All Players present - for the last time.

And so we have ended Book One in 27 hours of playing time - just getting into prologue of Book Two.

I'm puttering on revising the trip north (replacing Skaven with Slaanesh cultists) and will be using a bit more "one ring" style of giving more roles on the trip so it's not just "one of you aid or replace coachman" but some other tasks to help determine how trip goes.

All present

While all of the foregoing happened in the inn common room, Magnus was upstairs with a dancer drinking and “being entertained” – to the athletic and imaginative extent of 1 Fatigue, 1 Stress and 2 Wounds. This was actually a Maddening Dance action by a Slaaneshi cultist described "slightly differently".

Those comrades who were intoxicated resist further influence (something in their drink) and all but The Dwarf (out in the woods with roadwardens) fail. They feel strangely inspired, energized or invigorated.

It is late and everyone retires (including Werner), Wilhelm pays 20 shillings for a comfortable private room (+2 wound bonus to healing, inn room card effect).

All check Intuition as they interact with the entertainers but only Magnus, last to return to his room, after others are in bed, notices anything – as he and his recent ‘partner’ return to rooms and pass Rodrigo and his dancing girl partner doing same (her being spoils of Rodrigo’s victory) Magnus notices that despite open fear/lechery being presented - when they think he’s not looking it’s a friendly smile and thumb’s up being exchanged as Rodrigo goes downstairs.

Korhadriel is still awake, awaiting The Dwarf’s return as Magnus keeps an ear to the door to see if something is up. Indeed, in a few minutes all the entertainers quietly leave their rooms and head downstairs.

Magnus and Korhadriel are hesitant to get involved in anything (Wilhelm is dead to the world and has locked his door). They remain alert and hear the sound of hooves – horses? Magnus goes down, trying to be stealthy, to see what’s going on. The common room is empty and going to the front door to look out into the courtyard, he sees the outer gate is open and the entertainers and Rodrigo are all there – leading the four coach horses away out of the courtyard (for some reason they are not taking Wilhelm’s more expensive riding horse).

There being five horse thieves and only the two of them they are hesitant but (perhaps fearing the rebukes their comrades will deliver if the tale is told otherwise) after a moment's delay, they try to stop the theft by shooting through the dark yard (3 misfortune, though only 1 for Korhadriel).

Rodrigo is wounded and the lead entertainer Lanric turns, hurling a blasphemous litany against Magnus concerning price of defying the Jade Sceptre – which transforms one of his wounds from his exotic encounter upstairs into a critical wound (a painful injury – a sudden inflammation somewhere - once again thank you random card deck you deserve your own fortune point reward ).

Magnus retreats into the inn and the wounded Rodrigo and other two men focus on getting the horses away while the two dance girls try to distract and then cut up Korhadriel. They are not very successful and in the end fall back too, though one does not escape the arrows and sling stones shot at her.

The fight was ‘sobering’ for Magnus who shook of his intoxication but also found the strange positive inspiration he had felt passing, followed by stress (oh oh, that takes him into mental stress territory) fatigue and a lack of self-confidence – Shakes and Yellow Streak temp insanities (one from stress and one from rolling poorly on resisting whatever this is, Korhardriel finds himself momentarily subject to sadistic thoughts and Wilhelm is filled with Trepidation –what was in that wine???).

The Dwarf returns from an unsuccessful bandit hunt to find what has happened in the meantime. The report of bandit camp was the cultists drawing roadwardens away to leave the inn open to their attentions.

The next day, Sommerzeit 3rd, the comrades find they must replace their coach horses and are at risk of delaying their mission. Draft horses of this sort are plentiful but it’s war time and they are shorter supply (one challenge die harder to find). Still Khorhadriel manages to locate 3 horses in the morning (success =1, triple success = 2, comet adds a 3rd) and one more in the afternoon. The 75 shilling each cost eats substantially into the financial and gambling profits the comrades had been accumulating in their endeavours.

Wilhelm (who has recovered many wounds but still suffers three critical wounds) tries to see someone in power in Wurtbad. The Prince of Wurtbad, also Elector Count of Stirland, has left the city with the army to march north to Talabheim – Wilhelm wasn’t really trying to see him anyway (a bit over Wilhelm’s pay grade) but much of the court is with the Prince.

In the course of navigating functionaries, Wilhelm learns the armies of the various provinces are to rendezvous with the Emperor in Talabheim to then advance into Ostland and confront the chaos horde.

It takes Wilhelm until the morning of Sommerzeit 4th to see Captain Thomas von Volstadt who is in charge of Wurtbad’s defence for the moment. Wilhelm relays his story and warns of cutlists in the area, von Volstadt says he will order suspicious entertainers and Estalians to be arrested.

Asked about the “Jade Sceptre”, the Captain says it’s a chaos cult, a pleasure cult not among the more dangerous – though of course still be hunted down and burned out.

Korhadriel had gone to the Temple of Verena to see what he could find in books about the Jade Sceptre and learns more – though consistent – a cult popular with bored nobles and upper class types exploring exotic pleasures and verging into forbidden ones such as torture and murder for fun (so perhaps the sort of cult one might find in a spa town like Wurtbad). Not as powerful as it once was since its own mishaps and the attention of Witch Hunters culled its numbers.

Also on this morning, the comrades thought to question if the body of the woman they killed would reveal anything. Magnus tracked it to the local Temple of Morr which told him that on examination a mark of Chaos was found on the woman’s body and it was burned.

The afternoon of Angestag Sommerzeit 4 the coach sets out again with its new team of horses. It is raining as they start this leg of trip into the Great Forest that fills Talabacland, making the road muddy and obscuring distance vision.

Wilhelm again drives coach, his horse loosely tied to run alongside (he will again make a check to see if keeping up with the slower but longer endurance draft horses winds his riding horse which would easily beat them in a race but is not as good at keeping the same pace for hours, same difficulty as the travel check generally 3D).

As they pass through the woods, a band of wolf-mounted goblins (4 gangs of 4 and a leader mounted on largest wolf) appear on a course trying to head off the coach. A choice of try to outrun them or fight is resolved by The Dwarf announcing that he’s jumping out to fight them whether the coach slows down or not!

Korhadriel, who rides in the rear-facing seat atop back of coach tries to shoot with his bow, Wilhelm performs the (3D) stunt of jumping from the coach seat into the saddle of his horse alongside the coach, Magnus climbs (Athletics) atop the coach to use his sling (which can’t be used from within the confines of the coach), and The Dwarf Jumps out to charge the goblins (having entered a Berserker Rage).

Though the heroes are outnumbered (something of a prerequisite for goblins to attack) they fight ably and soon several wolves are without riders (though passing a WP check to avoid breaking and running). Wilhelm closes after trying to shoot the goblin leader (the craven greenskin swung at the last moment leaving his mount to take the injury) and he and the Dwarf are in a grand melee.

The goblins, lead by Snig their leader, ‘swarm em’ and inflict a huge of wounds on the dwarf including a pulled muscle and mortal wound criticals! Wilhelm suffers a 4th critical wound (his To is only 3, he’s well and truly dead should he fall to wounds).

