyrus Norrener (Middenheim mercenary)

Chapter Two: Death Along the Docks

Journey with us now … journey with Johannes Hengst , the gently born. This fop of Averheim is seen living the good life, mingling with the aristocracy. Making friends and turning a sly ear to private conversations of the wealthy and the powerful of the Empire. Yet, not is all as it seems with Johannes, a mysterious past and unknown benefactor had been filling the coffers of young Johannes until now. With his money cut off and his station at risk, how will he fund his future? Can he find another to fill the purse and fund his complacency or will he have to seek adventure to make his own fortune?

Keep the faith with Alexius Wilhelm , Initiate of Sigmar! No one really knows the young man of the cloth, and does he really know himself? Exiled from his family, either by choice or punishment, Alexis has set out to support his one true home, the Cult of Sigmar. Following the holy order of the Heldenhammer was not something that he found as a young man as many in the Cult claim, rather the cult found him. It was given him direction, clarity, and a burning desire to spread his word to those like him. Will his faith keep him in the light? Or will the darker part of him consume him in corruptive fire?

Tempt fate with Tomas Radische , lucksmith and gambler. Living with the moniker of criminal is not what Tomas had in mind for a promising life, but those were the cards he was dealt. So he, as always, plays the hand he was given. Tomas always had Ranald’s favour, finding what he needed when he needed it, avoiding death and imprisonment through sheer audacity and a well placed contact. That is what got him out of his recent troubles. Tomas learned to fend for himself because the Old World is a harsh and unforgiving place. And fortune won’t last forever.

Fight chaos with Thyrus Norrener , mercenary. A simple life turned upside down in the harsh winds of winter. With his parents slain and his village pillaged and plundered by the foul beastmen, this son of Middenland turned a steely eye and hardened heart to Ulric, Lord of Winter and Wolves. Though not a priest, Thyrus learned the hard way that in order to survive it takes more than faith but coin. From that day he chased every opportunity to right the wrongs done to him and his family. Will a sword and throwing axes be enough to fill his broken heart?

Scoff at danger with the Estalian performer El Cuervo . Cast out of his homeland, El Cuervo seeks redemption to bring back his love Esmeralda but will daring do be enough to reunite the lovers? Now in the cold, bitter Empire he roams the land risking life and limb as the amazing performer El Cuervo. Living each moment as it were his last, living life with reckless abandonment, hoping against hope that the gods will take notice and return him again to his homeland. But El Cuervo, the crow is also the harbinger of doom and the gods they have another plan in store.

Five brash young fools thrust into the grim world of perilous adventure! These men have been brought together through fate and a common goal in discovering what has been happening along the dock of Averheim, the disappearance or death of several people. For El Cuervo and Johannes, it is seeking out the missing bride Estelle Werner, for Thyrus it is finding his old military buddy Ulster Traven through his old commander Captain Marcus Baerfaust [1] , and for Tomas it is an acquaintance found murdered. How is all this connected to the man in the black hood (the Black Cowl)?

Thyrus and El Cuervo have taken rooms at the White Horse Tavern, Tomas stayed the night at the Upright Pig tavern. Johannes approaches the White Horse spotting Ute Herz [2] the street musician setting up for the day with her hurdy-gurdy. He speaks to the information peddler buying tittle-tattle; there has been a rash of highway robberies along the Averland roads, merchants have come under attack by organised bandits sometimes being brutalised as well. It is not long before the instrument falls out of tune and wails like a tortured animal, soon Tomas approaches. Ute has heard the disappearances are directly related to the new top dog, the man in black. It appears he is making a play for control of Averheim criminal network.

The innkeeper hears mention of the man in black or the man in the black hood, he appears visible unsettled. A couple of men at a nearby table quickly remove themselves leaving a half-eaten breakfast. Rumours say the dead man Keller did not submit to the new criminal overlord, soon he was found dead. Thyrus is becoming impatient with the lack of direct action, too much time ‘gathering’ information, El Cuervo listens and shares similar feeling as he is anxious to find Estelle Werner.

More talk of the dangerous man in the black hood increases the tension within the tavern. Bernhardt Kurtz, innkeeper asks the mercenary to keep his talk quieter so as not to disturb what few customers remain. Tomas enjoys taunting Johannes but the young naïve lad doesn’t appear to be move, more likely by not truly understanding his intent. A pseudonym is used for the man in the black hood, Jesus . Later Johannes suggests hombre de ***** or merely hombre .

