S5E16 tHR- Not So Ready on the Picket Line

From the Beginning: https://rigglewwh.blogspot.com/2021/06/s0e1-introductions.html

PCs: Sister Agnes (Duane), elf Mor (Bill), Cavalryman Gary (Matt), wizard Venegral (Tony)

ReCap: Finally killed that Skaven Assassin! After meeting with Baron Heinrich von Karzburdger, who gives his blessing, they continue onward and upward to the towering Brass Keep. At its base a few miles west… the picket line comprised of numerous tents to support 200 men strong and a walled palisade. Captained by Heinrich’s daughter, Emmiline.

Cossacks/Kislevites/Ungols: As they drove the wagon load of weapons higher into the mountain steppes, a lone horseman stepped from the thickets, “Greetings, I am horse-captain Tylik. You’ve been expected.” Ten other horsemen appeared and offered to care for the travelers’ horses. Gary was the first to ponder, “Horsemen? Up in the mountains?” Tylik explained, “Our Tsar and the Empire have an agreement for troop exchange. 6-month deployments. Thus, we go where we are sent. Come, let us lead you to the picket commander.” Along the way, Mor asked about explosions. “Picket work is boring; thus, the local dwarf entertains himself with his cannon toy. As for my men: we drink, play cards, ride, care for our horses.”

Upon reaching the walled picket, Tylik called to the palisade guard Helmut. His response: to hock a loggie at their feet, “So, these are the Graf spies we’ve been waiting for. A wizard who kills those in sleep, a cavalryman who murders college students, a priestess who burns her enemy at the stake. And an elf banished from his woodlands to seek asylum in the city. What a sorry lot. Is this your exile?” Energy sparked upon Venegral’s fingertips but he withheld display and chance to prove the guard’s words with substance. “If you can show us to the commander.”

Officer Barracks: Venegral complained to Priestess Hildegund Froiz about the poor manners of the troops outside, “Lack of respect implies lack of order and readiness.” Hilde turned to her sergeant, “Brantner, tend your troops.” He in turn slammed the door on his way out. Hilde apologized, “Otfried tries to lead by friendship rather than whip. I would have him replaced, but he has… friends in high places. But if I may ask, why such a skilled and diverse group just to escort a wagon of weapons?” Agnes answered, “We stopped at Hope Square to deliver bread, where I saw the statue of your goddess of war, Myrmidia. It is good to know they have local support. As for us, we are emissaries sent to inspect the Keep. We’ve uncovered plots that suggest the Brass Keep the focused center of evil intent.” Yet Hilde was concerned, “We worry about those straying too close to the Keep, returning with plague or pox. What precautions do you plan so you not infected nor return to infect the troops?”

Venegral read her body-language and knew she was delaying, “Shouldn’t we be talking with Commander Emmiline herself? Busy with paperwork? Isn’t that something her staff should be doing? Such as yourself?” Hilde looked uncomfortable but countered, “Who gives command from afar about business at the Keep? Is the Graf himself trying to flex his control? Or is it the baron who micromanages his daughter? Politics and Diplomacy have no business at the front line. WE are the ones who face the danger on a daily basis.” And that’s when they realized Emmiline was delaying as proof just who in command.

Commander Emmiline finally appeared with apologies and excuses, “Paperwork to order more black powder. Our dwarf cannoneer complains of poor-quality powder. He could blow his nose with greater force. Anyway, if I understand, you want permission to reconnoiter closer to the Keep? Is this a death wish?! What precautions will you take? Separate tent and cloaks? Then you must see our quartermaster, Willus Habicht. What concerns you at the Keep? Skaven? Children’s stories. Why should it concern us if beastmen choose to assault the Nurgle occupiers; let our enemies kill each other.”

Out and About the Fort: Hilde led them to the storehouse where they found Willus; his ink-stained face buried in his books. “Tents? Are we getting new troops? Swap out isn’t for another 2 months. Oh, for yourselves, if you come back from the Keep. You are correct in saying IF. Others who strayed too close don’t make it back. Their comrades kill them on sight.” Willus waited till Hilde distracted, “IF you prefer to discuss more, after dinner…”

And that’s when the dwarf Degni entered and poked his finger in Willus’ chest, “What about my powder? I see the wagons only had weapons. I keep telling you for months now, what we’ve been getting is poor quality. This more suitable to start fires than the powder I need for Astrid, my cannon. Gary interrupted, “You say it turned bad a couple of months ago? Did you change suppliers? Perhaps stolen and switched? We found Karzburdger stamped barrels down in Unterfraus in control of skaven. Perhaps those your intended supplies.” Venegral and Mor mentioned the explosions heard to the south, “Could that be skaven using your powder to tunnel thru the mountains?” Degni replied, “You mean those thunderclaps to the south? Those are not gun-powder echoes.”

