Donard 6th, Tempen, 605AR.
Resting for a few days the party gathered their equipment and decided on their next course of action. They went to se the commander of the Stonebridge garrison and asked his advice. He infromed them that he had little need of them at the moment so could not provide any work or assitance for them, however he was aware that his counterpart in Fisherbrook, just down the Dragons Tongue, may have some work going for mercenaries such as themselves. He informed them that a boat would be heading that way later that afternoon, he bid them good luck and farewell.
Arranging their passage the party assembled on the jetty below the castle and awaited their ride. The boat arried, it was a small affair carrying cloth and Ale down to Fisherbrook and Port Bourne from Corvis. The journey from Stonebridge to Fisherbrook was dull and uneventful, a bit like Fisherbrook itself. Arriving in the dull, grey and sedate town, the party headed of for the garrison commanders office. Fisherbrook was a deadend job for a commander, the town itself was run down and its society was stagnant. Nothing of note happened hear, and as a result morale of the meagre garrison was at rock bottom. Asking some rather bored guards where the commander, a man by the name of Lerrick could be found the parety explored this tepid little backwater.
Entering the military camp at the edge of the town, the lack of morale was apparent to all. The camp was delapidated, and in some dire need of anyform of military efficency. Walking amongst the dimly lit buildings the party soon found the decaying wooden hut that belonged to Captain Lerrick. Entering they introduced themselves and asked about any possible employment that there might be in the vicinity. Tegood captain. smelling particularly of gin, indeed there were several empty bottles being used as candelabras, like the kind you see in quaint little restraunts in Five Fingers, Caspia of Merwyn. The good captain, who seemed to have a habit of slurring the odd few words together told the party that he did indeed have work for them. He could accomodate them on the edge of his encampment but didnt have any real tents for them so they would have to make do with some motheaten and weatherworn ones instead. For 50 crowns the party would be hired for the week. With sometime untill the next boat taking them down river the party decided to take up the offer. After sorting out the sleeping arrangement, a lovely field on the edge of the Cygnaran encampment, they players prepared their evening meal and discussed the endless possibilities of the future.
The Following morning the Captain informed the party of their impending mission. Over the last few weeks he had been getting increasing reports of raiders attacking and destroying villages all along this stretch of the Dragons Tongue. Though there had been increasing numbers of Thrarn on the move in the area, and many had been seen in the vicinity of the attacked villages, despite the best investigative work of his men he could not prove that they were responsible for the heinous crimes. With a map of the area and the rest of the day ahead of them the party set off to investigate. They acquired, at a heft cost, one of the only four wheeled wagons in the area, loaded it up and heaeded off out into the country.
They traveled some miles and passed through many unharmed and untouched villages, there they heard tales from survivors and those who had given them shelter. Raiders who came in the night or the early morning, swift and siletn they crept upon the houses, killing and draggin away inhabitants and burning the homesteads. As they continued they often found tracks in the woods and in fields, tracks of creatures that werent all together human. Bigger and heavierset than the average man, the party belived these to be the footprints of the Thrarn. Indeed this was soon proved when they came face to face with Thrarn in the woods nearby, group of five were wallkig down a path. Unlike thier previous encounter with pasing Gatormen, Thalen managed to restrain himself and not attack them. They eyed the part wairily but continued on their way. The party continued on their way.
After some hours the party saw smoke rising in the distance, readying their weapons they set straight for it. Coming across the fields and along the road the party entered the burnt out shell of the village. Though the fiewre could be no more than a day old and that they were in no dount that the village was attacked they did not dsicover any bodies. Tracks there were however, tracks leading into the nearby forests of Thranwood. With the aid of the Kossite scout the party followed these tracks the coupleof miles to the imposing green mass, As they go closer they found that more and more tracks started to join in. The wagon however was being most un-cooperative. It being a big hulking thing decided that it was not well suited the the wooded areas of the world and so chose to remain on the flat. The players began to enter the forest and so abandoned their trusty wagon.
This was not before the killing began though. The Kossite Scout quickly got inot an argument with the Druid. The Kossite thought it to be an excellent idea to draw his gun on the druid. Ogrim the ogrun, not liking this much then hit the Kossite, knocking him off the wagon and uncocious. The rest of the party then drew all their weapons and poinjted them at Ogrim, infroming him not to kill the Kossite. A tumbleweed went by. Ogrim dispatched the helpless Kossite. The Druid was not best pleased at the murder, so he ordered Ogrim to do a penance. Burying the recently departed friend, the rites seen to by the Cleric, they party headed off into the woods.
The tracks that they wrre following soon petered out and filtered off in different directions. However after an hour or so in the woods they spotted in the distance a young girl walking though the trees rather slowly. Approaching her to discover who she was, she suddenly stopped. Turning about to face them the part could clearly see that she was dead, a large part of her abdomen was missing. They were dealing with the undead. Recovering from their initial revulsion the abomination was quickly destroyed and burnt. Pressing on, now intrigued as to what dark forces were at work within these woods, the party prepared themselves for the worst.
Hiking through the thick vegitation the party eventually came to a clearing. There was located an old settlemetn, long since over run with trees and vegitation. There they saw a group of Thran. Eyeing them wearily they stodd and watched. Weapons were readied on both sides. After a few tense moments, the Thrarn left the clearing and headed off into the woods. Searching the edges of the clearing the part soon picked up the tracks they were follwoing again. The tracks continued to wind through the trees, taking the ever deeper into the valleys that lay hidden beneath the leafy canopy. After some hours the party came across a small gully. The sides were steep but the tracks continued in the soft earth below and their was clear evdience of people climbing the sides. Securing some rope to a tree the party descended. Following th tracks the party soon encountered yet more undead monstrosities. Felling these creatures the party moved on dow nthe gully untill at last they came to a old wooden door, set into the rock faced end of the depression. Seeing no guards about the party moved up to the door. At this point from above them a abnd of the living dead appeared, defending themselves the party waded into the creatures surrounfing them, destroying them all. Recovering themselves the party opened the door and entered.
A tunnel lead down intothe darkness. Lighting up various torches and lanyterns the party proceeded. Descending they entered into a large circular cavern. The corridor sopend out and at the foot of somr steps were two score of undead monsters. From the simple stumbling corpses to fulyl armoured warriors. At their head, sitting upon a large rock was a strangely androgenous man. His skin was pale as abalbaster and his hair black as night. However his eyes were a strange violet colour. Smiling he stood, and silently pointed at them. The creatured before him turned and advanced upon the party. Ogrim took up the lead, blocking the stairs with his vast bulk attacking all that came with in reach of his spear. The others lined up behind him. Holding their position the party repulsed the waves of undead clambering up the steps. The Cleric banished as many of the creatures as he could, sending them fleeing or collapsing into heaps before him.
The pale man had dissappared though. Finishing off the remainder of the undead the party began to investigate the room. It was rhe that it reappeared. As if from out of no where it struck, short sword flashing and stabbing at the party. As quickly as it came he was gone again, only to reappear and strike another blow. After some severe injuries to themselves the sword that the fiend was using broke. Stopping the fiend bowed and disappeared once more. This time it did not return.
