The heroes make ready to leave Grissenwald and travel back north to the Barren Hills. Because they are in a hurry, they are unable to sell their cattle at another place so decide to sell them in Grissenwald at a loss, taking in a boatload of Coal which they will sell in Kemperbad. Some armour shopping also occurs there and the heroes continue onwards.
Between the River Narn and the Reik, the river Stir flows through a narrow, sheer-sided gorge, about 182 m deep, and 27,4 m wide. The water is very fast-flowing and there are many treacherous currents and swirling eddies. Renatas' Luck battles upstream between the towering cliffs of the gorge, in a perpetual twilight. The Stir's foaming waters roar and hiss over razor-edged rocks which line its course to north and south. The sky is reduced to a thin ribbon of deep blue in which it seems the stars are always visible, save for a short period each day when the sun is directly overhead.
Lothar proves an excellent pilot as the boat remains unharmed. Halfway there, they encounter Ancient Megaliths with strange and intricate symbols, these are meant to ward evil but whether they contain or keep out evil is not clear.
A couple of days later the group finds the carcass of a horse floating down the river (the carcass is more or less decayed). The horse was lost over the falls ahead, and still bears the remnants of its packs: - 2 week's worth of iron rations (now useless); - assorted, sodden, spare clothing; - a sealed oilskin packet whose seal bears the strange device seen in other letters to Etelka, a monster holding a crown. The packet contains a rough map of The Empire with a circle drawn round the area of the Barren Hills and with the position of Dagmar Von Wittgenstein's observatory clearly marked and labelled on the exact spot of the signal tower.
The heroes are now very sure their quarry is ahead of them.
The heroes make ready to leave Grissenwald and travel back north to the Barren Hills. Because they are in a hurry, they are unable to sell their cattle at another place so decide to sell them in Grissenwald at a loss, taking in a boatload of Coal which they will sell in Kemperbad. Some armour shopping also occurs there and the heroes continue onwards.
Between the River Narn and the Reik, the river Stir flows through a narrow, sheer-sided gorge, about 182 m deep, and 27,4 m wide. The water is very fast-flowing and there are many treacherous currents and swirling eddies. Renatas' Luck battles upstream between the towering cliffs of the gorge, in a perpetual twilight. The Stir's foaming waters roar and hiss over razor-edged rocks which line its course to north and south. The sky is reduced to a thin ribbon of deep blue in which it seems the stars are always visible, save for a short period each day when the sun is directly overhead.
Lothar proves an excellent pilot as the boat remains unharmed. Halfway there, they encounter Ancient Megaliths with strange and intricate symbols, these are meant to ward evil but whether they contain or keep out evil is not clear.
A couple of days later the group finds the carcass of a horse floating down the river (the carcass is more or less decayed). The horse was lost over the falls ahead, and still bears the remnants of its packs: - 2 week's worth of iron rations (now useless); - assorted, sodden, spare clothing; - a sealed oilskin packet whose seal bears the strange device seen in other letters to Etelka, a monster holding a crown. The packet contains a rough map of The Empire with a circle drawn round the area of the Barren Hills and with the position of Dagmar Von Wittgenstein's observatory clearly marked and labelled on the exact spot of the signal tower.
The heroes are now very sure their quarry is ahead of them.
Between the River Narn and the Reik, the river Stir flows through a narrow, sheer-sided gorge, about 182 m deep, and 27,4 m wide. The water is very fast-flowing and there are many treacherous currents and swirling eddies. Renatas' Luck battles upstream between the towering cliffs of the gorge, in a perpetual twilight. The Stir's foaming waters roar and hiss over razor-edged rocks which line its course to north and south. The sky is reduced to a thin ribbon of deep blue in which it seems the stars are always visible, save for a short period each day when the sun is directly overhead.
Lothar proves an excellent pilot as the boat remains unharmed. Halfway there, they encounter Ancient Megaliths with strange and intricate symbols, these are meant to ward evil but whether they contain or keep out evil is not clear.
A couple of days later the group finds the carcass of a horse floating down the river (the carcass is more or less decayed). The horse was lost over the falls ahead, and still bears the remnants of its packs: - 2 week's worth of iron rations (now useless); - assorted, sodden, spare clothing; - a sealed oilskin packet whose seal bears the strange device seen in other letters to Etelka, a monster holding a crown. The packet contains a rough map of The Empire with a circle drawn round the area of the Barren Hills and with the position of Dagmar Von Wittgenstein's observatory clearly marked and labelled on the exact spot of the signal tower.
