The boat arrives in Kemperbad, a Freistad that is known for its excellent mercantile capabilities. Built on cliff tops on the east side of the bank of the River Reik. The east bank is 150 metres higher than the west bank and the river Stir meets the Reik at the base of the town, angling off trough a deep gorge. The docks are at river level at the base of the cliffs and you reach Kemperbad itself using either baskets and lifts going up the cliff run by the Dwarven Engineers guild for a fee, or by using the long sprial stair case cut into the rock face. The adventurers sell their cargo and buy longhorn cattle, healing aids, etcetera. Abel gets rid of his Weirdroot at a very profitable price and contacts the local thieves guild in order to pay part of his debts. While strolling trough the market with his companions, he catches a glimpse of Gottfried, spying on him and his companions but as soon as Abel looks, his former mentor has gone.
instead finds a note. The note says: "If you want your friends returned to you, meet me at the garden of Morr at midnight"
Abel first asks Otfried for a private word, he doesn't wish this to become a full fledged conflict. Abel reinforces his commitment to the groups cause but Gottfried used to be his friend, mentor and father figure. Abel also stole a map from the man. On top of that, Abel is sure the adventurers are no match for Gottfried and his gang. Otfried makes no promises but agrees to give Abel and
Gottfried a chance without intervening. The other agree to this as well and they depart for the meeting.
Gottfried asks how Abel has fares since their departure and why he is now consorting with such official figures as a Mage and a Priest. He also laments the fact that Abel left him without saying goodbye, they could have formed such a great team. Then his amicable face suddenly and drastically changes, his features are wrathful when he asks Abel how he will pay back his debts to him. Abel returns the map but Gottfired says Abel could have gone a got the treasure so he demands something else, leaving it for the young criminal to fill in. Abel can't think of something and then Gottfried gives him a gift. An Onyx pearl, the size of an egg and worth a small fortune. Somewhat taken aback, Abel receives the gem and at that point Gottfried, with lightning speed, draws a knife across Abel's hand. The blood from the wound is instantly attracted and absorbed by the stone. Gottfried leaves after Abel promises that when he returns for it, Abel will give his former master whatever he desires to settle the debt. Abel also receives an antidote for Felix and Gotrak, which will take a couple of days.
The adventurers continue their journey to Grissenwald, the home of Etelka Herzen, who provided Johannes Teugen with the scroll of the dark ritual. Upon their arrival they see that it is a small friendly settlement situated where the River Grissen joins the Reik. In the distance is a small mountain range and a small tower fort overlooking the valley below. It is a favourite stopping place for riverfolk and boasts a number of wharfside inns. Enquiring at one of the inns about Black Peaks, the adventurers discover that it is a disused coal mine up in the hills about 5 miles away. They also discover that the mine used to be run by Dwarfs, who are now a bunch of worthless alcoholics who sold the mine to a noblewoman from Nuln about 3 years ago. While the adventurers are making
enquiries, two drunk Dwarfs enter the establishment and begin to insult an Elf who is passing trough the village. The Dwarfs are offensive and clearly looking for a fight. The heroes manage to diffuse the situation and even make a good impression on them.
After the dwarfs leave, the heroes hear muttering about the dwarfs being murdering swines. Apparently there have been attacks on outlying farms, with farmer families being wiped out and their valuables stolen. Since the dwarfs are known to be utterly broke, and they recently have money to spend, they are the prime suspects. But as there is no evidence, the town watch refuses to act.
enter. Because of the smoke it is very difficult to see and breathe in here, some adventurers have a coughing fit. From the other side of the room a deep commanding voice calls. "Well come in and stop that coughing. Ain't you used to proper air?" Moving forwards, the adventurers see Gorim Greathammer sat upon a stone seat, and four armed Dwarfs on either side.
The adventurers have their suspicions confirmed when they hear that Etelka has bought the mine from the dwarfs for a pitiful sum. The King says that there's gold in that mine and the dwarfs were diddled out of it. When asked about their funds King Greathammer explains that he sold his hammer so his dwarfs would have some money and remain with their clan.
As it is very late the heroes retire for the night. The following morning, news of a new attack is all over town. The attack has taken place at another of the farmsteads close to Black Peaks and the heroes venture up there to investigate. As it is close to the tower fort, the heroes devise a plan to meet Etelka at the same time. They will pose as cultists with the letter they found at the signal tower. On their way to the farm, they spot a wounded Dwarf propped against a tree and surrounded by four dead Goblins. The Dwarf is close to death and has three Goblin arrows embedded in his chest. The Dwarf is Durak, a prospector from the shanty town of Khazid Slumbol. Durak tightly grasps the arm of Otfried, who is examining him and gasps: "Gobboes! There's Gobboes up at the mine. Lots of them, they're taking our gold." Otfired manages to stabilize the dwarf but instead of heading to the mines, the heroes go directly to the castle.
The leader is a goblin named Gutbag Stoat Throttler. Gutbag presents a comical sight in his long, far too big red dress and glittering tiara. He reeks of too much perfume. And the short conversation quickly degenerates in threats and a full skirmish. Gutbag warned the adventurers he "Knowz Magicks" and waved his arms around theatrically while chanting gibberish, nothing happens and the heroes attack. Troughout the mansion/ fortress the heroes encounter Goblins, their detrimental effects on the luxurious fort and lots of arrows are shot at them. It appears Etelka is not here and left goblin minions to guard her home. In the study they find evidence of Etelka's research into chaos and magic and they find an identical copy of the letter they found underneath the signal tower that talks of an expedition into the Barren Hills. In Etelka's bedroom the heroes find countless bottles of perfume and a large chest filled with money. When they are done exploring Etelka's home, the adventurers seek aid from the Dwarfs of Khazid Slumbol and mop up the remaining
Gobbos in the mines.
To be continued...