Reynold Klompenhouwer and son

Reynold Klompenhouwer. A former soldier from Takshendal who left the city with his son after he ran into trouble with shady underworld characters. Klompenhouwer is a tall lean man with a heavy moustache, trimmed beard and brooding eyes. He lives with his son Jaki in the guard house. He is employed by the village as a night watchman, to keep the village gate and to maintain law and order.


Jaki Klompenhouwer. At twelve years old, Jaki has taken on some of the responsibilities of helping his father. Essentially this means he guards the village gate from midday until evening, sitting in the watch tower and keeping an eye on the surrounding fields. Most of the time he is dutifully at his post, but every so often he gets side tracked by the other children of the village. He is a cheerful young soul, long limbed and bony, with a shock of blonde hair and a curious nature.

The Groot brothers

No pictures since these characters are not 'on table'

Adolphus Groot. A local outlaw. A former farm hand who slew his master several years ago and then fled into the wilds with his brother. Since then he has lived as a hunter, sporadically preying on the local farmers live stock. It is believed the Groot brothers live some where up in the mountains but their hide out has never been discovered. Armed with the sword he took from his former master, Adolphus is a some what hot headed man, quick to attack and something of a natural talent. He wears leathers and has a helmet and shield. He is tall, muscular and lithe and some what dirty and unkempt.

Berthold Groot. Like his brother, an outlaw. Berthold is a fatter, easier going man than Adolphus. Less likely to start a fight. An expert hunter and tracker. He is broad faced with pocked cheeks and a weather beaten face. He wears animal skins and leathers and has a spear and shield

Both brothers are regarded with a begrudging admiration by most the villagers. This regard is not shared by Herluf Brethouwer however who has lost cattle to the brothers in the past. He has often called for punitive expeditions, but these have seldom yielded any results and few of the villagers care to take part. The farmers who live in the region outside the village hate the brothers as they have suffered more at the hands of the theiving outlaws. They often join Herluf's expeditions.

The crew of the Stella

Albinius Moonshank: Is a famous local trader. The only ship owner who can be bothered to take his vessel (Stella) as far up river as Slapershaven, he has a practical monopoly on all trade to and from the village. Subsequently he is very popular and welcome in every house hold. He usually stays a few nights at the hall of Herluf Brethouwer whilst goods are being loaded and unloaded. Albinius makes one trip to Slapershaven six weeks or so except during winter. He is a large, heavily built man, in his mid fifties, yet still hale. He wears a lot of clothing, including a headscarf to keep the sun off his bald head. His wife died many years ago and he sometimes sleeps with various women along the river. This and his generosity to these women, has given him a reputation as a lady’s man. He has not however any such lady friend in Slapershaven, though in times past he has been known to flirt with some of the local women from outside the village during local festivities.



Lukas Moonshank: Young, compact and some what muscular, Lukas is Albinius Moonshank’s only son. He is a quiet, calm man who gives the impression of controlled strength masking possible violence. He is handsome, but not charming, and lacks his father easy going manner. He wears armour when ever strangers are on the ship, or when the ship is docked and seldom leaves the ship, acting like a guard. He is armed with multiple weapons.

The Leadfern family

Samuel Leadfern. Originally from Takshendal, he is considered something of an intellectual in the village, though of late he has been bed ridden with a horrible wasting illness of unknown origin. As owner of the only ale house in the region, Samuel is well liked, though few will actually claim to be his friend and in these days of pain and torment, most people stay away from the tavern as Samuel’s groans and occasional shrieks can easily be heard in the tap room.
His wife was the first victim of ‘the creature’.




Juliana Leadfern. The daughter of Samuel and Melody Leadfern. Juliana is considered the prettiest girl in the village and is the object of desire for several of the young men in the surrounding neighbour hood. She is eighteen years old, with long fair hair and a pale complexion, but recent events have put an uncertainty in her bearing and shadows form easily under her eyes. She wears practical clothing as the running of the tavern has become her job since her father took ill. It is widely believed her father will die soon and as she will inherit the inn. This has lead to much speculation amongst the villagers as to which lucky young fellow will win her hand in marriage.

Molly Frith

Employed by her childhood friend Juliana Leadfern to help with running the inn so that Juliana can tend her sick father. Molly is a plump beauty often considered something of a slut by the locals, though in fact she is actually chaste. Her poor reputation has come about due to the bragging untruths of certain young rival from the surrounding region that desire her hand. Molly and Juliana are the only two eligible young women currently on offer for half a dozen farmers’ sons, and Juliana is considered something of a prize. Consequently Molly now has at least four young men courting her. She is sixteen years old. She has dark curly hair, a pouting face and a wide bottom.

Brother Jeppo

Sent by the Grand Council of the Church of Divine Grace to establish a temple in Slapershaven. Brother Jeppo currently resides in the Hall of Herluf Brethouwer with whom he is engaged in the process of acquiring the ground for the proposed church. The ground in question is currently occupied by the watch tower and guard house and these and the palisade must be rebuilt to accommodate the new church.

The Brethouwer family

Herluf Brethouwer. Village headman. A heavy built, middle aged man with a broad handsome face and calm eyes. Herluf inherited the job of head man from his father with no protestations from the rest of the villagers (most of whom are very conservative). Needless to say Herluf is one of the richest men in the region, owning no less than forty head of cattle (most of which are grazing in pastures up in the hills under the watchful eyes of Herluf’s tenants).


Ursula Brethouwer. Young, pretty and some what vain, Ursula considers herself the most important woman in the entire region and loves to play at being a ruler, even though it is her mother in law who seems to run the household. She does very little actual work, wears clothes imported from Takshendal rather than clothes she has made herself and loves to spend her husband’s money. None of the village women much care for her and her lack of children is a constant source of gossip.

