Brad’s Deathbringer Campaign

As the group prepared to leave for Flacon Bridge the old attaché Clement wheezed up to inform them that the Major DanVeen would be joining the excursion and joining the celebrations of his old friend Meldon Falconbridge.

As the hubbub of the city was left behind the group soon encountered bandits attacking a merchant, Dachel scouted ahead, soon found bandits and engaged them in the woods above where a wagon was besieged, Brindley struggled to keep up whilst Vax and DeWinter closed in for melee covered by their captain and the Baron. The bandits were soon dispatched on the road whilst Barbrossa rushed to aid Dachel up in the woods. The merchant Malfus showed his gratitude by gifting them a jewellery that his late wife once owned, confided it had once been admired by Lady Petulia Falconbridge.

By evening the ever growing village of Falconbridge was reached. “The Nest” held a warm welcome from Lord Falconbridge and a less warm one for general Tennerburg and members of his mercenary group The fighting Tennerburgs.
Yennifer, seneschal of Lord falcon Bridge led Clement and Mengelis to register as spell casters with the Reeve Pual Osterman and his stunning young wife Houstra “Silver hair” priest of Almo The Harvest.

DeWinter and Dachel were tempted by the outsized pleasure lounge owned by Jango Temp, a fighting ring had been set up and bets were made. Jango tempted the ladies to compete in a contest the following night.

The Baron and Barbarossa lamented the lackadaisical defensive capabilities and preparations of the village. The Baron wandered the square encountering an angry Elsa Song, priest of Tourt The Wildwalker , she lamented the desecration of the wild spaces and the societal amnesia of humanity. Some troopers of the Tennerburgs attempted to intimidate the Baron but to no effect.

Barborossa wasted little time in recruiting overworked labourers into bolstering the palisade of the nest but was warned that preparations for the lords celebration the following evening took precedent and also any work would need to be agreed with Yennifer Nordstern.

Questions:

• Why did Falconbridge decide to join the expedition?
• Why was Selina Schind, yellow jacket of the Tenneburgs so hostile to Mengelis and Clement?
• How has Jango managed to secure such a prime location in the village for his pleasure house?
• Who will win between Dachel and Vonwinter?
• What are the Tennerburgs doing in the village?
• Why was Elsa Song so hostile?
• How have the defences been allowed to degrade to such an extent?
• What is striing up the elves in the woods
• What bandits are mustering in the north and to what purpose?

In attendance.
Adam, Harry & Russ

A Hero emerges. Year of the Long Reign 227

“Those who say the age of heroes has passed simply know not where to look or for what they seek” – Clement DeFoulan founder of the four Circles. 256 pre Long Reign era.

The new day started with guard duty for Mads, Lichetnstein & Bridley. The Falconbridge scions arrived first deep in plot soon to be joined by their parents and the mercenary leaders. Not much of note was gained other than rumours of a “Skinwalker” at large.

Lichtenstein wondered the perimeter, was acknowledges by members of the Fighting Tennerburgs and accosted by a simple peasant woman whose child had not returned from her playmaking to the east of the village near the Old Wood.

The three set off and were informed the “little Silvi” had not returned home, not an unusual occurrence but she was not to be found at of her friends hut or anywhere else. Fears of the Skinwalker had Arthur and Bella Schind worried. Mention of uniformed soldiers in the area the previous night had the Blackdeath worried. Lichtenstein found tracks of booted feet in the vicinity of Silvis dwellings as well as a large bestial track. So warned the scant tracks were followed into the forbidding Old Wood.

A pleasant stream was crossed into the ancient, unwelcoming woods. Thick trunked trees, moos covered roots and a damp darkness threatened to swallow the seekers but soon a hideous smell portended an attack from an unholy beast that raked claws down Lichtenstein’s shield. Mads reacted with an ill judged crossbow bolt that hammered through the back of Lichtenstein, initially fearing a death blow the heroes fought on, perhaps it was Bridleys radish theory that drove the beast back but retreat it did.

