Journey with us now … into the grim the world of perilous adventures!
El Cuervo (Estalian performer), Johannes Hengst (Averland fop), Thyrus Norrener (Middenheim mercenary), Tomas Radische (Wissenland gambler), Alexius Wilhellm (Reikland initiate of Sigmar)
Chapter Four: Smugglers and Highwaymen
Angestag, the 17th day of Sigmarzeit, 2522 IC … The day before the start of summer, in the month of Sigmar Heldenhammer, named after a man amongst men elevated to deity and patron of the Empire. Another day of warmth and sun, another morning without lingering fog and mist, a good day for commerce and hopefully justice.
Journey with Johannes Hengst, Fop of Averheim! His search for a business venture has brought him to T. Thaddeus Mott, playwright. Can the flamboyant thespian help to restore Johannes to the good graces of the upper social tiers of Averheim? Johannes struggles to balance his future with the current predicament that he has undertaken … the missing bride Estelle Werner. With dead bodies displaying strange markings, missing persons, mutants in the forest and the mysterious Black Cowl pulling the strings of the underworld, has Johannes put his business dealings and life in danger? Only time will tell …
Tempt fate with luck-smith Tomas Radische! Tracking down highwaymen in the middle of the forests of the Empire was not necessarily what he had in mind when the group decided to ferret out the agents of the Black Cowl. With the stakes ever raising and his life on the line, does Tomas have the nerve to keep anteing up? With the Black Cowl coming to power, asserting control over the thieves, fences, and gamblers he knows well, Tomas finds himself in the center of it all. But is this the position he truly wants to be?
Swing away with Thyrus Norrener, Mercenary! With his old friend missing and others now disappearing, Thyrus is now at the ready fighting injustice wherever it may rear its ugly head. The battle with grotesque mutants offered Thyrus a long satiated need to swing his sell-sword but will the fight prove fruitful enough for his ultimate goal? Or will the battle only further cloud him in mystery?
Pontificate with Alexius Willhelm, Initiate of Sigmar! With the discovery of the twisted chaos ridden mutants within the forests not far from Averheim the teachings of the young initiate become clearer still. Yet the disappearances must be solved, of course the Black Cowl apprehended but the taint of chaos that is now surrounding this investigation must be rooted out and cleansed with the mighty hand of Sigmar. First he must feed Stephan.
Scoff at danger with El Cuervo, striking foreigner! Critically wounded after the rescue at the burning barge, El Cuervo wonders if he will be alive to find the beautiful Estelle as he promised her family. Having survived the fight in the woods with the mutant band will this lead to the clue that he had hoped would help reunite him with the lovely Estelle? Can he bring justice to those who might do her harm or will his carefree and daredevil ways bring about his final performance and his life’s curtain call?
With the mutant band defeated the group returns to Averheim to try and piece together this mystery in hopes of finding the missing. Five brash young fools, unlikely heroes thrust into the grim world of perilous adventure!
Graf Friedrich von Kaufman, patron of the Sun Society and natural sciences, funded an expedition to the Southlands[1], led by one Johann Templemann, has returned with wondrous finds. A party, the social event of the season, will unveil the secrets brought back as well as a menagerie of exotic animals. As a member of the Sun Society it is likely that Sigmar Initiate Alexius Willhelm will be invited. Johannes Hengst has found an invitation through his new acquaintance and potential benefactor T. Thaddeus Mott, playwright of Averheim.
The party is still in the Stirland forest north of Averheim, at a mutant camp off the high road. Site of a fierce battle, also the remains of man (set on spite over a camp fire) and few remains of a horse, just the bones and some rendered flesh. And a rack laced with flesh being dried for jerky. A prisoner is waiting to be interrogated, a man of average appearance and proportions yet mutated with a large, scarlet wattle.
Talk of torture begins the questioning. First, where are the missing people such as Estelle? Second, how long have the mutants been in these woods? Third, why are they eating the flesh of man? Fourth, have they been to Averheim? Next, why are they attacking merchants and travellers along the road? With this question the group finally hears some credible answers. They were working with a band of smugglers, ones that evidently did not mind they were tainted with chaos. He gives his name as Gritz; he doesn’t know much of the smuggler arrangement as Hein was the leader, the twisted-horn large green muscled man. Questions fly quick and sudden, the mutant is confused as he tries to address each question towards each asker but he stumbles over his knowledge.
Tomas uses his charm and skill with words to persuade Gritz to speak of what he knows or suffer a painful death the hands of the initiate and mercenary. They leave a leather strap around a tree branch to signal the smugglers, it was done by Hanz (the donkey-ear mutant) or Wermer (the blue-feathered beakman). He and Gerdia (the pustule witch) did not deal with smugglers at all. “Is that everything you know!?” bellows Alexius, not believing much in the words of a chaos tainted ‘man’.
Fearful for his life, wattler insists that is all he knows. The initiate believes he is holding back. El Cuervo draws his rapier with a flourish, “… it has only tasted blood thrice today, and it needs to be feed at least four times.” The socialite and gamester watch with a careful eye, being observant men of their society. There is something but neither can put a finger on it, something more which Gritz knows.
Thyrus draws his sword, albeit slightly damaged from our recent battle, and holds it to pendulous fleshy caruncle dangling from the prisoner’s face, “Tell us the rest, you are holding back.” The mutant begins to whimper and his voice warbles, he confesses to have told all. The steely gaze of the mercenary is distrusting, experience has taught him there is always more. Blood drips from a small cut. He begs for his life, he will tell if is life is spared.
Hein had a contact in Averheim, from a group called the Red Crown. He does not know much more than that, only their leader speaks in a very low, sibilant voice. The sound if it is chilling, he wears a black hood. He came into the forest to meet with Hein once. He took the black powder and chemicals. The Red Crown has a social agenda: to end discrimination of mutants through the Empire. Everyone scoffs at the notion. He claims to be man, cursed yes, but a man and he only wants to live a normal life.
Ulric asks if anyone from Averheim or elsewhere has come to the camp save the Black Cowl and smugglers, anyone dressed like the fop, in fancy clothes? Never.
Alexius asks Tomas his opinion on sparing the life of this mutant. The vagabond draws a parallel between the cursed mutants and the unwanted poor. He was raised on the streets and knows that some see the deprived as burden on society to be done away with. He grew up underprivileged yet became a contributing member of society so it may be possible mutants could do the same. He is not sure but doesn’t believe them to be killed outright for being what they are. Yet Gritz stole, killed and ate the flesh of a man so he deserves what punishment awaits him.
The Raven has noticed Johannes has remained silent to this point. He has yet to contribute to the interrogation or offer his opinion. “Tradition and lore says mutants are evil by nature and need to be destroyed. Mutants are said to be unintelligent, untamable, unable to communicate, and feral. But Gritz, and the others, have shown themselves to talk, understand thought and emotion, and behave much like humans,” says the fop finally. Norrener puts his sword through wattler’s throat and kills him for his crimes, whether they moral crimes or crimes against nature.
Again Hengst had suffered the worse from the battle, Radische administers some first aid and the coxcomb drinks one of his healing draught. The hired sword replaces his hand weapon with Hanz’s blade until he can get his original weapon repaired.
The discussion moves to motivation and who is ‘truly’ behind all the recent troubles. The sell-sword believes a person or persons of higher social station are behind the smugglers and possibly the Black Cowl. Only someone in that position could operate unchecked and with such ease. The patrician is dumbfounded and appalled by such a notion. It stands against all reason to him. Crime is a symptom of chaos and the aristocracy brings order and law. The postulant sides with Johannes and the foreigner concurs with Thyrus. Norrener uses the words of the young well-to-do to argue his point; Averheim is without an elector so there is social discord and chaos as various factions vie for power. What better time to ally themselves with the underworld then now to help secure that position and power for a prominent family or ambitious individual. The petite-maître disputes the logic from his naïve point of view.
Hengst and Radishe head back to the road to check on the borrowed horse and cart. Norrener pushes El Cuervo to help him collect the bodies for pyre, the Estalian is a little queasy in handling the mutant bodies, something about his mother’s warning against touching foul creatures. While they work to clean up the camp, the Raven cautions the mercenary from arguing against el salvador, the saviour. The sutthos[2] believes wisdom is imparted by the words of Tomas yet the northerner thinks he just talks too much for the sake of talking. As Thyrus moves the woman several pus-fill pustules break leaking thick, reeking excretions; he immediately feels nauseous. The dead bodies are laid around the camp, propped up in some grotesquely distorted fashion to give an initial appearance of ‘occupation’.
It doesn’t take much to identify a unique tree to use in signaling the smugglers, the cardsharp and popinjay examine it more closely. Johannes actually scurries up and spots a branch showing wear and discolouration, an obvious spot for a thick leather (half-a-hand in width) strap to be wrapped several times. When the youth descends he jumps down awkwardly and twists the same ankle he injured earlier causing him to find a walking stick. He spends the rest of the day limping about. Tomas finds time to goad the orphan boy Johannes seems immune or just ignorant of shill’s taunts.
Once the signal tree is identified, Johannes moves the horse and cart several yards north along the road. He finds a small clearing to tether the equine and cover the cart with loose brush. Later the leather signal tie is found and swathed around the branch. A watch is set by the scrawny social butterfly to see if and when the contrabandists come seeking the warning sign. A plan or strategy is devised on how to deal with smugglers is hashed out. Tomas will be in the camp with lifeless erect corpses, other will hide on the outskirts waiting to ambush the incoming foes. The night passes without incident.
Sigmarfest, the first day of summer on Festag, a high holy day for Empire arrives in earnest. Another warm morning, some dew is upon the blankets of the sleeping brash adventurers. The wiry equestrian tends to the horse at first light then after breakfast sets a new watch observing the road and signal tree. The mutants are pulled together and bundled with thatching and wood then doused with oil for a pyre.