Agnes returned to the barracks to aid in cooking. Gary walked the compound to inspect the palisades, that even from afar, looked in sad state. Up close: he found erosion near the river and another section collapsing due to sandy footing. He looked upon the idle troops and wondered why they not toiling to maintain the fort. They, in return, gave him the stink-eye as they muttered, “The butcher who kills students.”

Mor chose to inspect the stable where he encountered a squad of Ungols who challenged, “We hear elves famed for their archery. Care to compete?” Mor baulked at using his own bow which would require use of his dwindled supply of elf arrows. Instead, he took one of their shortbows and followed their lead, “Horseback it is.” The Ungols obviously skilled trick-riders as they twanged arrows sidesaddle, from under the horse’s belly, even behind their back. Mor was lucky to hit just sitting on the saddle. Laughter and backslaps, “Use your knees for firm platform and keep your rump off the saddle so you don’t bounce.” Better, but Mor wasn’t even close to their skills. They offered, “Then perhaps you’d fair better in a drinking contest.” Mor longed to see his ally Katja who didn’t accompany this trip.

Dinner: It was obvious alcohol not available at the table. Thus, the others surprised to see Mor slightly buzzed when he entered. Jealous. The commander and priestess announced Agnes’ cooking “Adequate.” Idle conversations till Gary rose and nonchalantly walked to the window. Then bolted for the door. The others now concerned, “What did you see?” 

Gary returned, “Two red dots that hovered at the window then rose straight up! Commander, have your men reported necromancers in the area? We ran afoul one months ago. Perhaps he followed us. There were books stolen from the Middenheim library: Tales of the Dead spoke about a zombie from the south passing advice. Vile and Darkness supposedly listed necromancers dating back a hundred years.” Hilde admitted, “Locals always mention necromancers within the lands.” The conversation unsettling, Emmiline changed subjects, “I’ve given it thought. I’ll allow your inspection, IF you can determine what happened to our powder.”

They entered the storehouse to confront Willus. “Come in. What is the news of the world? How is the baron? I long to return to his rule where at least HE values the toil of men. For a price, I could give you information about his daughter.” Idle chat before Agnes asked to see his ledgers stored in his office in the back. As she skimmed the books, she noticed one particular book whose inked lettering seemed to glow. She suspected Venegral’s spell pin-pointed the applicable entries. Indeed: nearly a year-long series of 10-gold each powder purchases but the latest entries showed 7-gold for the powder with a 3-gold taxation.

Venegral held out the asked for 6-gold bribe, “What is your blackmail on your commander? She and the priestess lovers? That is your excuse for skimming the books?! Willus scoffed, “Embezzlement? Just because I found a cheaper supplier through Sgt Brantner? He’s the one who offered the southern merchant, Gerwald. The sergeant drew up the contract. HE’S the one who listed taxation but told me to pocket it. He’s the one who spread all those rumors about you. Told his troops of your corrupt backgrounds. He’s…” Venegral caught him as he fell asleep per the cast spell. “I fear calling out the sergeant in front of his troops. Perhaps we should confront him alone with the commander.”

11pm: As they followed the boarded path between the buildings, they observed men on watch and those playing numbly-peg (throwing knives at each other’s feet). Yet once again, Gary saw a pair of red dots. And realized it a flying skull! He fast-shot and blew it to pieces.

[Their thoughts returned to those months ago at the Pritzstock Winery: death skulls (S4E2 Personal Agendas: https://rigglewwh.blogspot.com/2022/03/s4e2-power-behind-throne-personal.html)]

The palisade guards panicked, “We’re under attack!” The wizard calmed them, “At ease. Threats been eliminated.” Tylik appeared and stooped to pick up the pieces to Gary’s dismay, “I wouldn’t touch that. Necromancy.” Tylik dropped it and wiped his hands on his trousers. When Emmiline appeared, Venegral intercepted her, “My Lady, we need to talk. Privately.”

