Session 10: Ominous Depths

The session begins with the characters recalling the term “Ordo Septenarius,” which was seen painted on the perimeter of a summoning circle. The GM, Luke, acknowledges that he may not have mentioned this detail in the previous session, and Joe, playing Qavitrae, confirms that he was studying the sigils in the room carefully.

Luke explains that the words are in the human classical language, Reikspiel. Joe, as Qavitrae, mentions she reads and writes Reikspiel and Eltharin, the Elven language, but is less familiar with the human classical language.

Michael, playing Wanda, humorously questions the need for humans to have two languages given their relatively short history compared to elves.

The adventurers have exited the sewers and find themselves in a wealthier district of the city, outside a dinner club called the Golden Trout. The town hall, which Qavitrae had visited earlier, is visible in the distance.

Joe, as Qavitrae, inquires if they can figure out the location above the basement they found, but Luke explains that they ran through several tunnels and are disoriented, making it difficult to determine their exact location.

Joe recalls making markings along the way in the sewers, which may help them backtrack if necessary. Michael mentions a previous roll to know their location, but Luke clarifies that they are generally aware they are in the southern part of the city.

The group discusses the need to alert the magistrate about the demon sighting. They recall that the magistrate’s court was held outside the city walls during the festival, which has now ended for the day.

Luke sets the time of day as after seven in the evening, with the festival having ended at sunset. The city is bustling with people moving from tavern to tavern, and the adventurers, smelling of the sewers, are heckled by passersby.

Joe, as Qavitrae, suggests returning to the gate they entered through into the city, recalling they were let in by guards. Michael humorously comments on the need for a bath, and Luke provides historical context on medieval bathing habits.

Joe inquires if Nora, played by Damian, is still unconscious. Luke confirms she has moved up one rank on the peril tracker.

Joe, as Qavitrae, expresses urgency in informing the government about the demon, while Michael, as Wanda, is concerned about their appearance and the potential consequences of reporting in their current state.

Luke provides insight into demons in the world, suggesting they might be ephemeral unless bound by sorcery. Joe, as Qavitrae, shares this information with the group, indicating uncertainty about the demon’s current state.

A debate ensues about whether to clean up before approaching the magistrate. Joe and Michael discuss the implications of their appearance and potential strategies for contacting the magistrate, who may be off-duty.

The group remembers that their contract involved a goblin, and they discuss the lack of evidence regarding its removal, which may affect their payment.

Robert, as Thindruk, suggests tracking down the magistrate, and the group discusses possible locations and strategies for finding him after hours.

Robert proposes using the Education skill to deduce where city officials might reside, ultimately concluding that important officials often have apartments above the courts.

The group plans to visit the courthouse to speak with the magistrate, weighing the importance of their appearance against the urgency of their message.

The session closes with the group following Thindruk’s lead, contemplating the balance between decorum and urgency in their quest to alert the magistrate about the demon threat.

Character Interaction:

• Michael questions whether the group will follow Qavitrae’s advice or choose their own path, hinting at her reliability.
• Robert decides Thindruk will take a bath, confident it won’t be hard to prove their sewer venture.
• Michael and Robert discuss the necessity of bathing after the sewer encounter, agreeing on the importance despite the lingering odor.
• Damian humorously points out they will likely still smell bad after bathing.
• The group jokes about their limited clothing options and the expense of their attire, highlighting the practicality of washing clothes during the bath.

GM Guidance:

• Luke transitions the scene, leading the party back to the Journey’s End Inn, emphasizing their unfamiliarity with the city.
• The GM attempts to retrieve a city map to aid the narrative.

Setting the Scene:

• Michael humorously notes the importance of checking luggage to avoid being denied entry due to their odor.
• Luke describes the city’s sanitation, contrasting parts with sewers under the streets to more odorous open trough areas.
• Discussion ensues about historical city sanitation, with Michael sharing a story about settlers and river pollution.

Arrival at the Inn:

• Upon arriving at the Journey’s End Inn, the party is met with celebratory sounds but also remarks on their foul smell.
• The landlady confronts them, visibly reacting to their odor and suggesting they wait outside.