Johannes is alerted by a rider on the high road. The horseman stops below the tree and searches for the signal, he immediate turns his mount around and gallops back towards Averheim without delay. The fop quickly scurries from his hiding post and uses the parties’ horse to ride back to camp through the woods. He failed to whistle, the prearranged warning sign. He arrives just as the pyre is lit. The others greet him with drawn weapons. The city socialite estimates the smugglers will return by late afternoon.
Thyrus cooks some fruit pastries and spends time cleaning and sharpening his weapons, Alexius spends much of the day fulfilling his Sigmar duties during this holy day, Tomas and Johannes play cards and dice gambling a good portion of the day while El Cuervo watches. Neither comes out a head as they both break even despite Tomas’ reputation and Johannes’ rabbit foot. Alexius breaks from his vigil a couple of times to say a prayer in favour of the young fribble.
During the day, the temperature drops as clouds roll in. By late afternoon a mist begins to layer the forest just below the canopy of leaves and light rain begins around dusk. Burnt remnants of the mutants smolder. Radische is within the camp and everyone else has moved out hidden from view. Hengst is near the road watching for the smugglers or Red Crown members. The group approaches and two figures stand out.
Stumbling into camp through the darkness and heavy mist, Johannes unable to whistle from running and dry mouth he is there to warn the others. “He’s here! It’s here! There is dozen of them all on horses, all armed and armoured.” Alexius is able to calm him down by laying of hands, yet the fop continues his rant. “He is here, he has a hideous mask. The Black Cowl. He’s on a huge black steed. He has a dozen riders with him. They have black powder weapons and huge swords. They have this huge mammoth with them too.” The panicked boy is pulled into the brush out of sight.
Into the firelight a large horse emerges, its rider dismounts handing the reins to another rider. Soon there are several riders visible. Tomas sits next the campfire awaiting those coming near, seemingly unruffled and composed. The figure standing before him is nearly six and half feet tall, larger then even Thyrus. Draped in a dark cloak, heavy dark armour evident, and a superbly crafted long sword at his side. He pulls back his hood revealing short cropped white-blond hair and sporting a large gash along his face. The sullen face bears a permanent grimace. It is Bischoff, the fabled enforcer of the Black Cowl. “Who the [expletive] are you!”
Unrattled Tomas counters he is here to negotiate. Bischoff steps forward, his armour and leather rasp with an unnatural eeriness. The desperado continues his interaction, declaring he is a man of business willing to help Bischoff’s master make more money. The enforcer looks his challenger up and down, sizing him up so to speak. He seems somewhat astounded that Tomas knows his name yet Bischoff does not know anything about this miscreant before him. Our scamp introduces himself as Tomas Radische.
In that instant the enforcer remembers, he grabs the gambler by his collar and draws him near. He speaks with hot, liquored breath, “You are part of that bunch that is causing a nuisance for us. I know who you are. I know what you are and your little gang of foolish vermin.”
Again, Radishe remains composed. He complains the ‘little gang’ is ineffectual. He is a man of commerce yet he made no real money with them, barely enough to tip a whore worn out by his manly strides. They are of no use to him now. The scamp continues, “I found your road bandits here. I dispensed with them. So I am now willing to talk business.” The heavy mist covers the sweat upon his brow as he speaks back to this intimidating figure. Bischoff snarls at the blatant impudence displayed then chuckles in amusement.
There is more verbal intercourse betwixt Bischoff and Radische. If Tomas ‘deals’ in Averheim it follows he will now answer to the Black Cowl. Then out of the mist a powerful black steed approaches, upon it fully cloaked a hideous mutated face is seen under a cowl, it is but a mask though no less frightening. “Who is this?”, “Why did you call me out here?”, “Where is my merchandise?” A gilded sword of impressive craftsmanship (mayhaps Elven steel?) is drawn to warn the ne’er-do-well. “If you are lying.” A crown for the head of each of Tomas’ former companions. He mentions the Initiate of Sigmar and the southerner. The Black Cowl will know, he has eyes everywhere in the city. They turn and leave.
The vagabond knows he is screwed and expresses his frustration. Alexius notices the armour and clothing the Cowl was wearing, certainly a man from the gold-tier. This reinforces Thyrus’ belief that one of families is behind this. The novice throws out the suspicion of Mott, a man of means and able to pull of acting needed for the duplicity of the character.
A confluence of impulsive ideas and immature plots are discussed with no solid stratagem. We do not know our adversary well enough to play regicide[3] with any forte or proficiency. Proof that our band of brash young fools is inadequately practiced in the art of martial enterprise. It is late into the night and mist has turned into steady rain before they return to Averheim with the Red Arrow horse and wagon. Radische continues into town, the rest stay in the north-side village in a flea-ridden hostel save Hengst who sleeps with the wagon under the tarp in a fur-lined sleeping blanket.
Early morning of Wellentag (19th day of 4th month) the opportunist ‘searches’ the White Horse tavern and docks for the troublesome gang of interlopers (exempli gratia-the initiate, the Estalian, the fop and Ulric mercenary). It is drizzling yet the sun is trying to peak through the clouds. The Aver is swollen and running fast. Rumours continue on all the missing persons (e.g. Ute Herz, Jurgen Klinkski, Beatrice Knox, et cetera).
A pot-bellied watchman name Gunther, last seen with Herr Luminary finds Tomas believing he knows Thyrus the mercenary, tells the high roller that the captain wants to see the Ulric then hands him a missive. A half-hour later the gamester walks into the north village hostel. He hands Norrener the summons and explains he too received a note from the Black Cow[4] that he is just to watch and report on the actions of the adventurous crew instead of turning them over for a gold piece per head.
Despite his history with Baerfaust the Middenheim merc no longer trusts the captain of the city guard and ad hoc overseer. They realise that Johannes is absent, most likely still sleeping in the wagon outside. Firstly they return the wagon to the Red Arrow offices. Curd Weiss is present amongst the early morning bustle of clerks. Tomas lies about not finding any merchandise, Alexius offers to return the initial fee but instead Weiss gives up another 5/- each. He offers another job, Gräfin Clothilde von Alptraum has bravely offered to aid in seeking out the highway men. She has a gutshof [5]named Hirsch Herren along the southern path leading to Heideck, off the Old Dwarf Road. It is not far from town, the trip there and back will take only part of the afternoon. Thyrus recalls meeting her or at least speaking to the noblewoman briefly as she donated her time and money to a Shallyan temple hospice he spent time recovering after being injury during the 3rd Battle of Fire Pass.
The plan is to have her trip made public, she would travel with the standard coachman and the bodyguard yet clandestinely have the five adventurers hiding within the coach itself dressed in the livery of Red Arrow. Does the newly formed crew take the offer of twenty shillings each to secret themselves into her service? El Cuervo becomes distraught at yet another distraction from our task of finding Estelle and the others, “Estelle is lost, they’re dead. They are all dead! It is no use any more. Do whatever.” The temperamental Sea-weed[6] storms off, as from a short crowd[7], just as Tomas accepts the tender – what could go wrong?
Per Herr Weiss, we will be given a set of liveries (a heavy cloth tabard, decorated with devices: on the right breast an embroidered red arrow and on the left breast is silver badge displaying the von Kaufman coat of arms). The next four hours belong to the group; Hengst just wants to trek home and get a couple hours of rest before protection duty. Yet they all go (save the Raven) to see Baerfaust and realise one of our troupe is missing, they decide to go searching (save Johannes). The puerile macaroni traipses home first stopping at a local bathhouse then to his townhouse to get one hour nap.
Thyrus starts at the White Horse, Tomas at the Upright Pig, and Alexius from the Plenzerplatz; the foreigner has a distinctive manner and jet black hair which should make it easier to find him. None of the three remember he wanted to see Luminary Mauer, had Johannes been part of the search he would have recalled El Cuervo asking for the meeting.
Heading up to the garrison barracks, the observant fop notices a lad a year or two younger than himself with a small blade going for his purse strings, this is same teenager he noticed at the Upright Pig just after the search for Estelle began. Johannes grasps the boy’s left wrist, up righting it in an awkward and slightly painful position. “You would rob me. I am going to Greatswords Garrison right now and you will join me.” The whimpering adolescent pleads for release and mercy, he is but an orphan, his father a fallen soldier, forced to fend for himself. All of this hits home for the bastard dandy yet he does not yield his station of wronged citizen. The captured youngster is a victim of the Black Cowl and exaction. The thief’s name: Fritz Flink, a young lad age sixteen or so with long curly black hair, the wispy beginnings of a beard, and a deceptively guiltless expression. This could have easily been Johannes.
Radische grabs a quick bit to eat, breaks even after nearly raking in a big haul while playing cards, then asks after the Estalian along this side of the docks.
A residence with an unusually ornate façade and strange glyphs is the destination of El Cuervo. He tugs the pull-cord a couple of times hearing a faint, high-pitch ting as a small bell tintinnabulates, his eyes go wide and he sucks in a breath, holding it for a moment. The bell only chimes twice, he sighs relieve and relaxes just as the door opens. He is at the home of Herr Luminary Konrad Mauer. The Crow is conflicted, he is supposed to be looking for Estelle Reinholt née Werner and now he is hired to protect Gräfin von Alptraum yet he seeks the Luminary’s aid in dealing with his exile from his homeland. A beautiful woman name Esmeralda was killed, she was a lover of El Cuervo’s but another man, Dimitri Marchese an emissary from Remas[8] in Tilea[9] was jealous of the relationship and murdered the woman leaving the blame to fall up the raconteur. Per Mauer, “The only thing worse than chaos is politics.”
