ArdFionn Lightfoot – a female Elven Outrider from
the
Galadaeg Shadowhelm – a male Elven Hunter from the
Gustav Brundle – a male human Tradesman (brewer) from the
Middenland
It's
hard to find a city or village in the Middlelands
that Gustav hasn't visited. He is obsessed. Obsessed with
traveling the lands in search of the best ingredients for his ale. The soon to be legendary "Brundle
Brew".
His
obsession began about 10 years ago. Gustav and his younger brother Thomas
worked up the courage to hop the fence at Old Man Covington's farm and sneak
off with a keg of his ale.
Surprisingly
he isn't a drunk. He loves ale. More than most things.
Yet it's not the inebriation he seeks, but the taste of a well crafted brew.
Over the past years he has spent his free time learning about brewing and using
his knowledge in herbs to assist in that endeavor. He loves making ale and he
loves sampling the ales of the villages and cities he frequents. His dream is
to brew the perfect pint.
In his
travels to seek out the knowledge he needs and the ingredients he'll use he has
spent many an hour in the dark pubs of the Middlelands.
There he savors sips of the regions ales. Making notes in his journal as the
hours fly by. In these hours he's learned an important thing about ale. The
best side dish to good ale is a good story. He loves listening to tipsy travelers
tell tales of their voyages. With each pint they get more and more exaggerated.
He'll join in the revelry usually, egging them on until the story has become so
outlandish that few are able to stop from laughing at its absurdity. A tall
tale and a pint of the Empire's finest. Food for the
Gods!
Konrad Feldstatler – a male human Squire from the
LogazNir of Rangenhof – a male Dwarven Pit Fighter
from the
Talabecland
Through The Drakwald
Untergard
In order to move things along,
I’m going to “red-line” some travel for your happy little band. You hit it off very well indeed, and decide
to head to Untergard, and then on to Middenheim. Your
able to book passage on a large river boat and travel down the Stir to the
River Reik in
Aubentag, the
21st of Pflugzeit, I.C. 2522
The Storm of Chaos – you all
grew up listening to stories of the Great War Against
Chaos. The tale of Magnus the Pious and
his victory over the armies of Chaos is well known. While there have been wars and threats in the
200 years since, there has been nothing on that scale. Until now. This year the Chaos Lord Archaon
invaded the Empire with five mighty armies.
They swept down from the Chaos Wastes, ranks filled with mutant
warriors, nightmarish monsters, and power-mad sorcerers. Flagellants and other prophets of doom
declared these the End Times. And as
these armies pillaged and burned their way through the
You’ve
heard endless stories over the past few months.
They say that Sigmar once again walked the
earth. They say an army of wolves
attacked the Kislevian city of
You can
only believe what is in front of your own eyes.
You are in the town of
You have been in Untergard for a day or so as rainstorms of utmost savagery lashed the Drakwald. You find two things when you awaken; the rainstorm has broken and there is a commotion in the nearby Ackerplatz.
Gustav's story is modified in that he was traveling to Untergard to visit a tavern famous for its local brew. Then
he was planning to head on to Middenheim....
Currently:
Gustav awakens to a throbbing
headache. Last nights drinking with the soldiers has left him wishing he had a
few less pints. As he collects his things thoughts of the recent carnage come
back to him. So much has happened over the last few days. The hordes of chaos
that washed over the land caught many by surprise. Sure there were the few who
had "predicted" it but they are normally chalked up as madmen
anyway.... This time they were right.
Gustav, with his gear packed
up heads out of the all but destroyed inn when he hears the commotion in the
nearby Ackerplatz. "Oh no..." he mutters.
"Now what..." he adds.
The noise of the commotion is
loud enough that he knows the others will hear it too,
he awaits the others outside the dilapidated building.
ArdFionn, moves to see what the commotion is, staying enough in
the shadows to avoid any attention. Finding a spot out of the way and yet close
enough to watch and here what is transpiring.
As Gustav leaves the inn, she
quietly in naught but a whisper say "Morn'in."
Galadaeg also keeps to the shadows, not wishing to draw too many
prying gazes.
LogazNir comes practically crashing out
of the inn, his huge axe held in both hands and an eager smile on his face.
"Someone say somethin' 'bout trouble?"
he calls out.
Gustav hefts his gear up onto his shoulder and looks to
the others for guidance.
His eyes
wide with anticipation. And uncertainty.....
He looks at the others in the
group and at their weapons. Then he looks down at his belt. Empty of
scabbard......
Konrad comes walking out to see the disturbance, doing his best to
look like he has the situation in control. Pulling his chain coif over his
head, he spies Gustav eyeing his weapons.
"This might be nothing at
all, but just in case..."
With that, Konrad
throws his demilance to the brewer.
"Just remember to stick
the pointy end in the thing trying to kill you."
Konrad,
knowing how difficult that simple advice can be to follow, pats the man on the
shoulder.
"If anything goes wrong
or the situation seems dangerous, stick with me. The enemies will most likely
concentrate on the dwarf with the big axe, anyway."
As the young squire speaks, he
tightens the strap on his battered shield. He then draws his sword, quickly
inspecting its edge. Satisfied, he follows after LogazNir.
LogazNir waddles ahead with pride, a combination believed to be
impossible for any of the other civilized races. The thick mud and wide puddles
pass unnoticed beneath his feet as he moves directly towards the commotion.
A
Sharp Report
As you enter the Ackerplatz, you see that most of the 75 survivors of Untergard have already gathered in the decrepit town square, and are muttering restlessly to one another. Many still nurse battle wounds; whilst others are clearly too old or too young to have taken part in the fighting. All are ragged and pale, and some are clearly pinched by hunger.
ArdFionn, Galadaeg, Gustav and Konrad overhear that someone named Watch Captain Schiller has an important announcement to make. They say he received a message from Count Boris Todbringer of Middenheim and he’s going to read it to the town.
Galadaeg, Gustav and Konrad also pick up the fact that the Count has sent a reward to Untergard in recognition of the town’s steadfastness during Archaon’s incursion, and that he has sent a caravan of food and supplies to help the town get back on its feet!
Gustav attracts the attention of another aficionado of the brew, who happens to have two pint bottles with him. He offers one to the brewer.
Everyone seems to give LogazNir a fairly wide berth.
The crowd is milling about. What would you like to do?
Galadaeg will move to the back of the crowd to be sure to clearly
hear the announcement. While he is waiting, he will survey the ruined bridge
and the town around it.
LogazNir will wait rather impatiently for Captain Schiller and
his announcement, stomping down on the mud underfoot every once in a while to
help occupy himself while he waits.
Gustav follows Konrad, also
interested to hear the news from Captain Schiller.
Konrad moves closer to LogazNir, enjoying
a bit of the space the dwarf creates in the crowd. He strains to hear Captain
Schiller speak but he occasionally checks to make sure Gustav is alright.
Gustav seems to be ok. He is distracted by the weapon
given to him by Konrad. He inspects it closely and
looks as if he's not sure what to do with it.
Schiller’s
Speech
Nothing seems out of the ordinary to Galadaeg, and even his attention is caught when a ripple runs through the crows as Captain Schiller appears. One of his watchmen sets up a box for him to stand on. He mounts it spryly for a man of his age. Though his uniform is torn and his armour dented, Captain Schiller still command the respect of the crowd. He only needs to motion once before the crowd quiets down.
“People of Untergard” he begins, “this is a glorious day. I have received a letter from Count Todbringer of Middenheim. The old wolf still lives and the city of
The crowd cheers and once again Schiller must motion for silence.
“Count Todbringers sends his thanks to al of Untergard
for the part we played in hampering the invaders. He said, and I quote, ‘the battle for the
When the cheers die down, Schiller continues. “To show his gratitude for our valour, the Counts has sent us a token of his appreciation.” The Captain reaches into a bag and pulls out a loaf of bread and a bottle of wine. “We are honoured to receive thirty loaves of bread and a dozen bottles of wine, straight from Middenheim.”