Heike Brethouwer. De facto ruler of the village, Heike is a strong minded woman who carries the burden for her son who is often away in the fields. She disapproves of her daughter in law, but seldom criticizes her in public. Heike is considered one of the ‘three wise women of the village’ and is usually the person to whom the villagers turn for advice. She is tall, spare of frame and pale. Her hair is white and she is given to pouting a lot when speaking with people. She is also a very religious woman and was the person who proposed building a temple. She is very pleased to give shelter to Brother Jeppo and takes steps to maintain his comfort.

The Linschoten family

Bartlemy Linschoten: A stocky, middle aged fellow with unusually wiry hair and an olive skinned complexion. There is something of the southerner about Bartlemy and if asked he will explain his grand father was a Mursulan. Bartlemy is a blacksmith and with his wife, he also runs the only store in the region. Together with Herluf Brethouwer, he buys and sells local produce to the trader Albinius Moonshank. He is an introverted fellow who gives the impression of never having time for idle talk.


Catalyn Linschoten: Is a local woman who was once considered something of a beauty but whose looks have faded fast in recent years. Now middle aged, she has two Megina and Justus. She is a reserved woman who listens to gossip from her customers, but is sparing in what she passes on. She is tall, blonde and wears long flowing dresses.

The Lowhouse family

Matteus Lowhouse: A tall slender man, Matteus is a farmer who owns several pastures and fields in the immediate area which he works along side his brother and several young men (who all live outside the village). He is quiet, middle aged and some what shabby in appearance but generally well liked both for his generous nature and ability to play the hurdy gurdy. Married to Tineke Lowhouse who is the daughter of the regions richer farmers, he is considered something of a rising star in the region and his voice, though seldom raised, carries weight. He is Pieter Garrisons Cousin.

Tineke Lowhouse: A firebrand of a woman, much given to haranguing her husband over trivial matters, Tineke is feared by most of the children, especially since she is the village school teacher. Though she has no other qualifications than that she can read, write and do basic arithmetic, she teaches the children of the village for four hours every morning in her house. Middle aged and with a ‘belligerent face’, she has never been considered a beautiful woman. She is however quite astute and can spot deceit faster than most. Middle aged, she has two sons named Arnaud and Klaas (she has also lost two children during child birth). She is unkempt and seldom bothers to keep her hair untangled, but is not a dirty person. She is also famed for her baking abilities.

Vonneke Lowhouse: Though old, Vonneke has maintained a certain smoothness of skin that makes her look twenty years younger than she really is. She wears clean, simple clothes and is always seen wearing a head scarf. She claims this is because it is ‘proper’, but the rumour is she is going bald. She is one of the ‘three wise women of the village’, mostly because she is the village midwife. She is well liked and given much respect, especially by the female villagers. Vonneke is determined to find her youngest son Jarolf a wife, but all her efforts have been in vain and Jarolf himself seems indifferent to the idea

Jarolf Lowhouse: Brother to Matteus. Jarolf is generally considered something of a good natured dim wit by the villagers. He is younger by a good ten years, but seems older, mostly due to his beard and his disinclination towards washing. Happy to just work in the fields, or with animals, he is known to have a good way with cattle. Most of the time he lives out of the village, but often he can be found sleeping at his brothers house, enjoying his mothers company. Jarolf is unmarried and is not considered the marrying type.

Horatio Kingsneedle

Horatio is an aging fellow who largely keeps to himself. He is short, gruff and often bad tempered and can usually be found sitting by himself in the taproom of the 'Eel & Spindle'. He dresses in drab, worn clothes but keeps himself moderatly groomed and clean. His eye sight is weak and he is half deaf. He is a wheel wright and he lives above his workshop. His favourite topic is the deplorable state of things after his former boss, Old Joe Crooke the wainwright died.

Chapter 2.3 'Murder in the Alley'