Negotiation and Intimidation Attempt:

• Michael insists on a bath for Lord Thindruk, attempting to intimidate the landlady.
• Joe explains their sewer venture was city work, justifying their condition.
• Luke narrates the landlady’s discomfort as she reveals a message canceling their rooms due to the goblin being captured or killed.

Group Dynamics:

• Michael suggests staying for a drink to assert their presence, provoking laughter from Robert.
• Joe questions the landlady about the message, met with the explanation that a city messenger delivered it.
• Michael’s intimidation attempt fails, resulting in the landlady threatening to keep their belongings as room payment.

Resolution Efforts:

• Robert, as Thindruk, intervenes, apologizing on Wanda’s behalf and asserting their positive city relationships.
• Luke permits Robert a charm roll, acknowledging a harder difficulty due to the situation.
• Brian reminds the group they’ve already paid for another inn, suggesting they collect their belongings and leave.

Departure from the Inn:

• The landlady, more courteous to Thindruk, assures their belongings will be retrieved.
• Michael humorously considers revenge, echoing Felrick’s motto, “Everything burns.”

Transition to Next Location:

• Luke guides the party to the riverside haven, noting the journey through the city.
• Michael jokes about their smell causing drunken patrons to throw up.
• The group speculates on who might have sent the message leading to their room cancellation, considering the goblin’s sacrifice and potential enemies.

The adventurers, after their sewer escapade, discuss their disheveled state and consider cleaning up by jumping in the river, as suggested by the landlady at the inn. Michael humorously suggests they ensure they are upstream from where the sewer empties to avoid further contamination.

Luke, the GM, notes the river is cleaner than the sewers, and the party proceeds to wash the worst of the filth off themselves at the docks, even though they lack soap, leaving their clothes slightly crusty.

The group returns to the Haven Inn to rest, feeling exhausted from a day filled with drinking, rich food, and sewer exploration. Luke confirms a full night’s sleep restores all their peril.

As they prepare for the next day, Luke resets the fortune tracker and awards 100 reward points to each player, prompting discussions about potential skill and ability improvements.

Michael considers improving his combat bonus to enhance his damage output, while Joe deliberates spending points on an out-of-profession skill.

Joe and Michael engage in a discussion about potential new professions, with Joe leaning towards the war dervish, despite its magical connotations, as it suits his character’s elven heritage. Damian expresses interest in martial melee but acknowledges it requires instruction from someone skilled.

Damian contemplates seeking guidance from Qavitrae, believing her to be the group’s expert, especially after Nora’s recent meltdown. Qavitrae offers to teach Nora how to handle more complex weapons, humorously suggesting practice with a dummy.

The conversation shifts to real-life martial arts and their ineffectiveness in bar fights, with anecdotes shared about professional fighters and the dangers of unregulated combat.

Upon waking, a breakfast awaits the party, though Michael notes the lingering odor from their clothes due to the lack of soap during their river bath.

The group discusses their plan to visit the magistrate to resolve the issue of their canceled accommodations and the mysterious circumstances surrounding their contract.

Joe suggests that someone might be trying to sabotage their efforts, but he expresses confidence in the magistrate’s integrity.

The party speculates on who could be behind the boy delivering false messages, with Michael humorously noting the lengths to which their enemies seem to go to inconvenience them.

Luke confirms that they still have the letter from the magistrate, which granted them accommodations, suggesting it might be useful in resolving the misunderstanding at the inn.

The adventurers, suspecting foul play, decide to confront the magistrate to clarify the situation and discuss the goblin-related developments.

They arrive at the festival court, where Andrea, the magistrate’s assistant, informs them that Magistrate Richter is currently presiding over a case. They overhear some commotion from within the tent.

Despite the magistrate’s preoccupation, the group insists on waiting to speak with him, emphasizing the importance of the developments regarding the goblin.

Robert, embodying Thindruk, begins to explain their business with the magistrate, signaling the urgency of their matter.

Thindruk (Robert) emphasizes the urgency of their situation to the magistrate’s assistant, seeking a meeting with the magistrate.

Wanda (Michael) insists on the importance of a recent development not directly related to the goblin, indicating a matter of public safety.

