The Famous (but never encountered) Marienburg Sewer Troll

The Edelmoed Temple (Shallya)

“The Edelmoed? Oh, that’s the temple to Shallya on Potion Square, you mean. Named after a character from some old story, I think.”

“It’s run by a Brother and Sister - at least, I think they’re brother and sister, as well as just by title, if you see what I mean. Good people, or so I hear. But then again, you can probably say that about all of Shallya’s folk! There’s an orphanage across the way, as well – I think that’s something to do with the temple.”

“They’ve got a hostel or flophouse or something built on, but they’re very discreet about it. There were some worries that they’d bring drunks and tramps and who knows what else in from all over. After all, if they’d wanted to do that sort of thing they really should have built the temple on Riddra, not Luydenhoek. But they’ve been very good about it.”

“They’re a very pleasant couple - if couple’s the right word. I think they’re relatives rather than being married. A bit much sometimes, but then most priests can get that way. Mind you, they abide by their own sermons - one or other of them’s always out among the Channel Rats, doing whatever it is they
do for them.”

This small temple to Shallya stands on the north side of Potion Square. It is a plain but well-maintained structure, and like most temples and shrines of Shallya, it includes a small hospice and
shelter for the sick and homeless. Rasmus Edelmoed is a legendary figure. Opinions differ as to whether he was a trader captain or a privateer, but all the versions of his life agree that he was an exceptionally courageous sailor. However, it is his death that is truly notable.

Shipwrecked in the Sea of Claws, he spent three weeks adrift on a raft with a fellow-survivor – a wealthy Marienburg trader. When it became clear that there was only enough food for one of them, Edelmoed, inspired by a vision, gallantly threw himself overboard so that his companion might live.

Edelmoed’s companion was eventually picked up by another Marienburg ship. On his return to the city, he founded the Edelmoed Temple and entered the cult of Shallya. His experiences had left him a changed man: owing his life to an act of selflessness, he tried to spend the rest of it selflessly helping others. Such was his devotion to this ideal that his name is recorded nowhere in the temple’s annals.

Chapter 7: Blood and Guts

The girl shuffled along next to Jormund as he held her hand tightly, reassuring her that she was going back to her mother. Ras and Armand watched as Fredje was taken away by the Black Hats, powerless to stop the marching of the guard, eventually following Jormund back towards the scene of the battle earlier.

Goran lay stable on the floor, blood still pouring from his wound, yet conscious enough to stay on his guard. Jormund sent the girl back up the ladder to the baker’s main store room before pulling the ladder clear and cutting it down to size with his axe to use as a stretcher for Goran. Ras and Armand lifted Goran onto the makeshift transport, agreeing that the Temple of Shallya was the only way he was going to heal from his wounds. Potion Square's Edelmoed temple was closest to their current position, however all were unsure as it was also close to Grossbart’s dwelling.

With no time to waste, Ras pushed on, Jormund travelling ahead of the stretcher to clear the way. Striding up the stairs of the temple, the wounded Goran groaned loudly as his stretcher came to a halt in front of a large desk within polished halls of stone.
The priests of the temple muttered and whispered as matrons and nurses were fetched, along with a cleaning child to mop the stream of blood from the floor that trailed behind Goran. Disarming him, two large priests carried Goran off into a wing of the Temple, Ras agreeing with Jormund and Armand not to leave him alone, electing to stay and keep watch.

Armand and Jormund took their leave of the Temple, Jormund decided to stay around the square, keeping an eye on Grossbart’s front door, just in case, Armand heading back to Riddra, Titus needed to know what had transpired.

As Ras sat next to Goran who lay calm and motionless on one of the many beds that lined the wall, the child with the cleaning bucket appeared with the matron in tow. The child pointing his finger at Ras who looked slightly worried by the accusing finger being shaken at him. Standing abruptly, Ras look one step forward as he motioned to raise his hands as a sign of peace when he heard his boot fall on wet floors. Looking down, he was standing in a pool of blood, his blood. Looking himself over, Ras remembered he had taken a hit at the hands of the brute, shielding Goran, Ras failed to feel the large gash that hung open at his left shoulder, the skin cut deep to almost reveal bone. The matron approached, placed her hands on him and within a short time, Ras was lying in the next bed along the wall from Goran, healing with ridiculous speed.

Jormund wandered in and out of shops in the square, alchemist, apothecary, leather worker, all dismissing the dwarf as a time waster, especially the alchemist who seemed more concerned with what was being bumped into than even trying to sell his wares. Jormund’s gaze however never strayed far from the Tavern, his eyes keen and his senses sharp.

Armand flung the doors of the Gentleman’s Club open, sighting Olaf at the bar, Armand demanded to see Titus. Olaf did not budge, only signalling that he could go straight up the stairs. Out of breath from his race back to the club, Armand entered the meeting room where the voices of several Guild members could be heard, as he entered, all eyes fell on him, Titus, Martinus, Oldrik, Willem and Rikkert.
Stunned, Armand broke the silence letting all the details spill. Goran was in the temple, Grossbart’s enforcer was the ringleader, the Estalians were not Estalians, everything. Titus cut him off after a short time, issuing orders instead. Martinus was to look into where Fredje was being held, Willem was to watch the waterways for threats coming or going, Rikkert was to take two men to the Temple of Shallya to watch Goran, Armand was to gather Ras and Jormund and return immediately.

The round trip was fast, Armand feeling like he was going to fall over as he returned to the Gentleman’s club with Jormund and the rested Ras behind him. Olaf again signaled for the three to move upstairs, Titus less surprised this time, ushering the men to sit, the Lieutenants also watching closely.

As Ras and Jormund were asked to corroborate the story of Armand, Ras gave a detailed explanation, Jormund seconding most of the story. The decision was made by the lieutenants and Titus, Fredje would have to be captured, he would need to be returned for questioning. Martinus had dispatched his men to find where in Suiddock the hulking individual was being held, news expected before morning. Titus then decided to discuss another matter, the expedition to Knife Alley, the Estalian Quarter.

Laying down the law to Armand who had taken point on the journey, Titus’s displeasure at his meeting with Nunez the most profound insult of the trip. Armand did his best to explain, Titus knowing of Armand’s quest for vengeance, yet seemed to show respect at the Estalian’s restraint. Titus however did mention that although the truth had been discovered, the cost across the water may exact a high toll in the future.
Another note of the meeting, Titus commanded Armand to meet him at 11pm at the fighting pits on the north end of Riddra, a place Armand knew well having sparred there with Bernhardt over the past few months. The reason for such a late liaison remaining hidden, although the invitation was extended to all who wanted to attend.

