Kurt Ferdel

Kurt Ferdel is a prominent antique dealer, with a warehouse and a shop. He is currently in Wolfenburg on business, having left by coach on the 1st Jahrdrung.

Kolomon Tauler and Karl Kreitz

• little more than pedlars, barely able to maintain their membership, and live over their warehouse premises in the warehouse district. 
• They were polite and offered a number of unbeatable bargains, but seemed to know nothing. 

Ludwig's Papers

 

Messrs. Lock, Stöck, & Barl 

Civil Lawyers, Commissioners for Oaths, etc. 

Garten Weg 

Wolfenburg

Dear Herr Lieberung,
After many lengthy researches, we have come to believe that you are the only living relative
of one Baronet Lieberung, late of the town of Ubersreik. This being the case, and any other, heretofore unknown and pertinent factors notwithstanding, I am herewith charged to inform you that you are the sole beneficiary of the Baronet’s last will and testament (hereafter referred to as the document of the first party).
I, the undersigned, acting in my capacity as legal executor of the aforementioned document of the first party, do therefore urge you to make your way with all speed to my offices in the great city of Wolfenburg. Thereupon, providing you can produce an affidavit of your identity as Kastor Aloysius Lieberung, signed by two witnesses, we shall be pleased to hand over the title deeds to the Baronet’s manor house together with its contents (which include a most tastefully stocked wine cellar), its extensive estates and the sum of twenty thousand gold crowns.
I remain your most humble and respectful servant,

Dietrich Barl, K.C., LL.B.(Alt)

Signed, this day, the 1st of Nachexen, in the two thousandth, five hundred and twelfth year of The Empire.

Printed by Schulz & Friedman, Wolfenburg

Adolphus Kuftsos

Was seen by Ludwig in the Ferlangen Four Seasons Coaching inn, making contact with two strange fellows, one of whom was making a scratching motion on his left ear with his right pink.
Later that night Ludwig observed the men being killed by crossbow bolts outside his window, only for the unknown third man to observe him later on from an alley, carrying a crossbow. (Session 6)

On the way to Wolfenburg, the man led a group of ruffians against the party, resulting in his own death. Searching his pockets revealed a number of papers, identifying him as Adolphus Kuftsos, an established bounty hunter. Some other papers were also found. Even though he carried a number of wanted posters on him, none of them were for Kastor Lieberung... (Session 8)

Session 6: Mistaken Identity

The next day they arrive at Ferlangen,a small walled town, with a strong town wall. Whilst it is clearly well maintained, those in military or engineering careers will notice that it is not built to withstand a modern siege. In particular, the towers are square, rather than modern round or angled designs, and there is no buttressing or skirting to the wall. However, at the same time, it is clear that such work is underway on certain sections of the wall where what is in effect a second wall is being built, attached to the first.

Ferlangen has a small external caravanserai by the gate. It has obviously been recently renovated, and the central statue, of a mounted Thurini tribesman from the time of Sigmar, has been repainted. In addition, much of the area is clearly marked as the Imperialist garrison. Mungo will park the cart here whilst he arranges provisioning.

The town has only one gate, in the south wall. This is an extremely impressive triple-depth turreted affair, incorporating murder holes, a double portcullis and a detachable mini-bridge covering a trench. Prominent above the gate to the town is a carving of the Ostland bull’s head. Ferlangen is the seat of the von Raukov family. Entering through the gate requires the visitors to touch a small portable altar to Sigmar, in addition to the usual procedures.

The first stop is a boarding house, where Christina Asper takes the group to, operated by Frau Busch. Clearly the rules of the matronly owner (no drinking on the premises, nor are guests allowed to drink elsewhere) didn't appeal to Lothar's group, and they quickly excuse themselves, leaving Christina and her colleague Lucas Pollack behind.

Ferlangen is famed for two things; Bugman’s brewery and as a centre for the antique trade. Ludwig and Wigand decide to get their priorities straight and visit Bugman's first, only to come to the conclusion this ISN'T the famous Joseph Bugman's brewery, but his brother Samuel's, a dwarf outcast who couldn't brew a decent beer is his life depended on it...
In the meantime Castian has made sure to inform the Temple of Verena about the demise of their templar, Hoffman Janitzer.