Qavitrae (Joe) agrees, suggesting the situation may have evolved from the initial goblin issue.

The magistrate’s assistant (Luke) acknowledges the urgency and allows the group to wait outside the tent for the magistrate’s availability.

Wanda expresses a desire to gather rumors from people around the tent, aiming to uncover who might have visited the magistrate after their previous dealings.

Felrick (Brian) offers assistance in gathering rumors, showcasing his training in the skill.

The GM (Luke) sets the difficulty of the rumor-gathering task as challenging due to the constant flow of people and the need to find someone who remembers events clearly.

Wanda succeeds in her rumor-gathering attempt, noting her proficiency in rumors over intimidation.

Through conversation with bystanders, Wanda learns about a servant from House Toygan who arrived after their previous visit to the magistrate, potentially to bail out a dwarf.

Thindruk and Qavitrae attempt to recall knowledge of House Toygan, with Qavitrae using her high intelligence and education to assist.

The GM clarifies that House Toygan is a merchant house, not nobility, and the orphans provide information about the merchant families residing in the south part of town.

The magistrate’s assistant returns and escorts the group to Magistrate Richter, who acknowledges the cancellation of their goblin contract due to its completion by others.

Qavitrae challenges the magistrate’s understanding, revealing the goblin’s sacrificial use to summon a demon of Tzeentch.

Magistrate Richter is visibly shocked and incredulous at the allegation of chaos and demons, questioning the group’s motives.

The group asserts their civic duty and integrity, emphasizing their interest in protecting the city from chaos, not merely fulfilling a contract for gold.

Thindruk, speaking earnestly, stresses the threat’s seriousness and the group’s responsibility to inform the magistrate.

The GM offers a charm or bargain check to persuade the magistrate of their sincerity.

Qavitrae, with assistance from Thindruk, performs a bargain check, indicating the group’s genuine concern for the city’s safety.

The magistrate requests evidence to substantiate their claims, prompting Qavitrae to describe the summoning circle and its markings.

The GM notes the magistrate’s subtle reaction to the mention of “Ordo Septenarius,” hinting at recognition or concern.

The group offers to lead the magistrate to the scene in the sewers, emphasizing their conviction and the unpleasant nature of the location.

Magistrate Richter, still skeptical, instructs them to report to the City Watch, suggesting they need his acknowledgment to ensure their report is taken seriously.

The group expresses concern that the City Watch may be even more skeptical without the magistrate’s backing.

Discussion Regarding the Contract:

• Thindruk, played by Robert, inquires about the signed contract, seeking it to show the City Watch their legitimacy.
• The GM, Luke, informs that the contract is with the court’s record, located in the town hall.
• Wanda, played by Michael, insists on legitimizing their presence without needing agreement on what they saw.
• Felrick, played by Brian, recalls they already have paperwork from the magistrate that helped them access the sewers and secure lodging.

Magistrate’s Skepticism:

• The GM describes the magistrate’s skepticism, despite the adventurers’ insistence on the sighting of a demon.
• Wanda asserts her experience, emphasizing the threat they witnessed, and humorously questions the appropriate pronouns for demons.
• Qavitrae, played by Joe, refers to demons as “terrifying interplanar entities.”

Doubt and Urgency:

• The magistrate, through Luke, dismisses the possibility of such events in Bögenhafen, comparing it unfavorably with remote villages.
• Wanda and Thindruk express a desire for the magistrate to appreciate their efforts to inform him.
• Qavitrae warns of leaving the city if no action is taken against the demon threat.
• The group collectively insists on the need for investigation, emphasizing potential consequences.

Departure and Strategic Planning:

• As the group prepares to leave, Wanda remarks on not asking for money, emphasizing their genuine concern.
• The GM instructs that the magistrate will be at the festival court during Schaffenfest and encourages bringing any convincing evidence of chaos.
• The adventurers discuss the logistics of whether they should all approach the City Watch or split up to investigate the warehouse and the goblin’s whereabouts.

Warehouse Inquiry:

• The GM shares information about the location of the warehouse where the goblin was found, describing it as warehouse number four on the eastern side of the river.
• Thindruk reflects on the logistics, considering the distance between the sewers and the warehouse.