After an evening of rest at their lodging, Jormund, Ras and Armand continued to discuss how they were to get Fredje out and return him in one piece, it would not be an easy task, Armand’s mind however strayed, the fighting pit school, everyone knows what happens there after nightfall. During the day, it is just that, a fighting pit school, at night, people fought for real.
As 11pm arrived, Armand, Ras and Jormund entered the gates of the fighting pits, recognizing numerous members of the crowd, including Titus and several other guild members, Armand was quickly ushered away by two of the servants who worked the pits. Ras and Jormund entering the stands and ordering fresh ale and food.
Armand found himself in the dressing room, told to strip down to his pants and wait to be called.

Sitting close to Titus, Ras and Jormund raised their steins of ale in voice with the crowd as two men fought viciously within the pit, bone and knuckles red with blood. As the brawl cane to an end, the announced entered the centre of the pit. Announcing a special fight, a challenge had been issued by a foreigner against Armand, the local Estalian. Ras and Jormund watched Armand enter the ring, his wiry frame unmistakable against the average looking opponent who entered apposite him.
Within moments, Ras immediately placed a bet on Armand, Jormund, just to keep things interesting, bet on the other man.

In the centre of the arena, the stranger began his jests at Armand, depicting that the Estalian had murdered his sister. Armand was confused at first, asking who his sister was. Then came the cold chill of knowledge, the servant girl in the house where they stole the scrimshaw, the accident, the girl that woke up only to impale herself on his blade.
Without the time to explain, Armand and the man were cuffed together, two foot of chain connecting them. Two 2-inch blades stabbed in the ground, it was to be a close quarter’s fight, bloody and raw.
As the curtain raised on the fight, Armand knew he had no choice, launching himself at the man, not immediately reaching for a blade, he knocked the man down, unleashing a flurry of blows into his face and side before the sting of steel found him. The man had plucked a knife and sliced at Armand’s ribs. Retaliating, Armand also grabbed a blade.

The next few minutes were a violent exchange of stabs and slices, both men showing several cuts of a shallow nature, yet enough to bathe the men in blood. Armand finally gaining the upper hand and driving his blade into the man’s neck, not fatal, but incapacitating. Armand pleaded with the man to surrender, he could be saved, the man however, pulling Armand’s knife from his neck in a huge spurt of blood that within moments gurgled into his lungs and drowned him.

Triumphant, Armand marched into the dressing room, the cutters waiting to sew him up, there he sat, needles piercing his body, stitches sealing his wounds, brandy on his lips, in his mind, only venom, venom and rage.
Meeting Jormund and Ras outside, Ras handed Armand the winnings of his bet on the fight, explaining that Armand should give the coin to the family of the deceased. Armand snorted at the request, his mind frustrated that the man had challenged him, Ras pressed the issue, however Armand grew tired of the requests, who was this marsh dweller to teach him about honour or justice?

Returning to their lodgings, Armand began to drown his pain in more brandy, joined only briefly by Jormund, however his foul mood soon turning the dwarf to retire for the evening.
2am chimed across the city, the same time a knock came at the door of Ras, Armand and Jormund. Martinus himself delivered the news, Fredje was being held at Watch house Station 6 in Stoessel, five Black Hats on duty with no date for transfer currently known.

As the sun came to the centre of the sky, Ras, Armand and Jormund developed the plan to involve Sharky and Van Dorp, the two Black Hats who dwelled on Riddra, in an effort to see if the guards at watch station six were able to be bribed.
Entering the tavern the two black hats occupied, the discussion was unnerving. The two pulling out all of the stops in an effort to get as much gold for their troubles as possible. Ras lost his temper with the two first, his knuckles turning white underneath the table they sat at. Armand close behind, unknowingly clutching his dagger before Jormund stepped in, blocking the way between Armand and Sharky.

As the conversation eventually returned back to a sense of frustrated civility, Sharky and Von Dorp agreed to investigate Watch station 6,  they would return with information and to collect their reward for doing such an act.
It was early evening when the hooded figure of Goran appeared on the doorstep of the lodgings the group resided in, Ras was the first to take Goran by the shoulder and aid him inside. Still struggling with basic movements, he reassured the group that he was able to participate in the plan that Jormund and Armand explained regarding the watch station. Sitting in a padded chair next to the still healing
Armand, the four began to drink and exchange stories, bringing Goran up to speed on how Titus had reacted, the semi mobilization of the guild to investigate Fredje’s actions and Grossbart’s possible involvement along with the challenge Armand faced in the duelling pits.

Laughing at how everything seems to happen when Goran is not there, the four continued to drink well into the early morning.
As the sun reached its peak in the sky, the four re-entered the tavern Sharky and Von Dorp called home, sighting them at their usual table, the four approached directly. Explaining that the Sergeant of the Watch Station was not a man to be bribed, however he was not going to be there in the evening, the Corporal of the station, Karel, was however able to be bought, but only for tonight before the Sergeant returns.
Sharky and Von Dorp would wait across the street from the watch station, making sure they intervened should the group’s actions not be complete by the time any patrol approached the station. Jormund however was hesitant, agreeing with Armand, Goran and Ras they he should remain outside, to keep an eye on the corrupt Black Hats.

*

The Watch Station was a mess, blood littered the walls, body parts strewn across the floor. Counting the devastation, at least four heads lay about the room. The cell was empty, Ras and Goran holding their hands across their mouths, unable to decide if they would vomit or not. Armand just stood in shock, looking for a clean patch of wall to brace himself against. Jormund finally made his way inside the station, Sharky and Von Dorp disappearing into the night having glanced the death and destruction. Composing themselves, it was Goran who first noticed the trap door behind the main desk of the watch desk. Raising the wooden door, the stench of sewer drains wafted into the watch station, barely masking the smell of fresh blood and death. Ras was first to enter, encouraging the rest to follow, Armand, Goran and Jormund eventually disappeared beneath the trap door, Jormund taking the lead in the dark. Barely 20 meters down the tunnel, Jormund came to a stop, spying a strange print in the mud and filth. A large footprint, at least three times the size of a man’s.

