Session 56: A little fort time Report

General Summary

First Emon, then Count de Ath, then Charlemagne the emperor.     After a long rest, the party decides to visit Emon again in his wizarding tower. Emon sits in the middle of the room with his glasses and beaks mixing chemicals, sometimes tasting new mixes. The party wisely lets the wizard continue his experiments, and lets him know that the party will be there for about 1-2 more days. Leaving for the palace to meet Count De Ath, the party leaves the tower.       Arriving at the palace it appears that court is in session. The party enters the proceedings and meet different people inside. Cyrielle recognizes different emblems of the people in the proceeding. Especially the de Rais family. Grimmaz makes sure that Cyrielle isn't easily seen by the de Rais family.       Count de Ath explains that there have been reports about a fort to the west. Strange rumours that would be interesting for Grimmaz. It's sort-of on the way to Eschbach.       The party gets on the road as hired mercenaries protecting a convoy of carts that heads downwards from Aachen. Providing protection until the split for the fort. Reaching the split, the party breaks up with the caravan/convoy of carts and goes by foot to the fort.       The fort was party taken over by the de Rais household troops/members but it seems to be abandoned again. The gates seem to have been barred from the inside of the fort. Which makes the party think that someone is still inside the fort.       Seems to be bit of recently spilled blood on the beam holding the door closed. Reolus removes the beam and allows the party to enter into the fort. Once the party enters, Reolus points to the blood on the beam which Grimmaz takes note of. Grimmaz notices that there are drag marks from the stable towards the fort. A storm starts brewing while the party investigates the horse barn. Inside it seems that there are more drag marks on the ground and some weapons. There are a few dead horses with frightened expressions.       Grimmaz wonders if it's wise to stay in the barn. But Reolus suggests to head inside instead. Seeing as there are weapons lying around it might be better to head into the fort instead of being dragged into it.       Inside there appears to be dead bodies with blunt force trauma and fear etched on their faces. All the dead bodies seem to wear the de Rais symbol. At some point Grimmaz hears someone sobbing. Unclear where it's coming from though. Grimmaz opens a creaking door after hearing something that sounds like footsteps. Turning to the party Grimmaz explains that he feels cold spots, explaining that there might be spirits around.       Cyrielle tries to detect magic, and finds something beneath the structure, unclear yet what it is.       On the second floor on the left side the 2nd door is open. It's a child's bedroom. In the corner there is a bunch of blankets which moves around. Grimmaz pulls the blanket, under which it seems like there are 2 kids hiding. The kids seem well enough fed and getting enough to drink. But they are a bit messy. The boy and girl are the only survivors in the fort at this time. Angelica & Rufus cousins (kids).       Reolus heads to the hallway to help Grimmaz and Kulug.       Once Grimmaz investigated the other rooms he returns to the kids room. Leaving Alfie and protecting the door with a spell, the group heads down to investigate belowground. There are heavy looking steps heading down, on the floor there's a hallway to the left and to the right. On the left are jailcells, it seems to be the jails where people are punished. On the right is a locked room.       The wall is about 3 foot across by 7 foot. It's a smooth wall which is carved out of stone.       Reolus investigates the wall and finds a hidden lever. Once used the wall moves away. It shows a room with a skeleton tied up on the wall. There is damage on the ribcage where the hearth used to be. Life sized cobra human with a carved dagger in the shape of a serpent's tooth in one hand, and an outstretched hand with a desiccated heart & a gold key in the other.. On the ground underneath the skeleton there is a journal. It's one that's started recently in the past 2 years.     Countess de Rais, we've established this Temple of Set with a sacrifice.       This is an altar to the deity Set according to Grimmaz. The key seems to be guarded by the spirit that is summoned. Is the heath in the skeleton perhaps that of the summoned spirit. When Grimmaz puts the heath back into the skeleton and free the skeleton of the binds, a ghostly figure shows up. The ghost indicating that it wants to be buried in that chamber.       After burying the skeleton. Grimmaz destroys the altar. Grimmaz taking the key and heads to the stored room, finding inside some text in Infernal with a glass-like pillar with silver lettering & chased in silver upon it in the centre of the room, and another locked door which leads to a small treasure room.       The party decides to head back to Eschbrook to get Father Tossil to translate the Infernal language.

Rewards Granted

7100 XP each. Nobody took any of the treasure.