So far so good. The characters have begun to get a feel for the game, have interviewed just about every one and have begun to analyze every aspect of the murders. Amongst the theories put fowards have been some very astute guesses, but as yet the truth remains obscure amongst the numerous possibilties. Suffice to say, our heroes are on the right track.

~~~~~~~


Silas confronts a ruffian on the inn balcony (see inn balconey)
Rasmus to the left, me to the right

From the Journal of Misteline

15th Augustus; back at the Inn:

Silas arrived back at the Inn, after having made various enquiries into the broader background. We retired inside for our evening meal; fresh roast beef, unusual for this time of year.
There was general discussion as to the significance of the burning lights that traversed the sky. All agree that it was an omen, but for good or ill? It is also our Grand Arch Duke's birthday celebration in a few days, and a market soon.
As Scuttlebut was absent, there was also talk of crossbows, with Lord Beauforque's guards, city militia, and Drake, all comparing the finer points.
It was, however, a quiet evening.

We retired, but were somewhat concerned that our investigation, or my message to Augustus Marrow about the letter, could upset someone enough that they would take some physical action against us (our patrons stand between us and political action). To this end, Drake prepared an ingenious device to warn us if an intruder attempted our door. Rufus and Silas remained alert.
At around midnight, Silas heard a quiet tread upon the stairs from the ground floor towards the balcony outside our suite.
According to his account, he challenged the intruder, who attacked him with a dagger. Silas, having a schiavona sword, prevailed.
I was awakened, roused Drake, and arming myself with a heavy piece of fired clay, approached the door. However it was all over when we arrived. Silas had asked the rogue who had sent him, but the man had merely gasped 'milord, milord, milord', and unfortunately breathed his last.

Soon the Inn was roused, the militia summoned, and all but the girls stood around gawking at the excitement.
Captain Quartermoon had a swift word with Silas, and it was agreed that the stranger was a riverman who had no business in the Inn, and that Silas' action had been justified.
It was unfortunate, as the man left no clue as to who had sent him, or why. He was very ordinary, small, dark; a nameless ruffian. He could have been sent to steal, to threaten, to kill, or as a messenger. Plainly, he did not expect, nor want to be challenged.

One further note; there was a light in the Marrow house, quickly extinguished. Someone was awake late.

The militia drag away the ruffian's corpse

16th Augustus:

We had a long conversation with Captain Leander Quartermoon. I suggested that he set a man to observe the Marrow house, but he indicated that the militia had too many other things to do.
I mentioned the letter from Marius Coppergate.
I also indicated to him, and to others in the course of the day, that my investigations were drawing to a conclusion. They are not, but I want to stir the pot a little.

We went to see Bartholumus Pyle (Griselda was not at home). Whilst Rufus, Drake and myself remained outside, Silas entered the house.
Silas asked for something to help him sleep; laudanum I believe.
He also asked about blistered hands (a mistake in my opinion, as I believe that Bartholomus may be closely connected with Augustus Marrow), but Bartholomus was vague.
Another man came through the door from the back room, saw that Bartholomus had a guest, and retreated at once. Bartholomus was displeased, and later, Silas overheard him remonstrating with the man 'don't do that again, you idiot'.
He was a richly dressed southern man, a soldier or officer perhaps.

Outside, some workmen were putting up some sort of canvas shelter in the square in front of Horatio Kingsneedle's workshop.
Drake had procured bottled beers, so we spent some time with the man.
My main question was if he had observed visitors to the rear entrance of the Marrow house; he had, but was unfamiliar with most of the visitors.
He did not like Augustus Marrow, who had inherited title to his workshop, and to the large empty building close by (it used to be owned by Old Joe Crooke, the now deceased wainwright).
He referred to the guards; Messrs. Murdoch and Merriweather as bastards.
He is almost deaf though, and has heard nothing.

2 more southerners talked to the workmen with the tent, asking about us, but they didn't approach us.

Back at the bar, Scuttlebut had returned (he had been playing at another inn). I suspect that Silas had entered his room; Drake has done something cunning to our door to indicate if anyone does the same to our suite.
There was also a stranger and an urchin, but they left after a while.

In the afternoon, we went to see Augustus Marrow.
Someone, possibly his wife Aurore, observed us from an upper window. Silas noticed that someone was watching us from the officer's tower as well.
Augustus was not interested in the letter, but indicated that Marius Coppercup owed him money and he had perhaps sought to besmirch his name with a spurious letter.
According to the documents that Augustus provided, Marius had borrowed 20 000 crowns. There are signatures, but no independent witnesses, but financial reputation is everything to a banker; they may be liars and cheats, but seem to honour there own code.
He acknowledged that he has other enemies, and hinted that my own patron could stoop to such levels herself.
Lord Beauforque (at least) was in the house, listening, and I suspect Aurore as well.
Augustus has heavy blistering on his palms, and beneath his collar as well.

We visited Consuela Brackenbridge, and she was in a talkative mood. She told us a lot about the local relationships, though nothing much new; merely more details.
She was wrong on one detail, I believe; the girl Meredith is a teenager (some relation of Magda, whereas Lucy appears to be an orphan), but not, as she thinks, uninterested in men.
However, she told us a lot about the Marrow household.
Augustus had long acted the part of a philanderer, with Aurore somehow sidelined.
In the last year or half year, he seemed to lose interest (either in women, or in the pretence). He dismissed his female staff (they are in other posts away from this district). No one knows what Aurore does, nor who cleans the house. He does have a great many guests, mostly anonymous, and many (one assumes) wealthy.

Further Questions:

§ So which one of Captain Murder and Marius Coppercup was murdered for a reason, and which (if any) to remove a witness?
§ How did the murderer know that Sandy had seen him, or was he just extremely careful? Did she see anything, as the alley would have been extremely dark?
§ It looks extremely likely Marius Coppercup was supplying Augustus Marrow with victims for some sort of distasteful cult / sexual practice, but this is not neccessarily a motive for murder.
I suspect Bartholomus Pyle as well.
§ What is the blistering? I suspect a toxin; either they spank each other with nettles (Drake says that it has to be religious or sexual), or they are exposing themselves to an unknown drug, or possibly dabbling in alchemy. Alchemy doesn't work, and Augustus appears astute enough to know this.

Our hero's confront Augustus Marrow

Chapter 2.2 'Murder in the Alley'

Both images in this post are purely inspirational and come from Deutschland 1929

From the Journal of Misteline

The Evening of the 14th Augustus, in the Eel and Spindle:

Several militiamen and Bartholomus Pyle, and Horatio Kingsneedle entered the main bar.
Apparently Bartholomus had seen Marius Coppercup dancing on the evening before he died.
We ordered food (and I enjoyed Magda Featherlock's excellent pickled eel pie), and observed and talked with the other patrons, including Bess; a fat woman with some sort of function in the kitchen of the Captains tower.
Captain Woodrow partook of our drinks, and produced Doctor Cinder's report of his examination of Marius Coppercup:

Doctor Cinder’s report to the City Marshal regarding the death of Marius Coppercup

Confidential

I recognised the deceased immediately having seen him at numerous social gatherings, and having been employed by other members of his family in my medical capacity.

Coppercup was killed by a single upward stab to the heart with a long slender blade. The blade slid between the ribs easily and in my estimation, the kill was swiftly executed. The body was fairly drained of blood, indicating a serious wound to the heart, and I do not believe Coppercup could have been saved once the stabbing had taken place. Death was probably swift but shock may have rendered Coppercup too helpless to resist. There was also a strong smell of wine about Coppercup’s mouth and he had soiled his linen. According to the militia guards, Coppercup had spent several hours in the local inn, ‘The Eel and Spindle’, and was observed drinking heavily and making merry.

Coppercup’s body showed signs of flagellation with fresh wounds over old scars. As with the previous cases you have asked me to investigate, I estimate the deceased was likely indulging in unnatural acts of a sexual nature. I can make no guess as to the meaning of these scars beyond that.

Coppercup’s body also bore several other unusual wounds. Both hands were blistered, particularly the palms. These wounds appear to be eruptions of the skin and showed signs of extreme irritation with some pus and bruising. I cannot guess what caused these wounds.

Coppercup also had a brand scar on his thigh, though I cannot make out what the brand is meant to depict. It appears to be a highly stylised house containing the symbol of what I take to be an eye. I estimate this mark is several years old.