The heroes are now very sure their quarry is ahead of them.
The heroes make ready to leave Grissenwald and travel back north to the Barren Hills. Because they are in a hurry, they are unable to sell their cattle at another place so decide to sell them in Grissenwald at a loss, taking in a boatload of Coal which they will sell in Kemperbad. Some armour shopping also occurs there and the heroes continue onwards.
Between the River Narn and the Reik, the river Stir flows through a narrow, sheer-sided gorge, about 182 m deep, and 27,4 m wide. The water is very fast-flowing and there are many treacherous currents and swirling eddies. Renatas' Luck battles upstream between the towering cliffs of the gorge, in a perpetual twilight. The Stir's foaming waters roar and hiss over razor-edged rocks which line its course to north and south. The sky is reduced to a thin ribbon of deep blue in which it seems the stars are always visible, save for a short period each day when the sun is directly overhead.
Lothar proves an excellent pilot as the boat remains unharmed. Halfway there, they encounter Ancient Megaliths with strange and intricate symbols, these are meant to ward evil but whether they contain or keep out evil is not clear.
A couple of days later the group finds the carcass of a horse floating down the river (the carcass is more or less decayed). The horse was lost over the falls ahead, and still bears the remnants of its packs: - 2 week's worth of iron rations (now useless); - assorted, sodden, spare clothing; - a sealed oilskin packet whose seal bears the strange device seen in other letters to Etelka, a monster holding a crown. The packet contains a rough map of The Empire with a circle drawn round the area of the Barren Hills and with the position of Dagmar Von Wittgenstein's observatory clearly marked and labelled on the exact spot of the signal tower.
The heroes are now very sure their quarry is ahead of them.
As the adventurers approach the confluence of the Rivers Stir and Narn, the river's turbulence increases, and a distant, uninterrupted roar can be heard. Where the River Narn joins the Stir, there is a great rock basin, carved by the waters of the two rivers. Here both rivers thunder over the dramatic cliffs in a twin waterfall measuring more than 400 feet in height. The basin boils and seethes like water in a cauldron and the roar of the falls is deafening. The air is filled with spray that soaks the characters more quickly and thoroughly than any downpour. There is a small landing stage on the northern bank, sheltered from the turbulence by a wall-like outcrop of rock. A small sailing dinghy is moored here, covered by a tarpaulin to keep the interior dry. Sitting in a cave-mouth beyond the jetty, two women are busy patching a hide canoe. Seeing the adventurers' boat they smile and wave cheerfully.
To the south is a man-made inlet leading to an ingenious 'laddersystem' of locks which allows boats to get up and down the 400-foot drop, bypassing the waterfalls as they do so. There is just one, lonely lock-house and riverside inn ("The Roaring Falls ") at the top of the system, and the toll for use of all 20 locks is lOGC. Astrid and Birgit are from the nearby woodland village of Unterbaum, offering them the hospitality of their village. They will seem especially pleased, if the group have any iron for trade (which they do), and will insist on taking them to meet the village Elder.
The women advise them to speak with Corrobeth, the Druid of the Unterbaum. In order to reach Unterbaum from the inn, the adventurers may have to cross the River Narn. There is neither bridge nor ferry, but fortunately the river is not particularly deep at this time of year (except after heavy rain). The current, however, is very strong and a rope is used.
To the south is a man-made inlet leading to an ingenious 'laddersystem' of locks which allows boats to get up and down the 400-foot drop, bypassing the waterfalls as they do so. There is just one, lonely lock-house and riverside inn ("The Roaring Falls ") at the top of the system, and the toll for use of all 20 locks is lOGC. Astrid and Birgit are from the nearby woodland village of Unterbaum, offering them the hospitality of their village. They will seem especially pleased, if the group have any iron for trade (which they do), and will insist on taking them to meet the village Elder.
The women advise them to speak with Corrobeth, the Druid of the Unterbaum. In order to reach Unterbaum from the inn, the adventurers may have to cross the River Narn. There is neither bridge nor ferry, but fortunately the river is not particularly deep at this time of year (except after heavy rain). The current, however, is very strong and a rope is used.
