THE THOUSAND

THRONES
EXPANSION 1
A SUPPLEMENT FOR WARHAMMER
FANTASY ROLEPLAY
 — INTRODUCTION —
This booklet is the first in a series of free, downloadable expansions to augment The Thousand Thrones campaign for
Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay. If you expect to play this campaign in the future, you should stop reading now. Major
spoilers are contained within the first few paragraphs of the next page. Certain NPCs and adventure locations may be
useful outside The Thousand Thrones, but these web booklets are designed first and foremost to enhance the printed
campaign and thus their utility as standalones is limited. The campaign book can be purchased from www.fantasy-
flightgames.com.

Writing and Design: Wayde Zalken, Jude Hornborg, Orbis Proszynski

Original Concept: Robert J. Schwalb

Editing & Proofreading: Jude Hornborg, Wayde Zalken, Orbis Proszynski

Original Interior Art: Michael Prescott

Cartography: Henrik Grönberg, Thomas Brezinski, Tom Detko,

Wayde Zalken

Layout & Graphic Design: Jude Hornborg

Additional Graphic Elements: Hal Mangold, Andreas Blicher

Playtesting: Bart Baetens, David Benoy, Bert Corluy, René Courier, Stéphanie
Fraikin, Thomas Verschueren

Additional Art: Clipart.com

© Copyright Games Workshop Limited 2008. All Rights Reserved. Games Workshop, the
Games Workshop logo, Warhammer, Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay, the Warhammer Fan-
tasy Roleplay logo, Fantasy Flight Games, the Fantasy Flight Games logo and all associated
races and race insignia, marks, names, characters, illustrations, and images from the War-
hammer universe are either ®, TM, and/or © Games Workshop Ltd 2000-2004, variably
registered in the UK and other countries around the world. All rights reserved.

1
 — CONTENTS —
THE VAMPIRE PROPHECIES: STRIGOI.........................3
The Question of Nagash’s Apotheosis.................................3
The Second Death of Nagash.............................................3
A Kingdom from the Ashes..............................................3
Whispers of Lost Strigos.................................................4
Featured Personality: Akana The Hag.................................4
SISTERS IN BLOOD: LYDIA AND THE HAG................................5

FEATURED FACTION 1:
The Quixotic Bretonnians...............................................6

HIGHWAY TO HELFURT.......................................9
Hunger Wood..............................................................9
The Slaughtered Hare.....................................................12
Elven Highway............................................................13
Mordin’ Cave..............................................................14
Druid Glade................................................................15
Elven Ruins................................................................18
Magical Mushroom Trail...............................................19
The Wee Terror Colony...............................................19
Hag’s Hollow.............................................................21
Burned Coaching Inn....................................................25
Strigany Encampment...................................................25
Raven Knight Outpost.................................................26
Highway to Helfurt.....................................................27

INN-COUNTERS................................................30
The Gander’s Hiss.......................................................30
The Thirsty Goblin......................................................31

ENCOUNTERS ALONG THE ROAD.......................................33

HANDOUTS...............................................................34

2
 Vampire Prophecies

— THE VAMPIRE PROPHECIES: STRIGOI —

The vampire prophecies described in The Thousand Thrones campaign represent only a fraction of the lore pieced together over time
from ancient tablets and scrolls. Experienced scholars of the prophecies understand that absolute truths can never be ascertained. Pri-
mary sources are rarely translated with complete accuracy and their original authors were seldom without bias. Consensus is limited
only to well documented historical events such as wars and plagues.

Remain sceptical as you read the following treatise; the masters of the unliving have distorted history for millennia.