A moss and plant infested ruin had been spotted in the middle distance as they approached men’s voices were heard lamenting the return of the beast. It soon transpired that in the ruins of this fort men held Silvi for unthinkable ends. Worst, these men were of the Fighting Tennerburgs. Missile fire was exchanged before a truce was agreed on, return of the naked girl child for safe passage for the assailants, even as Mads and co planned to betray their new struck bargain the monster was seen slinking over the ramparts behind the Tennerburgs. A man was ripped asunder and the leader of the group Untterseargent Gault tried to flee even as we he was plucked up and taken back over the wall in a casual show of great strength by the fiend.

Eschewing both sense and the opportunity to retreat Mads and Lichtenstein advanced on the fiend whilst Bridley lead the child away, soon to be spotted by her farther and almost lynched on the spot! Help was sent for as the veteran returned top the fray.

Having found the fiend popping open Gault’s rib cage and feasting on the contents Mads and Lichtenstein attacked and fared poorly until fire was added to the battle, Bridley and the Baron combining to set it alight, as it retreated Mads struck it down. The fell beats son decayed into jelly like filth with only a few remnants saved for future study. The fort revealed an ancient trapdoor guarded by undead. Mads and Lichtenstein clashed on the best route forward that would have ended in blood if Mads could hit straight with his sword. Eventually the tomb was opened, Mads bought forth holly light to destroy the skeletal warriors and a wax sealed sarcophagi was foolishly opened releasing a ghastly warrior who slashed Mads so badly he almost died.
Coin and a fine blade were rescued and the legend of Mads, rescuer of the innocent, single handed slayer of beast, cleanser of the undead and protector of the downtrodden was born and soon spread by the common folk.

Falconbridges party started well and ended in horror. Drink and food were lavished on all and sundry, dance and music were partaken before the highlight of the evenings entertainment, wresting! Mads was unable to partake due to injury so the Baron stood forth. Young Falconbridge was eliminated in the first round and stormed from the hall. Now the reputation of the Blackdeath rested on the Barons shoulders, he beat the young blacksmith in the first round and bested Tamin the huge priest from the South in an epic bout, even as he was lauded and the watching crowd rejoiced an unnatural inky darkness fell on the hall, as panic mounted the light returned, all was well until screams started to rise, Petula, Lady of the nest was dead, her throat slit ear to ear!

Questions:

Why did Falconbridge decide to join the expedition?
Why was Selina Schind ,yellow jacket of the Tenneburgs so hostile to Mengelis and Clement?
How has Jango managed to secure such a prime location in the village for his pleasure house?
Who will win between Dachel and Vonwinter?
What are the Tennerburgs doing in the village?
Why was Elsa Song so hostile?
How have the defences been allowed to degrade to such an extent?
What is stirring up the elves in the woods
What bandits are mustering in the north and to what purpose?
Who killed Lady Petula, why?
What were the young Falconbridge’s debating?
What now for Mad seeing as he is a local hero?

Chaos reigns, shock and horror ran amok in the main hall of the Falconbridge Estate. Even as the Blackdeaths squad moved to secure the exits a ball of magical fire spread death and flame amongst the congregated guests.

Unfortunately Lady Falconbridgr was not the only casualty of the night.Ellessa was helped into the hall even as alarm bells were sounded, The Nest was under attack! Beasts of nature assaulted the gates, held off by the Tennenburgs, screams from the main hall, Elves, actual Elves emerging from smoke choked corridors, these poor wretches seemed much abused but were soon dispatched.

In the aftermath the tally of the dead weas taken, the Reeve Paul Ostermann badly burnt but his father in law amongst them, Oustra distraught blaming Elsa Song for the fey incursions.In grief Falconbridge banished all from his fire damaged halls including The Major and also arrested Else Song under suspicion of collusion with the plot to attack his family.Menghelis convinced of the warding powers of iron against the elves attached horse shoes around the residence of The Major and a poor nights sleep was gained but not before Dachel took the opportunity to spy on the Falconbridges death vigil and steal a conversation with Elsa song, now imprisoned.

Song declared both her sympathy for the attack and her innocence of involvement, she also displayed an acceptance that she would be persecuted for the crime.The morning broke with news that the Tennerburgs were leaving Falconbridge. Investigations lead to talks with the Reeve who’s wife, in grief for her farther cast more aspersions against Song. Whilst walking Barbarossa encountered another badly stitched up Elf but took pity on the poor thing and let it escape.