The village of Unterbaum is an idyllic, rural community, protected by Druidic Priests from the ravages of life in The Empire's forests. Villagers seldom travel farther than the river, and have little interest in events in the outside world. They do a little trade, however - mostly grains and root vegetables in exchange for iron. Being a trusting, peaceful folk - not to mention devout followers of the Old Faith they have strict ideas of hospitality, and will offer food and shelter to any traveller. The village itself stands in the centre of a large (one-mile-across) clearing. Most of this land is used for crop cultivation, but there are also a few goats and the odd pig-sty. The inhabitants live behind a rough stockade in wooden, log-cabin-style buildings, ranged irregularly around a huge oak tree, and all facing towards it. When the adventurers first arrive in the village, they will be introduced to Vorster the village Elder and Corrobreth the Druidic Priest. Together they cordially welcome the strangers. If the characters are in need of food or rest, it will be provided without question, and only after such matters of hospitality have been dealt with will the two ask any questions.
The Adventurers tell them they are on a mission of the empire and are trying to apprehend a witch by the name of Etelka Herzen, Ottfried even shows the painting of her he found in her mansion. Vorster says they havn't seen the woman. Corrobreth relates the story of the meteor:
"Many generations ago the beings of Chaos poured out of their vile wastelands to despoil the land and gather souls for their despicable gods. It was a dark time indeed, for even the vault above conspired with them. For days the the sky screamed and the Chaos moon howled and spat its evil upon us. To protect us, the Druids of old built a stone circle around the places where its foul expectorations landed. But it was barely enough, the land up there was blighted for generations, and around Devil's Bowl, where the largest piece landed, strange unnatural growths began to appear. Now I fear there are evil things lurking in the hills, waiting till the time comes for them to rise up and sweep all before them." He also says: "You are not the only ones venturing into the hills. There was another group of strangers passed this way recently. They did not call here, but they were led by a fair haired woman and a haired man. They came up from the Twin Falls and headed straight into the hills towards the Devil's Bowl."
Corrobreth offers to escort the adventurers up the river, in a number of canoes. The canoes are made from timber and hide. Each one can hold 2 people and their gear, and is propelled by double-bladed paddles.
The Adventurers tell them they are on a mission of the empire and are trying to apprehend a witch by the name of Etelka Herzen, Ottfried even shows the painting of her he found in her mansion. Vorster says they havn't seen the woman. Corrobreth relates the story of the meteor:
"Many generations ago the beings of Chaos poured out of their vile wastelands to despoil the land and gather souls for their despicable gods. It was a dark time indeed, for even the vault above conspired with them. For days the the sky screamed and the Chaos moon howled and spat its evil upon us. To protect us, the Druids of old built a stone circle around the places where its foul expectorations landed. But it was barely enough, the land up there was blighted for generations, and around Devil's Bowl, where the largest piece landed, strange unnatural growths began to appear. Now I fear there are evil things lurking in the hills, waiting till the time comes for them to rise up and sweep all before them." He also says: "You are not the only ones venturing into the hills. There was another group of strangers passed this way recently. They did not call here, but they were led by a fair haired woman and a haired man. They came up from the Twin Falls and headed straight into the hills towards the Devil's Bowl."
Corrobreth offers to escort the adventurers up the river, in a number of canoes. The canoes are made from timber and hide. Each one can hold 2 people and their gear, and is propelled by double-bladed paddles.
As the PCs penetrate further into the hills the scenery changes even more. Bare rocky outcrops thrust skywards between the now sparse clumps of leafless trees. The river becomes shallower and faster flowing. There are stretches of rapids and minor waterfalls which can only be bypassed on foot, requiring the canoes to be carried. At such times the stillness seems perceptibly to deepen - broken occasionally by distant crashes - but whether this is the collapse of a decayed tree or the lumbering movements of some unseen animal, it is impossible to tell.
By the time the expedition is into the Hills proper, there are hardly any trees at all, just stretches of badlands punctuated with 'meadows' of thick moorland grass; but grass unlike any the group has ever seen before. It is thick and coarse, a luminous green in colour, and it seems to ripple as they pass - not with the wind, but with its own , sinister purpose. From here on the adventurers continue on foot and the group arrives at the crater's edge by dusk.
