S2E7: Shadows Over Boganhafen - Last day of the Fest
Laying the Groundwork: Brandi handed the doctor the moonflower herb needed to treat magistrate Richter. They used the opportunity to inform Richter about the merchants summoning a demon to further their cause. They told how Teugen was responsible for his purple poisoning. Alarmed and concerned, the magistrate wanted to believe them but cautioned, “You are accusing highly placed nobles. You’d have to catch them in the act.”
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Henryk (Bill)
noble, career change: Ranger/Witch-Hunter |
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Brandiwyn (Tony) career
advance: Riverman with trained feral cat |
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Mallorhan
(Brian) wood-elf Messenger |
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Gary (Matt) career
level 2: Warrior/Cavalryman |
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Sister Agnes (Duane) noble,
career advance: Nun, worshiper of Shallya |
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Katja (Geoff) noble,
career change: Bounty Hunter |
They found Friedrick at his merchant office pouring over
ledgers, “Sister? Personal visit to collect another offering?” [charm] Agnes
explained, “You’ve done so much for our orphans. Henryk, an older orphan, was
hoping you might take him on as a guard-in-training. A chance to improve his
lot in life. He could start now.” Friedrick hesitated before agreeing, “Fine. Ingald
and Gerald can mentor him starting now. I see you brought your other friends.
Invite them along for lunch with me at the Golden Trout.”
They were definitely out-of-place in the rich
neighborhood. The Golden Trout was actually 3 buildings. Gary
taunted Henryk, left outside with the other guards, as the others entered the
‘Members’ Only’ dining room to feast on a grand meal. Mostly idle chatter.
Friedrick asked, “Do you have any plans when the fest ends? Agnes told me how
you sailed on a barge. Worked on the boat. I’ve a small fleet of vessels and
could use more rivermen.” Gary got to the point, “You didn’t invite us along
just to offer jobs.” Friedrick was caught off-guard by the bluntness, “If you
must know, Herr Steinhauger expressed remorse at you losing out on the goblin
reward. He suggested I wine and dine you with the offer of employment.”
Friedrick went on to describe the merchant guild of ‘Ordo
Septenarius’, “49 members, 7 of which comprise the Inner Counsel. I’m
the newest member of the 7. To reveal names might comprise and hinder our
plans. That’s why only myself and Frans are the visible spokespersons. We have
ceremonies with promise of promotions. As for my aspirations, I hope to
increase my fleet and trade. Especially south as we hope to take advantage of
events in Ubersreik. A merchant’s mantra is ‘war is always good for business’.”
Gary pressed, “Does the counsel know of Richter’s
illness? His doctor suspects sorcery. Does your ceremonies involve blood
sacrifices?” Friedrick was shocked, “Heavens No! Johannes Teugen and his cousin
Gideon are just trying to form alliances to improve the lot of all members. The
ceremonies solidify loyalty. We used to hold our meetings under Steinhauger’s
office. Until a fire put us on hold.” Katja cleared her throat to nix Gary
about to mention the demon encountered in that sewer temple. She whispered, “He’s
oblivious to the true inner workings.” Instead, Gary asked, “What do we have to
do to get that promised 5 gold each?”
Meanwhile, Henryk sat idle with the guards. Threw some
dice. At least the food and drinks were decent. They snapped to attention when
their boss came out. They escorted him back to the noble district and his
house. The other guards tested Henryk’s focus, “Of the windows passed, how many
were open?” Henryk failed to account for the upper windows as they chided,
“Assassins could be anywhere. You are paid to pay attention.” At the house,
they sat outside on watch. Till after sunset when Friedrick appeared, to be
escorted to the Teugen house for the secret meeting. Stuck in a separate
building, Henryk could only attempt to gain info about the other Inner Counsel
members. He purposefully lost at dice trying to be accepted. But he learned
little if any useful info.