Ras immediately whispered the words of Trolls that dwell in sewers, his conclusion, a troll had killed everyone in the watch station and helped Fredje escape. Following several tunnels, the stench growing with every meter they trudged, yet no signs of whatever had left the print.
Ras crossed the shallow water of the tunnel, in doing so, his foot sank deeper than he expected, filling his boot with foul smelling muck.
The complaining was endless, Jormund eventually leading the group to an outlet where the sewer tunnel met the shore. All waded into the shallow water, splashing their faces and skin in an attempt to remove the stench that now engulfed them.

No sign of Fredje, he was gone.

The disappointment Titus showed was obvious on his face. Mixed with the constant upturning of his nose at the smell that emitted from the four now standing in front of him. Already developing a plan in his own mind, Titus dismissed the four to rest, bathe and sleep, turning to Olaf and Rikkert for whispered discussions as the group withdrew.

Three men and a dwarf entered the bathhouse of Riddra, smelling of rot and filth. The early hours of the morning turned into the late hours of the afternoon before any of the four left the water. Soaking themselves several times, both externally and internally with wine and brandy. A messenger from Titus intercepted Goran, Ras, Armand and Jormund as they breathed in the cool evening air without the scent of filth in their nostrils. Titus had summoned them for a meeting with Grossbart.

The Long Dragon was alive with guests, drinking and eating their evening meals and making merry, oblivious to the group of men who entered. Titus, Rikkert, Ras, Armand, Goran and Jormund all fell under the gaze of Rolf, Grossbart’s right hand who waited on the balcony overlooking the dining hall. Waiving them upstairs, Rolf led his guests along the balcony and into a large meeting room, filled with finery, a large table in the centre of the room with matching chairs, all elegantly engraved.
As all sat, a feast was arrayed in front of them, all speaking in hushed voices as they ate and drank. Rolf rose from his chair, demanding silence. The only noise heard in the room was coming from the balcony outside, the sliding of cloth on wooden floors and the sharp rapping of wood striking floorboards. The door to the room swung open, Grossbart entered slowly, walking on two canes, his legs bandaged, only briefly visible as his robe shifted with every staggered step. Sitting at the head of the table, the four sighted the evidence of boils and scabs littering his skin around his face and collar.

When Grossbart finally spoke, his words were gravelly and cracked, his voice emitting that of a man of ancient age, echoed by his decrepit appearance. He began to explain to the table that all of the Guild members from Stoessel, the second island of the three that made up the middle part of Suiddock, had been killed. The search of Fredjes quarters yielding little to know evidence of what his activities had been, the only strange belongings, two envelopes addressed to and from Klassen, a town south of Marienburg within the Marshes.

Grossbart demanded the return of his former employee, dead or alive, promising rewards that had been sought by all yet remained elusive.

After Grossbart's Fall: Who's Who

Andries "The Fish"

Andries was a Freelance smuggler, supplying Grossbart with Black Lotus.
Fred was supposed to meet up with his, and rejoin Grossbart, but Rikkert's crew found out about this and faced Andries.
Always eager to save his own skin, he eventually decided to sell Grossbart out, revealing the location of where he was supposed to deliver Fred upon his return. This led the crew to Grossbart's temple.

The crew told Andries to leave the city, but he made a deal, selling his accountant to them and his smuggler's cave, as well as the promise of continued supply of Black Lotus, at a high price.

Grossbart's guards

Two of these vile creatures were protecting Grossbart in his 'temple' during the showdown between the (former) Captain of Suiddock and Rikkert's Crew.

COPY PASTE DISTRICTS FROM HERE AS THEY ARE VISITED !!!!!

Doodkanaal (Dead Canal)
The worst of slums, feared and shunned. Dying and blighted.

Elfsgemeente (Elftown)
also known as Sith Rionnasc'namishathir. Looks like any other part of the city, albeit cleaner.

Goudberg (Gold Mound)
One of the wealthiest districts in the city, along with Guilderveld (but more sedate and genteel) and Oudgeldwijk (less of a back-looking attitude of the old nobility)
Landmarks: Zijdemarkt (Silk Market), the Cathay enclave

Guilderveld (Guilder Field)
This is one of the newer wards of the city. Previously a lower-class district, it is now home to many successful businesses, providing services to the wealthy and upper middle class.
Landmarks: Arkat Fooger's Counting House

Handelaarmarkt (Dealer's Market)
A breeding-ground for up-and-coming small businessmen. Sharp reputation.
Landmarks: Nipponstad (Nippon Town), Messteeg (Knife Alley, Estalian area)

Ostmuur (East Wall)
Middle-class area with a championship water ball team.

Noordmuur (North Wall)
Middle class area
Landmarks: Arabierstad (Arabtown)

Oudgeldwijk (Old Money Ward)
Original home for nobility, now in a state of genteel poverty.

Paleisbuurt (Palace District)
The center of the city's official government. A showcase of the city's success. 
Landmarks: Embassy Row, The New Palace

Rijker's Isle (Rijcker's Island)
Fortress and prison. Avoid at all costs.

Rijkspoort (Rijk's Gate)
Middle and Working-class area, as well as home to a large number of fishermen.
Landmarks: Kislevietweg (Kislevan Way), Luigistad (Luigi's Town, Tilean neighbourhood), Indierswijk (Indie District)

Schattenwaard (Treasure Holm)
Middle class area

Tempelwijk (Temple District)
Tempelwijk is the intellectual and spiritual centre of Marienburg.
Landmarks: Cathedral of Manaan, Baron Henryk's College of Navigation and Sea Magicks, Temple of Haendryk, Cathedral of Shallya and the temple of Myrmidia Di Mari

Winkelmarkt (Craftsmarket)
Small boat-building and famous sausages. Lower middle-class, in decline.1

Toltaca

La Moneta di Plata

Loewijer's Tannery

Loewijer’s is one of the many small tanneries in the leatherworking district of Luydenhoek, run by Anton Loewijer. It is set a little way behind Tanner’s Alley, in the maze of side-streets and alleyways, near Potion Square. One end of the building stands on Canal Street, but it is without doors or windows - instead, it has a colourful mural of a stack of leather hides and a sign reading LOEWIJER’S TANNERY - Entrance at Side. The sign doesn’t say which side the entrance is on, but it doesn’t matter since there are doors on both sides of the building.

Beside each door is a pit, 5ff square and 5ft deep and covered over with planks. At least, it’s covered over with planks so long as someone remembers to put them back. Some late-night revellers
making their way home from the Long Dragon Inn through these alleys sometimes fall into a pit in the darkness. The pits are used for storing the tanning mixture, an evil-smelling concoction made from  the bark of certain trees, sour wine and other, less pleasant substances.

