Adlerverein

Die Adlerverein (the Eagle Club) is a curious little social club that comprises Kurfürstin von Liebwitz and many of her childhood friends, confidantes, and business connections (though their number has dwindled somewhat of late).

Though the origins of the club are innocent enough, at some point it turned towards the esoteric and mystical. For the past decade (or more) it has concerned it's with the extension of human life. Without resorting to sorcery, dark pacts, and the like. 

In time, it probably would have turned to more sinister means as it's members started to feel death breathing down their necks. But in this case, it didn't happen, because the Adlerverein has discovered the secrets of the Elixir of Life. According to von Liebwitz the recipe was written on ancients scrolls carried from Araby by the Knight's Panther. This alchemical concoction, when brewed just right with the correct ingredients, and administered correctly (the wrong dose will kill you), can indeed slow aging. 

Ankh-Akh has confirmed that the potion Wigmar carries is indeed the Elixir of Life. He also claims it's the first step towards undeath and damnation: the Elixir will only keep a man alive for a limited period of time. As you grow older, you need ever-increasing doses, until such a point that continuing to take the Elixir will kill you as surely as not taking it. Then, you turn to necromancy or the dark gods.

Black Orcs

 

Black orcs (so named because their skin color runs towards dark grey rather than green) are the largest, fiercest, and most disciplined of the greenskin races. Common orcs are bad enough: big and strong, hard to kill, and virtually fearless (at least as long as the battle is going in their favor). Black orcs are another level of bad entirely: each warrior is a match for any orc nob, is heavily armored (unlike common orcs), and carry heavy weapons that can shatter a human shield wall with a single blow. But worst of all is their tactical acumen and ability to work together as a cohesive military unit. They know no fear, even in the face of certain defeat, and seem completely immune to pain.

Fortunately black orcs are exceedingly rare in the Empire. Sometimes a lone black orc will lead a band of lesser greenskins or a small band of black orcs will come down from the World's Edge Mountains, but no unified force of such creatures have dared set foot in the Empire since before Magnus the Pious untied the provinces.

Empire scholars know very little about the origins of the black orcs, except that they probably originated from the World's Edge Mountains or in the Dark Lands beyond. Some have linked their creation to Chaos but this seems very unlikely: common orcs sometimes succumb to the lures of Dark Gods but black orc animosity towards Chaos is endemic. Then again black orcs hate elves, dwarves, humans, and every other creature - including other orcs - so maybe it's not so special.

Known Cults and Where to Find Them

 

There are countless cults in the Empire (or so they say) but not all of them are know to Wigmar and friends...

THE PURPLE HAND

This cult is by far the best known to Wigmar. It's the cult of Kastor Liberung, Wigmar's double, and in many ways responsible - despite the cult's best efforts it should be noted - for his current good fortunes.

The cult appears widespread, having a following in Middenheim (appears to be the main seat of the guild), Altdorf, and Nuln (at least two separate cells). It's not universal, however, lacking followers in smaller towns. For example, there didn't seem to be any Hand cultists in Bögenhafen. And the cell that came after Wigmar in Übersreik were not locals.

Senior members are known as 'Magisters' and Kastor carried the title 'magister impedimentae' while in Nuln. His responsibilities including procuring for the cult what it needed - including living humans (presumably for human sacrifice, although this has never been proven).

The cult uses magic (chaos sorcery) when necessary but seems to work primarily throguh more mundane means.

The cult's goals are not clear, but it seems concerned with material wealth (as exemplified by Kastor's false inheritance) and power (access to/control over the Elector-Countess of Nuln). Beyond that it's anybody's guess.

A certain "Captain Scharlach of Middenheim" was named by cultists sent by the Hand to murder Wigmar in Ubersreik. He's supposedly a Watch Captain of the City of the White Wolf.

THE RED CROWN

Etelka Hertzen is the best known cultist of the Red Crown. Her apprentice Ernst Heidelmann a distant second. 

Unlike the Purple Hand, the Red Crown works with beastmen and greenskins (and who knows what other monstrosities).

Beyond Hertzen's fixation on Dagmar von Wittgenstein's great warpstone, nothing is known of the cult's goals or modus operandi.