Thyrus seems concerned about the Reinholt family and their possible retribution over the duel with Kaspar. Johannes does not believe they will retaliate. The northern mercenary believes there must be underground tunnels, back doors and hidden passages that criminals use to operate. Tomas may have some inroads into the workings of the local criminal underworld, he himself is not a criminal (for he was acquitted). Across the river is Stirland where the true criminal element is likely to be.

It seems in addition to Tomas, El Cuervo also knows Frederick Grosz; a man with better insight to Averheim’s gangland. Johannes tries to break away to meet with some potential investors and Mathilda Durbein. Before the rest search out more information they wish to include Alexius who happens to show up just outside the White Tavern; Stephan, the initiate’s new hanger-on follows begging for food. The tall, intimidating bald man bellows to educate the lad that survival instincts are an important to the ways of the faith; self-sufficiency is the first rank of understanding Sigmar. But the youngster’s sad eyes and quivering lips break the initiate and Alexius throws down two brass, the crowd around the yelling initiate raise a ruckus at the man’s verbal treatment of the boy.

Hengst finds the stall along the river track or weg operated by Fraulein Durbein, several days earlier Johannes was forced to part with an heirloom, a gold locket that belonged his true mother. Now he hopes to buy it back. Unfortunately the trinket was sold to Magister Dagobert Gabor, a wizard the gold order (Chamon). Johannes pushes aside his emotions, the sinking feeling that he may have forever lost his only link to Janna Treuer and his immediate dislike of this greedy, vile wielder of the yellow winds. Switching subjects he asks subtly if she knows of the mysterious new crimelord. She is reticent to proffer any information for fear of Johannes’ safety.

As Johannes turns from mistress Durbein’s stall, as Alexius pays off Stephan and as the others exit the White Horse a large roar and rumble is heard from the river along a nearby dock. A barge explodes with a large ball of flame billowing up and two ruffians run up the gangway of the same mooring pier as the fiery barge. A tall imposing looking man with a prominent nose in good clothes trails the group exiting the tavern, he screams “Oh no, my wife and children!”

The two fleeing thugs reach the weg and turn from the White Horse, they move towards Johannes and away from everyone else. People along the lane screech in horror yet shrieks can be heard coming from barge as three victims plead for help. Tomas is first to shift to action, he darts towards the pier. Johannes brandishes his rapier to engage the two saboteurs. “Halt you stirpikes, you curs. Stand and deliver yourselves.” The bustle along the street is too heavy for the wiry socialite to manouevre through successfully even as he wields a fancy foil.

El Cuervo is in lockstep behind Tomas in hopes to rescue those trapped by fire.

Alexius calls to the mercenary, “Ulric let’s move.” The initiate moves through the crowd and around barriers to intercept those thugs in flight who have turn perpendicular to the fop. Thyrus sets to chase bounding over the market obstacles but runs into several vendors standing in close quarters. Sigmar’s man is able to snag one of the ruffians as the other slips into the Upright Pig.

The dexterous raven-haired Estalian uses an available rope off a loading gantry to swing over the advancing gambler towards the wide-beam Marien Kannal-style keelboat with enclosed rear wheel-house. El Cuervo is first to the stern access hatch but it is locked and the metal pull-ring is searing hot. He can hear pounding from below indicating the man’s family just inside the wheel-house. The pull-ring breaks off becoming useless as Tomas is able to find a makeshift pry-bar.

Johannes thrusts into the criminal haven looking for second saboteur who has vanished within the building. The first heavy pulls free from man of faith following the fop and closes the front door but the mighty hammer of Sigmar smashes door into multiple pieces thanks to it wielder. The thug fleeing our mister Wilhelm yields to his intimidating feat and capitulates. The other ruffian who has vanished is on the verge of escaping.

The fop searches the faces of the inhabitants hoping against the odds to finds a sign to the whereabouts of the runaway criminal; all faces save one show impassive or disdainful expressions. The young Stephan looks to the back door. Hengst motions with is blade for Norrener to continue forward as he ascends the stairs hoping for an open window to view the path of the arsonist. Alas the scrawny well-to-do finds the task too strenuous to complete, his body succumbs to fatigue and he nearly collapses at the apex of the stairs. The sell-sword moves through the interior barrier finding himself in a back room but his target is nowhere in sight. Wilhelm, the Church’s man, is overcome with the will of his god and must take a moment to calm his thunder; he has his man so he must now present himself as all symbols of Sigmar should under these conditions.