The building itself consists of two large rooms connected by a narrow passage. The front room on the ground floor is used for scraping, trimming and cleaning hides, and the back room - which has a deliver door facing towards Tanners’ Alley - contains three tanning pits like those outside, except that they now contain hides in various stages of tanning. A ladder leads up the upper floor from here, as does a ramp from the front room. There is no passage on the upper level - the space is occupied by a rope drying rack for hanging hides when they come out of the pits.

Potion Square

City maps and ordnances call it ‘Graf Anders Square’, but this name is hardly ever used by Suiddockers. Ask for Graf Anders Square and you’ll get a blank look, and be told to head towards
Elftown! Ask for Potion Square and you’ll stand a good chance of getting the right directions.

The name comes from the fact that the Square is close to Zegepraal Straat – generally known as Leech Street, where a great many physicians and other healers live and work. The predominantly medical nature of the area is reflected in many unofficial local place-names: for example, locals know the small canal which separates Potion Square from Leech Street as the Poultice Water, rather than its official name of the Tussenkanaal.

Locales to visit on the Square:

• SL07: Suiddock Watch Station, Number Four
• SL08: Doktor Markus Puttlangs
• SL09: Van Arzneier’s Floracopoeia
• SL10: The Edelmoed Temple
• SL11: Kluger’s Emporium
• SL12: Wilhelm Rotkopf, Alchemist
• SL13: Lisette’s Leather Goods
• SL14: The Orphanage of Saint Rutha
• SL16: Old Mother Crumhorn’s Apothecary
• SL17: Hassan’s
• SL18: The Long Dragon
• SL19: Dagblad’s Wholesale Leathers
• SL20: Sign of the Quill
• SL21: Droevigger’s Funeral Services
• SL23: Loewijer’s Tannery

Karel Broegman

Karel runs the brewery of the Long Dragon Inn himself and keeps an eye on Beate, a young local girl who cooks the warm meal of the day. His homebrewed beer comes in two varieties; the Blozenbroew of normal strength, and the notoriously strong Boekbier – for the average Suiddocker it’s probably the best beer he’ll ever have.

Lotte Wald

Lotte Wald is the public face of the Long Dragon Inn, typically residing behind the bar from where she supplies beer and other delights for her customers. She also keeps track of the girls who come every night to offer their services to the customers, luring them to the private booths near the brewery.

The Captains

Clad in raggedy clothes with sooty faces, and perpetually runny noses. But behind each set of eyes is the look of a survivor.

They have to stick together and make it through each day. Older than their years in many ways, the friendship they share with each other and Wim's ghost keeps the core of a child's innocence and hope alive in each. But they are still very suspicious of outsiders.

The Captains are a group of street-children who live in Stoessel, behind a general store.
Some are orphans, some runaways, and some nomads who occasionally return to their homes. But they're all poor, dirty and perpetually hungry, as well as being wily, unscrupulous and mischievous in a fairly brutal way. Enough of them have suffered at the hands of adults for all of them to be wary of any
grown-ups, particularly ones who ask too many questions, although with hard work and a lot of food it might be possible to win the confidence or even the trust of a few of them.

Cut and Purse

Cut and Purse were two of the children the group liberated from the boat full of slaves.

Goran had sent the ones found in the hold on their way with the two prostitutes, but once he became an official Guildmember, he called upon them to work for them. Cut and Purse were used to keep an eye on the business and taught to count, so they could report to Goran the number of customers entering the 'establishment'

When El Verdugo and the Coffin Masters his the house, they killed one of the prostitutes when the madam refused to pay for protection, and stabbed Cut, who was only just able to make it to the Gentleman's Club and alert Goran of what happened (Chapter 6)

Blind Mo

When the group needed information on the Estalians attacking their businesses, they asked Siemon Teerling for help.

He got them in touch with Blind Mo, a Riddra beggar, who had overheard a few bits and pieces. He was able to guide them to the Mutton Shank,  where they caught the gang in the act.

El Verdugo (DEAD)

El Verdugo (The Executioner), a mountain of a man,  was the leader of the gang of Estalians called Dominos de Ataud (the Coffin Masters).

This brutal bunch of scum had decided to make a move on Riddra and Stoessel businesses, protected by the Thieves Guild.

Titus had been called in by Grossbart to explain why this was allowed to happen, and ordered the group to figure out who was behind it.

Things got even hairier when they hit Goran's brothel, killing one of his prostitutes, and stabbing Cut, one of Goran's urchins he kept on the lookout.

A showdown took place in the basement of the Sweet Loaf bakery (See chapter 6), where the group found out there seemed to be a connection with Fredje Gustaaf, who fled but was caught by the Stoessel Black Caps.

Chapter 6: Nothing but trouble with those Estalians...

Six months passed by in the blink of an eye, Ras continuing his skills in the art of thievery, Jormund becoming a stern interrogator and somewhat of an expert on anatomy. Goran continued to increase his holdings with his business, allowing himself to freely spend money without feeling the pinch. Armand spending much of his time travelling to The Helmsman, Bernhardt having taken up residence there, allowing Armand to learn from him for a price, learning the art of firearms as well as increasing his prowess with his blade.

Another curios occurrence, Ras and Goran were spending more and more time together, separate from the others, making plans and plotting in quiet shadows, something remaining hidden from Jormund and Armand.

As the crew outfitted themselves with sturdier weapons and armour, the taste in their mouths was getting dry, the last six months causing them to grow weary as very little of profit or excitement seemed to be passing their way.

Rumours had begun to circulate around the guild, spurrings of Estalian brutes terrorising businesses along the main areas of the Riddra and Stoessel districts of Suiddock. Titus had been hearing these rumours for some time, business owners paying the guild for protection, now also paying to be left alone by the foreign thugs. Applying pressure to his lieutenants, Oldrik and Willem taking the brunt of the verbal assault.

The Captains

The rumours causing more frustration than actual financial burden, the annoyance causing Titus to feel as though he was losing face in the eyes of his subordinates.
It did not take long for Rikkert to put the crew into action, as one of the only Estalians in the employ of the thieves guild, Armand would at least be able to identify new comers from his old neighbourhood in the area. Moving from business to business in the areas known to have been hit by the new brutes, Ras and Jormund led the interrogation of business owners. Several small shops portraying the same story, pay or suffer violence, descriptions of Estalians led by a truly giant individual. Returning to the Gentleman’s Club, Titus was not impressed by the scattered nature of the information being gathered, no one knew where the brutes were based, and patterns they followed, or even laid attentive eyes on them. Frustrated, Titus gave instructions to enlist the assistance of a group known as “The Captains”, street children who formed their own information gathering network. If anyone knew anything regarding these foreigners, surely The Captains would know.