The decision is made to stay at the Four Seasons Coaching inn. After room and meals were organised, a few questions were asked. For starters, neither the Professor, nor Elfrieda had been seen at this establishment. The waxed envelope sealed with a Four Seasons Coaches mark and counter-stamped Ferlangen to Beeckerhoven in both words and town crests,prompted the clerk to confirm that the letter was sent from here. He explained that they wrap all mail for a destination into a single bundle of waxed cloth for protection. When it reaches the destination office, the cloth is then opened and the mail distributed. They have a regular mail delivery to Beeckerhoven, and do not record who sends mail. However, once pointed out out that this letter was sent alone inside a wrapper, along with a few coins that changed hands, the clerk became more helpful, and mentions that sometimes clerks from the Merchant Guild bring single documents already wrapped and stamped.
In regards to recent coaches, he mentions  that the only coaches that have left the city were to Wolfenburg on the 17th and 26th Nachexen and the 1st Jahrdrung. One arrived from there on the 24th Nachexen and another on the 32nd Nachexen. Their only competition on the route is from the Hofbauer-Bodelstein Trading Company, but they deal only in freight. They have the mail contract with most of the guilds. Only the Silversmiths and Goldsmiths Guilds deal with Four Seasons, and that because they deliberately act opposite to the Merchants Guild.

Further rumours picked up at the inn were the following:

• The Silversmiths and Goldsmiths have grown tired of arguing with the town council over the Merchants Guild monopoly over imported antique gold and silver items, and are to petition the Emperor over the merchants breach of their precious metal monopoly.
• The city authorities are finally prepared to take action about the Antikehüten and have them withdrawn. Many see them as simply a group of thugs hired by the antique merchants to frighten decent citizens away from travelling in their part of the city.
• Some physician was thrown out of the Guild for killing some noble.
• Merchants have been attacked by the Cult of the Howling One. . No one seems to be aware of the purpose of the group, nor its apparent gratuitous use of murder. The townsfolk accept a certain amount of localised thievery, but this is far too serious and they are demanding action. Much talk can be heard about what Valmir von Raukov will do, and of the lack of success of his efforts to date.

Ludwig becomes aware of two men watching him, acting in a strange manner. While one watches the crowd, the other scratches his left ear with the little finger of his right hand. As he does so, he stares straight at Ludwig. This is repeated a number of times, each more pronounced than the last. 

After a while, their expressions suddenly change to ones of relief, and they hurry over to a stocky man who stands in the doorway. They follow him through the door which is quickly shut behind them.

Gottwin visit the Watch at the gate. After showing his papers, they are happy to assist him, and one of the watchmen asks his collegues if they have seen either The Professor or Elfrieda. Later on he returns with the news that the woman arrived early this morning, and the professor had been seen, somewhere around the 17th Nachexen.

From there, they made their way to the Merchant Guild, where an exasperated clerk explains that the Merchants’ Guild deals with a great deal of mail, but they use Hofbauer-Bodelstein Trading Company.  Even mail to Beeckerhoven would normally be shipped to Altdorf because of the competitive rates offered by that company.

Of course, a guild member might request a clerk to arrange the delivery of a private letter. None of the clerks remember such a delivery, but they can point out that there are also private clerks to many guild members. 

The Merchants’ Guild seal is generic and used by all members in sealing their mail, should they either not have their own crest or not wish to use it for business purposes.  The “K” signature to the letter can be checked against membership records, but that would take a long time.. or some quick cash... Soon they received the following list of names:

• Kolomon Tauler
• Kurt Ferdel
• Klaus von Kolditz. 
• Karl Kreitz
• Jurgen Kimmelman
• Anton Kristov
  
  There are two employees:
• Konrad Sander
• Conz Keusch.