Patching themselves up the party continued to investigate the caves. Scattered about the room was various boxes and crates. Though these contained food, supplies and other such useful itesm that one could need in surviving in the woods, there was nothing of great value. There was however a door loctaed at the back of the cavern. It was open. Entering they discovered three bodies. Their blood was still wet. They had all had their throats cut. Searching the room the party discovered various items, letters, tatoos on the bodies that lead them to the conclusion that they had been dealing with Cryxian necromancers. Yet they could not discover the reason for the pale firnds presence. Gathering up the important itesm and any valubales they could find, they headed out.
Returning to their wagon, which had been enjoying peace and quiet of the field alongside the road, they mounted up. Ogrim pulling they turned about and headed back to camp in Fisherbrook. As the bumped and trundeled along the road they noticed in the woods, moving alongside them, large numners of Tharn, perhaps 200 or more. These shadowed them for a while before turning off and disappearing. Reporting their discoveries to Captain Lerrik they returned to their tents. Recouping from theoir wounds and collecting their pay the party bought passage on the next boat going down the river.
Monday, 11 June 2007
Friday, 8 June 2007
The Transporters
5th Malleus, Tempen 605 AR.
Several days after finishing their contract for the city watch the party were interested in moving on, having heard of the money and fame that could be gained in the city of
Arriving at the barracks that evening and handing over their invitation the party were escorted to an office. Julian Helstrom then entered. Greeting the party he offered them refreshments and seats. Ogrim of course was quick to oblige when there was food on offer. Helstrom then informed them of the reasons for this meeting. He had heard from his various sources that the party were intending to head down the Dragons Tongue to go to Five Fingers. Since they were going that way he wondered if they could perform a small service for him. He needed them to transport a prisoner from the watch barracks to the fortress of Stonebridge. The pay for this little job would be 500 Crowns now and another 500 when the prisoner arrived. Alive. The party then asked who this prisoner was and why it was important to transport him. Most of all they wanted to know why them? Helstrom explained. The prisoner went by the name of Johan Denyson and was a local crime boss of sorts. Having finally been caught by the watch he was willing to cut a deal, offering them information on much of the city’s underworld. Too good an offer to refuse Helstrom had decided he had to be taken away for safe keeping. The party was required to do this as they had impressed Helstrom with their breaking of the Thamarite smuggling ring. Also he didn’t know who in the watch was actually working for or reporting to Denyson’s enemies in the underworld, who would now most certainly want him dead. Thus he needed some out of towners. The party accepted the job. Pleased Helstrom informed them that the prisoner would be ready for transport the following morning. In the meantime the party was to plan exactly what to do with him and how to get him to his destination.
The party debated the options for quite sometime, should they go by river and then across land? Land all the way along? After much debate it was decided to go by land in an armoured and secured wagon. Several other identical wagons would be sent out in different direction to fool any would be assassins. Only the party, Helstrom and a few others would be privy to the identity real one. Gaunt, Ogrim and Tok began work on their wagon preparing it for the trip to come whilst the other went out and bought up all the supplies that they would need for the trip, expected to take the better part of two weeks. The wagon was armour plated with slots and visors for the guards to look out of and some protection for the driver and shotgun. A bar was rigged up inside to hold……… Gaunt managed to get hold of some toxins from a local species of fish, they were not fatal but given in enough quantity they would certainly make someone pretty ill.
Time marched on, too quickly for some. Other wagons were dispatched before the real one and others would be sent out after them, all on different routes. Denyson was brought out under guard and escorted to the wagon where he was secured. Gaunt and Thrawcheld would remain in the wagon keeping an eye on him. Ogrim and the Fruid would head off to the city gate to ensure their security there. Thalan, Tok and the Kossite would ride up front and on top. The scout being the driver of the wagon. Sam Vimes would follow some hours behind them, making sure that they were not being followed. Helstrom handed over the first half of the pay and the papers for the transfer. With these the party set out.
The first half hour of the journey or so was quite successful. The streets weren’t to busy and they travelled with quite a speed. Or at least as fast as a horse drawn armoured prison wagon can go through a major city first thing in the morning. However, this was not to last. Across the street in front of them another wagon appeared and stopped. Tok and Thalan then noticed that there were several men running along the rooftops above them. Behind them too was a wagon, blocking them in the street. Out of the shops on either side cam armed men. Somebody had ratted them out it seemed. Not losing anytime the party flew into action, Talan unloading his crossbow into the nearest criminal type before drawing his sword. Tok and the Kossite did the same. Being surrounded and fighting desperately the three managed to hold some of their attackers at bay. Unfortunately they were being fired upon from the front, rear and above. Diving for cover Tok hid under the wagon. Despite losing his hat from his head, he made a daring grab for it, returnign it safe and sound. In the rear Gaunt and Thrawcheld peered out. Seeing the action unfolding they decide they wished to be a part of it. They weren’t going to lose 500 crowns that easily. Opening the door they took it in turns to fire their crossbows out at the attackers coming from the end of the street. Gaunt used colour spray on several of them. One of the attackers had managed to use a sewer entrance and hook a chain onto the axle of the wagon, ensuring it could not go forwards. Stray shots however had struck the horses, killing them. Thalan and the Kossite were fighting desperately and were taking some damage. Succumbing to his wounds the Kossite fell from the wagon dieing on the cobbled street. Tok noticing this leapt over to his fiend, when not engaged in stabbing attacker’s feet from under the wagon. With his healing abilities he managed to stabilise the Kossite for the moment. From up above they heard the sounds of fiery explosions on metal. The attackers on the rooftops were hurling a few Molotovs down, some of which were smashing all over the street while others made contact with the wagon, slowly burning it. This worried Gaunt and Thrawcheld greatly. Tok managed to unhook the wagon. And negate some of the fire damage by using his magic to create water. Some minutes later the attackers were defeated on the street and those on the roves had disappeared. Abandoning the now burnt out wreck of the wagon the party commandeered one of the ones their attackers had left behind. Ogrim having seen smoke rising from the city had sped from the gate and arrived at the scene, too late to be of any particular help, but it is the thought that counts.
Heading out of the city the party hooked up with the druid and went on their way, heading out across the levee’s and marshes to the west of Corvis. Denyson was securely tied and bound in the back, being guarded by Gaunt, Ogrim and Thrawcheld. Thalan and the recovering Kossite had control of the horses. Tok as usual was everywhere at once. After several days of now uneventful travel through the region the party began to relax slightly. Oh what fools they were. Coming down the road, minding their own business and quite pleased with themselves after a successful day hunting came several gatormen. Worried the party readied their weapons. The gatormen looked the wagon and its passengers up and down , bemused at the antics of some they went on their way. Thalan, not knowing too much about their kind decided that they were clearly a threat and shot one of them. The gatormen were not best pleased. Turning they engaged their vile attackers. Ogrim being a fairly good warrior, and owning a spear dispatched the three reptilian passers by quickly, the fourth fled to inform his chums of this heinous incident. They too were not best pleased at the events. The party then sped up their progress fearing reprisals of the gatormen and their no doubt very annoyed wives.