Meeting with the captains was not easy, Titus giving the crew directions to a general store in Southbank. Discussion the business they were on as from Titus, Ras, Goran, Jormund and Armand were escorted through the back of the store to a small space not unlike the Gentleman’s Club, only smaller, as if for smaller occupants. Sitting around the room where approximately 20 to 30 children, the oldest being in their mid-teens, the youngest barely seven years old. Goran being the expert on dealing with children to the rest of the crew as he had been dealing with the street urchins to watch his business, negotiated six of the Captains to monitor the areas around Suiddock and report every second day. The Captains were not cheap, however if it would ease the mind of Titus, the crew did not mind.

Night came fast, Rikkert summoned the four men to join Titus and himself to a meeting. Titus was dressed in his finest, Rikkert however was the same as he always was. Ras, Goran, Armand and Jormund were all in their usual attire, not on a mission to impress anyone. Titus led the bunch through Stoessel and then into Luydenhoek, the largest island of Suiddock, an area pretty unknown to Rikkert's crew. Whispers between Ras and Goran included Rikkert who made mention that the group were headed to Potion Square, across the Poultice water and close to the Temple of Shallyah. The current on the canal was smooth, however the four had to take several looks at multiple establishments as they entered the square. The largest building, the Shallyan temple, flanked by all manner of shops, from tavern to boot makers. Titus ignored their stammering feet and desire to stop and stare, pushing the crew to move forward, entering a large tavern named “The Long Dragon”, this was the headquarters of Grossbart. Titus told the crew to remain in the large open bar, men of all nations scattered around the tables, Reiklanders, Kislevites, many who seemed to have no distinction.

Looking to the balcony above the bar, Rolf, the silent watcher from the meeting that saw the crew enter the thieves guild waited for Titus to ascend the stairs.
Rikkert and Titus met Rolf on the balcony and were quickly escorted around the interior of the tavern and into a room off to the side. Sitting at a table close to the door, Ras, Jormund, Armand and Goran took their position, Goran always gripping the hilt of his sword, Armand doing the same.

Fredje Gustaaf

A doorway on the far side of the bar opened frequently, a poorly lit backdrop of red shadows could be seen as men stumbled in and out of the door. It was clear that this tavern adjoined to something less than scrupulous. As Jormund enjoyed the beverage he was drinking, Boekbier, as close as man could make to Dwarven ale, A monster of a man emerged from the dimly lit room. At least six and a half feet tall, scarred and mangled features took sight of the four strangers sitting at the table.

Ordering a round of drinks, the large man took a seat next to Goran, extending a hand in friendship. The man was well spoken for someone who appeared so rough on the outside. Explaining that he worked for the establishment, he worked for Grossbart, Goran could not help but enquire about the room off to the side, the large man, Fredje Gustaaf, invited Goran to partake, it was a den of sorts. Seeing that Goran was no stranger to experimenting with mind altering herbs, Fredje extended a small pouch to Goran, Black Lotus, some of the strongest found in Marienburg.

Taking the pouch, the door above the men swung open revealing Titus and Rikkert, Rolf and an elderly man who used two canes to walk, his haggard face revealing nothing but piercing eyes. Fredje looked upward, nodding at the elderly man who returned the gesture.

Grossbart

No one looked to be in a particularly good mood. Back at the Gentleman’s Club Titus explained in an angry tone that whoever these Estalians are, they need to be found quickly, they needed to be  identified, all guild eyes pointed to the Estalian district trying to break the truce that was in place. The crew were to travel north to Mesteeg, the heart of Estalia in Marienburg.

Not interested in the idea, yet feeling the irresistible pull of possible revenge, Armand was to take point on the operation as the only member to speak the language. Goran spoke to Rikkert directly, he was to report to the Captains to find out any local issues, as well as checking in on the girls. Rikkert taken by surprise, shrugged his shoulders and agreed.

The boat trip north was quiet, no one knew what to expect, Armand showing obvious signs of being nervous. Before departing, Armand spoke of the regular activities of Estalians, challenging men who carry swords in the street for duels and coin. A flamboyant people, looking for a chance to prove themselves at any turn. Ras carried only a dagger and pistol tucked in his coat. Jormund, his axe head and knuckle dusters. Goran eventually parted with his sword and carried only his dagger.

Armand was the only man still armed, knowing that he could hold his own against most he would encounter. Landing on the Handelaarsmarket, the four made their way smaller area of  Messteeg,  given instructions by Titus to locate a man by the name of Toltaca, proprietor of the Moneta De Plata, an establishment where information flowed freely. If anyone from Estalia was venturing south, Toltaca would know.

Ras, Goran and Jormund were all enthusiastic regarding the change in architecture they witnessed as they entered Mesteeg. The towering buildings making even the tallest men seem like insects. As the four traversed the streets, it was clear that the people who lived here were different, every man walked with a certain swagger that could only be seen in those searching to establish dominance.

Great care was given not to rub shoulders with these would be warriors, many of whom were teenagers to young men. On Several occasions Armand would brush shoulders or refuse to deviate from his path, the offended party locking eyes before moving on, clearly intimidated by not only Armand’s stare, but by the black scar that crossed his face.

Arriving at the Moneta De Plata, the four made their way up the three storey building, the ground floor courtyard overgrown in lavish vines and flowers, circling a large Silver disc showing ancient heritage of the establishment’s original owners.
The third floor was where the numerous occupants were to be found, a bustling place filled with all types of Estalians, young, old, drunk and sober. This was the home of Toltaca. The description of his was obvious, the large, muscled man behind the counter, covered in tattoos, long black pony tail and matching moustache that would rival that of Bernhardt.

Armand made his way to the bar, engaging with Toltaca, it did not take long after dropping Grossbart’s name that Toltaca escorted the four men into a small meeting room off to the side of the bar, bringing them food and drink. Joining them after a short time, Toltaca explained that he had heard no mention of groups from Estalia venturing south to Suiddock. As a man who pays to keep himself well informed, Toltaca had no reason to lie, Armand pressing, yet Toltaca remaining firm, no one was talking, no one would dare. Still not completely convinced, Armand requested a meeting with Nunez, the captain of the Thieves Guild here in Messteeg, a request that held dire consequences if anything went wrong.

