Ch3: The Sot

This game was played on 25th May. 2011. Present were Jan, Oleg, Goeg and Palle.

Rufus and Marmaduke returned to Misteline's studio with the news of the Sot having arrived in Serrenisma, but this had little direct impact as the companions debated what their next course of action should be. The fact that so many people seem to have disapeared was a primary cause of concern so it was decided to go to the market and investigate Horace Nuvel.

Stopping by the Red Fox to order some food to be delivered to Misteline's studio, Misteline, Rufus and Marmaduke made their way to Adam Fieldsack's stall at the market where domestic servants could be hired. Fieldsack remembered Misteline well, and had a vague recollection of Horace but had no idea where he'd come from or where he'd gone to. As he recalled it, Horace had arrived only moments before Misteline had come looking for a man servant. The companions began to grow suspicious and wondered if Horace was a spy. Misteline recalled Marshal Quartermoon had advocated he hire a man servant for Rufus.

Fieldsack offered the companions the services of a broad hipped maid servant named Mathilde Mantlehart, but the three men declined the lady's services and returned to the Red Fox. Along the way they noticed the dark stranger who had identified himself as the journalist Julian Keenkettle, following them at a distance. Rufus offered to chase and kill the man but Misteline decided this would be imprudent as there were many witnesses about. They entered the Red Fox instead which was almost deserted and after listening to Hilda Grimbleflax lament the appalling effect the news of the Sot was having on her business, they returned to Misteline's studio where Misteline made a sketch of Julian Keenkettle.

Seeing this sketch the Faustini brothers who were present urged Misteline to sketch them too, which Misteline duly did. Once this was completed, the Faustini's set about making dinner in the kitchen whilst one of their number was sent to fetch Giancarlo.

After dinner Rufus went to check on Luigi and found he was missing from Rufus's apartments. He searched in the Red Fox and with the prostitutes but it wasn't until he stepped on onto the baloney at the rear of the building that he heard Luigi's unmistakable laugh. At first it sounded like it was coming from the Cock-a-doodle Club but when he went to find out, Rufus realised the voice was coming from an upper window of Marmaduke's house. He decided to let matters rest and returned to Misteline's studio where the group sat waiting for night to fall.

It had been decided that some kind of assertive action was called for and the decision was taken to break into and examine the Cock-a-doodle club because it had been suspiciously empty for a few nights. As soon as it was deemed dark enough Misteline, Rufus, Marmaduke and Giancarlo made their way to the back entrance of the club. As they stood below the upper window of Marmaduke's house, Misteline and Rufus became aware of Luigi's laughing voice accompanied by Ivy Gurdlecat's "Oh you naugty boy!"

Marmaduke did not notice this however and neither Misteline or Rufus chose to draw attention to the lovers. Marmaduke even discovered his door was barred from the inside but still he remain ignorant. Misteline listened at the back door of the club and heard the unmistakable sound of furniture being moved which he concluded was some one within blocking the rear door. Misteline and Rufus then quickly redeployed to watch Garnet Street from the corner of the Red Fox, leaving Marmaduke and Giancarlo to guard the door. This move failed to take Giancarlo's nature  into account however and as soon as Misteline and Rufus were gone, Giancarlo urged Marmaduke to agree to picking the door lock. Marmaduke readied his crossbow and agreed. Giancarlo picked the lock and then kicked in the door.

The door only opened a few inches before it struck something heavy blocking it. A voice within shouted "Oh, oh, they're trying to get in!" at which point Giancarlo moved around to the rear of the building and peered through the window. He was immediately shot by a crossbow bolt and fell to the ground cursing. Marmaduke moved to his side, taking care to cover the window with his own crowssbow. He saw straight away that Giancarlo was seriously wounded. 

Watching from the corner of the Red Fox, Rufus saw two men exit the front door of the Cock-a-doodle club. he signalled to Misteline who was looking back into the courtyard trying to figure out what was happening to Marmaduke and Giancarlo and then as two more men emerged from the club, the first two began to run towards the Red Fox. Rufus fell back to the darkness of the Red Fox's entrance.

