Iron Kingdoms - Actual Play Report

Hallo.

Once more sorry for the English, but I thought some of you may enjoy reading my actual play reports of my own game and have questions about how I am running it.

Onwards!

Iron Kingdoms - Adamantine Will

Episode 1 : The Beast of Gedon - Part 1

The train powered its way through the winding mountain passes that cut through the Upper Wyrmwall mountains. The train briefly stopped in the high altitudes at a small stop to for more water. At this mountain side town the travelling party of the Order of Illumination. Sat outside one of the two inns, overlooking the sweeping landscape and green fields with grazing cattle, the party was taking a break and enjoying a local meal. Brother Eckert Talbot, a wiry middle aged man, sat drinking in the landscape, contemplating his journey, his life, his place in life and his faith. He prayed that Morrow would bring him through and allow him to repent his sins.
Sat next to the priest was the regal looking Darcey Dimiani. Daughter of the Dimiani family of Llael, and daughter of the Earl of the Dimiani House, land holders of Voxsauny, and the city of Rhydden. She wore a voluminous Robe d’Llaelese, a fashionable dress of petticoats and finest cloth from Merywyn. She sat picking at her food, a plate of finest beef, local root vegetables, and a glass of the wine, her own that she buys that comes from Llael. She did not seem impressed by the local drink that had been served - fermented goats milk. She absent mindedly played with a mechanical puzzle box. Her hair was a dark auburn and wavy and was waist length, but tied back to stop the wind making a mess of it.
Also sat at the table was the roguish looking Beck Hurst. His durable leather coat was unbuttoned to make it more comfortable to sit. He sat eating, taking his time tasting the food and making notes. His hands were gloved, to hide the burns he had acquired as a apprentice in Corvis. He swilled the local alcohol in his mouth, trying hard to work out all the components and the adequate words to describe the concoction.
Finally there was Gregore MacLuken. He was in his typical jerkin and trousers, wolfing down the food and starting on a second serving of goat meat pie. He seemed happy to be enjoying the ride and to be out of his plate armour.
Soon it was time to board the train once more. The train had many carriages, and the witch hunters had their own private cabin. Other cabins carried livestock, jacks, soldiers, cargo, and other travellers. With a blast of steam and a whistle the train pushed on to Fharin.
At Fharin, the smog blanketed city, the party switched to a horse drawn carriage, and continued on towards Fort Falk and then North to Corvis.

The city walls of Corvis loomed, and the carriage passed through the south gate. Here they changed carriage and were taken through the winding streets, and over the web of bridges, to the Ecclesiarchal district. Here dominating the city stood the imposing Cathedral of Corvis. The towering baroque spires loomed over the small city houses. Freshly cut stone from the recent rebuilding of the cathedral was already beginning to become stained by soot and filth. Outside in the main square, surrounded by looming figures of the Ascendants and venerable tombs, the Prelate, Father Dumas, came to greet the new arrivals. The bald crowned priest looked in his 60s, but he was far younger. He looked over the papers of the witch hunters and informed them that quarters for them had been prepared within monastery and nunnery. Darcey said little, as Brother Talbot explained that she had taken a vow of silence, and so she would never speak on first meetings. Dumas proceeded to invite them to dinner that evening so that they may get a good start for the next day as they travel to Gedon. As he left a young woman in white with jet black hair ran from behind a statue to join him.

With the chance to explore the ‘City of Ghosts’ the party split up. Beck headed to the University of Corvis, and to visit his mentor, the now reclusive and somewhat eccentric, Dr Reynard Hadley. The sat and caught up with each other, as Reynard tended to his home built coffee bean roaster, preparing a batch of new beans from Zu.
For Gregore the city was something of a novelty, and so he lost himself in the busy streets and passed by the arena to watch a fight between a Ogrun and a Trollkin.
Brother Talbot meanwhile remained at the Cathedral, speaking with Father Dumas about matter of faith and the troubles in Gedon. Apparently since the last message to Caspia, 3 more deaths had happened in the area in and around Gedon. Apparently there is also the issue of a heretical text being found in the region and that has made its way to Corvis - the Psalms of Ekris. Apparently the book spoke of the deception of Morrow and how true faith is found within following the faith of Menoth. Dumas was surprised by the construction of the book, and the subversion of the new and old faiths. To more astute readers the book is in fact promoting self strength and veneration over others.
In the markets of Corvis, Darcy went looking for a gift for the middle brother of her 3 older brothers. She had gobbers trying to get her to buy pocket watches and shoes, and she witnessed a brave man shouting down a Trollkin as they argued over the price of a cow. She eventually settled on getting a leather bound journal that bore her brother’s initials.

That evening the troupe enjoyed their meal with Father Dumas, and were joined by the same girl they had seen earlier. Alexia, his niece. They spoke some more about the recent events in Corvis and Caspia, and the troubles with the Menites of Sul.

The next morning the group awoke, with many finding their doors to their rooms sealed shut. Beck had played a prank - he’d glued them in. Darcy knotted her sheets together and climbed of the window, while the others either battered their door down or called for help. Beck sat out in the courtyard laughing, with the others looking on unimpressed. Their carriage awaited and took them out west and towards the Thornwoods. A half day travel through the rolling, foggy lands of ancient Morrhd, and to Gedon and the Gedon woods. The church of Gedon could be seen in the distance, and they had passed 2 villages on the way, and the people living in these looked like tired, frightful country people.

There was cries from the nearby field, and Gregore lept from the carriage and was followed by the others. They came upon a pair of villagers being beaten by 4 men. When asked why the violence was being inflicted upon them the attackers told their visitors to either fuck of or show some proper credentials. They claimed their victims were thieves and gypsies. When it was clear words were not going to make a difference, Darcey, who was had been travelling in her leather armour, pulled her knife and threw it at one of the men, hoping to disarm him. Gregore stood his ground, taking a strike to the head, before disarming the man with his expert swordsmanship. Brother Talbot rushed to the aid of those who had been beaten, and tried to stood the man ready to lay another blow with his club. Beck drew a concussion grenade and hurled it, knocking two of the men to the ground, allowing Darcey the opportunity to rush in knockout one of the men with her club. The attackers soon gave up, and they were all soon joined by Captain Dexer Hornbeck. The portly captain called for a stop of the fighting. He explained that the men were soldiers, disguised as villagers, as a way to tempt the beast of Gedon out and to set traps. They had left their duties, and regardless of the accusations, the people they had beaten had taken enough punishment, criminal or not. He asked for the forgiveness of Brother Talbot, and then took his men away while ordering others of his soldier to attend to the injured. He then asked that they attend the Alderman’s manor this evening for dinner so that they may discuss with the other Reeves the nature of the beast.

Episode 1 : The Beast of Gedon - Part 2

The carriage trundled down the muddy road to Gedon. The town in the dying daylight was blanketed in fog, with only light from the houses and the church of Morrow to guide the carriage in. The streets of the town were muddy and townsfolk and those from the villages were taking carts back from the market.
The carriage passed through the mud caked town centre, and up toward the Gedon manor house, which was where the Alderman of the town and the lands made his home. The house was 3 stories tall, and was a grey stone building, built up upon the old hunting lodge that stood there during the Thousand Cities period. The gravel courtyard had many more carriages sat in waiting and from within there was the sound of music and laughter.
The Alderman, Sir Terron Waal, came out to greet the church investigators. He was joined by his wife, Jeuruse, and his daughter. He of course wore the regal blue of Cygnar. He offered the party to stay at his manor as they sought the truth behind the beast of Gedon.
The party was brought into the house, finding the main hall festooned with all manner of hunting trophies. They had the coats and gear collected, and their boots cleaned, and then presented to the other gentry of the township. In the drawing room many men and ladies were gathered talking. Amongst them was the Captain Hornbeck, and another lady played the harpsichord. Once introductions were done they party was free to speak to others. Investigator Beck Hurst walked amongst the crowd and listened to their conversations. Sitting with the ladies of the house, Darcey Dimiani, who was offered the utmost respect as a noble of Llael - and who outranked many of those present - listened to the superstitions of the older ladies. She heard how tonight was a night of ill omen, for Calder hung in the sky almost full, and that Laris was also a pregnant moon and almost blood red. Artis also sat low on the horizon, and shone a pale green. The elder lady warned the younger women to stay indoors, and to not stray with any man. Darcey, being able to speak to other women as part of her vow, offered more reason, and told the younger ladies of age a simple prayer to Morrow, and how to bind together a small bouquet of herbs, such as lavender, angelica, basil and carnations, which would ward off evil forces.
Gregore spoke to the soldiers who were present. They explained that they had in the last year seen the beast once. That is had two heads, and that its howl chilled the heart. They claimed it was as big as a man, and that it seemed impervious to gunfire, and that it only killed on the full moon of Calder. They also spoke that old legends told of such beasts being weak to silver.
Brother Eckert sat and listened to the Alderman, his wife, the local banker, and their son, the Menite priest, Valenor. Valenor wore the white robes of the old faith of Menoth, and his face was covered by the enclosing mask of bronze, save for the cross shape slit. They spoke of the beast, and Valenor explained how it was clearly the work of the Blackclad druids, the foul worshippers of the Wurm. He would see all their kind incinerated. His far called for calm, as this beast may not be their doing, and that those druids were still men, regardless of their faith.

With the night drawing on they feasted. The local poet read some of his latest work, only to be interrupted by a soldier arriving with dire news. Another villager had been found dead along the Woodsman road.
The troupe, with the Alderman, Captain Hornbeck, and Valenor, rode out to find the body. Darcey remained behind to see what else they could learn.
After riding through the town and almost into the woods they found a dozen soldier who guarded the body. Investigator Hurst immediately set to work, asking if the body had been moved. He noted the large paw prints, and the size of the bits. This was a big wolf, with two heads apparently. He looked over the dead man and opened his black leather bag filled with the alchemical equipment of his business. He was able to give an estimate the time of death. He asked that the body was taken and stored in the cellar for further examination. Valenor was most disgusted by this, asking that the body be burnt to save the town from the restless dead.
Meanwhile in the manor house, Darcey was in the chapel, praying to Morrow, but she had decided to lurk in the chapel, allowing her to watch who else made use of it. She watched as the Alderman's wife came in to pray, and then was approached, scooped up, and passionately kissed by the town banker. It was scandalous, and Darcey listened to them as the sought to find somewhere private to continue their adulterous affair.
When the other's returned it was a relief to Darcey. She has been approached by the poet, when had taken a shine to her, offered her a flower, and sought to impress her with his poems. Hearing the others return, Darcey was able to leave the poet without hurting his feelings him.

In the morning, Brother Eckert lead a small prayer in the chapel, attended by Darcey and Hurst, and those others of who had stayed at the manor house. Hurst then went to look at the body some more, and to also concoct more powder for a concussion grenade. On the body he found traces of wolf hair, but was unable to make much sense of it. The bites looked real enough. And the description of the soldiers and the bits fitted that of a Argus, a strange two headed wolf. But could that be the case? Hurst had already taken to suspecting the Menite priest.