Within about 10 minutes of each other, the party (plus Fritz) arrives at Marcus Baerfaust’s office, the captain has evidently spoken with Curd Weiss so he knows the band borrowed a wagon. The soldier of fortune reports giving only sparse information: we travelled the north Old Dwarf Road (towards Wurtbad) looking for highway men but did not find anyone thus the Red Arrow wagon was returned, we did discover a single broken barrel cracked open and spilling black sludge (gun powder? Hard to say), the man in the black hood is more than rumour—though we haven’t seen him—as several have reported threats to their lives yet no one is willing to say much more than that, and an infamous veteran of the Third Battle has been seen in the city acting as the enforcer for the Black Hood— Bischoff, large and daunting. The overseer’s stern countenance scans the others behind the mercenary, he wants to know who everyone is.
Johannes introduces himself and the lad at his side, seemingly having just noticed the nineteen year old fop with a sixteen year old urchin Alexius questions the origins of the unknown boy. He first thinks the stray may have been ‘picked up’ at the public baths so asks. The initiate squints trying to understand the relationship betwixt the two young men before him. The socialite states he encountered Fritz on the way here after the bath house and after visiting his townhouse.
Thyrus and Marcus continue their discourse. Norrener not understanding why more aren’t interested in the new crime lord plaguing the city thus supporting additional militia to safeguard families and merchants, against Baerfaust explaining the upper echelons don’t care about the people of the docks or crime as long as they are not directly affected, exceptions being the Werners with their missing daughter and von Kaufman’s business being held up. The suspicious Middenheim mercenary suspects someone of prominence or even a well-to-do family may be in league or supporting the man in black. The captain needs proof. The wiry patrician finds the merc’s accusation implausible but rather it could be an outsider, say from Altdorf, which is behind the recent crime wave as Reiklanders are known to be cunning and ambitious. The sell-sword continues his theory, with no clear leader of the city someone is taking advantage at the lack of municipal authority to gain a foothold on the business dealings and criminal mischief within Averheim. Before the assembly is broken, Hengst asks if anyone else along the docks has been reported missing. No new news.
As they leave the offices of the town guard, Alexius persists in his discovery of Fritz. This gets the rest of the men curious as well. The initiate wants to know why the brat is with the fop, lodged in his brain is the idea the lad must be a hat-boy solicited at or near the bath houses or a spy yet he does not verbalise the claim. Tomas takes advantage of the queer situation to tease his mark (Johannes) and taunt the cut-purse, whom he seems to know of. Perhaps the catechumen believes the coxcomb is a member of the cult of Slaanesh[10] or Cannoneer[11]. The obsession displayed by the tyro mounts, mayhap he is fearful of his own exposure and relationship with Stephan so he lashes out at the fashion-monger. Johannes throws out this notion to Alexius. Hengst suggests he or Radische might be able to use the adolescent Flink as a source of information about the dealings of the Black Cowl, much to the doubt of the others. Tomas pays the inept, poor pickpocket 10/- to be his ‘eyes and ears.’
At the prescribed time the brash young fools arrive at the Red Arrow Coach Line. En route, The Crow admits to visiting Luminary Mauer on a non-related matter and learned from the knowledgeable man the poisoned wounds of the dockside men found dead showed definite signs of chaos and taint. Awaiting the party is a first-rate extended Brougham, with one door (plus a new fangled folding step) and a curtained window on either side, drawn by two my two primped and well-groomed superior horses. It is high-gloss black-lacquered closed-coach with new, Dwarven ¾ elliptic springs, gilded flairs, and modern splashers. A crusty, creaky, weather-beaten man buffs the brass door handle and polishes the gild; Werther, a quite, soft-spoken coachman known to Johannes, with 30-plus years of experience driving and doctoring horses works to make sure the Gräfin’s kutsche is ready. The old driver is neatly dressed in a green felt double-breasted box coat trimmed in black with matching feathered top hat, thick white linen trousers, mid-calf ox-hide boots and dark lamb-skin gloves. Up on the hammercloth-covered, padded driver’s bench is an upright blunderbuss in good repair and long-handled whip.
The dandy is first to the tabards to select the cleanest or most presentable garment. He is surprised to hear no spotted coach dogs trained to run under the back axles of the coach and to protect the carriage on outings would be going along, there is a small contingent at the mews.
Out walks an attractive woman, wearing a posh blue-black dress of ornate design and layers; black lace gloves and matching veil, stylish tricorn country hat, and well-made fashionable boots to complete the ensemble. Clothilde is a vision of radiant beauty in her late twenties. She has an attractive and friendly face, a curvaceous hour-glass figure (rendered even more so by her well–tailored corsets and bustle) and long curled hair piled high and normally held in place by a wrought–iron tiara decorated with owl feathers and the Imperial cross.
El Cuervo is first to step forward, charming women seems to come second nature to the exotic foreigner. Alexius moves behind the performer and with his steely gaze, bald head and eerie unibrow looks unnerving at the Gräfin. She holds out her gloved hand feigning a blush, she comments on the virility and endearing accents of Estalian men. The Raven gentle holds and kisses it, then leads her to her resplendent Brougham. She coyly asks his name. He introduces himself stating his chosen profession to be that of a performer; with a teasing voice calls to Weiss mockingly, “I thought you said they were warriors, men of action not acting.”
The play actor gives surety he has been well trained in the art of Diestro[12]. Just behind the cultured lady is her bodyguard Giselbert Kuhn, who has served the von Alptraum family for almost 40 years. Whilst he is in his sixties, he still gives off an impression of considerable power and confidence. Giselbert has a close-cut white beard and hair. He is dressed in the von Alptraum livery armed with a sword and flintlock pistol. The two older men take the front bench and the younger ‘guards’ sit inside the coach with the Gräfin: Clothilde center with her back to the front, Tomas to her left, Johannes to her right, El Cuervo directly across from her, Alexius to his right opposite the gambler, and finally Thyrus to his left across from the fop. Curd Weiss gives final words instruction to the men and again gives thanks for Lady von Alptraum for her pluck and daring.
It quickly becomes apparent that these men have not bathed in quite some time as the odor within the carriage is very musky, sweaty and pungent. The woman finds herself drawn towards the only perfumed male within, the jack dandy Johannes. She recognises him and asks if they have ever met. Embarrassed, Hengst states he has attended some of the same functions and parties graced with her presence but they have never met socially. Still she asks how she might know him, sheepishly he admits his uncle is Jürgen Treuer of the Kohlenstaub Raße Stallungen (Coal Dust Horse Stables), a long standing suitor and one of a few men[13] who have asked for hand in matrimony. Till now she has been very skillful in evading such entanglements. She takes out a fan, unfurls it and begins waving it, “What a very small country we live in, yes?”
Under his breath, Tomas ask his fellow card player, “Really, your uncle? Who is your father again?” The gallant either ignores or doesn’t hear the comment still a little shy around such an elegant member of society. Alexius, across from the gambler, does hear the question and proffers one of his own, he wants know again how Hengst knows the fourteen year old boy (Fritz is actually 16). The sound of the wheels on the cobblestones plus the rattle of the armour and weapons worn drowns out the later inquiries.
Thyrus speaks up, happy to admit he has met the lady, in a Shallyan hospice during the war. She came and visited many of the wounded, he was amongst them. She advocates her distain for war and bloodshed, most agree but initiate Willhelm speaks up about the importance of the war against the chaos and corruption. The mercenary tries to delineate the war of politic, greed and control versus the philosophical battle against the greater evil of the world. There is small talk and she learns everyone’s name, she describes her estate, it’s obvious she is excited about the potential peril of this trip, and she gives each man an opportunity to speak their opinion on some manner of business or issue of interest.
Some 45 minutes into the ride and carriage comes to stop, the grate above the seating compartment opens and Werther announces, “It appears a small tree has been downed by the storm, it shan’t be a moment before its moved and we are on our way again.” Thyrus is quick to warn the coachman it could be a ruse. They are expecting a threat from highwaymen. The elderly driver seems slightly confused at the concept of a trap, trees often block the roads and trail. The two old men get down and grumble about the task at hand. Norrener and Hengst both take a peek out beyond the curtained window, they do not see anything untoward. Willhelm glances out the opposite window. A nice hedge lines the road on the western side and an open field to east but nothing more is seen.
El Cuervo reassures the Lady this is a common occurrence (hoping to alleviate any nervousness she might be experiencing), Johannes asks the Gräfin if she’ll be attending the Menagerie Soiree coming up soon (hoping to lessen his own anxiety). With that she becomes quite lively as she is looking forward to it. Alexius becomes a little more attentive, he inquires about any found artifacts. Her ladyship has only heard about ‘creatures’ found in the Southlands. When she asks if the young male socialite will be attending he declares his invitation is via T. Thaddeus Mott the writer, of whom she is not a fan, “Have you read his drivel? He might be the worst playwright I have ever read … I enjoy going to the theatre, we attend in Altdorf and we go here in Averheim.” The popinjay comes to the dramatist’s defence, in that he does command a very notable stage presence.
Norrener becomes impatient at the delay, the two old men trying to move this small tree. The Ulric steps from the coach to hurry along the process, in glancing around he notices how open and exposed the passengers are should adversaries come calling. Both the Gräfin and fop warn of exposing the plan yet the mercenary proceeds. The coachmen and bodyguard seem insulted that they can’t handle a simple obstruction. The hired sword notices the tree has been cut; the downed tree is not an act of nature.
The Estalian continues his discussion with Lady von Alptraum, “When I was little, I got to see a play by Calderón de la Barca, he tell the story of a beautiful princess who was looking for most beautiful diamond in all the land …” [, oops] It becomes all too obvious of the exotic performer’s intent to beguile the fair lady. She is offended and slightly embarrassed at the thought of hired thug making a play for her. She is unsure how to address such impropriety. The gallant quickly changes subjects to equestrian sport, yet she still becomes flush.