Marmaduke ran towards Misteline's house to fetch help from the rest of the Faustini brothers but then as several of them emerged, he turned and ran towards the Red Fox. This led to the Faustini's confusing him as Giancarlo's assailant and Allesandro and Franco chased after Marmaduke with drawn swords whilst Ronaldo knelt by Giancarlo. Misteline managed to shut the Faustini's up and told them to go back to Ronaldo. Out in the street, the first two men from the Cock-a-doodle club were peering into the darkness of the entrance whilst covering their identities with hats and cloaks. Both held drawn swords. They seemed to hesitate then drew back out of sight.

Misteline climbed up on the balconey and as he did he saw two men confrontng Ronaldo, he quickly realised these were the remaining two men from the Cock-a-doodle club and he shouted at Allesandro and Franco to assist their brother which they quickly rushed to do. The two men who had withdrawn from the entrance of the Red Fox now rushed forward and tried to catch Rufus by surprise. This failed and Rufus quickly dropped the first. The second however ran up the stairs and tried to engage Misteline, but Rufus rushed after him and for a moment the three men fought with the unknown enemy tackling Misteline with one hand, and Rufus with the other.  

Marmaduke moved to the fence behind the Red Fox to cover the heaving fight around Giancarlo but in the darkness he could see very little and had no clear shot.

On the balconey, Rufus was pressed back long enough for his opponent to move to a more advantageous position. This spared Misteline. The two men were almost equals, but Rufus had the edge (and the longer blade). After several parris and thrusts, he caught the man in the shoulder and as he went down, he gave him a stunning blow to the head. Misteline, watching, noticed the first assailant get up and flee, but decided he was unlikely to be able to catch him.

At this point, and to Marmaduke's amazement, Luigi and Ivy Cutlerstub, both in night clothing, appeared from the rear entrance of the Cutlerstub residence and peered at the fighting men. Marmaduke shouted "Mother! How could you!?" and Ivy yelped and fled back indoors. Luigi payed no heed to this, but with his sword in hand, he dashed into the fray. Marmaduke may have considered shooting him, but didn't.

The fighting was over in seconds and by the time Rufus had reached them, Ronaldo, Alesandro and Sandro were dead, Giancarlo was dying and Luigi was seriously wounded in the lower abdomen. From his vantage point, Misteline noted that Anaiis Fouquet had witnessed the fight from atop the gate house.

Whilst Misteline did what he could for Luigi, Rufus told Marmaduke to grab the prisoner from the balconey, and then fetch a doctor, which Marmaduke did whilst Rufus ran off to get help from Marshal Quartermoon. Marmaduke left the prisoner with Misteline and then went to find Doctor Hamshank. Hamshank was at home and came readily enough, though he was not happy about it. He examined Giancarlo and said there was nothing he could do, then examined Luigi and said he might survive if he was lucky. He then took his leave just as a slightly drunk Robert Ladlevane arrived on the scene, on his way back home.

Marmaduke, Robert Ladlevane and Franco moved Luigi, the prisoner and the dead Faustini brothers into Misteline's house. Whilst Pietro stayed, weeping, by the dying Giancarlo. Luigi and the prisoner were taken up to the studio whilst the dead brothers were laid out on the kitchen floor. Whilst this was going on, Misteline sloped away to Garnet Street and found the door to the Cock-a-doodle Club still open.

As he ran along North Wall Street Rufus heard a horse coming up fast behind him, he whipped around drawing his rapier as he did and was just in time to parry a blow aimed at his head. He almost managed to dishorse the rider but the horseman held on fast and galloped on down the road. Rufus ran after him for a short while but it was useless. The man on the horse got away and Rufus never got a clear look at his face.

Inside the Cock-a-doodle Club, Misteline found evidence that some one had been using the club for an unknwn period of time. Furniture had been moved about and several empty wine bottles and the remains of a light meal were still standing on a table. The rear door had been barricaded by heavy furntiure. Locating the cellar, Misteline then checked below. He found an ample supply of wine in the first room, and a locked door. He tried to pick the lock with his dagger but succeeded only in breaking the tip of his dagger off in the lock. Rather than carry around a broken dagger which might identify him, should any one discover the tip of the blade in the lock, he then dropped the dagger and left it on the floor.