Later that day they all rode with the Alderman and his men to the north where a large hunt had gathered. Many of the gentry of the land and hunters were ready to try and flush the beast out, and kill it. The assumption was that it was a wolf.
As the day progressed, wolves were heard howling as they fled the hunters, only to be killed in their droves by those armed with rifles who had ambushed them. Hearing a scream for help the troupe rode to see what was wrong. Far away from the hunt they came to a clearing and some ruins, and there on top was the poet and the Alderman's daughter, fending off 5 very large wolves. The troupe went to aide them. Darcey levelled her rifle and fired, and felling on beast as the shot splintered its skull. In response another wolf charged at Darcey. Its gnashing teeth tearing into her. Gregore leapt to her aide and drew his great sword down onto its back, rending flesh and fur, and then struck twice more, and severed the creature head from its neck. The other wolves darted into cover, as Hurst ran through the tree line, taking aime and firing his pistol. His shot struck true and another of the large wolves collapsed. Brother Eckert did the same, but on the other side of the clearing. He invoked Morrow's name, and from his staff leapt a blinding flash of light that scorched the largest of the wolves. The beast howled in pain and ran for the holy man.
Darcey, seeing her chance, mounted her horse and rode forth and had the two youngsters mount her horse. The large wolf tore at Eckert, taking the priest into its jaws and shaking him about like a rag doll. Gregore again ran to his aide, and hacked away at the wolf with his sword, and decapitated the beast. The last wolf was then soon killed by the combined power of Eckert and Hurst.
With the two youngster rescued and berated for coming to the hunt, they rode back to the hunting party, where they were thanked and rewarded for their bravery and help.
The investigators watched as wolf upon wolf was heaped in a large pile. Their corpses ready for skinning. The wolves they had killed were also added to the collection, being that they were fine examples of Dusk Wolves. But was the Beast of Gedon dead?

Episode 1 : The Beast of Gedon - Part 3

In the clearing the troupe sat under a tent with the other gentry of the town and ate a luncheon of cured meats and pickled vegetables. The Alchemist, Hurst, attended to Brother Eckert’s wounds, using some prepared bandages to help bind flesh and staunch bleeding. The priest of Morrow was already feeling better.

The others were watching the hunters and nobles. Hurst had spotted one man was carrying what looked like a copy of the book they had been sent to destroy - the Psalms of Ekris, or at least their distorted version - the Red Talon of Menoth. Hurst tried to follow the hunter but he was less than subtle. Darcey was watching the young poet and the Alderman’s daughter. She did not seem too distressed, while the poet had been told off by his father, the young woman had been let off lightly. The poet, angered, explained to Darcey how his father had often spoken of his disappointment in him, and that he would rather have a better son, rather than let him inherit everything. Darcey also heard Brother Valenor speak to his sister. Darcey could only make out what the young woman said - that tonight would be the best time. Darcey sensed something sinister was going on.

The hunters and townsfolk and the troupe return to Gedon, and to the largest inn, The Troll Gate. The hunting lodge was filled with the trophies of hunting. There were antlers, horns, skulls, and even the skulls of some rare animals from the Thornwoods. There was much merriment and drinking and singing, as outside the snow drifted down. There was some conversation by Brother Eckert as he tried to find out more about the faiths and beliefs of the region. He listened to the folklore, the tales of hags, of ghost and of the strange fae that had been rumoured to haunt the woods. He also listened to what little the the townsfolk knew of the Blackclad druids.

Darcey spotted in the back of the inn, behind the stairs, the town’s banker, and the Alderman’s wife. The two of them were being particularly amorous, and together they headed out of the back of the the inn. Hurst was also watching, and followed them.

Outside was frigid, but it seemed the Alder Lady, and her lover, did not care. They were drinking and laughing in the storeroom. Hurst crept forward to listen some more, when he heard a blood curdling cry of pain and the terrified screams of the woman. Hurst watched as something dragged the banker away. Taking the opportunity, Hurst threw a concussion grenade, stunning the beast. With the sound of the commotion Eckert and Darcey ran out of the inn to find out what was going on. More grenades were thrown, and guns fired. The wolf, an Argus, unleashed a skull splitting bark at Hurst, but it failed to stop the Alchemist. Darcey threw a cinder bomb, startling the creature, and setting it ablaze, causing it to flee into the night.

Hurst pursued it, and followed it as well as being soon joined in his pursuit by a group of town watchmen. After tending to the injured banker, and calling on his faith healing, Eckert and more men had caught up with Hurst and his tracking party. Along the way, as they headed to the woods, they found a curious item on a falling tree trunk. It was a pendant and had fur on it. It was a star of Morrow, and had the Waal family name on the back of it. The group then continued into the woods.

Darcey had ridden from the inn to the Wall manor house. There were only a few rooms with light coming from the windows. She sneaked into the manor house via the kitchen, using her hidden wrist blade to break the locks. She crept through the house, and then upstairs. She noted the large family portrait on the wall. It showed the Waals. The Alderman, his wife, their baby daughter, Valenor, and their other son, who was dressed in the garb of a priest of Morrow.

Darcey continued up the stairs and found the Alderman’s room. She looked under the door and was sure there was alight on in there and that someone was on the floor. She broke in and found the Alderman, dying. He has a knife in his chest and was coughing up blood. He looked at Darcey, ‘He took my daughter’. And just as he passed away he looked at Darcey again, as if looking at his own daughter.

Darcey continued searching the room, and the daughter’s room. She found nothing and went down into the basement. There she searched around in the gloom. She turned and dodged just in time as one of the servants of the house attacked her with a dagger. The man screamed, ‘Die and seek retribution before the true god!’. Darcey spun about and smashed her mace into the man’s jaw, almost killing him. Darcey checked his body and found a copy of the Red Talon, and in the man’s chamber there was a small altar, and in the book a map that led into the forest.

In the woods, Eckert and Hurst were still following the tracks of the beast. It then occured to Hurst that he knew who’s star of Morrow it was, as he recalled the painting he had seen the other night. He also realised that they must be somewhere at the epicentre of all the murders. And in the gloom, aided by his blessing, Eckert see in the dark, and make out the shape of a hunting lodge.

Episode 1 : The Beast of Gedon - Part 4

Darcey ran from the Waal manor house and mounted her horse, urging the beast back to the town. She would get Gregore and then together join the others. She only hoped that they would reach them in time.

Out in the woods, Brother Eckert and Hurst, along with their group of a dozen town watchmen, peered through the gloom of the trees. They could see the hunting lodge and the that there were a few guards, hunters, circling it. The building was 3 stories tall, and was old and covered in vines and creepers. A little light escaped the windows, and at the front there was a balcony from which two men kept watch.

Hurst sneaked forward to the stable, and hid in a haystack. He had to be careful of not leaving foot prints in the snow, and to stop the steam from rising from his mask. He watched as one of the guards walked by. Hurst shifted, and his leather armour creaked. The guard turned, and with sword drawn and pistol ready called out ‘Who’s there? Show your self.’

Eckert had sent half of the watch about the other side of the lodge, and seeing the trouble he threw a stone to distract the guard. It didn’t work.

There was a bang, and the guard stumbled back from the stable, gripping his shoulder. He fired back, hitting nothing but wood and stone. The fight had begun.

In short order the fight had begun. Under a hail of gunfire Hurst and Eckert ran forward to the main doors of the manor house. The fight had also got the attention of Darcey and Gregore, who heard the gunshot echo through the forest. They arrived in the clearing and dismounted, with Darcey sprinting to aid her fellows. Gregore also stormed forward, with musket shot impacting his plate armour. But it held, for Brother Eckert had invoked the holy protection of Morrow.

The group burst in through the doors. Before them was a main hall and sweeping staircase. Musket shot fired down upon them, splintering wood and stone. Eckert launched forth at the nearest man, and the two parried and circled, as the priest punished him with blows from his staff of office. Hurst and Darcey traded shot with another, with Hurst rushing forward with his dagger, pressing it into the man’s chest. There were still huntsman upon on the balcony, firing down upon them. Gregore stormed forward, letting out a thunderous call, a challenge for one on one combat. He stood at the top of the staircase, and hammer his sword against his breast plate. The hunters, fearful of this warrior, turned their guns upon him. In short order the huntsmen were defeated. Eckert tended to Hursts wounds, with the Telgesh runes blossoming out from Eckert’s hands.

There was a howl from above, from somewhere in the room above. The floorboards creaked and something padded down the steps. Gregore stood his ground as the beast charged him, smashing him back. The twin heads of the Argus snapped at him, clamping on steel and flesh. Gregore smashed down with his great sword, hammering the beast at it’s legs with controlled strikes. Darcey also waded into the fight, swinging her mace into it’s head. The Argus fought back, with one head savagely crunching down on Darcey’s arm. Gregore saw his chance and pummeled the beast again and again, and finally slew the creature. Eckert turned his healing touch to Darcey, stabilizing the bleeding.

With the beast dead Hurst took some fur samples and then together the group headed upstairs. There in the room was the Alderman’s daughter, bound and gagged. She was in the centre of a circle of candles. Gregore rushed forward to release her, but Darcey and Hurst were quicker witted, and spotted her draw a dagger from her robes, and before she had a chance to slide it between the plate armour of Gregore’s Darcey had already fired her pistol at the girl, maiming her arm.

Gregore rebound the girl, and from above, in the loft, they saw the gleaming mask of Brother Valenor. He explained that they were too late to save anyone now. The priest climbed down the ladder, and presented his hands for binding. He whispered to Gregore, his tainted words effecting his mind, suggesting that the others were liars and the real heretics. But Greogre resisted and they removed his mask and gagged him.

Outside, the fight over, and the copies of the Red Talon now a burning pile, and the printing press ruined, the group reflected on what had happened. The priest had surely gone mad and was driven by his jealousy of his brother, and had found a way, possibly similar to that used by the druids, to change his brother into the creature. The sister was also insane. The two would be taken to Corvis and there they would be imprisoned and more than likely executed for their crimes. The captain of the soldiers who had been trying to hunt the beast, he was now in charge of the town for the time being. In the night sky the moons of Calder and Laris shown down. The red moon casting a baleful light over the lodge.

Episode 2 : Witchfire - The Longest Night - Part 1

It was Ashtoven, and a week before the Longest Night. The city of Corvis was cold and blanketed with fog, but there was a carnival atmosphere as the Longest Night approached. Mulled wine, sweets and masks and costumes were on sale ready for this night of decadence.

In the month since the events in Gedon, the troupe of witch hunters, led by Brother Eckert, had been acting for the Cathedral of Morrow in Corvis. Under the orders of Father Dumas they had been sent to hamlets and villages and towns in the Widower's Woods - the deep forest that rings Corvis - and they had been tasked with investigating cases of witchcraft, hunting Swamp Shambler zombies, or performing exorcisms. Darcey, being of the Dimiani family had been attending a number of masked balls, and had chosen to wear a Servetta Muta mask, a type of mask where it is held in place by biting down on a bit, and so rendering the wearing mute. Gregore had bought some fine clothes for the festival.

The group were walking back from one of the towns, after an evening of performing a rather standard exorcism. The were following the winding road through the woods, with had a constant air of the supernatural due to the thick mist the penetrated the deep forest. There was the sound of people screaming, calling for mercy and help.

