Vers les Collines Stériles
General Summary
Après l’assaut spectaculaire de la tour d’Etelka, Rayaar et Karl de retourner à Grissenwald . Ils sont accompagnés par Thulgrim , le nain robuste mais blessé, ayant perdu un œil dans la bataille, et Gert , leur compagnon de circonstance. Avec eux, ils traînent Gutbag , le sinistre chef gobelin capturé lors de leur audacieux combat.
Le chemin de retour vers Grissenwald est court mais rempli de dangers potentiels, le petit groupe reste donc sur ses gardes.
Une fois arrivés, ils se précipitent vers la demeure de Gorim Greathammer , le chef des nains. Il se montre reconnaissant de la valeur des informations fournies et aussi de celles que pourrait fournir Gutbag. Il accepte donc de le « prendre en charge », promettant de l’interroger - même par des moyens extrêmes. « Nous allons reprendre ce qui nous a été subtilisé. Maintenant qu’Etelka a finalement quitté les lieux, nous sommes en droits de récupèrer notre bien, surtout s’il est remplis de gobelins ». Karl et Rayaar se gardent bien d’interrompre le chef pour lui signaler que l’absence de la magicienne n’est peut-être que temporaire. Ils se montrent enthousiastes mais savent également que l’attaque imminente contre la mine gobeline dépendra des secrets arrachés au captif (et qu’il ne survrira peut-être pas à l’interrogatoire).
Épuisés mais soulagés, nos héros se dirigent ensuite vers la taverne locale. Les éclats de rire et les discussions animées offrent un répit bienvenu. Gert, voyant la fin de son aventure tumultueuse , dépense son pécule en boissons, tandis que Rayaar, Karl et Thulgrim profitent d’une nuit réparatrice, sachant que des défis plus grands les attendent dans les prochains jours.
Le lendemain matin, après une nuit de repos bien méritée, Karl, Rayaar et Thulgrim traversent le village en direction de la forêt au sud. En chemin, ils passent par la place du marché, où une scène intrigante les arrête net. La place centrale est remplie de villageois. Un prêtre de Sigmar , vêtu de sa robe de moine campagnard, se tient là immobile. À ses pieds, une homme barbu attaché, subit le regard accusateur de la foule. L’atmosphère est chargée de tension et de murmures inquiets.
Le prêtre, avec une voix vibrante d’autorité, s’adresse à l’assemblée : “Gens de Grissenwald, frères et sœurs en Sigmar, écoutez-moi ! Aujourd’hui, nous nous rassemblons ici pour défendre notre foi contre les ténèbres qui cherchent à nous engloutir. Il y a parmi nous un homme, un traître, qui complote contre notre Temple sacré, contre Sigmar lui-même. Cet homme, Kurt Halpel, est coupable d’hérésie contre notre foi sacrée !”
Il pointe un doigt accusateur vers Kurt, l’homme au sol, déclenchant des chuchotements et des murmures dans la foule. “Kurt Halpel, toi et tes semblables profanez le nom de Sigmar en prêchant des doctrines hérétiques de l’Ulricanisme ! Vos réunions secrètes sont des actes de rébellion contre notre culte saint ! Vous prétendez suivre Sigmar, mais vos actions ne sont que chaos et trahison ! Tu complotes contre l’Empire et notre Temple ! Tu cherches à semer la discorde parmi nous et à renverser l’autorité de Sigmar !”
Le Père brandit alors des preuves : des feuilles déchirés et un symbole d’Ulric. “J’ai des preuves, mes frères ! Des témoignages de villageois, des pamphlets blasphématoires trouvés chez lui, des symboles impies d’Ulric souillant notre village ! Kurt Halpel a souillé notre foi, jetant l’ombre du loup d'Ulric sur nos âmes !”
La foule murmure avec ferveur tandis que Karl, sentant l’injustice de la situation, intervient courageusement pour défendre Kurt. “Ce n’est pas juste ! L’Empire autorise la liberté de culte. Les fidèles d’Ulric ont autant de droit de pratiquer leur foi que les adeptes de Sigmar, même ici! La diversité des croyances est un pilier de notre société !”
Mais avant que la discussion ne puisse s’envenimer davantage, un homme de la garde locale intervient, dissipant la foule et mettant fin à la scène. Kurt Halpel est emmené à l’écart, laissant Karl et Rayaar avec un sentiment d’impuissance. Il devient clair que les relations entre Sigmarites et Ulricains sont de plus en plus tendues. Sans perdre de temps, ils reprennent leur chemin vers le sud, décidés à percer les mystères de la forêt.
En pénétrant plus profondément dans les bois, ils finissent par arriver dans une clairière où trônent d’imposants monolithes. L’air y crépite d’une énergie magique si intense que même Rayaar et Thulgrim, non-initiés aux arts mystiques, peuvent sentir les distorsions de la réalité. Les monolithes, imposants et mystérieux, semblent être les vestiges d’un pouvoir ancien et puissant.
