In which Baroon Pratgar, the stout and faithful Warrior-Priest of Sigmar, is assassinated in Grissenwald by the Purple Hand.. A DEAD TROLL, A FINE SHIELD AND A PORTRAIT The group stood in the tower bedroom, surrounded by the corpses of their enemies. Red sat, exhausted, near the enormous body of the troll, it's head half severed. He smiled contentedly, as the ancient Khalzalid title of Trollslayer was now his by right of combat. The ruined bodies of many goblins were strewn about the room. Gutbag's corpse lay, still in the fine red ballroom gown. The party set about searching the room. Cornelius found a number of perfumes and cosmetics on a desk with a mirror in one corner, but nothing of real value. In the writing-desk, Drake had found a letter to Eletza sending her on an expedition to someplace called the 'Barren Hills' in seek of a mysterious item. The letter was sealed with a bright red wax, using a strange symbol of a crown surmounted with a daemoniac figure. Hugo, opening up the chest in one corner, found an enormous pile of coins, gold, silver and copper, mixed with fancy silverware and silver-inlaid cups. He asked Baroon to begin helping him with bagging the loot. Hugo also found a portrait of a young woman, with her cat. In the corner was the inscription EH. Hugo tucked it under his arm. Dronk, meanwhile, searched the corpses. The only item of significance they found was the priceless diamond tiara, which Drake picked up from Gutbag's corpse, and a extremely light and well-made shield, also carried by Gutbag. The shield was of dwarven manufacture, and someone (likely Gutbag) had scratched a crude symbol over the dwarvish rune-work, the same symbol of a open, toothy mouth that the other goblins had makred everywhere - as well as throughout the tower using a variety of bodily fluids for paint. The group, satisfied they had pillaged the room, headed out to check the remaining rooms of the tower. In one, Dronk found it was set up as a dining hall, with a massive, richly carved wooden table with room to sit 12 people. The room, like the rest of the tower was filthy and filled with pieces of smashed furniture. Two copper mugs sat on one table, which Dronk quickly pocketed. The only other element of interest was the massive heap of bones, scrap wood and other garbage piled high in one corner. A TRAP IS SPRUNG The remaining door was blocked by several empty crates, which the group easily moved. The door itself was locked, but Hugo produced his trusty crowbar and popped the lock with a single, strong pull. The door swung open, revealing a room lit dimly by torhces. "Lets have a look in here" said Hugo, striding in - as he did so, a loud metallic noise was heard and a large blade several feet long swept from a hidden slot in the wall, crashing directly into Hugo's chest and tearing his undershirt of chainmail, leaving a deep cut in his belly. Hugo shouted with pain and sprung back, his hand going to the wound. Dronk then produced a set of thieves tools and began working on the trap, and within a few minutes smiled "I got it! They were using an old style spring mechanism - nothing I havent seen before." To be safe, Cornelius let Luna, his snake familiar, out from his robes, and she slithered into the room, without any trap being set off. The party then moved into the room, Hugo following behind, still clutching his injured chest. Drake was startled by a huge bear against one wall, before realizing it was a long-dead trophy, stuffed and mounted. On the ceiling hung a stuffed river crocodile, over 10 feet long, its mouth filled with crooked teeth. The party began to search the room. On a desk they found a number of maps and charts, with an area, north of the river Stir, marked with a circle and the letters 'BH'. Hugo also found a scroll which he gave to Cornelius. While Drake shadow-boxed with the bear trophy, Cornelius began casting Detect Magic. When the spell was completed, he could see a faint aura of magic emanating from a circle carved in the floor. Also, the shield they had taken from Gutbag's lifeless hands radiated magic, more strongly. A PRIVATE CHEF Satisfied there was little else to do, the party gathered up the items they had found and began to leave. Dronk rolled up one of the richer carpets, from the bedroom, and threw it over his shoulder. Downstairs, they found Dumpling, the halfling cook, still cowering in the storage closet as they had asked. With a silver-tongue, Hugo convinced her that she could work for the party aboard the Wayward Derelict, as their cook. Although initially skeptical, Dumpling eventually agreed. The party left the tower behind as they