Brother Eckert sprinted down the road and around the corner came upon a scene of carnage. Two hulking trolls were had attacked two wagons, and turned them over. People were cowering under the wagons and a number of people lay dead in the dirt. Some of the victims even had limbs torn off. One of the trolls, seeing Eckert, threw one of it's massive spears. The huge weapon slammed into the dirt next to Eckert. Gregore ran to the priest side to prepare for the inevitable charge. The other troll hefted it's massive axe, bellowed and charged at Gregore, its huge blade cutting deep into Gregore's armour. Darcey and Hurst ran up to aid the others. Darcey levelled her hunting rifle and fired. The shot hit home, and blasted a hole through the skull of the troll with the spears. But the beast still walked. Hurst levelled his pistol at beast, but the shot did little. The troll roared and charged forward, looking to skewer Hurst.

Eckert charged the other troll, seeking to help out Gregore. The priest called upon the power of Morrow, runes glowing and swirling about him, and empowering the others. He then brought down his holy staff on the skull of the troll axer, and caved in the beast's skull. Gregore took another crunching blow, numbing his arm. But he fought back, chopping at the beast with his great sword. Hurst tumbled away from the troll fighting him, opening up a shot for Darcey. The shot rang out and exploded a large hole in the troll's chest. The trolls were dead.

The leader of the caravan thanked the group, and asked for them to help them to the city of Corvis, and with performing last rites for the dead. He also offered remuneration, but Eckert refused.

Back in Corvis, and at the cathedral, the injured and dead of the caravan were tended to, and Gregore was treated for injuries and provided new armour from within the church collection. Father Dumas sat the group down and offered them hot wine and herbal liqueur, and explained to them that there had been a series of grave robberies. As he did so they were briefly joined by his niece, Alexia, who then ran off, told by her uncle to have fun and not to get in trouble. The city watch had not dealt with it because they were too busy with keeping the peace what with the festival coming up. Dumas gave them a list of names and locations where the graves had been exhumed.

At the Fullet Farm to the north of the city, they found the well kept farm and misty apple orchards. The trees looked like groaning spirits. At the farm the met Lorna, a tough and broad shoulder woman, with a dirty apron and grim look. She directed them to the family graves, and mentioned numerous times it must be the work of witches. She dusted the open grave with herbs to ward of evil, and explained that her husband died five years ago, surely due to a hex. She went on to tell the group about the witches trial 10 years ago when a magistrate discovered the coven and had them tried and beheaded. Her husband, Chander, was one of the jurors. She also recognized the other names on the list as Chander's fellow jurors, and was not surprised that they were all dead. She again blamed witches, and made the mark of Morrow.

Hurst rode back to the university to read up on the story, which he remembered since he lived in Corvis almost all his life. The others went on to the northern graveyard. There they found the graveyard groundskeeper, who told them of the execution, and how he found the two graves of the Sylva and Monsonata family, disturbed. The bodies had been taken 2 weeks ago. This tied in with when the Fuller body had been taken.

Episode 2 : Witchfire - The Longest Night - Part 2

Hurst woke up in time to dive for cover as the shot splintered wood and tore through books and papers. He drew his gun and fired back at his assailant, the bullet shearing through the oak bookcase that the assassin used for cover. The cloaked figure sprinted to the other end of the book case to get a better shot, but missed again, his shot tearing through a chair leg. Hurst fired again, hitting the assassin in the leg. The man ran back, ducking behind a glass case of curiosities, before firing back again and clipping Hurst. There was the sound of a pin dropping and hitting the stone floor as Hurst threw a grenade. The intense light and loud sound knocked the gunman to the ground, but they kept running and fled the library.

In the corridor Hurst gave chase, pushing people aside. But in the gaggle of students the assassin was lost. Hurst was left to explain to the university guards. He headed back to the library and looked around. He found all the bullets, which were clearly from a repeater pistol, and he found some coins where the man had fallen due to the grenade. They were weird. 2 gold crowns of Cygnar, strangely corroded, and with a strange year printed upon them. They were for a year that was 2 years from now.

The others returned from the Northern Graveyard, and details were exchanged and compared. Darcey was to stay with Hurst to act as bodyguard, while Brother Eckert and Gregore would go to other graves.

In the Eastern Boneyard, in the swampy funeral grounds, two more of the grave were found, again disturbed. Eckert attempted to bribe a beggar, Egger, to find out if he had seen anything. But the beggar feared the law, and his price was steep. Gregore, seeing things going nowhere, grabbed the man and demanded answers. The beggar cried, that he did not want to flung in jail. He told them that “not more than twelthty days ago” that a girl in white, with black hair was here. Eckert gave the frightened old man gold coins for his troubles and bid him to take care and find a warm inn for the festival.

At the Gadock farm they spoke to Bern about his grandfather, and how he had passed on. He had no idea of how the body was taken. But Bern’s son, Hagger, named for his great grandfather, insisted that he knew. The 3 year old spoke of how his great grandfather had walked from his own grave.

At the Sunbright estate, within the city limits, Gregore and Eckert had a tense conversation with Elger Sunbright, head of the household. He explain how his father’s body was removed from the family graveyard. And that the tomb, a marble tomb, was opened, but with no damage. Elger though forbid them from going to the tomb, as there had been enough disturbances already, and that more would bring more notoriety to his family.

Hurst still had no luck searching through the university library, and so Darcey and he travelled across the city to the city hall to look there. In the city archives they found the case file of the witchcraft, and the details of the events, the executions and the names of those killed. One name popped out. It was Lexaria Ciannor, mother of Alexia, and sister-in-law of Father Dumas. Of course the question was if the witches were ever guilty, as they found that the Magistrate Borloch rapidly rose from power, both just before and after the trial. The name of the executioner was unknown, but they had the name for the judge, who still lived. The location of the witches tomb was unknown, other than that Father Dumas was noted as the one who ritually sealed the tomb. The rest of the entry was missing, and noted as destroyed.

The troupe regrouped, it being late at night. Darcey and Gregore were to go to the local inns to ascertain the general opinion of Borloch. Eckert and Hurst would go see Father Dumas and speak about the trial.

At the Silver Goose inn many of the upper class of Corvis were gathered, enjoying the party atmosphere of the coming festival. After much questioning, carousing, and bribery it became clear that many feared Borloch, and that much of his wealth was that recovered from those he had sentenced to death or life imprisonment.

With Father Dumas, they found him praying in a small chapel of the cathedral. He lifted himself off his knees to sit and listen to the priest and investigator. They explained what they had found, the fear of necromancy, and that it was linked to the witch trial. Dumas explained his part and more about Lexaria. Dumas explains where the tomb lies, and that it was once a Orgoth fortress, and so a place of dread. But if there is a necromancer, then they are after something tied to the witches. Dumas also reveals that the executioner of the witches seemed to take some glee in their deaths, and strangely was struck down when Lexaria, the last of them, was beheaded. Both Eckert and Hurst could tell that Dumas was hiding something more.

Walking back from the inn Gregore and Darcey noticed someone was watching them from above, their gun levelled at them....

Episode 2 : Witchfire - The Longest Night - Part 3

Darcey drew her pistol and fired, splintered the brick of the chimney stack as the sniper ducked for cover. Gregore pushed Darcey to cover as the assassin fired back, the shot hitting the wooden crates behind them. Darcey fired again, giving cover Gregore, who had stormed over to the building and leapt up onto the wagon and lower roof nearby. Again the sniper fired, trading shots with Darcey. The sniper turned ready to fire at Gregore just as Darcey placed a well aimed shot in his chest. Gregore clambered up and face the man, kicking aside his gun. He had no fight left in him, and so Gregore bound him lowered him from the roof.

At the cathedral Gregore and Darcey had slung the assassin in the cells reserved for the Order of Illumination. Priests had tended to the man's wounds, and they were soon joined by Brother Eckert and Investigator Hurst. Gregore, Hurst and Eckert went into the cell to question the man. Gregore tried to do a softly softly approach, but the killer just laughed, finding little intimidating. Hurst, masked by his alchemist garb, set his bag on the table, and with some theatrics, mixed up a variety of frothing, bubbling agents. Nothing that could harm a man, but that obviously made the hired gun sweat in fear.

The man had had enough, he answered Hurst's questions as best as he could. He told them the person who had hired them had just given them a note and the money, with the promise of more later. The person had been masked, and all the killer could recall was the pocket watch he had. Hurst recognised the description as being that of a watch given to Corvis University lecturers after 5 years of service. The gold coins paid to the killer were also similar to what Hurst had recovered before. They all bore the wrong date, 604 AR, rather than 602 AR.

The next morning Hurst melted down the weirdly corroded, apparent forged, coins. But he found their chemical composition matched that expected for the gold alloy used by Cygnar for their coins. Gregore, wanting further confirmation took one of the coins to one of the major banks in the city, where the coin was treated as a forgery, a rather imperfect one.

Darcey went to visit the vicarage of Father Dumas, hoping to find Alexia, hoping that the young girl can tell her more about the death of her mother. Alexia invited Darcey in, and together they sat next to the warm fire and talked. Alexia explain that as far as she was concerned her mother was a good woman, and that she had been unjustly killed. Alexia seemed to harbour some distrust of those in power, especially the Magistrate Borloch. She admitted that her mother may have been a witch, but that she was not a bad person. Darcey seemed convinced, but noted that Alexia was somehow tired looking.

The troupe gathered together their things and rode out of the city and north east, to the tomb of the coven. The journey was 2 hours through misty, swampy, and heavily wooded ground. They eventually came upon the old Orgoth scouting post, and they gingerly moved closer. They found that the heavy granite doors to the tomb were shattered. The doors were engraved, and Eckert could make out the symbol of the Orgoth Empire - the leering face on a field of stars - and the etched warding runes. The group lit their lanterns and headed in. The cleared each chamber, checking for signs of recent activity. There was clearly something going on in the tomb, as there were relatively fresh fire pits. The eventually found what had been the mess hall for the station. In the dank room again there were signs of occupation. There were gnawed bones and scraps of metal and cloth. The fire place had also seen some use.

They had come to a crossroad, and so Darcey set up a position from which she could fire, while the others investigated the narrow passageway through the rock. They found a number of rooms, but as Gregore and Eckert headed onwards, Hurst took a different route. Eckert looked back and called for Hurst, but he could just make out the light from his lantern. Eckert of course had invoked the blessings of Morrow and could see in the dark - runes of power were glittering across his eyes. Gregore found another three chambers, and so investigated the one ahead of him. He found a rocky chamber, and within a Gobber skeleton. It was less than a week old. Eckert came to examine it, using his staff to poke at the body, which then disturbed the strange carnivorous fungus that reached down with tendrils and lifted the corpse up. Eckert and Gregore backed away, now paranoid about what may lie in wait on the ceiling of the tomb.

Gregore and Eckert headed back down the passage way and checked the chamber they had passed, and found what must of been the forge. Here they found footprints on the muddy floor, which were certainly the prints made by the feet of Gobbers. Darcey had come to find them here, and together then went looking for Hurst.