However Snig is slain and soon after even his wolf falls (requiring more WP checks, so far numbers and bloodlust are maintaining goblin morale, though they’ve gone from 4:1 to roughly 2:1 with one henchmen pack of wolves having fled after riders slain and the pack leader falls). As an Averlander, Wilhelm finds putting down these greenskins particularly satisfying (Hero's Call background).

We break, gobbos' turn to attack.

Snig was a D&D minature of a goblin with axe on wolf that was just begging to be used.

We are down one player (Magnus) this session. The character is assumed present but silent.

On Vorgeheim 2, 2522 (summer), the Red Arrow coach carrying the awkward comrades arrives at Middenheim. It talks close to half an hour to make its way up one of the busy causeways that lead to the walled city atop Ulricsberg. They note that priority is being given to those carts and wagons that have a particular heraldric symbol on them (tree and brook).

At the eastern gate, they are passed through without difficulty (the Red Arrow coach seems part of reason aside from gate being very busy).

The city is crowded, many poorer-clad folk with bundles of possessions about - refugees from the war no doubt.

Werner the coachman knows where he is going, turning right at the first main cross street and arriving shortly at the Castle Rock Coaching line depot and the small silver-tier-trying-too hard pretentious hotel associated with it, in the Neumarkt distric. They are welcomed to Middenheim by Gunther who offers to arrange a stay.

The comrades are most interested in finding Professor von Oppenheim as soon as possible (and getting rid of their corrupt item). Gunther doesn't know him by name but a Professor would be found at the Collegium Theologica which is not far. Werner is agreeable to driving them there by coach (they really don't want to carry the corrupt clapper around, lead box or no).

The Collegia is the quiet Frieberg District to the north of Neumarkt (the comrades know little of Middenheim - indeed even recalling common knowledge requires a prompt - but realize quickly that "north is higher class, south is lower class").

At the entry to the complex of buildings, the coach is stopped by an older man bearing a wolfskin. The coach cannot enter the grounds. Korhadriel speaks with the wulfherold doorkeeper and learns that Professor von Oppenheim is to be found in Wulcan's (large building across the open campus). Korhardriel is not able to get permission for the coach to enter, even trying to use his Education and revealing that there is some dangerous item that requires clearing away bystanders to be transported. Amazingly, after revealing that he is still allowed in (though the doorkeeper is not so impressed by Educated arguments, having quite a bit of experience with such things) and the route is cleared.

For GM handy, PC's have tipped their hand now publicly that they brought something corrupt to city. Another Player was doing "facepalm" as Korhardriel explained the sensitivity of their mission to door keeper.

Finding von Oppenheim in the maze of offices and classrooms that is the Wulcan building requires an Intuition check that is passed, hearing some rumours along the way - students are worried that the Imperial army will not reach Wolfenburg in time to relieve the siege on it.

The comrades find the von Oppenheim's office and meet Max, his assistant. Claims to have an appointment etc. get nowhere (you're not in the calendar) until they produce a letter from Luminary Mauer. Max takes that inside and in a few moments they are ushered in to meet the Professor.

Von Oppenheim welcomes them, having Max bring cakes and brandy. He accepts the lead box and stows it a special compartment in the floor of his office ("Max, we had the lead replaced didn't we -- yes Professor"). He's very optimistic - if it was already eating through the lead of the original container that means it's a powerful bit of corruption. An excellent opportunity for the Middenheim Project to test its Ritual of Transcendent Cleansing. He regards there being four companions as being very auspicious, he needs four assistants for the Ritual. The companions are not enthused, they were not looking for so intimate a role in whatever this is (but recall [are reminded] that Luminary Mauer asked them to render whatever assistance von Oppenheim needed). They have learned that the ritual involves focusing the holy attention of divine thought upon the object (using the Sacred Flame of Ulric, which is of course a manifestation of Ulric's divinity and not gas).

Von Oppenheim assures them its safe, any risk will befall himself. Only mutants or those with corruption (i.e., 3/4 of the comrades) would have anything to fear, and Hammer of the Gods and Volans Third Treatise on Consequence suggest the Ritual would actually cleanse such Taint. He's pointing to the various books as he references them.

Korhadriel sees to the heart of the matter asking about access to the Sacred Flame. Von Oppenheim is impressed, this is exactly what he most needs assistance on. His letters to the temple have been unanswered and he himself has had some difficulties (some disputes over whether this theories are heresy and his support of the Temple of Verena's petition to the Law Lords to have wulf-kin zealots have to answer to the law for their disruptive conduct in the city and not be given the constant "soft handling" they are). The companions agree to try to intervene on his behalf.

Rooms are obtained at the Scholar's, a quiet silver-tier establishment also in Frieberg. Wilhelm pays for a private room, Korhadriel and The Dwarf share (Magnus TBD).

Wilhelm goes to the Temple and tries to get an audience to make the Professor's case. He manages to convince a distracted functionary, Priest Albercht to let him come back tomorrow to see Priest Frost.

The Dwarf goes out to markets and fails to find a great axe.

Korhadriel stayed behind to talk more with the professor and read. It turns out he was really trying to get a contact with the Middenheim Royal College of Magic. [laying groundwork for career transition] . The Professor is not a wizard and has no connections there. Korhardriel's interest wains at that point.

The comrades retire and the next day, Vorgeheim 3, while at breakfast Max the Assistant appears. He thanks the comrades for their help, the Professor is not good dealing with people and suffers a great deal of stress trying to. In fact Max asks for some more help. If he is to attempt this ritual, the Professor will need to calm his nerves. He had arranged to obtain a dose of Esmerelda’s Calming Nectar (a mere 12 gold crowns, fortunately the Professor's family is generous in his stipend to stay in the city [he is "VON" Oppenheim). However the halfing merchant, Drogo Proudfoot is now dissembling. Max thinks he is trying to sell it elsewhere for more. Max asks if the comrades could not "help the halfing see clear to keeping to his contract as is honourable" (looking particularly at The Dwarf)

This is my addition, the nectar is from 2nd edition

Wilhelm returns to the temple and sees the more active looking Priest Frost. Appealing to the war effort's needs and struggle against chaos, he obtains a meeting with High Priest Weiss - who is the one controlling the Temple in the absence of the Ar-Ulric (with the army).

The Dwarf and Korhadriel go into the poorer Southgate district to see the Halfling merchant. Korhardriel's insight sees though the halfling's lies and The Dwarf's intimidation causes him to yield and surrender a small vial of the bright blue liquid. Drogo explains he could either disappoint the Professor or a grey wizard of the Royal College, Jocelin Herzog. (It works out that in the hierarchy of Halfling customer service it goes Professor - Wizard (not present) - Dwarf with an Axe (present).

The two comrades do promise that they will explain things to Herzog.

On the 4th, Wilhelm sees High Priest but does not make much progress. None of his arguments appear compelling and High Priest Weiss is busy. The interview breaks off and the High Priest will not be able to seek Wilhelm again until the 6th. [penalty for simple failure is "lost day", also loss of accumulated beneficial dice from prior interviews].

Korhadriel explains things to the Wizard Herzog at the Royal College. She is disappointed but he manages to avoid a confrontation. He was actually interested in establishing a friendlier contact [career goals] but fails to do so (Really he wanted that he should have arranged to get her the Nectar!].

As the three comrades are continuing about their business, having gone to markets to find various goods (healing draught, great axe) they are all ambushed - though Wilhelm is on his own and faces one attacker while The Dwarf and Korhardriel face several.