The track way that they were on however was not so well designed for the speed at which they wished to go. The rise was bumpy. Having had several days to work at his bonds Denyson had managed to work himself free. One doesn’t get to the top of the criminal society in Corvis without learning how to get oneself free from various forms of binding. Sitting there, looking all innocent, and unnoticed by his guards, he used the excuse of a bump to launch himself out of the wagon, over it very low side, down the long slope of the levee and into the swamp. The party were mightily annoyed. Their 500 Crowns was slowly swimming away.
Losing no time the party sprung into action, Gaunt, Ogrim, Thalan, Thrawcheld and the Kossite jumped down the levee, not too well it might be added as they failed to remain on their feet. Landing in a heap at the bottom. Denyson meanwhile continued his steady escape, using the darkness and water to hide. Gaunt cast a light spell and the party began to search, locating Denyson further out in the swamp the players sped after him. Ogrim picked Thalan up and launched him out into the swamp. The water got deeper and so it was now necessary to swim. Various spells were cast at Denyson, attempts to freeze him failed and he continued to get away. Finally the Kossite, Thalan and Thrawcheld caught up with him and wrestled him back to the levee. There he was bound again and secured more firmly than before. Gaunt, annoyed that he had been upstaged and outwitted forced some of the fish toxins down Denysons throat, knocking him unconscious after some violent vomiting. Resting up the party continued on their way.
Several more days passed and they met little resistance or trouble. Denysons was kept in a near constant state of sedation. The swamps and marshes soon gave way to fields and forest. The party turned away from the river area and began to cut across country along old track ways and paths. Little did they know that they were being stalked. Later that night the horses pulling the cart were slain, struck by arrows from hidden assailants. The party dove for cover. However they were being fired upon from all sides. It being night time and their attackers possessing some skill at basic field craft managed to elude being spotted. Taking damage and with a now useless wagon the players decided to flee on foot. Ogrim picking up Tok and Denyson. Across fields, ditches and woods they fled, consistently being hounded by their attackers who managed to keep pace. Despite attempts to cover their tracks with magic fog they were pursued towards the river for several miles. Sam Vimes who had by now caught up with his comrades offered a few shots out of his pistol. Despite their magical effects the enemy kept coming forwards, finding himself alone, he headed off in a different direction intending to link up with the other later.
Dogged for several miles the part finally holed up in a rocky outcrop. Tok using his chameleon like ability to hide. Out of the darkness came their pursuers. Out flanking them and managing to attack the party in the rear a panicked and desperate combat erupted. Despite some injuries the party managed to survive. On closer investigation of the bodies the players noticed that they bore tattoos and markings of the Daggermoor Rovers. Clearly Denyson was worth dead at any price if mercenaries of this quality were being hired. Healing their wounds and resting the party hunkered down for the night. The next day the set out for the river in hope of being picked up by a passing ship. Their luck did not hold and they were forced to continue the remainder of their journey on foot along the river bank.
Finally they arrived at Stonebridge, looming out of the trees was their destination, standing like a large grey monolith against the blue sky. They made straight for it. Coming to the barbican they offered the guards their papers and informed them of who they were. The guards told them to wait while their story was confirmed by the commander. It was and they were allowed to enter. A shot rang out and Denyson was struck. Falling down blood poured from a hole in his back. Dragging him into cover the party rushed inside the safety of the castle. Denyson was given immediate treatment and though seriously wounded was saved from death. The guards too ka particular intrest in the Kossite, his accent aroused their suspicions and after a good hour of questioning they decided he was no threat and sent him on his way.
The party stayed in Stonebridge for a few days resting and received their pay of 500 Crowns.
Thursday, 7 June 2007
Corvis
Gorim 3rd, Trineus, 606 AR.
After a couple of week’s journey, taking them out of the Bloodstone Marches and back into Cygnar, the players found themselves in the city of Corvis. Recently arrived and with some coin in their pocket they soon found a pleasant establishment and began to enjoy themselves a little. Tok, as ever tried to find a brothel that would serve his special tastes, that is for human women, as had happened many a time before, he was turned away. The party began to equip themselves in a manner more suiting to their newly acquire wealth after their adventure out in the Marches. However soon they required more money to cover expenses and plans that they were making.
Whilst wandering about Corvis the party noticed that the city watch were hiring mercenaries on a temporary basis to bolster its numbers. Corvis had a large military presence, but as a result of the war against Khardor and the Protectorate, more men were required to fulfil the posts to ensure not only the cities security but also that of Eastern Cygnar. Interested in the possibility of work the party headed off for the city watch barracks. Having been directed to a room the players notice that there are many other mercenaries and adventurers interested in the possibility of work. Here in the room they also notice several new people who would later join their little band. This included Thalan Gesira, Sam Vimes a Kossite gunslinger and an Ogrun by the name of Ogrim. An officer of the watch and several others entered the room. The speaker introduced himself as Commander Julian Helstrom, and that the people who took up the jobs with the watch would be employed as temporary watchmen for an initial period of two weeks and receive a base pay of 250 Crowns for their services. The party after a brief discussion decided to take the offer. Once equipped with whistles and watch badges the party was sent off to meet their liaison, a local lieutenant in the watch called Merrik. He assigned them to investigate a spate of grave robbings from the cemetery.
The party headed off to the cemetery on the edge of the city. Admitted by the old and grumpy graveyard keeper they began their investigation. After a good look at the most recently disturbed graves and trying to find a connection between them and older graves that had been robbed, they quickly retired for the night, having been spooked by a few ghosts. The Druid remained behind to try and converse with one of the spectres, and after some trying managed to gather that some people were coming in and digging up grave sand taking things away on the back of a cart. These people apparently had beards. Several nights of watching the graveyard proved fruitless, the robbers did not return and the only things the player saw were of the supernatural variety. Which often lead them on a merry chase round the cemetery. Sam Vimes began his own line of investigation. Having heard from the watch that two of the guards that had patrolled near the cemetery had recently been murdered down on the docks, he went down there to see what he could find out. Kade the Fellcaller and Ogrim also went down to the docks to gather information on the dead watchmen. Entering a bar they began their investigatory process. This comprised of offering 100 crowns for the murderer to step forward as they wanted to pay him for a good job. A man stepped forward and claimed he was the killer. They arrested him, despite a few curses, punches and knives thrown at them as they left. Delivering him to the nearest watch station they left, feeling proud with themselves. The man was subsequently released by the watch and offered an apology. Sam on the other hand soon discovered from his questioning of barflies and whores that the two men had been moved from the cemetery beat to the watch a few weeks ago and that the grave robbing had been going on for at least 8 months, though very little had happened as of late, the last incident being a few weeks before. The bodies had been found with their throats slit and that the bodies had been dumped in some barrels in a back alley. The last place that the two watchmen had been seen was outside a well to do brothel, the Ruby Eye, on the edge of the docklands. Vimes then went to the Ruby Eye and began questioning people in the area. He learnt that the watchmen often came this way and occasionally visited the brothel. Returning to his friends in their lodgings he informed them of his discoveries, despite the arguments of Kade and Ogrim.