~~~~~~

I have 3 immediate observations:

§ I have no clue as to the cause of blistered palms. Marius' note was written in a shoddy manner, consistant with his hands having been painful.
§ The Eye in House symbol is the mark of some secret society, but I am not familiar with it.
§ Both Marius an Captain Murder had been killed with a similar weapon, possibly the same person, but in an utterly different way.

Mr Murdoch (a guard of Augustus Marrow) was watching us. Drake engaged him, and noticed that he also had at least one blistered palm.

Waldo Scuttlebut came in and performed for much of the rest of the evening.

Bartholomus Pyle is an ordered man who wears silk gloves, though he is not effete. Drake noticed something wrong with the skin around his mouth and eyes.

Albrecht Greengrass is the printer; a quiet, insular man, though interested in some ideas that I have for the improvement of printing of images.

Also present were Horatio Kingsneedle and Tomas Fennel (I feel sure that he knows everything, if only I can find a way of persuading him to tell me the whole truth without embellishment.

15th Augustus:

Griselda Honeycomb was in the Inn, briefly, before I arose.
Some workmen started constructing hitching rails outside the Inn for the forthcoming market.
An urchin arrived with a message for me:

My Dear Misteline

My mistress asks me to pass on her fondest regards and assure you that recognizing the body of the accursed pirate should pose no problem once the corpse has been brought to the Hall of the City Marshal.

My mistress also expresses her gratitude for the way in which you handled this discovery, and proposes you be paid one third of the reward sum; 3,333 Marks, the two thirds going to the various agents who will acquire the body today and bring it before the City Marshal and a person of excellent reputation of whom we are aware and who can be trusted to make a trustworthy identification, should the body indeed prove to be the hated buccaneer.

In the light of your investigations, it may interest you to know that ‘Captain Murder’ was in fact the infamous Struggler called Phelonius Addlegate. I’m sure you recall the dreaded Bodgersfield Gang. Addlegate was once their leader...

I am convinced that this matter, though trivial in of itself after so many years, need not concern any one besides our selves.

Yours most sincerely,
Morris

~~~~~~

This is a fairly definite hint that I should not concentrate upon the death of the pirate beggar, but I feel that it is the heart of the matter.
And a little background:

The Bodgersfield gang

A secret society of philosophers, students and political radicals formed sometime around the year 1588 (when Misteline was 16 years old and an apprentice in the workshop of his old master, Titus Sodbottom). The Bodgersfield gang were rumoured to be militant followers of the philosophy of Carl Marcus Peat [Moif couldn't resist that one] who wrote in the late 1400’s that the common labourers were the true nobility and The Creator had never intended for one man to have power over many, that it was actually a crime against nature for one man to own another. Peats work was printed in a comprehensive book titled ‘The struggle within’, which enjoyed a brief popularity amongst young radicals and students who became known as ‘Strugglers’, but which gradually fell into obscurity when Peat committed suicide whilst being detained for questioning by the City Militia.

With the rise in power of the Merchants Guild, Peats book became an inspiration for a new generation of student radicals. In 1584 the book was banned after a student demonstration set fire to the office of the City Chancellor. Arrested students and other youths admitted during interviews with the City Militia to have been inspired to illegal and immoral actions by the book. They were labelled ‘Strugglers’ and several were subsequently hanged.

After the disturbances of 1584 most people avoided the Strugglers movement and it appeared to dying out until 1590 when several businesses were set alight. Proclamations of guilt were pasted nearby each burnt down shop or business explaining that a ‘people’s court’ had found the shop keeper guilty of immoral practices. The city officials quickly retaliated by labelling this court as an illegal band of Strugglers, and set a price for any information leading to the capture of its members. By 1591, the common name for this group was the Bodgersfield Gang because rumours spoke of a secret hide away, complete with an underground court and a dungeon, hidden some where in the Bodgersfield district of the city. No one knew for certain how many people were involved in the Bodgersfield Gang. Officially it was described as ‘a group of malcontents, probably no more than ten or twelve members. Others put the number far higher, some describing the gang as a veritable army.

Most people regarded the Bodgersfield gang as mere rowdy trouble makers and initially many were secretly pleased to see rich merchants and shop keepers made to suffer. When the gang began to issue demands for a republic however, the city authorities began to arrest any one even remotely considered to be connected to the Bodgersfield gang, with some people dragged away in the night and never seen again (though totally innocent, Misteline was himself dragged in for questioning twice during 1591, the second time he had to be rescued from a particularly sadistic interrogation by Titus Sodbottom who called in several favours from highly placed officials). Theodor Malleados’s School of Excellence (a small university) was shut down, and several of its faculty arrested, and in the summer of 1591 the Bodgersfield Gang retaliated. They kidnapped, tried and executed a well known merchant banker named Laurent Grabblenook, leaving his naked body in the Grand Plaza of the city with a placard tied to his neck bearing the single word; Guilty.

Public opinion turned against the Bodgersfield Gang after Grabblenooks death and people stopped calling themselves Strugglers. Grabblenook had not been a particularly popular man, but the rude nature of his death incensed people and it was not long before the Militia were tipped off as to who the leader of the Bodgersfield Gang was. A reward was posted for one Phelonius Addlegate, a former student of Theodor Malleados’s School of Excellence and a well known orator in Struggler circles. Addlegate was never caught, having fled the city days before. Rumours circulated that he was hiding in the lawless desolation of the Salten Reach.

After 1591, the Bodgersfield Gang gradually faded from the public eye, but every so often a rumour would surface of dark plots and threats against the city.

In 1597 the notorious Captain Murder, who had been a plague on merchant shipping for several years, suddenly attacked the city with a fleet of some twenty to thirty vessels, setting fire to the docks and doing the utmost to cripple Takshendal’s fleet of warships. The attack came as a complete surprise and much devastation was wrought, but ultimately the pirates fled in disarray as the city roe up against them. A bounty of 10,000 Crowns was put on Captain Murders head but the pirate captain had disappeared after the battle and the reward was never claimed. It stands to this day.

After the pirate attack, it transpired that several turn coats within the city, even it was said members of the Militia had actually assisted the pirates, and had attempted to assassinate the Grand Duke of Takshendal. Several of the arrested were former members of Theodor Malleados’s School of Excellence and were described by the authorities as key members of the Bodgersfield gang. They were all executed and their heads placed on the city’s gates. Their leader was a man named Helios Shuttlepot and his old tarred head is still displayed as a warning on Takshendals north gate (facing the sea and the Salten Reach).

Naturally, ‘The struggle within’ remains a banned book [which I have in my private collection].