Hurst had discovered a large cavern, in which was a pool, a sandy shoreline, a boat, and crystal clear water. Hurst could see that the flor dropped away dramatically, and that in the sand there were gold coins and a dagger. He could also make out the form of a squid lying in wait. Hurst however was greedy. In the boat he found more signs of recent activity, and a long pole with a wicker basket at the end. With this he could scoop out the coins and dagger. He punted out onto the water with the boat and started to dredge the sandy pool floor. He got a few coins out, noting their age and that they had been minted during the Orgoth occupation. He desperately tried to get the dagger, but it fell out of the basket. The others then arrived in the chamber to watch what Hurst was doing, somewhat dumbfounded by the entire act. Hurst scooped up the dagger once more, and just as he plucked it out of the basket, the squid violently attacked. The water bubbled, and the huge tentacles grappled the boat, seeking to throw Hurst into the water. Darcey fire off a shot with her rifle, as Brother Eckert invoked the power of Morrow, sending shimmering beams at the beast. Injured, it slinked off into the dark of the pool.

Hurst made it back to shore, and showed them his loot. Darcey saw the whole act as some sort of fools errand, tossing one coin back into the pool, hoping to placate the dark forces at work. Hurst was more pleased with his haul, and found the dagger was of Orgoth make, a black steel with copper inlaid. Gregore insisted they go back to deal with the fungus, and is a moment of exasperation Eckert smacked both me about the head, reminding them they had the work of the church to do.

As they made their way back down the winding route thought the rock, they could hear voices up head. A gibbering - Gobbers. Eckert called for silence, and so with the route clear, Hurst went ahead finding that the Gobbers had gone into the mess hall. There were 6 in all, and they were arguing, while one was trying to light a fire. The group burst in on the Gobbers, reasoning that surprise would hopefully stop any fight. The Gobbers coward under tables, as the group demanded to know what had happened. The leader of the Gobbers went on to explain that they had only come here as it was dry and safe, and they had their own way in. They had fled wen the main door had been torn apart by the 'girl girl with the dead things'. That was a day ago. The Gobber, hoping he had saved his skin and that of his gang, then asked for 10 gold crowns. They gave him 7 and said that they would go look at the tombs. The Gobbers mentioned that they had never ventured in there. They feared it.

The group moved on, passing one room where they found another goblin. The small fellow seemed shocked as he looked up from his fire, with Gregore simply saying sorry and shutting the door.

The group found that the passageway once more forked. They took the winding passage to their left and found another chamber with a pool and shackles on the wall. It was a torture chamber, and in the pool were the slimey, half decayed remains of humans the Orgoth had tortured a thousand years ago. Hurst then noted that there was fresh red candle wax on the floor..

Episode 2 : Witchfire - The Longest Night - Part 4
Hurst looked at the wax, and Brother Eckert already could see that someone had been practicing necromancy here. The troupe left the dank cavern and the murky bone pit. There were only a few chambers left, which were of no consequence, and really further proved how foul the acts of the Orgoth were. But one chamber was important. The tomb. The seals upon the door had been broken, and from with there was no sound.

Gregore kicked open the door and his lantern illuminated the chamber, casting ghastly shadows over the hewn stone walls. Within were 4 stone coffins, and stood like statues were five mouldering thralls. The figures were clad in the old armour of the human kingdoms that predated the coming of the Orgoth. The bore rusting great weapons and the silently turned to face the intruders. A dry rasping sound escaping their mouths, an impossible thing, but of course so was their animation. Gregore, seeing the threat stormed forward and rained a series of blows upon the closest thrall, his great weapon cleaving bone and armour. Hurst moved, clearing a firing line for Darcey, and rolled a grenade into the the throng of undead, filling the room with the smell of sulphur as two skeletons were immolated, yet still they shambled forward. Darcey leveled her rifle and fired, the sound of the gun shot echoing through the chamber like thunder, and her shot shattered the skull of one of the burning dead. Eckert made the sign of Morrow, and unleashed from has holy staff a series of blinding bolts of blessed light, that pounded into the dead, and causing a further one of the flaming dead to collapse.

The remaining dead rushed forward and surrounded Gregore, swinging their great swords in carving arcs. Gregore ducked and rolled and corroded steel bit into the stone floor and his armour. Blood seeped out from under his armour and his arm felt numb. But he grit his teeth and brought his own blade down on one of the dead, but could not land a killing blow. Hurst had no safe way to shoot his pistol, let alone use another grenade, and so he paused, waiting for his chance. Both Eckert and Darcey charged into the fray, bringing their great staff and mace down upon the dead, splintering bone and reducing the dead to a heap of bones. Seeing his chance Hurst rushed forward, drawing his dagger, and with a swift cut served the skull from the body of the last thrall.
With the thralls no more, they looked about the chamber. Within each of the stone coffins were wooden coffins. Chains would ave bound them, but the coffins had been broken open, and the corpses were gone. At the base of each of the stone coffins were brass plaques, recording the date of their execution, their crime, and their names. Of course one corpse and coffin was missing. Lexaria Ciannor. About each coffin was a circle of red dust, sigils of some form, and numerous burnt candles lined the magic circles. Discarded there was a ball of thick black yarn and a thick needle. It was clear that whoever the woman in white was, she had come and stitched the heads of the dead back on and animated the dead.

With more questions than answers the troupe left the tomb, bidding the Gobber tribe goodbye, and assuring them that the undead had been dealt with. The Gobbers were only half interested, as they were part way through making a stew.
The party of witch hunters rode back to Corvis, and through the misty streets. Snow was gently falling, given the City of Ghost a certain fairytale look. Revellers paraded in masks and watch fire breathers and jugglers,as it was now just 2 nights until the Longest Night festival.

Returning to the cathedral the party went to speak with Father Dumas. In the warm of the vicarage they explained what they had found. Of most concern was that they believed that Lexaria herself had risen and was the one perpetrating these crimes. Father Dumas assured them that such a thing was impossible. He would not tell them where the tomb of his sister was, but that he knew she had not risen. Darcey asked it there was anything unusual about the events of the execution, for Darcey had already learnt much of the event from Alexia. She knew that when the final witch, Lexaria, was killed, the executioner was sent realing from the stage by some unknown force. Father Dumas explained that he never knew the identity of the man, but that the blade used was unusual, and that perhaps it was of Orgoth design, but again refused to tell them where it lay, fearing it was now cursed.

Given what they did and didn't know, Hurst headed to the library to perform some research, while also watching Father Dumas, wanting to learn where the body of Lexaria lay. They knew that Magistrate Borloch was not to be trusted, but that they had to be delicate in addressing is corruption. Darcey headed off to speak to Alexia once more. Knocking on the door she found the girl, who appeared distracted. She explained she was about to leave to watch another performance with friends, and that she had been making a mask for the festival. She again asked that Darcey not tell her uncle. Darcey looked at Alexia's fingers and saw the red wax under her finger nails and staining them. Darcey bid the girl goodbye, and sort somewhere nearby to hide and from where she could then watch and follow her.

Half an hour later Alexia left, wearing a large black cape, with the hood drawn to conceal her face. She also carried a large black satchel with her. Darcey followed the girl, and she was led through the city, down winding alleyways, until Darcey found a deadend, and Alexia gone. She looked around There were no doorways for her to have gone through, and no way she could have scale the walls. But there were footprint inthe snow, leading and apparently going through the wall.

Darcey fetched, and returned with Brother Eckert and Gregore, and together they were able to force a secret door open. Gregore raised his lantern and guided them down the slippery stone tunnel, and under foot water was running. The tunnel turned and led down and to a iron grate, and beyond was a larger tunnel. Water rushed down as a frantic pace, and they followed the narrow path along the waterway. They came to a rotting plank and found where the waterway led. Before them was a large sink, and the water spiralled downwards, more than able to sucking a man down to his death. Gregore edged along the plank, holding the end of Darcey's rope. Darcey, as she was the lightest, went next, holding the rope while Eckert held the other end. This allowed Darcey to put more of her weight into the rope and allow the plank to endure longer. She grimaced when Gregore suggested 'ladies first' as if it was for her own safety, rather than practicality. She pounded him on the arm once she reached the other side, knowing that in a fair fight she was more than able to taking the knight on. Eckert was the last to follow.

They continued along the waterway, and reached a door. From beyond it they heard no sound, the rushing water obscuring almost their own whispers. They edged the door open and moved in. They found the room was large and was obviously occupied. There were drapes on the walls, and in one of the far corners a crate that acted as a makeshift table. Upon it were books and about it cushions. In the nearest corner there was a magic circle, just like the one they had found in the Orgoth tomb. From the furthermost door on the left Alexia appeared. She was about to shut the door but stopped. Before Eckert or Darcey had the chance to talk and reason with the young woman, Gregore grinned. 'Catch!' He made to hurl his lantern at her, but Alexia was far quicker. She muttered something in Telgesh, and luminous purple runes spiralled about her left had as she pointed at them. A cloud of burning, choking ash erupted about them, and obscured their sight. 'Stop them!' Alexia shouted, and she ran.
Gregore ran forward and could not see where Alexia had gone, and where she was standing, now two thralls were instead, having come from the chamber.

Episode 2 : Witchfire - The Longest Night - Part 5

The ash cloud dissipated and Gregore charged into the thralls, hacking at them with his great sword. In seconds the thralls were a mass of broken bones and rotting flesh. Brother Eckert and Darcey moved to the makeshift table hoping to find some clue as to what Alexia intended to do. There were books there, books that were heretical and had obviously been taken from the Corvis Cathedral library. There were also notes and writing paper. She had been researching something. The scribbles were on various blades and magic swords. And then on one page at the bottom was a name. Witchfire. The notes read of its ability to absorb souls. Alexia had also left a further note, wondering if it could be reversed. On another piece of paper was a list of names, with ticks next to them. They were the names of the jurors. There were two other names on the list. Magistrate Borloch, and the ‘Executioner with the lighting through the eye’.

Gregore had stalked off into the catacombs beyond, hoping to find Alexia. In the dark he noted a number of chambers, and with one found more thralls, and proceeded to destroy the abominations.

Darcey looked the the remains of the thralls in Alexia’s chamber, and noted how one looked much like the young grandson of one of the jurors. Eckert nodded and vowed that their bodies would be returned to their rightful resting places.

Together Darcey and Eckert went off to find Gregore. Upon finding him he explained how he had dealt with more thralls, who were obviously more of the jurors. There was then a shifting from behind one of the other doors. The sound of water sloshing about. Gregore moved towards the door, just as the wood of the door burst apart. With a deep grunt and snort a pale lizardman, 8 feet tall, ducked under the doorframe and into the passageway. It sniffed the air and looked at the group with black, hungry eyes. It bellowed and flicked its scaly tail. Gregore took the advantage and stormed forward, ducking under the beasts razor claws, and sliced and hacked at the creature’s belly. Blood and offal fell to the stone floor with a wet slap, but still the beast stood. Eckert ran to Gregore’s side, using his staff of Morrow to try and cripple the creature, but the beast was made of sturdier stuff. Darcey then saw her chance, “Someones been a bad lizard”, and she struck at the cold blooded monster, smashing the beasts snout with her mace. There was a wet crack as the beast let out a muffled gasp and collapsed.

The group looked about and headed away from where the beast had come, hoping that more of the vile creatures were following.

They rounded the corner of a tunnel and came into a domed chamber, and there in the centre on a dais sat a ornate tomb. Eckert looked at it and note the holy enchantments upon it, for it was the tomb of a former Prelate of the cathedral. Eckert made a blessing to Morrow and the group continued on its way. They then came to another passageway, and as they walked down it they could see that the sides of the walls were in fact shelves upon which many dead were gathered. The word printed on silver necklaces about their necks read ‘Plague’.