They decide to visit a few of the people on the list, starting with Karl Kreitz. The man seems little more than a peddlar, living above his warehouse in the warehouse district, and claims to know nothing at all about this letter. They ask him about Kolomon Tauler, and Karl says he seriously doubt his friend would have sent it. He does however have a number of unbeatable offers to show them...

From there, they made their way into the better part of town, looking up the address off Kurt Ferdel. It doesn't take long for them to be stopped by a few rough looking individuals, wearing some kind of livery, asking the group what their business is in this district. Clearly these are the Antikehuten they heard about in the inn. Playing it relatively cool, the group 'yielded' to the ruffians 'authority' and were escorted to Ferdel's home. An employee opened and apologized, but Herr Ferdel is currently in Wolfenburg on business, having left by coach on the 1st Jahrdrung.

Rather than pushing through and visit Klaus von Kolditz, who's next on their list, they decide to call it a night. Back at the Four Seasons, Ludwig notices the two strangers through his bedroom window. They are looking up at him, one repeating the scratching movement on his ear. All of the sudden, he falls over. The second man looks confused, first at Ludwig, then at his fallen companion, then around. As he bends over to help his friend up, Ludwig sees him falling down as well. 

Rushing down and calling out for help of the innkeeper, they find the two men dead, a crossbow bolt stuck in one's neck and one in the other victim's chest.
The Watch is called and Ludwig informs them of what he has seen.
Once the commotion dies down, Ludwig returns to his room. Casting another glimpse onto the street, he sees the same stocky man from the previous night looking up at him from a dark alley across the road. He's holding a crossbow...

Ludwig opens up to the rest of the retinue that among the bodies they buried at the Forest Inn he found a mangled corpse that looked exactly like him, but with a beard, and how he found some papers on him...

Constant Drachenfels

A lot of stories surround this evil. According to some, he is "older than time itself, somehow managing to take the life out of his victims and extend his own life."
"He would wear a body, amalgamated from the corpses of chosen victims until it was rotten and worn out. Then he would select a new body, repeating the whole process again and again."

He established himself at Castle Drachenfels, an all but impregnable fortress high in the Grey Mountains, at an unknown date. He maintained numerous hidden spies and infiltrated agents in several cities, palaces and courts of the Old World.

Drachenfels commanded a veritable army composed of goblins, but would suffer his first and greatest defeat at the hands of Sigmar, a barbarian warlord who had gathered several human tribes.

Drachenfels' army was routed and he was slain by Sigmar himself. However somehow he managed to survive and after a thousand years managed to fully restore himself.

In 1854 IC he gathered an army composed of undead and daemons and marched upon the Bretonnian city of Parravon. After extracting a suitable tribute he had the local ruling noble family executed together with their chief ministers and officials.

Some decades later Drachenfels ostensibly repented his crimes, and publicly renounced evil. Paying large reparations to his living victims, and abasing himself at the graves of many others, he managed to gain the trust of Emperor Carolus and invited the whole imperial court for a feast at Castle Drachenfels. In the infamous poison feast Drachenfels poisoned his guests, paralysing them. Helpless, they saw their children, which they had brought with them, tortured and murdered. Afterwards they starved to death with a prepared feast before their eyes.

Oswald von Konigswald
In 2480 IC a group of adventurers, led by Oswald von Konigswald and Genevieve Dieudonné, infiltrated Castle Drachenfels and Oswald managed to kill the Great Enchanter. Drachenfels' death caused a magical backlash which killed or revealed most of his hidden agents. The castle's garrison was later put to the sword by an army sent by Emperor Luitpold, while the castle itself was left all but undamaged at Oswald's request.

In 2505 IC Oswald bought the abandoned castle and hired the actor and impressario Detlef Sierck to write and direct a theatre play based upon Oswald's heroic feat, to be performed in Castle Drachenfels itself. Emperor Karl Franz, his son and heir-apparent Luitpold, all the Electors and other high-ranking officials of The Empire were the invited audience of the play's premier.

Drachenfels re-appeared during the play, returned from all but certain death, intent on taking over The Empire. However, aided by Sigmar, Genevieve and Detlef managed to defeat and kill him.