The next day they continued their investigation. Kade and Ogrim went to enquire as to the fate of the murderer they had brought in. On learning of his release they flew into a rage. After finding out his address they went over to his house, kicked in the door and pursued him further. Leaping from the window and running across ladders and walkways the innocent man finally managed to get away. Determined not to be outdone the two decided to continue working on the grave robbing case. Discovering that the University in Corvis had an anatomy department they immediately went there. After questioning the staff and several students at the university they discovered that the bodies for the anatomy classes came from convicted criminals executed at the city prison. This was their next stop. Investigation here proved that bodies of executed criminals were often sent out for use at the university. The last shipment had been some weeks ago. Realising that some of the university staff and the prison wardens all had beards used a wagon and were involved in the shipment of bodies the two came to the natural conclusion that there was some sort of evil necromancer cult in the city and that they had bust it wide open. The rest of the party ignored them.
Gaunt went to the Ruby eye to scope the place out. Tok tried to enter but was flatly refused by the heavies on the door. On enetering he noticed Thalan coming out. He exchanged a greeting with him. Gaunt spent sometime at the bar conversing with the barman there, asking about the brothel, business, the area and the watchmen. Eventually Gaunt decided to indulge himself and paid for the company of one of the girls there. Ogrim and Kade attempted to enter alos and they too were rejected. Going round the back of the establishment Ogrim threw Kade up onto the first floor window ledge. Kade after a brief investigation left the brothel by the way he had entered. Kade and Ogrim then left. Thrawcheld and Tok were more successful in casing the rear of the building. Hiding in the shadows and behind barrels and empty crates they noticed a group of bearded gentleman with Kharic accents enter the rear of the brothel. Tok remained in the back alley while Thrawcheld managed to scale the back of the brothel and enter via a 1st floor window. Tok managed to cut through some bars over a small window near the ground with acid that eh had created and enter. He found himself in a storeroom; crates, barrels and shelves of liquor and food were everywhere. After some investigation he managed to locate a secret door hidden behind a set of shelves. Defusing the magical trap with the aid of a bodged together stick, he had a quick look, discovering a subterranean passage. The passage lead down to a room with several locked doors, in this room however were some eplty coffins and a small shrine to Thamar. Fearing Necormancy he left. Hearing Kahrdic voices he reset the door and hid. Returning to the alley Tok then went round the front of the building. Round the front Ogrim was dining on oysters and shellfish at a nearby restraint. Unhappy with the service and quality of the oysters he began to cause a fight with the chef. Picking the chef up by the neck he began to shout at him. Not best pleased with this arrangement the chef immediately began to have at Ogrims face with his meat cleaver. Ogrim continued to shout and strangle the chef. The chefs wife then appeared, seeing an ogrun throttling her husband, something reserved purely for her, she threw scolding water on to Ogrim and the proceeded to beat him with a frying pan.. The burning and wounds to his face finally managed to render the ogrun unconscious. Thalan who happened to be passing having left the brothel after a couple of drinks and Tok who had now come round the front, managed to diffuse the situation and lead the defeated Ogrim away. Thrawcheld meanwhile began to look about the brothel having gained entry. Here he heard the efforts of Gaunt, in full swing and not doing too badly with his lady of choice. Not finding to much but getting an idea of the layout he the left, returning to his friends. Gaunt after his marathon session began to question his companion for the evening. He learnt that the two guards did come in here and often used to see Melise, a rather expensive lady of acquired tastes and the Madame, as well as pleasure themselves with the other women. Melises apartments were located on the top floor, accessible from here via s staircase. He also learnt that one of the watchment, the younger of the two had become increasingly nervous and jittery before his disappearance. Fulfilled, Gaunt made an appointment with Melise in a couple of day’s time and then left.
Planning their investigation into the brothel it was decide that Tok and Thrawcheld would keep an eye on the back. Ogrim, Thalan, Kade, the Kossite and the Druid would watch the front. Thalan would enter after gaunt and sit about in the bar downstairs keeping an eye on everything inside. Gaunt, nicely dressed entered. After a couple of drinks he was escorted upstairs to see Melise. Thalan then entered and took up position at a stool in the bar. Gaunt entered Melise room, sumptuously decorated in silks, but also adorned with various contraptions of restraint and torture. Gaunt was not quite sure what he had gotten himself into. After a brief chat with Melise, a tall raven haired beauty clad in black silk and leather, he revealed that he was investigating the murder of the watchmen and that he believed that some sort of smuggling was going on. Melise then proceeded to beat him senseless. The claws on her gloves were not just for effect, neither were her boots. Unconscious and helpless, she had her fun with him. Waking bloodied bruised and with an immense pain in his arse, Gaunt found himself bound naked to a table surrounded by bearded men with Kahrdic accents and Melise. The interrogation and torture then began.
Noticing that Gaunt was late, he had not returned at the designated time, Thalan left and gathered the others of the party. Storming the front of the building they managed to subdue the heavies. Running into the brothel they informed the patrons and staff that this was a bust by the watch. Panic then ensued. Several other heavies appeared and attempted to fight the party. A few bumps, bruised and a dead barman later the players began to investigate the brothel. Tok began to collect bottles of high proof alcohol and prepare them in the true Molotov style. Entering the kitchens Tok attempted to intimidate the chefs by threatening them with his newly acquired Molotovs. The Chefs staired at the strange creature before them, unimpresed. Tok then lit a molatov and tried again. The chefs did not bat an eyelid. Exclaiming that they were going to die horibly and he could not be hurt Tok smashed the firey weapon on himself. The chefs raised seveal sets of eyebrows. Thrawcheld entered and told themn to leave. They did so quickly, ignoring the flaming and rather angry gobber. Locating a door at the back they soon managed to find their way down into the stores and then to the passageway behind the shelves. Heading down they found themselves in a room cut into the rock. There were 3 doors. One of which appeared to be a store. The second door was locked and Ogrim began to cut through. Destroying part of the door the party peered in, discovering the tortured Gaunt, now surrounded by the Khards and Melise, he was now missing some toes and thumbs. Despite ineffectual shooting by the party and one of the Khards nobody managed to gain entry or leave the room. Tok lobbed several of his Molotov’s into the room, nearly burning Gaunt to death. The Kossite realising that the reaminder of the door was a hinderance decided he should really kick it in. So he did, and quite successfully too. However the party not being to bright then stood clustered in the middle of the doorway. Tok decided it was prudent to take some cover, so hid out of the Khards sight. One of the Khards brought out his blunderbuss and proceeded to shoot them. All bar Tok the Thalan and Ogrim were knocked unconscious and left dying on the floor. Melise used this opportunity to escape via the third door. The remainder of the party managed to defeat the remaining Khards with their ineffectual hacking an slashing as well as heal their injured friends. Gaunt who was close to death was saved. They quickly went to the Cathedral of Morrow where they found a cleric to reattach his thumbs, though his little toes were no more. More city watch arrived at the brothel and investigations were continued. Heading through the third door a small jetty was discovered where a boat had once been tied up. Various crates of weapons were found stacked on the side. Of Melise there was no trace.