Mads encountered a child that had suspicious bite marks on her neck.Yennifer urged the squad to aid a captain Falcone in a nearby fort, however difficult discussion was had with Yennifer who did little to dispel the groups suspicions.

Menghelis enspelled a raven to scout ahead and no attack was found. A cunning plan to enlist a group of lads to impersonate them was hatched and 9 innocents sent to their inevitable deaths.

Absent – Al.

Dachel, feeling restless in confinement snuck out of the Majors house and flirted her way past new guards at the Nest, these guards dressed in black trousers and green tops had not been seen before. Gathering rumor’s she eventually found herself outside the room where Lady Petullas corpse laid. Falconbridge sobbed and drowned his sorrows before being escorted out by Otto and Jango Temp. Slipping into the vacant room a search of the corpse revealed a tattoo on her shoulder, lacking a pen and paper Dachel instead carved the tattoo out of the dead lady.

A secret compartment revealed an initial underground chamber dedicated to a god with the same holy symbol as the tattoo and the brooch that the merchant had given them on their approach to Falconbridge. The god was later identified as ancient diety, Haldon the Hare Lord. The chamber contained a number of dismembered elf bodies. The alter was ransacked of a holy symbol and two chalices. A subsequent deeper chamber was investigated, this one of a much darker nature with a large black sphere mural and many alchemical instruments found. A further door was not investigated.

Holly Van Winter decided to visit the local temples, first she wandered towards the temple dedicated to Almo the Harvest Lord, this was set within a large barn, upon a stage in front of the barn Oustra Silverhair preached vengeance to a congregation of 20 or so women. The vengeance being steered towards the imprisoned Else Song.

Not wishing to be recognised Holly went to Elsa’s temple, dedicated to Tort patron of the Wild and Forgotten places. This temple appeared to be the remnants of a military building with a side door that had been forced. Cautiously investigating the Reeve and Blacksmith were examining a dead elf body. They appeared to be treating it as murder. When the coast was clear Holly investigated Elsa’s modest chambers (which had been poorly searched) and found a scroll. The scroll, addressed to Lord Falconbridge asked for confirmation that a large Vierschornsteine miltary base and fort could be built at Falconbridge.

Holly was later approached by Jango Temp in a back alley, the pimp offered her employment if she found her self at a loose end.
Having left the previous day the Fighting Tennebergs returned in force, not the 5 or 6 that had left but 30 strong, they escorted the bound youths that had been sent as decoy and headed straight to the Nest.

At the Major’s residence, unease spread, guards were posted and in effect a house arrest placed on them. With a feeling that a noose was tightening and having been informed that the Lord was bedbound with his son Otto in charge the Blackdeath Squad make their move. Clement, the major and Vax would go by wagon to Vierschornsteine and return with the remaining two squads of troops loyal to them. Mads and his group would remain in situ to keep an eye on things.

Utilising their contacts they overpowered their guards and fled into the woods, the yokels led them to the fort where they had encountered the skinwalker, Mads recent fame secured them safe passage. The end of a tiring day saw Mads using honey to attract elves, as the first watch ended multiple unearthly figures swarmed over the fort, even as the alarm was raised strange words from the elves sent the squad into deep sleep.

Having woken in a strange subterranean chamber it soon became clear that the elves had spirited the squad to their nest, for that was the only way to describe it. Hundreds of drones bought all types of organic material in to feed a fungal mass that then feed the weird queen elf. Psychic contact was made, Elsa Song was clearly a figure of some influence within the hive mind, she was missed and had apparently being acting as a agent of the elves to try and keep development and exploitation of the area to a minimum. Without their human guidance the queen was breeding warriors with a view to eradicating human influence in the area.

Additionally it was imparted that slavers were stealing elf drones, not yet sufficiently reinforced with solider drones the queen asked for immediate help to rescue them and guided the group to a clearing deep within the old forest. Dachel slipped into the campsite containing rough huts, slave pits and cages. The cages contained elves whilst the pit had a foul stinking skinwalker within! Having dispatched a lone guard Dachel attempted to tease the skinwalker, the resulting ruckus aroused the guards and all hell broke out.