THE QUESTION OF NAGASH’S APOTHEOSIS withstand. Foul sorceries brought sickness and death on an un-
precedented scale. Alcadizaar’s weakened armies fell beneath the
replenished might of Nagash’s undead legions. King Alcadizaar
In The Thousand Thrones, Nagash’s first “death” and ascent
the Conqueror, the last living ruler of Khemri, was captured and
to divinity at the Tree of Hope is described as the outcome
imprisoned at Nagashizzar.
of a bargain between the Great Necromancer and an obscure
Nehekharan moon goddess, identified also as the nameless
Later in the throne room of his citadel, the victorious Nagash
sister of Ishernos the Earth Mother. The details of this bargain
consumed vast quantities of Warpstone to fuel his Great Ritual
are unknown, for it is mentioned only briefly in the Books of
and raise every corpse in Nehekhara. But the Skaven Council
Nagash and common men are unaware of the moon goddesses’
of Thirteen (who had previously aided Nagash) now realised
existence. Nehekharan scriptures describe the moon goddess as
they were in danger. A blade forged with the vilest of Skaven
the former lover of Ptra the sun god, forever chased across the
enchantments was smuggled into Nagash’s citadel through
heavens but always elusive. Many prophecy scholars claim Ptra
secret tunnels. The blade passed secretly to King Alcadizaar,
became jealous of the vampires for earning favour with the one
who languished in the dungeons. Aided by Skaven Grey Seers,
who continually spurned him.
Alcadizaar found Nagash’s throne and cut the necromancer into
a thousand pieces with the Skaven blade in a surprise attack.
One must understand, however, that not all scholars acknowl-
The Skaven later burned Nagash’s remains and spread his ashes
edge the apotheosis of Nagash. Even some of the Great Necro-
across the land. Alcadizaar fled from Cripple Peak clutching the
mancer’s own blood cultists worship him as a Daemon Prince,
necromancer’s greatest treasure, the Crown of Sorcery, but died
rather than a god in his own right. These blood cultists may
soon after from his many wounds.
serve Khaine, Khorne or one of the darker Nehekharan gods,
Pha’a and Usekhp. Only the death cultists of Nagash unilater-
Immortal Nagash would rise again, but for a thousand years
ally accept his apotheosis, for they have been taught that one day
the soul-forged Crown of Sorcery would be the only temporal
Nagash will make the world a Kingdom of Death where all other
instrument of his will.
gods are powerless. Yet even so, these cultists are largely ignorant
of the circumstances surrounding Nagash’s divinity.
A KINGDOM FROM THE ASHES
Furthermore, there are those who claim Nagash was merely the
greatest charlatan in history, plagiarising Dark Elf lore, manipu- The shaman Kadon found King Alcadizaar’s body and claimed
lating the Skaven and gathering vast quantities of Warpstone to Nagash’s crown for himself. Kadon’s people founded the city of
perform rituals that any modern necromancer could have accom- Mourkain on Alcadizaar’s burial site in -1147.
plished given equal resources. To these sceptics, Nagash is but a
clever Liche who’s escaped complete destruction by relying on Using knowledge from the Crown of Sorcery, Kadon spent
the Crown of Sorcery to bind his soul in the material realm. The long years recording Nagash’s writings and practicing the rituals
Thousand Thrones campaign is sufficiently flexible to accommo- contained therein. But the crown was infused with the spirit of
date whichever interpretation you choose. the Great Necromancer, and Nagash began to whisper to the
shaman and visit him in dreams. Over time, Kadon became
But enough speculation – let us talk of the events following the corrupted by the crown and started to worship Nagash openly.
vampires’ flight from Lahmia and the founding of Strigos. Many of the secrets revealed to Kadon were distortions of the
truth, cunningly contrived by his dark master for some unknow-
able purpose. Consequently, many of Mourkain’s customs and
THE SECOND DEATH OF NAGASH cultures were influenced by the insidious will of Nagash. In
-1020, the Orc warlord Dork Redeye invaded Mourkain, razed
Around -1192 IC, after Nagash was driven back by King Al- the city and claimed Nagash’s crown for himself.
cadizaar’s army and his vampire servants scattered, he retreated
to his fortress Nagashizzar and plotted revenge. The second wave The ancestors of the Strigany arrived with their vampire rulers at
of Nagash’s attack was too powerful for the Nehekharans to the ruins of Mourkain in -250 and founded the glorious king-

3
 Vampire Prophecies

dom of Strigos. Their king Ushoran, Neferata’s younger brother, WHISPERS OF LOST STRIGOS
had been among the noble vampires driven from Lahmia, but
the rest of the Deathless Court regarded the Lord of Masks as The first generation of Strigany refugees took sanctuary in the
an outsider. Ushoran had drunk the last of Neferata’s Elixir of northern forests and learned to survive in the wild, trading with
Life without her permission, and fancied himself a maverick the local barbarians. At first, the vagabond Strigany were regarded
free-thinker. Ushoran was unimpressed with the rituals of the with curiosity. Their clothing and customs were alien to early
Mortuary Cult and Nagash’s legacy. The only other vampire for Imperial tribes and they brought fantastic tales of their shattered
whom Ushoran held respect was Abhorash, father of the Blood kingdom. However, the Strigoi vampires soon caught up and
Dragons. mingled with their human subjects.
In Strigos, Ushoran was finally able to prove himself as a leader, The scattered Strigoi vampires had been rejected by their vampire
organizing a kingdom instead of mere dances and festivals. He brethren who now mocked Ushoran’s legacy openly. For several
established a ruling council of vampires that governed with years, the Strigoi had subsisted on corpses and animals and now
popular support instead of force. The vampires of Strigos fed they were thirsty for fresh human blood. Unwilling as always to
upon slaves and convicts exclusively, which allowed their mortal feed on their loyal subjects, the vampires pressed the Strigany to
subjects to live without fear. But Strigos was not a perfect uto- abduct victims from local villages. Soon, the Strigany’s trading
pia, for Nagash’s legacy had survived the fall of Mourkain and partners turned against them and their reputation was ruined for-
secretly influenced its culture and customs. ever. Today, the Strigany are still distrusted in the modern Empire
and their caravans are never allowed to rest for long.
The Strigoi civilisation thrived for centuries until the year
200 IC, when another Orc warlord named Garsnag Craktoof, Some Druids maintained contact with the early refugees of
secretly incited by Neferata, led a mighty army against it. The Strigos, despite their loyalty to the vampires. The Druids and the
mortal and immortal survivors of Strigos were scattered to every Strigany recognised several gods in common and shared a similar
corner of the Old World, most heading north to the lands of the respect for the natural world and its spirits. It was through these
Asoborn tribesmen in the fledgling Empire. Today, Old Strigos spirits, and their forgotten moon goddess, that Nagash secretly
is a lost empire overrun with Greenskins, located in the region manipulated the Strigoi Thousand Thrones prophecies.
known as the Badlands.
FEATURED PERSONALITY: AKANA THE HAG
Originally a thrall of the Lahmian bloodline, 3rd generation
from Neferata, Akana was a trusted lieutenant to the Queen
herself. When Neferata became jealous of Ushoran’s achievements
in Strigos, she ordered Akana to infiltrate her brother’s court
in Mourkain and spy on him. But Akana had grown tired of
Neferata’s endless manipulations and half-truths. Ushoran’s clear
vision and disdain for subterfuge inspired her, and Akana fell in
love with the Lord of Masks. Akana confessed her true mission
to Ushoran and pledged her eternal loyalty to him. In turn,
Ushoran was smitten with the beautiful Lahmian and took her as
his concubine.