The crowd goes wild at the sight of the Count’s largesse, hungry eyes fixed on the fresh bread in the Captain’s hands. They begin to chant, “Long live the Count! Long live the Count!” Schiller holds bread and wine high in the air as the hardened survivors of Untergard shout themselves hoarse.
Suddenly there is a loud crack and the bottle shatters, showering Schiller and the bread with glass and wine.
Pandemonium erupts as the crowd scatters in panic.
ArdFionn notices that the shot came from across the bridge.
What do you do?
Galadaeg swiftly draws his bow, nocks an arrow, and begins
scanning the far side of the river for potential targets.
LogazNir rushes closer to the Captain, though he tries his best
not to look threatening to Schiller himself. He begins searching for where the
shot came from and any else out of the ordinary, turning a tight circle.
Anything out of the ordinary
besides himself and his companions, that is.
The shot startles Gustav as much as anyone. He ducks down
instinctively and spins around to see where it came from.
He looks down at the weapon in
his hand.
"No better time than the
present eh?" he laughs towards Konrad.
He grips the weapon tightly
and follows Konrad's lead.
Konrad spins around, trying to figure out the source of the shot.
With his blade drawn, Konrad turns to LogazNir.
"Where did it come from?
Where's the shooter?"
Panic rushes through him
instinctually, but his recent experiences and his training allow him to calm
down quickly. He looks back at Gustav.
"Master brewer, can you see where the shot came from?"
Now that Konrad
has calmed a bit from the initial shock, he looks in the distance for the
distinctive smoke of a firearm.
"No, didnt see it. But
shooting a bottle of wine is unnecessary!"
ArdFionn still in her original shadows begins quickly moving in
the direction of the bridge, and motions for the others. She ducks from one
shadow to the next. Her eyes scanning the far side of the
bridge for further signs of movement.
ArdFionn reckons that if the shot did come from across the bridge, it probably came from the ruined coaching station on the eastern side of the bridge.
Everyone notices several malformed humanoids running across the bridge, weapons in hand.
Mutant
Attack!
You see four hideous mutants coming across the bridge. One has tentacles instead of arms, the second has horns, the third has a pig-like snout, and the fourth has a third eye in the middle of his forehead. They are dressed in filthy rags and armed with clubs. As they get closer, you can see the hatred that burns in their eyes.
We are going into initiative.
Galadaeg, ArdFionn and Gustav are up first
ArdFionn will try to throw her net onto the creatures in an
attempt to slow them down and then draw her sword if possible.
Galadaeg will fire an arrow, reload, and fire again at the
closest mutant he has a clear shot on.
Galadaeg’s arrow slams into the body of the mutant with the horn and, as it turns out, thick fur as well (17 rolled). Luckily the arrow pierces right through its fur for 8 points of damage before TB. Galadaeg’s second attack will happen at the end of the round, if still possible.
ArdFionn takes out her net but waits as the mutants are still some 40 yards away.
Gustav holds the demilance out
in front of him and charges!
"AAAAAAAAHAHHHHHHHHHHHHH"
he yells as he runs towards the mutants!
Gustav runs a little more than halfway across the bridge.
The mutant with the horn (and the arrow) charges Gustav and swings his club into the brewer’s body, for 1 point of damage after reducing for armor and TB.
The remaining three mutants run across the bridge toward the ackerplatz. They are now roughly 14 yards away from the rest of the group.
LogazNir and Konrad may go and then Galadaeg’s second shot will go off.
Konrad tries to stop the brewer before he can charge.
"Gustav! Wait!"
The squire charges as well,
closing the distance as fast as possible and slicing at the mutant whom
attacked Gustav.
I'm likin' his style
LogazNir follows Gustav's unexpected example and
charges towards bridge, greataxe raised high. He
will, of course, cut down any mutants that stray into his path.
LogazNir charges into the mutant with three eyes, bringing his axe down on the enemy’s left arm (54 rolled) for 10 points of damage before TB. LogazNir’s target is lightly wounded.
Konrad can’t charge far enough to engage Gustav’s attacker, but can run up and attack next round.
Galadaeg’s second shot at close range misses (89 rolled).
Galadaeg, ArdFionn and Gustav may go. Two mutants are 14 yards away from Galadaeg and ArdFionn. One is engaged with LogazNir and one with Gustav and Konrad.
ArdFionn will advance and throw the net hoping to entangle one of
the creatures.
Galadaeg is going to fire one last arrow at the approaching foes
and then draw his blade.
Galadaeg’s arrow misses (92 rolled).
ArdFionn moves forward 6 yards and lets fly with her net, just entangling the mutant with tentacle-like arms (37 rolled – exactly what was needed to hit a running target!) The mutant dodges out of the way at he last second.
Gustav continues his charge and does his best to impale
the mutant on his borrowed demilance.
(continue
with charge attack if possible)
As Gustav is already engaged in melee with the mutant with the horn, the best he can manage is an all out attack. Unfortunately, Gustav misses (99 rolled).
That same mutant swings its club at Gustav and misses. It also tries to gore Konrad with its horn, and likewise misses.
The mutant with the tentacle-like arms charges ArdFionn and, tries wrapping its arm around her head gets her in a grapple, but ArdFionn gets out of the way just in time (ArdFionn rolled a 93 for her agility check, used a Fortune point and rolled a 20).
The pig-snouted mutant charges Galadaeg but misses with its club.
The three-eyed mutant makes an all out attack and slams its club into LogazNir’s arm for 1 point of damage after reducing for the dwarf’s leather jack and TB. (rolled 59 for Dodge Blow).
LogazNir, Konrad, Galdaeg, ArdFionn and Gustav may go.
Gustav realizing that his enthusiasm may have gotten him
into trouble makes a "guarded attack" this round.
Konrad feints high, then slashes with a
swift attack when he sees an opening.
"Spawn of Chaos be
gone!" shouts Galadaeg as he launches himself in
an all out assault on the foul mutant
LogazNir will return the blow in kind, making an All Out Attack
of his own against the ugly brute.
LogazNir slices the head of the three-eyed mutant completely off (20 rolled).
Konrad’s first attack misses (94 rolled), but the second (07 rolled) slams into the furry mutants body for 8 points of damage before TB. The horned mutant is heavily wounded.
Galadaeg’s attack misses (88 rolled).
As Guarded Attack is a full action and requires either an off-hand weapon or the Dodge Blow skill (neither of which Gustav has) the maneuver would do him no good. Rather, if Gustav wishes to attack at all, he would most likely wish to take a parrying stance along with a standard attack. Another option would be a Defensive Stance, but you may make no attacks using this option, and I don’t think that’s what you were going for.
Gustav thrusts mightily with the demilance, though it weighs heavier in his hands than a moment ago and smashes into the mutant’s left arm (25 rolled) (thanks to Konrad distracting the creature.) Had he been fighting the monster alone, Gustav realizes he would have missed! Gustav severs a major artery and, after a fraction of a second, the mutant collapses with blood pouring out of the ruins of its shoulder.
The pig-snouted mutant makes an all-out attack against Galadaeg but misses.
ArdFionn draws her sword and attempts to slash into the tentacle
creature that just tried to hug her head. " 'ey, get off. I don't take kindly to that be'avior on a first date. Least buy
a girl a drink first." She chuckles at her own joke as she fights off the
mutant.
ArdFionn’s sword slashes into the mutant’s left arm (15 rolled) for 13 points of damage (94 rolled to invoke Ulric’s Fury) before TB. The tentacle-armed mutant is heavily wounded.