Tomas is unable to find enough leverage to open the hatch. El Cuervo finds higher ground upon flat decking and topples several large barrels. They crash through the cover planking opening up an egress for a rescue but the daring performer strains his shoulder and traps him within some flames. The gambler takes advantage of Ranald’s benevolence, he motions for the trapped females to come closer to him so he might pull them out before the heat and blaze consume them. Blocked by flames the Estalian reverses his direction and uses his bullwhip to swing over the adjacent boat. High temperature overcomes El Cuervo and he instead plunges into the Aver between the docked vessels.

As the merchant runs to help his family, Radishe has ensured they can escape the fiery trap they almost fell victim to. Now the gambler turns his attention his ally that fell into the river but has not yet reemerged. Ranald has turned his gaze away from the Estalian, Tomas dives in unable to find El Cuervo in the murky waters of the Aver.

Thyrus bulls his way through the kitchen exiting into the back alley, the fleeing thug is nearing a side alley but slips in the muck thrown out the back windows. He glances back to see he is losing ground to his mercenary pursuer. The Ulric fighter flings a crate lid at the running criminal in hopes of knocking him down. But the alleyway is too narrow to make the distance needed. The ruffian disappears into the side alley. A minor verbal skirmish betwixt Rosalie and Alexius breaks out as they yell at one another. Johannes remains up the stairs exhausted but with the blessing bestowed by Alexius he is slight relieved.

The boat owner looks to the river for a good long while before Tomas breaks the surface with El Cuervo in hand. The rescuer takes a large gasp of air as he makes his way to the pier. A tall imposing man in his early forties with a shock of dark hair stands over the two men leaving the water; he is sweating and soot-covered after tending to his family. He introduces himself as Adolphus Stark, a local merchant and burgher importing goods from Altdorf. The gambler recognises him and recalls Stark was paying protection to Klaus Keller, the dead man found the day before. Adolphus tells Tomas that he was approached by new racketeers but he didn’t think they would act so soon, the merchant hoped his payment to the Keller would have covered his latest shipment (Cathay silk) from harm, apparently not.

Rosalie is still bitching about her front door as the initiate and fop move to leave with their prisoner. The young socialite opens his purse and flings 5 schillings to the proprietor despite her protests that the door cost 10 shillings. The sell-sword joins the two leaving the Upright Pig. Sigmar’s man makes his way to the barge to check on the condition of the rest of our brash young fool ensemble. His offers some assistance to the injured with his soothing hands blessed by his godly liege. El Cuervo will need more medicinal aid, perhaps he should seek out a Shallyan healer, chemist or barber-surgeon; Tomas finds a local dockside to help his injured colleague.

The mercenary begins to question the captured arsonist upon the stoop of the tavern. He claims to work for the man in the black hood, he doesn’t know how to reach his superior rather he is contacted the mysterious leader. He refuses to say any more as Thyrus threatens to take him to the barracks of the Averheim Greatswords and Johannes exposes pitch upon his hands implicating his guilt in the fire. On his person, the fop finds a small purse with several coins and a distinctive long blade knife or stiletto that is removed.

Tomas and El Cuervo visit Adolph Gertz, barber-surgeon, an old hunch-back with a boisterous personality and small frame just over 5 feet. In a delirium El Cuervo speaks of his gratitude and indebtedness to the gambler for saving his live, he compares the local Tomas to a saint from Estalia.

“Tomas was a great hero in my country. As a boy he was visited by Isolde in his dreams. To truly appreciate how special that was, you must know a bit about Isolde. Isolde was Sigmar’s youngest sister, who was betrothed to the High King of Estalia, Carlos the Eighth. She trained the Estalian army and later became a great war champion who repelled the Arabic invasion. She also slew the King when his mind was taken by Slaneesh but she was eventually killed by an enchanted blade. That led to a long-standing mistrust of magic in my country that survives to this day.

“Back to the story – Isolde came to Tomas in his dreams and warned him of the holy war Araby was planning. He travelled for many winters to come Estalia, where he sought out King Fernando XXIII of Cordoba. Tomas convinced the King of the threat posed by all of the enemies of Estalia and the key to defeating them, as told to him through his visions of Isolde.

“Guided by Isolde, Tomas and the King ventured into the mountains, where they discovered the secret tomb of Verak the Mad, who mixed runic magic with the magic of other races to create unparalleled enchanted weapons.