The bloody attack scares off passersby and several rounds of fighting see Wilhelm wounded, The Dwarf acquire a 'mangled eye' that hinders all vision-based actions and most of the attackers felled or fleeing by the time city guards respond. The Dwarf manages to tackle one fleeing foe and capture them.

City watch arrive, accompanied by additional guards in different livery (again the tree and brook).

We break.

GM Note - the Players zeroed in on "the Wizard's Task" and have not asked about/done anything on the Captain or Noble's tasks. The attackers are being instigated by Adele who by now knows of the arrival of a coach from Middenheim and suspects them of being "agents of the Black Cowl". That they brought some corrupt artefact to someone at university cements it in her view. While some are attacking PC's, she will be looking into this "corrupt artefact" using her Witch Hunter status (but really as a rival cultist).

Thank you for sharing your playing experience! Reading it is very useful and it accompanies the meanwhile reading of TEW in a way that is just fantastic ....it's not the practice (that would be our own playing), but it is a step beyond mere theory (simply reading TEW) that help me to identify holes, traps, best/worst parts...and most important: solutions and ideas to conduct the plot!!

Thank you...and please continue ;-)

I wish you a happy playing!!

Some notes:

I found the multiple threads challenging to manage etc. but they turned out to give lots of grist to use and let play go as it would.

I used Ashes of Middenheim book and Song of Middenheim site to augment with NPC ideas etc.

In the trial, I didn't use the page 102 instruction that Adele doesn't release Aschenbeck no matter what. "simple insanity" as driver doesn't interest me and the fact it was in a Temple of Verena and he is a noble could not be ignored. I did comment, "this would be going differently in a village square if it was just her, a few zealots and the same evidence". The players were rolling very well (Wilhelm) and pulling out all stops for bare success (Herrig) so I let them have their "moment". It also keeps Adele "wacky witch hunter but not completely over the top" and so a viable NPC to have around and "in play" going forward.

I have decided to square the clapper not really being purfied with Ulric's Flame being at work (Ulric doesn't fail does he?) with the fact that the "purification" only purified the surface because that's the most it could do/what the twisted prayer ritual the Red Crown devised was to do. Picture a purity-coated candy of corruption.

It has just occurred to me that the mind behind that "sabotaged ritual" must a be genius. Tzzeench is one of course, but I don't let direct Ruinous Power creativity loose that way, the Great Conspirator may have "inspired someone".

Hmmm, Professor Schott Mandelbrot (my campaign's NPC, another Sun Society member, member of the Conspiracy, studies wht little is known of the Old Ones and Lustria stuff) - yes, I think he will be the true mind behind the ritual. Reading the falsified Hammer of Gods, a Sun Society member could spot some "Mandelbrot stuff" - is he basing his work on the same text (or is the text based on some his work....). Professor Mandelbrot will have to be in Altdorf.

I've got so many Altdorf ideas running around in my head, I may look into extending the length of time for the adventure there if I can do it without having it "run off rails". There are some lovely political games to pull. Captain Baerfaust certainly got "fail to save and then succeed" in the right order - he's sure to be ennobled, and look now he's a noble and he's been doing the job of Elector Count for a couple of years, just imagine how well he could do it if he had real authority... all he needs is someone to give him social graces. Enter everyone's favourite Gravin (the age difference is just right to be respectable, she won't be satisfied with some 'almost boy' and he needs a woman of substance not an18 year old chit).

Will another step up for single combat? Will they dishonourably attack en masse (discovering the chaos warrior's retinue that does not intervene as long as fight on up and up - the Chaos Warrior is expiating a crime before Khorne's eyes and must defeat all comers 1:1 to do so)? We will see next week.

All present

As the dwarf lies unconscious before him, the black armoured chaos warrior magnanimously offers to allow the coaches to now pass if they do not dispute his claim to the skull before him for Khorne's Throne (of skulls), or if they prefer another may face him in single combat.

Graf Aschaffenberg has other ideas and orders his bravos to fire their crossbows (they miss). Korhadriel correctly predicts that the warrior had company, as eight (2 gangs of 4) norsemen in light armour charge from the woods on the other side of stream to join the fray. The fight is short however as Wilhelm and Sir Gundred charge forward, the chaos warrior being finished off quickly and his would-be replacements prove unworthy.

The coaches continue on. In the next stop-over, the comrades hear of a village wisewoman who may have healing herbs, lucky charms or fortunes to tell available - but the sight of a witch hunter has made her scarce and the effort to locate her fails (those misfortune dice - narratively the witch hunter but mechanically those were the ones earned on the travel check to have to be overcome on next potentially friendly encounter).

Speaking of Adele, during the coach rides and at stop-overs she manages to question each comrade, though they may all choose to try to avoid getting drawn into conversation (also not getting a chance to draw her out) or risk more stress in talking with a suspicious witch hunter.

Adele asks Wilhelm if they had the clapper examined for corruption. She does not believe it could have been cleansed, it's a trick of some sort. He admits they didn't get the chance - she is exasperated, well at least you have it secured in a lead container and aren't simply carrying it around for the 2 week trip to Atldorf? Wilhelm says of course (no actually, it's not in a lead container anymore) - Wilhelm manages to carry off this guile [check].

Wilhelm manages to draw out her thoughts on Luminary Mauer - yes, he is her prime suspect to be the Black Cowl, assuming of course the clapper is still corrupt - since this attempt to cleanse her was all his doing. She recites her reasons for suspecting him, witch born wizard (well that proves it right there) including his connections with Averheim's underworld established when he first came to the city 5 years earlier - a prerequisite for the Black Cowl's venture.

The Dwarf remains taciturn and escapes serious questioning (after all he is a dwarf).

Magnus also engages with her and draws out her thoughts on the Southlands expedition. Ah, the Southlands expedition, that is what first drew her attention. Templemann, who had many aliases, was a smuggler, pirate, fraud and affiliated with the Red Crown cult - smuggling mutants among other things. That Kaufman chose him to lead his expedition is very suspicious - it really all being about the corrupt effigy. An effigy that was stolen when Graf Kaufman arranged for it to be under guard of "unprofessional group" (she watches the comrades carefully for reactions) instead of the von Kragsburg company that was otherwise securing it. If not for Luminary Mauer being such a good suspect, she would suspect Kaufman.

Adele also connects the cultist Bischoff to Captain Baerfaust, who recommended him as one of the veterans for the expedition.

Korhadriel tries to draw her out but fails and acquires some stress (which will be very telling later, though less than a human would since he was not raised on tales of witch hunters). All he manages to learn is that her prime suspect Mauer is in that Sun Society, along with Oppenheim - if she's right about the clapper being corrupt this makes the Sun Society very suspect..... (she knows Korhadriel is also a member).

Before they can complete this leg of the journey, the coaches are attacked by a small band of beastmen, who fell a tree across the road. The fear check and the bestial howl of the wargor leader are too much for Korhadriel and the Dwarf who both pass out, Wilhelm also finding himself badly stressed. Wilhelm finds himself 'easily goaded' and Korhadriel acquires 'the shakes'.