The upper storey of the building showed more signs of habitation. In the rear bedroom a table by the window contained yet more wine bottles and a note book. Misteline took the note book and scarpered, but as he was leaving the club he bumped into a Militia night watchman who asked him what he was doing. Misteline shrugged and muttered but the guard realised what the building was and having drawn a mistaken conclusion about Misteline (but not that mistaken) quickly departed. Misteline breathed a sigh of relief and returned home.

At the Citadel, Rufus found the gates shut so he hammered on them until a guard opened a shutter high above him and gruffly asked his business. Rufus tried to explain that there was an emergency and he needed to speak with Marshall Quartermoon, but the guards told him to be off. Not to be put out Rufus tried one of the other gates, but with a similar result. Disgusted he returned to Friars Gate.

Misteline examined the prisoner and found there was something unusual about him in that his moustache was hanging from his face. It transpired that the prisoner was the man who called himself Horace Nuvel, and almost certainly the drunkard with eel whom had been sighted in the Red Fox. Misteline realised that if Horace was working in some official capacity, then taking him prisoner and killing his companions might be seen in a poor light. He set about writing a letter to Leander Quartermoon at once;

To Marshal Leander Quartermoon

Some people had  been occupying the Cock-a-doodle Club. When disturbed, one of the shot Giancarlo Faustini of Castelopea, killing him.

They then attacked the other Faustini brothers, Rufus and myself. Rufus over powered one who proved to be the man who had mascaraded as Horace (the servant that I had hired for Rufus). I thought he had been working for you, in which case you should reclaim him. You may wish to take him into custody if he was not working for you. Do you have any advice? Two were killed, one escaped. They appear to have come from Serrensima.

Misteline Magnifico

Rufus returned and was informed about Horace. He examined the unconsious man and confirmed his identity, then together with Marmaduke, he examined the two dead men who wore good clothing, but had no distinguishing marks beyond a purse of coins from Serrenisma. Misteline bought some Laudanum from Doctor Hamshank and gave Horace a dose. As he did, Horace revived from his stupor long enough to peer about the room and tell every one they were under arrest in the name of the Lord High Steward. After this, there followed a discussion as to what to do with the bodies and Marmaduke was sent to fetch the wagon, which he duly did. 

Misteline took the samples of black powder he had stashed in Rufus's studio and walked to the Citadel. Along the way he became aware that the man calling himself Julian Keenkettle was following him, accompanied at times by an urchin. Misteline hastened on and upon his arrival convinced the Militia guards to accept the letter he had written for Marshal Quartermoon. As a precaution he also handed in the parcel containing the samples of black powder. He then asked if Marlowe was present to which the guards told him to wait. An uncomfortable hour passed with Misteline growing ever more wary. Every so often he spied Julian Keenkettle lurking in the distance and dared not leave the proximity of the Citadel. Eventually his patience paid off, a door was opened and Misteline was pulled within...

This game was played on 1st June. 2011. Present were Jan, Oleg, Goeg and Palle.

Pulled within the gate house and the door shut and barred behind him, Misteline was uncertain who was standing around him in the dim light. He could make out several Militia guards, at least one of whom spoke with some authority but before he could decide was to their intentions he was quickly escorted down into the underground levels of the fortress. This caused him some uneasiness of mind, but he was shown into an office occupied by a small, balding, and very sleepy man, introduced as Marshal Quatermoon's principal private secretary.

Misteline laid out the nights events to which the gnomish fellow listened carefully, then asked for advice with regards to Horace Nivel. The secretary considered the matter and explained that if Horace was who he thought he was, then Misteline would be best served by releasing Horace as soon as he was able to. Misteline fretted about Horace's companions who had been killed to which the secretary shrugged with indifference. "Quietly dispose of their bodies" was his best advice. He didn't think they were a part of any official group nor did he expect Horace would care about them.