Recollection of the Encounter:

• Thindruk and Qavitrae discuss the possibility of further demon summoning and the need for proper equipment and support from the City Guard.
• Michael and Joe humorously debate the difference between wizards and sorcerers, attributing it to chaos and spelling.

City Watch Interaction:

• The adventurers decide to first visit the City Watch for assistance.
• They navigate to the Watch Barracks located in the Dreykplatz, encountering a sergeant with a grizzled appearance.
• Qavitrae introduces themselves as being directed by Magistrate Richter to report significant developments, specifically a shrine found in the sewers.

Investigation Details:

• Thindruk describes their previous mission to find a goblin, which led to the discovery of a shrine.
• Qavitrae confirms the shrine was dedicated to “Zinch,” indicating the presence of chaos-related activities.

Thindruk Steelbone speaks about discovering a shrine built to worship one of the gods of chaos, lowering his voice for emphasis.

Felrick Flappan mentions they saw a demon, reinforcing the seriousness of their find.

The group discusses whether Thindruk is using his real name, confirming he is indeed going by Viscount Thindruk Steelbone after burning documents related to an alias, Lackerson.

Thindruk introduces himself and his companions as employees to a sergeant, who seems unsure and slightly overwhelmed by the situation.

Wanda Hahnemann checks their surroundings to ensure no armed forces are preparing to attack, recalling a previous incident where they were surrounded.

The sergeant returns to inform Thindruk that the captain would like to speak with him, leading the group down a hall to an office.

The captain, Watch Captain Reiner Gertrün, questions Thindruk about his presence in Bögenhafen and his connection to the Schaffenfest, welcoming him.

Thindruk explains their mission from the magistrate, involving a goblin, and presents documents as proof.

The party insists on the existence of a demon and a summoning circle, which sacrificed the goblin, causing the captain to be skeptical and dismissive.

Qavitrae turns her Lichtenberg scar towards the captain as evidence of the chaos they witnessed, while Thindruk insists on the seriousness of their claims.

The captain is incredulous, suggesting what they saw might have been an exaggerated tale rather than reality.

Qavitrae offers to write or draw what they saw, to provide evidence without speaking blasphemous words.

Thindruk requests protection for their return to the sewers to adequately investigate, reasoning that it could be a chance for the captain to save the city.

The captain reluctantly agrees to send a watchman, Guardsman Luther, to accompany them, despite his reluctance.

The group discusses their next steps, considering whether to visit a warehouse before returning to the sewers.

Thindruk and Qavitrae privately debate their strategy, considering the risks of confronting the demon and the potential of escaping if the city doesn’t believe them.

Nora Abendroth and Wanda Hahnemann are suggested as the frontline due to their armor, highlighting the group’s concern about their underpreparedness.

The decision is made to potentially visit the warehouse first, using Luther as an official guide to gain entry under the guise of constable business.

The group plans to use Luther’s reaction as evidence of the demon’s existence and credibility, contemplating the next steps if their claims are still not believed.

The session begins with a discussion among the party, led by Damian, about their mission to prove the existence of a demon rather than fighting it. Damian emphasizes that the goal is to provide evidence of the demon’s existence.

Michael expresses skepticism about their witness’s credibility, arguing that even with proof, the witness they have would not be believed due to a lack of authority or trustworthiness. Michael insists they should stick to their original plan.

Robert suggests that if their witness were to show fear, it might lend some credibility to their claims. However, Michael counters this by expressing concerns about the witness being killed and the group being blamed, leading them to consider fleeing the town.

Damian acknowledges their efforts as an act of goodwill, stating that if they are not believed, they will leave the problem to the authorities and potentially skip town regardless of the outcome.

Michael inquires about the locations of the sewer entrance and a warehouse, leading to a clarification from Luke that manholes are scattered throughout the city, but the goblin entered through a specific grate.

Michael and the GM, Luke, discuss the map, with Michael noting the presence of a bookmark and journal notes that help identify significant locations, including warehouse number four, which is not far from their current location.