headed back towards Grissenwald. If Dumpling was right, they had no time to lose, as Etleka Helgen had a several week head-start on them. Whatever it was she was seeking, they knew they had to find it before she did. The journey back to town was uneventful, being pelted with rain. As they approached the city they got a good look at the shanty town built around the outer town wall, and could also see, that of the many farmsteads dotted around the landscape, some of them were ruins, appearing to have been burned to the ground. They entered Grissenwald just as the sun was setting. THE TIDES OF FATE Back at the Wayward Derelict, the group began to store their belongings, including the bags of coins they had taken from the tower. Dronk's eyes lit up at the site of so much coin, a small fortune. As the party did so, those abovedecks saw a female figure with charcoal-colored hair, clad in chainmail and carrying a shield that looked as though it were the shell of some massive sea creature. At her side she carried a flail, and her features were fair but hard-set, her skin bronzed by the sun. She strode directly towards the ship, purposefully. Reaching the dock immediately beside the ship, she inquired of Drake "Is this the Wayward Derelict? I seek Drake Blackheart, of Vodf." Puzzled and suspicious, Drake replied "You have found him. What business do you have with me?". The woman smiled and stode aboard. "I am Edmee, a priestess of Manaan. My mentor sent me to seek your father, but I was told he no longer rules Castle Blackheart. Speaking to the locals in Vodf, I heard you had joined the Templars of the Firey Heart. Here, take this letter, from my mentor Ovid, to your father Alexi. They fought together long ago as young men." Drake opened the sealed scroll and read it carefully. It was indeed addressed to his father, Alexi Blackheart. My friend Alexi ; Manaan has granted me a vision. A vision of a calamity for all mankind; a vision of a sea still, its surface like that of glass. A dead sea, and above it all the cursed moon everlasting. The woman carrying this letter is my daughter - and more. I entrust her to you. Manaan has shown me the Blackheart crest - it is a sign. If you still hold me in esteem, brother, care for her as you would your own. By the waves, Ovid RUMORS FROM VODF Drake contemplated the scroll, then gestured to Edmee to come belowdecks. The entire group followed. Drake asked Edmee about the situation at Castle Blackheart "What of my father? What of my uncle? Surely, you must know something?" "The guards at the castle would tell me nothing. In Vodf, the locals whispered that your father languishes in the dungeons of his own castle, kept prisoner there by Liutpold Fortenhaffer." - a rival lord whose lands border those of the Blackhearts. Drake grimaced, thinking back to the long ago day when his life changed forever. Drake pounded his fist off a nearby beam in frustration, causing Dumpling, who was bringing down some dried fruit, in a wooden bowl to startle and drop the bowl, spilling fruit everywhere. She began mumbling under her breath as she collected the dropped food, shooting Drake a pointed stare. "We must continue our chase of Eletka and beat her to whatever it is she seeks in the Barren Hills. But knowing my father is in the dungeons!" Drake shouted angrily. THE CRACKED FLAGON The party eventually decided, after Drake calmed down and was consoled somewhat, to go to a local inn to drink. Not far from the docks they found a place called the Cracked Flagon, and there toasted their victories. Edmee showed she could drink as much as, if not more than, even the dwarves, as mug after mug of beer, and an entire bottle of Ger Hammschint, a powerful spirit, were consumed by the group. Red regaled the few patrons of the bar with his story of killing the troll in the tower, to which the locals cheered and bought him many an ale. Red reveled in the attention, embellishing the story to an unrecognizable fable. Nonetheless, despite his boasting, Red had now earned the ancient title of Trollslayer - mere slayer he was, no more. Baroon toasted everyone, and heartily welcomed Edmée, explaining to her the events that had brought them to Grissenwald, as she listened intently. After a night of merriment and sharing stories of their victories, and planning the days to come, the group headed back to where the Wayward Derelict lay at anchor, and retired. Edmee, having no bunk, insisted on sleeping abovedeck, on the deck itself. Dumpling curled up with some crude blankets near the stairs belowdeck, but insisted that the group get new hammocks for her and Edmee the next day - "Or Im