Misteline made ready to leave, but only after he'd mentioned the journalist whom he suspected would still be lurking outside. The secretary sent for a guard named Harris, and allocated Misteline an escort home. Misteline then proposed the Militia attempted to catch the journalist and find out what he was up to. This was agreed upon and Misteline set out for home.

Whilst Misteline was at the Citadel, Marmaduke and the Faustini's shifted the bodies of the dead Serrenismans and put them back inside the Cock-a-doodle club. They then examined the cellar and discovered a bondage room (beyond the door that Misteline had previously failed to open).

Rufus in the meanwhile, asked Franco for his permission to marry Belinda, to which Franco replied; "Yes, and with great pleasure!".

17th Marts. 1625

The next morning, everyone awoke early as they had taken turns to keep watch. Misteline decided to follow the secretary's advice and let Horace go. When he realised what Misteline was doing, Horace declared that one good turn deserved another and he told Misteline that it was Cristobal Sebastiano's men who had been watching from the Cock-a-doodle club. He then wished the old artist good day and left, by dropping quickly from a window into Milners Lane.

The Faustini's split up with Sancho going to the Hotel to be with Belinda, whilst Franco went to find an undertaker who could arrange an appropriate funeral for the dead Faustini brothers. Misteline went to see Meg Plum and arranged to have a girl come to the house to clean up the mess.

Once he had given Sancho enough time to prepare Belinda, Rufus went to vist his beloved at the hotel, and once in her presence, he fell to his knee and proposed marriage. Belinda immediately accepted and the two lovers feel into each others arms (whilst Sancho casually disregarded them). As soon as he was able to leave without causing offence, Rufus made his way back to Misteline's studio in order to find a way of sending Belinda to the Queen where he believed she might be safely out of harms way. Misteline however wanted to go and get his armour so Rufus accompanied him. No sooner had they left however, when they became aware of the man claiming to be a journalist who was following them. Rufus confronted the man on Cobblemoss Court and he attempted to resist, but with a few swift passes of his rapier the fiery Castelopean had disarmed the dark stranger of his steel spike and sword, and defeated him.

A small crowd had gathered but once the excitement was over, Misteline became the centre of attention and he deemed it better to get the so called journalist away from public gaze so he might be querstioned. The two companions thus returned to Misteline's studio with their prisoner where he was patched up and questioned. Still refering to himself as Julian Keenkettle, a journalist for The Volunteer, he brazenly informed Misteline that as he was a lackey of the establishment, his involvement in the death of Molly Cutlerstub was regarded as highly suspicious. Mitsleine tried to reason with Keenkettle but the man gave every indication of being a political firebrand of the worst kind. Eventually Misteline tired of the fellow and let him go, though he kept the steel stylus which he found bore some kind of acid burn.

Curious about the acid burn, Misteline decided to ask the Faustini's if they might happen to be able to identify any poison that might leave such a mark, and accompanied Rufus to the Lady and Horse where Sancho examined the stylus and was able to recal hearing og an acid based poison, though he couldn't remember its name. Upon meeting Misteline, the weeping Belinda thanked him for having drawn the sketch of the Faustini brothers which she now cherished.

In the meanwhile, Marmaduke stayed at Misteline's studio, watching over the wounded Luigi, whom he felt indisposed toward. Having decided against harming Luigi, for fear of Rufus's anger, Marmaduke was suddenly surprised by Father Caltrop who entered the studio and tied him up. Caltrop was not in a good mood and proceeded to threaten Marmaduke whilst he looked about the room for his money. Eventually he threatened to kill Luigi if Marmaduke didn't immediately tell him where the money was, cutting off one of the poor man's fingers to emphasis his serious intention. Since Marmaduke didn't know where the money was, he couldn't say, and so Father Caltrop stabbed Luigi in the heart. He then told Marmaduke to tell Misteline to stop messing him about and give him his fucking money!

When Misteline and Rufus returned, they noticed a pool of blood on the kitchen floor, with fresh drops still dripping from the ceiling. Rufus rushed upstairs and found Rufus dead and Marmaduke tied to a chair. He cut Marmaduke's bonds and demanded an explanation.