The soldier of fortune comes back to the carriage asking for second pair of eyes, he chooses El Cuervo and not a moment too soon considering the pressure building inside the riding compartment. Tomas is quick to judge, stating the northerner has all but uncovered the deception. The well-dressed teenager reasons if there are onlookers it may appear he is only speaking to her ladyship. Frustrated at the lack of action Thyrus gets back into the carriage.
The Brougham continues on, a couple of miles down the road Johannes, next to a window, hears the faintest of sounds, to him a signal horn in the distance. No one else notices it. He bangs the roof of the coach and calls to Werther to hurry along at a quicker pace. It is not long before all the passengers take notice of hoof beats of many horse riders catching up to the hard-covered wagon. The carriage is halted and six highwaymen surround Lady von Alptraum. Masked men in boiled-leather tricorns and oilskin dusters with drawn black powder handguns converge and call out all of the travellers; two stand tall in the saddle at the door, two in back and the remaining pair cover the aging coachman and bodyguard.
“Hold! We know the von Alptraum diamond is travelling within, drop it out the window and we will allow you to continue on without incident. We know there are more of you contained therein and should anyone attempt to exit the vehicle you will be shot. We appreciate our cooperation.” This comes from the well-mannered rogue leading the bandits as he fully pulls back the hammer of his half-cocked pistol.
The acrobat acting the daredevil, almost in apology of his social transgression, says “I owe you this much milady.” El Cuervo draws his rapier and tumbles out the door in a surprise move. “Ándale arriba, rápidamente a la acción!” A sharp, loud crack and an odd boom is heard, a brilliant flash is seen outside as the kutsche door flies open and orator leaps out. His shoulder is hit but an over-filled pan explodes with too much powder and the shooter is briefly blinded, he drops his firearm while covering his eyes. A second report is heard, a lead ball tears through the air missing it target. The Raven is able to snag the reins of the spokesperson’s horse in mid-air with his left hand but is unable to pull with his shoulder being hit.
The head honcho Hektor instructs his men to cover the wagon and retrieve the gem, he draws his sword and shakes his head trying to clear his vision. He affirms he will dispense with fool who leapt out. He fails to connect as he instinctively pulls his horse aside to swing. The Estalian fails a riposte due to his injured shoulder. In a fluid move, Alexius slides his grasping hand along the long handle of his great hammer on the carriage floor and he too leaps out. The head of the hammer goes up and shaft slides free from the initiate’s fingers until it reaches optimum height. And with an impressive move, the well-armoured Sigmarite firmly grabs the wood handle with both hands and swings down haymaker-style upon the second rider positioned at the coach door. Causing great trauma and a garish scar the rider all but collapses in the saddle. Thyrus and Tomas follow suit. The second horseman’s steed rears as caitiff jumps out, Radische looses hold of his own sword by striking the hoof. The Middenheim irregular bounds for the leader cutting deep with the tainted blade recovered at the mutant camp. The steel catches at the seam of Hektor’s leather armour producing a profound wound.
Like the raconteur Johannes has some parting words for her ladyship, “Forgive me, do not mistake bold action for valour or courage.” The macaroni moves to the rear of the wagon with saber in hand, he strikes for a larcenous lackey. Instead he slices the saddle strap scratching the mount as the rider slides off with the heavy saddle. His fellow flunky reaches for him unsuccessfully losing an opportunity to shoot the fop. Distracted by all the commotion springing out of the carriage, Werther takes this moment to shoot the rogue with the blunderbuss. The blast sprays out towards Hektor catching the engaged band of heroes as well. The brace of equines are startled and gallop forward catching the men atop the carriage off balance, each falling. The road bandits in front manoeuvre their chargers aside as the runaway coach with Gräfin Clothilde von Alptraum still inside bolts past them.
Well-verse in riding, Hengst hops on the back of the saddle-less grey mare. He immediately begins charging down the road in pursuit of the renegade kutsche. Hektor breaks free from the cluster of combatants and give chase to the Brougham. One of the riders in front of the horse-drawn vehicle moves in behind the leader. The second man initially in front aims a pistol already cocked and fires at Willhelm with a clean shot. The damaged rider at the side of the coach swings his sword at Thyrus connecting. The mercenary counterstrikes with his mutant steel killing the rider; he is too quickly fatigued as the tainted sword affects the wielder too. The postulant moves to aid the tumbler bleeding from wounds with the mettle of Sigmar. The gamester retrieves his hand weapon to use against the rear highwayman but fails to adjust for the spirited horse, the rider strikes with but a scratch to Radische. The unhorsed brigand brings his sword to bear against the wolf-skinned fighter drawing blood.
The gang leader catches up to the rear of the coach. The Altdorf tyro breaks away to help cardsharp, he smacks one of the holdup men upside the head executing the criminal. The northern gladiator deals another blade strike upon a new target. The skilled equestrian catches up the lead highwayman just behind the coach and the boss, a wild swing of his saber cuts the thigh causing the mounted thief to flinch and wave off the chase. The two cronies help each other to their feet. The rider engaged with Tomas disengages and flees into the eastern field. The robber fighting Thyrus deals a solid strike causing the merc to stagger back knocking his head against the rear mudguard. Alexius tries to jump up on a lone horse but the hammer throws him off balance. El Cuervo gallops behind Johannes.
The man in charge of the attempted heist springs off his stallion onto the back quarter of the runaway carriage, with no foot-runner to place his feet he struggles to secure his grip at the rear of the hard-covered wagon. Lady von Alptraum screams seeing the hooligan so close. Hengst pushes his grey mare to charge ahead galloping astride the pair of uncontrolled hitched horses showing true mounted competence. He then vaults onto yoke to rein in the unruly beasts. The rapscallion is able to get upon the steed that the initiate failed to saddle. The Sigmar healer lays hands upon the fallen Ulric warrior bringing him conscious. The chasing highwayman pushed aside by the fop slows to engage the Estalian. El Cuervo overreaches with his rapier, again the thief flinches but this time he falls off his horse catching the two rear hooves.
Frantically trying to dominate frightened equines Johannes spies ahead a sharp turn in the road with a sharp decline on the far side of the bend. It’s now or never to prevent the kutsche from flying off the embankment before it. He glances back to see Hektor climbing to the top of the coach and preparing to swing down into the seating compartment. The wiry gallant reins in the terrified horses as if possessed by Taal himself. The Raven exhausts himself riding hard as he nears the slowing Brougham. Tomas is gaining ground approaching the sea-weed. The fighters in the protection detail left behind search the immediate area for weapons and signs of who these road bandits were.
The criminal overseer leaps through the open door securing his foothold on the edge of the wagon floor confident in his dominance of the fair lady, none of her protectors are near enough to stop his advance. Staring him down is the barrel of a small pepper-box derringer as he realises his fate. A small explosion and he flies back hitting the ground with an unyielding thud. The carriage finally slows and stops, the thespian and high roller at last catch up. Tomas checks on the dead body of Hektor, El Cuervo glances back to see if Alexius and Thyrus are safe and out of combat. The mercenary and initiate reveal one of the fallen outlaws is wearing a distinctive design under his leather slicker: a black and yellow insignia of the Averland militia. The expended pistol lying near his side is stamped with the characteristic gloomy sun that clearly identifies it – Averheim garrison. Alexius collects the gun.
Two other black powder pistols are retrieved and well as several hand weapons. Other evidence is collected; Norrener seems unsurprised by their discovery.
Johannes checks on the Gräfin. He makes a sharp-witted comment as to her safety at the hands of five stalwart men and her woman’s pistol. Uncharacteristically bawdy in his words and innuendo the beau entices her feminine sensibilities, she is for the first time in a long time truly enamoured by a young dashing socialite. In a heavy, uncontrolled breath Clothilde says, “I’m a bit overwhelmed. I’ve never had to use this before,” as she secrets her derringer away.
[1] The Southlands lie south of the Land of the Dead and are dominated by dense swamplands and rain forest. The southlands are inhabited by lizardmen, savage orcs and forest goblins, and small tribes of what adventurers call the "Dark Men", who are content to live at peace with nature and seem to have the protection of the Lizardmen. The Southlands are believed to be the original homeland of the Dwarfs.
[2] Slang, those from Tilea or Estalia.
[3] Regicide is a tabletop board game played across the Empire. It uses an irregular-shaped board and iconic pieces, and is played on a "hooded" board where only certain pieces are visible, making the game more complex.
[4] A diminutive or slight assigned to the dangerous and mysterious Black Cowl, ruthless crimelord in Averheim as given by Tomas Radische, group smart aleck.
[5] Manor, grange.
[6] Slang, Estalian or Tilean.
[7] Entertainer’s slang, term for an audience short on cash or appreciation.
[8] The Rebellious Republic of Remas, Tilea: Remas is a great and old city located on the coast. The huge circular harbour, the narrow entrance is spanned by a mighty bridge resting on great stone piers and bears the weight of many fine houses and palaces (rising up in three, four and five storeys with overhanging balconies) of the Merchant Princes. The city and relatively stable republic, one of the least corrupt and longest lived, is very populous and is famous for its strong mercenary army, most of which fight as pikemen.
[9] It should be noted, every time El Cuervo mentions Tilea he unconsciously hocks phlegm and spits.
[10] Chaos God of lust, excess, pain, pleasure, perfection and hedonism. Last of the major Chaos Gods to be born—coming into existence with the collapse of the Eldar civilisation.
[11] Slang, homosexual man, also pistolier or cannon-stroker.
[12] Diestro Fighting: a style of fencing and sword fighting perfected by the legendary Estalian swordsman Master Figueroa. Skill practioners have developed astonishing speed and precision; they employ every trick imaginable and some that often take enemies by surprise.
[13] Known suitors: Graf Friedrich von Kaufman, Theodosious von Tuchtenhagen, Jürgen Treuer, plus other men of station and wealth.