The party were then given a week to recuperate. This left them with several more days on duty before their contracts expired. The results of the investigation showed that the graveyard keeper had been allowing Khards to store weapons in graves for a while once smuggled into the city. These were then transported across the city to the Ruby Eye, where they were then shipped out to ships that would take them down river to the Protectorate. The two guards were in on it and were being paid off in the brothel until one decided he wanted out. Then they were murdered.
The party was paid their 250 Crowns and after a pat on the back dismissed from the Corvis City Watch.
After a couple of week’s journey, taking them out of the Bloodstone Marches and back into Cygnar, the players found themselves in the city of Corvis. Recently arrived and with some coin in their pocket they soon found a pleasant establishment and began to enjoy themselves a little. Tok, as ever tried to find a brothel that would serve his special tastes, that is for human women, as had happened many a time before, he was turned away. The party began to equip themselves in a manner more suiting to their newly acquire wealth after their adventure out in the Marches. However soon they required more money to cover expenses and plans that they were making.
Whilst wandering about Corvis the party noticed that the city watch were hiring mercenaries on a temporary basis to bolster its numbers. Corvis had a large military presence, but as a result of the war against Khardor and the Protectorate, more men were required to fulfil the posts to ensure not only the cities security but also that of Eastern Cygnar. Interested in the possibility of work the party headed off for the city watch barracks. Having been directed to a room the players notice that there are many other mercenaries and adventurers interested in the possibility of work. Here in the room they also notice several new people who would later join their little band. This included Thalan Gesira, Sam Vimes a Kossite gunslinger and an Ogrun by the name of Ogrim. An officer of the watch and several others entered the room. The speaker introduced himself as Commander Julian Helstrom, and that the people who took up the jobs with the watch would be employed as temporary watchmen for an initial period of two weeks and receive a base pay of 250 Crowns for their services. The party after a brief discussion decided to take the offer. Once equipped with whistles and watch badges the party was sent off to meet their liaison, a local lieutenant in the watch called Merrik. He assigned them to investigate a spate of grave robbings from the cemetery.
The party headed off to the cemetery on the edge of the city. Admitted by the old and grumpy graveyard keeper they began their investigation. After a good look at the most recently disturbed graves and trying to find a connection between them and older graves that had been robbed, they quickly retired for the night, having been spooked by a few ghosts. The Druid remained behind to try and converse with one of the spectres, and after some trying managed to gather that some people were coming in and digging up grave sand taking things away on the back of a cart. These people apparently had beards. Several nights of watching the graveyard proved fruitless, the robbers did not return and the only things the player saw were of the supernatural variety. Which often lead them on a merry chase round the cemetery. Sam Vimes began his own line of investigation. Having heard from the watch that two of the guards that had patrolled near the cemetery had recently been murdered down on the docks, he went down there to see what he could find out. Kade the Fellcaller and Ogrim also went down to the docks to gather information on the dead watchmen. Entering a bar they began their investigatory process. This comprised of offering 100 crowns for the murderer to step forward as they wanted to pay him for a good job. A man stepped forward and claimed he was the killer. They arrested him, despite a few curses, punches and knives thrown at them as they left. Delivering him to the nearest watch station they left, feeling proud with themselves. The man was subsequently released by the watch and offered an apology. Sam on the other hand soon discovered from his questioning of barflies and whores that the two men had been moved from the cemetery beat to the watch a few weeks ago and that the grave robbing had been going on for at least 8 months, though very little had happened as of late, the last incident being a few weeks before. The bodies had been found with their throats slit and that the bodies had been dumped in some barrels in a back alley. The last place that the two watchmen had been seen was outside a well to do brothel, the Ruby Eye, on the edge of the docklands. Vimes then went to the Ruby Eye and began questioning people in the area. He learnt that the watchmen often came this way and occasionally visited the brothel. Returning to his friends in their lodgings he informed them of his discoveries, despite the arguments of Kade and Ogrim.
The next day they continued their investigation. Kade and Ogrim went to enquire as to the fate of the murderer they had brought in. On learning of his release they flew into a rage. After finding out his address they went over to his house, kicked in the door and pursued him further. Leaping from the window and running across ladders and walkways the innocent man finally managed to get away. Determined not to be outdone the two decided to continue working on the grave robbing case. Discovering that the University in Corvis had an anatomy department they immediately went there. After questioning the staff and several students at the university they discovered that the bodies for the anatomy classes came from convicted criminals executed at the city prison. This was their next stop. Investigation here proved that bodies of executed criminals were often sent out for use at the university. The last shipment had been some weeks ago. Realising that some of the university staff and the prison wardens all had beards used a wagon and were involved in the shipment of bodies the two came to the natural conclusion that there was some sort of evil necromancer cult in the city and that they had bust it wide open. The rest of the party ignored them.
Gaunt went to the Ruby eye to scope the place out. Tok tried to enter but was flatly refused by the heavies on the door. On enetering he noticed Thalan coming out. He exchanged a greeting with him. Gaunt spent sometime at the bar conversing with the barman there, asking about the brothel, business, the area and the watchmen. Eventually Gaunt decided to indulge himself and paid for the company of one of the girls there. Ogrim and Kade attempted to enter alos and they too were rejected. Going round the back of the establishment Ogrim threw Kade up onto the first floor window ledge. Kade after a brief investigation left the brothel by the way he had entered. Kade and Ogrim then left. Thrawcheld and Tok were more successful in casing the rear of the building. Hiding in the shadows and behind barrels and empty crates they noticed a group of bearded gentleman with Kharic accents enter the rear of the brothel. Tok remained in the back alley while Thrawcheld managed to scale the back of the brothel and enter via a 1st floor window. Tok managed to cut through some bars over a small window near the ground with acid that eh had created and enter. He found himself in a storeroom; crates, barrels and shelves of liquor and food were everywhere. After some investigation he managed to locate a secret door hidden behind a set of shelves. Defusing the magical trap with the aid of a bodged together stick, he had a quick look, discovering a subterranean passage. The passage lead down to a room with several locked doors, in this room however were some eplty coffins and a small shrine to Thamar. Fearing Necormancy he left. Hearing Kahrdic voices he reset the door and hid. Returning to the alley Tok then went round the front of the building. Round the front Ogrim was dining on oysters and shellfish at a nearby restraint. Unhappy with the service and quality of the oysters he began to cause a fight with the chef. Picking the chef up by the neck he began to shout at him. Not best pleased with this arrangement the chef immediately began to have at Ogrims face with his meat cleaver. Ogrim continued to shout and strangle the chef. The chefs wife then appeared, seeing an ogrun throttling her husband, something reserved purely for her, she threw scolding water on to Ogrim and the proceeded to beat him with a frying pan.. The burning and wounds to his face finally managed to render the ogrun unconscious. Thalan who happened to be passing having left the brothel after a couple of drinks and Tok who had now come round the front, managed to diffuse the situation and lead the defeated Ogrim away. Thrawcheld meanwhile began to look about the brothel having gained entry. Here he heard the efforts of Gaunt, in full swing and not doing too badly with his lady of choice. Not finding to much but getting an idea of the layout he the left, returning to his friends. Gaunt after his marathon session began to question his companion for the evening. He learnt that the two guards did come in here and often used to see Melise, a rather expensive lady of acquired tastes and the Madame, as well as pleasure themselves with the other women. Melises apartments were located on the top floor, accessible from here via s staircase. He also learnt that one of the watchment, the younger of the two had become increasingly nervous and jittery before his disappearance. Fulfilled, Gaunt made an appointment with Melise in a couple of day’s time and then left.