~~~~

I resolved to talk with Griselda, as her establishment overlooks the back alley in which the murders took place. On the way we could not fail to notice Lord Beauforque, a notable duelist, mounted and with 4 retainers. He is, apparently, a guest of Augustus Marrow, and a representative of the Association of Boltsworth (a rival to my own patrons). Rufus, attempted some subtle insult, but I fear that he merely insulted himself.

Griselda is a fine woman, with a keen intelligence and a body that I would love to paint. She had been looking for her housemate Sandy, who had not been seen for a few days. I insisted that we open Sandy's door, which I achieved through my arts, and discovered her dead upon the bed. She had been strangled by a large person with muddy boots, who had entered through the unlocked back door, overpowered her (she had a torn fingernail, and the chamberpot had been overturned), partly covered her with a sheet, locked the door and departed with her key. In my opinion she had been killed a day or so after the murders behind the house, and at night or early morning (as Sandy was in her night clothes).
Rufus fetched the militia.

Griselda would not break her clients' confidentiality, who are, for the most part, not locals. Sandy entertained at least 1 local [Bartholomus or Albrecht?].
She had seen the Eye in House symbol before (and hinted at clients who enjoy whipping), but did not admit to knowing its significance. She had not noticed anyone with blistered palms.

Captain Leander Quartermoon and I discussed the murders. His comment was that the tramp (Capt Murder) had been killed with great violence, but that Marius had been killed in cold blood.
I did not inform him of Marius' letter, but I probably will, in due course (I had told Drake to tell Murdoch).

In the afternoon we went to see Consuela Brackenbridge. She is a keen observer of people, and noticed my special friendship with Drake at once. She is also a gossip, but did not know of any people with blistered palms or Eye in House brands. She had observed young women being thrown out of Marrow's house after some sort of abuse, and professes to know nothing of his wife Aurore Marrow.

In the evening, there was a commotion; townsmen had seen a great flaming ball traverse the sky; a Phoenix, an omen and portent no doubt, and I failed to split its light with my prisms.

Chapter 2.1 'Murder in the Alley'