Christina Asper

Christina is a member of the Fraternal Order of Witch-hunters. She has been instructed to assist Hoffman Janitzer.
(Session 5)

She was able to convince Johann Jager to release Wigand (Session 7) and possibly saved his life in the cave during the attack by Adolfus Kuftsos (Session 8)

Session 5: Drachenfels

After the fight, Lothar insists to bury the dead, or at least the bodies of the victims. He sends Gottwin to stop Mungo and Castian and return with them.
He and Wigand grab a few shovels and head into the field, where they start digging graves. He asks Ludwig to bring the bodies and part out.
Once Castian has said a few words, they head back down the road, not arriving at arriving at the next coaching in until well after nightfall.

The Winter Wolf

Kelnore Tower

This is also a border post for the Barony of Nordland, maintained as a nominal guard for the Baron’s territory. Here the toll house is extended by a single story barracks, and a Kelnore tower. All fly the colours of Nordland. The village of Skjaldberg lies adjacent to the post, hoping for its protection from border raids.
By the roadside is a gibbet that contains the recent remains of a prisoner. There is a notice board next to it that contains a crudely written notice “Ostland spy, slain by Order of the Baron” and a Statement of Forest Law.
The exciseman on duty confirmed firstly that they have not arrived from Seuchenshof. The hospice specialises in the treatment of Black Plague, and the locals are wary of its reputation. He then asked them whether they can read, and have read the Baron’s notice.

Nordland Heraldic Symbol

The militia also be quite happily advised them of the sub-human nature of Ostlanders, and of their occasional illegal border raids. The militia wear patches and armbands, coloured blue and yellow, picturing the Nordland ship. They appear to be a fairly uncouth mob. However, they have been reinforced by ten of the Baron’s Jægers, elite forest scouts. They captured the dead man in the gibbet in a border raid in reprisal for an Ostland attack.
The militia who are stationed here have occasionally patrolled to the south, but without success. Hearing the story of how the group defeated the ghouls made the militia relax a bit more, resulting in a few free drinks. They told them that on the 17th Nachexen, a group (of supposed Ostlanders) launched an attack on one of the farms that serves the post. They killed and captured a number of pigs, and one of the farm girls. Fortunately, a group of Jægere was already on route for the same purpose, and on the 24th Nachexen launched a raid of their own, catching a lone shepherd and a number of sheep. They are not too sure if this is adequate compensation, but the post is preparing itself for further trouble in retaliation by the Ostlanders.
The innkeeper acknowledged that the Professor passed through here, staying the night of the 13th Nachexen, and that Elfrieda stayed the previous night with one other person, a rough looking male.

Welcome to Ostland!
The state of the roads improved between the border and Ferlangen, where their first stop was at The Royal Wolf inn. This is also a border post for the Grand Principality of Ostland, maintained as a nominal guard for the territory. An earthen rampart and ditch surround the inn, toll house and a barracks and Kelnore tower. The barracks is a relatively new building, and contains some basic defensive features such as firing slits, a tower and a flat roof with raised wall. It abuts the Kelnore tower. The troops on duty here are also a detachment of Ostpreussiches. These are a militia of the lesser nobility and middle classes, eager for plunder in the service of the state.
The innkeeper informed them that the Professor passed through here, staying the night of the 14th Nachexen. and Elfrieda arrived here last night, and left early in the morning.
The group discussed some of the things that had happened over the last few days, Wigand warning Gottwin that he must be cursed now that a "Necromancer" (the masked man in the Forest Inn) shot him with a "magical bolt".
This attracted the attention from another patron,  a woman, dressed in a long leather coat, wearing the typical Witch hunters wide brimmed hat. The place went quiet when she asked for more information. She introduced herself as Christina Asper, Fraternal Order of Witch-hunters. She has been instructed to assist Hoffman Janitzer.
The militia was be quite happy to describe the despicable nature of Nordlanders and their illegal raiding to an audience.
Rumors picked up here included the following:

• Nordland is close to civil strife over the Laurelorn Forest.
• Middenland is apparently mobilising its troops to invade, and the Baron is too soft to act.
• Nordland is about to invade the Laurelorn Forest in order to pre-empt an attack by Middenland.
• Seuchenshof is a front for the Nordland military to devise some evil to kill us all. It would not surprise me to learn if they were not in league with darker powers.