“Using the artifacts recovered, Tomas led the Estalian army to many victories against our enemies, driving the Arabs from our lands once and for all. For the glory of Isolde, Thomas ensured the splendor of Estalia would last forever. To that end, Tomas created houses of worship of Isolde, including monasteries for the Brethren of the Infanta and the Sisters of Virtue. But most notably, Tomas founded the Sacred Office of the Inquisition and outlawed any study of magic outside of the War College.

“With his inquisitors by his side, Tomas spent the rest of his life rooting evil from the lands. When Tomas died in 2091, Magritta was rebuilt and the wealth of our nation was restored under the direction of the Inquisition.”

The conditions for the inspection and healing of The Raven are less than ideal, the hut appears more like an abattoir than a surgery. The tonic and poultice given to the injured Estalian are effective but the wounds are not dressed cleanly. He charges the foreigner a shilling for his attentions. As they return to the White Horse El Cuervo promises to prove or show Tomas is a man of honour or at least to be respected, the Estalian will stand by the gambler to defend his decency should others attempt to besmirch his reputation.

At Baerfaust’s office Thyrus and Johannes deliver the detained culprit. In confidence the mercenary informs the captain of this thug’s connection to the barge fire and “the man in the black hood.” The fop hands over the stiletto and exposes the man’s pitched palms. The odd wounds of the two other bodies found recently near the Griffon Bridge were discussed. The recent activity of the highwaymen is brought up as well. With that Marcus Baurfaust passes on that several key shipments have be waylaid, specifically gunpowder from Nuln.

The afternoon invites more heavy rain as the fog clears from the morning coolness. Johannes changes clothes to visit the Reinholts, meeting Corrine and Matilda Werner in the front parlour. Frau Reinholt is holding Frau Werner’s hand in support as the latter weeps in despair regarding her daughter’s disappearance. Standing stern and looking out the window is Adolphus, he turns to the entering socialite he asks for news. Johannes gives what little news he has, he successfully petitions Herr Reinholt for funds to engage others in the search; he asks 10/-, for Thyrus and Tomas but only 5/- for Alexius, a servant of Sigmar.

Johannes retires from the parlour and prepares to exit, upon reaching the threshold a crack of thunder breaks the silence. In that moment the young sandy-haired patrician sees a brief shadow from continuing lightning and turns to look atop the staircase leading behind him. There he spies Kaspar, staring down disdainfully. The young, recently married Reinholt is venomous in his verbal bites at Johannes, who thought he was the Kaspar’s friend but now questions the relationship.

That evening Tomas heads back to the Upright Pig, Beatrice calls him from a side alley before he enters. She fears for her safety after borrowing 90 silvers for gambling. She pleads for his assistance. In her begging she reminds him she has two young daughters, he offers 10/-. Better still he offers to gamble with his coin to increase the amount he can give her. He finds a high-end table, he is able to secure his reputation as a premier player and actually fleeces most at the table winning 15/-.

Johannes returns to the White Horse to find Thyrus and Alexius, giving them coin from the Reinholts. Tomas is not available to pay him. The postulant is engaged by the socialite for two reasons: to find out what happened at the barge fire plus the wellbeing of the Estalian, then for an introduction to the members of the Sun Society. The search for Estelle is evaluated, proposals for further inquiry is discussed in various details. Alexius seems discouraged by the fact the ruffian was turned over to the town guard, rather than conducting our own interrogation. With a sarcastic tongue for the naïve patrician and law-bidding soldier of fortune, the cynical Sigmar novice retires for the evening. With Alexius gone, Tomas at the Upright, and El Cuervo resting from his injuries Johannes bids Thyrus gute nacht .

Another morning of thick fog and chilled air greets this Konistag, Alexius wakes to prayers and chores before venturing out meeting Stephan again. A brass is given to youth. The group meets up at the White Horse tavern for breakfast, Johannes already made himself tea with toast and Tomas had coffee; during coffee Tomas confesses to give Beatrice some coin last night after his remarkable win. The porch is void of the street musician, Ute is not tuning her hurdy-gurdy as Johannes would expect. He mentions this to Bernhardt as he enters, they surmise she is out possibly sick; it did rain much yesterday and much of it was a cool rain. Johannes asks for porridge and bread to take up to the injured Raven, he serves the bed-ridden Estalian. He praises Tomas even still, he describes the events and hopes to be out of bed in a short time. Johannes tells El Cuervo they turned over the arsonist to Capt. Baerfaust.