Much blood was spilt in a back and forth mele that involved much heroism and equal measures of foolishness. With his force scattered and bloodied, Holly wounded, The Baron in blood rage attacking against huge odds to some success and Old Man Brindley nowhere to be seen Mads took the mentalist action of releasing the skinwalker. As crazy as this was (and almost fatally so for the captain) it worked to release the pressure, the foul beast prioritised this that had been tormenting it and attacked the black and green clad guards.

Even as our heroes exited one battle a new threat arose. Coming from a ominous cave entrance that pulsated between red and black light, the sorcerer Selina Schind emerged. Mads and Barbarossa played hide and seek in the woods before encountering Selina who tried to enspell them, failing this she summoned a bear and a badger, the badger should not have bothered but the bear mauled the squad until eventually being dispatched.

Whilst this was unfolding Menghelis snuck past the enraged skinwalker and into the unguarded cave. A laboratory was found with many fascinating experiments and forbidden knowledge of the Order of the Black Sphere. A discussion was had with Selina and a farewell made.

Returning to the crumbling fort they were met with anguished locals, the 9 lads sent of as decoy were to be hanged with Elsa Song, the lads could be rescued if the squad handed themselves in.

The man servant who reminds me of that creep Mengeles turned up at kick off to tell us that the Major would be accompanying us.

Journey dull (just as I like it). My boy has mastered the art of mission command and delegation. Dachel’s sword craft continues to improve, we did some drill but to be honest I’m reaching the limit of how much I can teach her with that cat splitter she favours.

Major insisted on stopping for breakfast. Safe enough country with clear sight lines and a decent feed does wonders for morale. The old malingerer went harvesting for his weird mushrooms so I took a look for threats. But my mind wasn’t on it. I only went so that neither of the kids would expose themselves.

Nearing the town we heard action. My son’s routines and drill went perfectly (train hard fight easy indeed) and we executed a classic pincer. I left Mengeles to guard the Major. If there’s a trap always leave the sneakiest bastard as goalkeeper.

Unfortunately Dachel has too much of her old man in her and rather than observing from safety insisted on making a vital tactical contribution. We would not have won without her and the way ahead disemboweled that untermensch was textbook, but she didn’t do my blood pressure any favours.

The Baron did some weird shit mutilating the dead. I should have stepped in but the Major can get prickly about stepping in before him. The sooner that old fool retired and Mads takes command the better.

Town itself is classic example of what happens when inbreeding takes command. All the wrong priorities. I’ve started slow time improvements.

Nice that Dachel has a female friend and such a wholesome one too.

Liber Gott Mein Knopf!

Whatever was in that rotgut the young lads gave after we finished palisade has laid me low.

I can’t imagine that anything has happened whilst I was out of action. I never could stand social functions and I’m glad that Mads excused boots for me.

Two days guarding the freak whilst he was in a trance communing with his bird. Not a sensible use of my strengths. But the boss obviously thought it was important.
Then we wake in a subterranean cavern. Mengeles tells me the glow is entirely natural bioluminescence. He knows weird and unnatural so I take his word on that. Those poor pointy eared bastards swarmed around the cavern and some weird queen bee analogue.

She spoke to me and my boy. Not sure if the link was familial (but if so why was my girl left out?) She laid out her ultimatum (very Klawswitsian) and gave us no choice but to agree to two rescue missions. This is more like it. The kids did well. The Baron showed courage and bloodlust which I never expected. Despite myself I’m beginning to like him. Maybe if he stops the scheming he could become a good battlefield soldier.

That bitch says that she is further along the path than me? If she was not my sister in the craft I would eat her soul.

I have never successfully communed for 48 hours before. I feel invigorated and bursting with insights. When I have time I will scribble down all that I have seen. In the meantime I must see what trivial material nonsense has transpired in my absence.

The spheres are aligning.

Fire
Air
Beast
Earth
Moon
Spirit
Metal

I have made progress.

A trip to the countryside; the bug-ridden, manure-stinking countryside.

Another problem to solve for one of the Major’s associates, Falconbridge. This time he’s coming along for the ride. DanVeen is alright, but my little band works best unsupervised – I don’t need someone questioning my decisions or getting under our feet. With a bit of luck he’ll spend the time drinking and swapping war stories with his ancient friend.