Planning their investigation into the brothel it was decide that Tok and Thrawcheld would keep an eye on the back. Ogrim, Thalan, Kade, the Kossite and the Druid would watch the front. Thalan would enter after gaunt and sit about in the bar downstairs keeping an eye on everything inside. Gaunt, nicely dressed entered. After a couple of drinks he was escorted upstairs to see Melise. Thalan then entered and took up position at a stool in the bar. Gaunt entered Melise room, sumptuously decorated in silks, but also adorned with various contraptions of restraint and torture. Gaunt was not quite sure what he had gotten himself into. After a brief chat with Melise, a tall raven haired beauty clad in black silk and leather, he revealed that he was investigating the murder of the watchmen and that he believed that some sort of smuggling was going on. Melise then proceeded to beat him senseless. The claws on her gloves were not just for effect, neither were her boots. Unconscious and helpless, she had her fun with him. Waking bloodied bruised and with an immense pain in his arse, Gaunt found himself bound naked to a table surrounded by bearded men with Kahrdic accents and Melise. The interrogation and torture then began.
Noticing that Gaunt was late, he had not returned at the designated time, Thalan left and gathered the others of the party. Storming the front of the building they managed to subdue the heavies. Running into the brothel they informed the patrons and staff that this was a bust by the watch. Panic then ensued. Several other heavies appeared and attempted to fight the party. A few bumps, bruised and a dead barman later the players began to investigate the brothel. Tok began to collect bottles of high proof alcohol and prepare them in the true Molotov style. Entering the kitchens Tok attempted to intimidate the chefs by threatening them with his newly acquired Molotovs. The Chefs staired at the strange creature before them, unimpresed. Tok then lit a molatov and tried again. The chefs did not bat an eyelid. Exclaiming that they were going to die horibly and he could not be hurt Tok smashed the firey weapon on himself. The chefs raised seveal sets of eyebrows. Thrawcheld entered and told themn to leave. They did so quickly, ignoring the flaming and rather angry gobber. Locating a door at the back they soon managed to find their way down into the stores and then to the passageway behind the shelves. Heading down they found themselves in a room cut into the rock. There were 3 doors. One of which appeared to be a store. The second door was locked and Ogrim began to cut through. Destroying part of the door the party peered in, discovering the tortured Gaunt, now surrounded by the Khards and Melise, he was now missing some toes and thumbs. Despite ineffectual shooting by the party and one of the Khards nobody managed to gain entry or leave the room. Tok lobbed several of his Molotov’s into the room, nearly burning Gaunt to death. The Kossite realising that the reaminder of the door was a hinderance decided he should really kick it in. So he did, and quite successfully too. However the party not being to bright then stood clustered in the middle of the doorway. Tok decided it was prudent to take some cover, so hid out of the Khards sight. One of the Khards brought out his blunderbuss and proceeded to shoot them. All bar Tok the Thalan and Ogrim were knocked unconscious and left dying on the floor. Melise used this opportunity to escape via the third door. The remainder of the party managed to defeat the remaining Khards with their ineffectual hacking an slashing as well as heal their injured friends. Gaunt who was close to death was saved. They quickly went to the Cathedral of Morrow where they found a cleric to reattach his thumbs, though his little toes were no more. More city watch arrived at the brothel and investigations were continued. Heading through the third door a small jetty was discovered where a boat had once been tied up. Various crates of weapons were found stacked on the side. Of Melise there was no trace.
The party were then given a week to recuperate. This left them with several more days on duty before their contracts expired. The results of the investigation showed that the graveyard keeper had been allowing Khards to store weapons in graves for a while once smuggled into the city. These were then transported across the city to the Ruby Eye, where they were then shipped out to ships that would take them down river to the Protectorate. The two guards were in on it and were being paid off in the brothel until one decided he wanted out. Then they were murdered.
The party was paid their 250 Crowns and after a pat on the back dismissed from the Corvis City Watch.
Wednesday, 6 June 2007
Formation and First Assignment
Donard 2nd Casteus, 605 AR.
The players all found themselves in Ternon Crag out in the Bloodstone Marches. While wandering about this city looking for work they notice that the local branch of the Corvis Mining Consortium is hiring guards. Interested in the pay they all head along to the Gold Standard in which the interviews are being held. The players sat around in the common room of the inn introducing themselves and getting to know each other when three gentlemen in suits entered. One of these was an elderly man who required a walking stick to get about; the other two were younger and carried leather folders and cases, clearly his assistants. The elderly man introduced himself as Jakob Rhound, the chairman of the Mining Consortium. His tow assistants were Wilhelm Mayner and Leto Darning. The job that he had for the players was to travel to the small mining town of Naggs End further out in the Bloodstone Marches, about 85 miles away. There had been some recent trouble there, bandits and other things which had started to effect the mines operation. The mine itself is a gem mine, mining semi precious stones which are then transported to Ternon Crag and then to Corvis for luxury products. The Players accept the work and with their initial pay of 250gp in advance they head out into town preparing themselves.
They return the next morning geared up and ready. They join the supply convoy and its guards heading out to Naggs End. The journey south takes several days and though they see the occasional wild creature the trip is rather uneventful other than a broken wheel which had to be replaced. Finally they arrive in Naggs End. It really is a one horse town. The mine, a few miles away, dominates the life and nature of the settlements. Without it the place wouldn’t exist. Setting themselves up in the small and modest house provided for them by the company the players then head out to explore the area. Wilhelm accompanied them on their journey as he is their company representative here in the town. He heads off to the company warehouses and compounds so sort out business. Locating the only general store and tavern the players soon return to their house and begin to secure it. The Khardic Arcane Mechanic and Tok booby trap the entrances whilst the Trollkin, Thrawcheld and Gaunt nail crooked bits of wood against the windows. The Khard, Tok and Troll kin then head back into town to fetch some supplies. They meet a gentleman on the way who introduces himself as Gosar Orsokin, a local entrepreneur. After some polite conversation he warns them that the best be careful round here. Returning with some rations from the store the party rests up for the night.