The mutant makes an all-out attack against ArdFionn but she’s able to smash the tentacle away with her shield (29 rolled)
LogazNir, Konrad, Galdaeg, ArdFionn and Gustav may go.
As his opponent falls, thanks to Gustav, Konrad
spots the pig-snouted mutant giving Galadaeg some trouble. He will swift attack this mutant if
he can. If he cannot make both attacks, he will use an all-out-attack instead.
Konrad has no chance of reaching Galdaeg this round. He can either charge the tentacle mutant battling with ArdFionn or run to Galadaeg’s side and wait for next round to attack.
Furious that the mutant didn't fall, Galadaeg
will do another all out attack.
ArdFionn will slash again at the tentacled
mutant that she is engaged with. "See what 'appens
when your too forward, you get a spankin'. Now
apologize."
Getting worked up, LogazNir will make an All Out Attack if a mutant is close
enough, else make a charge attack.
LogazNir spins and charges the pig-snouted mutant attacking Galadaeg. The dwarf’s axe slices into the mutant’s right leg (28 rolled) for 10 points of damage before TB. The creature is still only lightly wounded.
Seeing that LogazNir is assisting Galadage, Konrad elects to charge the tentacle-armed mutant attacking ArdFionn, but misses (78 rolled)
Galadaeg’s sword slices into the pig-snouted mutant’s right arm for 4 points before TB. The small amount of damage that gets through is enough to heavily wound the mutant.
ArdFionn hacks the tentacle-armed mutant’s right leg off (09 rolled) with her longsword!
ArdFionn looks
up at Konrad in mock horror "I'm sorry Konrad! Did you want the next dance with 'im?" As she says this ArdFionn's
face just can't stay straight anymore and breaks out in a huge grin as she
begins laughing. She seems to be enjoying herself just a bit.
That leaves Gustav. The last mutant is engaged in melee with Galadage and LogazNir. Gustav would have to run to get there.
The pig-snouted mutant misses its all out attack against LogazNir.
Making some assumptions here:
LogazNir returns the favor and just misses (88 rolled).
Konrad moves into position (has to wait until next round to attack as there was no charge line)
Galadaeg’s all out attack just misses (78 rolled).
ArdFionn moves into position (has to wait until next round to attack as there was no charge line)
Gustav uses a parrying stance once more and attacks, but misses (88 rolled).
LogazNir and Konrad may go again.
Gustav hollers a "HUZZAH!!!!!" as the mutant he
felled hits the stone bridge.
His eyes light up with renewed
enthusiasm and he charges the next mutant!
Konrad, coming up on the mutant, moves to the right and unleashes a
pair of swift attacks on the mutant attacking ArdFionn.
Unlike the elf, his face is an expressionless mask deep in concentration.
That mutant was slain, but Konrad may attack the last mutant.
Before Konrad has a chance to attack, LogazNir brings his axe around and removes the mutant’s leg (48 rolled.)
After
the
Two individuals rush towards you. One is the grizzled Captain Schiller, in full mail, sword drawn. The other is an old woman, roughly 60 years of age. They both thank you for fighting off the attack. The woman introduces herself as Granny Moescher and asks to tend to your wounds. Captain Schiller assures you that Granny is an accomplished healer.
Tending first to ArdFionn, Granny is able to completely heal the elf’s wounds. Next, LogazNir is completely healed. Granny tries to heal Gustav, but fails. Apologizing, she lets him know he’ll be fine come morning.
Captain Schiller informs you that he’s going to hang the heads of the slain Mutants on the town gate, as a warning to others.
Several people begin to gather around Captain Schiller and a general hue and cry begins to arise. You hear the following claims –
“It must have had a Hochland Long rifle – nothing else could have shot that far.”
“Maybe the place is infested with snipers.”
“Some of those Mutants looked damn familiar.”
“We’ll all be murdered in our beds!”
In the midst of all this, a breathless Watchman runs up to the Captain. He reports that a strong attack was launched on the main gates during the confusion. Luckily the men on guard duty had not abandoned their posts during the bridge attack, so the gates remain secure, though several Watchmen were killed. It seems the fight on the bridge was just a diversion.
The
Woodsman’s Tale
While all this is going on there is a sudden shout from the direction of the gate. Fearing another attack, several of the townsfolk snatch up their weapons and look around, but it turns out to be Hans Baumer returning from the forest. He is followed by a ragtag band of people, with fear in their eyes and their few possessions on their backs.
"Me thanks Granny, feels good to be in one piece
again." Looking to her companions as the new commotion draws the attention
of the crowd "Looks like the rest of our lil'
trip may 'ave to be postponed. I'm bettin' they could use a 'and with their lil' mutant problem. Plus I would ne'er mind finding that
little toy they had that shot the bottle."
ArdFionn
says this all like it's just another day in the forest,
she still seems to be in a good mood despite the attack. In fact it's the best
mood anyone has seen her in since the death of her horse.
Gustav seems worried about his wound. Like it’s going to
rot his arm off.
He mills about a bit trying to
get the hang of the demilance while the others talk
to the Captain and "Granny".
As he does so he spots a small
child of maybe 8 years practicing with a shortsword.
The child is quite awkward with the weapon and Gustav approaches him.
They converse for a moment and
come to the conclusion that the weapon would be best put to use in Gustav's
hands. He pats the boy on the head and sends him running back to his mother.
Before the commotion from the front gates diverts their attention you hear the
boy telling him that he gave his sword to a great warrior!
"If staying here will allow us to rid the world of
more such as these, then it wouldn't be a bad thing to spend some more time
here. However, if I can't find a place to fill my quiver soon, they may do more
harm than Granny Moescher can deal with."
Konrad takes his demilance back, seeing
that Gustav has found a more suitable weapon.
"Nice work, Gustav. That
arm will heal alright. Just needs time, is all. Having a healer around should
prevent and festering and the like.
Konrad
wipes his blade off and sheathes it.
"You have any of your brew on you? I could use a drink."
The squire seems a bit more
relaxed and comfortable than he was before the fight.
The dwarf, too, seems to be in good spirits. Exercise
seems to do that to the dwarf, and nothing substitutes the chopping-off of
limbs when it comes to exercise.
Hans Baumer is a tall, bearded man in his thirties; a two-handed axe across his back.
Captain Schiller and Granny Moescher go to meet Hans, along with many of the townsfolk. Everyone wants to know where he’s been.
Hans says, “I’ve been scouting the surrounding countryside and picking up stragglers. These folks with me” – he motions to the refugees he’s brought to Untergard – “are survivors I found wandering in the woods. They come from villages all over Middenland.
“As I was bringing them back, I found fresh Beastmen tracks south of here. It looks like a warherd over 200 strong is headed toward Untergard. I rushed back here to warn you.
I will of course defer to Captain Schiller but it is my feeling that we should leave Untergard before the Beastmen arrive. I don’t know if we could withstand them and there is no help to be had in time. I visited Grimmenhagen six days ago and it’s a wreck. We can’t expect help from there. What else is new, eh? I must also report that while Grimmenhagen was sacked, Graf Elster Sternhauer survived by hiding out in his keep.”
At the mention of the Graf, many in the crowd boo. Even kindly Granny Moescher has a scowl cross her face.
A furious debate begins. Hans Baumer leads the faction that wants to leave the town and find safety elsewhere. A priest wearing a holy symbol of Sigmar, and addressed as Father Dietrich, leads those who want to stay and fight.
You may voice your opinion if you wish.
Gustav looks at Konrad
"Aye a tall frosty one
sure would hit the spot right now eh? Next time we get the chance its on me!"
After Hans speaks and the
arguing breaks out....
"200 Beastemen
doesn't sound like a fight that will be one by this town. Untergard
was a fine place in its day..."
He looks around...
"But that day is
gone."