The short trip was marred only by a few bandits bothering a merchant, grateful enough to give us jewellery coveted by Falconbridge’s wife. DanVeen quickly deprived us of the finery. Should have kept my mouth shut, but can’t lie – not in front of the lads.

Lichenstein defiled and strung the bodies up in the tree line. Only bandits, but I need to keep an eye on him. Might be a bit of harmless flair, might be the start something to worry about.

Thought Dächel might have got into a bit of bother trying to prove herself again, but handled things well. Barbarossa was nearby and I can always count on him to look out for my little sister. Old Bridley was naturally absent when we could have done with him. At least he cooks a good breakfast.

Falconbridge is a shithole. A dilapidated family home amidst a town harbouring little more than a brothel. Since when have pig farmers and woodsmen frequented such establishments? It’s out of place, it doesn’t make sense, and I don’t like it. I also don’t like hearing that the Tennerburgs are here. Who hired them, and are we in competition? Need to speak to the Major about this.

Locals are talking a lot of nonsense about elves, and a little less about bandits. Suspect there’s more going on than I was lead to believe.

An uneventful morning guarding the Falconbridge and their guests at breakfast. Overheard the Lord’s children bickering about something in the corridor, but they went quiet when they realised they weren’t alone. It’s probably nothing.

Lichtenstein ran into a local who’s child had gone missing. Local talk of a ‘skinwalker’ had heightened tensions and the parents feared the worst. It beats hanging around getting fat, so we headed down to see if we could lend a hand. The neighbours were helping the search and we learned that other mercenaries had been in the vicinity recently – headed into the woods. Lichtenstein found some tracks and departed on a merry trek through the nearby woodland and streams. Apparently the tracks don’t look quite right for folk.

Sure enough, we were caught unawares by some hellish creature. Huge it was; with black slimey skin, claws the size of dinner plates, and a face not even a mother could love. We managed to fight it off. I might have accidentally hit Lichenstein with a bolt, but it was just a flesh wound. While recovering our composure, we spotted a dilapidated fort not far off. For it to be so deep in such ancient woodland, it had to be damn old – if that wasn’t immediately obvious from the crumbling stonework.

The resident bastards loosed an arrow as we approached; the child’s yell alerted us to her presence and we negotiated her release. Released she was – naked. Those sick products of incest had to pay, and we readied ourself to storm the place. The beast that ambushed us earlier had the same idea, although I suspect not with the same motive. It tore one of the mercenaries in half, grabbed the second, and climbed back over the wall. I recognised the Tenneburg’s Untterseargent immediately, and part of me wanted to leave him in the creature’s care.

But of course, we did not; we circled round and found Gault having his body pulled to pieces. I’m not sure what was worse, the gruesome spectacle or the beast’s disinterest in our presence. We fought, got a bit lucky dowsing the thing in oil, and turned it into a wailing torch. Investigation of the fort revealed a wooden trapdoor hiding a handful of skeletal warriors. The Baron placed a boulder across it to stop them getting out, but we couldn’t let such a blight remain on this earth. They’d get out eventually and no doubt take the locals unawares.

Lichenstein and I disagreed on this point, which is not unusual. What was unusual was his absolute refusal to follow my lead. This is more troubling than any monster from the deepest depths of Hell. I need give serious consideration to his place in our troop; it cannot happen again. We dealt with the undead squatters, much to the glee of the locals who had gathered after the child’s safe return. A sarcophagus awaited us at the bottom of the stairs, which the Baron promptly opened – his concern for our wellbeing apparently quelled.

A sodding wight. Naturally. We struggled in the close confines of the crypt, but prevailed. I must confess to not being in the best of shape by the end of the encounter. The locals seem overly impressed, which at least will do our troop’s name some good.

Falconbridge’s evening celebration was most enjoyable, with Lichenstein doing us proud in the wrestling – a highlight of the celebrations. The festivities did not however last long. All light in the room was briefly extinguished, returning with the discovery of the Lord’s wife – dead.

This is the work of a grimscribe. I have work to do.

What a shitshow of a time it’s been. No sooner had the Lady been assassinated, the local wildlife assaulted the Nest, and bloody elves stormed the dining room – incinerating everything in sight.