Misteline stayed on the ground floor and looked about in case any one was lurking below. It happened that Father Caltrop was indeed hiding in Mrs Crimpstock's bedroom and when Misteline looked within, Caltrop head-butted the old artist and pulled him into the room. Some what dazed, Misteline still had the sense to not cry out and he listened as Caltrop told him, in a somewhat exasperated tone that he wanted his money back or else there would be consequences. He didn't want to hurt Misteline, he even went so far as to express his admiration for him as an artist, but he would be forced to do something drastic if Misteline continued to hold back his money. Misteline tried to engage Caltrop in conversation, but Caltrop told Misteline to keep quiet lest he attract Rufus's attention and he would be forced to kill him as he had his cousin, which would be breaking a promise. After a final warning, he then made his way out of the building and hurried away.

Upstairs, Rufus happened to be looking out the window and seeing Caltrop, he attempted to open and window and drop down into the courtyard. Unfortunately, he sprained his ankle upon landing and was unable to give chase. Caltrop heard Rufus land and looking back, saw him getting unsteadily to his feet. Caltrop made motion conveying disgust and hurried away through Robert Ladlevane's yard.

As Rufus stood cursing his ill luck, a young woman with an ample bosom arrived and introduced herself as the maid, Susan Applemoss, sent by Meg Plum to help clean up the house. Misteline welcomed the young woman and explained to her about the blood and the dead man up in the studio. Susan made no particular reaction, said nothing, and set to work cleaning up. Misteline sent for Doctor Hamshank, who arrived promptly, bound Rufus's ankle up and then bled him to rectify his humours.

Whilst Susan Applemoss set about cleaning the kitchen, the three companions gathered in the studio to debate the situation and after a while Susuan, obviously doing her best to be agreeable, brought up a tray of pickled eels. Rufus, having a strong dislike for pickled eels, left to eat at teh Red Fox and Misteline departed to fetch his armour.

At the armourer, Misteline was delighted with the excellent craftmanship and superb fit of his armour, and being in funds, he paid the full amount forthwith. Thanking the artisand for his trouble he then set out to return to his studio and along the way couldn't but help notice how quiet the streets were. As he stood outside the Armourer's workshop, he found the street to almost deserted and the sense of gloom was compounded by the distant sound of a woman crying. Some what dejected, he made his way home. Meeting Susuan as she was leaving, he paid her also and arranged for her to return the next day and continue her task. Susan responded with evident gratitude and promised to be a good worker.

This game was played on 8th June. 2011. Present were Jan, Oleg, Goeg and Palle.

As soon as he was able, and once Marmaduke had left the room, Misteline retreived Father Caltrop's money from the horse testicle study. No sooner had he done so than the front door bell jangled and a letter was delivered from Marshal Quartermoon;

Misteline

Word of the Lady Trueblood was sent to Haven in the hopes that she was still detained there by the Captain of the Port but as it transpired, our messenger arrived half a day before her, and the Captain’s men boarded and searched the ship for the barrels of black powder you describe. No such barrels were found aboard, nor was Anton Fouquet. The only conclusion I can draw is that the Lady Trueblood unloaded her cargo before she reached Haven. I have issued quarantine orders that all movement on the Weyr is suspended until further notice and any ships on the Weyr or which have arrived in Takshendal in the last day or two must be searched. If we find anything I shall attempt to pass the word to you, but in your private ear, I must warn you that in the last few hours, word has reached us that the Sot has been reported in Skavvia and it is only a matter of time before the city gates are shut and all traffic is suspended.

Quartermoon 

Having read the letter, Misteline returned to Father Caltrop's room and left his money on the floor in the centre of the room. He then went to see Meg Plum to ask about Susan and arrange for her to work as a maid, making breakfast and cleaning up the house. Meg agreed to arrange this, for a modest fee.

Meanwhile at the Lady & Horse Rufus spoke with Franco and Sancho to arrange the funeral. The Faustini were maddened by Luigi's death following so shortly on their own brothers, and advocated hiring an assassin from Castelopea to deal with Father Caltrop 'in the old fashioned way'. Rufus was sceptical, preferingt o deal with the man himself, but understood that his ankle would hamper him if an encounter should occur in the next day or so. He did not protest to the idea.