Is the Red Crown in any way connected to the Purple Hand? Possibly. Heidelmann had spent time in Middenheim, the seat of the Hand. On the other hand, Middenheim is one of the places in the Empire with the highest concentrations of wizards and mystics, so it doesn't necessarily mean anything.

ORDO SEPTINARIUS

This is the cult that was wiped out (or rather, the inner council was dealt with) in Bögenhafen. An inner council of seven, with each senior member leading a cell of seven member s that were unaware of the identity of the others. 

Franz Steinhäger certainly knew that he was consorting with daemonic forces and the other members of the inner council had to know they were messing with forces that shall not be named. Yet despite these facts there was a certain naiveté to the cult, as if it was just taking its first, stumbling steps down the path to damnation.

It's not entirely clear how the Order of Seven relates to other cults. It did not seem connected to Kastor Liberung - beyond the fact that both used sorcery and that the Order may have been unknowingly (?) aligned with the Great Corruptor. Likewise, while Johannes Teugen knew Etelka Hertzen from their time in Nuln, and Franz Steinhäger exchanged damning letters with the witch, it doesn't appear that they were part of the Red Crown.

THE JADE SCEPTRE

Mentioned only. Possibly active in Middenheim but no known members have been named. Unclear if it's another cult of the Changer or if its devoted to some other foul power.

THE VON WITTGENSTEIN FAMILY

Even if Wigmar lives to see 100 years of age he'll be hard pressed to finds a more thoroughly corrupt family. They are all dead now, thankfully, except Margritte's brother, Gotthard von Wittgenstein. He's known to be residing in Middenheim. And the letters he exchanged with his sister are enough to damn him many times over. But is he a sorcerer like his sister? And is he involved with this cult or that?

THE DRINKER'S GET

 The get of Ahalt, the Drinker. Bloodthirsty savages that engage in ancient rituals and can take the shape of wolves. How do they relate to Chaos and other cults? How widespread are they? Why do they hate Taal and Rhya so much?

Karak Azgaraz

 

Karak Azgaraz is an old dwarf holdfast deep in the Grey Mountains. Though never as great or rich as the World's Edge hold or Karaka Norn, Azgaraz was nevertheless considered a great hold during its heyday.

These days it has nearly faded from human history. It's deep mines are largely empty and trade has nearly dried up. Scholars may remember the name but commoners - even merchants - will probably draw a blank if asked.

Karak Azgaraz has another problem to contend with, one that consumes all of its dwindling resources: greenskins. Every time the dwarfs try to establish an outpost or open a new mine, greenskins will eventually turn up and see their efforts undone.

It is only a matter of time before this noble house of dwarfs will disappear entirely under a horde of greenskins.

Blood Keep

 

The Blood Keep is an ancient castle ruin situated on the eastern slopes of the Grey Mountains. Seven centuries ago as the minstrels tell time it was the home of an order of valiant knights. Then a powerful vampire came among them. Those he did not slay he turned into thrall vampires. Thus was born the Blood Knights, and for many years they terrorized the lands of men until finally the vampire was destroyed, the Knights laid to rest, and the castle torn down.

From time to time the castle ruins has served as a base for monsters, smugglers, outlaws, and other ner-do-well - until cleared out by local nobles, adventurers, or road wardens.. There is an ancient decrepit (but still functional) stone bridge spanning the gorge of the river Wut. The only other bridge before the Countess Emmanuelle Canal is in Königsdorf.

Of late it's been refurbished as an asylum, "The White Oak Sanatorium of the Mentally Diverse." It's staffed by Shallyans and Sigmarites, and paid for by Emperor Lutipold. There are about fifty of the "mental divergent" in residence at any time, attended by a staff of twenty. They are led by Shallyan priestess Anastasia Krilenko (a white-haired Kislevite in her late 50s).

The closest settlement is Königsdorf, a walled village of some 500 souls. And old road winds past Blood Keep, crossing the valleys and highlands of the Grey Peaks until it reaches Karak Azgaraz, deep in the mountains.

From the Journal of one Wigmar Heck, pt 34 (A conspiracy, a faked murder, and the ghosts of sorcerers past)

 

17 Vorhexen

It's been... an interesting few days. 