Poursuivant leurs investigations, ils découvrent un campement de fortune occupé par une vieille femme. Elle se présente comme Angela Hedamme une herboriste ayant quitté la civilisation pour étudier les plantes et les énergies magiques en pleine nature. Karl et Rayaar lui propose de se joindre à leur quête pour retrouver Etelka. D’abord hésitante et n’étant pas interesessée par l’argent, elle finit néanmoins par accepter… non sans avoir obtenu une promesse. « J’accepte de me joindre à vous pour une durée limitée de trois semaines, mais j’accorde une grande importance à la parole donnée, je ne sais pas encore si cela sera utile, mais j’aimerai que vous rendiez service à l’avenir si j’en éprouve le besoin ».
L’accord est scellé par une poignée de main et ensemble, ils décident de poursuivre Etelka vers les collines stériles.
Le lendemain matin, ils se retrouvent donc sur les quais et embarquent sur l’EHR, la barge de Rayaar et Karl. Remontant le fleuve Reik, ils atteignent Kemperbad après quelques jours de voyage. Là, ils s’arrêtent dans une taverne animée. En mentionnant leur intention de se rendre aux collines stériles, ils suscitent des regards surpris et des haussements d’épaules - pourquoi des gens sensés iraient-ils dans un endroit aussi inhospitalier et dangereux, se demandent les habitants.
Après s’être approvisionnés en nourriture, cordes et sacs de couchage, ils sont prêts pour leur périlleuse expédition. Alors qu’ils quittent le magasin, Karl est soudain interpellé par un homme vêtu d’une cape pourpre.
“Hé bien, Kastor. Qu’est-ce que tu fais? Pourquoi ne ramènes-tu pas le pactole au cercle intérieur? Ils s’impatientent !”
Karl, bien que surpris, reste calme, commençant à s’habituer aux intrusions de La Main Pourpre . La mention du cercle intérieur et du pactole l’intrigue ainsi que ses compagnons, mais Karl, prudent, esquive et reprend son pas vers la barge.
Après plusieurs jours de navigation, ils arrivent à Unterbaum. Dans une auberge locale, ils apprennent qu’un groupe de quatre cavaliers, mené par une femme blonde, s’est aussi renseigné sur les collines stériles. Les aventuriers pensent immédiatement qu’il s’agit probablement du groupe d’Etelka. Cette information confirme leurs soupçons et renforce leur détermination à la retrouver.
Le lendemain remontant le Stir é bord de leur embarcation, ils croisent le cadavre d’un cheval flottant dans l’eau.Il est lourdement harnaché de quelques colis. Une inspection rapide en révèle le contenu: des habits féminins, des rations trempées et une carte marquée “laboratoire de Dagmar” et “collines stériles” .
Il s’agit sans doute l’un des chevaux d’Etelka…
After the spectacular assault on Etelka's tower, Rayaar and Karl return to Grissenwald . They are accompanied by Thulgrim , the sturdy but wounded dwarf who lost an eye in the battle, and Gert , their companion in crime. With them, they drag Gutbag , the sinister goblin chief captured during their daring battle. The way back to Grissenwald is short but fraught with potential danger, so the little group remains on their guard. Once there, they hurry to the dwelling of Gorim Greathammer , the leader of the dwarves. He is grateful for the information he has provided, and also for that which Gutbag could provide. So he agrees to “take charge” of him, promising to interrogate him - even by extreme means. "We're going to take back what was taken from us. Now that Etelka has finally left, we're entitled to our property back, especially if it's full of goblins". Karl and Rayaar are careful not to interrupt the chief to point out that the magician's absence may only be temporary. They are enthusiastic, but they also know that the imminent attack on the goblin mine will depend on the secrets extracted from the captive (and that he may not survive the interrogation). Exhausted but relieved, our heroes then head for the local tavern. Laughter and lively discussion provide a welcome respite. Gert, seeing the end of his tumultuous adventure, spends his nest egg on drinks, while Rayaar, Karl and Thulgrim enjoy a restorative night, knowing that greater challenges await them in the days ahead. The next morning, after a well-deserved night's rest, Karl, Rayaar and Thulgrim set off through the village towards the forest to the south. On the way, they pass through the market square, where an intriguing scene stops them dead in their tracks. The central square is filled with villagers. A priest of Sigmar , dressed in his country monk's robes, stands motionless. At his feet, a bearded man, tied up, endures the accusing gaze of the crowd. The atmosphere