Toltaca took some time, leaving the crew to sit and eat. Ras, Goran and Jormund all looked puzzled as to what the conversation had revealed, Armand explaining that a meeting was to take place as no information was flowing through Toltaca. The conversation continued as to why a meeting was necessary. Armand sticking to his line of enquiry, having been sent to see if Nunez was trying to break the truce, a meeting was all Armand could think of, giving the team a chance to observe him and assess for themselves. Armand also enlightened the others as to his own motives, Nunez, the man who took away his family, took away his life, he needed to die in the eyes of Armand and by his sword alone. Ras was most unnerved by the revelation of what Armand was doing, expressing his concern vigorously. Armand promising to keep his sword sheathed, he was not here to kill today, not until Titus gave the order.

Toltaca returned, communicating a meeting was to take place in a restaurant a few streets to the west in two hours. Thanking Toltaca for his time, the four left, making their way to the restaurant as soon as possible, arriving an hour and a half early, they wanted to make sure there was not going to be any surprises.

Sitting in the eatery, Jormund was not enthusiastic regarding the beer, switching to Estalian Brandy as soon as possible. An hour before the scheduled meeting time, four heavily armed men entered the restaurant, tucked between the was a short bald man, dressed in finery, moving quickly to a room in the back of the establishment, two of the heavily armed men standing at the entrance.

Armand soon stood and moved to the guards, announcing his arrival for the meeting, the guards however turning him away angrily as the time of the agreed meeting had not yet arrived. Sitting and eating the four waited patiently, doing their best not to grow in frustration.
As one of the guards raised his hand, a signal for the men to approach. Armand led, disarmed of his
pistol, he took a seat across a large table from Nunez, still picking his teeth from his barely touched meal. Ras, Goran and Jormund all stood behind Armand, watching, oblivious to the language being spoken.

"Miguelito "Little Round Head" Nunez

The conversation was coarse, Nunez clearly speaking in a manner of self satisfaction, arrogance and accusation. Armand kept his nerve, calm to the last, even though Nunez had no respect for the south of Marienburg, he spoke of Grossbart and Titus as inferior. As the four turned to leave, Nunez halted Armand, explaining a familiarity. Armand hid his knife as best he could, knowing that his scared face would make him hard to recognise, yet knowing that the knife he carried he pulled from the wall of his own home that Nunez himself put there would give his identity away. Eventually taking his leave without further delay, the four moved quickly, Armand refusing to talk until they were clear of the district.

Hiring a room in a small lodging for the night, Armand wanted to remain vigilant, discussing the meeting with Goran, Jormund and Ras, not believing Nunez was responsibly, no matter how rude he was, at least they could report that he hated everything and everyone south of Messteeg.
Hiring the room was for a single purpose, maybe they were wrong. Deciding that the proof would reveal itself in the night, if anyone came to silence them in their sleep, Nunez was certainly responsible, if the slept unmolested, there was nothing to discover.

As morning came without incident, the four decided to return home, the set up with The Captains would hopefully yield greater results. Ras was the most disgruntled, Goran was quick to share his views, both becoming gradually more agitated with Armand for leading them on this fruitless trip to sit down with a man who relished in showing off his own success.
Back at Suiddock, the four decided not to report straight to Titus, this news would not bode well as little to nothing had been discovered regarding the identity of the thugs.
As Armand, Ras and Jormund began searching the dock and known areas where the Estalians had
been operating, Goran reported to the Captains for hopefully good news. As he waited on the bridge at the agreed time, a small child approached quickly, divulging more information regarding where the Estalians had been seen as the name they give themselves. Calling their group “Dominos” and something else, with a leader named “El Verdugo”, no one was willing to give any descriptions, other than El Verdugo being a man of enormous stature.

Cut

Meeting with Jormund, Ras and Armand at the Gentleman’s Club, Goran discussed the information the Captains had told him. Armand recognising the names, Domino meaning Master, El Verdugo meaning Executioner. Deciding to talk to Titus, the four spoke of the meeting with Nunez and that the  Captains were more useful than the trip north, the discussion was interrupted by the screams of  Loretta, the woman who disguised the crew during their first visit to the Gentleman’s Club. Goran ran to the door, seeing Loretta carrying “Cut”, one of the street urchins tasked with monitoring the  comings and goings of the brothel Goran owned. Cut was covered in blood, large wounds to his  abdomen and his arm at a terrible angle. Jormund and Armand also ran to Cut, both working fast to  stop the bleeding, Armand’s previous tutelage proving useful, Jormund also showing much skill, only enhanced by his recent learnings of anatomy.

The brothel had been hit by the Estalians, something was terribly wrong there, Cut telling of at least
two of the girls being in trouble.

Sharky

Goran raced through the streets, followed closely by Armand and Ras, with Jormund bring up the tail. Bursting through the door of his establishment, Goran was horrified, blood on the walls, people scattered around the main lobby, and one of his girls lay motionless on the floor, blood seeping from the open section of her skull. The scene that had unfolded yielded no new information, the only strange sounding fact, none of the Estalians carried swords as so many do, and the weapons used here were axes and clubs. Goran’s shock turned to anger, demanding to know where to find the men responsible. As he stormed around the room, the door opened again to reveal two Black Hats, Sharky and Van Dorp. The two Black Hats who patrolled and did little more than line their pockets within Riddra. Their questions were arrogant, uncaring and in the presence of Goran, unwise, Goran taking Sharky by the throat before Armand and Ras pulled him off. Armand waited outside as he knew the interrogation from Goran would continue. Proving to be less than useless, Sharky and Van Dorp left the brothel the see Armand across the road, eyeing them off, hand on his sword. Jormund stuck his head out of the door to summon Armand back inside once the Black Hats wandered away down the road.

The afternoon was filled with anger and rage, Armand and Goran wanting to give chase and search for the culprits immediately, however the business needed to make money some how, the four aided in cleaning the interior, removing the body and correcting the damaged furniture and patrons.
In his desperation to find answers, Goran turned to mentioning Siemon, the beggar residing in Winkelmarkt, without a better option, the others agreed, it was the best course of action to attempt to find new information.

