Session 35

Kaspar remains at the Ogres Gutplate to do some rat catching while the rest head off to the archery tournament. Herbert is the only on to take part. Seigbert and seigward both scan the crowed for anyone paying careful attention to Herbert in case they are Purple Hand spies. Seigward spots a bald man in brown clothes with a blue collar eyeing Herbert after he finished his attempt. Herbert came in 4th place, just shy of earning money. Allavandrel won for the second day in a row, thus confirming his position as the Master of the Hunt. Kaspar caught up to the group right as they were wrapping up.

Ava attempted to impress Mariane in her class at two but faired poorly. Summoning a turtle, Mariane chastised her for petty magic use and then Ava miscast, filling her ears with wax. Marianne admitted she hoped more from Ava before dismissing her to the back of class to study in silence while the rest of the students practiced for the Black Pool of Illusions. After class Ava set out to find a physician in the city to clear the wax from her ears but only got more and more lost. Not only that but few citizens were keep to chat to her, being a death wizard. Eventually the watch were called and she was brought in to confirm her documentation. After many costly hours wasted Ava was released and found a physicians who removed the wax for her.

The rest of the group returned to the Drowned Rat where they spied one of Siegberts bounties. Doing their best to be inconspicuous, they followed him from the bar to an alley way where he entered a Herbalists and it was clear, running some sort of racketeering scam. The group set up outside and waited. After emerging, the racketeer, Erwin Eichel, stretched out and called out to the group. It was obvious he knew what was up. Charging straight at Siegward and Siegbert he threw ground up glass in their eyes, blinding them. Herbert was having none of it though and immediately threw a rock at Erwin, smashing his had and tearing off a finger. Clutching his ruined hand, Erwin was quickly overpowered as Kaspar charged in and the group wailed on him. Kaspar and Herbert took the groups weapons and returned to the Gutplate. Siegbert returned the shopkeepers stolen money before he and Siegward went to the nearest watch to turn Erwin in. They received the full bounty plus a bonus as the festival was on. 24 silver and some coppers. They returned to the Gutplate to find Ava having a drink with Kaspar and Herbert. Her attire getting odd looks from the clientele and Besso.

Running late the group rushed off to Dieters home, Siegward stopping to get a present. The rest of the group arrived on time and were greeted by Kirsten Jung. Just as she was about to close the door Siegward arrived with the present, a bottle of brandy. She thanked him and led them into the dinning room where Dieter, Ulrike and Bertha were. Sitting down to dinner the group got chatting about various things, including how they came to be friends with the dwarves. This greatly impressed Dieter and the group used the opportunity to find out about who was influential at court. They learned from Kirsten that The Chancellor Josef Sparsam, Dieter, Rallane, Katarina Todbringer, Hildegarde Zimperlich, Ulrich Schutzmann, Johann Schewermutt, Maximillian Von Genscher, Albrecht Helseher, Janna Blitzen, the Ar Ulric, Kirsten, Petra Liebkosen, Emanuelle Schlagen, Natasha Sinnlich, Siegfried, Allavandrel, Gotthard Wittgenstein, Luigi, Reiner Ehrlich, Joachim Hofich and Kar-Heinz Wasmerier all had influence at court.

Pushing the line of questioning further the group find Kirsten voted against the taxes but Dieter admits to having voted for them. Herbert is quick to spot that Dieter's tone when he says this becomes monotone and his eyes look slightly glazed. He's under some sinister influence.