Actual elves.

We managed to deal with the elves whilst the Tenneburgs handled the fauna. They’re alright, those chaps. Might have got them wrong. Falconbridge all but threw us out, and we spent the night recovering our wits at the Major’s place.

Discovered a local child that seems to have been fed on by some sort of bloodsucker. Applied aid and think she’ll pull through. Yet another reason to be on guard.

I spoke with the Reeve while his wife received some kind words from Barbarossa. Nothing too insightful, but it got me thinking that this Yennifer is at the centre of it all. She’s only been around a couple of years, and she’s a grimscribe… Use of elves might have been an effort to sow distrust and infighting, or it might just have been what was available.

I can’t see the elves doing this sort of thing so directly. I’ve always heard they were a canny bunch. The lady’s death was also too clean. Too surgical for the creatures who stormed the place. Someone wanted her gone and the rest was dressing.

Yennifer asked us to head north to a fort under siege. With the Tennenburgs gone, that would be all the professional swords out of town. Convenient. We paid some locals to take our horses and head out in our place.

We await whatever comes next. I suspect this evening is going to be even busier than the last.

We’re practically fugitives.

Holly discovered that the locals we hired to head north in our stead have returned… as guests of the Tenneburgs. I’m guessing they were hired to deal with us upon our arrival. Shame; didn’t think they were all bad apples. I’m sure they were just doing their job, but that wasn’t an honourable one.

Sellswords also seem to have become the security of choice for the Falconbridge family. A couple of them made an appearance at the Major’s and inquired as to our location.

Either our interest is a concern, or we’re about to be stitched up tighter than a midget’s ass over a rain barrel.

Figuring that the parents of the missing girl owe us a favour, we headed there to lie low for a while. We merely incapacitated the fellows guarding the house, so hopefully the Major doesn’t get too much blowback.

Dachel discovered some sort of dark chapel in the depths of the Nest, replete with elf corpses. This pretty much confirms our suspicioun of a resident being behind all of this. She also discovered a religious tattoo on the late Lady Falconbridge – kindly brought it back for show and tell. Think she’s spent too much time around Lichtenstein.

The tattoo matched the design of the necklace we got off the merchant. Can’t be a coincidence. Maybe the lady wasn’t an innocent victim after all. The only thing worse than new religion is old religion.

Holly found an agreement for a garrison to be built in the town. Temp’s decision to build a brothel makes a lot more sense. Someone in the know must have filled him in. I suppose that’s business for you – someone’s always getting the inside track.

The Major told us about a back entrance to the Nest; sounds like it might lead to where Dachel was skulking last night. If we want a quick and easy way of finding out who’s behind all this, we could head up there and see who turns up.

We should probably just get the hell out of here – this job isn’t going to pay. But the Major is pretty close to Falconbridge, and I don’t think he’s a part of it all. In fact, I’ll wager there’s a good chance his days are numbered. If it’s not Yennifer, it will be Falconbridge’s son.

We will go, we will wait, and we will nail the fuckers to the wall.

Having fallen asleep in the old fort, it was somewhat disorientating to awake somewhere else entirely. Did I see elves? Apparently so, the cave we found ourselves in was full of them.

They meant us no harm, which was good because there were rather more of them than us. Led into a chamber to witness some sort of queen monstrosity pumping out eggs, it all made sense after an uncomfortable mental dialogue; the elves are on a war footing. They’ve been in league with Elsa Song. Song has been interceding by curtailing the town’s growth in exchange for the elves not getting pissed off and butchering the residents.

Song is for the chop, and the elves had an ultimatum – free song to keep the town in check, or everyone dies. They also wanted us to rescue some of their brethren and sent us off with a couple of scouts to locate the captives. I’m not sure why they need us; these bastards are formidable wielders of magic.

I don’t trust or like these freaks, but it seems a better option than the locals being incinerated.

The camp indeed had elven captives, and a skinwalker to boot. Absolute shambles of an assault, we dealt with most of the mercenaries and freed the elves. A grimscribe turned up and things got uncomfortable for the others before the bitch bailed. I didn’t see her on account of trying not to die. This is who we’re after – her cave was full of research material. Menghelis went a bit mental going through all her notes and other deviant works, but we managed to get a little info out of him. This scribe is a member of something called the ‘Black Sphere’.