El Cuervo (Estalian performer), Johannes Hengst (Averland fop), Thyrus Norrener (Middenheim mercenary), Tomas Radische (Wissenland gambler), Alexius Wilhellm (Reikland initiate of Sigmar)
Chapter Four: Smugglers and Highwaymen
Angestag, the 17th day of Sigmarzeit, 2522 IC … The day before the start of summer, in the month of Sigmar Heldenhammer, named after a man amongst men elevated to deity and patron of the Empire. Another day of warmth and sun, another morning without lingering fog and mist, a good day for commerce and hopefully justice.
Journey with Johannes Hengst, Fop of Averheim! His search for a business venture has brought him to T. Thaddeus Mott, playwright. Can the flamboyant thespian help to restore Johannes to the good graces of the upper social tiers of Averheim? Johannes struggles to balance his future with the current predicament that he has undertaken … the missing bride Estelle Werner. With dead bodies displaying strange markings, missing persons, mutants in the forest and the mysterious Black Cowl pulling the strings of the underworld, has Johannes put his business dealings and life in danger? Only time will tell …
Tempt fate with luck-smith Tomas Radische! Tracking down highwaymen in the middle of the forests of the Empire was not necessarily what he had in mind when the group decided to ferret out the agents of the Black Cowl. With the stakes ever raising and his life on the line, does Tomas have the nerve to keep anteing up? With the Black Cowl coming to power, asserting control over the thieves, fences, and gamblers he knows well, Tomas finds himself in the center of it all. But is this the position he truly wants to be?
Swing away with Thyrus Norrener, Mercenary! With his old friend missing and others now disappearing, Thyrus is now at the ready fighting injustice wherever it may rear its ugly head. The battle with grotesque mutants offered Thyrus a long satiated need to swing his sell-sword but will the fight prove fruitful enough for his ultimate goal? Or will the battle only further cloud him in mystery?
Pontificate with Alexius Willhelm, Initiate of Sigmar! With the discovery of the twisted chaos ridden mutants within the forests not far from Averheim the teachings of the young initiate become clearer still. Yet the disappearances must be solved, of course the Black Cowl apprehended but the taint of chaos that is now surrounding this investigation must be rooted out and cleansed with the mighty hand of Sigmar. First he must feed Stephan.
Scoff at danger with El Cuervo, striking foreigner! Critically wounded after the rescue at the burning barge, El Cuervo wonders if he will be alive to find the beautiful Estelle as he promised her family. Having survived the fight in the woods with the mutant band will this lead to the clue that he had hoped would help reunite him with the lovely Estelle? Can he bring justice to those who might do her harm or will his carefree and daredevil ways bring about his final performance and his life’s curtain call?
With the mutant band defeated the group returns to Averheim to try and piece together this mystery in hopes of finding the missing. Five brash young fools, unlikely heroes thrust into the grim world of perilous adventure!
Graf Friedrich von Kaufman, patron of the Sun Society and natural sciences, funded an expedition to the Southlands[1], led by one Johann Templemann, has returned with wondrous finds. A party, the social event of the season, will unveil the secrets brought back as well as a menagerie of exotic animals. As a member of the Sun Society it is likely that Sigmar Initiate Alexius Willhelm will be invited. Johannes Hengst has found an invitation through his new acquaintance and potential benefactor T. Thaddeus Mott, playwright of Averheim.
The party is still in the Stirland forest north of Averheim, at a mutant camp off the high road. Site of a fierce battle, also the remains of man (set on spite over a camp fire) and few remains of a horse, just the bones and some rendered flesh. And a rack laced with flesh being dried for jerky. A prisoner is waiting to be interrogated, a man of average appearance and proportions yet mutated with a large, scarlet wattle.
Talk of torture begins the questioning. First, where are the missing people such as Estelle? Second, how long have the mutants been in these woods? Third, why are they eating the flesh of man? Fourth, have they been to Averheim? Next, why are they attacking merchants and travellers along the road? With this question the group finally hears some credible answers. They were working with a band of smugglers, ones that evidently did not mind they were tainted with chaos. He gives his name as Gritz; he doesn’t know much of the smuggler arrangement as Hein was the leader, the twisted-horn large green muscled man. Questions fly quick and sudden, the mutant is confused as he tries to address each question towards each asker but he stumbles over his knowledge.
Tomas uses his charm and skill with words to persuade Gritz to speak of what he knows or suffer a painful death the hands of the initiate and mercenary. They leave a leather strap around a tree branch to signal the smugglers, it was done by Hanz (the donkey-ear mutant) or Wermer (the blue-feathered beakman). He and Gerdia (the pustule witch) did not deal with smugglers at all. “Is that everything you know!?” bellows Alexius, not believing much in the words of a chaos tainted ‘man’.
Fearful for his life, wattler insists that is all he knows. The initiate believes he is holding back. El Cuervo draws his rapier with a flourish, “… it has only tasted blood thrice today, and it needs to be feed at least four times.” The socialite and gamester watch with a careful eye, being observant men of their society. There is something but neither can put a finger on it, something more which Gritz knows.
Thyrus draws his sword, albeit slightly damaged from our recent battle, and holds it to pendulous fleshy caruncle dangling from the prisoner’s face, “Tell us the rest, you are holding back.” The mutant begins to whimper and his voice warbles, he confesses to have told all. The steely gaze of the mercenary is distrusting, experience has taught him there is always more. Blood drips from a small cut. He begs for his life, he will tell if is life is spared.
Hein had a contact in Averheim, from a group called the Red Crown. He does not know much more than that, only their leader speaks in a very low, sibilant voice. The sound if it is chilling, he wears a black hood. He came into the forest to meet with Hein once. He took the black powder and chemicals. The Red Crown has a social agenda: to end discrimination of mutants through the Empire. Everyone scoffs at the notion. He claims to be man, cursed yes, but a man and he only wants to live a normal life.
Ulric asks if anyone from Averheim or elsewhere has come to the camp save the Black Cowl and smugglers, anyone dressed like the fop, in fancy clothes? Never.
Alexius asks Tomas his opinion on sparing the life of this mutant. The vagabond draws a parallel between the cursed mutants and the unwanted poor. He was raised on the streets and knows that some see the deprived as burden on society to be done away with. He grew up underprivileged yet became a contributing member of society so it may be possible mutants could do the same. He is not sure but doesn’t believe them to be killed outright for being what they are. Yet Gritz stole, killed and ate the flesh of a man so he deserves what punishment awaits him.
The Raven has noticed Johannes has remained silent to this point. He has yet to contribute to the interrogation or offer his opinion. “Tradition and lore says mutants are evil by nature and need to be destroyed. Mutants are said to be unintelligent, untamable, unable to communicate, and feral. But Gritz, and the others, have shown themselves to talk, understand thought and emotion, and behave much like humans,” says the fop finally. Norrener puts his sword through wattler’s throat and kills him for his crimes, whether they moral crimes or crimes against nature.
Again Hengst had suffered the worse from the battle, Radische administers some first aid and the coxcomb drinks one of his healing draught. The hired sword replaces his hand weapon with Hanz’s blade until he can get his original weapon repaired.
The discussion moves to motivation and who is ‘truly’ behind all the recent troubles. The sell-sword believes a person or persons of higher social station are behind the smugglers and possibly the Black Cowl. Only someone in that position could operate unchecked and with such ease. The patrician is dumbfounded and appalled by such a notion. It stands against all reason to him. Crime is a symptom of chaos and the aristocracy brings order and law. The postulant sides with Johannes and the foreigner concurs with Thyrus. Norrener uses the words of the young well-to-do to argue his point; Averheim is without an elector so there is social discord and chaos as various factions vie for power. What better time to ally themselves with the underworld then now to help secure that position and power for a prominent family or ambitious individual. The petite-maître disputes the logic from his naïve point of view.
Hengst and Radishe head back to the road to check on the borrowed horse and cart. Norrener pushes El Cuervo to help him collect the bodies for pyre, the Estalian is a little queasy in handling the mutant bodies, something about his mother’s warning against touching foul creatures. While they work to clean up the camp, the Raven cautions the mercenary from arguing against el salvador, the saviour. The sutthos[2] believes wisdom is imparted by the words of Tomas yet the northerner thinks he just talks too much for the sake of talking. As Thyrus moves the woman several pus-fill pustules break leaking thick, reeking excretions; he immediately feels nauseous. The dead bodies are laid around the camp, propped up in some grotesquely distorted fashion to give an initial appearance of ‘occupation’.
It doesn’t take much to identify a unique tree to use in signaling the smugglers, the cardsharp and popinjay examine it more closely. Johannes actually scurries up and spots a branch showing wear and discolouration, an obvious spot for a thick leather (half-a-hand in width) strap to be wrapped several times. When the youth descends he jumps down awkwardly and twists the same ankle he injured earlier causing him to find a walking stick. He spends the rest of the day limping about. Tomas finds time to goad the orphan boy Johannes seems immune or just ignorant of shill’s taunts.
Once the signal tree is identified, Johannes moves the horse and cart several yards north along the road. He finds a small clearing to tether the equine and cover the cart with loose brush. Later the leather signal tie is found and swathed around the branch. A watch is set by the scrawny social butterfly to see if and when the contrabandists come seeking the warning sign. A plan or strategy is devised on how to deal with smugglers is hashed out. Tomas will be in the camp with lifeless erect corpses, other will hide on the outskirts waiting to ambush the incoming foes. The night passes without incident.
Sigmarfest, the first day of summer on Festag, a high holy day for Empire arrives in earnest. Another warm morning, some dew is upon the blankets of the sleeping brash adventurers. The wiry equestrian tends to the horse at first light then after breakfast sets a new watch observing the road and signal tree. The mutants are pulled together and bundled with thatching and wood then doused with oil for a pyre.