Downstairs, it is here Johannes meets Stephan, Alexius tells the patrician not to acknowledge the greenhorn. A minor discussion about food and eventually the young boy that Hengst remembers helped him yesterday is given a bowl of porridge, some cheese and bread. The initiate considers skipping the Sun Society gathering in lieu of continuing the search for the missing bride. Tomas arrives soon after, he too questions why the captured saboteur was in interrogated by us rather than being turned over to the town militia; he and Alexius seem to be of similar minds. The thug admitted to working for ‘hombre’. The gambler this reveals his information about Stark and his relationship with Keller and hombre.

It is Alexius who suggest finds a coach or wagon and pose as merchant to see if the highwaymen will stop us. Johannes suggests attending the Sun Society to meet Graf Friedrich Von Kaufman to secure a viable wagon (coach) from the Red Arrow Coach line. The intellectual initiate is dubious of the motives of solicitous fop when meeting members of the academic assembly. Hengst gives Wilhelm his word that he would not petition his business venture within the confines of the society. Before the meeting, the brash young fools go to the garrison [3] to find out who the culprit was working for only to discover he was summarily killed after refusing to admit any incriminating information.

Returning the docks, a crowd is gathered. Whispers of ‘another’ seep through the mass of the local denizens. Someone mentions a wizard is present. Near a warehouse, a short, slightly built man of 39 stands in full view of most, his dazzling white robes compensate somewhat for his lack of physical stature and he never goes abroad without a white miter that adds several inches to his apparent height. Although he is not an old man, Luminary Mauer’s [4] neatly trimmed goatee is as white as new snow. Due to his long usage of magic, the Light (Hysh-White Winds) Wizard’s eyes seemed washed out and somewhat insubstantial. Herr Luminary is examining a body unnaturally fitted in a small square depression recessed in the ground.

Johannes immediately starts retching at the sight of the terrifying contortion of a dead man. A group of garrison guards is holding the throng of onlookers back, a pot-bellied sergeant Gunther among them comes over to assist the Luminary. Alexius is surprised such a prominent man was called to assess the local murder, he is there as a favour to Capt. Baerfaust. The dead man is identified as another racketeer Herman Hallheimer, Tomas recognises him. The initiate notices wounds similar to the previous murders, scratches and punctures; t he flesh around the puncture wounds was soft and spongy and had turned grey, they were the consistency of warm cheese. Very strange but consistent with the other victims. Johannes asks if the grey skin is a sign of poison or chaotic taint.

Word that unsavoury corpses were turning up had reached Averburg, the palace on the north edge of Penzerplatz. Tomas jokes the wounds may have been caused by Skaven, a couple of people around gasp in disbelief and Alexius laughs it off as pure superstition. El Cuervo squints his eyes at the remote possibility. Alexius speaks to the unique condition of the body within the small confines if it is the result of chaos magicks. Many more of the surround crowd reacts to the comment, some praying and other asking for protection. As all look to the gathering to gauge their response most notice Frederick Grosz standing near, pale, beads of sweat above his brow, breathing erratically as he backs away.

El Cuervo and Thyrus follow this distressed man, Alexius and Tomas curiously follow the Estalian. The Raven confronts Grosz; fearfully the man refuses to talk after stating he will be next. The postulant utters a few words of benediction to alleviate the nervous tension of this racketeer. People opposing the Black Cowl are being eliminated is Grosz’s worry. The gambler tries to talk the racketeer into calming down and giving information to help discover who the cowl is or who is behind the disappearances and/or deaths.

El Cuervo thinks the two gangs may be interested in opposing the Black Cowl or might assist in the investigation. Frederick is weary of such an alliance. He looks about and in a whispered voice he finally divulges, “There is a man. A man who came to Averheim a few weeks ago. This was about the same time as the Black Cowl started to consolidate his domain. The man’s name is Bischoff the Soldier, supposedly a veteran of Black Fire Pass [ Grand Count Marius Leitdorf was killed whilst campaigning in Black Fire Pass in 2520]. Some say he is the iron fist of the Black Cowl. An enforcer, believed to inflict unique techniques of pain.” He goes on but based off Bischoff reputation, Grosz doesn’t think he was responsible for the poisoned deaths of the men recently found, they died too quickly. He has actually seen Bischoff. He warns Bischoff and the Black Cowl know of our group and that we should be weary.