Gottwin also mentioned there was a bit of political strife going on at the moment, between Grand Prince Hals Von Tasseninck, Elector of Ostland, and Valmir Von Raukov, who, according to some, would be better suited for the position. All of this is in the wake of the Von Tasseninck's claiming the Electorate after the Von Koenigswald family "was disgraced". To this, Herr Lothar took offence and told them the story of Oswald von Konigswald and Drachenfels.

After telling them the story, he reveiled he was a friend of Oswald, and had been present both at the battle, as well as at the play, and had witnessed how Oswald had sacrificed himself to save the Emperor.

The Pewter Merchant.

At this coaching in they met the assistant Coroner, Felix Antonescu and the innkeeper, Anton Petz. A man had been murdered a few days ago, and since the murderers had fled and the man was unknown to anyone at the establishment and very well dressed, Felix ruled there could be no Presentment of Plebianry and fined the innkeeper for 50GC. 

Anton pleaded for the group to help, and Castian went to have a look at the body, noticing a few oddities. 

• The person was clearly used to hard labour, was dirty and had lice. His hands are callused.
• His clothing fits poorly. Either he has lost weight or bought it second-hand – the latter being unlikely for a noble.
• His underwear was that of a peasant. 

Presenting these facts to the assistant coroner caused him to revoke his earlier judgment. Anton thanked the group by offering them free food and accomodation, and gladly filled them in on the latest news. He also indicated that Elfrieda had left there that very morning and that the Professor passed through here, staying the night of the 15th Nachexen.

Rumors:

• Valmir von Raukov still smells like a Kislevite to me. Better we get Grand Prince von Tasseninck. He is a good Imperialist, a Sigmarite and he has a proper name.
• There seems to have been an increase in illicit drug trafficking over the last year. 
• Nordland has reached an agreement with the elves of the Laurelorn Forest to invade Middenland. The Grand Prince won’t allow fellow Sigmarites to be destroyed by a bunch of heathens and sub-humans.
• Word has spread from Nordland that Drachenfels has risen, and is roaming the province, looking for something. 
• A heretic is scheduled to burn in public.
• The Ostland chapter of witch-hunters has apparently expelled a dozen of its members for criminal behaviour. Shallya alone knows what they must have done.

The Hemp Merchant

Not much was to be learened at this stop. The Professor passed through here, staying the night of the 16th Nachexen, and Elfrieda and one other person arrived here the evening of the 31st Nachexen, and stayed the night. 

The inn is quite busy with military and engineering types. There are a number of Landsturm staying at the inn throughout this period, although the individuals will vary. 

All citizens are obliged to serve a short period of time in the Imperialist armed forces annually. They are rarely called up, because if they do serve then they are excused payment of Imperial taxes. This makes such troops, the Landsturm, very expensive for the emperor, and service in the unit reasonably popular for the same reason. These soldiers explain that they are working with the Imperialist Engineer Pioneer Corps carrying out surveys and upgrading the road.

Rumors:

• Nordland is launching border raids against us again; why doesn’t this new Grand Prince stand up for us and send in the army? A few good battles would soon deal with those Norscan scum.
• Some poor trinket scavenger who was dealing outside the Merchants’ Guild is to be burned as a heretic for dealing in tomb robbing.

Fist of Amber

Pedlar

Franz Sterneck, the owner, informed them that the Professor stayed here on the 17th Nachexen.

Elfrieda had left this morning

The inn serves as a base for the Peddlars’ Guild. Peddlars tend to serve rural communities, and using this inn as a secretariat for local members saves duties charged at the towns and lessens the influence of the Merchants’ Guild. This early in the season, the inn is empty. The first peddlars have been and gone; deliveries are due in about 10 days. The Guild has taken over the farmstead attached to the inn. This close to Ferlangen the need for a farm is less, and the peddlars’ custom more than makes up for any minor increase in the cost of provisioning the inn.