"My blood boils at the thought of foul beastmen marauding across the land unchallenged, and if I
were to give heed to my heart, I would stay and fight it out. But the safety of
the villagers is paramount, we must take them to safety and then we can strike
back without worrying about the safety of all these innocent people. We may also
be able to find some reinforcements, as a 200 strong beastherd
is a tall order for such a small group of warriors." states Galadaeg as he begins pacing back and forth.
ArdFionn who had until recently been most silent, watching the
back and forth. ArdFionn speaks up loud and clear
above the din, as she speaks she moves through the crowd toward Father Dietrich
until she reaches a position just behind and to the side of him. "Safety
is only safe if someone is keepin' it that way. If they aren't stopped 'ere they'll just be pressin'
on to the next place and the next. Where we gonna
say the line must be drawn? You all think the beasts will stop 'ere cause you
left them such a perdy town to occupy? No! They'll
keep coming like a plague, overrunnin' one town after
another after another. Where will you 'ide then? 'ow many years of your lives will
you all spend cowering in fear, 'ow many of your
children's years will you 'ave them being afraid? I
don't live 'ere and I'd rather stand and fight for a town that isn't my own,
and do what I must to keep them beasties from gainin'
any more ground. They've already too much ground, and I think it's damn well
time we showed them that we will not cower, we will not run and hide, but that
we WILL fight to protect all that we hold dear."
ArdFionn
falls silent again a fire blazing in her eyes that none have seen before. For
someone who usually keeps to the shadows and stays silent to avoid the stares
and gazes of others, you have to wonder what has caused her to address an entire
city with such passion.
"Either way, let's be crushin'
some skulls. Two beastmen, two hundred beastmen, they still be the same pathetic an' retched
monsters. 'Tis a shame we don't got more warriors to
offer this glory to! Every half-wit within leagues will be kickin'
himself over not fightin' there at the glorious
battle o' Untergard. Nay- the
glorious victory o' Untergard."
Captain Schiller steps forward. “I have listened to both sides of the argument,” he begins, “and now, as Untergard’s rightful leader, I must make a decision. As much as it pains me to say, I agree with Hans that we cannot hope to stand against so many Beastmen. At first light tomorrow, we’ll head north to Middenheim. We know Count Todbringer is there and within the city’s walls we can find safety. And with the Count’s aid, we will return here and finish rebuilding our homes. Untergard will rise again!
Now, let us enjoy the Count’s bounty and then prepare to depart. There is much to do before sunrise.”
Your group has a choice to make. Stay with the people of Untergard or strike out on your own.
"The people of this town will be safe, then we
should attempt to get any needed supplies and we can try and end this
threat."
Gustav speaks. Thin frame and scraggly blonde hair don’t
help in his command of attention.
"Excuse me sir, I know I
am the least experienced in the ways of fighting evil, but did you just refer
to a herd of 200 beastmen as a threat? My good man, that is what I call suicide!"
"I would not counsel that we should ride out to meet
them head on, nor would I advise that we should kill them one at a time. Most
importantly however, I do not say that it should be just the five of us. You
are correct, for just the 5 of us, armed as we are it would be extremely
hazardous to confront this beastherd, however, We may be able to get some supplies from the villagers, and
this close to Drakwald there will be at least 2 Elven clans within a days hard march. I do not think the
odds will be as bad as you fear."
Hans speaks up. “The supplies need to go with us I am afraid. You should too. And those elves? They followed the fight with the Chaos Lord. There is nobody nearby to render aid.”
"Hrmph!" Snorts the dwarf.
"If'n
these folks share their foods with us 'til they get to Midden-whatsit,
we could travel with them 'til their safe, then be returnin' all fresh-like to chop up those beasties... It
sure ain't as good as standin'
and fightin' like grown dwarves, but if'n they don't see reason, we might as well be makin' sure they don't get themselfs'
killed."
The dwarf seems torn between
all out carnage and sending a group of armed peasants to possible harm.
Granny
Moescher comes to
you and asks for your aid. You have all
proven your worth to the townsfolk during the fight at the bridge. Gustav knows that the
Galadaeg is unable to find any arrows available in town.
Konrad looks at the refugees.
"If we retreat, we can
concentrate our numbers, keep from being picked apart. Right now, our numbers
are scattered across the land and easy to devour. On the other hand, every foot
of territory we give away will be that much harder to take back later. If these
people choose to leave, I want to make sure they are safe until they get there.
If I attack some beastmen or mutants now, I may kill
some. But if I can keep that same number of people alive, I'd choose that
route."
"Gathering with others to improve one's position is
not cowardice my good man." Gustav says to Galadaeg.
"I agree with Konrad, if
the choice before us is to take on this herd alone or to save the people, I
vote to save the people." Galadaeg continues in
a low voice full of sorrow and remembered pain,
"Master Brewer, the last
person to call me a coward was last seen fleeing from a band of 57 marauders
who all had mutilated themselves with the various marks of Chaos. Afterward,
when I finished burying my cousin and my sister, those who remained in my clan
found his body, where he ran into the marauder's pincer attack. But of that
event, I will speak no more. I would advise you to watch your words in the
future. I have not counseled cowardice but rather prudence and I have tried to
keep in mind the necessity of the preservation of life than the needless
feeding of death. I am leaving with the villagers to safeguard them as much as
I may on their journey, there are many things that need to be prepared for the
trip." with that, the tall elf turns and makes his way to the nearest
family of villagers who are preparing to leave the village.
Gustav stands with a blank look on his face as Galadaeg walks away.
"Uhhh,
I simply meant... I meant no...." he stops...
"Hmph..."
he finishes.
Turning to Konrad,
"He's a bit touchy eh?"
ArdFionn scowls, muttering just barely loud enough to be heard
"And what exactly does 'e think these people are
'eading into. Beastmen are
not stupid, they know 'ow to trap their prey."
With that she turns on her heel,
still scowling, and disappears into the crowd.
Konrad watches ArdFionn go, then turns
back to Gustav. He spokes in hushed tones.
"These elves always think
they know what's best for us. Hit-and-run tactics may work for them, but that
is not the Imperial way. We're probably best served by getting these people
behind a stone wall. Let the enemy crash upon us and we will grind their
numbers down. Then, when they are weakened and demoralized, we emerge from our
shelter and ride them down. That is the way. We should hasten to the walls of Middenheim and look to our defense."
"Agreed."
Marktag, the
22nd of Pflugzeit, I.C. 2522
Through the
The next day the people of Untergard gather up what belongings they can carry and their families and head out. The train consists of three ox carts (one of which has Granny and her orphans) and around 85 people on foot, some carrying bundles and others wheeling barrows piled with all their worldly goods.
Captain Schiller sets up a rough marching order, with one-third of the surviving town guard in front, one-third as a rearguard and the rest spread out as flankers on either side. Hans Baumer is to scout ahead in the forest.
You may take whatever positions you wish.
Does anyone want to make special arrangements before or during travel?
ArdFionn shows up just as the band is moving out, and moves into
an area by the rear flank. She does not smile or speak to anyone, but moves a
bit away from the crowd and slinks into a nearby shadow, her face
expressionless.
Gustav sticks near Konrad, PRacticing with his shortsword
when he can. Taking notes in his notebook as well.....
Galadaeg hovers near the front, occasionally scouting ahead. If
any of the townsfolk encounter difficulties he will stop to help get them
moving again before rejoining the scouts.
LogazNir too is marching at the front, wishing to be the first to
"march into glory." Assuming, of course, that glory
will be so kind as to attack the caravan head-on.
There is no direct road to Middenheim so the caravan must take a somewhat roundabout route through Grimmenhagen and Immelscheld. No one will even consider going straight through the Drakwald to Middenheim. That would be suicide.
You are informed that the journey to Middenheim should take six days (the refugees as a whole move slowly and make camp at night. The caravan is lacking in food supplies, so rations will be light.