Diversion: Meanwhile,
the other members of Agnes’ Orphan partook of the festival. Brandi sold
more of his goods while Gary entered the joust contest. And won his match (best
2 outa 3). He would have stuck around for another match except for the promised
diversion for the thieves’ guild at the docks. [corruption check] The overhead
moon was unnerving as ‘the green skull’ appeared to be licking its lips in
expectation. With the docks full of workers and overseers, Brandi and Mallorhan
loudly got into a pushing match, “Fucking elf! Get your hands out of my pocket.
Thief. THIEF!”
For dramatic effect, Brandi threw the elf thru a
store-front window. Katja added to the scene with a piercing scream. Guards
left their posts around the ships to attend to the fight. They beat their
shields to announce their involvement. Brandi continued the act, “He stole my
money and broke that window.” Agnes grinned as she happened to recognize
stevedores, unloading one particular ship, as members of the Crooked-Fingers.
Gary faked drunkenness, stumbling into a pursuing guard, knocking him down. One
tumbled over another, allowing a cursing Mallorhan to get away.
Meanwhile, the meeting broke up. Friedrick quickly
gathered his guards to return to his house. The man was sweating. Nervous. He
dismissed the other guards before whispering to Henryk, “Gather your friends
and meet me at my office.” Something was up. Remembering the promised
diversion, he rushed toward the docks. It was easy to find Brandi at the center
of a commotion. Which meant he found the others, less one elf. “Friedrick was
nervous coming out of the meeting. He wants to meet us at the merchant guild
building. NOW.”
A single light shone from a window. The door unlocked.
They cautiously entered. Streetlights illuminated their backs to display their
silhouettes. Friedrick recognized them and whispered, “Back here.” He was
sweating with fear. “I…I was thinking about what you said earlier. As Herr
Teugen called the meeting to order, I happened to find this letter on his desk.
I chanced taking it as evidence. Here, read for yourself. Fresh Blood to
consecrate the new temple. HUMAN SACRIFICE as you warned! Johannes is in league
with others who have studied dark magic. Someone named Etelka Herzen near Nuln.
Did I tell you Johannes and Gideon came from there?! I don’t know where this
new temple is yet. I should know by tomorrow, noon. I’ll get word to you. You
MUST stop the ritual. I fear its true purpose.” Henryk escorted Friedrick back
to his house before returning to the barge for sleep. The barge deck was aglow
in green. Whether from the eerie glow of Morrslieb or upchuck from a VERY drunk
Joseph…hard to tell.
Morning/Last Day of the Fest: Hours
to kill before noon. Brandi used the time to return to the festival in hopes of
buying ware from the closing tents. Money to be made selling it upriver in
Weissbruck. The others entered the thieves’ bar hoping for gossip. The Riens
brothers thanked them for the diversion but had nothing to report, “We’ve
scoured the sewers but there is no sign of another ‘temple’ as you call it.”
Meanwhile, Henryk returned to the Adel Ring
gate and waited outside for either the other bodyguards to arrive or Friedrick
to exit. Past noon, Henryk tired of waiting and entered after flashing his
badge. He found the other guards playing dice of the steps; they’d spent the
night at the house. Henryk explained his waiting outside and now need for the
bathroom. They directed him back outside the gate toward the sewers, but Henryk
insisted he had to go, “Can’t wait! I’ll use a tree behind the house then carry
it to the sewers.” He saw Friedrick thru a window, sitting at his desk toiling
over papers. Henryk rapped lightly on the window. Friedrick looked up then
shrugged his shoulders and then opened the window to whisper, “Nothing yet.
I’ll get word to you ASAP.”
Henryk returned to the front, carrying a ‘soiled cloth’
to be dumped in the sewers. He returned to sit with the others and played dice
to pass the time. Almost a half hour passed before a meek servant exited the
house and motioned to Henryk, “Master says you are to accompany me to a dock
bar called The Gartenweg to deliver a message.” It wasn’t long
before the servant stood before Agnes’ Orphans and handed a
letter to Agnes. “Magirius requests our urgent presence at his house.” They
followed the servant who waved them thru the Adel Ring gate, past
the guards.