is charged with tension and anxious murmurs. The priest, with a voice vibrating with authority, addresses the assembly: “People of Grissenwald, brothers and sisters in Sigmar, hear me! Today, we gather here to defend our faith against the darkness that seeks to engulf us. There is among us a man, a traitor, who plots against our sacred Temple, against Sigmar itself. This man, Kurt Halpel, is guilty of heresy against our sacred faith!" He points an accusing finger at Kurt, the man on the ground, triggering whispers and murmurs from the crowd. "Kurt Halpel, you and your ilk desecrate the name of Sigmar by preaching heretical doctrines of Ulricanism! Your secret meetings are acts of rebellion against our holy cult! You claim to follow Sigmar, but your actions are nothing but chaos and treason! You plot against the Empire and our Temple! You seek to sow discord among us and overthrow Sigmar's authority!" The Father then brandished evidence: torn leaves and a symbol of Ulric. "I have proof, brothers! Testimonies from villagers, blasphemous pamphlets found in his home, unholy symbols of Ulric defiling our village! Kurt Halpel has defiled our faith, casting the shadow of Ulric's wolf over our souls!" The crowd murmurs fervently as Karl, sensing the injustice of the situation, bravely steps in to defend Kurt. “It's not fair! The Empire allows freedom of worship. The followers of Ulric have as much right to practice their faith as the followers of Sigmar, even here! Diversity of belief is a pillar of our society!" But before the discussion can escalate any further, a man from the local guard intervenes, dissipating the crowd and bringing the scene to an end. Kurt Halpel is led away, leaving Karl and Rayaar with a feeling of helplessness. It becomes clear that relations between Sigmarites and Ulricans are becoming increasingly strained. Wasting no time, they set off south again, determined to unravel the mysteries of the forest. Penetrating deeper into the woods, they eventually come to a clearing where imposing monoliths sit enthroned. Here, the air crackles with such intense magical energy that even Rayaar and Thulgrim, uninitiated in the mystic arts, can sense the distortions of reality. The monoliths, imposing and mysterious, seem to be the remnants of an ancient and great power. Continuing their investigations, they discover a makeshift camp occupied by an old woman. She introduces herself as @Angel, an herbalist who has left civilization to study plants and magical energies in the wilderness. Karl and Rayaar ask her to join their quest to find Etelka. Hesitant at first, and not being interested in money, she finally accepts... but not without a promise. “I agree to join you for a limited period of three weeks, but I'm a man of my word, and I don't yet know how useful it will be, but I'd like you to do me a favor in the future if I feel the need”. The agreement is sealed with a handshake, and together they decide to continue Etelka towards the barren hills. The next morning, they meet at the docks and board the EHR, Rayaar and Karl's barge. Traveling up the River Reik, they reach Kemperbad after a few days' journey. There, they stop at a lively tavern.Mentioning their intention to head for the barren hills, they elicit surprised looks and shrugs of the shoulders - why would sensible people go to such an inhospitable and dangerous place, the locals wonder. After stocking up on food, ropes and sleeping bags, they are ready for their perilous expedition. As they leave the store, Karl is suddenly hailed by a man in a crimson cape. "Well, Kastor.What are you up to? Why don't you take the loot back to the inner circle?They're getting impatient!" Karl, though surprised, remains calm, beginning to get used to the intrusions of The Purple Hand .The mention of the inner circle and the pactole intrigues him and his companions, but Karl, cautious, dodges and resumes his steps towards the barge. After several days' sailing, they arrive in Unterbaum.At a local inn, they learn that a group of four horsemen, led by a blond woman, has also inquired about the barren hills. The adventurers immediately suspect that this is Etelka's group.This information confirms their suspicions and strengthens their resolve to find her. The next day, as they travel up the Stir in their boat, they come across the corpse of a horse floating in the water, heavily harnessed with some parcels.A quick inspection reveals its contents: women's clothing, soaked rations and a card marked “Dagmar laboratory” and “sterile hills”. This is undoubtedly one of Etelka's horses...