Johannes is alerted by a rider on the high road. The horseman stops below the tree and searches for the signal, he immediate turns his mount around and gallops back towards Averheim without delay. The fop quickly scurries from his hiding post and uses the parties’ horse to ride back to camp through the woods. He failed to whistle, the prearranged warning sign. He arrives just as the pyre is lit. The others greet him with drawn weapons. The city socialite estimates the smugglers will return by late afternoon.
Thyrus cooks some fruit pastries and spends time cleaning and sharpening his weapons, Alexius spends much of the day fulfilling his Sigmar duties during this holy day, Tomas and Johannes play cards and dice gambling a good portion of the day while El Cuervo watches. Neither comes out a head as they both break even despite Tomas’ reputation and Johannes’ rabbit foot. Alexius breaks from his vigil a couple of times to say a prayer in favour of the young fribble.
During the day, the temperature drops as clouds roll in. By late afternoon a mist begins to layer the forest just below the canopy of leaves and light rain begins around dusk. Burnt remnants of the mutants smolder. Radische is within the camp and everyone else has moved out hidden from view. Hengst is near the road watching for the smugglers or Red Crown members. The group approaches and two figures stand out.
Stumbling into camp through the darkness and heavy mist, Johannes unable to whistle from running and dry mouth he is there to warn the others. “He’s here! It’s here! There is dozen of them all on horses, all armed and armoured.” Alexius is able to calm him down by laying of hands, yet the fop continues his rant. “He is here, he has a hideous mask. The Black Cowl. He’s on a huge black steed. He has a dozen riders with him. They have black powder weapons and huge swords. They have this huge mammoth with them too.” The panicked boy is pulled into the brush out of sight.
Into the firelight a large horse emerges, its rider dismounts handing the reins to another rider. Soon there are several riders visible. Tomas sits next the campfire awaiting those coming near, seemingly unruffled and composed. The figure standing before him is nearly six and half feet tall, larger then even Thyrus. Draped in a dark cloak, heavy dark armour evident, and a superbly crafted long sword at his side. He pulls back his hood revealing short cropped white-blond hair and sporting a large gash along his face. The sullen face bears a permanent grimace. It is Bischoff, the fabled enforcer of the Black Cowl. “Who the [expletive] are you!”
Unrattled Tomas counters he is here to negotiate. Bischoff steps forward, his armour and leather rasp with an unnatural eeriness. The desperado continues his interaction, declaring he is a man of business willing to help Bischoff’s master make more money. The enforcer looks his challenger up and down, sizing him up so to speak. He seems somewhat astounded that Tomas knows his name yet Bischoff does not know anything about this miscreant before him. Our scamp introduces himself as Tomas Radische.
In that instant the enforcer remembers, he grabs the gambler by his collar and draws him near. He speaks with hot, liquored breath, “You are part of that bunch that is causing a nuisance for us. I know who you are. I know what you are and your little gang of foolish vermin.”
Again, Radishe remains composed. He complains the ‘little gang’ is ineffectual. He is a man of commerce yet he made no real money with them, barely enough to tip a whore worn out by his manly strides. They are of no use to him now. The scamp continues, “I found your road bandits here. I dispensed with them. So I am now willing to talk business.” The heavy mist covers the sweat upon his brow as he speaks back to this intimidating figure. Bischoff snarls at the blatant impudence displayed then chuckles in amusement.
There is more verbal intercourse betwixt Bischoff and Radische. If Tomas ‘deals’ in Averheim it follows he will now answer to the Black Cowl. Then out of the mist a powerful black steed approaches, upon it fully cloaked a hideous mutated face is seen under a cowl, it is but a mask though no less frightening. “Who is this?”, “Why did you call me out here?”, “Where is my merchandise?” A gilded sword of impressive craftsmanship (mayhaps Elven steel?) is drawn to warn the ne’er-do-well. “If you are lying.” A crown for the head of each of Tomas’ former companions. He mentions the Initiate of Sigmar and the southerner. The Black Cowl will know, he has eyes everywhere in the city. They turn and leave.
The vagabond knows he is screwed and expresses his frustration. Alexius notices the armour and clothing the Cowl was wearing, certainly a man from the gold-tier. This reinforces Thyrus’ belief that one of families is behind this. The novice throws out the suspicion of Mott, a man of means and able to pull of acting needed for the duplicity of the character.
A confluence of impulsive ideas and immature plots are discussed with no solid stratagem. We do not know our adversary well enough to play regicide[3] with any forte or proficiency. Proof that our band of brash young fools is inadequately practiced in the art of martial enterprise. It is late into the night and mist has turned into steady rain before they return to Averheim with the Red Arrow horse and wagon. Radische continues into town, the rest stay in the north-side village in a flea-ridden hostel save Hengst who sleeps with the wagon under the tarp in a fur-lined sleeping blanket.
Early morning of Wellentag (19th day of 4th month) the opportunist ‘searches’ the White Horse tavern and docks for the troublesome gang of interlopers (exempli gratia-the initiate, the Estalian, the fop and Ulric mercenary). It is drizzling yet the sun is trying to peak through the clouds. The Aver is swollen and running fast. Rumours continue on all the missing persons (e.g. Ute Herz, Jurgen Klinkski, Beatrice Knox, et cetera).
A pot-bellied watchman name Gunther, last seen with Herr Luminary finds Tomas believing he knows Thyrus the mercenary, tells the high roller that the captain wants to see the Ulric then hands him a missive. A half-hour later the gamester walks into the north village hostel. He hands Norrener the summons and explains he too received a note from the Black Cow[4] that he is just to watch and report on the actions of the adventurous crew instead of turning them over for a gold piece per head.
Despite his history with Baerfaust the Middenheim merc no longer trusts the captain of the city guard and ad hoc overseer. They realise that Johannes is absent, most likely still sleeping in the wagon outside. Firstly they return the wagon to the Red Arrow offices. Curd Weiss is present amongst the early morning bustle of clerks. Tomas lies about not finding any merchandise, Alexius offers to return the initial fee but instead Weiss gives up another 5/- each. He offers another job, Gräfin Clothilde von Alptraum has bravely offered to aid in seeking out the highway men. She has a gutshof [5]named Hirsch Herren along the southern path leading to Heideck, off the Old Dwarf Road. It is not far from town, the trip there and back will take only part of the afternoon. Thyrus recalls meeting her or at least speaking to the noblewoman briefly as she donated her time and money to a Shallyan temple hospice he spent time recovering after being injury during the 3rd Battle of Fire Pass.
The plan is to have her trip made public, she would travel with the standard coachman and the bodyguard yet clandestinely have the five adventurers hiding within the coach itself dressed in the livery of Red Arrow. Does the newly formed crew take the offer of twenty shillings each to secret themselves into her service? El Cuervo becomes distraught at yet another distraction from our task of finding Estelle and the others, “Estelle is lost, they’re dead. They are all dead! It is no use any more. Do whatever.” The temperamental Sea-weed[6] storms off, as from a short crowd[7], just as Tomas accepts the tender – what could go wrong?
Per Herr Weiss, we will be given a set of liveries (a heavy cloth tabard, decorated with devices: on the right breast an embroidered red arrow and on the left breast is silver badge displaying the von Kaufman coat of arms). The next four hours belong to the group; Hengst just wants to trek home and get a couple hours of rest before protection duty. Yet they all go (save the Raven) to see Baerfaust and realise one of our troupe is missing, they decide to go searching (save Johannes). The puerile macaroni traipses home first stopping at a local bathhouse then to his townhouse to get one hour nap.
Thyrus starts at the White Horse, Tomas at the Upright Pig, and Alexius from the Plenzerplatz; the foreigner has a distinctive manner and jet black hair which should make it easier to find him. None of the three remember he wanted to see Luminary Mauer, had Johannes been part of the search he would have recalled El Cuervo asking for the meeting.
Heading up to the garrison barracks, the observant fop notices a lad a year or two younger than himself with a small blade going for his purse strings, this is same teenager he noticed at the Upright Pig just after the search for Estelle began. Johannes grasps the boy’s left wrist, up righting it in an awkward and slightly painful position. “You would rob me. I am going to Greatswords Garrison right now and you will join me.” The whimpering adolescent pleads for release and mercy, he is but an orphan, his father a fallen soldier, forced to fend for himself. All of this hits home for the bastard dandy yet he does not yield his station of wronged citizen. The captured youngster is a victim of the Black Cowl and exaction. The thief’s name: Fritz Flink, a young lad age sixteen or so with long curly black hair, the wispy beginnings of a beard, and a deceptively guiltless expression. This could have easily been Johannes.
Radische grabs a quick bit to eat, breaks even after nearly raking in a big haul while playing cards, then asks after the Estalian along this side of the docks.
A residence with an unusually ornate façade and strange glyphs is the destination of El Cuervo. He tugs the pull-cord a couple of times hearing a faint, high-pitch ting as a small bell tintinnabulates, his eyes go wide and he sucks in a breath, holding it for a moment. The bell only chimes twice, he sighs relieve and relaxes just as the door opens. He is at the home of Herr Luminary Konrad Mauer. The Crow is conflicted, he is supposed to be looking for Estelle Reinholt née Werner and now he is hired to protect Gräfin von Alptraum yet he seeks the Luminary’s aid in dealing with his exile from his homeland. A beautiful woman name Esmeralda was killed, she was a lover of El Cuervo’s but another man, Dimitri Marchese an emissary from Remas[8] in Tilea[9] was jealous of the relationship and murdered the woman leaving the blame to fall up the raconteur. Per Mauer, “The only thing worse than chaos is politics.”
