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Steampunk high-jinks
for a better sort
of adventurer, what?
Continues later in 2010.
| Episode 75 |
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One night out of Altdorf, Hans meets a old colleague. Willi Heisser, bit of a drinker, bit of a bully, but still, a respected Witch Hunter. Heisser is fleeing Altdorf, headed for Marienburg, as a result of a vicious purge of known loyalists of the old Grand Theogonist, Johann Esmer, by the re-installed Volkmar The Grim. Willi cites the recent public burning of a hunter both he and Hans knew, on trumped up charges, as evidence of Volkmar's intent. Mathis Wundegesicht, a fearsome Witch Hunter, better known by his nickname 'Sigmar's Roaster' has been leading the purge. Willi tells Hans that Wundegesicht is on the lookout for him. Hans' heart sinks at this point, as he realises the danger he is in, but decides he must press on to Altdorf. He hopes to find some clue as to where Johann Esmer was taken when he was kidnapped from Marienburg. Hans discusses his new situation with Orpheus, Maude and Iago. He elects to markedly change his appearance. Next afternoon, Altdorf docks are busy. Stevedore's bustle around on boats and on the quayside, the only quiet boat being a small Elven vessel that's tied up at the south end of the docks. Rumour abounds that something is afoot in the Konigsplatz up the hill, and, sure enough, on the south side of the square, a Witch Hunter is dealing out Sigmar's Justice. An Old Woman is about to go up in flames having been grassed up for owning a black cat. That can talk!!! A bald Witch Hunter works the crowd into a frenzy, and Hans recognises Mathis Wundegesicht on the sidelines, looking on. Iago and Maude have seen enough, and leave, soon followed by Hans. Orpheus waits until the roasting is over, and then follows Wundegesicht when he leaves, trailing him to a terraced town house on the west bank. Orpheus joins Maude, Iago and Hans at The Boar's Rest. Maude spends some time upstairs with Tilly, who seems to be enjoying living with Looselips, Podella, Mina and baby Heddy. Looselips sets up a table in a back room, and dinner is taken away from the busy restaurant. After dinner, with the fine wine that Iago requested going down very easily, Hans comes clean about a few things. Firstly, The Chalice is Gregor D'etoiles. He carries the blood of Gunther Weiss, but for now, has been hidden somewhere in The Empire by the elves. Hans does not explain why he hasn't mentioned this before. Hans does not know what future role Gregor may have, but is certain that the boy must be kept hidden from Gunther Weiss. Secondly, there is another artifact that contains half of the demon Xathrodox, but it is not a Chalice. Hans' hunch is that it is a Dagger, based on a remark Johann Esmer once made to him. Hans is certain Esmer knows more, which is why he is soon keen to find him. Hans' biggest fear is that Gunther, guided by the part of Xathrodox bound into The Brass Skull, may be being led to wherever this dagger is hidden. Thirdly, Hans admits that he kept the Demon's Tooth Compass, in order to be able to find Gregor again should it be necessary. He gives it to Iago. More wine, as what Hans has said sinks in. It is clear that there is much danger. To go up against the allies of Volkmar The Grim would mean being party to a conspiracy against the rulers of The Empire. Silence. The noise from the restaurant has quietened, and the candles burn low. It's getting late. Hans, fearful of what might happen to The Boar's Rest if he were to be found staying here, leaves. Orpheus also departs, and goes to the temple of Morr where he plans to spend the night meditating and praying. Hans finds a room at The Roasted Rat, and settles down under rough blankets. But he has been followed, and, after midnight, with the inn quiet, a figure breaks in through the back door. Orpheus, asleep in a cold, bare cell, dreams of a castle on a mountainside, a village far below. On the north west side of the castle is a tower, where a light burns from a window at its top. Hans awakes to find cold steel at this throat. He quickly identifies the intruder as Mathis Wundegesicht, and calmly tries to engage him in conversation. Wundegesicht just taunts Hans, and so Hans whips his pistol out from under his pillow, and fires. And misses. Wundegesicht is fast and brutal. Hans is quickly injured, and shouts out 'Thief!' to whomever is banging on the door, awoken by the fight. A deadly blow to his stomach floors Hans, and he passes out. When he comes round, Hans finds a candle has been lit. He moves a hand to his stomach, and recoils from the bloody mess. Mathis Wundegesicht couches down next to Hans, enjoying Hans' slow and painful death. 'Where are you going, Hans?', Wundegesicht asks him. 'I don't know', replies Hans. 'It'll be an adventure.' Wundegesicht leaves, locking the door behind him. On the bedside table above Hans, the flickering stub of the candle gives out...
Hans Birger played by Matt. Orpheus Dunkleman played by Dan. Don Iago de Caranza played by Ken. Written and Performed by Peter Taylor. Campaign Storylines by Peter and Matt. Campaign Archivist Dan. Music and Soundscapes controlled using RPG SoundMixer. 26th Jahrdrung, 2522 IC, 1 am Sigmar's Roaster guts Hans. Episode played on Monday 6th July 2009.
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