Bakertag, the
23rd of Pflugzeit, I.C. 2522
Grimmenhagen
The first day and night of the march are uneventful. Progress is slow, with carts and children to deal with, not to mention the lack of sufficient food. Halfway through the second day you approach Grimmenhagen. Without a word Hans leads the column around the ruins of the town. You’ve heard enough from the townsfolk to know the reason for this. The people of Untergard are not welcome in Grimmenhagen and will find no solace there.
All of your group except Konrad notice that from a distance, Grimmenhagen looks like it’s in even worse shape than Untergard.
"Wow.... The Chaos hordes had their way with this
town too.... I've not partaken of the ales of Grimmenhagen.
How about you Konrad?"
Since food appears to be so scarce and the journey so
long, Galadaeg will stop scouting, and instead use
his outdoor survival skill to try and provide what food he can. He will also
set his 2 animal traps at night to try and snare some game.
Galdaeg manages to trap a small animal the first night. The refugees are extremely grateful for his efforts.
Konrad peers at the town in the distance. He has taken a position
to the rear of the refugees and he cannot see the town clearly.
"Really?
I didn't think it looked so bad from here. It is foolish for them to stay here
alone. They would be better off taking what supplies they have and fleeing to Middenheim, as well. As for the ale, I can't say. Until I
met you, I never really considered where the ale came from."
Konrad,
who is walking his horse up to this point, climbs onto the back of Gorgon.
"I'm going to ride up to
the front and see what we're planning to do at this point in our journey. I'll
be back in a few minutes."
"Oh! Where an ale comes
from has everything to do with it. The ingredients too.
Look at the hops for example. How long they've been roasted attributes to the
taste and color of the body. And the quality of the water of
course. Ale from the Reik will taste different
than ale from the river Teufal, or Talabec. Then of course there is the roasting method. Long roasting, short roasting, slow roasting, fast roasting.
This all factors into wether the final aroma is
bitter, sweet, delicate, or forceful."
This goes on for a few
minutes.
Then Gustav notices that Konrad is gone.
"Hmmm.....
Interesting...." he says to himself. burying his
head back in his notes as he walks....
Captain Schiller’s plan is to march around Grimmenhagen. No one from Untergard will go there, but neither will they stop you. Of course, neither will they stop moving. But you reckon you could easily go to Grimmenhagen if you wished, and make it back within a few hours and still be able to catch the caravan easily.
ArdFionn keeps to herself through much of the travel, and looks
for berries and edible leaves and plants as travel progresses. As they approach
Grimmenhagen, ArdFionn
shakes her head and mutters something to herself as
she goes back to looking for food.
If he wasn't expecting a fight at every bend in the
trail, LogazNir would likely have fallen sullenly
into boredom. Still, he is sure that danger and glory are only moments away!
Gustav keeps practicing with his sword. When he's not
walking and reading his notes....
Pleased with his earlier results, Galadaeg
will continue to forage for food.
Gustav feels no reason to go to Grimmenhagen
and stays with the group.
Galadaeg is continuing to provide food and also stays with the
group.
After relaying the message, Konrad
turns to Gustav.
"I'm thinking of riding
to Grimmerhagen. Maybe see if anyone can be convinced
to come with us. See if there is any information on that missing knight of
mine, as well. You interested?"
ArdFionn had had disappeared into the foliage along the far edge
of the caravan, moves up behind Konrad and Gustav.
"If'in you are 'eadin'
to the city, you might want to see if they 'ave any
provisions you can buy, some more food and water would be a welcome site to all
I think." ArdFionn pauses for a moment, "In
fact, I'll join you, but don't be expectin' me to
encourage people to join us. You know where I stand on that issue. But while
your doin' what you must I can gather food, fill waterskins and see about some of the basics."
Seeing the small meeting he doesn't seem to have been
invited too, LogazNir waddles over to the group and
likewise agrees to meet with the folk of Grimmerhagen
on account of their being a "braver breed of men," and "not
afraid of some piddling group of beasts."
"I suppose I could possibly find some arrows in this
village. I will accompany you also, if there are no objections."
Konrad nods.
"The more, the better, I
say. And...I'm sorry if some of you disagree with the way
we're going. I think it's the wisest move, but these people would be moving on
with or without us, so I'm glad we're accompanying them. Once we get them to
safety, I'm all for taking a more offensive stance."
The squire turns his horse
back to the town.
"Shall we?"
Before leaving, Konrad learns the reason for Untergard’s hatred toward Grimmenhagen. The people of Untergard founded their town after fleeing the unjust taxation of the current Graf’s grandfather some 100 years ago. The Sternhauer family has borne a grudge against Untergard ever since and, as is clear from the vitriol of the townsfolk, the feeling is mutual.
Arriving in Grimmenhagen you find that the town is indeed ruined and people are rebuilding. Making some general inquiries, ArdFionn, Gustav and LogazNir learn that Graf Sternhauer is not in Grimmenhagen. He remains in his keep which is several miles away.
ArdFionn and LogazNir also learn that the Graf’s senior Bailiff, Gunter, has been representing the noble during the rebuilding effort. The first time he returned to the ruins he actually tried to collect taxes, but thought better of it when he saw the reaction of the survivors.
LogazNir looks
to ArdFionn at the mention of Sternhauer
and his Baliff and grinds the ground with his foot.
"This noble Sternhauer don't seem to know the meanin'
of honor. When others be given supplies an' whatnot in
times o' need, his subjects are taxed. When this all ends, we should be payin' the Graf a visit."
((I am assuming Graf is a
title, not the man's first name. Is this so?))
Konrad nods grimly as LogazNir speaks.
"It's a disgrace, is what
it is. These people have the tenacity to attempt to rebuild after all that has
happened to them, and the Graf has the idea to kick them when they're down. We
should speak to someone in town these people respect; a community leader of
some sort. Warn them of the threat coming their way. Maybe, if they do choose
to stay, we can return to aid them once we get the Untergardians
to safety."
Correct, Graf is a title, equivalent to a count or earl.
Everyone you ask directs you to Gunter. The man is quite haggard, but listens to your warning seriously and promises to send out scouts to assess the threat. Unless you have anything else you’d like to say, he tells you he is obviously very busy, thanks you, and bids you farewell.
ArdFionn stay
silent through most of the visit to the city. While the others talk, she helps
townspeople where she can and listens to their woes. With the mention of the
nobles and their taxes her nose crinkles slightly as if she caught sent of
something foul.
The villagers she helps she
inquires of here and there about the surrounding wilderness, the availability
of water for her skin and of any shops that may still have goods to spare.
Gustav
keeps to himself while in Grimminhagen. He appears a
bit taken back by the sights of the ruined town.
Water is not a problem. Let me know what, specifically, you’re looking for.
Galadaeg is
looking for arrows...
Galadaeg is unable to find anyone with arrows to spare or sell.
(Poor Galadeag, he'll never find arrows. )
ArdFionn is
looking for spare food or rations that she can buy.
Konrad climbs back on
his horse after getting the rations that can be spared. He sighs and looks over
at the others.
"I guess we're done
here...for now. I feel kind of guilty. These people are out here alone and
looking to fight. And they're outmatched and we know it. We should...I don't
know..."
"We
do what we said we would do. We said we would escort the people to safety, so thats what we be doin'. Despite any feelings we 'ave to the contrary. Then we be free to do as we
will, be it stay and 'ide wit' them or come back and
'elp these brave folks in defendin'
their 'omes and their lives. And maybe if we be
lucky, we get to take a few of the beasties out along the way."
ArdFionn
speaks without looking at anyone, her eyes fixed on the distance, and it is
rather obvious that this she says this not only to answer Konrad's
question, but to herself as well.