The bravos, Adele and Gundred help the comrades fight while the coachmen try to get around the deadfall - causing the unconscious dwarf and elf on top of it to be thrown off it onto the forest floor (3 challenge die check for coach, unconscious character failing their -only challenge dice- check to not fall off coach) [NPC effects being bravos making one crossbow shot as gang each round, Gundred for his recharge 3 blocked an attack ability, Adele for her on comet 11 damage to chaos scum].

Characters unconscious due to stress are revived through first aid [houserule that an unconscious/out of it due to stress character can be 'brought around' to 1 below 'out of it' number by tactics ranging from smelling salts to slapping them 'come out of it man'.

One of the bravos is killed before the beastmen are destroyed. Wilhelm gets over being easily goaded but Korhadriel is visibly shaken by all of this and now has 'the shakes' [severity 1 Insanity, one check the 23rd of each month to try to get over it]

- Sir Gundred is impressed by Wilhelm - more courage than sense - good lad, just the sort of fresh blood the Order needs....

At Delberz, after 8 days on the road (including +1 for pausing to clean up post Max and +1 for the first coachman roll failing), the comrades sleep over the night of Vorgeheim 24th.

On the road they encounter pilgrims going to Altdorf. Sigmarites, they have heard the Emperor is still recovering from his wounds at the Battle of Griffon's Fall and are going to Atldorf to pray for him. They ask the comrades to join them in prayer.

Wilhelm and Magnus join them, the dwarf and elf do not (the elf making a dismissive comment) - despite the misfortune from the non-participants, Magnus impresses the pilgrims. They share what they have heard and warn the Magnus and Wilhelm against the temptations of Altdorf - the annual dicing league will be in full swing when they arrive. The pilgrims also say not to believe any of these stories that the Emperor was exposed to chaos corruption and has become a mutant and that's why he's closeted away.

The night after Delberz, staying over at Mittelweg's coaching inn, the comrades are sharing quarters so that one may keep watch. Korhadriel is sitting up, in the dark that is not quite so dark to his eyes when he sees shapes moving - something has got in past the lock on door - something quiet and humanoid.

Though his reactions are impaired by his shakes, Korhadriel manages to shout a warning to his comrades (those unfamiliar with the elves of Ulthuan might mistake it for a girlish scream) and snatches up his bow, shooting in the dark and hitting a target that squeals.

Bizarre chittering ensues in which the only discernible words are 'quick quick - kill kill'. A tight-quarters melee ensues as comrades rouse (groggy for 2 rounds each, everyone WP3), Korhadriel has been contemplating Magister Kohl's guidance and his first use of magic is to light the candles in the room to reveal...

Skaven! Well, rat-mutants actually (really - after 9' tall beastmen and chaos spawn, really a mutant rat man - not even worth a fear check).

A rat-mutant in robes with a greenish staff shoots warp lighting at Wilhelm which illuminates the clapper within the backpack beside him - it glows with white light which infuriates the skaven. "ruined it, ruined, bad bad mens - must work many years skaven slave to make up".

Groggy or not, the comrades are more than a match for these weak mutants.

One of the rag-clad knife wielding mutants is slain, the spell-caster vanishes in a puff of green smoke when Wilhelm attacks him and the other rad-clad mutant that looks like something out of a gutter squeals and beats a retreat out the open door and down hall to jump out a window.

As he runs, Korhadriel shoots at him and the Dwarf chases after, seeing at the window that the sorcerer is down on the ground outside inn where the fleeing mutant landed, the dwarf jumps down to pursue them.

We break.

So we had about 52 hours of play in reaching Altdorf. You can decide for yourself how that lines up with expectations of character rank by time it's done.

One player absent (Magnus). Continuing off down my own path.

Backfilling

Wilhelm took a room at the Freudenhaus , for 40 shillings a week a private room (well a room for only him and his chosen company…). It is around the corner and up a side street from the Seven Stars where the rest of the comrades are staying.

Wilhelm had also rushed down to the river when the explosion went off, seeing the commotion there but being unable to cross as the bridges were closed by then. He thus was first to learn it was the Priest’s Rest tavern in Tempelgarten destroyed not the Temple of Sigmar. “Please to remember the 31st of Vorgeheim, gunpowder treason and plot, ….”

Note – Wilhelm has 2 GP in allowance he could collect from bankers Klopstock and Bilreuth.

Returning to the Action

Professor Schott Mandelbrot’s lecture’s finale is cut short by The Dwarf ’s twin axes cleaving deep rents into the giant lizard’s neck and flank, then finally Korhadriel ’s first use of Aqshy to inflict harm – Magic Dart.

Witch Hunter Captain Wilhelm Leopold gives The Dwarf an approving nod as he and his men usher a bewildered-looking Professor Mandelbrot away. Hierophant Ingrid Krause and her Vigils watch in frustration ~ whichever of these legal authorities seized him first essentially has him (College for expounding on magic without approval; Witch Hunters for heresy – talking about Old Ones and their powers and how divine blessings and wizardry are associated manage to be both at once – even if one never gets beyond saying that is what one plans to talk about), since escalating to direct violence is not “done”.

There is a rally step as Luminary Mauer and two Reiksguard Knights arrive. It transpires he was nearby in a university library and came when commotion was heard. He is pleased and surprised to see the comrades but must first talk to his colleague. Korhadriel hears talk of what the Professor is likely to say to witch hunters – the Luminary saying he has cautioned Mandelbrot about his hyperbole and filling in his theories for findings, both are concerned at he will say to the witch hunters. Krause says, “that can’t be allowed”.

Krause and her Vigils leave, giving Mauer chance to learn of the ritual’s outcome from comrades. He is shocked to learn that purification didn’t mean safely expelling taint from the materium (the principle of the conservation of chaos otherwise meaning safe destruction of such is impossible) but actually transforming it into something apparently holy. “_That changes everything_” he says, the same words a dying Adele Ketzenblum uttered.

He is disappointed Professor von Oppenheim, his aid and his notes are all lost – a great blow. He will want the comrades to go over everything they recall of the ritual.

It is late, and he will be at the palace caring for the Emperor all morning, so asks the comrades to come and talk to him at his suites in the Laurel’s Rest in the afternoon the next day, Vorgeheim 32nd.

During this time, Wilhelm has been trying to see Captain Marcus Baerfaust at the Imperial Barracks on the Kaiserplatz, learning from Lieutenant Schaffer that he will not be back from the palace till midnight. He learns that Baerfaust has connected the explosion to the missing gunpowder, particularly since one of the figures among the cultists is reported as a big fellow in a black cowl. The Lieutenant says Baerfaust doesn’t think the Black Cowl died in the explosion – masterminds are never so easily disposed of (not unless they were not really what it’s all about…)

So late at night, The Dwarf and Wilhelm return to see Captain Baerfaust. They and he are all tired (misfortune dice). He is stunned to learn Adele Ketzenblum was a mutant but consoled that she died killing mutants. He reveals that he is convinced there was a traitor at work in the fiasco of Griffon’s Fall – orders were tampered and troops out of place, the Emperor should never have been left so exposed.

Baerfaust will not reveal details about the Emperor’s condition though eventually comrades piece together (him, Lieutenant Schaffer, Mauer) that the Emperor was not directly wounded, he suffered a fall when Deathclaw was struck by evil magic. Baerfaust was there to keep foes at bay and Mauer apparently leaped from the Luminark and rushed to the Emperor’s side to tend to him (Lieutenant Schaffer – “never thought the little man could move that fast”).

