As the group walked the streets they saw a huge half orc beset with an imp, flitting about just out of range of his greatclub.   Springing into action, the heroes ran down to assist, only to be ambushed by the imp’s friends.  Many blows and stabs were turned aside by the infernally imbued skin.  However, the barbarian seemed to do well with mighty, two handed, downward swings.

Full of poison and with Olgun on the ground, the battle seemed to slowly be turning to the party’s favour as Tusk slowly but methodically smashed the imps into the ground.  Half a minute after the skirmish broke out a flight of pseudo dragons flew in to lend a hand against the hated imps.  With a few parting shots the party watched the little devils flee at top speed with a group of pseudo dragons hot on their heels.

Introductions were made with the Half-orc.  “You have any shiny metal?”  It seemed the brute wanted to buy some slaves. No, wait, he wanted to buy a friend out of slavery. Well, that’s pretty noble, he’ll fit right in with this party.  Agreeing to stick together the group made their way to the church of Sheylyn to deliver a holy symbol they recovered from Lamm’s stash.

The entire church was converted into a field hospital, with wounded civilians lying all about the floor.  Even though they were a bit too busy to worry about a returned symbol, the priests appreciated the gesture. Young Justin, offered to cure the party of their ailments, and get their sluggish, gluey blood to run smoothly again.  The offer to stay overnight was gratefully accepted.

The bleak, gray dawn revealed a tense, quiet. The looting and rioting had abated somewhat, but smoke still lingered in the air, and pockets of fighting could still be heard sporadically.

The doors of Acadamae were shut tight, with a dome of energy extending above the walls.  Signs in all language brusquely told everyone to leave or face painful death.  A more profession message written in magic informed all students and faculty that they are locked out until “the flower showed the way.”

Turning away the group noticed a group of labourers hassling a young noble and his servant.  Watching from a short distance was a man in leather armour and bow.  With an arrow nocked and ready for any trouble that might spark. Perhaps to save the noble, or maybe to rob him?  In any case, Lazarus approached the cluster of thugs and convinced them that all Varisians needed to stick together at times like this and taking out their anger on a random noble wasn’t going to solve anything.  With grunts of accent the commoners skulked off.

Amin Jagger of House Jagger was very appreciative of the rescue, but only had a paltry few platinum to pay the party in recompense.  They were happy to do it and offered to escort him safely home.  A friendly contact in House Jagger might come in handy. At this point they talked with the watching archer, Zack, who seemed like an alright sort of person.  He was watching the noble from a distance, hoping to keep him safe.  Together they struck out for the far side of the city.

Not much farther they heard the deep, hollow reverberations of a Hell Knights speaking from within their fearsome helmets.  They were stopping an old woman and her teenage granddaughter, accusing them of stealing apples.  Without any regard to the Hell Knights’ capacity as law enforcers and with deep contempt Tusk charged the group and bashed a knight a little bit.

“Violater!” “criminal!”  The Hell Knights fell upon the barbarian and cut him up badly, nearly dropping him.  The rest of the party rushed in with liberal applications of grease and touch attacks. A long and deadly combat broke out.  The Hell Knight’s armour was frustrating, but ended up being a huge liability to the knights as they struggled to stand up in the puddles of grease that surrounded them.  Frustrated and desperate the knights couldn’t do much else than cry out their contempt, “law breaker!”  “Liberal!”  “Hippy!”

The group fought together like a well… greased… machine.  Olgun proved his worth, by keeping the knights on the ground with his grease spells.  Malthus managed to nickel and dime on knight to death by splattering him repeatedly with acid.  Lazarus made a few daring reaches to touch the knights with magical attacks.  Zach kept harrying the knights with his arrows, incurring their wrath, and keeping them too busy and pinned down to chase after the magic casters.  Tusk and Raphael played a curious game of yo-yo, with half-orc repeatedly dropping and getting healed up again.  His orc fury took an unusually potent form and sustained him throughout the battle instead of just once.