ArdFionn is unable to find any food.
You make it back to the caravan with relative ease.
Ghosts in the
The rest of the second day passes without incident and the caravan makes camp in a clearing by the side of the road. Guards are set up as normal. ArdFionn and Galadaeg have been unsuccessful in their foraging attempts this day. I assume Galadaeg sets his traps.
A little after dusk several of Granny’s orphans wander through the camp. They are crying and wailing. “Granny, Granny, where are you, Granny?” A quick scan of the camp does not turn her up.
Captain Schiller frowns, “
ArdFionn will
begin asking around to see where and when Granny was last seen. After gathering
any information she will gather the others and set out to locate the missing
woman.
When ArdFionn gets back, Galadaeg will
use his Follow Trail skill to try and locate Granny.
"Do
you have any idea where she went? Is there any clues?" Gustav asks.
"Tracks?
Beastmen?" he asks, a little more nervously...
Konrad starts donning
his mail, which he had removed for the night.
"We need to locate her.
If we don't find any tracks, we should start encircling the camp in
increasingly larger circles until we find something."
Konrad
goes to see his companions and to make sure they are all there to help with the
search.
Based on what ArdFionn learns, both she and Galadaeg start searching for her tracks but find nothing. Suddenly, Hans Baumer yells, “Over here!” He points out some broken brush and stirred leaves that indicate where someone went off into the woods.
It takes no more than 10 minutes to follow the trail and find Granny. You are relieved to see her in a forest clearing with some freshly dug herbs in her hand. She is staring in surprise at three cloaked Elves with drawn bows. The Elf leader says, “Explain yourself, witch, or my arrow flies true.”
Granny protests her innocence, saying she was only gathering some healing herbs for the people of Untergard. The Elves seem convinced that only a witch in service to Dark Powers would be out in the Drakwald alone at night. “Ahh, and now I see that you are not alone. Stand your ground and stay your hands, lest you wish to fall here this night!” he says to your group. “Do you serve this witch?”
ArdFionn takes
a step forward and sheathes her sword to try to reason with her elven kinsmen. "I serve no one. But she be not a
witch, she speaks truth. She is the 'ealer to the
people of Untergard. We be guidin' the people of Untergard
to safety in Middenheim, as there is a warherd of more then 200 approaching their already ravaged
city. Their numbers be few enough already, as be ours,
let us not spill more blood when the true enemy is so close."
Konrad steps forward as
well, his sword sheathed but his hand resting on his belt.
"It's true. There is a
horde of enemies almost at our heels. Beastmen, it
would seem. Why not stalk them and leave an old woman alone so she may find
what she needs to help our wounded."
Gustav
looks to Konrad, noods in
approval of the woman's choice of speech.
"Well said." he
whispers.
"Crazy old woman is gonna get us killed."
He waits as the scene unfolds.
Unsure of his plan to fight or run.....
"I
am Galadaeg of the Shadowhelm
clan, you know my kin are lovers of the truth so hear
me now. This woman is indeed the healer of a small village near here. The town
will becoming under attack by beastmen
even as my friends have told you. I beg you to send warning to those of your
kin still in the area to deal with the problem as you see fit. We also passed
the
The Elf leader lowers his bow,and the others follow suit, but he looks alarmed. “I am Gimlir. Well met Galadaeg, and you who did not share your name. I have been leading members of my Kithband in hit and run attacks against the invaders for many weeks. Now we are encountering smaller bands and straggler mostly. We thought the woman to be one of the latter. But now, I must ask to take leave of you immediately. This news about Beatsmen is fell, indeed, and must be attended to. We have many to warn.”
The Elves disappear into the trees almost instantly and you are left with a grateful Granny to escort back to camp. “I really just needed herbs for my medicines,” she offers apologetically.
"Come
now time for worry over that is past, lets get you back to your lil' ones."
Everyone is extremely relieved to have Granny back with them. They fuss over her and she shushes them just like you’d expect a Granny to do. There is no more excitement that night. In the morning, Galadaeg’s traps are, unfortunately, empty.
Bezahltag, the
24th of Pflugzeit, I.C. 2522
The Crossroads
The next morning passes without incident. The forest is dark and oppressive, but quiet, like a calm before a storm. Mid-afternoon the scouts return to the caravan with grim tidings. At a crossroad up ahead there is the remains of an ambush and the road is choked with bodies. The corpses and wreckage will have to be cleared before the caravan can continue on its way.
Captain Schiller orders a rest break while the obstruction is cleared. A dozen able-bodied men are sent up ahead with several Watchmen and your group. Father Dietrich comes to bless the slain and Granny Moescher comes in case there are any survivors.
Does anybody refuse to go or do anything special during the detail?
Gustav
goes along with the men to help.
Galadaeg is
going to pay extra attention to the tracks to see who laid this ambush.
LogazNir will
stay with the caravan proper, and keep an eye on Granny, lest she cause another
scare through the group.
"Sounds like the fightin' be done already, so there ain't
much work fer me to be doin'
there. I'm goin' to watch the folks here an' the old
woman too."
ArdFionn is
going to scout around the outskirts of the camp, keeping an eye out for any
signs of another ambush.
Galadaeg, Gustav and Konrad are thanked for their help. The people who stay back eye ArdFionn and LogazNir with a mixture of distrust and scorn. You hear mumble of “shirkers” and “not followin’ the Captain’s directions.”
On the road ahead there are two wrecked wagons and fifteen mutilated corpses. There are no survivors.
The sight causes Galadeag and Konrad to each earn an insanity point.
The three discover the following:
All the corpses are adults, with nine men and six women. Although bloody and torn, the clothing of two of the men and two of the women was once of excellent quality.
One of the wagons has an emblem painted on it. It looks like a set of scales, with scrollwork underneath that Gustav knows says “Delberz.” Gustav recognizes the symbol as common for Merchant’s Guilds. The brewer also knows that Delberz is a trading hub to the west, on the River Delb.
Most of the travelers died of arrow wounds. Crude, black-fletched arrows stud the corpses.
In the course of cleaning up the debris, Galadeag turns up one dented but useable shield and Gustav finds a quiver with 10 crossbow bolts. Just let me know who is keeping what.
Konrad dismounts and
investigates the scene of the crime. He prepares to help clear the debris and
bodies, when he realizes he would have to take his mail off to perform the
labor. Deciding against it, he mounts Gorgon and ride a tight circle around the
refugee camp, checking for any trouble.
Galadaeg will
keep the shield (and silently curse the fact that those weren't regular
arrows...) and move to assist the workmen clearing away debris of the wagons.
When
Gustav finds the bolts he rushes to Galadeag and
gives him the bolts. A big smile on his face.
(Yes, I know they aren’t
arrows.... But Gustav doesn't)
After
that he keeps pretty much to himself, a bit taken back by the scene......
LogazNir laughs
to himself at some of the comments, knowing that the peoples' fickle mood will
change the moment he is forced to defend them from real threats. He
continues to keep an eye out from the caravan's position.
A Grim Reminder
After clearing the site you notice that the main road is well used, but the other fork in the crossroads is a narrow track that is wild and overgrown. A raven is perched upon a faded sign that points up the road. Granny Moescher nods at the bird and then stops dead in her tracks. She reads the sign several times, and begins to speak, as much to herself as to anyone else. “Fahndorf…..My family came from there.” She looks to the ground and shakes her head. “My father died there.”
Gustav
continues to wander the site. Keeping quiet. And not
touching anything.....
ArdFionn
continues to keep to herself, scouting ahead for signs of trouble and looking
for more berries and roots. She seems to have distanced herself even more from
the humans and seems to now eye them all with the same distrust they have
recently begun eyeing her with.
LogazNir
continues to watch the caravan itself, and spends less time searching for
external threats.