[Metagame, well there is that nice “slow time for others or speed if for me depending on your view” spell some Light wizards have]

The reason Schwartzhelm trusts only these two is the view that if either of them wanted the Emperor dead, he would be dead.

Wilhelm ponders a theory that an Emperor incapacitated not dead could be what a conspiracy wants, which Baerfaust reacts to strongly – the whole Empire would be afflicted by the kind of directionless crisis that Averland has experienced for almost 2 years! Wilhelm has laid this out well enough that Baerfuast will raise the concern with General Schwarzhelm.

[Metgame, Wilhelm checks his Intelligence to see how plausible etc. his theory seems as presented – though it is a “good theory” (A VERY GOOD ONE) a PC is never “in character” going to be more effective in cleverness than their stats meaning an Int 2 character may be a “Cassandra” being ignored as they give their “idiot savant” insights, success & boon]

[The Player does say "really", and I explain the above logic which is accepted, not joyously, but accepted. Once again, good table of Players]

The comrade’s inquiries etc. interest Baerfaust and he wants them pursued. He asks Schaffer what sort of authority they can get and she suggests he go through the general to get a writ for Wilhelm (who is a noble after all).

The comrades retire, and sleep a bit late the next day.

This night was the first night’s rest at end of journey from Middenheim, a full night recovery in all respects is received.

Vorgeheim 32nd

That morning, a messenger comes from “The Temple” for Magnus, to come and give statement on the death of Adele Ketzenblum. He goes, leaving her personal notes and pistols with Wilhelm. He is not seen for the rest of the day or that evening.​

Which works out well for player being absent.

Others spend their day’s time:

(1) A bit of shopping (Wilhelm, healing draught replacing one ruined by chaos magic in Middenheim) and fail to learn any interesting gossip (Korhadriel at Bright College).

(2) Regrouping to go and see Luminary Mauer at Laurel’s Rest. They pass his Reiksguard and go up the stairs to his suite where he is ensconced with papers and pestles etc. They complete bringing him up to speed and learn he believes the Emperor will make a full recovery soon (more hopefully than certainly according to Intuition – he otherwise appears to be honest in his concerns etc.)

[Metagame – I expected a few more Intuition checks and reminded even for this one, of course some checks have unrevealed automatic failures etc. just like some cards]

Mauer takes custody of the clapper, and when Wilhelm talks of getting it back at some point wonders what Wilhelm thinks he would do with it? Mauer does not want to speculate on what it could be used for but he has very great hopes. He’s not surprised Wizard Lord Messner doubts the purification – a man of limited vision (the man who calls him ‘rat boy’). He does delicately ask the comrades if any of them felt different afterwards – any lessening of dark voices or inclinations (e.g., corruption points removed, if you’re oblivious to your corruption level in roleplaying oh well, that will come out sometime). If living people survive the process and are reduced in their corruption – that is very significant! Of course, von Oppenheim did not survive which is troublesome.

Mauer is told, by The Dwarf, that Adele Ketzenblum was a mutant. This reduces the Luminary to a helpless, guffawing, table-slapping state (if he is the Black Cowl, PC’s will regret not attacking at that moment of helplessness) which he fails to straighten up from a couple of times before finally restoring his wizardly gravitas, “_that’s a tragedy_” (a tear of laughter still running down his cheek).

He asks the comrades to come back on the afternoon of Festag, Nachgeheim 1 (entered in the calendar of events – see below). He is very pleased overall (holy clapper, the witch hunter’s a mutant) – best day he’s had in weeks! The Dwarf also told him about encountering skaven (not “rat mutants”). Best Day Ever!

He rewards each comrade with 50 shillings, saying she’s been very generous with his living allowance. The Dwarf asks who and he says Gravin von Alptraum, it’s she who is paying for his rooms here at the Laurel’s Rest.

This takes to early evening. The comrades dine with Lieutenant Schaffer who stands the Dwarf rounds hearing him tell of the battle with giant lizard. She’s impressed and commiserates he didn’t find his doom, having the good taste to “wish he finds it soon”.

Wilhelm does get a writ, signed by Graf Otto von Bitternach of the Emperor’s Council of State (the J. Edgar Hoover of the Imperial government) granting him (by extension his retainers etc.) a wide authority to investigate matters concerning treasonous plots involving gunpowder, the Templegarten events, the disaster at Griffon Fall etc.. It’s valid until Nachgeheim 32nd (a little over a month).

[Metagame – this isn’t actually authority to do anything or go anywhere, it’s rather immunity from being arrested or otherwise abused for asking questions and wanting to go places etc. and suggests to others, “well if you don’t cooperate, Graf von Bitternach will hear of it”]

[Note, for the duration of the writ, Wilhelm’s noble rank is +1 due to prestige]

Returning to Seven Stars, Korhadriel finds a note waiting – Curd Weiss saying the Graf von Kaufman wants to meet the next morning.

That night, coming into the Freudenhause, Wilhelm is greeted boisterously by Gerhardt von Leitdorf – a fellow Averlander noble (of greater family) and member of Young Blades, in fact a big part of the scandal that saw several like Wilhelm have to leave the Pistolkorps – he killed a von Alptraum in a duel and had to leave the province while things sorted, turns out he’s been passing the time here. He is encountered half clad, a Freudenhause “attendant” under each arm and roaring one of his (he thinks) clever limericks “Leitdorf – we’re mad, we’re bad, but we make the ladies glad!” (just as well he’s a ‘hair trigger duelist’).

Gerhardt is glad to see Wilhelm took his advice about coming here – and just in time, in a couple of days it’s Geheimnisnacht – you haven’t experienced the Night of Mystery until you’ve spent it at the Freudenhause “Dusk till Dawn” party, “if you’re going to be up all night, be UP ALL NIGHT !” (say what you like about Gerhardt, but he knows where to find the biggest wildest party).

Another night passes. Wilhelm gets over his wrenched back (critical) with the gentle ministrations of his bed mate(s).

Vorgeheim 33rd, Saga.

The Dwarf plans to celebrate it at some point so can only spend the earlier part with his comrades.

In the morning, comrades go to the Witch Hunter’s Temple to try to interview Professor Mandelbrot (arrested the evening of 31st). They meet with Witch Hunter Captain Leopold and after some initial exchanges (in which Wilhelm manages to leave impression clapper purification meant destruction without saying it but not contradicting Leopold’s assumption of that equivalency) they learn that Professor Mandelbrot has escaped/been stolen away.

This is shocking – no one has ever escaped from the Temple. Admittedly, he was being held as much for own safety as a suspect. He did not show any signs of being a Chaos Sorcerer ( we have ways of knowing these things… ) – the working theory is that those Light Wizards spirited him away before he could reveal anything that would undermine public confidence or even the legalization of wizardry – that’s what the Witch Hunters really wanted from him (though the witch hunters say “sorcery”). With the information comrades provide, the possibility he is part of a conspiracy – perhaps even the Black Cowl – is raised as well.

At midday (the Dwarf’s last action before Saga events), comrades go to see Graf Friedrich von Kaufman (thus several hours later than asked). The Graf is in some cramped suites in the “Horse Tower” surrounded by efficient young men in Kaufman colours rushing to and fro (picture all the underclerks in Ebenezer Scrooge’s firm) and a couple of ogres.