The next morning they headed out to the mine with Wilhelm. Its several miles to the West located amongst some small wooded hills. The Khard and Gaunt asses the condition of the steam engines used to pull the trolleys up and down the tracks in the mine and find them in a dismal state of repair. Wilhelm disappears into the foreman’s office and gets down to company business. The players after a few brief chats with some of the miners about the area and what the mine is like head down along with the foreman who had finished his business with Wilhelm. They head down to the lowest levels of the mines, which had been shut off since a recent cave in and disappearance of several miners. They leave the foreman and begin to head off down one of the tunnels, finding it a dead end they head back, only to discover the foreman dead by a head wound, from a pick axe. Hearing something from another tunnel they charge in. Standing before them is a shaft wight. After some battling two more appear, surrounding the players. Despite some serious injuries, a few spells from Guant and some good shots from Thrawcheld soon destroy the monstrosities. The Foreman and the bodies of the shaft wights, two of whom match the descriptions of lost miners are burnt. Heading back up theres is some commotion at the news of the foreman’s death and the shaft wights, many of the miners were quite spooked. The players rest up for a while and investigate the miners further, finding no more shaft wights, thus allaying the miners fears. Thrawcheld while investigating, attempted to steal clumps of rock in which are some precious stones. He however was spotted by the miners and failed to get away with it. Tok noticing this steals a lump himself when nobody is looking. With little else to do the Khard and Gaunt ask Wilhelm to order in some clockwork and steam engine parts and a few other things which they believe can be used to improve the mines efficiency. Wilhelm obliges them, and the parts should arrive in a week or two with he next load of supplies.
The Players return to town and rest, enjoying a night in the tavern, Gosar is there and though pleasant to them he has an air of menace. Asking Wilhelm and other locals about him, they learn that he and his men are something of the local mafia. Noting that he is certainly a power to be reckoned with here about they decide to steer a wide berth of him. The next day a shipment of stones is to be sent to Ternon Crag. In an effort to outwit some of the bandits that have plagued these shipments as of late, the players make a mock up wagon in which Tok, Thrawcheld and the Druid hide. The wagons head out, on the way out Gosar bids the visible players a good day. Several miles out they are attacked on all sides by a group of bandits, some of whom have rifles and begin sniping at them. A brief fire fight ensues; the hidden players emerge and engage the bandits trying to take the wagons. Several bandits are killed and the others flee. Rounding up two horses that the bandits left behind the Druids wolf peruses some of those that fled. Unfortunately they to were mounted and had managed to get away. Seeing the convoy halfway to Ternon Crag the party turns about and returns to town with their fake wagon. Upon their return Gosar welcomes them. Heading to Wilhelm the players enquire if anybody in the warehouse new about the convoy heading out, they discover that several of the labourers who loaded the wagons did. One of whom has gone missing. Returning to their house the players rest for the night.
The next day the body of one of the missing labourers is found hanging from the front of his house. Several days pass with little activity, things are quiet. The players ret, get to know some of the locals and practice their skills. Guant and Tok begin to draw up plans for various clockwork and steam powered drilling and mining devices. Finally the ordered parts arrive. The players head up to the mine to make their intended modifications and repairs. Whilst there they learn that a few desert lions have been seen in the area and have scarred some of the workers away. Lead by the Druid the head out tracking the lions. They locate one and engage it. Only to be ambushed in the flanks by 3 other lions. A desperate fight ensues in which some of the players are severely injured. Surving the return to the mine. Guant skinning a lion and taking its pelt and making it into a fashionable cloak.. They take some goats and kill them and poison their flesh. These they leave out for the remaining lions who take the bait. They return the next day and track the lions, finding their den in some caves a few miles away from the mine. Inside are several dead adult lions and their cubs. Meanwhile Gaunt searches the area looking for various poisonous creatures. After some effort he manages to capture several scorpions and begins to milk them of their poison.
With the extra parts brought in Tok and Gaunt begin to construct prototypes of their drilling machines. That eveing they get a visit from Gosar. He brings with him a small keg of beer which he offers to share with the players. Suspicious of his intentions and involvement with local bandits they refuse. Insults are traded and threats made against Gosar. Peering out of the window the Druid notices several armed men. A smashing sound draws the attention of the players who see a large Trollkin with a huge axe walk in through the back door. Gosar tired of them leaves, warning them again.
Several more days pass and the length of the players contract with the company is almost up. Preparing to leave they head into town one last time to set their affair in order. Leto had come down from Ternon Crag to conduct some business. Hoping to have their newly invented drilling machine patented Tok and Gaunt hand over their plans to him and receive a receipts and contracts ensuring their royalties and rights for the sale and production of these devices by the consortium. Leto with his bodyguards heads back of to Ternon Crag. The Players then go back to their house. Passing the tavern on the way, Gosar and his men were sitting outside drinking and playing cards. Several jibes and jeers were exchanged. Unable to control himself the Khard lunged forwards and colour sprayed the group. Unaffected by his spell Gosars men arm themselves. He attempts again but fails to get all of them. The Trollkin Bodyguard leaps forward and cleaves the Khard in to. Unsure what to do the rest of players offer no resistance and back off. Gosar tells them to leave town.
The players return to their house and sleep. Taking it in turns to take watch, fearing attacks by Gosars men. The next morning the players join up with the next shipment of gems going out to Ternon Crag. Apart from a few bumps and falls from the wagons, in which Thrawcheld was hurt the trip again is relatively uneventful. Upon return to Ternon Crag the players are paid an extra 100gp for their services and thanked by the company. Tok and Gaunt, investigating the status of the patents discover that the inventions patented in the companies name, and that all knowledge of their involvement is denied. Despite arguing and meeting Leto in the Consortiums offices they get nowhere. Defeated, they leave town after a few days, heading west to Corvis, designing new and different drilling machines on the way.
The players all found themselves in Ternon Crag out in the Bloodstone Marches. While wandering about this city looking for work they notice that the local branch of the Corvis Mining Consortium is hiring guards. Interested in the pay they all head along to the Gold Standard in which the interviews are being held. The players sat around in the common room of the inn introducing themselves and getting to know each other when three gentlemen in suits entered. One of these was an elderly man who required a walking stick to get about; the other two were younger and carried leather folders and cases, clearly his assistants. The elderly man introduced himself as Jakob Rhound, the chairman of the Mining Consortium. His tow assistants were Wilhelm Mayner and Leto Darning. The job that he had for the players was to travel to the small mining town of Naggs End further out in the Bloodstone Marches, about 85 miles away. There had been some recent trouble there, bandits and other things which had started to effect the mines operation. The mine itself is a gem mine, mining semi precious stones which are then transported to Ternon Crag and then to Corvis for luxury products. The Players accept the work and with their initial pay of 250gp in advance they head out into town preparing themselves.