Eckert turned to as he heard squeeking, skreeking, and sound of tiny feet. Many feet. Dozens and dozens of Devil Rats swarmed about them and began to clamber upon them and bite into their bodies. Gregore swept his sword in great arcs, and used the flat of the blade to squish the vile critters. Darcey pounded the vermin into the stone with her mace, finding the weapon was covered in fur, crushed bones and meat. Eckert did not fare as well, finding the creature biting where his cloak and clothing did not protect him as well. The bites came up in burning welts. But he was able to pull the rats from his body, and smash them apart with his staff.

They ran from the tunnel, finding a spiral staircase leading upwards, and from there a ladder to loose paving stone.

Hurst was in the library of the Order of the Illumination, with piles of books and ledgers on the wooden table. He was trying to find anything about the trial, be it reports, diaries, anything. A passing member of the Order, Vigilant One Karsik Goldur, put a leather folder onto the table. “This may enlighten you. I could not help but note what you were researching.”

Hurst looked at the papers within. One was an account from Father Dumas, informing a nunnery that he would keep Alexia in his care, but that she suffered from nightmares about things that Dumas was certain she should not be aware of. Another paper was a journal entry by a foreman working for Borloch, and it told a lot more about the execution, the ritual that had been performed, the blade, and that an Inquisitor had been involved. The last piece was torn from a journal and written 2 years before the execution. It told of a sword called Witchfire, and how it had been taken by the pirate king Moorcraig, and that they will recover it.

Eckert, Darcy and Gregore clambered out of the catacombs into the snow dusted streets of Corvis. In the alleyway they found no sign of Alexia’s passing. In the alleyway a vagrant was drinking from a bottle of rum, dribbling it down his beard. Gregore approached the man. “Where did the girl go?”

“Well a Merry Winterfest to you and all!”

Gregore grabbed the man by the arms and shook him, ignoring Eckert’s protests. “Where is the woman in white! Tell me now by Morrow!”

The drunkard looked at him, and grimaced. “Damned son of a whore! I dunno nothin’ you speak of!”

Gregore felt a warmth on his boots, and looked down to see the drunk had urinated on him. He pushed the man away.

“May Morrow bring you good fortune!” And the drunk shambled off, all toothy smiles and laughing.

Eckert shook his head in dismay, and the group when out into the street, only to be waved over by a bearded man in a hooded cloak. He asked if they were looking for the woman, Alexia. Surprised, Eckert said yes. The man revealed himself to be Julian Helstrom, captain of the city watch. He explained that he had men watching her since the other night, as one of them had spotted her coming back with the shambling dead, twice. Just the other day she had returned with 4 more. But given his lack of manpower during the festival, he had been reduced to keeping an eye on her. He had sent men to follow her during the day, as she had gone out of the city, and then returned. One man returned, the others left to watch. The man had found that Alexia had gone to the ancient, Fort Rhyker. Helstrom asked that they would go there, find his men, and stop Alexia, and he would do what he could in the city.

Gregore had gathered horses for them, and Darcey and Eckert had fetched Hurst, and they set off from the Cathedral. Father Dumas, who Eckert had spoken to, asked for them to try and bring her back alive, hoping that she was not beyond redemption.

On the horse ride out of the city, with the light failing, Hurst explain his findings, and what with what had been found in the catacombs, it was clear that Alexia had some plan to recover this mystical blade.

After a 4 hour ride they could see the dilapidated twin towers of Fort Rhyker. Using a spyglass to survey the area, Eckert could see that thralls were digging up the dead from the old battle field. The bones were piled high on carts and taken to the fort. The fort consisted of a gatehouse, a drawbridge and stone bridge, both of with stretch across a gorge to the fort proper. Seeking to not draw attention to themselves the troupe worked their way around the field, dodging patrols of obviously more aware and complex thralls. The dead working the fields seem to just ignore them.

Once within the gatehouse the troupe quickly made their way to the next floor, hoping to take the stone bridge rather than the drawbridge that was heavily patrolled.

On the next floor of the gatehouse they slowly made their way to the staircase and the top of the building. In the one room they found a armoury, but it was just a collection of rusting armour and weapons.

Eckert and Gregore moved on, not wanting to waste time and be spotted by a patrol. But Hurst and Darcey brought trouble to them. They opened another room, and within were a half dozen thralls. As one they turned to face the living intruders....

Episode 2 : Witchfire - The Longest Night - Part 6

Darcey and Hurst quietly closed the door and quickly made their way up the stairs, hoping the thralls would not follow them.
Out on the battlements of the gatehouse of Fort Rhyker, Gregore and Brother Eckert assessed the stone bridge before them that stretched out over the chasm. Somewhere below in the mist was the drawbridge. To Gregore's eyes the bridge in a bad state, but it may hold long enough. He threw his grapple hook to the other side of the bridge, hoping that if the worst happened he would have something to hold on to. He then began to edge out over the bridge.

Eckert held the other end of the rope and watch, but acknowledge the arrival of the other two, asking if they had found anything. The two shook their heads. Gregore was now half way across the bridge, and some masonry had fallen away in places as he had made his way across.

Darcey and Hurst looked back to the stairwell, and spotted the band of thralls emerge, their eyeless sockets spying them. With no time given for explanations, Hurst and Darcey made to run across the bridge, with Hurst first dropping a smoke grenade at the end of the bridge. Eckert was dumb struck, and seeing there was no point in protesting, he ran after them. Gregore to saw what was happening, and made to leap the remaining distance of the bridge.

As the witch hunters sped across the bridge more stone and masonry fell away, revealing large gaps in the bridge. Darcey, finding her feet less sure on the ground leapt forward and clattered on the stones at the other end of the bridge. But Hurst tripped. He reached out and grabbed the rope, and Gregore braced to hold his weight. Hurst barely held on for his life, almost falling to his doom in the chasm. Eckert seeing this, sped forward and jumped, landing at the other end of the bridge as the entire structure fell away. Both Eckert and Gregore held tight onto the rope and Hurst fell and swung, hitting the side of the fortress wall. He looked up, glad to see who was holding the rope. He looked back to the other side of the chasm and the gatehouse, and watched with glee as the thrall warriors charged through the smoke, and to their doom as they tumbled into the chasm.

On the battlements of the fortress proper, the group did a circuit to ensure that they were safe. The only way down led into the court yard. There below them they counted some 500 thralls. And amongst them were the freshly dead zombies, Swamp Shamblers. A thrall captain used a spear to keep the rowdy monsters at bay."Juicy and dangerous", Darcey quipped.

At the north end of the battlements the troupe were able to look into the main hall, peering through the cracked and broken stain-glass window. The in the hall some 20 thralls protected another dozen who were arranging the bones of skeletons, as from body to body Alexia, aided by the 4 animated witches of the coven, went to animated the thralls. Red sigils on the ground formed a circle, and as Alexia spoke the arcane words of Necromancy. In turn Telgesh runes appeared about her, circling in spirals, and then the runes on the bodies, etched into the bones, flared into life. The eyes of the thrall blazed into life and the skeleton stood up and went to gather its weapons and join the rest of the army.

The troupe considered their options, wondering how they might escape. Facing Alexia head on was now not an option. There were more pressing matter. Gregore looked about the outside of the battlements, trying to find the shortest drop. From here the rope was lowered, and soon the entire group was down outside the fort, though they had taken some injuries in their landings on the rocky scrub.

Looking around Hurst figured that with the chasm between them and where they had left their horses they h The ash cloud dissipated and Gregore charged into the thralls, hacking at them with his great sword. In seconds the thralls had a 3 hour hike to get back. As they set off he noticed some fresh bodies on the ground, well fresh parts. They had been gnawed upon by something with large teeth. Looking back up to the fort they saw a trail of shreds of clothing and other body parts. In amongst the parts they found the badges of the two missing city watchmen. And in the side of the fort they could see a tunnel had been carved into the wall. From within the fortress they heard the sounding of horns and more horns replied. The army was moving. Almost in response a creature bellowed from within the tunnel. The troupe thought it prudent to get going quickly. Turning back Hurst spotted the large, shaggy haired biped that loomed out of the tunnel - a Gorax.

The troupe were exhausted when they arrived back in Corvis, the trek and the flat out gallop of the horses had sapped their energy, more so given the bighting cold of winter. In the sky above all the moons of Caen glowed, illuminating the street festival of the Longest Night. They quickly made their way to the inn of the Falling Star, sat on the river bank, and to find Captain Helstrom.

The grizzled captain sat near the fire, nursing a beer and smoking a pipe. He seemed lost in thought, but his eyes grew wide when the troupe arrived. He quickly asked about what they saw, and of the fate of his men. He then went on to explain, that he had tried to muster what watchmen he could to apprehend Alexia, but his efforts were falling on deaf ears in the council. Eckert was not surprise, and Hurst explained the trouble of Magistrate Borloch. Helstrom nodded and said he would gather what men he could and that their goal was to stop Alexia's scheme - trying to stop the army now was near impossible. He would also send some men out into the woods to watch for the army, so that they would have some sort of warning.
Gregore acquire a alchemical lamp, and told the others he would go act as lookout at the top of the Order of Wizardry tower. The top of the tower was where the observatory was, and so he should have a clear view of the city.

Hurst headed to the guild house of the Golden Crucible. The squat building sat on an island on its own. It was made entirely of stone and squat. Better that then have a tall building set ablaze in an accident. Within the house he met an official who was still attending for the evening, and showing his marks of authority, both with Corvis University, the Golden Crucible and the Order of Illumination, the official sat up straight, and tried to better listen - he was somewhat drunk. Hurst suggested that the Crucible guard should try to keep some order in the quarter, and that rather than raise the alarm for invasion, then they could use the alarm for for a fire, something even the council would have to take note of.

Hurst also took the opportunity to rearm himself, grabbing more grenades, and also taking a rockbreaker spray gun. But he changed the liquid for Vitriolic fire, in essence he now had a flame thrower, if a rather fragile one. As he left the guild house he watched as a dozen guards gather in the courtyard, dressed in the yellow and red colours of the order, and armed with halberds and shield cannons.

Darcey and Eckert returned to the cathedral and found Dumas in the chapel. They explained what had happened and that the church must take action. Dumas lifted himself on his staff fom kneeling in prayer. He thanked Eckert and Darcey for what they had done so far and hope that together they may be able to stop Alexia. He explained that he was certain she would be coming to the cathedral, and that the invasion was a distraction. He asked them to follow him.

They first went to Dumas's vicarage and there he opened a very old trunk and asked that Eckert would help him with fitting him with his armour. The armour was that of a Cygnaran Chaplin, and still bore dents from war. Dumas though old, stretch and groaned as he made the armour more comfortable. He then led them to the cathedral armoury.

Within the basement of the cathedral a number of priests were already donning chain mail and taking weapons. Darcey looked about and found that there was some chain mail that would fit, and with the help of the nuns, she was dressed for battle, the picture of a warrior nun. She then began to strip her rifle and prep it for battle.

Eckert noted that deep in the armoury, covered in dust were a number of of warjacks. Dumas had said they were church consecrated, but had not been used in years. Eckert remembered a few things from his days on the battlefield, and so with what he knew already, and what he found in a manual, quickly made himself versed on 'jack marshalling. I hope I don't end up getting someone killed with this machine, Eckert thought.