Inside the Officer Quarters, they showed their evidence and explained the missing gunpowder. And the concern of the sergeant’s troop. Vengral explained how Willus asleep, “Perhaps the sergeant and your quartermaster deserve a little rest & recuperation.” Emmiline offered, “Perhaps you could win favor with his troops by conveniently losing at dice.” Venegral countered, “And perhaps you could begin alcohol rations. That might get them off their arses to make repairs to your palisade.”

Next Morning: Sgt Brantner exited the Officer Barracks with a smile and headed to the stables. Soon, he left a dusty trail as he headed southwest. After waking Willus, Venegral warned, “What we discussed last night, I’d suggest keeping it to yourself. Mums the word.” Willus was confused: not playing along… he just didn’t remember. They met with Tylik and relayed the Commander’s instructions for alcohol rations. Tylik countered, “Our brew? Perhaps a contest in order to negotiate price.” 

Gary accepted the challenge, “Horse riding it is.” Soon the Ungols were patting him on his back. After tasting their brew, he suggested, “Something lacking. Not distilled correctly. Perhaps you should ask the dwarf for advice.” Tylik looked at Agnes, “Come, why not you join in? Challenge? Cook? Yah, we’ll drink to that.” At least Agnes didn’t get slobbering drunk like another female member of the group known to accomplish such time-to-time.

They turned their attention to other troops entering the temple. Surprised to see it recognized all religions. Surprise how Ulric AND Sigmarite followers actually mingled together peacefully. After introductions, they sat at tables to throw dice. As Luck would have it, Venegral pulled 4 queens while Gary held a natural straight. They wisely conceded loss as they laid their cards face down and quickly shuffled them. Soon cheers and backslapping sounded throughout the temple. As for the elf, Mor found other Ungols in the stable. Some of the same who bested him in archery. In return, he showed them his elven bow and even let them draw it. At least ATTEMPT to draw it.

Near noon when they all heard a thunderclap from the south. Realization reported explosions back in Gladbeck and Lindenheim not from this picket-line dwarf’s cannon. “If memory serves me, considering the angle from each location heard, I’d say it comes from the old dwarven hold of Karak Skygg.”

Next Day: Emmiline announced her intent to send Willus south for (wink, wink) “deserved recognition of his work. As for your investigation, although suicidal, I grant you permission. I’d suggest you walk as taking horses could be fatal for their health.” They barely gathered their gear, when an ear-splitting/haunting peal of a bell rang forth. Horses screamed in terror. Men pressed hands to their ears. Some even fell to their knees and slowly transformed… into rats! 

Skaven! Agnes’ Orphans also winched in pain as they fought off the fearful tolling they recognized. “A cursed Skaven Screaming Bell!” Soldiers on the ramparts (those not transforming) pointed towards the Brass Keep at the horde of skaven swarming from holes in the ground who now climbed towards the Keep.

Battle broke out within the fort as troop fought transformed troop. A band of such swarmed Agnes’ Orphans, two apiece thus outnumbered. Gary drew pistol and fast-shot. [Fast] Mor quickly drew his Wildwood Sword and swung at an attacker who dodged then fought back. One clanged his blade on Gary’s helmet while he blocked another’s blade. One threw sand in Agnes’ face while another swung at the priestess who managed to block. Venegral... cast his ethereal stairs to rise above the threat. Where he could cast unopposed: a blast shaped to protect his allies that weakened the foe. And magical darts that thinned their numbers. A pitched battle across the compound.

From his elevated position, Venegral saw the horde of skaven in their assault on the Keep. Heard their chittering. And ducked when he saw a corkscrew of lightning arch across the sky and hit the Keep. “Gary, throw up your eyepiece that I might discern its source!” He forgot he 50 ft above the others.

And once more the bell toll. And men transformed. “We need to silence that bell!” The wizard called down, “Rat-Ogres pull the bell positioned to the rear of the swarm. But I can also make out a white-furred skaven Grey-Seer sorcerer accompanying it.”

Agnes barely had time to hand out healing potions. She pulled out her religious artifact (piece of white cloth from Shallya’s robe) and prayed for strength and resolve before the coming battle. Tylik found them, “I’m trying to get the horses under control. Take this horn. Blow if I should send reinforcements.” And that’s when Venegral flew up and out towards the mountains. Perched on a ledge where he could view the boiling scene.

Next Session: https://rigglewwh.blogspot.com/2022/12/s5e17-thr-silence-of-bell.html