Tracey (Drake), Rasmus (Silas) and Myself. Photo By Oleg Zacharov

~~~~~~~~

From the journal of Misteline.

Some time on the night of the 11th Augustus, 2 men died.
It was raining, heavily, and few people were on the streets.
2 Bodies were found on the morning of the 12th, and soon afterwards rumours began to circulate that Marius Coppercup had been murdered.

13th Augustus 1622 - the Commission:

Because of the risk of civil unrest and the political repercussions of Marius Coppercup's killing, the City Council met in the afternoon.
Later in the evening I was approached by an agent of Adriana Arabella Wormpole. I have had commissions from members of the Wormpole family before. There are several objectives:

§ Find out who killed Marius Coppercup.
§ Do so discretely; report to Adriana (or her agents) first, but it is not, and cannot be a secret that I am investigating. On the other hand, I do not have an official status as such.
§ Do not publicise a result that makes the House of Wormpole look bad. I was assured that although the Wormpoles and Coppercups are bitter mercantile and political rivals, the Wormpoles were not responsible for Marius' death.

I was given a pouch of 150 crowns (a typical working wage is 4 / week) as compensation for my time and expenses, and the help of Rufus, a notable blade allocated to guard me.

As soon as I had accepted, my good friend Drake and I walked over to the area in which the corpse had been found.
As on the 11th it was a wet and stormy night. Few people were on the streets, and the shadows were deep. Actually, there were occasional islands of illumination; the doorway of the Eel and Spindle, the doors of the watchtowers (where from guards peered into the gloom) and such light as strayed from curtained windows. Few people could have seen, or heard anything.
We returned. The walk took far longer than I had anticipated, and I resolved to seek lodgings at the inn.
And so to rest.

14th Augustus - to the Inn of the Eel and Spindle:

My good friend Drake, Rufus and myself, together with a man to assist with our materials, arrived at the Inn around midday.
Drake and I shared a suite, whilst Rufus took a room on the second floor.

The Innkeeper is Trevick Featherlock, who appears to be under the thumb of his wife Magda.
The barmaids are Lucy, the prettier one who gets her bottom pinched, and Meredith, whom we didn't see until later.
Waldo Scuttlebut is our neighbour in the adjacent room over the back alley, a fine musician, though no longer a young man.

We ate at the bar, and learned that actually 2 corpses had been found; Marius in the alley against the windowless wall of the Inn (more or less beneath Waldo's room), and an unknown old beggar or drunkard in the unused ground on the other side of the alley (behind the house of Bartholumus Pyle).

Silas, is another investigator, claiming some official position. I am willing to appear to assist him, to allow myself more discretion, and indeed to share most information with him. He had already heard that an eminent man of medicine had examined Marius, but had not seen the official report.
A guard; Albert, had found him at dawn. He was the night watchman doing his rounds. Joe, the Milita guardsman who was on duty at the door of the Captains tower, had seen nothing as he had withdrawn from the heavy rain.
Marius appeared to have been stabbed, but clothes befitting his class were not in evidence.

3 other regular guests walked into the Inn:
Captain Woodrow of the Militia. Retired, and too fond of his drink, but he promissed to arrange for us to see the official / medical report.
Murdoch, one of Augustus Marrow's guards, the other being Merriweather.
Tomas Fennel.

I decided to examine the corpse of the unknown beggar, and to this end, Rufus, Drake, Silas and myself made our way through the afternoon drizzle, to the shorter of the 2 towers, where Albert, Joe and the other guards are stationed under a sergeant.
The sergeant didn't hold with our methods, but was agreeable after I compensated him for his inconvenience.
I recognised the corpse at once, as I had seen him some decades ago, it is Captain Murder the pirate. I fear that the others could not miss my reaction, but I resolved not to make this official, nor to tell Silas, until I have considered the political implications.
[This means you, Rasmus, I'm putting it in the write-up, but Silas does not even suspect this.]
There is also the matter of the 10 000 crown reward, which may never have been revoked, funds that I could well use for my philosophical endeavors.
On the other hand, it might be very difficult to prove that this was the infamous pirate. Beneath a stained cloth we saw the bloody corpse of a once powerful man, apparently well fed and healthy, but now old, and having obviously lived rough for at least several weeks before his savage death. He had been stabbed, by a dagger, some 50-60 times, during which he had attempted to fend off the assailant with his arms. The killing blow was probably one of several deep stabs to the neck or upper chest.
Many of the blows were angled downwards; this is the work of a dagger, not a rapier, and not, in the expert opinion of Rufus, in the hands of a skilled knife fighter.
Most were from the front; suggesting a single assailant.
There was no sign that Captain Murder had been armed, nor that he had attempted to arm himself with, for example, part of a fence. I wonder at this.
There was no sign of drunkeness, but I would not expect such after 3 days.
The corpse would be taken to a communal grave at the city's expense, in due course.

We also talked to Joe, one of the militiaman who had found Marius' corpse at first light.
It had been a dire night, and Joe had been stationed inside the doorway of the taller, officers', tower, peering out into heavy rain, but he had was somewhat sheepish about how many breaks he took. He could not have seen much, although he could have heard shouting, though he did not. Militia guards have been known to take bribes to turn a blind eye to minor matters.
Marius had been slumped against the side of the alley, against the Eel and Spindle, in a pool of blood.
Albert, the night watchman on patrol along the city wall road discovered the body and taking him for a drunk at first, attempted to kick him awake. He thinks that Marius may have been armed with a sword, or at least he had a scabbard (no dagger was mentioned).
Albert noticed a single wound to the chest.

On the way back to the Inn, we enquired after Captain Woodrow at the taller tower. He was not in his quarters, nor did anyone know, or even care where he was. I fear that the good Captain will forget to help us see the medical report.

Back at the bar, I partook of some of Magda's particularly fine pickled eels, but my companions did not eat.
We asked who had been in the Inn on the night of the murder. Apparently there was quite a party.
Magda Featherlock who left early.
Trevick Featherlock.
Lucy serving (not sure about the other girl Meredith).
Waldo Scuttlebut entertaining.
Tomas Fennel.
Bartholumus Pyle.
Captain Leander Quartermoon's man Marlowe.
4 other people who came in as a group.
Marius Coppercup, who seemed in good humour, scribbled a note (it is fairly common to leave such letters at an Inn) to Augustus Marrow earlier in the evening, and slipped out quietly fairly late. He was found in rough (outer) clothes, so what was he wearing in the Inn earlier, and where did he change?

Common practice at the Inn, is to piss in the back alley (pissing in the back yard is discouraged by Magda, as it is unpaved and muddy). On such a night, people would be inclined to piss just outside a doorway, under cover of the eaves.
People inside the Inn (I'll have to check where Magda sleeps, Meredith sleeps over the front corner) would not have heard shouting outside in the rain, or thought much of it.
Bartholumus was not at home for much of the evening, so I should check the other neighbours.

Meredith arrived looking upset. It was she who had found Captain Murder. I persuaded her to take us to the site.