He asks Korhadriel if he will accompany the Graf to the Grand Ball at the Elector Count of Stirland’s palace on Wellentag the 2nd – there to provide some erudite commentary on the Southland Expedition findings. He will be compensate and of course clothed (properly clothed). Korhadriel agrees.

• It’s not mentioned but the Graf is assuming The Dwarf bodyguard will accompany the elf, they make quite the conversational set – of course “clothing” the dwarf would spoil the whole effect and the Graf may even be smart enough to know a Slayer don’t wear fine linens with high collars.
  

The Graf also asks if Korhadriel, who has yet to publish a paper for the Sun Society , would write on the same topic – something putting it all in proper context, moving away from the incendiary claims of Professor Mandelbrot. The Graf does not deny the validity of anything the Professor was saying, in fact he remarks that the world is such truth must be clothed in half-truths. He offers 5 gold crowns for a month’s work producing a paper, which would have to pass peer review. Access to the expedition findings, which are here in the city, would be provided.

Korhadriel wants more time to write the paper and manages (success and chaos stars) to get six months but also have an additional editor, Professor Lessing of Nuln. Korhadriel knows that this is another corresponding Sun Society member.

• Korhadriel has thus managed to negotiate that instead of 1 month’s work for 5 gold crowns, it is 6 months work for 5 gold crowns – with peer review and an editor to make sure it really is SIX MONTHS WORK . The Graf didn’t get to be rich by being anyone’s fool. If Korhadriel is “smart enough” he can produce the requisite output with less time.
  

We break – though the Graf has other things to ask and there are arrangements to make.

Links in above post reflect that we have started using Obsidian Portal to host play logs and I'm using its wiki features etc.

I'm quite liking it, if anyone else uses it and has tips etc. please pm me or email if you already have my email.

At this point I'm well and truly off the written adventure's sequence of events. I'm still using Black Cowl and events that were planned but mixing in lots of other stuff.

The whole idea of "a corrupt item becoming a purified even holy item" is a profound one (if true) for the Empire as so much law and doctrine underlying views of witch hunters to panther knights etc. based on a no-mercy-because-there-is-no-way-back view of corruption and taint. If there is in fact a way back from corruption, why that could create doubt of so many policies. Offering false hope of that would be a great chaos plot. At minimum I want to play up the "this could change everything" thread as a result. With one PC aiming to become a Panther Knight and the other thinking about becoming a Witch Hunter that could be very fun.

Bonus points to anyone who id's "Professor Lessing of Nuln's" origin - I recently downloaded all four of those Mad Aldfred items and will likely steal a bit from them for some future stuff.

All the companions go to lunch with Graf Friedrich von Kaufman at the Golden Stag, a gold tier eatery not far from the Old Horse Tower.

Entering, they see that Gravin Clothilde von Alptraum is at a table with an older woman in clerical robes adorned with scale and owl images (both look magnificent of course, as should ladies who lunch). A young initiate and older nurse stand off to one side (picture the middle-aged companion woman in the secular-nun outfit in Shakespearean plays, who looks daggers at anyone who gets ideas). Wilhelm notices his older brother Klaus von Döhnenleiter is seated at a table behind Clothilde, behind a potted plant trying to look inconspicuous – when he sees Wilhelm Klaus puts his finger to his nose signalling to be discrete.

The nurse's name is Kat, short for Katrina....

Wilhelm goes over to great the Gravin and wish her well. She introduces her lunch companion, Lector Agatha von Böhrn of the Cult of Verena, Law Lord and Member of the Emperor’s Council of State.

Just that we’re clear: that all means she’s a noble, she’s a Lector in the Verena’s church, she’s in the Emperor’s “Cabinet” and she’s pretty much as close to being “the Supreme Court” as you can get in the Empire’s context – final word advising the Emperor on interpretations of law, that’s a Rank 4 noble to you who score those thing. Clothilde and Graf Kaufman are Rank 3 (though he only by dint of his wealth – he would be Rank 2 if he lost it, Wilhelm is Rank 1 working on being Rank 2 if he’s knighted).

She asks if he got the warrant, looking over to Lector von Böhrn, saying that she thought it would be so much better from Count von Bitternach. He says he did.

Not sure Players are grasping that Clothilde is lunching with one member of Council of State and just name-dropped the name of a second member.

At the Graf’s table, Graf Kaufman asks the comrades if they know anything more useful about Graf Wolfgang Aschenbeck and is told that he did employ a cultist to manage his affairs – Graf Kaufman is pleased. Very handy snippet, hardly the sort of judgment you want winning contracts to supply the imperial army. He also asks if they have any news of the north but they don’t know anything he doesn’t already. Excellent (the companions continue to be in the Graf’s good graces). They have no particular questions for him.

The Graf may someday be more understanding of having trusted aides turn out to be parts of conspiracies - he and Graf Wolfgang will continue to parallel each other....

The PC's had no investigative questions/Intuition checks to make re the Graf. They are not pushing "who among Adele's suspects is it, or is it someone else" very much.

Clothilde and the Lector finish their lunch and the Lector leaves.

On her way out, Gravin Clothilde stops to greet Graf von Kaufman, being polite (Averlander to Averlander). The Graf inquires if she is going to the ball as the Stirland Electoral Palace and learns she is – a polite coded dance ensues in which it is established that she does not have an escort to the ball and no she is not interested in the Graf filling the position. The Gravin asks where Wilhelm is staying (causing him to have to think quickly as he doesn’t wish to admit to her where he is actually staying, he gives the inn where his comrades are, The Seven Stars). She remarks that is not far from the Temple of Drama and that he should make an effort to see Cobweb Castle when it opens. Wilhelm says he will, that he enjoyed the play she arranged for veterans to see in Averheim.

After she goes, the Graf is observant enough to have noticed young Wilhelm’s interest. He cautions Wilhelm that “she has sights set higher than us lad, she’ll be decorating the elector’s palace within the year, whoever the elector turns out to be”. He shares the gossip that some suspect she is waiting for Prince Luitpold to return (the Prince having been abroad seeking Bretonnian assistance against the northern invaders when his father was injured).

Wilhelm goes and speaks with his brother Klaus. Klaus is staying at the Imperial in the Oberhausen district.

That afternoon Korhadriel goes for fittings for clothes for the ball, courtesy of the Graf (he will receive them the day of the ball) – failing roll to learn any interesting gossip beyond worry about the Emperor’s extended poor health (it’s been weeks now).

The Dwarf goes to the chapel to the Ancestor Gods in the Great Catherdral, as it is Saga. He meets some other dwarfs and accompanies them to Metallshalck district for a night of drinking and singing Sagas. He does well with the Saga of Grungi (new action card, two successes gives 2 enduring fortune points that last until used).

During the evening he sees a human in the broad hat and leather coat favoured by witch hunters, but a very well-cut and made version of them and silver-chased pistols, try to speak with one of the dwarfs and get rebuffed. He learns from the dwarf, Vorgun, a Master Engineer that the man’s name is Verstholen and he works for General Schwazhelm – he was wanting to ask questions about black powder but Vorgun wasn’t having any of that on Saga.