Basically, the barn, stables and tack-room have been converted into storage facilities, and an additional building added to the side of the barn. There is a permanent staff of the Eisenstein family responsible for maintaining the building and who also do some farming.

Peddlars generally break down bulk for small communities. 

They asked the group if they could help out and deliver a letter toKarl Helpmann in Ferlangen, and will offer 5/- for its delivery.

Later that night they were asked by Achaz and Gysela Bebel, who are currently awaiting the chance to travel to Ferlangen, if they could follow the group on foot, as it is much safer to travel with an  escort such as Herr Lothar's. 

Rumors:

• Prince von Raukov is the true Elector. The title was stolen by that puppet of the Grand Theogonist, but he will get it back even if it means civil war.
• The von Raukov family is too noble for its own good. They will put the unity of The Empire before the needs of Ostland, and leave us with the von Tasseninck family who cannot stand up for the province.
• The Tsar has called upon the services of the Sacred Quorum of the Moon’s Pain (a sect of the Cult of Mórr, known colloquially as the Black Monks) in his war against chaos. Their new leader, Pavel Rutkin, is a good tactician who should help the beleaguered country. They have always been a secretive bunch, but their help will surely be appreciated.

Session 4: A Ghoulish Practise

Round noon, on the 25th of Nachexen, the group, including Hoffman Janitzer, set off once again, leaving Beeckerhoven behind them, as they hear the following information proclaimed by the Town criers:

•  Official notices concerning Imperial proclamations will be posted shortly.
• The Baron has deferred any decision upon the proposed reminting of Nordland coinage.
• Quit rent is available at rates negotiated by the Barony Council in consultation with civic authorities.
• The sale of government buildings within the town has been concluded satisfactorily. Details are available from the Council Offices.
• Licences for trade in timber are available for purchase from the Merchants’ Guild under a warrant awarded by the Baron on 6th Nachexen.
• The Town Council has agreed to hire a further six road wardens to operate under the warrant of the town. Applicants should apply at the Council Offices.
• Citizens are reminded that abetting a highwayman in his crimes carries the same penalty as carrying out robbery upon the highway.

Leaving this late meant that they had to travel after nightfall, which is not the safest thing to do. Traveling by lantern light, they heard a faint braying sound in the surrounding woods, slowly moving closer towards them. They hurried along, and made it to the Hunter's Lodge before being attacked.

The Hunters Lodge

The coaching in  is named from visitors to the shrine. Opposite the inn, set slightly back from the road is a wayside shrine. The shrine is dedicated to Haleth, goddess of hunting (and an aspect of Rhya). This is noteworthy as it is the only formal construction honouring Haleth, and it is also a steady (if small) source of income for the inn from residing pilgrims. There is no cleric in residence,
indeed no known cleric at all, but Klaus maintains the shrine as best he can. As far as anyone knows, the offerings have never been collected, and there is likely a small fortune. In fact, most offerings are non-monetary, and there is a definite stench from the offerings left over the centuries in the pits.

Klaus has heard a rumour that the Church of Sigmar is applying to obtain all minor shrines to faded deities, such as this one, and empty their offering pits for maintenance and overhead expenses.
A person matching the description of the Professor passed through here, staying the night of the 9th Nachexen. He was travelling with a companion. A troop of the Baron’s soldiers stayed here on the night of the 18th Nachexen. They also saw Elfrieda's carriage, as they paid the toll here, but continued on – despite the warnings of the staff.

The locals fill them in on the latest gossip:

• The garrison troops were withdrawn last year at the demand of the Baron, and replaced.
• Two different groups within the Watch are feuding over something, and there was even a running fight last week. The garrison troops had to be called out, but the two Watch groups then turned on the Imperialists and gave them a damned good hiding.
• The Merchants’ Guild is discussing new trade opportunities with Middenheim.
• Road wardens have been successful at clearing up attacks from forest creatures up north.
• The Baron is finally going to do something with those pointyeared pansies and occupy the Laurelorn.
• The Baron is supposed to be negotiating increased trade with the Laurelorn under the guidance of his brother.
• The Prime Estates have agreed upon the Emperor’s poll tax that is to be paid by each region. The Baron is livid because ours has been set well above our actual population

Jannitzer mentions he is supposed to meet someone at the Royal Wolf. Two persons are seconded to him in the search for Stadovski, and he will meet them along the way. At this stage, Castian is spending the evening in front of the open fire, huddled in cloak, sweating and shivering as a fever breaks out.