The group discusses their navigation strategy, with Brian noting that they marked their trail during their previous sewer expedition, making it easier to retrace their steps.

Joe decides to return to the manhole they initially used to escape, while Brian suggests following the markings they left to ensure they can find their way back to the same spot.

Michael offers to assist Felrick with a survival check to retrace their steps confidently, which Luke allows as a routine check.

Michael and Brian engage in a humorous exchange about being in their element, with Brian jokingly referring to poop as his element.

The party successfully retraces their steps through the sewer, with Luke narrating their journey through uncomfortable and muck-filled tunnels.

They reach a large tunnel where they previously encountered a gelatinous creature, but it is currently absent. The group finds the door they sought, visible only to those with dark vision.

Michael inquires whether the door is locked, and Luke confirms it is, with a visible gap allowing the party members with dark vision to see inside.

Luke describes the chamber as empty, with the copper ring and cabinet previously present now missing, leaving only an empty stone chamber.

The group speculates that the missing items might be found in a nearby warehouse.

Robert, as Thindruk, offers to help open the locked door, which Luke allows due to Thindruk’s previous familiarity with the door’s mechanism.

Michael and Luke engage in an exchange about the plausibility of the chamber being private property, given its location and appearance.

The group discusses the filth in the room and the potential for evidence, leading to a search effort despite poor lighting conditions.

Luke assigns a challenging difficulty level for the awareness check to search the chamber, which is standard for Felrick and Thindruk due to their abilities.

The group is wandering in the sewers with Luther, who appears uncertain about their situation.

Felrick, utilizing his skills in tracking, discovers evidence of previous activities in the area. He finds smudges of paint between stones, indicating something was previously painted but has now been removed.

Felrick also uncovers shavings of copper and signs of tools being used to remove something, suggesting that a ring was sawed apart to facilitate its removal.

Expanding the search, Felrick finds a filthy, monogrammed handkerchief with “FS” embroidered on it, suggesting it was overlooked by others.

Continuing his search, Felrick discovers signs of foot traffic and remnants of blood, leading to the gruesome discovery of a mutilated dwarf corpse, partially blocked by a broken barrel in the sewer stream.

The dwarf’s body shows signs of brutal force with the chest torn open and the heart missing. The corpse bears knife wounds that are not deep enough to be sword wounds, suggesting torture or ritualistic intent.

The body is identified as the dwarf seen pilloried at the fairgrounds for drunkenness and unpaid bills, which was resolved by the Toygan family.

The group debates the implications of the missing ring, questioning whether its removal has released a demon.

Nora inspects the room for signs of demonic presence while the party reflects on the potential chaos cult involvement.

Luther, the young guard, is visibly disturbed by the discovery, contrasting with Felrick’s composed demeanor due to his experience with death.

The party agrees to remove the corpse from the sewer for further inspection, despite the logistical challenges presented by its size and condition.

Nora, staying back, hears a quiet shuffling sound coming from the darkness of the tunnel they originally came from, indicating possible movement nearby and raising the tension of the situation.

Nora Abendroth, played by Damian, alerts the group to a noise down the hall, urging them to quiet down and pay attention.

Qavitrae, played by Joe, draws her sword in response to the potential threat.

Felrick Flappan, played by Brian, prepares by drawing his bow.

Thindruk Steelbone, played by Robert, exclaims “Ramayaks!” as a form of readiness or warning.

Nora Abendroth prepares herself by putting on her knuckles, indicating readiness for a fight.

The GM, Luke, describes how they notice a cloaked figure moving quickly in the dark, using the wall for guidance and seemingly unable to see well.

Felrick and Thindruk identify the figure as a young woman in a cloak.

Felrick attempts to use his bow to perform a takedown on the figure, aiming to slow her down.

Despite a critical success in Felrick’s coordination check, the woman releases her cloak and continues to move away, revealing herself to be a young woman with short hair.

Felrick threatens that his next arrow will hit her if she doesn’t stop, attempting to persuade her to talk.

After a moment, the woman stops and raises her hands, claiming she didn’t see anything and doesn’t know about any murder.

Thindruk and Felrick confront her, with Felrick pointing out the knife on her belt, suggesting it could be linked to a murder.