As night fell on the now quiet streets, a knock at the door of the brothel sounded, Ras, Goran and Armand drawing steel at the sound. Jormand holding his axe head in one hand creaked the door open, to their surprise, Titus stood, flanked by a small entourage. Explaining his intentions, Titus offered men for security and girls for business. A kindness of the guild seeing that income had been lost and the guild itself appeared weak. Thanking Titus for his support, the crew set off to Winkelmarkt once all was settled. Siemon was easy to find, sitting at his regular table within the Hound’s Den, gambling with his fellow beggars. Armand could not resist, joining one of the tables and throwing down some silver.

Siemon agreed to aid Goran, seeing his eyes were not that of a man to be negotiating with, at lunch time the following day, Siemon would meet Goran on Three Penny Bridge with any information.
Returning to the brothel, Goran was amazed at the work that had been accomplished, not taking the time to look at the place when he left, he was happy with the current state, happy enough to reopen the doors. Within an hour, business was already back in action. The four took their rest for the night in their lodgings, barely sleeping after what they had seen, Armand and Jormund discussing the brutality of the injuries the boy Cut had suffered, Ras failing to get the image from his mind of the woman on the floor of the brothel, her head caved in, Goran furious at how the assailants had been nearly invisible to all who lived in Suiddock.

Approaching Three Penny Bridge, the four saw Siemon sitting at the far end of the bridge with another man. Goran rose the two men, “Blind Mo” the second man was called, blind in sight, yet possessing a keen nose and sense of hearing to combat his disability. The discussion was finally fruitful, Blind Mo explaining that the men he had “seen” through the behaviours, sounds and smell were the men the crew were looking for. Smelling of Everlasting Mint, only one local place had that smell, the Mutton Shack, an establishment that used the herb to excess to mask the true odor of the food being served. The man in charge possessing a loud and distinctive laugh, something that chilled to the bone.

Leading the four to the Mutton Shack, Blind Mo explained he had sat in his spot as the Estalians moved from business to business all around him, shaking down everyone in the area. As the band approached the front door of the Mutton Shack, it flung open, civilians bursting through, running for their lives.

Goran wasted no time, drawing his sword and unslinging the shield he had been wearing on his back. Armand and Ras took position behind him, Armand and Ras both armed with their pistols. Jormund took the rear, his plan being that when the pistols had been discharged, he would join Goran in an all-out charge. Moving to the door frame, the scene inside was that of anger. 4 men were engaged in all manner of ill intent, all clad in dark clothes, moving like shadows. One of the men held a knife to the throat of the bar maid, pushing against the bar, a second man close by. Two more were toppling tables and making a general mess. Ras fired first, collecting the knee of the man holding the knife. Armand also fired, dropping one of the men in the room with a well-placed shot to the chest, the man’s spine protruding from his back as he fell. Ras fired again, this time collecting the arm of the second man at the bar, his arm now seemingly only being held in place by his clothing.
When the smoke cleared slightly from the door frame, Jormund charged the remaining man still standing in the main entry way, burying his axe in the man’s chest, sending backwards over a table. Goran also advanced hacking at the man who seemed to already be slumping from the bullet that tore through his arm, slicing him across the chest and almost carving him in two.

Armand and Ras also entered, advancing on the man who held the knife to the woman’s throat, slightly staggered and supporting himself against a chair, blood seeping from the hole in his leg.
Jormund also advanced on the man, arriving at his side before Ras and Armand, knocking him cold with a violent punch, sending him to the floor. Seeing that the room was clear, Armand took to the woman, doing his best to slow the bleeding of the slight cut to her neck. Jormund and Ras bound the unconscious man, strapping him to a chair.

Titus was not pleased at the sight before him. Dead bodies littering the bar room, a single survivor tied to a chair, Jormund at the ready to begin his interrogation. As the bucket of water splayed across the man’s face, he shook wildly, waking and screaming. Jormund asked the questions, softly, yet full of intent, his thumb making its way inside the bullet hole in the man’s leg, causing him to pass out again. Another bucket of water, another violent awakening. Armand stood behind Jormund, in his hand, the stoke from the fire, its tip red hot.
Before Jormund could sear the flesh, the answers came flooding out of the man’s mouth. The buttered Loaf, a bakery close by, under the floors, the spot the rest could be found, six more men,hiding in the dark.

Ras and Goran shared around the gold taken from the deceased Estalians, Titus receiving his six percent. Advising they would stay put, checking the damage done to the Mutton Shack, Titus and Rikkert began searching for more answers from the bound Estalian. Ras, Goran, Armand and Jormund decided it was time to get serious, returning to their lodgings to arm themselves properly, Goran and Ras both applying their chainmail shirts, Jormund selecting all manner of close combat blades, Armand wearing his thick leather tunic.

The Buttered Loaf was a small bakery on the water, entering with force the four were met by the baker’s wife who insisted at first that there was no one there. Goran, in no mood for games demanded answers before force was used, the woman eventually crumbling to give away the trap door location in the back of the shop. The plan was simple, lure them up and take them out. Armand crouched by the trap door, Jormund in position directly behind it.

Armand calling out pleas of help in Estalian, replied to by muffled voices, within a few moments the trapdoor creaked open, Armand throwing it back, Jormund grabbing the man who was slightly visibly by the scruff of the neck and throwing him down against the stacks of flower against the wall. Goran wasted no time, leaping down the hole in floor, landing on his feet, much to the shock of another man who stood stunned at the brute’s shocking entry.

Drawing his sword, Armand also leapt down the hole, landing next to Goran who had already drawn his sword and shield as was hack and slashing at the Estalian man who desperately tried to parry with his club. As another assailant appeared in the dark corridor leading away from the trap door entrance, Armand smiled at the oncoming combat, drawing his second blade, his ears rang as a shot fired from above him, Ras half way down the ladder, a smoking pistol extended in his hand. The man at the end of the corridor screaming in pain as his leg buckled under him from the pistol ball now lodged in his thigh.

Jormund pounced on the man against the flour bags, driving his axe into the man’s face with fury and rage. Spinning on his heel, Jormund stood atop the ladder heading down the trap door, waiting for Ras to clear the way.
Ras jumping from the ladder, joined Armand who was already speeding down the dark hallway, a shrill voice from the baker's wife behind them screaming not to let them hurt her children...

Not deterred, Armand and Ras pushed on. Jormund climbing down the ladder slowly saw Goran still  locked in combat, his blade finally finding flesh, causing the combatant to recoil slightly, Jormund letting out a howling war cry as he leapt from the ladder, driving his axe into the top of the man’s skull, nearly carving it two down to the neck. Nodding at Jormund, Goran also took off down the corridor, Jormund a few steps behind having to force his axe free from the bloodied mess of the man’s head.