With a crushed skull, a face scarred with acid, and arrows through the back, three knights lay dead.  One was still breathing shallowly.  Raphael decided to do the right thing and stabilized him, refusing to finish him off, knowing that the knight would report them. Hopefully, someone else would come across his body and finish him off…  The party tried on the fancy full plate armour, but realized how foolhardy it would be to walk around in Hell Knight armour. Even a helmet or a shield would draw unwanted questions.

Turning around, they realized that the old lady and girl were long gone.  So was Amin Jagger.  Apparently, he didn’t have a desire to be affiliated with cop killers.  Somewhat dejected at losing their noble contact, the party headed off to the church of Callistria, which is sometimes mistook for a brothel.  They returned the succubi, ivory statuette that they recovered from Lamm.  Supermodel Gloria gratefully accepted the returned item and healed the party from the wounds and afflictions.  They also accrued some goodwill and were allowed to spend the night and partake in personal rites with a priestess of their liking.  It was a magical night, sexual and religious and unlike anything any of them experienced before.  Some party members gained insight and learned to better align their masculine and feminine selves to make themselves more persuasive with women.

In the morning Lazarus revealed that they killed some Hell Knights, at which point they were politely kicked out of the church.  But they were told to try some of  the nearby stores to sell their loot.  A polite knock on the door might get the shop owner to open up. After one or two unsuccessful attempts to assuage some suspicious shop owners, the party got a friendly reception with Otto.  His family was sitting around the table eating breakfast, with a distant relative of theirs, Elmo.  Unfortunately for everyone, Elmo was drunk and in a talkative mood.  He mistook Lazarus for his buddy from Sandpoint.  Through his barely coherent ramble about fencing, training, missing fingers and some teenage bitch Malthus finally placed the face: he was a popular Captain of the Guard. He’s liked for his evenhandedness and resistance to the encroachment of Hell Knights on various jurisdictions.

At one point, Tusk badly offended Otto and nearly got kicked out of his shop.  “How the Abyss should I know how much slaves cost, you dirty greeny?  Go back to your swamps and take your slaver ways with you, snaggle tooth!”  The rest of the party was able to explain Tusk’s noble task of freeing his friend from slavery.  Somewhat mollified, but still disbelieving Otto dealt with the party and gave them advice to sell their magic loot.

Coming and going between two shops, buying and selling magical goods and mundane, the party realized how much Elmo was imposing on Otto and his family.  And besides, this was no place for a Captain of the Guard.  He should be on duty at a time like this.  They reminded Elmo of this oaths and duties.  With a glint of intelligence piercing his sodden expression, he nodded dully, and got up with one more for the road, and headed off to report in.

At this point the party decided to try their hand, and return the amulet to the queen.  Perhaps the Palace Corps would let them in, they might as well try.  They made their way up the huge pyramid, on the Great Ramp.  At the door some Palace Corps challenged them.  They didn’t mention anything about any fallen Hell Knights, so far so good.  After showing the amulet they were eventually allowed entry.  They were briefed by Sabrina (the teenaged bitch) who was resplendent in gleaming full plate and long sword:  companion, advisor, bodyguard, and rumored lover of the queen.  Somewhat patronizingly she ushered them into the nearly empty throne room.

Thanking them for returning her pretty bauble at such distressing times the queen offered the reward of 12 ingots of gold inside a fancy silver box.  The party noticed that the ingots were all stamped with a likeness of the queen.  Although suspicious, some of the more wise characters realized that with two days and the assistance of magic, it was somewhat reasonable to expect new minting this early.  It could just be another way that the queen is trying to establish her control of the city, amidst the all the power plays that must surely be broiling beneath the surface.  In any case, the queen sensed the moral and upright character of the group of heroes and asked them to report to the local guard station to assist in maintaining order.

After being safely escorted to The Citadel, the party met with Field Marshal Lara Croft: A busty, woman with a long pony tail, shiny mithral armour and twin pistols at her hips.  Only citizens of Alkenstar have firearms, and even then, they don’t usually take them outside of that country.  Croft either obtained those guns above board, or under the table. Duel, theft, assassination, diplomatic gift, smuggling?  Regardless, it speaks volumes that she would brazenly display them.