Given that her goons were all glad in the same uniforms as Falconbridge’s new security detail, it’s fair to say that she is responsible for the shitstorm we’ve been caught up in. The elven prisoners were clearly test subjects, and it explains their assault the banquet.

Who is she in league with – Temp, Falcon’s children, Yennifer, all of them? What are her goals? Why does a filthy grimscribe care about this backwater cesspit?

Getting answers from her is going to be tough, but there is lower hanging fruit to be had in the nest. We can break Song out, and while we’re there, we can get some damn answers from one of their lot.

I, Baron von Liechtenstein, majestic as ever, embarked on a countryside escapade with the overpaid, ungrateful, motley crew in tow. The ever-eager Major DanVeen decided to grace us with his presence, probably expecting a vacation, but little did he know, he signed up for the chaotic carnival that is our expedition.

As we bid farewell to the city hubbub, old Clement wheezed up to announce DanVeen’s inclusion. I could almost see the Major regretting his life choices, but, he is with us now, there is no escape…

Some inconsiderate bandits decided to interrupt our serene journey. However, this did allow Dachel to showcase her sword-wielding prowess (lucky swipe, if you ask me). Meanwhile, Brindley was trailing behind like a lost puppy (nothing new there), Vax and DeWinter jumped into melee, and I, Baron von Liechtenstein, observed the chaos with a regal indifference, loosing the occasional arrow to even the foray.

The subject of the bandits’ shenanigans, a rather petulant merchant bestowed upon us a piece of jewellery – something to try and gain favour with the Lady Petulia Falconbridge. Apparently, it had more history than a melodramatic soap opera. But there you go – the Captain seemed impressed (not a hard task).

By evening, we reached Falconbridge, a village with questionable priorities and a pleasure lounge owned by one Jango Temp, because nothing says rural charm like a fighting ring and gambling.
Barbarossa, in his infinite wisdom, noticed the village’s lackadaisical defences, and took it upon himself to recruit overworked laborers for a makeshift palisade. Of course, this noble endeavour was met with warnings about priorities and the need for approval from the enigmatic Yennifer Nordstern.

Elsa Song, priestess of Tourt The Wildwalker, approached me with her gripes about societal amnesia and wild spaces desecration. I tried not to roll my eyes too obviously. Meanwhile, the Tennerburgs, those mercenaries with a penchant for hostility, were pretending to know what they are doing, as always.

In the midst of all this, I wandered the square, keeping my keen senses sharp, looking for anything untoward. However, I found myself encountering angry priests, intimidating troopers, and contemplating the mysteries of Jango Temp’s prime location for his pleasure house. It seems our little expedition has turned into a carnival of chaos, and I, Baron von Liechtenstein, ever the reluctant ringmaster, am trying to bring some order to the madness.

Good luck to us all.

What a day!

As the highly esteemed, yet perpetually perplexed nobleman that I am, I yet again found myself thrust into another whirlwind of chaos in this farcical village of Falconbridge…

The day started off with the riveting guard duty alongside Captain Merklek and old man Brindley, as we stood watch over the illustrious Falconbridge Scions and their esteemed guests. Little did we know, we were about to embark on a misadventure of epic proportions!

Rumours of a “Skin Walker” lurking in the woods had stirred the villagers into a frenzy, but being the sceptical nobleman that I am, I dismissed it as mere folklore. However, ever eager to please our hosts, I decided to do some rounds around the perimeter, stumbling upon a distraught peasant whose daughter, Sylvie, seemed to have vanished into the woods. Clearly, this was a job for the brave (or foolhardy?) trio of Mads, Brindley, and myself.

Following tracks deep into the ancient woods, we encountered a creature straight out of our worst nightmares – a behemoth with claws the size of dinner plates and a face only a mother could love. In the ensuing chaos, I valiantly battled the beast, while Mads, in a moment of questionable marksmanship, managed to ‘accidentally’ bolt me! Talk about adding insult to injury!

Undeterred by our encounter with the monstrosity, we stumbled upon a dilapidated fort, which looked like it hadn’t seen action since the Major was a boy. The nearby ne’er-do-wells, clearly unwelcoming hosts, unleashed a volley of arrows as we found their den of despicable deeds. Seems they were part of the Fighting Tennerburgs.