Two more Estalian’s appeared in front of Ras and Armand, one wielding a pair of axes, the other brandishing a spiked club and shield. Armand letting fly with his pistol, causing the man with the axes to fall as a large chunk of his knee was blown back behind him. Ras also firing, taking a large portion of the wooden shield the other man carried and sending it to splinters, revealing the man’s face.

Charging into combat, Armand and the shield wielder sliced and hacked at each other, Armand catching a blow on the shoulder that caused obvious pain before driving his blade under the shield and through the man’s belly, carving upward to his chest before he fell dead to the ground.

The corridor opened up into a mall round room, within, a small set of stairs leading into a damp lit area. Goran took position next to Armand as scowls of anger came roaring through the space they occupied. Three men emerged from the stair case, two holding children in their arms, accompanied by blades. The third man had to crouch to enter, his height was towering, in one hand, he held a small boy by the neck, his other hand carrying a large broad sword as if it were nothing.

Choosing their opponents, Armand charged the closest man holding a child, Goran on the other hand, ran for the other, leaving the giant at the back of the room to watch. Ras desperately tried to reload his pistols, not realising he was blocking Jormund’s path as he desperately tried to push his way to the biggest opponent he could see.

El Verdugo

Armand and Goran both made short work of the two men in the room, choosing their opponents vulnerable spots as having one arm tied up with a child, the ability to defend themselves was poor.
Despatching the two men, the children running back down the corridor past Ras and Jormund, the giant man grew angrier, smashing the child he held in his hand into the stony wall of the room, killing the child instantly before advancing on Goran and Armand.

Goran the intended target, the first swipe of El Verdugo’s sword split Goran’s shield to splinters, causing him to recoil. Armand sliced at the brute, catching his rib cage, only to find the giant completely ignoring the blow. Goran swiped wildly, his shield arm throbbing from the force it had endured, again El Verdugo was hit, and however the wild swing from Goran and glancing the monster’s arm, again to no effect.

Raising his broadsword, El Verdugo struck the stunned Goran, catching his across the chest, his chainmail stopping the blade from cutting him in half, instead, breaking the chain and carving deep into his leg, almost to the bone. Goran slumped against the wall, the life draining from his body, the sight causing Jormund to shove Ras out of the way violently as he charged as hard as he could into the room.

Turning his attention to the advancing dwarf, a look of shock and surprise took over El Verdugo’s face, the sound of bone snapping and muscles snapping filling his ears.
As Jormund advanced, El Verdugo took to one knee, Armand appearing behind him, the rapier in  Armand’s hand completely disappeared, the only visible sign of it being the hilt under El Verdugo’s arm. The tip of the blade slowly emerging from the neck of the giant. El Verdugo’s body was broken, dead before his brain could realise it, his eyes shifting to the axe of Jormund, watching it descend down into his face before his world went dark.

Pulling his blade from the giant, Armand watched as Jormund mounted the chest of the deceased mountain of a man and hack again and again into the head and face of the corpse. Armand paused at the sight of the dwarf for a moment before running to Goran, his head hanging down as blood poured from his leg. Calling for Jormunds help, the dwarf came to his senses and joined Armand, pulling all manner of strange healing drafts from a pouch on his belt. Goran took a huge breath of air as Armand strapped his leg with cloth and pulled tightly, Jormund forcing liquids down his throat has he  breathed.

Ras pushed past the corpse of the giant, investigating the dimly lit room, his pistols finally reloaded and extended in front of him. As he scoured the room, the faint whispers of movement could be heard from the far end of the room, behind a large wooden door. Whispering for Armand to come quickly, Ras kicked the door open, revealing another man in the distance moving away at speed, Ras giving chase quickly followed by Armand.

As Jormund continued to work on Goran, the Estalian who brandished axes groaned as he swung wildly in the dark in Jormund’s direction, undeterred, the dwarf swung in a high arc, his axe head on his chain slamming into the man’s neck, almost decapitating him, Jormund barely looking up from the gaping wound in Goran’s chest. Goran groaning, blood causing his breath to bubble in his mouth, he was nearly gone, Jormund battling hard to keep him alive.

Ras and Armand followed the sounds of the man running ahead of them, the small shape of another child slung over his shoulder. Bursting into daylight, the paths and twists of the underground tunnels breaking the surface in the market district. Ras and Armand gave chase, through the crowds of people doing their regular business. The density of the population caused Armand and Ras to lose sight of the man they pursued, now running in only the vague direction he moved in. Ahead of them, calls and shouts filled the air, Armand and Ras finally witnessing the cause of the commotion.

Fredje, the large man from Grossbart’s hall, holding a knife to a little girl’s throat surrounded by Black Hats, halberds pointed at the thug. Ras attempted to sneak behind the muscled figure of  Fredje, distracting him long enough for one of the Black Hats to crunch Fredje in the back of the head, knocking him cold and ending him to the ground. Knowing that their prey was caught, but not by them, Ras picked up the girl and headed back towards the Buttered Loaf, Armand in tow.

Returning to the room where Goran lay bleeding, Ras and Armand quickly aided Jormund in picking Goran up and moving towards the seeping daylight.

Fredje Gustaaf (DISAPPEARED)

Fredje Gustaaf, one of Grossbart’s men , resides in one of the Dragon’s rooms, within call of Grossbart if needed. Fredje is a big and brutish looking man in his early forties, who happily takes care of Grossbart’s dirty work.

A long life in the seedier parts of Marienburg has left Fredje with little care for the well-being of people other than himself – an  outlook that certainly keeps him quite satisfied with his current livelihood.

Many people in Suiddock dread the appearance of Fredje, as one of his jobs is to summon people to Grossbart and make sure they get there on time – whether they want to or not.

Our rogues found out in Chapter 6 that he was involved with the gang of Estalians, led by El Verdugo, that was trying to force their way into Stoessel, and, more importantly, Riddra.

After a fight in the Wasteland, he cut a deal, revealing Grossbart's plans in exchange for his live, never to show his face again in Marienburg.

Erasmus

Erasmus should be hideous to look at. A huge crab's claw juts out from one malformed arm. He is ghostly white, having not seen the sun for fifteen years. Wide, milky eyes stare out from a hairless face. Though a hunchbacked teenage boy he is large, towering misshapenly over most men. Yet somehow those that he talks to feel drawn to him, eager to hear his promises of the
bloodshed they will inflict in his name.