Lara Croft tasked the heroes with tracking down Vince, a member of the guard who went rogue and pulled a few of his companions with him.  His desertion must be dealt with, hopefully with non-lethal means.  If it comes down to it, Croft understands if the party needs to defend themselves with deadly force. After all, Vince brought this down on his own head.

Stepping out of the Citadel’s door and heading out to All the World’s Meat, Malthus recalls something he heard lately while speaking with shopkeepers.  If you ask for ‘the night’s special cuts’ you can hire out the Cow Hammer Boys as thugs, to take care of your problems for you.  Interesting side businesses for ex-guards: butchery and hired muscle.

After his brave actions on the night of the attack on our fair city by nefarious sources loyal to the traitorous previous mayor, the city council has decided to declare Council Man Borloch,, Mayor for Life! We citizens of Corvis are honored to have a man of such self sacrifice and integrity as our Mayor!

Corvis Against the Puppet King.

As has been long know, the thrown of our kingdom is presently held by the usurper and rebel weakling Leto, who stole the thrown from it’s rightful heir through trickery and witch craft. Corvis is proud to declare its’ allegiance with King Vinter! After the cowardly attacks on the city council we were indeed most fortunate to be able to call upon King Vinter and his allied forces to bring stability back to our city, whilst the forces of Leto were nowhere to be seen in our hour of need!

Rebels to be Hung!

In a cowardly attack upon our city, a number of rebels and rebel sorcerers attacked the city prison where they managed to rescue a number of rebel scum of little consequence. 15 of the rebels were killed and 6 captured. Sadly, “Stevious Sackly”, a father of 3 young children was killed in this cowardly attack. A service will be held for him at the city hall and a collection made for his family. The University of Corvis has offered free education for his children.

The criminals captured will be sentenced by the court and are expected to be hung within the week. The ring leader, one Bart, a sorcerer of some repute will be on display for  the public to display their outrage at this villain before he is hung, drawn and quartered in public.

Curfew.

Please note that while the city is cleaned of the last vestiges of criminal elements that a dusk till dawn curfew is in place. Remember also that the ownership of swords and firearms is illegal, you should hand in your weapons before the end of the week to avoid prosecution!

Father Dumas Kidnapped.

While great strides have been made to combat the rebel elements, it is with great sadness that we must report that Father Dumas has been kidnapped by a desperate group of these criminals. What they hope to gain from the kidnap of our most respected priest we have no idea! If you have news that leads to the rescue of Father Dumas then report it immediately. A reward of 100 Gold Crowns will be given to each person with news that leads to his rescue. False representation is punishable by public flogging!

Sunbright Estates

Presently recognized as one of the leaders of the criminal elements. The Sunbright estates have been confiscated by the crown. His Royal Highness King Vinter will reside in the estate when he is in Corvis. While no doubt many of you will wish to pay our True King your respects, he humbly requests that you allow him is privacy and do not gather at the estate. Gifts may be sent to the city hall for forwarding to his Highness.

Alchemy and Witchcraft.

Evil doers take note! The City of Corvis will not tolerate the use of necromantic magic, dark alchemy or sorcery. The punishment for such crimes is death without hearing. The Witch Hunter General has given the town watch permission to detain, question and if necessary torture anyone who is know to consort or harbor witches! There is a 100 gold crown reward for information leading to the arrest of any witch. False representation is punishable by public flogging!

Shipping.

Contrary to reports, shipping and merchant caravans are allowed to go about their business as usual. King Vinter has no wish to prevent our fair city from going about it’s usual business and in fact has decided to drop the grossly unfair tax on Khadorian goods and merchandise too!

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Helstrom brought the party up to speed and told them he’d be back in 24 hours with details on how to rescue Father Dumas from the dungeon where he was being held, as well as with some weapons. In the time between the party managed to find time for :

• Gob to nip out and try and get into the Temple of Cyriss, but the doors were locked
• A trip to the Sweet Lords ship, where it was really quiet and the Sweet Lord tasked the party with helping to get the city back on it’s knees – to him. As well as try and rescure Lord Sunbright.
• A misguided but successful quest placed upon the party by their dear friend Harcourt Horkel, Milskrat found him to be a great guy, Kovul for some reason wanted to kill him on sight…hmmm
• And from helping Harcourt the party ended up running into the Blighted Dwarves that the party had evaded in the forest, killing themand Kovul took the lead Dwarves Axe “Brain Frost”, a covenant weapon.