Misteline made his way to the Arrow theatre. He was curious to learn the where abouts of Bagangelo, and decided to ask amongst the artistic fraternity if any one knew where the young man was.
Here he met with another artist, by the name of Rudolph Cantapple who was able to point Misteline in the direction of a fourth artist, Colin Trueboat at whose apartment on Dandelion Street, Bagangelo was to be found. Misteline thanked Cantapple and went to visit at once. He found Bagangelo recuperating in bed and being cared for, by Trueboat's fifteen year old daughter. It didn't require a mind as acute as Misteline's to perceive the intimate relationship which had sprung up between them (the nude sketches hung about the room were a significant clue). There was no sign of  Colin Trueboat.

Misteline examined the cuts upon Bagangelo's face which had been tended to as per his instructions, and was pleased to see they were healing very well, and although Bagangelo would still be scarred for life, the wounds would not be as horrific as they would otherwise have been. Bagangelo thanked Misteline for his attention and seemed to be blissfully unaware of the events which had taken place after his departure from Friars Gate. He spoke of Oliver Taprattle as if the man were still alive and Misteline did not contradict him.

Marmaduke returned home only to find the door to his workshop locked from within. Puzzled he tried the back door to the house, which opened and went inside to find his mother. Ivy was in a relatively good mood until Marmaduke told her that Luigi was dead, where upon she grew extremely agitated and appeared to believe that Marmaduke had killed Luigi. She began to shout and scream and told him to get out of her house, for he was a dog and no son of hers!

Marmaduke more or less ignored his mother and she ran out of the house. She soon returned with Captain Shallowsack and several Militia guards and to his amazement, Marmaduke found himself being evicted. He decided to return to Misteline's studio and await the old artists return. He entered the building and walked upstairs. Finding the studio empty as he expected, he sat by a window and looked out into the courtyard. A few seconds after he'd sat down, Anaiis Fouquet's body landed in the courtyard.

Marmaduke realised she must have fallen, or jumped, from the north tower of the gatehouse. He decided she had to be dead, so he stayed put and watched. He had been blamed for things he had had no hand in too many times of late and he had no intention of being accused of having any part in this. The courtyard was deserted so it was a few minutes before any one noticed the corpse but eventually a woman passing through the courtyard from North Wall Street saw it and began to scream. Almost at once people began to emerge from their homes to see what was amiss, and Captain Shallowsack and his men, who had been loitering at the front of the Red Fox, came a-running. Marmaduke moved down into the courtyard where he watched proceedings and as a consequence his attention was drawn to a finely dressed stranger amongst the crowd of people who had gathered. This young man, possibly a gentleman, but more likely to be a dandy, was acting unsual in that he appeared to be amused by the death of Anaiis Fouquet and Marmaduke also noticed he stayed close to the door of the south tower of the gate house. Shallowsack examined the body with callous indifference and then entered the north tower, using a key of his own. Captain Shallowsack stayed in the tower for roughly fifteen minutes then emerged and seeing Marmaduke, warned him to stay away from his mother and then left with the stated intention of sending back a 'meat wagon'.

Gregory Marshkindle emerged from his hut and began to lament the death of his mistress with every sign of sincerity. Marmaduke's suspicions with regards to the dandy were confirmed however, when the man appeared to help conceal a small slender figure, probably a woman, who slipped from the south tower.

As Marmaduke watched, this figure, concealed in a hooded cape slipped out into North Wall Street, and Marmaduke quickly rushed through Misteline's house and out the front door with the intention of following it. This idea was quickly thwarted when Marmaduke stepped outside only to bump into Susan at the corner of Milners Lane. Recognising her as the woman from the south tower, Marmaduke grabbed Susan and asked her what she had been doing in the south tower. Susuan feigned innocence long enough to pull a dagger and attempt to stab Marmaduke in his lower abdomen. Marmaduke managed to dodge the dagger, and retaliated by punching Susan in the face and knocking her out. He then dragged her into the house (remembering to pick up her dagger).