Round noon the next day, the party finds a turned-over coach by the side of the road. The crest confirms it to be Elfrieda's coach, but no trace of her. A bloody trail lead of into the woods, and faint braying sounds can be heard, but the source of them flees off, deeper into the woods. Two bodies, or rather remains thereof  are found, one of a woman, one of a male which the group recognizes as Urs Huber.


All Shadows Fled

They are able to reach the next coaching inn in time, the "All Shadows Fled" establishment, owned by the outgoing Wilhelm Teggetthof, who seems very happy to see travelers. a bit wary and distrustful, they notice him whispering something to the barmaid, who gathers her cloak and disappears into the night. Wigand follows her, and watches her enter one of the neighboring farmsteads.After a few moments, she appears agsain, and makes her way back to the inn, followed a few minutes later by a man, leading a woman wearing a halter.

The sight of this leads to some confusion, as the man proclaims that he is there to 'sell his wife'. apparently, the group is witnessing an old custom that dates back to the days before Sigmar where a man can sell his wife to another in order to be rid of her. “Civilised” Old Worlders frown upon the practice, of course, but it is an easy avenue for a poor woman from an unhappy marriage. In this case, Josef is a drunkard, and whilst not actually violent towards Karyssa, she has become attached to Wilhelm. In his turn, Wilhelm wishes to help Karyssa out of her unhappy situation and offers her status as the wife of an inn owner.
Some of the other workers feign interest, and Wilhelm will offer 2 Silver. The bid will be accepted,
and the divorce completed. Wilhelm approaches Lothar, asking him to witness the event, and the group is offered free drinks and food. Wilhelm confirms that Elfrieda and three companions paid the toll here but continued on – after buying saddles.

From the locals they gather the following:

• The garrison troops were withdrawn last year for budget reasons, and replaced with a hospital unit.
• Stay away from Seuchenshof, which is a hospice that specialises in the treatment of Black Plague. ‘Patients’ are frequently escaping to spread the pox.
• The Baron is going to kick some Sigmarite butt this year, and is moving troops up to the Ostland border. They are always attacking our farms and stealing our property. They are nothing but bandits.
• There have been two attacks upon Four Seasons Coaches staff within the town. Wolf Runner is trying to drive them out.
• The Professor stayed here night of 10th Nachexen, with a companion, male.
• Baron’s troops stayed on the night of the 19th Nachexen

Temple to Liadriel

The next night, the group arrived at a way temple, parts of which seem to have been turned into an inn. The proprietor, Heinrich Freiherr, a jovial man who is drying his hands on his apron, explains

how the temple is a part of the complex agreements reached between a number of human emperors and their nominal subjects the wood elves of the Laurelorn Forest. Technically, it is a shrine to Liadriel, the elf god of song and wine and a border post between humans and the elves. Whilst elves are welcome here, the temple essentially operates like a normal coaching inn. 

The inn has a second claim to fame in that it is located at the junction of the main Erengrad road with the route chosen by the Northern Mercantile Company to lead to the proposed gateway to riches that was Neue Emskrank.  All that remains is an overgrown track straggling northward, and a faded sign attached to a rusting metal post. There are the remains of a small village here as well as the location of the junction towards the gateway to the northern coast was expected to be able to maintain a service village here. 

The Professor stayed here night of 11th Nachexen, with a companion, male. 

Elfrieda didn't stay here, but one of the locals saw a group of horsemen avoiding the toll gate and riding off 

The following rumours are heard:

• Ostland is in civil war. The new Grand Prince is deeply unpopular, and will be overthrown.
• An elite group of Imperialist Reiter wardens are being equipped to patrol the roads. They are to be armoured in body plate and carry pistols.