Within about 10 minutes of each other, the party (plus Fritz) arrives at Marcus Baerfaust’s office, the captain has evidently spoken with Curd Weiss so he knows the band borrowed a wagon. The soldier of fortune reports giving only sparse information: we travelled the north Old Dwarf Road (towards Wurtbad) looking for highway men but did not find anyone thus the Red Arrow wagon was returned, we did discover a single broken barrel cracked open and spilling black sludge (gun powder? Hard to say), the man in the black hood is more than rumour—though we haven’t seen him—as several have reported threats to their lives yet no one is willing to say much more than that, and an infamous veteran of the Third Battle has been seen in the city acting as the enforcer for the Black Hood— Bischoff, large and daunting. The overseer’s stern countenance scans the others behind the mercenary, he wants to know who everyone is.
Johannes introduces himself and the lad at his side, seemingly having just noticed the nineteen year old fop with a sixteen year old urchin Alexius questions the origins of the unknown boy. He first thinks the stray may have been ‘picked up’ at the public baths so asks. The initiate squints trying to understand the relationship betwixt the two young men before him. The socialite states he encountered Fritz on the way here after the bath house and after visiting his townhouse.
Thyrus and Marcus continue their discourse. Norrener not understanding why more aren’t interested in the new crime lord plaguing the city thus supporting additional militia to safeguard families and merchants, against Baerfaust explaining the upper echelons don’t care about the people of the docks or crime as long as they are not directly affected, exceptions being the Werners with their missing daughter and von Kaufman’s business being held up. The suspicious Middenheim mercenary suspects someone of prominence or even a well-to-do family may be in league or supporting the man in black. The captain needs proof. The wiry patrician finds the merc’s accusation implausible but rather it could be an outsider, say from Altdorf, which is behind the recent crime wave as Reiklanders are known to be cunning and ambitious. The sell-sword continues his theory, with no clear leader of the city someone is taking advantage at the lack of municipal authority to gain a foothold on the business dealings and criminal mischief within Averheim. Before the assembly is broken, Hengst asks if anyone else along the docks has been reported missing. No new news.
As they leave the offices of the town guard, Alexius persists in his discovery of Fritz. This gets the rest of the men curious as well. The initiate wants to know why the brat is with the fop, lodged in his brain is the idea the lad must be a hat-boy solicited at or near the bath houses or a spy yet he does not verbalise the claim. Tomas takes advantage of the queer situation to tease his mark (Johannes) and taunt the cut-purse, whom he seems to know of. Perhaps the catechumen believes the coxcomb is a member of the cult of Slaanesh[10] or Cannoneer[11]. The obsession displayed by the tyro mounts, mayhap he is fearful of his own exposure and relationship with Stephan so he lashes out at the fashion-monger. Johannes throws out this notion to Alexius. Hengst suggests he or Radische might be able to use the adolescent Flink as a source of information about the dealings of the Black Cowl, much to the doubt of the others. Tomas pays the inept, poor pickpocket 10/- to be his ‘eyes and ears.’
At the prescribed time the brash young fools arrive at the Red Arrow Coach Line. En route, The Crow admits to visiting Luminary Mauer on a non-related matter and learned from the knowledgeable man the poisoned wounds of the dockside men found dead showed definite signs of chaos and taint. Awaiting the party is a first-rate extended Brougham, with one door (plus a new fangled folding step) and a curtained window on either side, drawn by two my two primped and well-groomed superior horses. It is high-gloss black-lacquered closed-coach with new, Dwarven ¾ elliptic springs, gilded flairs, and modern splashers. A crusty, creaky, weather-beaten man buffs the brass door handle and polishes the gild; Werther, a quite, soft-spoken coachman known to Johannes, with 30-plus years of experience driving and doctoring horses works to make sure the Gräfin’s kutsche is ready. The old driver is neatly dressed in a green felt double-breasted box coat trimmed in black with matching feathered top hat, thick white linen trousers, mid-calf ox-hide boots and dark lamb-skin gloves. Up on the hammercloth-covered, padded driver’s bench is an upright blunderbuss in good repair and long-handled whip.
The dandy is first to the tabards to select the cleanest or most presentable garment. He is surprised to hear no spotted coach dogs trained to run under the back axles of the coach and to protect the carriage on outings would be going along, there is a small contingent at the mews.
Out walks an attractive woman, wearing a posh blue-black dress of ornate design and layers; black lace gloves and matching veil, stylish tricorn country hat, and well-made fashionable boots to complete the ensemble. Clothilde is a vision of radiant beauty in her late twenties. She has an attractive and friendly face, a curvaceous hour-glass figure (rendered even more so by her well–tailored corsets and bustle) and long curled hair piled high and normally held in place by a wrought–iron tiara decorated with owl feathers and the Imperial cross.
El Cuervo is first to step forward, charming women seems to come second nature to the exotic foreigner. Alexius moves behind the performer and with his steely gaze, bald head and eerie unibrow looks unnerving at the Gräfin. She holds out her gloved hand feigning a blush, she comments on the virility and endearing accents of Estalian men. The Raven gentle holds and kisses it, then leads her to her resplendent Brougham. She coyly asks his name. He introduces himself stating his chosen profession to be that of a performer; with a teasing voice calls to Weiss mockingly, “I thought you said they were warriors, men of action not acting.”
The play actor gives surety he has been well trained in the art of Diestro[12]. Just behind the cultured lady is her bodyguard Giselbert Kuhn, who has served the von Alptraum family for almost 40 years. Whilst he is in his sixties, he still gives off an impression of considerable power and confidence. Giselbert has a close-cut white beard and hair. He is dressed in the von Alptraum livery armed with a sword and flintlock pistol. The two older men take the front bench and the younger ‘guards’ sit inside the coach with the Gräfin: Clothilde center with her back to the front, Tomas to her left, Johannes to her right, El Cuervo directly across from her, Alexius to his right opposite the gambler, and finally Thyrus to his left across from the fop. Curd Weiss gives final words instruction to the men and again gives thanks for Lady von Alptraum for her pluck and daring.
It quickly becomes apparent that these men have not bathed in quite some time as the odor within the carriage is very musky, sweaty and pungent. The woman finds herself drawn towards the only perfumed male within, the jack dandy Johannes. She recognises him and asks if they have ever met. Embarrassed, Hengst states he has attended some of the same functions and parties graced with her presence but they have never met socially. Still she asks how she might know him, sheepishly he admits his uncle is Jürgen Treuer of the Kohlenstaub Raße Stallungen (Coal Dust Horse Stables), a long standing suitor and one of a few men[13] who have asked for hand in matrimony. Till now she has been very skillful in evading such entanglements. She takes out a fan, unfurls it and begins waving it, “What a very small country we live in, yes?”
Under his breath, Tomas ask his fellow card player, “Really, your uncle? Who is your father again?” The gallant either ignores or doesn’t hear the comment still a little shy around such an elegant member of society. Alexius, across from the gambler, does hear the question and proffers one of his own, he wants know again how Hengst knows the fourteen year old boy (Fritz is actually 16). The sound of the wheels on the cobblestones plus the rattle of the armour and weapons worn drowns out the later inquiries.
Thyrus speaks up, happy to admit he has met the lady, in a Shallyan hospice during the war. She came and visited many of the wounded, he was amongst them. She advocates her distain for war and bloodshed, most agree but initiate Willhelm speaks up about the importance of the war against the chaos and corruption. The mercenary tries to delineate the war of politic, greed and control versus the philosophical battle against the greater evil of the world. There is small talk and she learns everyone’s name, she describes her estate, it’s obvious she is excited about the potential peril of this trip, and she gives each man an opportunity to speak their opinion on some manner of business or issue of interest.
Some 45 minutes into the ride and carriage comes to stop, the grate above the seating compartment opens and Werther announces, “It appears a small tree has been downed by the storm, it shan’t be a moment before its moved and we are on our way again.” Thyrus is quick to warn the coachman it could be a ruse. They are expecting a threat from highwaymen. The elderly driver seems slightly confused at the concept of a trap, trees often block the roads and trail. The two old men get down and grumble about the task at hand. Norrener and Hengst both take a peek out beyond the curtained window, they do not see anything untoward. Willhelm glances out the opposite window. A nice hedge lines the road on the western side and an open field to east but nothing more is seen.
El Cuervo reassures the Lady this is a common occurrence (hoping to alleviate any nervousness she might be experiencing), Johannes asks the Gräfin if she’ll be attending the Menagerie Soiree coming up soon (hoping to lessen his own anxiety). With that she becomes quite lively as she is looking forward to it. Alexius becomes a little more attentive, he inquires about any found artifacts. Her ladyship has only heard about ‘creatures’ found in the Southlands. When she asks if the young male socialite will be attending he declares his invitation is via T. Thaddeus Mott the writer, of whom she is not a fan, “Have you read his drivel? He might be the worst playwright I have ever read … I enjoy going to the theatre, we attend in Altdorf and we go here in Averheim.” The popinjay comes to the dramatist’s defence, in that he does command a very notable stage presence.
Norrener becomes impatient at the delay, the two old men trying to move this small tree. The Ulric steps from the coach to hurry along the process, in glancing around he notices how open and exposed the passengers are should adversaries come calling. Both the Gräfin and fop warn of exposing the plan yet the mercenary proceeds. The coachmen and bodyguard seem insulted that they can’t handle a simple obstruction. The hired sword notices the tree has been cut; the downed tree is not an act of nature.
The Estalian continues his discussion with Lady von Alptraum, “When I was little, I got to see a play by Calderón de la Barca, he tell the story of a beautiful princess who was looking for most beautiful diamond in all the land …” [, oops] It becomes all too obvious of the exotic performer’s intent to beguile the fair lady. She is offended and slightly embarrassed at the thought of hired thug making a play for her. She is unsure how to address such impropriety. The gallant quickly changes subjects to equestrian sport, yet she still becomes flush.