Eckert and a number of priests attended to one of the 'jacks, a Nomad class that bore silver and blues, and the Star of Morrow. The machine towered over the priests who had filled it with water and coal and stoked the priming fire. As the pressure built, and arcane generators span into life, the optics and vents glowed. The cortex was running. Eckert spoke the commands to bring the 'jack under his control, and in turn gave it a new designation. Solovin. Solovin stood and hefted its warhammer and rested the head of it in the other hand. It seemed to nod as if it liked it's new name. "Soon Solovin, soon".

From the tower Gregore spied something, but not from the outside of the north gate. There in the dark of the river bobbed a boat of some form. It was garishly coloured and had two figure on-board. Once in focus Gregore felt repulsed. The boat was the bodies of carnival goers, their clothes all colours and illuminated by the lights of the city. This boat, lashed together with their bodies, was ridden by two skeletons, one which punted the boat down the river.

From the other side of the river Gregore could now make out even more chaos. One merchant ship was drifting out into the river, ablaze, and with the crew battling thralls, while another ship, a warship, was also free in the river. There was a flash of gun power as it fired its cannons into the city. Gregore went to the window, set the alchemical lamp alight, and then started his long run back down the tower and to the cathedral.

Hurst was in the streets, pushing past the partying people. He heard a cry from behind and turned to see a carriage racing down the road, sending people aside. Hurst dove for cover, face
first so not to crack the container of Vitriolic Fire - it would be very bad for that to happen. He looked up from the dirty snow on the ground to watch the carriage ride past, and the driver fall from the seat, dead. A skeletal face looked up and back over the carriage, seemingly laughing as it continued its rampage.

Scouting the island next to the cathedral, Darcey watched the warship firing its canons, but then she heard screaming nearby. She followed the cries to a alleyway, a dead end, and found a shambler menacing a group of finely dressed women. The beast turned to face her and growled.

Eckert and Solovin strode out into the courtyard of the cathedral. He could hear the cannon fire, and the bells from the Crucible guild house rang out a fire alarm. The battle had begun.

Episode 2: Witchfire - The Longest Night - Part 7

Darcey drew her pistol and blew the brains out of the the creature. The women screamed in terror and fled as fast as they could. Darcey holstered her pistol and ran back to the cathedral.

Eckert directed the newly acquire warjack to watch the main bridge. It was a Nomad class church consecrated war machine, now named Solovin, and hefted a massive hammer. The snow lightly landed on the machine and evaporated away due to the heat from the furnace of the behemoth. Darcey ran over the bridge and nodded to Eckert before taking up a position on one of the tombs. Father Dumas spoke, saying their main aim was to protect the tomb of Lexaria, Alexia's mother. With the end of his staff he scrapped the moss away from a plaque to reveal that the centre tomb of those out side the cathedral was hers.

There was a sloshing of water, and Darcey turned to watch as a Swamp Shambler, a zombie, pulled itself out of the canal. The putrid creature lumbered towards her, as another pulled itself up, and belly flopped out of the nearby well. Aiming her rifle, Darcey fired, and sent the dead thing spinning back down into the well. There was a scrapping sound of metal, as another of the zombies emerged from the sewers, and Eckert commanded his warjack to kill it, while he called upon Morrow and send a holy bolt of energy at the other remaining zombie. Both creatures were obliterated. So far so good. But from across the bridge they could hear marching, and they saw the horde of undead storming over to them.

Solovin held the line at the bridge, smashing the undead thralls, sending them flying left and right. Darcey reloaded her rifle and fire, and repeated this, her spent shells melting the snow where they landed. More thralls were now approaching from the smaller bridge, but Hurst finally arrived. He pulled out a grenade and lobbed it, incinerating two thralls as Eckert battled them.

More thralls were approaching form the bridge, and across the smaller one the knight, Gregore, came storming to the aid of the others. He crashed over the bridge, knocking the thralls into the water. As more of the undead stormed over the main bridge, Hurst advanced, firing bursts from his spray gun and tank. The liquid spread forth and ignited, burning numerous skeletons, and lighting up the cathedral grounds. But still more came.

Darcey looked up as she fired another shot, and spied something approaching over the bridge. Smoke belched from it, and it stomped forward. It was a laborjack, but different. From the furnace grates, rather than a fiery orange, a hellish green bale fire shone. The thralls ahead of it spread for it, and it barrel charged into Solovin, sending the warjack tumbling backwards. Eckert turned to face the metal monster, and struck it with a blast of holy light. The 'jack stagger, and Eckert watched as a strange mechanical like ghost emerged and escaped - a machine wraith.

More of the undead were invading the island, forcing them back. Some arrived on boats, others via the bridge, and more simple had walked from one side of the canal and through the water. Amongst their number Alexia strode forward, now clad in black armour. She pointed at Eckert, green runes appearing about her, and a beam of emerald energy darted at the priest, tearing at his soul.

Things were quickly spiralling out of control, and the party of witch hunters fell back as the hundreds of thralls surrounded them.

Alexia spoke above the roar of battle.

'If you want to leave here alive - just give me my mother's body'.

Episode 2: Witchfire - The Longest Night - Part 8

The moons of Caen hung in the night sky, and a chill wind blew down from the north, bringing Khadoran winter air off the steppes. But the blood of the defenders of Corvis was ice cold, not due to the icy weather, but the horde of thralls that surrounded them and were tearing the city apart. Cannon fire sounded from the docks, and the sky line was illuminated by fire.

Brother Eckert, Gregore, Hurst and Darcey di Dimiani stood together about the tomb of Lexaria Ciannor. With them Father Dumas, the brother-in-law of the dead witch, prayed to Morrow, and his faith created a holy barrier about them. Solovin, Eckert's Nomad Warjack, growled each time a thrall stepped too close. The thralls formed a wide circle about them, numbering in the hundreds, their dead eye sockets glowing with green ectoplasm. The horde parted as Alexia and other 4 dead of the Corvis coven, dressed in simple white robes, walked forward. Ephemeral green skulls encircled Alexia. Each giving out a silent scream.

'Give me my mother's body and I will leave the city and all those within it alive', Alexia demanded.

'We do not barter with necromancers!', Gregore boomed, and stepped forward hefting his great sword.

'Then good knight you will all die! And the city with you! You will have the blood of innocents on your hands!'

'All you want is your mother?', asked Eckert, knowing the eldritch blade, Witchfire, lay in the tomb with Lexaria.

'I need the Witchfire. The souls of the coven lie within it, and I need that blade to restore my mother.'

Dumas walked forward. 'Alexia, do you promise, on your mother's soul, that you will leave the city. I know you have grieved for her for 10 long years, but I know, even after all that you have done, that there is goodness in your heart. Promise me this. For your sake, and for your mother's sake.'

Alexia nodded, and reluctantly Gregore stepped back with the others, retreating back to the cathedral vestibule. Alexia and the witch thralls levitated to the tomb and landed atop it where Alexia began a ritual, cutting her hand and dripping blood to the tomb. Telgesh runes circled and glowed, and there was an audible rush of air as the tomb's seals were broken. The witch coven dropped to the side of the tomb and some thralls came over to haul to tomb top away. After a number of them lifted Lexaria's body from it. Alexia held her hand over the tomb and the obsidian blade, Witchfire, sprung up into her grasp. Instantly the blade ignited with green bale fire.

'Alexia! Remember you promise. Now go my childe!' Dumas said, almost in tears.

The was a crack of thunder, blinding all as a man, dressed in black cloak, pulled up to hide his lower face, his hair swept back by the energy released, and a wicked staff in his hand, crackling with lightning. He pulled a dagger and plunged it into Alexia's side. She screamed and the Witchfire dropped from her hand and clattered before Gregore. The stranger returned his dagger to it's sheathe, and as he did so Hurst noticed a pendant of and eye with lightning through it - the emblem of the Inquisition of Vinter Raelthorn. Hurst's eyes went wide. The man was the executioner of the Corvis Coven, the man who killed Lexaria, and the man who had been hunting for the Witchfire all this time - Dexer Sirac.

Dexer was suddenly dragged away by cackling thralls, surely to his doom. 'The blade, take it!' Dumas cried.

Gregore picked up the infernal thing, but felt his arm chill and his heart skip a beat. The blade was sapping his strength and soul. Alexia's white dress was stained heavily in red from her wound. She was pale and clearly in pain. 'Give me the blade Gregore. If I die this entire city dies with me!'

The was a flash of lightning and a mob of thralls collapsed as energy crackled about Dexer. He strode forward. 'Give me the blade. I can save the city!'

Hurst looked at Gregore and shook his head. 'We have her promise Gregore and this man is not to be trusted'. Gregore threw the black blade to Alexia. With blade back to her Alexia immediately looked restored, as she absorbed the souls of the dead. She turned on Dexer, and with her entire army of thralls looked at Dexer, many of them beginning to laugh.

'YOU WILL DIE FOR WHAT YOU DID!'

Dexer, seeing no hope in the situation slammed the end of his staff down and disappeared in a blast of energy. Alexia, annoyed, looked about and then headed for the bridge before floating and disappearing into the night. The dead followed her, and as the last few dozen walked over the bridge they began to crumble. The cannon fire had ceased. The invasion was over.

Over the next few days the band of Witch Hunters spoke to Dumas, who was obviously stricken with grief, having lost his last relative to the evil started by Dexer. Captain Helstrom presented them medals of the city, in honour of their work, and informed them that they were to attend the court of the Duke of Corvis, Keilon Ebonhart IV. It was there they were able to see how notably uncomfortable Magistrate Borloch was.

Episode 3: Friends in High Places - part 1

It was two weeks later, and band of witch hunters were travelling down the Dragon's Tongue River. They had been ordered by the head of their conclave to pursue a new case, that of a rogue Arcane Mechanik. The person is question, Rustiban Vandred, was found to be missing and derelict of duty, since he was serving on the front lines at Fellig. It was when it was found that he was gone, that a disturbing discovery was made. In a secret part of his workshop he had been conducting foul experiments, necromechanical in nature, and also some pieces of the Librum Mekanecrus - a foul book concerning the merger of mechanika and ancient Orgoth rites - the very basis of the arts used by the empire of Cryx.

The witch hunters had a chartered steam barge, the The Smoking Damsel, captained by the jovial Alger Hallward. The captain talked to them about the events of the Longest Night, and how he had barely survived in the docks. He also found some amusement in playing cards with Gregore and Darcey.

The journey took the best part of 5 days, their destination being Five Fingers, as a member of the CRS had discovered where the mechanik was going. The river journey was cold and foggy. They passed the city of Bainsmarket, and briefly stopped to refuel. The city a blanket of smog from the factories, made all the more thick by the winter air. At Point Bourne they stopped for one night as the barge was brought down the river via the complex levels of locks. They were shown about the winter gardens and icy water falls by the city's proud mayor. They spent one evening enjoying a roast and with the mayor asking all he could of Darcy and about her father and the lands of Llael and Rhydden.

The city of Five Fingers, the Pirate Port, the City of Deceit, the last free city of Western Immoren, loomed into sight. The air was thickening and pugent. There was the smell brewing, coal burning, and foul water. The river estuary was getting busier with ships of all sorts.