She had been looking for a cat in the waste land between Bartholumus' house and a warehouse. The fence from the alley is broken (and there was plenty of debris, including, for some reason, numerous barrel hoops, from which a brawler could improvise a weapon).
My great friend Drake is a superb tracker, and he showed us his interpretation of events:
Captain Murder had a little bivouac under bushes towards the warehouse. The door had not been opened in years.
There was a scuffle in the open ground towards the middle of the waste land.
There were 6 sets of footprints, one of which was unaccounted for (probably the assailant), a clearer specimen was also found near Marius. It was a normal boot (not of a pauper, nor an aristocrat) of a largish man.
The Captain was dragged to the cover under some bushes.

Back in the Inn Silas asked for the letter as potential evidence.
In due course, we retired to our suite, and I opened and successfully resealed the letter.
I also examined the note for invisible ink, and with light split by a prism, though the light of the sun or moon are better for this sort of thing, but found nothing.
A transcript is below:

My Lord of the darkness within
I have your birds in my cage
Lets us not bicker over prices.
I assume you still want your prizes.
If not,then you know I have others who will offer
a fair price.
C

Several things spring to mind:
This has to have something to do with the Followers of the Dark Lord, an unsavoury cult that many thought extinct.
They were reputed to kidnap youths, and young people and children have been disappearing of late.

Marius was connected with something dubious, but just how is open to several interpretations.
We could keep the letter, or pass it on to Augustus (perhaps on the condition that he open it in our presence), and see his reaction.

I composed a letter to Adriana, to be taken by Rufus [as Palle may be late].

For the eyes of Adriana Arabella Wormpole only, this being a preliminar report into the death of Marius Coppercup, from Misteline, on the night of 14th Augustus 1622.

There have been two developments to which I must draw your attention.

Firstly Marius Coppercup had written a letter on the night of his death, of which I enclose a transcript. The seal has, by my arts, been reconstructed.
You may draw your own conclusions, but it seems clear that Marius Coppercup was connected with the Followers of the Dark Lord.

Secondly, there was another corpse found close to that of Marius Coppercup.
This was none other than that of Captain Murder, although this is unrecognised. It lies in the smaller militia tower.
I have not announced this, as the inferred connection with Marius Coppercup may have political repercussions that I am not in the position to judge at the moment.
There is also the matter of the price on his head. I will refrain from claiming it myself, but anticipate some recompense for this at a later date.
May I respectfully suggest that your ladyship send agents to take care of this matter.

Affixed with my seal [which is bloody complicated, artistic, cunning, and with built-in puzzles that few (actually, by no one except myself) appreciate]

Misteline.

Chapter 1. Attack of the Pirate Horde

Post game write up.

The game had four players, Oleg (who took all the pictures), Tracey (the only woman in the picture), Peter (grey T shit) and Rasmus (Black T shirt) and I (Red tartan shirt) was DM. The objective of the game was simple. The pirates had to ‘cut out’ the galley Vengeance, and the marines, militia and city folk had to stop them

The game began with the pirate flotilla in their starting positions and the marines on their galley Vengeance watching them approach. Various city folk had gathered to watch and some brave few had picked up weapons and were watching from the buildings along the harbour side.
The pirates began firing arrows almost at once and the city folk were as often as not cut down before they even got to fight. Alesandrox Wormpole (Oleg), a great merchant prince of the city had arrived along with six of his retainers and these were hiding in the chandlery on their horses. As the pirates approached Alesandrox and three of his men charged out and raced for the galley, making a daring attempt at the jetty, which ultimately cost one poor horse its life as it fell into the river. Alesandrox and his men made it to the galley, but the veritable storm of arrows coming from the pirates cut the retainers down before they could even fire back. Armoured and noble in his finery, Alesandrox survived however. He joined Captain Kettlefox (Rasmus) of the marines on the afterdeck of the Vengeance and watched as the pirates drew ever closer.

The river had a fairly strong current so Captain Murder (Tracey), who spent much of the battle skulking down a stairwell, brought his flagship, Esmeralda along side Vengeance as gently as possible. Captain Melodius (Peter) brought his smaller ship Belly Dancer towards the stern where the anchor was keeping the galley in place. The galley was moored up against a strong jetty and held mostly by an anchor from its stern. A further six mooring lines to the shore had to be cut before the Vengeance was freed. The two smaller pirate boats assisted with Captain Hendrix (Tracey) heading for the bow of the vengeance and Captain Jaki (Peter) heading for the stern.


The pirate’s tactic was simple and straight forward. They were attempting to envelope the Vengeance and cut her free whilst pouring arrows into her Marines (who, caught by surprise, had no missiles weapons at hand with which to shoot back). It quickly became apparent however that the marines were very tough. Heavily armoured and having the protection of their warship, they proved invulnerable to the pirates arrows and whilst they had no way of returning fire, they did have some City Militia Guards on the city walls with arbalests (heavy crossbows) who could provide some cover once the Esmeralda came into effective range. By round ten, the fighting had become intense with all the buildings issuing smoke as the pirates fired incendiaries at them, most of the city folk either dead or cowering in terror and the marines, with Alesandrox Wormpole all but surrounded. A small detachment of guards from the City Militia had also arrived and were heading for the battle.


The crew of the Esmeralda were very careful as they brought themselves alongside the galley, but the sheer weight of their ship and the strong current meant that they found themselves being pushed back against the Vengeance and scraping back along her side. Neither ship was seriously damaged but the galley suffered some cosmetic injuries. The pirates quickly threw grappling hooks and some nimble souls jumped onto the Vengeance amid deck. Some of the Marines had concealed themselves below deck but these were not fast enough to prevent one pirate from severing two of the mooring lines. The marines fought well, but they were being swamped. More pirates were sneaking aboard fore and aft and trying to cut the remaining mooring lines. Arrows and quarrels were flying about all over the place, and by round 16 the Esmeralda was grappled to the Vengeance, Alesandrox had rushed to cut the grappling ropes but even as he did, a pirate, clinging to the rear of the Galley cut the aft mooring ropes as Captain Hendrix and his boat crew cut at the forward mooring ropes. The pirates threw more grappling hooks from the Esmeralda and Captain Melodius cut the anchor line. The Vengeance lurched free and began to move downstream, still attached by various lines to the Esmeralda and still fully manned by her compliment of marines. Alesandrox Wormpole and two city militia who had just managed to climb aboard as the anchor line was severed.

A young man on a horse, one of the armed city folk, attempted to bring a rope to secure the galley but he was too late. He was left on the jetty watching as the two vessels slid downstream, Captain Murder shouting orders from the afterdeck of the Esmeralda and the pirates attempting to board the galley from all directions. The game ended with victory for the pirates, though post game dice rolling determined the galley eventually beached itself on a sand bar and the pirates then torched it. Captain Murder and his forces of evil were eventually sent into retreat and Takshendal never saw their like again.

