Session 27

PCs (lvl 7): Flynn, Tuarninn, Udo, Ulrich

MR 673 - Winter

When they deliver Mercy Lowhaven to General Von Dabernick, the party's name is cleared, and they receive the accolades of the leaders of the city. Ulrich is raised to the rank of Captain of the City Watch. Later in the winter, he also celebrates the birth of his firstborn, Annika.

With Big Willi getting old, and Little Willi having neither the capacities nor the interest to take over his father's place, Flynn is elected guildmaster of the Docker's Guild. The stevedore begins to train the citizens of Ubersreik in unarmed self-defense, and receives a visit from the Burgomaister, eager to discuss a possible seat for the Dockers at City Council, and his dream of Ubersreik as a Free City.

Tuarninn stands by the old and tired Father Burke, as the priest leaves behind his mortal spoils, and joins his goddess in death. The elf takes over the day-to-day activites of Morr's Fields. He tries to involve the community in the celebration and remembrance of their dead, making the graveyard not only a place of mourning, but also a gathering spot for those who have memories to share. He keeps an eye open for possible candidates to raise a mercenary party.

Thanks to his knowledge of local politics, Udo obtains a place at the court of General Von Dabernick and Lady Nacht, working his way to earn their trust. But he has not forgotten his previous liege. Together with Osanna, he pays a visit to Count Sigismund, currently a guest of Count Diterich Jager in the nearby province of Ruelshegh.

Preparation are afoot in Ruelshegh, as mercenary troops gather, and siege experts plan the re-taking of Ubersreik. Udo has a less-than-pleasant reunion with the Count's son, Sigismund the Second, and a long talk with the Count.

The Count shares with Udo that the real reason of the arrival of Duke Rikard's forces is to obtain a mysterious "power" hidden under Black Rock Castle. To obtain that power, a key is needed; one third of this key is already in Sigismund's possession, while Udo has another piece. The last one is hidden somewhere in Ubersreik. Udo delivers his piece of the key to the Count, renewing his allegiance to the noble. He also begins to understand that the Count might be acting on behalf of a supernatural higher power.

Back in Ubersreik, the party witnesses Lady Nacht performing a ritual at Morr's Field, most probably to look for the last piece of the key. Results are disappointing, but the PCs glean that the sorceress' search seems to be focused around places of religious significance.

As winter draws to an end, the party is invited to meet with the local dwarven community at Dawihafen. On their way to the meeting, they witness the scene of a crime. A citizen has been brutally murdered, most probably as the culmination of some kind of evil ritual.