Tuesday, March 16, 2004

WFRP Update 5

As the heroes survey the now empty summoning room, they are filled with a determination to know more about what is going on. After tossing the chicken between the bars and into the room and watching while it safely scratched it's way across the room, Max prepared to enter the room. After a few false starts he is finally able to squeeze through the bars and into the room. He quickly lifts the bar that has been preventing the group from entering and the search begins in earnest. As they examine the room they notice that all of the summoning paraphernalia is now missing. There are only fragments and specks left lying around, giving hints as to what was once housed in this room. Only a large cabinet remains, which Elpham is able to eventually force open. Within is found a single item; a skull, with bands of iron riveted to it. Magdelaine immediately proclaims it to be evil, a tool of chaos used to summon demons. A silk handkerchief is also discovered, with the initials 'F.S.' on it.

With mounting frustration, the group sets off deeper into the sewers, searching for any possible clues. Eventually they come across a mound, blocking the flow of sewage. Rudolpho quickly manages to chase off the giant rat guarding the prize and the group eventually pulls a body out of the sewage. Magdelaine's magic quickly cleans up the body and it is revealed to be that of a dwarf. Elpham recognizes the body as that of the fellow dwarf that he helped out of the stocks only a few hours ago. As they examine the body they begin to feel that evil things are happening. The dwarf is missing one of his arms and has been cut many times by a small blade. Most shocking is the cavity in his chest where his heart used to reside. Magdelaine claims that he was probably used in a ritual sacrifice to some dark being of chaos. The others look at her warily, but are distracted by Elpham insisting that the body be removed from the sewers for a proper burial. After a passionate and emotional appeal, the group agrees to take the body with them as they leave. The group continues to search the passages, but fail to discover anything other than a terrible linger stench.

The group retraces their steps, gathering the body and heading back to the entrance of the sewers. Rudolpho leaves first and quickly finds a guard patrol, and tells them about the body. When the guards arrive at the body they begin to examine him and notice that he is quite clean, especially given the story about finding him in the sewers. For once, Elpham is the fast thinker and his story about cleaning up the poor soul convinces the guards who cart him away.

Needing a rest, the heroes follow the guards orders and make their way to a bath house. While there, Rudolpho manages to gather some information on the Steinhauger family. Frans controls the family and has a brother, Heinrick and a son, Albrick. The heroes start to see a connection to Frans and the summoning room. Although the nature of the connection is still hazy at this point.

Regrouping on the boat, they engage in some bitter discussions about what to do about their current situation. Many ideas are debated in regards to their lack of job and money, what to do with the evil skull and how best to approach the Steinhaugers. Eventually they decide to examine the warehouse where the goblin was supposedly killed. Rudolpho gathers a brilliant disguise, while Elpham takes up the position of look out, while Magdelaine and Max will be breaking in through a back window. The plan starts out perfectly. Rudolpho manages to distract the watchman, while Max and Magdelaine make their way around back. However, while Magdelaine is moving a barrel to gain access to the window, it scrapes along and alerts the watchman. Ignoring Rudolphos pleas, he investigates and notices Magdelaine hiding amoung the barrels. Thinking her a whore, he propositions her. However, Magdelaine is obviously overwhelmed by the whole experience and sits dumb founded. The watchman swings his club at her, missing her by inches. Seeing no other choice, Max lets loose with his crossbow, dropping the guard with a single shot. Max quickly bandages the wounds and the watchman is dragged into a more secluded spot. Elpham takes up the role of the guard and the break in is resumed. The window is removed and Max slips into the warehouse, while Magdelaine uses her magic to repair the damages. Max quickly makes his way upstairs, unlatches the upper doors, deploys the rope ladder and within minutes the entire group is huddled in the warehouse. Leaving Rudolpho and Magdelaine to keep watch Max and Elpham examine the warehouse. Within minutes it is obvious that there is nothing here. No secret compartments, no screaming demons and no evidence that a goblin was killed here. They are now sure that whatever story the guard was telling about killing the goblin was a complete lie and that once again, they have been cheated out of their rightful reward. With some quick rope work, everyone is out of the warehouse. The only evidence that is left behind is an unlocked door.

As the group assembles at a nearby tavern the mood is sour. They feel defeated and cheated. The rage in Max is barely contained. There is much discussion about selling the skull to an interested buyer. There seems to be much risk involved, but Rudolpho continues to promise many riches if they pull it off. There is also discussion about the Steinhauger family. Some propose to blackmail the family, others propose to help them in some way. The deliberations continue long into the night.

The only thing that is sure is that the prophecies will play into this in some way. The heroes just hope that they will be able to figure out their meaning before some evil befalls them all.