Turns out the good Elector is part of a cult - of sorts. The Adlerverein - the Eagle Club. It has roots back to her childhood here in Meissen and includes friends of old - and new. Their current obsession is the extension of human lifespan through non-forbidden means. They've managed to create an elixir that slows the aging process. If that's true it's truly remarkable. I was given a sample of the elixir - which is highly toxic even in small dose - and will have it tested. I really do hope it's not a forbidden substance - I'd hate to have to bring in Emmanuelle dearest.

Oh, and there was a plot to kill the Elector-Countess and replace her with a cousin. A real plot by a real cult - the Purple Hand. Yes, those guys again. And this time they were not kidding around: "Kastor Liberung" has been marked for death. The order came down from the top brass in Middenheim. 

So this particular cell decided to kill two birds with one plot: murder the Countess and me both. But as usual hey got sidetracked by their own overly intricate plotting and ended up dead - every last one of them. 

It was quite clever if I may say so. Me and Emmanuelle really worked well together. With some help from Thes. But mostly my own brilliance.

Ah yes, one last thing: Thesalva has been poisoning me every day for quite some time now. It's... an elven thing. I can't really be cross with her: without her ministrations I would be dead at the cultist's hands.

The Purple Hand should be crushed in Nuln and around the Countess' person now: I've rooted out two major cells. Can't say for sure there aren't more but if there are I'd be greatly surprised. Between the Hand and Herzen's Red Crown, I've dealt the Enemy a severe blow.

31 Vorhexen

After a week and a half weather-locked in Meissen, we hit the road. We finally reached Nuln after three miserable days in the saddle. Thank the light for coaching inns and the company of noble ladies. We didn't immediately enter the city with the gates being closed up and everything. One final night on the road with the lady of the manor.

Career spotlight: Knight & Knight of the Inner Circle

 

KNIGHT

Knights are professional Soldiers, generally, but not always of Noble blood. They specialize in fighting in heavy armour while using large weapons, often from horseback, and comprise a general’s most elite shock troops. Many Knights have a duty to protect the lower classes, though not all of them acknowledge it. There are a large number of knightly orders hailing from both the Empire and Bretonnia, such as the Knights of the White Wolf, the Knights Panther, the Reiksgard Knights, and the Grail Knights. Religious orders of Knights are known as templars.

WS	BS	S	T	Ag	Int	WP	Fel
+30	+10	+20	+20	+20	+10	+20	+10

Skills: Academic Knowledge (Genealogy/Heraldry or Religion), Academic Knowledge (Strategy/Tactics), Cool, Dodge, Perception, Ride, Secret Language (Battle Tongue), Speak Language (any two)

Talents: Specialist Weapon Group (Cavalry), Specialist Weapon Group (Flail), Specialist Weapon Group (Two-handed), Strike Mighty Blow, Swift Attack

Trappings: Flail or Morning Star, Lance, Heavy Armour (Full Plate Armour), Shield, Religious Symbol, 25 gc, Destrier with Saddle and Harness

Career Entries: Noble, Pistolier, Sergeant, Squire

Career Exits: Captain, Initiate, Knight of the Inner Circle, Noble Lord, Vampire Hunter

KNIGHT OF THE INNER CIRCLE

Within each knightly order there are those who rise to the top, the best of the best. They have proven themselves valiant and loyal time and time again and for that they are brought into the inner circle of the order. They command Knights in the field, represent the order at court, and make the important decisions. They are some of the greatest warriors the Old World has to offer and many of them have been entrusted with dangerous secrets about the foundations of their group. Each one of them aspires to become the Grand Master of his order. That is the pinnacle of knighthood.

WS	BS	S	T	Ag	Int	WP	Fel
+40	+15	+25	+25	+25	+20	+30	+20

Skills: Academic Knowledge (Genealogy/Heraldry or Religion), Academic Knowledge (Strategy/Tactics), Dodge Blow, Perception, Ride, Secret Language (Battle Tongue), Speak Language (any two)

Talents: Lightning Attack, Specialist Weapon Group (Cavalry), Specialist Weapon Group (Flail), Specialist Weapon Group (Two-handed), Strike Mighty Blow

Trappings: Flail or Morning Star, Lance, Heavy Armour (Full Plate Armour), Shield, Religious Symbol, 25 gc, Destrier with Saddle and Harness

Career Entries: Knight, Witch Hunter

Career Exits: Captain, Champion, Noble Lord, Witch Hunter