They climbed the porch, past the bodyguards, as the
servant led them into the house. They entered the study where they found the
desk chair overturned. There, crumpled under the desk, laid Magirius dead. His
throat cut. Blood pooled around him. But apparently, he had enough life to
scrawl a note in blood on the floor, “WHSE 17. Or is that a 13?” And that’s
when the servant boldly spoke, “You should have minded your own business.” They
turned to confront the man. Only then did they realize the meek servant was
Gideon. His reflection in a mirror betrayed his true visage… a pink horror!
They drew their weapons only to be interrupted by a loud
“Bang”. The servant disappeared, only to be heard outside yelling, “HELP! They
murdered my master!” They ran out the back as the guards entered and found the
death scene. Brandi tried to climb vines that broke away dumping him on his
rump. Henryk threw his grapple atop the tall perimeter wall to aid their climb
and escape. Agnes tried to bluff more arriving guards as she pointed in an
opposite direction, “They went that way!” But Gideon was there, “She’s one of
them!” Gary helped boost Brandi up the rope before climbing himself. Brandi
balanced atop the wall and fired his pistol when guards appeared. Most broke
and ran. [failed cool] “Fuck this. They don’t pay enough!”
Escape: Agnes’
Orphans found the closest manhole and climbed in. The grapplehook rope
bridged the last 8ft drop below the partial metal ladder. As Brandi piled trash
below the opening, Gary tried to pull the manhole cover closed but failed.
Thus, as they hurried along the sewer ledge, Brandi lit the pile to discourage
pursuit. Mallorhan navigated their way towards the docks, “Let’s find that
warehouse!” As they finally exited another manhole, Morrslieb seemed even
larger. And appeared to stare directly at them as if to call out to the city,
“They’re over here!” [corruption check]
Blame the Elf: Dock
workers filled the streets as they looked towards the line of warehouses, “This
one is numbered 29.” They proceeded quickly, “17 or 13; it should be the one
well-guarded.” But as they passed #20, they were surprised to see Mallorhan
exit with a torch in hand and a raging fire behind him! Mallorhan smiled…then
winked, as he momentarily shifted back into the likes of Gideon before resuming
the elf image to then yell out, “I set a fire!” And just as suddenly blinked out
of sight, leaving the true Mallorhan to face the approaching stevedores and
city guards. The elf did what came naturally… he ran. Brandi interceded on his
behalf by grabbing a bucket from the docks and handed it to the first stevedore
to arrive, “Bucket Brigade!” Thankfully other dockworkers joined in. Agnes’
Orphans slipped away to continue their search.
Warehouse 17 only had a single guard. A lantern shined
from inside to reveal stacks of beer labeled with Joseph’s stamp. #13 was
fronted with at least a dozen guards. Two more walked perimeter patrol. They
casually walked past to then slip back along the dockside to check a far window
once the perimeter guards passed that side. Shuttered. Henryk picked it open to
reveal interior bars blocking entry. They could see stacks of crates along the
back but more important was the circle of robed cultists near the front already
in a ritual around a circled pentagram. “Start a fire to disrupt the ritual!”
Disrupt the Ritual: Henryk
lit an arrow and aimed toward the far crates (missed) while Agnes splashed oil
on a near crate to then ignite it with her torch. And that’s when a perimeter
guard appeared, “Move along. No loitering.” Brandi and Mallorhan tried (and
failed) to “thump” him when he passed. Fortune Katja was able to muffle his
scream for alarm as Gary thrust his sword to permanently silence him.
But once again they heard the now all-too-familiar Gideon
voice from within, “We’re under attack along the dockside!” Guards rushed to
confront. Henryk and Agnes tried to start more fires but quickly realized
no-one cared. The cultists were transfixed on their ritual. Meanwhile their
allies dealt with overwhelming numbers. But Brandi’s pistol blast caused 2 to
break and run while Gary’s “Bessey” staggered 2 others.
And that is when Gideon cast…blue flames danced over
Henryk’s and Agnes’ flesh. Henryk dropped and rolled to put out his, but Agnes
failed to extinguish hers. Which required Henryk to lend aid. Meanwhile, the
others fought thru the wave of guards. The guards with numbers on their side
[bonus-outnumber], gave better than they received. A critical hit fortunately
clinked off Gary’s breastplate [quality/impenetrable: ignore odd-doubles
critical hit]. But another critical hit loosened Katja’s leg armor. They fought
on.