They docked at Chaser's Island. Darcey's valet and Eckert's attendant priest helped unload their goods and Solovin, the jack covered so not to draw attention. They would take it all to the cathedral and their official lodgings, while they went to find lodgings on Chaser's in order to better blend in. All of the group were dressed down, wearing travelling clothes. Eckert had decided it better to not to wear his priests robes, especially given the prevalence of Thamarite cultists in the city. Gregore too had foregone his armour for the time being. Darcey too wearing something simpler and understated, a doublet and shirt, over her leather armoured bodysuit. All the group of course had their thick wolf fur cloaks from their time in Geddon. While there was no snow, the seas of the Meredius made for a cold biting wind.

As labor jacks unloaded cargo, and dockhands sat around chatting and smoking, the group left the deck of the barge and pushed through the press of workers and passengers. Gregore got a tap on his leg and turned about to see a gobber, dressed in a red vest and leather coat. 'Excuse me mate, but do ya' 'ave the time?'

Eckert told the goblin that it was 2pm. '2pm eh? Doesn't feel like 2pm. Feels like a 4pm. Oh, name's Smek.'

Smek went on to explain his full name and how he could help them find lodgings and from where they could get good deals. With the introduction over Smek gave his goodbye and left. Hurst however was not fooled. He knew the gobber was up to something, and he produced the pistol, obviously old and inactive, that he knew Smek had planted on him. 'What is the little bastard up to?', mumbled Hurst. He had his gas mask on, preferring to use that than put up with the stench of the river.

As they walked on to the first inn they could see ahead from the warehouses, a voice called out to them. They turned around to be confronted by a gang of ruffians, which comprised of roughly half a dozen and a Ogrun. They were the Paulson Street Rovers, and their leader was the gruff Bairn Cammol. Tense words were exchanged, but Eckert did not back down and returned the pistol to them. Eckert had diffused the fight.

With encounter over they turned to go but were stopped by a young boy, who obviously shivered in his ragged clothes. He presented himself as Gavroche, and that the goblin Smek was not to be trusted. he also explained that the gun, the Final Word, was a sign of leadership for the Rover's and that Eckert had some balls facing them down, something that was sure to make them loose face in front of their rivals the Twin Blades. Gavroche explained that while the Rover's seemed mean, they at least looked after the people around their territory, and had helped out him on a few occasions. Gavroche then went on to explain that he would find where Smek had gone, pointing to the rigging above, and that he suggested they go to Quenched Whistle, rather than to the tavern Smek had suggested. Gavroche said he would be back later and that they should have a pint of beer ready for him. Darcey just sighed, the boy was no older than 13.

Episode 3: Friends in High Places - part 2

In the Quenched Whistle the troupe waited, drinking rum, sangria, and for Darcey, what amounted to the worst wine ever. The inn was filled with dock workers, rowdy singing, and the place stank of sweat and fish. Gavroche returned and took up a seat with the troupe and quaffed his frothy beer. He explained to them that he found Smek, and that they should sort things out quick, as he had just heard that there had been a hit on the Paulson Street Rovers, and that there was a bounty on their heads. They had been set up. It made sense as the Twin Bridge Blades had been trying to muscle in on the local area, given the forth coming fireworks display and the money to be made on the protection racket.

Gavroche showed the witch hunters the way up into the rigs, and from there they went and questioned the local Gobbers and Bogrin about Smek and where he made his home. They made their way about the rope bridges and suspended platforms, aware of how high up they were. At one market stall Darcey spoke to a female Gobber trader. The stall had various curios, like cheap jewellery, ratty scarves, and sea shells. The Gobber tried to sell Darcey some lace hankies, which were stained and riddled with holes, and a broach that had a scene from 'An Orgoth Goes a Courting'. Darcey haggled while asking for Smek, and for a good deal she learnt that Smek often went to Gron's Pie shop, over on the next main platform.

Gregore spoke to some cigar traders, who were phlegm hacking Bogrin. For three boxes of cigars and a tin of snuff the Bogrin directed him to Smek's hideout, which was suspended higher up, and from what Gregore could see, a really danger to get to.

This information was confirmed by Beck Hurst, as he watched a Gobber who was playing hunt the ace with a number of customers. Quietly Beck threatened to reveal where the ace really was, and with that the Gobber finished up the game and told Beck where he could find Smek.

From a more stable position Brother Eckert and Darcey took watch as Hurst and Gregore clambered up the ropes. Hurst slipped, the ropes were wet from the sea spray, and he lost his footing and grabbed out for the nearest rope. Smek looked out from his hideout, and seeing the troupe he clambered out the top of his hideout. Gregore rushed up the rope to try and catch him, but Darcey just lowered her rifle and fired a warning shot at the Gobber. The goblin stopped and waited as Gregore closed on him.

'Did you want a cigar?'

'Eh?' Smek was confused, and in his moment of thought Gregore knocked him out.

Smek awoke to find himself at ground level surrounded by the witch hunters, and his arms tied behind his back. He asked for a cigar, and over the short amount of time it took him to smoke it, he explained how a man, called Smith Burrls had put him up to it, and that it was because he owed the man money. Smek went on to explain how he would show them the way to the Rover's hideout and explain everything and help them clear their names.

The sun was beginning to set as they approached Paulson Street. Hurst paused as he spotted something in the alleyway, and watched a darkly armoured and cloaked man use some form of dark magic to kill an Ogrun. The sorcerer placed his balefire hands on the Ogrun's head, and the beast let out a silent cry and collapsed. The sorcerer then drew from the creature its soul, a green energy that the sorcerer worked into a small green ball and consumed. Smek pulls on Hurst's arm.

'Nuffing to see. Them sorts will get tha' watch on 'em, and you muggins are in 'nuff trouble already.'

Hurst and Eckert were annoyed by the apparent ease necromancers prowled the city, but now was no time to deal with it.

At the clockwork repairs shop Smek walks in with the others, and find in the shop a number of the Rovers, all bearing an array of wounds and injuries that they are in the middle of attending to. They go for their weapons, until one of the men recognises Eckert.

Smek explains what happened, gaining the ire of the remaining Rovers. The Rover's explain that High Captain Kilbride will want to hear this, but that first they need some more information from the troupe as to why they should be trusted, since this could all be a setup.

The front door then slams open and two burly ruffians armed with quad irons enter, and once they are sure that the shop is secure, the High Captain Kilbride enters the room. He exhales a cloud of smoke and stamps out his cigar before lighting a new one. He demands explanations, and stares down the witch hunters, laughing at Gregore's insolence. He finds the troupes claims, all of which are lies as they still felt they must hide their true identity and purpose, laughable, and while Smek's explanation is something, he needs a sign of trust. He then challenges the troupe to go and deal with the Twin Bridge Blades.

The witch hunters arrive outside the inn where the Blades make their base, The Belly Bridge Tavern. Outside the inn was obviously one of the gang on watch, as Hurst had spotted his tattoo. Their initial plan was then to get someone in to get an idea for what the place was like.

Hurst approached the tavern while the others sat on boxes on the other side of the road. Inside Hurst could see a number of people, some looked hideously drunk. The man at the door didn't let Hurst pass, and while he thought he was being subtle, Hurst noticed how he tapped out a particular rhythm on the door. Hurst walked away and shook his head. The troupe then watched as the man went inside the inn and nothing else happened. Gregore and Hurst then walked around the inn and saw that no one had left. So the gang was still inside.

Leading the group, Gregore kicked in the door, Hurst ready to throw in grenades. But all they found were a number of men, drunk asleep at the tables, or under them. Hurst looked around and went behind the bar. There were grooves in the floor, and it was clear that one of the large barrels of beer was false. He opened it up to reveal a staircase and that there was a light down at the bottom.

Together Hurst, Gregore, Darcey and Eckert descended into the basement of the inn. It was gloomy and dank, and all about there were crates, barrels and some brewing vats. There was then a muzzle flash and gunfire - it was an ambush.

Episode 3: Friends in High Places - part 3

In the gloom of the basement Eckert and Hurst could make out movement. They could see the Twin Blades gangster hiding behind barrels and crates. They had guns and daggers drawn. It was an ambush. Hurst lobbed a grenade at one of the men nearest them, and the strength of the concussive force knocked the man to the ground. Darcey hurdled the boxes and set to binding the man.

Gregore hurried forward towards the man hiding behind the brewing vat, and in a series of slashes and thrust ended his life. Eckert followed him and thinking there was but one man left, demanded him surrender.

But there were more. The popped up from hiding in barrels and delivered shots, dealing on flesh wounds, or missing altogether. One fire at the vat behind Gregore, causing a blast of fermenting beer to spray out and knock the knight to the ground.

Hurst traded gun fire with the nearest gangster in the barrel, hitting nothing but wood, but Darcey rushed forward, and with couple of heavy swings pulverized the man within the barrel. Gregore engaged another man, and again his skill of swordsmanship made short work of him. Eckert again fired shots off at the other remaining gangers, but failed to hit them.

As more gun fire was exchanged Hurst pulled the pin on another grenade, and lobbed it into a barrel with one of the remaining Twin Blades. The grenade detonated and immolated the man and barrel, along with igniting more barrels. His the bright light of the flames Hurst could see boxes at the far end of the room, each bearing the seal of the Order of the Golden Crucible. They were empty boxes of blasting powder. Hurst watched the fire blaze and that the roof was catching. The last remaining Twin Blade shout out surrender. Together with their new prisoners, the troupe quickly left the Belly Bridge Tavern as it was swallowed by fire.

Away from the street and the blaze and the authorities, Eckert pushed the prisoners for information, which they readily gave, informing them that the bombs had been taken to Havershaw's Folly, and that it was there that the people were gathering for the fireworks display. Smek appeared to the group and explained that the best thing would be to hand the men over to the watch, and place the blame of the fire on them, and in turn have them handed to High Captain Kilbride, which should of course help clear their names. "I know squealers when I see 'em!"

As the group, along with Smek, approached the Folly, the crowds were gathering. There were all manners of stalls, performers, fire breathers, freak shows, and at the heart of it a carousel with all manner of carved animals to ride upon. Children were squealing with delight as the ride turned around, cranked by a gobber. About the edge of the folly were stands from which the fireworks would launch, and a throng of people awaited for the display to begin.

The troupe split up and moved through the crowd. It did not take too long to note that the Crucible workers were in fact the Twin Blades. Smek paid his goodbye, thinking it better not to be shot, leaving the others to deal with it.

Darcey and Hurst sneaked through the crowd, and with a quick poke of his injector gun they immobilized one of the gang, and dragged him behind the stand. However, Eckert and Gregore approach those gangster who were with the gobber near the ride. Gregore began to ask a question, but then threw a punch, breaking the man's nose and perhaps even killing him outright. The gobber and the other gangster leapt back onto the carousel and fired at Eckert, who dodged.

The crowds began to scream and run, as one of them was caught in the cross fire. The other gangsters made themselves known and converged on the priest and knight. This even included a lumbering Trollkin. Hurst spotted the foul creature and hurled a cinder bomb at the beasts back, set the creature ablaze. Darcey lined up her rifle and took the shot, and blasted the Trollkin's brains out. "Get up from that!"