The soldier of fortune comes back to the carriage asking for second pair of eyes, he chooses El Cuervo and not a moment too soon considering the pressure building inside the riding compartment. Tomas is quick to judge, stating the northerner has all but uncovered the deception. The well-dressed teenager reasons if there are onlookers it may appear he is only speaking to her ladyship. Frustrated at the lack of action Thyrus gets back into the carriage.
The Brougham continues on, a couple of miles down the road Johannes, next to a window, hears the faintest of sounds, to him a signal horn in the distance. No one else notices it. He bangs the roof of the coach and calls to Werther to hurry along at a quicker pace. It is not long before all the passengers take notice of hoof beats of many horse riders catching up to the hard-covered wagon. The carriage is halted and six highwaymen surround Lady von Alptraum. Masked men in boiled-leather tricorns and oilskin dusters with drawn black powder handguns converge and call out all of the travellers; two stand tall in the saddle at the door, two in back and the remaining pair cover the aging coachman and bodyguard.
“Hold! We know the von Alptraum diamond is travelling within, drop it out the window and we will allow you to continue on without incident. We know there are more of you contained therein and should anyone attempt to exit the vehicle you will be shot. We appreciate our cooperation.” This comes from the well-mannered rogue leading the bandits as he fully pulls back the hammer of his half-cocked pistol.
The acrobat acting the daredevil, almost in apology of his social transgression, says “I owe you this much milady.” El Cuervo draws his rapier and tumbles out the door in a surprise move. “Ándale arriba, rápidamente a la acción!” A sharp, loud crack and an odd boom is heard, a brilliant flash is seen outside as the kutsche door flies open and orator leaps out. His shoulder is hit but an over-filled pan explodes with too much powder and the shooter is briefly blinded, he drops his firearm while covering his eyes. A second report is heard, a lead ball tears through the air missing it target. The Raven is able to snag the reins of the spokesperson’s horse in mid-air with his left hand but is unable to pull with his shoulder being hit.
The head honcho Hektor instructs his men to cover the wagon and retrieve the gem, he draws his sword and shakes his head trying to clear his vision. He affirms he will dispense with fool who leapt out. He fails to connect as he instinctively pulls his horse aside to swing. The Estalian fails a riposte due to his injured shoulder. In a fluid move, Alexius slides his grasping hand along the long handle of his great hammer on the carriage floor and he too leaps out. The head of the hammer goes up and shaft slides free from the initiate’s fingers until it reaches optimum height. And with an impressive move, the well-armoured Sigmarite firmly grabs the wood handle with both hands and swings down haymaker-style upon the second rider positioned at the coach door. Causing great trauma and a garish scar the rider all but collapses in the saddle. Thyrus and Tomas follow suit. The second horseman’s steed rears as caitiff jumps out, Radische looses hold of his own sword by striking the hoof. The Middenheim irregular bounds for the leader cutting deep with the tainted blade recovered at the mutant camp. The steel catches at the seam of Hektor’s leather armour producing a profound wound.
Like the raconteur Johannes has some parting words for her ladyship, “Forgive me, do not mistake bold action for valour or courage.” The macaroni moves to the rear of the wagon with saber in hand, he strikes for a larcenous lackey. Instead he slices the saddle strap scratching the mount as the rider slides off with the heavy saddle. His fellow flunky reaches for him unsuccessfully losing an opportunity to shoot the fop. Distracted by all the commotion springing out of the carriage, Werther takes this moment to shoot the rogue with the blunderbuss. The blast sprays out towards Hektor catching the engaged band of heroes as well. The brace of equines are startled and gallop forward catching the men atop the carriage off balance, each falling. The road bandits in front manoeuvre their chargers aside as the runaway coach with Gräfin Clothilde von Alptraum still inside bolts past them.
Well-verse in riding, Hengst hops on the back of the saddle-less grey mare. He immediately begins charging down the road in pursuit of the renegade kutsche. Hektor breaks free from the cluster of combatants and give chase to the Brougham. One of the riders in front of the horse-drawn vehicle moves in behind the leader. The second man initially in front aims a pistol already cocked and fires at Willhelm with a clean shot. The damaged rider at the side of the coach swings his sword at Thyrus connecting. The mercenary counterstrikes with his mutant steel killing the rider; he is too quickly fatigued as the tainted sword affects the wielder too. The postulant moves to aid the tumbler bleeding from wounds with the mettle of Sigmar. The gamester retrieves his hand weapon to use against the rear highwayman but fails to adjust for the spirited horse, the rider strikes with but a scratch to Radische. The unhorsed brigand brings his sword to bear against the wolf-skinned fighter drawing blood.
The gang leader catches up to the rear of the coach. The Altdorf tyro breaks away to help cardsharp, he smacks one of the holdup men upside the head executing the criminal. The northern gladiator deals another blade strike upon a new target. The skilled equestrian catches up the lead highwayman just behind the coach and the boss, a wild swing of his saber cuts the thigh causing the mounted thief to flinch and wave off the chase. The two cronies help each other to their feet. The rider engaged with Tomas disengages and flees into the eastern field. The robber fighting Thyrus deals a solid strike causing the merc to stagger back knocking his head against the rear mudguard. Alexius tries to jump up on a lone horse but the hammer throws him off balance. El Cuervo gallops behind Johannes.
The man in charge of the attempted heist springs off his stallion onto the back quarter of the runaway carriage, with no foot-runner to place his feet he struggles to secure his grip at the rear of the hard-covered wagon. Lady von Alptraum screams seeing the hooligan so close. Hengst pushes his grey mare to charge ahead galloping astride the pair of uncontrolled hitched horses showing true mounted competence. He then vaults onto yoke to rein in the unruly beasts. The rapscallion is able to get upon the steed that the initiate failed to saddle. The Sigmar healer lays hands upon the fallen Ulric warrior bringing him conscious. The chasing highwayman pushed aside by the fop slows to engage the Estalian. El Cuervo overreaches with his rapier, again the thief flinches but this time he falls off his horse catching the two rear hooves.
Frantically trying to dominate frightened equines Johannes spies ahead a sharp turn in the road with a sharp decline on the far side of the bend. It’s now or never to prevent the kutsche from flying off the embankment before it. He glances back to see Hektor climbing to the top of the coach and preparing to swing down into the seating compartment. The wiry gallant reins in the terrified horses as if possessed by Taal himself. The Raven exhausts himself riding hard as he nears the slowing Brougham. Tomas is gaining ground approaching the sea-weed. The fighters in the protection detail left behind search the immediate area for weapons and signs of who these road bandits were.
The criminal overseer leaps through the open door securing his foothold on the edge of the wagon floor confident in his dominance of the fair lady, none of her protectors are near enough to stop his advance. Staring him down is the barrel of a small pepper-box derringer as he realises his fate. A small explosion and he flies back hitting the ground with an unyielding thud. The carriage finally slows and stops, the thespian and high roller at last catch up. Tomas checks on the dead body of Hektor, El Cuervo glances back to see if Alexius and Thyrus are safe and out of combat. The mercenary and initiate reveal one of the fallen outlaws is wearing a distinctive design under his leather slicker: a black and yellow insignia of the Averland militia. The expended pistol lying near his side is stamped with the characteristic gloomy sun that clearly identifies it – Averheim garrison. Alexius collects the gun.
Two other black powder pistols are retrieved and well as several hand weapons. Other evidence is collected; Norrener seems unsurprised by their discovery.
Johannes checks on the Gräfin. He makes a sharp-witted comment as to her safety at the hands of five stalwart men and her woman’s pistol. Uncharacteristically bawdy in his words and innuendo the beau entices her feminine sensibilities, she is for the first time in a long time truly enamoured by a young dashing socialite. In a heavy, uncontrolled breath Clothilde says, “I’m a bit overwhelmed. I’ve never had to use this before,” as she secrets her derringer away.
[1] The Southlands lie south of the Land of the Dead and are dominated by dense swamplands and rain forest. The southlands are inhabited by lizardmen, savage orcs and forest goblins, and small tribes of what adventurers call the "Dark Men", who are content to live at peace with nature and seem to have the protection of the Lizardmen. The Southlands are believed to be the original homeland of the Dwarfs.
[2] Slang, those from Tilea or Estalia.
[3] Regicide is a tabletop board game played across the Empire. It uses an irregular-shaped board and iconic pieces, and is played on a "hooded" board where only certain pieces are visible, making the game more complex.
[4] A diminutive or slight assigned to the dangerous and mysterious Black Cowl, ruthless crimelord in Averheim as given by Tomas Radische, group smart aleck.
[5] Manor, grange.
[6] Slang, Estalian or Tilean.
[7] Entertainer’s slang, term for an audience short on cash or appreciation.
[8] The Rebellious Republic of Remas, Tilea: Remas is a great and old city located on the coast. The huge circular harbour, the narrow entrance is spanned by a mighty bridge resting on great stone piers and bears the weight of many fine houses and palaces (rising up in three, four and five storeys with overhanging balconies) of the Merchant Princes. The city and relatively stable republic, one of the least corrupt and longest lived, is very populous and is famous for its strong mercenary army, most of which fight as pikemen.
[9] It should be noted, every time El Cuervo mentions Tilea he unconsciously hocks phlegm and spits.
[10] Chaos God of lust, excess, pain, pleasure, perfection and hedonism. Last of the major Chaos Gods to be born—coming into existence with the collapse of the Eldar civilisation.
[11] Slang, homosexual man, also pistolier or cannon-stroker.
[12] Diestro Fighting: a style of fencing and sword fighting perfected by the legendary Estalian swordsman Master Figueroa. Skill practioners have developed astonishing speed and precision; they employ every trick imaginable and some that often take enemies by surprise.
[13] Known suitors: Graf Friedrich von Kaufman, Theodosious von Tuchtenhagen, Jürgen Treuer, plus other men of station and wealth.