The woman insists she was down in the sewers hunting rats, denying involvement with any murder.

Wanda Hahnemann, played by Michael, considers bribing the woman for information, offering food and money in exchange.

Qavitrae assists in the negotiation, suggesting that helping them could benefit the city and the woman herself.

The GM allows the use of a bargain check, which is successful, and the woman begins to provide some information.

The woman explains that people use the sewers to move unseen, and speculates that someone might have been mugged or dumped there.

She suggests that the adventurers visit the Crossed Pikes, which she describes as an alehouse, but Luther, a guard, indicates it’s actually a thieves’ den.

Wanda asks for the woman’s name, which is revealed to be Alberta.

Alberta warns the adventurers to be cautious, especially of doors with copper rings, as Wanda advises her to be careful.

The group decides to move the dwarf’s body, which is in a poor state, indicating they are dealing with the aftermath of a murder.

Luther, the guard, is encouraged by the group to use this evidence for a potential promotion.

Alberta is told to keep an ear out for more information and is informed they are staying temporarily at the Riverside Haven, a modest inn.

Alberta, after receiving coppers for her information, leaves, lighting her way with a small lantern.

The group continues their investigation, planning to navigate the sewers carefully and considering their next steps based on the information gathered.

They find a nearby manhole cover to exit the sewers, aiming to return to the streets with a clearer understanding of the layout.

Wanda reflects on her approach, realizing the value of using persuasion over intimidation in this instance.

The session ends with the group making their way back to the surface, resolved to follow up on the leads provided by Alberta.

The session begins with the GM, Luke, describing a single-story building bustling with activity. The building is frequented by well-dressed individuals, suggesting it is a place of significance.

Michael notes that many merchants seem to be entering the building, indicating its importance in the commercial sphere.

Luke mentions an insignia painted on a shingle by the door, described as a highly stylized “S,” which those literate among the group recognize.

Joe, playing Qavitrae, inquires if the insignia is related to a purple hand tattoo previously seen, but it is clarified as different.

Luke provides background on the insignia, identifying it as belonging to the Steinhagers, one of the wealthy merchant families known as the “four families.”

The group, while dragging a dwarf’s body through the streets, considers the significance of this symbol and its recognition by Qavitrae from the town hall.

Damian, as Nora, raises concerns about the public reaction to their grisly task, noting the trail of unpleasantness they leave.

Luke describes the reaction of the public, which includes screams and shock, as Luther, an ally, reassures them by identifying himself with the City Watch.

The City Watch arrives, questioning Luther’s actions, but he explains the captain’s orders, leading to the commandeering of a wagon to transport the body.

Joe, as Qavitrae, challenges the captain’s understanding of the situation, suggesting that the body is evidence of chaos cult activity.

The captain expresses skepticism, dismissing the situation as a possible robbery rather than ritualistic violence.

Michael, as Wanda Hahnemann, argues the severity of the case, questioning if robbery victims typically suffer such mutilation.

Tensions rise as Joe and Michael continue to press the issue, suggesting that the Toygan family might be involved due to past connections.

The captain warns against making baseless allegations against the city’s citizens and suggests taking the issue to a town councillor.

Despite the warning, the party insists on bringing the body as proof to the magistrate, leveraging the authority of their letter with the magistrate’s seal.

Michael argues for the importance of the evidence, attempting to intimidate the captain and watchmen into allowing them to take the body to the magistrate.

Upon showing the letter with the magistrate’s seal, the watchmen reluctantly agree to let the group take the body, convinced by the authority of the seal.

The group plans to cover the body with a tarp and transport it to the magistrate’s office, aiming to present it as evidence.

Joe notes the appropriateness of the timing, suggesting that presenting the body around lunchtime will make a significant impact.

Michael proposes a strategy for presenting the evidence, suggesting they reveal only the face of the corpse to make the identification more impactful.

As the session draws to a close, Luke notes the time, suggesting a pause, and reflects on the group’s progress, including alliances formed and the state of their current hygiene.

The session ends with humorous banter about the lingering odor from their sewer escapade, likening it to a dog’s encounter with a skunk.