Wilhelm finds Magnus Holck , looking in the more artsy establishments till he digs up the young Ostlander sitting in a corner of The Black Velvet cabaret nursing a drink – the same corner he’s been in for about 18 hours. Magnus is still not feeling sociable but comes along back to the inn.

All retire for another night.

The next day is Geheimnistag. The Dwarf sleeps late. Magnus and Korhadriel go to the bankers Klopstock and Billreuth so that Korhadriel can examine the Southland expedition artefacts to better speak of them at the ball. Korhadriel doesn’t learn anything new examining them, Magnus tries to ponder them as well but finds the strange runes cause his head to swim and he passes out.

The elf tries to get the bank staff to shift the twitching human (who is having visions of toad creature on floating discs, surrounded by armies of lizardmen, fighting hordes of daemons – lots of stress, he passed out – dodged temporary insanity). They refuse, he brought Magnus, so the elf hires passers by for a shilling to help carry Magnus back to the inn.

There is a note there for Wilhelm with the seal of von Alptraum family, Clothilde’s personal version (Folklore successful) – Korhadriel takes it to pass on, not opening it. Wilhelm does not arrive till late afternoon.

Before reuniting with his companions, Wilhelm first found the Official Investigation into The Treasonous and Blasphemous Plot Against Sigmar’s Faithful, lead by the priest Holy Inquisitor Father Johannes Siebolt, fresh from his successful prosecutions of heretic followers of the Child. Wilhelm produced his warrant and explained his purpose, sharing information about the theft of blackpowder in Averheim. Father Siebolt knew all of this, apparently Captain Baerfaust provided all this background already.

Father Siebolt notes the presence of mutants in the Averheim affairs, and reveals that digging out the explosion under the Priest’s Rest has produced a jumble of remains but some are clearly those of mutants. Wilhelm finds the presence of mutants in the city strange, wouldn’t they risk being revealed? Father Siebolt tut-tuts the innocent nobleman, mutants are everywhere . Wilhelm does not impress Father Siebolt nor befriend him and no further information is shared.

This is Father Seibolt from 1000 Thrones, still with poor Nils.

The Dwarf had gone to the Priest’s Rest site and sees the man who was in the dwarf quarter the night before, Pieter Verstholen, member of General Schwarzhelm’s staff. Verstholen explains he was seeking expert advice on blackpowder explosions to estimate the quantity used at the site – does it account for all the 50 barrels missing from Averheim shipments.

Verstholen is drawn from the Swords novels in which he is an agent/investigator for the General.

Wilhelm is passing and joins them, wondering if there might have been more – signifying other risks. Verstholen gives The Dwarf a note of apology to give Vorgun and promises to reward him (Vorgun) well for assistance.

The Dwarf then goes to seek out Vorgun and present the note, the engineer is easy to find (he is a Master Engineer) and he ponders it, saying the human looks like he can pay well enough to make up for his offence. He will seek Verstholen out after Geheimnisnacht .

Wilhelm then goes to see his brother (having been told at the bankers that since his brother is in the city, he has to draw his allowance directly). He talks with Klaus at the Imperial. Klaus admonishes him about associating with a von Alptraum, noting she is dangerous with her talk of a plenipotentiary. If the Leitdorfs do not gain the office of Elector, there will be no appointment and advancement for their supporters (such as the Döhnenleiters).

Wilhelm defends Clothilde, saying he believes she truly wants whatever is best for Averland and conducts herself always in such a way. Klaus shakes his head, that’s because she’s a good noblewoman – one must always appear to do what is right because it’s what right, that is what Wilhelm must learn, not because it brings recognition and advancement, appointments and opportunities. Clothilde knows how to play the game. But she won’t be a threat much longer.

Wilhelm does better convincing Klaus that having a friendly foot in the Alptraum camp could be useful, Klaus sees it, "an egg in the other basket". He is also impressed with the warrant from Graf von Bitternach. Instead of the 2 gold crowns allowance accumulated, he gives Wilhelm 3 gold crowns to cover expenses.

Klaus wants Wilhelm to attend the Festag services for Sigmar in the Great Cathedral, but in particular the one a week hence (e.g., the 2nd one coming up) as that service will include a recognition of the donations by the Leitdorf family and their supporters, including the Döhnenleiters, towards restorations in the Cathedral. “ Yes, Wilhelm, the von Döhnenleiter name is going to be mentioned in thanks by the Grand Theogonist himself, speaking from the pulpit of the Great Cathedral! ” Klaus is clearly beaming and happy, “ let her have her plenipotentiary then ”

Klaus is aware, as are many, and Clothilde notes below, that she came to Altdorf (before the Emperor was wounded) to lobby for an imperial plenipotentiary to be appointed to resolve the electorship issue in Averheim. Claiming only to want a resolution whoever it favours.

Wilhelm wonders if there is some risk, could some deface the work? Klaus is perplexed, it’s the Great Cathedral of the Warrior Emperor of the Empire – who is going to try to deface anything in it?

It’s late in the day when Wilhelm sees his comrades and reads a note from Clothilde asking him to come and see her at the Averland Electoral Palace (she is staying in the guest wing as a member of the former Electoral family) – at 2:00. It’s now past 4:00.

(Episode end recovery)

Wilhelm and his companions all go to the Electoral Palace to see the Gravin of Heinzstadt.

Clothilde is present with the nurse. She explains her unfortunate situation, and need for temporary agents. She is more agitated than they have seen her before, the woman who kept her cool when bandits were attacking the coach and Herrig was bleeding on her dress.

She explains, Graf Freiderich would assist me if I asked but I don’t want to presume on his generosity under the circumstances [she turned down his proposal] Captain Baerfaust is under great stress with the Emperor’s situation and his Greatswords need to recover from their ordeal in the north, so I don’t want to trouble him either.

Some now see her as a threat whose reputation must be destroyed even as the agitators and broadsheets have been paid to destroy other contenders.

She has learned that a muckraker has put together a scurrilous pamphlet supposedly detailing her life in Altdorf 12 years earlier as a lady in waiting at court – something bordering on pornographic, illustrated to ensure even the illiterate see the slander.

Enough of them to flood Averheim are loaded on a barge in the Old Docks that will sail upriver to Averheim in the morning. They are delayed to avoid being on the river on Geheimnisnacht.

Using courts risk the contents coming out. She prefers to deal directly as a noble deals with insults to their honour. This is not Averland so she has less overt rights, and her family has no agents here. A noble such as Wilhelm acting as her agent has pretty wide latitude in a low class neighbourhood.

The comrades agree to destroy the pamphlets and to find out where they were printed and make sure no more of them get printed.

She regrets it is so late in day, it may not be possible to deal with this and avoid being abroad after nightfall this Geheimnisnacht. She doubts that here in Altdorf any necromancers are raising zombie hordes and most unquiet spirits issue from taverns not graves. She promises to reward them well.

[she is a noble, not a merchant – she rewards people she does not pay them]

Mechanically, there will no official interest in anything that happens unless someone is killed or a critical wound of the serious sort is inflicted such as broken arms and severed limbs – a mere concussion will not interest authorities.

The comrades take their leave and return to the inn to change (arming up).

It is twilight by the time they reach the Old Docks area in the city’s lower class east end. People are already mostly off the streets in preparation for Geheimnisnacht. The comrades look for dockworkers, Fish gang members in this area, who would know which barge was loaded with printed material. A couple of possibilities are explored, the floating headquarters of the Fish Gang (which they decline to try to row out to) with the Broken Barrel tavern settled on instead.