Eckert faced down the Twin Blades who were emerging through the screaming crowds. He fired and clipped one of them in the shoulder. Gregore drew his sword and leapt up onto the carousel and quickly gutted the one Twin Blade, leaving only the gobber to deal with. The foul little goblin snarled a crooked grin and charged forward, slashing with his blade, and cutting deep into Gregore's thigh. The small creature was fast and good with a dagger.

Hurst and Darcey began picking of more of the gang, through a combination of grenades and rifle shots. Eckert, though surrounded, dodged the flurry of knife blades and incapacitated more the gang using his trench knife. The gobber proved a tough man to hit, as Gregore swung again and again with his sword. In return the gobber struck out, but missed, as Gregore ducked behind a carousel horse. With that opening Gregore ran his sword through the goblin.

With the crowds dispersed and the gang dealt with they interrogated the capture Twin Blade, who revealed the locations of the bombs. The mechanisms we beyond the skill of any of the group to disarm, and so instead set to destroying them. But Hurst took a look at the carousel, and seeing the timing mechanism within, set a number of his grenades inside.

The group ran for cover and watched the machine explode, sending carved wooden creatures in all directions. They then waited. There was no secondary explosions. The bombs were diffused.

Hurst noticed that they were not the only ones in the crowd now gather about the Folly. There was one other, dressed in dark robes, who seemed agitated by the events. He then turns and disappears into the crowd. Hurst realises that they have seen him before - the necromancer in the alleyway.

Smek appears, smug with how things have gone, and how High Captain Kilbride will be happy with how things have gone thus far - Smek making out this was his plan after all. Smek then goes on to explain that he had not told them the full truth, that Smith Burrls did not exist, and that the man he owed money to, and behind this all, was Tantock Meryl, the sorcerer who had just left. Smek then turned to see that someone else had arrived - High Captain Kilbride.

"By Thamar's crotch what the bloody hell happened here?!"

Episode 3: Friends in High Places - part 4

The necromancer had fled the scene, and killed as he went. Taking souls for his dark intent. The troupe however could not follow in the chaos. Plus they had a lot to explain to High Captain Kilbride who had just arrived to survey the destruction.

Kilbride seem satisfied that the troupe had cleared their names, and wanted no more of them as they now had the ire of a necromancer to deal with. One of the remaining Paulson Street Rovers found the whole affair reminiscent of the events that had lead to the gang's formation years ago, and how the pistol that was planted on the troupe, the Final Word, had been given to the gang leader at the time to kill a Thamarite sorcerer.

Smek reappeared, and whistled as he looked at the fire. He explained that he had heard Kilbride's words and that now would be a good time for Smith Burrls, Tantock, to be finished off. If they didn't act now things would only get worse. Smek of course knew where Tantock kept his lair.

Smek led the troupe of witch hunters - not that he knew that they were - to Dag's Ward, a filth and refuse filled district, and the dilapidated tenement building that served as Tantock's lair. Smek explained he had figured out where this place was, and noted that Tantock had a cult of some sort. He then explained that there were two ways in - either through the ground floor, or via the sewers. Smek then dangled a key which he said would unlock the door in the sewers, and this was the way in used by the cult. While the troupe discussed what they should do, they turned to ask the Smek show them the way in, but Smek was gone, and had left dangling off a hook the key, and left a cigar butt on the crate he had sat on.

The troupe found the entrance to the sewers, and traipsed through the muck, offal and filth. The stench was foul, and rats scurried about in the gloom. The witch hunters eventually found the underground entrance to the building, and from there they quietly clambered up into the basement of the building.

Tantock droned on, reciting some foul chant and magic. The green glow from the Telgesh runes above his head illuminated the chamber, along with the guttering light from the candles on the altar. A number of his cultists were there with him, waiting, along with two large imposing figures dress in dark armour, carry cruel maces and spiked shields.

Hurst acted quickly, tossing a cinder bomb grenade forward and incinerating two cultists, their dark cloaks consuming them in fire. Gregore charged forward and unleashed a series of hammering blows with his sword, barely harming one of the armour clad followers of Tantock. Brother Eckert had already called upon Morrow's blessing, and the holy runes danced about him, protect both himself and the others. He move forward through the rubble and sent a blast of holy light at another of the cultists. Darcy levelled her rifle. With the cinder bomb and rune light, she could make out a cultist, and with a deafening bang she executed the man.

Gregore continued to engage the armoured cultists, barely surviving as he dodged their murderous weapons. He sword was doing little against them. The cultist themselves had also worked their own magic, and summoned clouds of ash which they could hide behind. Hurst hurled more grenades, the bombs exploding and consuming the cultists in fire. Eckert could barely see the Tantock in the chaos and so eliminated and so called upon another of Morrow's weapons, a holy blast of energy that consumed another of them and also hit Tantock. Darcy reloaded and fired, killing one the of the guardsmen Gregore fought, much to the knight's relief.

The fight was still hard going. Darcy and Ekert unleashed a volley of gun fire and holy fury at Tantock, and in return witness the might of the vile shield of souls that repelled their attacks. Eckert had been struck in the face by the guardsmen's mace, and through the dizziness and blood that blinded him. His own blade met nothing but armour and shield. Hurst threw another grenade and it landed at Tantock's feet, and enveloped him in flame.

Bursting from the flames Tantock charged at Hurst. He had drawn a dark rapier, which glowed unnaturally, and in one swift move he had driven it through Hurst's chest. Behind his gas mask Hurst just grinned,even as blood trickled from his lips. There was the sharp ping of a pin hitting the floor as Hurst just dropped a concussion grenade. In a blinding flash both he and Tantock were knocked to the ground. Eckert seeing his chance ran forward and drove his trench knife through the chest of the sorcerer. The remaining guard seeing this, stepped back from Gregore and then slit his own throat. Eckert scooped up what items they could take to confiscate, while the books at the altar were burnt.

Outside, the troupe waited as Hurst's grenades, that had been left within the building, exploded, collapsing the building. Smek walked up and clapped in approval, and offered to buy them a pint back at the inn.

At the inn the troupe relaxed with well earned drinks, Gregore waiting for a well earned bath, and Darcy enjoying a good wine Smek had acquired. Stomping in came High Captain Kilbride, and sat down with them, smoking his cigar. Kilbride explained that he was happy that they had dealt with the Thamarite, especially without his prompting. Now what did they want in return?

'Have you heard of a man called Rustiban Vandred?' asked Eckert.

The Wine of Wrath - Part 1

The witch hunters of the Order of Illumination remained in Five Fingers for a few days more, waiting for news from High Captain Kilbride regarding the whereabouts of the rogue arcane mechanik, Rustiban Vandred. They got their reply - in the form of a certain gobber with a message - Smek.
Smek explained that Rustiban had been found and had been spotted conversing with another mechanik, McGreedy, of McGreedy's Clockwork Emporium, situated on Bellicose Island.

With Smek as their guide the group of hunters to shop, the hope being that McGreedy would help them locate Vandred. The street, being centre for trade, was busy, rowdy, and chaotic. But even in the flux of people, Investigator Beck Hurst was able to spot that McGreedy's was being watched. He pointed out the rough looking gangsters to Smek, who nodded and drew the group over to a liquor vendor. There in the cold damp they drank the warm syrup liquor and listened as Smek explained to them that the gang was the Scarlet Skulls.

Given the apparent danger, Hurst and the aristocrat-hunter, Darcey de Dimiani, sneaked into the back alley, escaping the view of the gangsters, and slipped into the back of the shop. They found the place in complete disarray, with the back of the shop serving as a workshop and small forge, and the front a spare parts and clock work shop. Hurst put his keen eye to work and was able to piece together events. There was recent blood stain on shop desk, and the draws had been pulled out, including the paper work. Darcey found in the pile of coal a hand, reaching out and grasping. It was McGreedy, and in his hand was a scrap of fabric. Hurst was able to find a secret cabinet and within another ledger. Within was a the most recent upcoming sale, Rustiban Vandred. But there was also other information. There was an envelope, signed 'DC', and with it a note of credit. Whatever the item was that was being paid for was to be picked up today by Rustiban. There was also a diagram of the item. And orrery, and one that seemed to map the moons of Caen and more. The design was not something Hurst had seen in Wester Immoren, nor did it look Orgoth. But they did have a ship name, the 'Frozen Cannon'. In the forge and workshop there still pieces that matched the orrey, and the strange runes that covered it. Hurst also quickly performed a test on the 'DC' signature. The chromatography was similar to his own writing ink. A writing ink that came from Corvis, and from the university.

Darcey and Hurst left the shop and together with the others they kept watch over the shop and the gang. The gangsters seemed concerned, as if expecting something. And after 3 more hours they left. Something was wrong, as the witch hunters also expected Rustiban to arrive. Gregore was sporting for a fight and suggested that they follow the gang, but Brother Eckert called for patience. They waited some more, and then the Scarlet Skulls returned in force, but led by a figure with a strange gait and form, and with what were obviously the dead, though well concealed. Eckert, blessed such as he was by Morrow, could see the signs of magic at work, and necromancy. Eckert then realized the nature of the necromancer - a Satyxis. They waited and watched, and watched the necromancer leave, apparently angry. Gregore demanded that they follow, but Eckert warned against it. They were few against the numerous followers of Thamar and the forces of Cryx who undoubtly lurked on this island. Instead they would go talk to the captain of the Frozen Cannon.

The sun had almost set, and a cold wind blew in from the north, but the deck of the Frozen Canon was alive with gambling and singing. Khadoran singing. Much to Eckert's chagrin, the ship was a Khadoran privateer, captain by Captain Durga, and ex-Khadoran naval officer. With a little persuasion the gruff man explained that he had sailed to Zu, the tropical continent, and from there he acquired the Orrery on behalf of Vandred. Vandred and McGreedy has arrived yesterday morning to pay for the item. It was now clear that Rustiban has left for Corvis.

*****

The band of witch hunters had been back in Corvis for a couple of weeks so far, and Hurst was certain he had seen the signature before. There was no sign of Rustiban in the city. Their trail had led them to nothing, and they still were tasked with recovering the Witchfire and Alexia Ciannor. They group was once more called by the master of the Order chantry. He was aware of the upcoming wedding of Darcey's brother, and so asked that the others, on behalf of the Duke of Corvis, that they act as envoys and take a wedding gift.
With their rather more quiet mission, the group took a steam barge, and with them the Duke's present, a writing desk, and left for Llael, and the city of Rhydden in the duchy of Voxsaunny. Their journey up the Black River, and through the bayous of Bloodsmeath Marsh, and eventually stopping at the decrepit and mouldering riverside town of Bloodsbane.

The town was nothing more than elevated decking and a few dozen ramshackle wooden sheds that barely withstood the cold and the mist. With the gruff greeting of the port master they were directed to the town inn for a night's rest.

Within the inn, little heat came from the fire, the locals drank the foul smelling frothy brew, and the inn keeper, a wiry old man, sneered at them. The food was barely edible, consisting of a broth of chewy fish and vegetables.

The night drew on, and the locals left, and then, in the dead of night, there came a gutteral scream. The group took up their weapons and looked out the windows of the inn. In the mist they spied something they had seen once before in the sewers of Corvis - a gatorman. But rather than just one, many lurked in the mists.
The door of the inn slammed open, as Gregore hefted his broadsword. 'Come and get it fiends!'