They return the next morning geared up and ready. They join the supply convoy and its guards heading out to Naggs End. The journey south takes several days and though they see the occasional wild creature the trip is rather uneventful other than a broken wheel which had to be replaced. Finally they arrive in Naggs End. It really is a one horse town. The mine, a few miles away, dominates the life and nature of the settlements. Without it the place wouldn’t exist. Setting themselves up in the small and modest house provided for them by the company the players then head out to explore the area. Wilhelm accompanied them on their journey as he is their company representative here in the town. He heads off to the company warehouses and compounds so sort out business. Locating the only general store and tavern the players soon return to their house and begin to secure it. The Khardic Arcane Mechanic and Tok booby trap the entrances whilst the Trollkin, Thrawcheld and Gaunt nail crooked bits of wood against the windows. The Khard, Tok and Troll kin then head back into town to fetch some supplies. They meet a gentleman on the way who introduces himself as Gosar Orsokin, a local entrepreneur. After some polite conversation he warns them that the best be careful round here. Returning with some rations from the store the party rests up for the night.
The next morning they headed out to the mine with Wilhelm. Its several miles to the West located amongst some small wooded hills. The Khard and Gaunt asses the condition of the steam engines used to pull the trolleys up and down the tracks in the mine and find them in a dismal state of repair. Wilhelm disappears into the foreman’s office and gets down to company business. The players after a few brief chats with some of the miners about the area and what the mine is like head down along with the foreman who had finished his business with Wilhelm. They head down to the lowest levels of the mines, which had been shut off since a recent cave in and disappearance of several miners. They leave the foreman and begin to head off down one of the tunnels, finding it a dead end they head back, only to discover the foreman dead by a head wound, from a pick axe. Hearing something from another tunnel they charge in. Standing before them is a shaft wight. After some battling two more appear, surrounding the players. Despite some serious injuries, a few spells from Guant and some good shots from Thrawcheld soon destroy the monstrosities. The Foreman and the bodies of the shaft wights, two of whom match the descriptions of lost miners are burnt. Heading back up theres is some commotion at the news of the foreman’s death and the shaft wights, many of the miners were quite spooked. The players rest up for a while and investigate the miners further, finding no more shaft wights, thus allaying the miners fears. Thrawcheld while investigating, attempted to steal clumps of rock in which are some precious stones. He however was spotted by the miners and failed to get away with it. Tok noticing this steals a lump himself when nobody is looking. With little else to do the Khard and Gaunt ask Wilhelm to order in some clockwork and steam engine parts and a few other things which they believe can be used to improve the mines efficiency. Wilhelm obliges them, and the parts should arrive in a week or two with he next load of supplies.
The Players return to town and rest, enjoying a night in the tavern, Gosar is there and though pleasant to them he has an air of menace. Asking Wilhelm and other locals about him, they learn that he and his men are something of the local mafia. Noting that he is certainly a power to be reckoned with here about they decide to steer a wide berth of him. The next day a shipment of stones is to be sent to Ternon Crag. In an effort to outwit some of the bandits that have plagued these shipments as of late, the players make a mock up wagon in which Tok, Thrawcheld and the Druid hide. The wagons head out, on the way out Gosar bids the visible players a good day. Several miles out they are attacked on all sides by a group of bandits, some of whom have rifles and begin sniping at them. A brief fire fight ensues; the hidden players emerge and engage the bandits trying to take the wagons. Several bandits are killed and the others flee. Rounding up two horses that the bandits left behind the Druids wolf peruses some of those that fled. Unfortunately they to were mounted and had managed to get away. Seeing the convoy halfway to Ternon Crag the party turns about and returns to town with their fake wagon. Upon their return Gosar welcomes them. Heading to Wilhelm the players enquire if anybody in the warehouse new about the convoy heading out, they discover that several of the labourers who loaded the wagons did. One of whom has gone missing. Returning to their house the players rest for the night.
The next day the body of one of the missing labourers is found hanging from the front of his house. Several days pass with little activity, things are quiet. The players ret, get to know some of the locals and practice their skills. Guant and Tok begin to draw up plans for various clockwork and steam powered drilling and mining devices. Finally the ordered parts arrive. The players head up to the mine to make their intended modifications and repairs. Whilst there they learn that a few desert lions have been seen in the area and have scarred some of the workers away. Lead by the Druid the head out tracking the lions. They locate one and engage it. Only to be ambushed in the flanks by 3 other lions. A desperate fight ensues in which some of the players are severely injured. Surving the return to the mine. Guant skinning a lion and taking its pelt and making it into a fashionable cloak.. They take some goats and kill them and poison their flesh. These they leave out for the remaining lions who take the bait. They return the next day and track the lions, finding their den in some caves a few miles away from the mine. Inside are several dead adult lions and their cubs. Meanwhile Gaunt searches the area looking for various poisonous creatures. After some effort he manages to capture several scorpions and begins to milk them of their poison.
With the extra parts brought in Tok and Gaunt begin to construct prototypes of their drilling machines. That eveing they get a visit from Gosar. He brings with him a small keg of beer which he offers to share with the players. Suspicious of his intentions and involvement with local bandits they refuse. Insults are traded and threats made against Gosar. Peering out of the window the Druid notices several armed men. A smashing sound draws the attention of the players who see a large Trollkin with a huge axe walk in through the back door. Gosar tired of them leaves, warning them again.
Several more days pass and the length of the players contract with the company is almost up. Preparing to leave they head into town one last time to set their affair in order. Leto had come down from Ternon Crag to conduct some business. Hoping to have their newly invented drilling machine patented Tok and Gaunt hand over their plans to him and receive a receipts and contracts ensuring their royalties and rights for the sale and production of these devices by the consortium. Leto with his bodyguards heads back of to Ternon Crag. The Players then go back to their house. Passing the tavern on the way, Gosar and his men were sitting outside drinking and playing cards. Several jibes and jeers were exchanged. Unable to control himself the Khard lunged forwards and colour sprayed the group. Unaffected by his spell Gosars men arm themselves. He attempts again but fails to get all of them. The Trollkin Bodyguard leaps forward and cleaves the Khard in to. Unsure what to do the rest of players offer no resistance and back off. Gosar tells them to leave town.
The players return to their house and sleep. Taking it in turns to take watch, fearing attacks by Gosars men. The next morning the players join up with the next shipment of gems going out to Ternon Crag. Apart from a few bumps and falls from the wagons, in which Thrawcheld was hurt the trip again is relatively uneventful. Upon return to Ternon Crag the players are paid an extra 100gp for their services and thanked by the company. Tok and Gaunt, investigating the status of the patents discover that the inventions patented in the companies name, and that all knowledge of their involvement is denied. Despite arguing and meeting Leto in the Consortiums offices they get nowhere. Defeated, they leave town after a few days, heading west to Corvis, designing new and different drilling machines on the way.
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