Rufus returned to Friars Gate and discovered the crowd standing around Anaiis's body. He asked why she had been covered and Meg Plum fetched a blanket to cover the dead woman. Not long after this, Misteline arrived, following the wagon which had been sent for the body. He managed to give the body a brief examination and determined it was still warm.

The three companions gathered in the studio and having heard Marmaduke's tale, woke Susan up and proceeded to question her. At first Susuan begged for her life but once Misteline had administered a drink of laudanum, she grew less verbose. she claimed to have been cleaning the south tower and avowed any knowledge of Anaiis's death. Misteline pretended to believe her and eventually let her go, but not before he had set Rufus to follow her.

Following Susan was easy enough, as the laudanaum dulled her senses and Rufus would have found it easy going except that as he crossed Cobblemoss Court in her wake, a sudden wave of panic caught the people in the square. People began to shout and point and as he looked down Hedgecote Road, Rufus saw a mass of dark smoke rising above the buildings. People running from this smoke were shouting about the sot and the cry was taken up by those in Cobblemoss Court too. More and more people, including Susan, began to flee from smoke. Rufus kept his head and moved against the crowd to see what was going on. Further down Hedgecote Road he found St Rupert's Church of Divine Light blaze, whilst several monks and locals ran about in a confused mass. 

Rufus attempted to maintain order, but no one paid him much attention. The monks wailed and lamented as one of their number (a Father Andrew) was apparently trapped within the burning building. Rufus tried to get close to see if a rescue might be attempted but saw the heat was already far too great. Within the building he spied a solitary figure kneeling at the altar in prayer.

Some of the locals began to fight about whether to demolish a neighbouring house and soon some Militia guards arrived and attempted to intervene. Rufus decided there was nothing he could do so he returned home to wash himself and put on fresh clothing.

Misteline was obliged to give Marmaduke a place to sleep, and since Marmaduke had no weapons, he gave him one of the swords left behind by the Faustini's. He then went to the Red Fox to arrange dinner and was able to purchase a generous helping of 'hedgepig & onion stew'.

After having eaten, Misteline experimented with the small samples of black powder he had taken from Captain Fouquet's laboratory. He had three samples, one was slightly brown and it merely sputttered and fizzled. Annother was a dull grey blue and it burned brightly, but slowly. The third was dark and black and it was the most potent.When lit it exploded with a tight flash and a crack.

It was decided that since Rufus was the best at sneaking about unseen, he would go and examine the gate house with an idea to either scaling the walls or breaking in. Rufus went outside and found it was beginning to rain. He inspected the masonry of the gate house towers and decided that he might just be able to scale them. He glanced around the courtyard to make sure no one was watching and in doing so, his attention was drawn to a glow of light in the small glass window in Bagangelo's door.

Note from this point on, I stopped trying to keep up with the write ups as playing the game each week, instead of each fortnight meant I didn't have the time to transfer my notes to this blog. Everythng written from this point was added after the campaign had finished.

Rufus approached Bagangelo's door and listened. Satisfied there was no noise from within, he then tried the door and found it open. Inside the room, the stench from Oliver Taprattle's corpse was very strong, but it was the sight of Horace Nuvel that caught his attention. Careful in the dim light from the fire place, he entered the room and examined Horace. It was plain that the man had been worked over before his throat was cut.

Rufus went back outside and examined the secret way up to Father Caltrop's room but it was pitch black and there was nothing to see. He then went upstairs and looked into Caltrop's room and in the darkness stood in blood stains. There was nothing untoward upstairs either. Rufus returned to Bagangelo's rooms and over coming his repugnance, examined Horace closer. Finding rope burns on the dead man's wrists further strengthened the impression that Nuvel had been mistreated before his death. Rufus returned to Misteline's studio.

Having imparted his information regarding Horace Nuvel, Rufus borred a hooded cloak and went back outside to break into the southern gate house tower. As he left Misteline's house, he noticed the tower's door to the gatehouse walkway closing. Some bobody it seemed was within the tower, but Rufus could not be sure if they had seen him or not. He made his way closer to the tower and tried the ground floor door, and found it was unlocked. He entered and paused to listen.