Modelling update

The table top for chapter 2 is coming along slowly but surely. Things are going to have to pick up soon as I have given my self an absolute dead line; 29th February. The above image shows what is missing so far, the inn and the workshop need to have their roofs finished. Four buildings need slates on their roof's and the Captains tower structure needs finishing also. After that its all polyfilla and painting and a few remaining internal walls.

The captains tower might seem a little ostentatious for it is based on some of the rather grand towers that once stood in some of Germanys old city's. The images below for example show such towers. The lowest image is much as I imagine Takshendal, though with fewer trees.

The Garrison family

Pieter Garrison is a tall, quiet man with a distinct gleam in his eye and a calm understated manner that contradicts his good humour. Married to the jovial Hermina Garrison, and despite his relative poverty, he is widely held to be the happiest man in the village. A small holder and fisherman, he lives with his wife and two children. He is in his early thirties, has the typical blonde hair and red face of the local people and is usually to be seen wearing simple working clothes.

Hermina Garrison is probably the most well liked woman in the village due to her beauty charm and wit. She has blonde hair and clear blue eyes, is often to be found in her small garden plot surrounded by children or talking to her neighbour Isobel Bokkel. Due to her popularity, Hermina is often seen to be the voice of reason in the village, though she seldom interferes in the petty intrigue and gossip of the village elders.

The Bokkel family

Bernold Bokkel is a well built middle aged man with a red weather beaten face. A fisherman by trade he can normally be found on the lake or home mending his net or salting fish. He has the typical dirty blonde hair that is common in Slapershaven, a grizzled beard and usually wears stained dirty weather clothing. He is not well liked in the village due to his surly nature and habit of knocking his wife about when he gets drunk. He lives with his wife, his mother and four children.

Isobel Bokkel is a tired looking woman in her late twenties. She has blonde stringy hair and a long nose. Some what eclipsed by her mother-in-law she runs her house hold as a near invisible entity. She always seems to be in the company of children and it is immediately obvious that children like her. Every so often her husband hits her and whilst the other adults of the village usually turn a blind eye, this makes her stand out some what to the children who empathise with her. The rest of the village takes little notice of Isobel, refering instead to her mother-in-law as the female head of the house. Her only true friend appears to be the ever cheerful Hermina Garrison.


Grishilda Bokkel is one of the three 'old women of the village'. She is universally regarded as a foremost authority on herbal remedies in general and healing cattle in particular. Her age, experience and force of character mean she is often heard as an authority on many matters though she is often contradicted by her rival Heike Brethouwer. An old woman in her seventh decade, she is still as energetic as she was in her youth. She has dark hair and sallow skin and her joints are getting weak. Her eyes are also dimming now and this has caused her to be more belligerent in her old age.

Game maps

Chapter One.

Chapter two.


Chapter three.

Chapter one intro

Rising up above the mists of the River Weyr are the ancient walls and towers of Takshendal. A city grown old and fat on the trade from distant lands, across the mountains to the south and the seas to the north. From far away Jungolan, Bazilia and the mysterious forests of Sinopia come spices and silks to be traded in the city known far and wide as the Jewel of the North. From the seas come fish, ivory, oils and from the lands, grain, meat and ale. Where all roads converge, where each rude hamlet and village sends it’s young to learn; Takshendal is the greatest city of all.

So say the seers, for Takshendal is the ancient seat of power, the house of wisdom, the very font of learning. Her towers rise higher and her lords stand taller for in the walled city resides all the wealth and knowledge of men.

So it is on a bright summers day in 1597 when without warning, the treacherous pirates and coastal marauders of the Salten Reach under the banner of the terrible ‘Captain Murder’ descend upon the unsuspecting city in a great fleet of motley craft and lay siege to the dockyards, burning and pillaging all they can before returning to their ships to muster for one final assault...

Captain Murder in his flagship Esmeralda has decided to cut out the newly launched galley Vengeance. Signalling to his ally Captain Melodius, he sets a course for the waiting warship noting as he does that it is sparsely guarded by marines in bright scarlet.

Meanwhile on the shore, the locals have rallied to the call of an armoured warrior on a great steed.

Player One.
Alesandrox Wormpole. Knight/Soldier.
6 mounted retainers. Lt Horseman/Bowmen.
7 Citizen fighters. Bowmen.
4 Citizen fighters. Warriors
+ Misteline Warrior.

Player Two
Captain Kettlefox Soldier.
10 marines. Soldiers.
4 city militia arbalestiers. Bowmen
+9 city militia soldiers. Soldiers.

Player three
Captain Murder. Warrior.
18 pirate skirmishers. Skirmishers.
10 Archers. Bowmen.
+
Captain Hendrix. Warrior.
Captain Jaki the wolf. Warrior

Player four
Captain Melodius. Warrior.
10 pirate skirmishers. Skirmishers.
4 pirate crossbowmen. Bowmen.

Ships

Esmeralda.
This is the flagship of Captain Murder. It is a large sea going ship with two masts that requires a minimum of ten able bodied men to move it on the water. The ship gives an automatic +2 protection on its castles and the waist sides give +1. There are no weapons in this game capable of damaging the ship so it cannot be sunk.

Belly dancer.
This is Captain Melodius’s ship. It is a deep sea trader that has been captured and converted for use in this attack. It sits low in the water and its sides give +1 in protection. There are no weapons in this game capable of damaging the ship so it cannot be sunk.

Serpent.
This is Captain Hendrix’s vessel. It is a standard fishing boat that has been converted to attack the city. It requires one man to operate if in movement. Due to improvised armour, the sides of the boat give +1 in protection. There are no weapons in this game capable of damaging the ship so it cannot be sunk. This vessel can be delegated to either player 3 or 4, but Captain Hendrix must remain as skipper.

Emily.
This is Captain Jaki’s vessel. It is a standard fishing boat that has been converted to attack the city. It requires one man to operate if in movement. Due to improvised armour, the sides of the boat give +1 in protection. There are no weapons in this game capable of damaging the ship so it cannot be sunk. This vessel can be delegated to either player 3 or 4, but Captain Jaki must remain as skipper.

Rowing boat
Moored to the floating jetty, this vessel gives no defence bonus’s to any one onboard. It requires at least one person to row if in movement.

Vengeance.
A newly launched medium galley of the city militia. The Vengeance is currently being fitted out and is not in any condition to move. It can however be towed away by the Esmeralda. The sides of the galley give +1 in protection and the forecastle gives +2. There are six mooring lines holding the galley to the dock, three to the fore and three aft. Each one must be cut if the galley is to be moved (roll 3 or greater on a d6 for each rope). Note! If the aft ropes are cut first, the galley will be moved by the stream into the bank.