heading right back to the Moot." BRIGHT AND EARLY In the morning, Dumpling prepared what breakfast she could, given the parties supplies of dry rations only. While they ate, they could hear a commotion somewhere not far from the docks, a large group of people shouting angrily. Baroon said "Remember, last night the barkeep was saying an Imperial official is coming, and the people think he is the one who signed the Imperial Proclamation about mutants..it could be a riot!" Hugo, his mouth stuffed with bread, nodded, and Dronk chimed in "We need to go into town anyway, Im sure we will get a good seat if we want to this brawl.." Drake grabbed his greatsword, and donned his armor and the others did the same, Dronk carefully strapping on his leather suit custom designed for climbing. Cornelius, Red and Edmee, elected to stay behind, to finish breakfast. Red was still exhausted from the physical exertions of the last few days - a battle rage is very draining. Hugo, Baroon, Drake and Dronk headed into town. The way the town is laid out, the roads from the docks on the Nordhafen side where the Wayward Derelict was moored all lead to a small square, before breaking into more roads that lead to the town center. A TENSE SITUATION As the group reached this square, the noise of an angry crowd became overwhelming, as here they could see several hundred people shouting angrily at a richly dressed, heavyset man wearing the ensigns of an Imperial official. He was surrounded by several guards who had drawn their swords, or cocked their crossbows. the crowd was not letting the men move, having surrounded them. The situation was tense, and little could be heard other than angry shouts. "HERESY!" "WE BURN MUTANTS!" "BLASPHEMER!". Hugo and Drake began to force their way through the crowd, which parted easily before the heavily armed and armored Templars. As they did so, Dronk moved into the crowd as well - but his focus was on something else - pickpocketing. He moved quietly around the crowd, taking coins as he went. Baroon headed to the crowd and addressed them, his weapon tied to his belt, hands in the air. "My friends, please, obey the Law. This man is an Imperial Official.." Hugo and Drake reached the terrified men. The Official could now be heard, this close "I'm not the man who signed the Proclamation! Im a tax official! Ive been sent here to assess Grissenwald!" Drake and Hugo were disgusted by the mans cowardice, and turned to interpose themselves between the crowd and the man. THE SNAKE IN THE GRASS It was at that moment they saw the figure, who had been standing in the crowd, slither behind Baroon. The man wore a heavy cloak...of a deep purple color, his features obscured. Before anyone could react, he drew a blade, glowing a sickly green-yellow color, bright as the sun, from the folds of his cloak, and plunged it into Baroon's back. "The Purple Hand sends it blessings!" the figure shouted. Baroon fell forward onto the cobblestones, screaming in agony. Hugo and Drake began to run towards him, and Dronk looked up from his stealing, his hands in someones pockets. Baroon began to..change. His face elongated, his teeth becoming monstrous, his eyes bulged. Still Baroon screamed. Extra fingers popped into being, his chest began to inflate. A long tail, tipped with an eyeball, burst from his back and whipped around. The crowd began to see what was happening and started to scream. Loudly. The panicked people ran for the exits from the square, away from the thing, the Imperial official forgotten. The Official and his guards, too, began to run. A HIDEOUS TRANSFIGURATION Baroon still screamed as a thousand eyes burst onto his back, his armor shattered by the transformation. Tentacles burst from every orifice, hairlike and writhing like earthforms, tens of feet long. When his head finally fell inwards, becoming a giant, gaping maw filled with daggerlike teeth, the screaming finally stopped. Instead, it was now replaced with a thousand Baroons, all babbling in a cacophony of insanity. Laughing. At this point the group back at the Wayward Derelict heard the sounds of fighting, and rushed towards the square. Their progress was slow as people fled in horror towards them. Drake confronted his long time friend, his mind starting to break. He steeled himself and plunged his greatsword into the..thing..calling for Sigmar to aid him as he did so. Where his silvered greatsword cut, the flesh of the creature sizzled and burn. Thosands of tentacles wrapped around him, each one tiny, looking for entrance into his armor, and trying to keep him in place as That-Which-Was-Baroon tried to bite his head. He struggled