The Forest Inn

In the late afternoon of the 28th, they find the remains of what looks to be a small village, ruined in a long forgotten time. A bit further up, they see the coaching inn, which is already fully locked as they arrive.

The Forest Inn

Outside , they are met at the toll booth by Torben Pieknich, who yells out to open the gates after collecting the tolls.

Inside, a few stable-hands lead the horses and cart in, but seem to be quiet and unhelpful. Inside the inn, the group is met by Van Moll, a pale and sweaty, with a big wart under left eye, and a serving girl, Condradine.

They confirm that the Professor passed through here, staying the night of the 12th Nachexen. He was travelling alone, though he did state that he had been attacked on the road by a creature from the forest and a companion had been slain. They claimed not to have seen Elfrieda, which caused some confusion, and peering over the maps, the group agreed there was a good chance she may have turned north, and made her way to Neue Emskrank.

The food here is particularly foul, as the innkeeper is awaiting new supplies. He apologizes and offer separate rooms for everyone. Wigand, who has seen the dismal state of the dirty rooms, decided not to accept it and keep with the normal arrangements, one room for Lothar, a second one for the rest of them. Jannitzer and Mungo gladly accept.

None of the farmers who live on the accompanying farmstead will join the inn for news; they are too busy on the farm, according to Van.

Over the course of the evening, the group notices that Conandrine is spending quite a bit of time with Jannitzer, and follows him out during one of his visits the the outhouse. Upon his return he claims that the food didnt agree with him.

The next morning, Gottwin finds Van in a bit of a state. Apparently, Jannitzer had left early in the morning, taking Conandrine with him, and stolen Gottwin's horse. All of this caused quite a stir and the group hastily prepared to leave and chase the thief. They thought about things however and came to the conclusion some stuff just didn't add up. Jannitzer hated horses, and wasn't able to ride them. Wigand got physical with Van, slapping him around a bit to see if the man was lying, but he stuck to his story. Lothar appeared out of the kitchen, with a worried look and told the others it looked like noone was there: no cook, no stablehands, no Torben.

Ghouls

Van said that was because they were all helping out in the fields. They sent him off to fetch Torben. As soon as he left, they all prepared their weapons and followed him to a nearby dilapidated farmhouse. From the overgrown field, they observed them, arguing and pointing towards the inn.

As the group showed himself and told the duo to stay where they were, Wigand heard the whinnying of a horse, and the two locals dashed off, towards the other side of the building. Gottwin and Ludwig gave chase, the former being seriously wounded in the shoulder by a crossbow bolt, fired from a window.

On the other side of the building a fight erupted with Van, Tornben, the cook and stable-hands, who all looked pale and sweaty, and attacked with claw like dirty hands.

As the fighting continued, they were joined by more sickly looking individuals, while a masked and hooded man dashed out of the building, sprinting into the woods. He was followed by two foul creatures, their bodies are slack and crouched, their faces distorted and leering, and their teeth are pointed and over-large.

Relatively quickly the group was able to overcome their enemies, Gottwin eager to prove his ability, but flanked by Ludwig and Wigand, who, although clearly less well trained than the squire, we proving to be opponents to be reckoned with. Lothar observed the situation, and stepped in where it was clear the villains, who outnumbered the group, threatened to overwhelm individuals.

Once the scum was dispatched, Gottwin checked his horse, and they ventured inside. There they found a charnelhouse. The rooms were full of bones, some of them used to make furniture, as well as skins, some halfrotten, others flayed properly. In a backroom, they found the naked body of Jannitzer, hanging from a beam on a meathook. On a large wooden block, they found more hacked up bodies. One of the faces they recognized as Lugg, the stableboy in Beeckerhoven, the other as Hugo, one of the Minter's apprentices... Sickened to the core, they quickly gathered whatever they thought could be informative, and made their way out, back to the inn, where Mungo and Castian where waiting with the cart. No trace of Conandrine was to be found.