Galadaeg keeps
sweeping around in wider and wider circles around the ambush site searching for
information, possible survivors, or anything else of interest.
Dietrich’s Fate
As the labourers pull the corpses to the side of the road, Father Dietrich blesses each one. Without earning, you hear the Priest shout out in alarm and then he disappears from view. Galadaeg, Gustav and Konrad each heard a loud thump and a cry of pain.
Gustav
rushes over to where the Priest was. His sword drawn!
Galadaeg runs
to the sound, one of the crossbow bolts held as a shiv.
When
Gustav gets to where the Priest was a moment ago he takes cover behind anything
suitable.
Should LogazNir notice the commotion he will quickly waddle over
to the others.
As this is happening at the ambush
site, neither ArdFionn nor Logaznir
are aware of it. Gustav takes cover
behind a large fallen log. Galadaeg notices many small holes in the ground behind the
log, as of arrows stuck in the ground.
Just beyond that is a pit. The
priest is in it. Several wooden stakes
pierce through Father Dietrich and blood slowly fills the bottom of the
pit. Miraculously he still lives. He looks up at you and salutes you with a
bloody fist. “I die with a relic of
Blessed Sigmar clenched in my hand. For that at least, I can be thankful. But do not leave this holy icon in this
wretched place. Take it from here and
deliver it to the
Gustav's
eyes dart all around looking for enemies.
"May
Sigmar welcome you with welcome arms, Father. I swear I will see that your relic makes its way to Middenheim. Go to your well deserved rest in peace." says
Galadaeg solemnly. After Father Dietrich passes away,
Galadaeg reaches down and retrieves the relic (using
his bow or an arrow if needed to reach the relic) stowing it in a safe place on
his person.
Gustav
comes out from his place of cover. He looks with interest at what Galadaeg is doing...
The icon Galadaeg accepts from the priest is a small relic, about four inches square, encased in gold and iron.
The ambush area has been cleared and the labourers have filled in the pit, making it Father Dietrich’s grave. You may rejoin the main caravan.
Does anybody want to do anything in particular?
Konrad dismounts to aid
with the burial, offering his prayers to the dead. Afterwards, he looks to
Gustav.
"It's a shame. We've made
all our efforts to save these people, yet they still die. Or get lost in the
woods. What can we do?"
Gustav
shakes his head in sadness.
As he gathers himself he looks
around for Granny. Making sure she isn't lost again.
Galadaeg is
content to simply resume the march to Middenheim.
Full Circle
When the road is clear and the bodies taken care of, the caravan is at last able to move on. By the evening you make it to Immelscheld, another town that was sacked during the Storm of Chaos. Captain Schiller has the caravan make camp outside the ruins and sets guards as usual. Everyone seems relieved the caravan did not meet the fate of the travelers from Delberz.
Captain Schiller sends some men into the ruins to look for supplies. Your group may do as they wish. What are your plans?
Galadaeg will
go and set his traps and then go search the ruins with the men.
LogazNir will
aid the men in their watch, since he isn't too usefull
trapping, but he will turn in for the night after the first watch and try to
get a good night's sleep.
Gustav
keeps to himself for the evening. Trying not to eat much so
the others can have more. He spends time looking thru his notes. Adding his thoughts to his journal. His seems to be off in his own world most of the night.
As the others go to look for
supplies he decides to stay behind.
ArdFionn will
accompany the group to the ruins, and will do a bit of scouting in and around
the ruins.
The trip to the ruins is unsuccessful. Immelschedl has been completely sacked and a few survivors scramble among the ruins.
Those of you who went rejoin your comrades in camp. Time passes quietly until the crying of a child destroys the night’s silence. Soon other cries join in, making a chorus of wailing. Exhausted refugees curse the interruption and shout for Granny Moescher to calm the children. The only response is more crying.
It would appear that Granny Moescher has gone missing once again. What do you do?
Suspecting
trouble, Galadaeg will ready his bow and begin
searching for tracks.
Gustav,
awoken from restful slumber is none too happy about the intrusion on his "sleepytime".
He rises, unsheathes his sword
and follows the cries. Hoping perhaps the children can say where Granny went
this time.
LogazNir, too,
heads towards the crying. Perhaps Granny has fallen and cannot get up...
ArdFionn,
begins a search as well. If she is annoyed she is keeping it to herself, her
face looking almost expressionless in the moonlight.
Konrad rises from a
deep sleep, his face showing irritation bordering on petulance.
"What now?" he
groans as he rolls out of his bedroll, donning his mail and boots before
rising.
The squire makes his way to
the children, shield and sword at the ready. Upon discovering the missing
healer, he emits a sigh.
"I swear. This time when
I find her I'm tying her up. This is getting ridiculous."
Gustav and Konrad are unable to get the children to stop crying, but they stifle their wails upon looking on the grim visage of LogazNir.
You discover that one of the children woke looking for Granny, and started crying she couldn’t be found. That started the other children crying. In making inquiries, one child tells you that he had a dream that a black raven in the wagon with them. Asking among the refugees you discover that no one saw Granny leave the wagon or the camp. Several folks report that Granny had become withdrawn after seeing the ambush site.
One of the orphans pipes up, “
"If
the child speaks the truth, then I fear for the Graf's safety. As to where
Granny might be, we might try Fahndorf but I do not
know for sure." says Galadaeg his face looking
grim in the torchlight.
"Fahndorf?" Gustav says.
"You don’t think she went
to Fahndorf do you?"
"By
herself?"
((LogazNir is great with kids!))
LogazNir
looks grimly back down the darkened path, pulling his axe free off of his back.
He continues staring as he speaks:
"Ol' Granny was sayin'
that 'er father was killed
at that Fahndorf place, you know, where the side path
was bushy-like. An' If'n she'll go runnin' off into the woods all alone one time, she'll be do
in' it again for sure." Looking back at his companions he continues,
"How that ol' woman snuck out all silent is what
I wanna know..."
"When
we find her, we can ask her. And maybe she will have more to answer for
besides." says the elf in a low voice.
Konrad's face shows
worry.
"Uh...did anyone else
think it odd what she said about power? She said 'what's the use of having
power and not using it' or something like that. So...what power is she talking
about? Healing people? Calming children?"
ArdFionn says, “wait, she and the young ones were all in the wagon together, and that’s the last she was seen. Mayhap we’ll find something in there.”
In the wagon is a note that reads:
To: Captain Schiller
From: Granny Moescher
Captain, I apologize for leaving the children
in this way. Please try to find decent
homes for them in Middenheim. They are good children and I pray they
receive Shallya’s mercy after all the suffering they
have endured.
I go to settle a debt with the Sternhauer family. I
do this for myself and the people of Untergard. The price is mine alone to pay.
I wish you success in Middenheim. May Sigmar watch
over you and all the people of Untergard. I am going home one
last time. Perhaps we’ll meet again in Morr’s kingdom.
Granny Moescher
"Then
we have little time to waste, whatever plan she intends she has probably
already begun to put in motion. I hope that we will be able to return Granny to
the people who need her most. "
"Ohhh boy.... This could be trouble." Gustav replies.
Not really sure what this could mean....
Konrad mounts up, his
armor looking especially heavy on his thin frame.
"There have to be some
tracks somewhere. We go, we find her, we bring her back, then
we go to Middenheim."
While absolutely no tracks are found, adding up the clues from the letter, Granny’s actions at the ambush site and the testimony of the orphan, you decide to head for Fahndorf. Retracing your steps to the crossroads in the dark takes about two hours. The ruins of the village are a quarter of a mile from the crossroads. Granny is easy enough to find.
The Ritual
In an empty field you can see a huge bonfire, circled by dark animal shapes. Chanting drifts across the air as the flames dance. A shadowy shape is tossing things into the fire, causing it to change color from red to blue to green. Magic is in the air.