And then back to the main plot, the party picked up their weapons rowed out to the dungeon sewer entrance and moved swiftly to enter.  Finally they arrived at the stairs up into the Dungeon. First up was Bart (The Gobber) , he popped up from the trap door to find himself face to face with a guard using the privy. Bart (covered in mud and gunk) quickly explained that he was cleaning the sewer, which the guard found to be a pretty reasonable statment. Gob followed (another Gobber covered in gunk), “part of the same team”. Okay passable, next up Milskrat armed with Large Hammer “Err… sewer cleaning crew?” more a question than a statement from the Trollkin.  Now being caught on the crapper with his pants down the guard knew better than to argue, next up, Kovul,”Part of the…yea well what ever!” An argument now broke out amongst the sewer cleaning crew as to what to do with the man on the privy.  Which ended as follows as Kovul asked “So do you support Vinter Raelthorne?” , “No Sir”? said the guard (telling Morrow’s own truth), “Bollock’s!” said Kovul and swung at him with his Axe…missed and said guards man then dived screaming down the open trap door. All chance of sneaking in was over and the party just glared at Kovul, who glared back. Time passed and then alarm bells started to ring and combat broke out.

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In the ensuing chaos, the party managed to find several prisoners (including Father Dumas and Lord Sunbright), free them and almost escaped without casualties. But were cut off by the guards and the arrival of lots of guns And Van Oberen. Bart was overcome by a group of viscous Skorne paingivers that he ran into  and while he didn’t bleed out, he was left behind by his valiant buddies. (”Leave no man behind!” not being part of the parties creed) The rest of the rescue team managed to fight off the wave of Skorne that took down Bart, lost a couple of rescued prisoners and then plunged through the blood grates back into the Sewer to flee into the night.

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And so, father Dumas is saved, Skorne are in the city and Bart has been captured… Can the party save Corvis or will they call it a day and bugger off to Five Fingers!

Beyond all belief out fair city of Corvis was attacked and defiled by an army of undead lead by none other than the niece of Father Dumas!

The attacked started shortly before the main city fireworks display got underway with undead pouring from the rivers. They rapidly took the docks as well as several naval vessels moored off shore.

Initially their main focus was on devastation and mayhem though , as one they turned their attention towards to the Cathedral of Morrow after 2 hours of the assault.

The defense of the Cathedral was lead by Father Dumas and backed up by the lay members of the church as well as a number of the city guard and local toughs.

The Cathedral defenses were finally over run and the defenders fell back to the crypt of Alexia’s mother! At the sight Alexia and the flying corpses of four of the original Witches of Corvis were discovered breaking the circles of protection.

The defenders were unable to stop the events of chaos and evil being performed and Alexia was able to recover not only the body of her mother but also the cursed Witchfire blade itself!!!

How over just as all seemed lost an unknown wizard materialized and laid waste to a vast number of undead while striking down Alexia. Sadly this did not stop the army of evil. Alexia rose again and although the surviving forces on hand tried to stop her, she recovered the sword and with a baleful curse flew away with the rest

of the witches coven. Of the heroic wizard no sign was found, it is feared he may have been carried away by the witches. With the departure Alexia the army of dead, simply collapsed, their armies work done!

Dented Helm “The Wake”.

Garek has announced a period of mourning at the Dented Helm, during this time all beers will be served at half price to all council employed clean up and salvage crews.

Pray to Menoth for Salvation says Exemplar Viloss

Exemplar Viloss looks upon the events of the past week as nothing more than can be expected to befall a city of unholy souls!!! We’re not convinced he has a point but the Chapel of Menoth wasn’t touched by the undead. Exemplar Viloss put the safety of his chapel’s safety down to his total and pure faith in Menoth.

Church Calls for Volunteers.

Father Dumas is looked for volunteers to help repair and clean up the church grounds. The church offers free food and accommodation to all volunteers. Food donations are also needed to help feed those left homeless by the attack. Families are also needed for a number of children left orphaned.