After the spectacular assault on Etelka's tower, Rayaar and Karl return to Grissenwald . They are accompanied by Thulgrim , the sturdy but wounded dwarf who lost an eye in the battle, and Gert , their companion in crime. With them, they drag Gutbag , the sinister goblin chief captured during their daring battle. The way back to Grissenwald is short but fraught with potential danger, so the little group remains on their guard. Once there, they hurry to the dwelling of Gorim Greathammer , the leader of the dwarves. He is grateful for the information he has provided, and also for that which Gutbag could provide. So he agrees to “take charge” of him, promising to interrogate him - even by extreme means. "We're going to take back what was taken from us. Now that Etelka has finally left, we're entitled to our property back, especially if it's full of goblins". Karl and Rayaar are careful not to interrupt the chief to point out that the magician's absence may only be temporary. They are enthusiastic, but they also know that the imminent attack on the goblin mine will depend on the secrets extracted from the captive (and that he may not survive the interrogation). Exhausted but relieved, our heroes then head for the local tavern. Laughter and lively discussion provide a welcome respite. Gert, seeing the end of his tumultuous adventure, spends his nest egg on drinks, while Rayaar, Karl and Thulgrim enjoy a restorative night, knowing that greater challenges await them in the days ahead. The next morning, after a well-deserved night's rest, Karl, Rayaar and Thulgrim set off through the village towards the forest to the south. On the way, they pass through the market square, where an intriguing scene stops them dead in their tracks. The central square is filled with villagers. A priest of Sigmar , dressed in his country monk's robes, stands motionless. At his feet, a bearded man, tied up, endures the accusing gaze of the crowd. The atmosphere is charged with tension and anxious murmurs. The priest, with a voice vibrating with authority, addresses the assembly: “People of Grissenwald, brothers and sisters in Sigmar, hear me! Today, we gather here to defend our faith against the darkness that seeks to engulf us. There is among us a man, a traitor, who plots against our sacred Temple, against Sigmar itself. This man, Kurt Halpel, is guilty of heresy against our sacred faith!" He points an accusing finger at Kurt, the man on the ground, triggering whispers and murmurs from the crowd. "Kurt Halpel, you and your ilk desecrate the name of Sigmar by preaching heretical doctrines of Ulricanism! Your secret meetings are acts of rebellion against our holy cult! You claim to follow Sigmar, but your actions are nothing but chaos and treason! You plot against the Empire and our Temple! You seek to sow discord among us and overthrow Sigmar's authority!" The Father then brandished evidence: torn leaves and a symbol of Ulric. "I have proof, brothers! Testimonies from villagers, blasphemous pamphlets found in his home, unholy symbols of Ulric defiling our village! Kurt Halpel has defiled our faith, casting the shadow of Ulric's wolf over our souls!" The crowd murmurs fervently as Karl, sensing the injustice of the situation, bravely steps in to defend Kurt. “It's not fair! The Empire allows freedom of worship. The followers of Ulric have as much right to practice their faith as the followers of Sigmar, even here! Diversity of belief is a pillar of our society!" But before the discussion can escalate any further, a man from the local guard intervenes, dissipating the crowd and bringing the scene to an end. Kurt Halpel is led away, leaving Karl and Rayaar with a feeling of helplessness. It becomes clear that relations between Sigmarites and Ulricans are becoming increasingly strained. Wasting no time, they set off south again, determined to unravel the mysteries of the forest. Penetrating deeper into the woods, they eventually come to a clearing where imposing monoliths sit enthroned. Here, the air crackles with such intense magical energy that even Rayaar and Thulgrim, uninitiated in the mystic arts, can sense the distortions of reality. The monoliths, imposing and mysterious, seem to be the remnants of an ancient and great power. Continuing their investigations, they discover a makeshift camp occupied by an old woman. She introduces herself as @Angel, an herbalist who has left civilization to study plants and magical energies in the wilderness. Karl and Rayaar ask her to join their quest to find Etelka. Hesitant at first, and not being interested in money, she finally accepts... but not without a promise. “I agree to join you for a limited period of three weeks, but I'm a man of my word, and I don't yet know how useful it will be, but I'd like you to do me a favor in the future if I feel the need”. The agreement is sealed with a handshake, and together they decide to continue Etelka towards the barren hills. The next morning, they meet at the docks and board the EHR, Rayaar and Karl's barge. Traveling up the River Reik, they reach Kemperbad after a few days' journey. There, they stop at a lively tavern.Mentioning their intention to head for the barren hills, they elicit surprised looks and shrugs of the shoulders - why would sensible people go to such an inhospitable and dangerous place, the locals wonder. After stocking up on food, ropes and sleeping bags, they are ready for their perilous expedition. As they leave the store, Karl is suddenly hailed by a man in a crimson cape. "Well, Kastor.What are you up to? Why don't you take the loot back to the inner circle?They're getting impatient!" Karl, though surprised, remains calm, beginning to get used to the intrusions of The Purple Hand .The mention of the inner circle and the pactole intrigues him and his companions, but Karl, cautious, dodges and resumes his steps towards the barge. After several days' sailing, they arrive in Unterbaum.At a local inn, they learn that a group of four horsemen, led by a blond woman, has also inquired about the barren hills. The adventurers immediately suspect that this is Etelka's group.This information confirms their suspicions and strengthens their resolve to find her. The next day, as they travel up the Stir in their boat, they come across the corpse of a horse floating in the water, heavily harnessed with some parcels.A quick inspection reveals its contents: women's clothing, soaked rations and a card marked “Dagmar laboratory” and “sterile hills”. This is undoubtedly one of Etelka's horses...
Report Date
25 May 2024
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