The tavern is jam-packed. Wilhelm tries to spread coin to find the barge (a shilling worth five fortune dice in this establishment) but fails to gain the trust of these low class sorts. The Dwarf and Magnus recognize Frederick Grosz sitting at a table and go over to him, seeing them coming he holds out his hand, “Karl Meisl, good to meet you”.

Frederick/Karl and Magnus go back a bit and Magnus finds Grosz’s claim to know nothing about the barge of printed material disingenuous. For 5 shillings, he learns the barge’s name, the Madame Baum – anchored at the Isle of Eels. For another 7 shillings he learns the name of the printer, Schöffer.

The comrades go down the now-deserted docks to the Isle of Eels. Crossing over the bridge to the island they pass a pike set into the side with five caps impaled on it – they look like city watchmen caps.

The isle’s buildings emanate noise and light, but its streets are also quiet. They find the barge they want and Wilhelm lights a torch, approaching it. However, the comrades have not been completely unobserved.

Eight men armed with a variety of clubs, cudgels, knives and hooks spill out and object to their presence. Wilhelm and The Dwarf try to intimidate them, Wilhelm citing his warrant from Graf von Bitternach [which doesn’t actually apply to this situation but what do a bunch of peasants know].

He’s told to stuff his warrant where the sun don’t shine, we’re the People’s League Against Taxation and Nobility and we don’t care nothing for that – “ up the pike with them ” is the shout as combat initiative is called for.

I'm drawing on multiple sources, Shades of the Empire book has some info about Isle of Eels which really is run by a bunch of anarchists. PC's would have learned that with easy Folklore etc. if they tried.

Morrslieb grins down.

-- We break

Burn Before Reading or Young Blades Gone Wild.

All present.

Wilhelm uses his newly-acquired pistol to shoot one of the impudent dock-scum, whose blood splatters comrades causing 2 others to turn and flee (how we explain 3 henchmen down to one pistol shot) , and The Dwarf cuts this way and that with his twin axes, killing 4 more.

Clothilde was at such pains to lay out how to avoid watch attention if not killing etc., ah well, they have threatened a noble – Wilhelm – and get what they deserve.

The last of the dockworkers now also flees ~ bitter tales of noble oppressors to be told on the Isle of Eels in the coming days.

The comrades search the barge and find 12 crates of pamphlets. Wilhelm takes a couple and the rest are unloaded and piled on the dirt of the Isle of Eels, set afire and watched to make sure they burn. This takes some time, from unloading to burning, and a new set of foes appears – it is after midnight.

Unlike the crudely armed dockworkers, these are sword-bearing masked bravos led by a well-dressed swordsman who is quickly revealed by his voice and words to be none other than Gerhardt von Leitdorf. He admonishes Wilhelm for helping that von Alptraum woman (after all the von D’s are supposed to be Leitdorf supporters), and taunts him for these are only the pamphlets bound for Averheim – the ones for Altdorf will go out from the printers in the morning, not that Wilhelm will be alive to see it – sword flourish (fellow member of the Young Blades Dueling Society ).

Wilhelm's Player had wondered in last session why the smear campaign was being done in Averheim if Clothilde is lobbying in Altdorf - as it turns out he gets his answer - it's being done both places!

A melee ensues, Gerhardt and Wilhelm squaring off while the bravos attack other comrades – and it is revealed that in the darkness lurks a crossbowman who unleashes two hounds that join the fight. Magnus and Korhadriel are pressed by their foes, falling back constantly and Korhadriel risking Geheimnisnacht ’s conditions to use his magic. Wilhelm and Gerhardt’s due is protracted, Gerhardt inflicting a small critical cut above the brow that briefly blinds Wilhelm with blood, while taunting Wilhelm and scolding him for disloyalty ( I Thought We Were Friends – or rather "I thought you were with my family not hers! ) – Wilhelm making a stunning display of swordplay ( 8 exploding successes and a comet - that was all the expertise dice I own ). The Dwarf suffers a bite uncomfortably close to the dongly bits from the dogs but puts them down.

Wilhelm finally pierces Gerhardt fatally, the von Leitdorf scion cursing that the Alptraum witch will be Wilhelm’s death too ( the comrades are sure he just misplaced a b with a w, that’s all - actually it was misogyny when spoken but unknowingly accurate.... ).

[rally step]

The three Bravos left standing at this point no longer have any fight in them. They turn out to be hired men who work for Gerhardt upon occasion and with this death see no point in fighting. Wilhelm accepts their surrender and even offers 15 shillings among them for their assistance dealing with the printer, whose name they give as Schoefer. He tries to get them to agree to deal with the printer but they are too intimidated by him to do more than agree to support the comrades.

Searching Gerhardt finds 3 gold crowns, his signet ring (1 gold crown value) and other jewelry (1 gold crown) [profitable foes to kill these nobles]

They cross the Talabec north and find the printing house around the witching hour. Briefly stymied – it’s locked up (where has that rascal Herrig gotten to) . Wilhelm has his warhorse kick down the door – which is effective albeit ensuring there is no surprising foes – as will be seen.

The printing shop is dark and empty, the bravos said the pamphlets were likely in cellar. The Dwarf and Wilhelm descend, Korhadriel remains in the shop, and Magnus stays outside with the bravos and Wilhelm’s warhorse.

The Dwarf and Magnus find a lit room with lots of boxes and search it, finding a dead (and messily so) man and realizing they are not alone in the room. Not by any means. It seems they have interrupted a summoning (but not quite early enough) this Geheimnisnacht . A Daemonette appears, along with 4 cultists and a cult sorcerer.

The Daemonette carves into Wilhelm’s armour and flesh and cultists attack. In the ensuing fight The Dwarf sends the daemon back to its realm in short order but the strange tongue-lashing the sorcerer gives Wilhelm weakens and overwhelms him, while the other cultists chant blasphemous and profane rites and the comrades feel flesh twist, wounds becoming critical wounds on the Dwarf and Wilhelm. They also attack Wilhelm carving strange runes on his flesh with knife cuts that leave him suffering Sadism (temp insanity) .

Korhadriel comes down into the fray and finds weakness against the Sorcerer, and Magnus’ inspiring words encourage the three bravos to enter the shop and descend to join the fight. He also uses his magic, incurring Geheimnisnacht ’s boon of strong flowing magic and risks of its wildness and a miscast effect resulting in a dwarf-like grudge temporary insanity (how appropriate both for a reckless wielder of Aqshy and one who studies dwarves).

We break

The ‘grudge insanity’ draw for miscast and the fact that Gerhardt’s attack dealing temporary blindness happened to coincide with a critical wound that is a “cut above the brow” two examples of the game’s mechanics helping to tell a story – if I could award the system fortune dice I would!

As it is Fortune Point into party pool for the jest of Morrite body-collectors building their marionette show made when I force a roll to see if the encounter the only folk legitimately out and about this night.

I got some of the ideas for this part of adventure from the fan scenario Burn after Printing.

I know I am going to sound like a dirty old elf but if your gang missed burning one of those illustrated pamphlets please email it to me!

That was one document I did not create a handout for!