By the time the expedition is into the Hills proper, there are hardly any trees at all, just stretches of badlands punctuated with 'meadows' of thick moorland grass; but grass unlike any the group has ever seen before. It is thick and coarse, a luminous green in colour, and it seems to ripple as they pass - not with the wind, but with its own , sinister purpose. From here on the adventurers continue on foot and the group arrives at the crater's edge by dusk.
The main crater is now water-filled and surrounded by a stone circle, which is now seen eerily silhouetted against the darkening sky. Corrobreth suggests that this is a good place to camp for the night, “We’ll be safest in the lee of the stones," he says.
As night falls, Morrslieb rises full in the sky and hangs above the crater. As midnight approaches, an eerie blue glow begins to play over the water and the wind moans mournfully. From outside of the circle a shimmering blue form begins to approach the stones. At the same time, a wind whips up from nowhere and blows across the adventurers' camp, sending dust everywhere and blocking their vision. When the dust clears, the adventurers can see a torn and tattered female figure outlined with a blue light. Obviously translucent, and moving without touching the ground, the figure has gaping wounds in her side, but no blood flows from them.
In a strange, wheezing voice she pleads with the party for aid. "He-elp meee .. please help me. Lay my bones to rest, for I have walked these hills a long, long time. Follow and see .. follow and see." The figure then begins to move towards some caves.
As night falls, Morrslieb rises full in the sky and hangs above the crater. As midnight approaches, an eerie blue glow begins to play over the water and the wind moans mournfully. From outside of the circle a shimmering blue form begins to approach the stones. At the same time, a wind whips up from nowhere and blows across the adventurers' camp, sending dust everywhere and blocking their vision. When the dust clears, the adventurers can see a torn and tattered female figure outlined with a blue light. Obviously translucent, and moving without touching the ground, the figure has gaping wounds in her side, but no blood flows from them.
In a strange, wheezing voice she pleads with the party for aid. "He-elp meee .. please help me. Lay my bones to rest, for I have walked these hills a long, long time. Follow and see .. follow and see." The figure then begins to move towards some caves.
These caves were where Dagmar's expedition camped and where he later murdered them. The entrance is concealed by the withered and twisted boughs of some vaguely human-shaped trees.
Brunhilde leads the adventurers past the trees into a cavern where the hump of a shallow grave can be seen. This is Brunhilde's grave and a few of her whitening bones poke through the top of the mound. Brunhilde will beg the adventurers to restore her grave and to reclaim the meteorite as it is "a great source of evil". She also tells them that the bodies of the other expedition members can be found in the right-hand passage along with "that which they seek." However, as soon as the heroes start to clear the way towards the other expedition members they are suddenly surrounded by the strange ratlike beastmen some call Skaven. "Stone? Stone? Where!" exclaims their leader but as the adventurers answer they don't know of a stone the ratmen attack, during the fighting the undead members of Dagmar Von Wittgenstein's expedition members surge from their hidden grave asking the heroes to kill and release them. After the dust clears from the onslaught, the heroes are once more victorious. In the hidden cave they find the last cylinder that will grant them access to the hidden door in Darmar's observatory. When the heroes at last return to the observatory/signal tower, they see from a distance a gathering of riding horses outside. Finally, they found Etelka!
Brunhilde leads the adventurers past the trees into a cavern where the hump of a shallow grave can be seen. This is Brunhilde's grave and a few of her whitening bones poke through the top of the mound. Brunhilde will beg the adventurers to restore her grave and to reclaim the meteorite as it is "a great source of evil". She also tells them that the bodies of the other expedition members can be found in the right-hand passage along with "that which they seek." However, as soon as the heroes start to clear the way towards the other expedition members they are suddenly surrounded by the strange ratlike beastmen some call Skaven. "Stone? Stone? Where!" exclaims their leader but as the adventurers answer they don't know of a stone the ratmen attack, during the fighting the undead members of Dagmar Von Wittgenstein's expedition members surge from their hidden grave asking the heroes to kill and release them. After the dust clears from the onslaught, the heroes are once more victorious. In the hidden cave they find the last cylinder that will grant them access to the hidden door in Darmar's observatory. When the heroes at last return to the observatory/signal tower, they see from a distance a gathering of riding horses outside. Finally, they found Etelka!