free at the last second. A BLOODY CONFLICT From the eyeball-tail, a noise like a man spitting, and a ball of yellow slime was sent sailing across the plaza. Dronk, at the last moment raised his hand, splattering the goop but avoiding his eyes, which it seemed to be aiming for. He retaliated, sending one bolt after another flying from his heavy crossbow - he tried not to think of what it was he was really shooting at. Hugo charged the man who had turned Baroon into the monstrosity, hate burning in hi eyes. He swung and the figure easily dodged the attack, laughing as it did so, and bringing its own dagger in, trying to cut his face. Hugo pulled away, and the two circled each other warily. Suddenly the assassin grabbed his ears, screaming, dropping his dagger. The strange babbling of the creature had penetrated his mind. Using the opening, Hugo clubbed the main in the ribs with his war maul, Vilkas, and heard a rib give way. Blood trickled from the corner of the mans mouth. Again the monstrosity tried to rip off Drake's head, but he smacked it aside with his greatsword, then counterswung it down, cleaving a huge wound down the thing's blob like side. The tentacles found their way into his helmet - they felt like earthworms as they tried to force their way into his ears. He shuddered with horror. At this point, Cornelius, Red and Edmee arrived in the square - all felt themselves reel with horror at the monstrosity they faced - some kind of nightmarish daemon? It looked like a giant mass of flesh with hundreds of eyes and mouths and a massive nest of whirling tentacles surrounding it. It made an unearthly, hideous keening noise. They fought back the fear and charged. Red screamed a battle cry as he brought his great axe crashing down into the mass of the thing, splattering ichor everywhere. Cornelius waved his hands and threw out a ball of glowing fire, a miniature sun - but it missed, instead crashing against the chimney-stones of a nearby building in a shower of sparks. Edmee rushed forward, swinging her flail and chanting a war chant of Manaan - as she did so, the thing was pelted with energy, tiny cross burning into its heaving, quivering flesh. Dronk rushed the assassin and with Hugo's help forced the mans back against a wall. Dronks teeth were bared as he fought the fellow assassin who had turned his friend into a nightmarish monster. The tentacle thing still writhed, and Drake again struck, as did the others, a frenzy of blades that only stopped when the creature no longer moved. The thousands of tentacles suddenly stiffened and became like dead twigs, where touched they would crumble in the dust. The thing - what was once Baroon, Warrior-Priest of Sigmar, was dead. A DEBT REPAID Still the sounds of battle echoed across the square. Hugo parried the assassins poisoned dagger as the killer fought furiously, looking for a way to escape his grim opponents. Seeing an opening, Dronk lunged, his rapier finding the mans heart and skewering it, as kebob. The man died instantly - a look of surprise frozen on his face - and slumped to the cobblestones. The battle was over. All was suddenly quiet. Ruined heaps of flesh and tangled knots of tentacles and broken teeth lay on the plaza ground, not far from the corpse of the assassin, a deep purple lump covered by his heavy cloak. THE END OF A JOURNEY In shock, Drake fell to his knees beside the ruined body of his companion - of his friend, his greatsword clattering to the ground. Overcome with emotion, he gathered himself and began to pray to Sigmar. Hugo breathed heavily. Dronk wiped the blood from his rapier. Red wiped the blood from his face. Cornelius walked over to the body of the assassin. Edmee stood in shock at the scene of slaughter, words failing her. From the many windows that looked into the square, faces could been seen, open mouthed, staring agape. They had witnessed nightmares made real, and these..people - had somehow triumphed, if triumph it was. A group of watchmen approached from one of the plaza entrances, moving tentatively, slowly towards the group, their faces covered with shock and fear. Even the grizzled-looking sergeant who lead them moved haltingly. Amongst the stinking, ruined flesh, on the cobblestones, lay a war hammer, with the sigils of Sigmar, and a purity seal. It began to rain.
1 Comment
Rivera
9/19/2016 07:23:37 am
This a good account of what happened. We will hunt down the purple hand!!
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The WizardIn time, you will come to know the tragic extent of my failings... Past Journals
September 2017
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