The climactic blows in the trial by combat between the champions for Baron von Dammenblatz, the plaintiff, and Gravin Maria-Ulrike von Liebwitz, the defendant, are interrupted by the appearance of eight summoned demons, purportedly followers of the blood god Khorne. Dozens of onlookers present at the courthouse arena are killed or injured before the timely intervention of Kemperbad's Morrite priest, Oswald Loewe, succeeds in banishing the creatures. Rumors immediately circulate that agents of the Gravin, concerned about the imminent outcome of the combat, are responsible for summoning the demons as either a distraction, or for more sinister intentions.