With Sylvie in need of rescue, and vengeance in our hearts, we stormed the fuckers, only to find ourselves facing the very beast we had fought earlier. The chaos unfolded like a tavern brawl, with limbs flying and tempers flaring. Amidst the chaos, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of envy at Mads taking the credit for Brindley’s quick thinking and my unwavering resolve – even if it did lead to a disagreement over the disposal of some pesky undead squatters. And to think, if only the ever-venerable captain had, in his infinite wisdom, revealed his ability to summon fireballs from his eyes and thunder form his arse, to smite undead menaces, we just might have avoided such a conflict between us…. Zealots!

As we emerged victorious, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I’d been unwittingly cast as the lead in a farcical play of epic proportions. And just when I thought the day couldn’t get any weirder, Lady Petula’s untimely demise cast a shadow over the evening’s festivities.

In the end, Falconbridge’s celebrations turned into a comedy of errors, with my attempts at wrestling glory overshadowed by tragedy and chaos. But amidst the madness, one thing was clear – life in Falconbridge was anything but boring, and I, for better or worse, was still along for the ride.

As always, I find myself reluctantly entangled in another intricate web of the captain’s folly. Off to Falconbridge this time. The Major, DanVeen, had joined our expedition, expecting tales of valour and magic, unknowingly stepping into a theatre of mystic chaos.

Regretfully, we leave the safe walls of the city. The air is thickened with the promise of malevolence.

It wasn’t long before we encountered a band of rogues. Dachel sprinted off to dance with death, whilst Brindley struggled to keep pace. DeWinter and I moved with such martial precision, the gods would be impressed, if I do say so myself.

Malfus, the grateful merchant, bestowed upon us some piece of tat as a thank you. I didn’t get a good look as the officers were all in the way. I’m told it will make Lady Petulia weak at the knees. I guess we’ll see.

Falconbridge seems to have dubious priorities, about its villagers safety. However, they greeted us warmly. Jango Temp’s pleasure lounge, with its fighting ring and wagers, enticed DeWinter and Dachel into its enchanting fold. Not sure if they are investigating or just off to get “merry”…time will tell. Gods know how Jango, the mastermind behind this pleasure palace, somehow managed to secure such a prime location with no costs – the audacity leaves me somewhat jealous, I must say.

While Barbarossa lamented the lax defenses, I, attuned myself to the arcane currents, pondered what, if any magical underpinnings there are in this village.

Turns out we weren’t the only ones called – the Tennerburg mercenaries are here too. What fun! An additional layer of mystique to this unfolding drama.

In this convergence of mystical forces, I find myself caught between the allure of power and the enigmatic knowledge possessed by Barbarossa.

Today, I found myself stranded in the quaint village of Falconbridge, with naught to do but twiddle my thumbs until the evening’s guard duty. While my comrades embarked on daring adventures in the wilds, I was left behind, relegated to the sidelines of the unfolding drama.

The day began with an uneventful morning, the village buzzing with its usual mundane activities. The Falconbridge mutts flitted about, their conversations a mere murmur in the background. Mads, our valiant captain, took charge of the guard duty, leaving me with nothing but my thoughts to keep me company.

Rumours of a “Skinwalker” sauntering around reached my ears, but being a man of science, I dismissed them as mere superstition. While Lichtenstein and the others ventured into the wilderness, I remained behind, pondering the mysteries of the universe and the secrets that lurked within the shadows, and musing over Barbarossa’s continued efforts to repair the fortifications.

As the day wore on, the village bustled with its usual rhythm, oblivious to the turmoil brewing beyond its borders. Meanwhile, I found solace in the quietude of my thoughts, my mind wandering to realms far beyond the confines of Falconbridge.

Eventually, evening descended, and it was time for me to stand guard whilst the others played ‘catch the worm’ in their snake oiled wrestling ring. I must have fallen asleep (not that anyone seemed to have noticed), as it suddenly went dark, and the next thing I knew, one of the overpriced whores had been murdered. Not sure which one, as I didn’t get a good look, but there did seem to be rather a fuss about it.