Session 30 - Oaths, Confessions, Tantrums and Secrets
General Summary
We start with Uisce storming off at the end of the oath-swearing, and jumping of the castle wall into the Blau. Winifred and Rodrick talk privately about next steps. They both agree to investigate the refugees from Hirschenwald for evidence of the rat man curse, and to gain more information about Walpurgisnacht. Edmon invites Winifred to mass, where they are joined by Mechtild and Kaleb, while Rodrick departs to search for Uisce. He is unsuccessful in finding her, but during his search, runs into the refugee camp and Johann the Stablemaster, who, convinced that Rodrick is up to no good, quickly sends him away. Uisce looks for a feast to blow off some steam, and a chance to perform. She also comes to the refugee camp and manages to attract a crowd.
Back at the castle, after mass concludes, Kaleb goes to confession, and tells Father Adelgund of his sin of not sharing pie. The father inquiries further and Kaleb tells about how he stole a talking sign. After the father regrets letting Kaleb talk to long, Edmon enters confession booth, and reveals that he feels the pressure of pride over his enemies and is told to pray every night before bed. Winifred is next, telling of her grief and anger after the death of Manfred, and is told to daily seek spiritual guidance. Mechtild does not stay for confession, but reaches out to Gerbert to ask for an audience with Ingo the following morning.
Rodrick camps out by the refugee camp to keep an eye out for Uisce. She sees him and lets loose her anger regarding being bound to Winifred. She adds that she hates being confined to the castle, and hates all the people. Rodrick calms her down and comes up with a plan to bring her to Fallsmar. Mechtild wanders over to the refugee camp to find Rodrick and Uisce, and ends up staying at their small camp, a ways away from the refugees. Kaleb, meanwhile, tries to find more insect friends. He is told by the guards to go to bed, so he retreats to his fireplace.
The following day, Edmon finds himself training in the yard, where he is approached by Gerbert and engaged in a conversation about his technique. They discuss Winifred and possible next steps in formalizing their alliance. Dagobert, in the meantime, talks to Winifred about her possible engagement to Ingo, she tells him to be polite and not push their luck.
Rodrick, Uisce and Mechtild head back, to the castle, seeking out Winifred at the chapel. Rodrick finds Father Adelgund, while Uisce lights candles for her ancestors. Through the father, Rodrick gains entry into the scriptorium, and starts investigating Walpurgisnacht. He is informed by the confessor that the Augurs left to mountains to the south, which is also where the Walpurgisnacht ceremonies are held. Kaleb, back in the fireplace, builds a barricade, believing everything is dopplegangers.
Rodrick returns to the chapel to ask Winifred if they can chase after the Augurs to learn more about Walpurgisnacht. She agrees and offers any help she can send them with. Kaleb continues to look for dopplegangers and mimics in the castle. He also finds Winifred and makes her prove to him that she is real. She takes him to Ingo in hopes of getting him some help. Ingo fails to convince Kaleb that the castle, protected by the Spear of Pardus, is perfectly safe, so he drags Winifred to the dungeon, where he has been building his barricades. Inside a cell, she finds a stick-figure drawing of a hangman on the wall, along with the mysterious letters SRGG. She inquires Rodrick about the meaning, and he explains that the letters are the motto of the Vehm - a secret court that answers to none but the Emperor himself. Their host, it seems, belongs to this body, which makes Winifred especially nervous. Mechtild finally talks to Gerbert who promises an audience with Ingo on the morrow, prior to her departure with Rodrick and the others. In the morning, she and Ingo discuss how to approach the Augurs, and he tells her they are likely in Reinhard's employ, as they have always been. She also informs Ingo of the blood oath sworn to Winifred by Uisce and Rodrick, and that she plans to keep an eye on them for their journey south. As they prepare to set off, Winifred gives the travelers extra bedroll. She also gives them Kaleb, who needs some fresh air to help dispel his delusions about the castle. These four set off for the Düst Mountains, singing songs as they go, while Winifred and Edmon stay behind at the castle.
Report Date
19 Mar 2024
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