(ArdFionn recognizes the shapes as wolves, there are 5 of them)
" 'old up,
those be wolves with 'er. Dealing wit' the Granny is
one thing, but a pack o' wolves that be defending 'er.
She be meddling with dark things, no good will come on
this. Mark my words."
"Whatever
she's doin' we best be stoppin'
it quick. Them elve's were right, she's a damned
witch! Who's fer knowin' what kind of spell she's castin'."
LogazNir
grunts and prepares to charge ahead.
We shall now go into initiative. Galadaeg, being the quickest to act, may go first.
Galadaeg will
ready his bow and load an arrow. "Granny, please stop this madness! If you
don't we will be forced to stop you..." he shouts
as he takes careful aim at Granny.
At that moment a large wolf bounds out of the shadows and lunges at Galadeag, grabbing onto the elf’s right leg and inflicting 2 points of damage after TB.
ArdFionn may now go.
ArdFionn will
draw her sword and approach one of the two wolves and heck down into it.
"Granny, you needn't do
this, your charges need you they are scared and alone without you. Let's get
you back to them."
There is only one wolf near you, attacking Galadaeg. ArdFionn misses (57 rolled).
When
its Gustav's turn he attempts to duck into the underbrush or something
similarly able to hide him (if possible) If he
succeeds he attempts to rush at Granny without the wolves seeing him. If they
see him he defends himself from their attacks, while attacking back!
LogazNir will
rush towards the fire, hoping to gain Granny's attention and keep those wolfs off of the others. LogazNir
will attack any wolf he encounters on the way.
Before anyone can take any other actions, 4 more wolves bound out of the forest, one attacking each of your party members. None of them hit, but you each have a wolf attacking you now.
Gustav goes next and attacks a wolf with his sword, hitting it in the right leg (22 rolled) doing 2 points of damage after TB, lightly wounding the wolf.
Granny continues chanting and throwing things in the fire.
LogazNir is up next and attacks his wolf, hitting it in the left leg (15 rolled) and doing 10 points of damage after TB, heavily injuring the wolf!
(auto-posted for Konrad) Konrad attacks his wolf from horseback, but misses (52 rolled).
Galadaeg must give up his aimed shot to out maneuver the wolf attacking him (which he does, 16 rolled). He then looses an arrow at Granny, but misses (81 rolled).
The wolf advances and attacks Galadaeg again, but misses.
ArdFionn may go.
Gustav
continues his attack ont he wolf in front of him.
"Who has a bow? Go for
the witch!"
ArdFionn
continues her deadly dance with the wolf, trying to cut into him.
"The others were in the
right she nothin' but a dark witch. Willin' to let those that 'ave 'elped and saved 'er die, just for
a bit o' revenge."
(LogazNir, feeling the pressure of the situation, will be
making All Out Attacks throughout this combat)
ArdFionn’s blade connects (27 rolled) doing 6 points of damage after TB, lightly wounding the wolf.
The wolf retaliates by biting into ArdFionn’s left leg doing 4 points of damage after TB, lightly wounding the elf.
Gustav’s pet bites into his left leg, doing 3 points of damage after TB. Gustav is lightly wounded.
Logaznir’s wolf bites into him doing 4 points of damage after armor and TB. As Logaznir’s last attack wasn’t all out, he was able to try and dodge the blow, but failed (57 rolled.)
Konrad’s wolf misses.
Gustav’s blade slices into the body of the wolf (27 rolled) doing 2 points of damage after TB.
Granny continues concentrating on the fire, she seems to be building to a crescendo.
Logaznir and Konrad are up.
Trying
desperately to get closer to Granny, the dwarf retaliates against the wolf,
making an All Out Attack.
Logaznir’s axe slams into the body of the wolf (06 rolled), the violence of the blow rupturing several internal organs. The wolf collapses and dies in seconds.
(auto-posted for Konrad) Konrad makes an All Out Attack on the wolf attacking him, but misses (67 rolled).
(posted for Galadaeg) Galadaeg tries to maneuver away from the wolf but fails the first time (46 rolled). He tried again and succeeds (18 rolled) but has no more time to take a shot.
The wolf advances on Galadaeg again and attacks, but misses.
ArdFionn is up.
ArdFionn
attacks her wolf again. "Go subdue 'er, whatever
she is doin' needs to be stopped. But we should let 'er try to explain 'erself."
ArdFionn makes an all out attack and strikes the wolf in the body (56 rolled) but for only 1 point of damage after TB, but the wolf is now heavily wounded.
The wolf attacking ArdFionn makes an all out attack and misses. The wolf attacking Gustav does the same and also misses.
The wolf attacking Konrad leaps up as the squire leans down and bites him in the chest, doing 7 points of damage despite Konrad’s armor.
Gustav is up.
"Your
bows, shoot at her!" Gustav yells as he swings
again at the wolf. Giving it all he has.
(All out attack)
Gustav misses the wolf (84 rolled).
LogazNir, freed
from his combat with the wolf, charges towards the old witch hoping to know her
prone.
Before LogazNir can move, Granny stops chanting for a moment and looks at all of you. With a word she calls off the wolves and whispers “I am sorry, children.” A split-second later a winged Daemon appears in the bonfire and takes to the skies. All the wolves retreat to the shadows of the forest. Rushing forward you find that you are too late; Granny is dead, with a smile on her face.
Gustav
stands in amazement at the sight of the demon flying off.....
He sinks to the ground,
frightened.....
"We
should 'ave let the others kill 'er
when they 'ad the chance. The world would 'ave been a better place for it."
ArdFionn
spits at the ground by the witch.
"We take 'er back to 'er people and let
them know of 'er crime against this world. Let them
deal with it, I 'ave no use for dark witches."
You make the slow, dark trek back to the caravan. All are horrified by your explanation of what happened, but a few hard-minded folk mutter things like “Sternaheurs’ll get there own, now.”
The rest of the journey to Middenheim is uneventful. As you get closer to the city, you see more military patrols and the threat of the Drakwald seems to recede. At last you see the Ulricsberg, the great rock on which Middenheim is built, in the distance. It heartens you to see the flags of the Emperor and Count Todbringer flying proudly over the battlements, but as you get closer you can see the devastation that Achaon wrought here. Mass graves are everywhere, the walls are pitted and scarred, and half the city seems in ruins. Even in Middenheim, it seems, life is a struggle. You can only wonder what awaits you in the City of the White Wolf.
It is not long before rumors come to you of the slaughter at Strenhauer Keep, in which the entire family and all its retainers were wiped out by a flame-wreathed Daemon.
This concludes Through the Drakwald. You have discharged your obligation to the people of Untergard (for which Captain Schiller and all the refugees thank you.) There is still the matter of father Dietrich’s relic to deal with.
We will be continuing on with Paths of the Damned Volume 1: Ashes of Middebheim. For your efforts and participation in this last adventure, and for excellent role-playing, each of you earns 155 xp. Please let me know how you would like it spent, either by PM, email or in the OOC thread.
I thank all of you for your companionship to date, and hope you continue on with us in our story.
Chris
WOOT!
To the TAVERN!
Rounds 1-5 are on Gustav!!!!
"Lead
the way Master Gustav. I think my elven senses could
use a wee bit o' dullin' after this trip."
ArdFionn
seems to be trying to muster up whatever spirit she has left to be a better
drinking companion then she has been over the last few nights since the
incident with the deamon.
"Mayhap, Master Dwarf
will regale us wit' another tale."
Konrad, tired and wounded, nods with a weak
smile.
"Yes, a drink would be
nice."
"I'll
catch up to you all at the tavern later, for the moment, I am buying
arrows." with that, Galadaeg turns to go in
search of a fletcher.
Galadaeg is only able to find 5 arrows, and purchases them for 1 silver shilling.