Gideon cast again…Henryk’s head throbbed but he fought
off the corrupting spell. The tide turned. His allies finally vanquished the
guards. Gary reloaded before they opened the doors to peer inside the
warehouse. They found most cultists crowded in fear at the doors. Only for a
second, before they suddenly melted onto the floor. Johannes stood focused
reading a scroll as he pulled a dagger across his palm to drop blood into the pentagram.
There, inside the circle, stood Gideon. Now fully
transformed into a pink horror. Laughing. Hideous laughter. Gary charged. His
swing harmlessly deflected [demon special ability on a d10 roll of 8 or more].
Mallorhan also charged but at Teugen. [critical] He splayed open the cult
leaders’ hand, severing ligaments. Brandiwyn stabbed the closest of the 2
remaining cult followers. He was startled when the man burst like a bag of
jelly. Agnes arrived in time to pray for her allies’ victory. Henryk stepped
inside to gain sightline to Teugen as he loosed an arrow. Johannes fell, leaving
Gideon alone. And grinning wide as the Tzeentch demon’s laughter rose in pitch.
Gideon centered another blue-fire spell on Henryk,
catching Brandi and Agnes in its range. Heroically, while on fire, Brandi
charged the demon. A solid hit. Before the fisherman dropped from burning flesh
(max damage from the magical flames). Gary was resolute from Brandi’s heroic
attack. He charged the demon with his own battle cry. The demon melted into a
puddle at the center of the pentagram. The puddle began to boil. “Get ready.
Blue horrors are next.”
Indeed, 2 blue horrors appeared. But more disturbing was
the giant eye that blinked from the pentagram itself. Behold, a greater demon!!
The eye scanned them as if measuring who disturbed him. It gazed upon the
lifeless body of Teugen, “I claim your soul.” Agnes’ Orphans
witnessed the ethereal image of Johannes’ pulled into the abyss created when
the eye blinked out of existence. The blue horrors were also sucked into the
void.
[Little did Henryk realize the sight of the greater demon
caused corruption over his threshold. In fact, Katja too exceeded her threshold
upon sighting the demon.]
Gary knelt over what remained of Teugen. A coin purse
included enough gold to satisfy their desired 5-gold reward each. But he also
handed Agnes a letter found inside the dead man’s vest. “Addressed to Etelka.
The other Nuln sorcerer student who wrote about the need to spill blood to
sanctify the temple. Johannes gloats how he has fooled his merchant followers.
Got them to create the new temple. Them unaware how he plans to submit their
souls to pay off his debt to Gideon. The letter incomplete and unsigned.”
Epilogue:
Henryk sighed, “Evidence of evil sorcery within the merchant guild but little
proof of who exactly to blame. No naming of Johannes or Steinhauger or the
others. Only Gideon who is not a citizen of Boganhafen.” Mallorhan expressed
more pressing matters, “Our names and descriptions float throughout the city.
Blamed for Friedrick’s death. And now a void amongst the city merchants. Surely,
we’ll be blamed for their absence. Agnes’ temple will not support her claims.
Henryk has little true evidence to present to his Sigmar temple. We are on our
own. And I say it’s time to exit the city.”
Brandi peered about the docks and noticed a few rowboats.
“I'd rather avoid walking the docks and chance recognition. Anyone care to put their ship-handling skills to use? Let's row to Joseph’s barge and raise anchor to get the hell out of town.”
Katja spoke up, “OK, but where will we go? And if the demon could shapeshift into Gideon or Mallorhan… who can we trust?!” Agnes picked up a hammer laying next to a slain guard and measured its weight and swing as she tired of being left to just praying. She mused to herself, “With the blessing of the Mother for Bretonnia's Temple of Shallya, I shall aspire to be a Warrior Priestess of Shallya. Confront evil with more than words!”
Next Session: https://rigglewwh.blogspot.com/2021/09/s3e1-enemy-withindeath-on-reik-training.htm
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