Bridge Troll Slaughters Continue.

After slaughtering a group of mercenaries lead by Gregor Grundi, the north bridge continues to be plagued by a Bridge Troll. The city council and Merchant council are offering a 5000 Crown reward for the head of the Troll and proof that it’s nest has been cleaned out of any young.

Yellow Shields up thuggery and theft.

Even after the destruction of our fair city it seems some people can not stop themselves from praying upon our citizens in the hours of need and despair. Attacks on homeless, undefended homes and damaged business premises. There seems to be no depths to which they won’t fall, even offering low cost and free “6th I” to people who are presently looking at the ruins of their lives.

Lord Sunbright Donates to City.

Though his own estate was untouched by the resent devastation, Lord Sunbright has donated some 100,000 Crowns to the rebuilding of the city. He also asked to add this message “Gentlemen solutions are well overdue! Lets clean up and have closure!”

The military of Corvis was put on high alert today. The basis of this alert seems to be news regarding an attack on the city due in the next couple of days, by an undead army! Captain Helstrom has mustered the Blue Coats and Nigh Glass militia, doubling street patrols, gate guards and mounted patrols into the woods/ Magistrate Borloch however has suggested that the whole thing is nothing more than someone’s idea of a grand (but over done) plan for the Longest Night, he warns that “The church and city council will take a dim view on anyone caught up in necromancy, even at this time of year!”

Dented Helm “Corvis Lager” Launch.

Rhulic brewer Garek, announces that the 1000 Crown tables are almost fully booked for the big launch event. Notable attendees include everyone who is anyone and a few anyone’s who wish they were someone. Free beer, food and of course the new Corvis Lager will be flowing for the honored guests. Rumor has it that the Llael embassy booked 3 tables!!!

“6th I” Drug Price Drops!

While Yellow Shield gang members have been visible less than usual over the past week, the price of “6^th I” has dropped due to an increase in supply. The price has made the drug readily affordable to the average man on the street. Certainly not a good thing. The ever invisible Mr. Wednesday sent us an announcement just today, offering a reward of 2000 Crowns for information leading to the death or capture of the people behind the supply and smuggling of the drug into Corvis.

Menoth Chapel Defaced

Exemplar Viloss is said to be less than impressed with the city watch after his new chapel was defaced. Apparently anti Menoth Slogans were painted on the alls of the church and the altar was left with some less than charitable donations. Exemplar Viloss was more concerned with the incompetence of the watch than he defacement of his chapel, “Even Morrow acknowledged that Menoth is the father of all gods!” was his statement before returning to cleaning the chapel.

Warehouse Burnt Down!

In spite of a city wide ban on fireworks being set off during the Longest Night celebrations, it seems some folks just don’t listen, A large explosion ripped apart a warehouse held by the Khador Trade Representative Office. Apparently the fire was set off by locally hired guards who lacked the common sense to see off Skigg with buckets of water. The guards were all swiftly arrested by the watch and are being held on charges of Arson. They could also yet be hauled up on charges of , illegal discharge of firearms and possession of illegal weapons. The Trial is sent for the 7th of Glaceus.

Ogrun Assaulted by Rats!

In related news, one of the hired help was said to be none other than an Ogrun. Who according to sources “Screamed like a Bogger bitch with her hair on fire when he saw the Skiggs!” A sad day for Ogrun everywhere.

Message from the new Ambassador.

His lordship Aryn Lymos was presented as the new ambassador. Promoted from his role as Trade Attaché, Lord Lymos had the following statement “Following from the unpleasant incident that occurred in Corvis this month I am delighted to take on the role of Ambassador to Corvis. I hope to ensure that trade continues to flourish between Cygnar and Llael and that we will not let this incident become and issue for either nation.”

Bridge Troll Slaughters Hunters

A team of 7 “so called” experienced hunters set off to take down the Bridge Troll north of the city were slaughtered. The only survivor (as usual) being Gregor Grundi. He had plenty to say on the fight and remains optimistic that the Troll will kill plenty more people in rather bloody fashion before it’s taken down. Ashley Alton was unavailable for comment, apparently heading North on university business.