When Neferata learned of Akana’s betrayal, she became enraged

and put in motion the events that would result in the fall of
Strigos. The kingdom’s final days were swift and bloody. While
Ushoran was confident that he could defeat the massive Waagh
gathering at his front gates, he ordered Akana to flee the capital
with as much of his treasured lore as she could carry. Ushoran
was unwavering in his belief that the collected wisdom of the
Strigoi culture must endure at all costs. Ushoran reminded Akana
of her eternal pledge to him and gave her his Blood Kiss.

Akana packed whichever scrolls and tablets she had quick access
to and fled north with Neferata’s agents dogging her at every
turn. As with the other Strigoi, Akana was marked by Neferata’s
enmity, and no Vampire kin would shelter her. Akana knew well

4
 Vampire Prophecies

that her old mistress would never give up the chase and vowed to
dissapear entirely. Given Neferata’s limitless resources and hatred,
SISTERS IN BLOOD: LYDIA AND THE HAG
it is a testimony to Akana’s cunning that Ushoran’s concubine
Akana first met the vampire Baroness of Helfurt 75 years
was never seen again.
ago, when Lydia ventured into Hunger Wood seeking
arcane lore. The Hag could not help but be impressed by
It was almost a millennium later that stories first began to surface
Lydia’s daring, for never in her recollection had another
from a place called Hunger Wood. Stories of a water nymph lur-
woman braved the infamous woods alone. Upon learn-
ing woodsmen to their doom. Stories of an old crone who bathed
ing that Lydia was a noble of Sylvania, the Hag recognised
in the blood of the innocent. Stories of a Ghoul Queen who
an opportunity for alliance. In exchange for permitting
ruled from an ancient city of ghosts. Akana the Hag is all and
the Strigany people safe passage through her lands, Akana
none of these. She is an enigmatic figure of rumour and folklore
would teach Lydia about the mysteries of True Dhar. Of
that keeps even the best-informed vampires guessing. Only the
course the curious scholar agreed readily, beginning a close
wisest mystics, or “petru”, of the Strigany clans know the truth.
relationship between the vampires. Over the next few years,
Lydia returned often to Hag’s Hollow where she was free
Over time, the Hag has also become a primary source of
from the scrutiny of her tedious husband.
knowledge and lore for the Strigoi vampires. When Vorag the
Slaughterer led his army to reclaim old Strigos, he did so using
One harvest moon, Lydia arrived at the Hollow unexpect-
ancient cartography and lore provided by the Hag. Before he
edly to discover Akana bathing in a cistern of fresh blood.
disappeared, Vorag sent tablets and other recovered lore back to
The Hag turned away, as her hideous countenance was
Hunger Wood for the Hag to translate and archive. Unfortunate-
unmasked, but Lydia did not recoil. “Your fearlessness is
ly, the Hag suspected that the keystone she required to translate
what first impressed me, and continues to impress me still,”
Vorag’s tablets was buried in the ghoul-haunted ruins to the
Akana whispered inviting the young vampire to disrobe and
north. The ghouls were Death Cultists of Nagash, and the Hag
partake in her grisly bath. Lydia had been an apt pupil and
had already provoked their ire on previous “expeditions.”
this final blood rite would complete her education. Lydia
accepted the Hag’s invitation, and under the white moon
In preparation for the upcoming escalations with the Death Cult
they became blood sisters. Lydia now had the combined
Ghouls, Akana turned to her Strigany allies. A loyal inner-circle
blood of Vlad von Carstein, Ushoran and Neferata coursing
of Strigany petru already acted as the Hag’s eyes and ears beyond
through her veins.
the forest, and now they would find her some ghouls of her own.
With the petrus’ aid, the Hag formed a small but effective net-
When Lydia returned to Helfurt, Voislav sensed that some-
work of ghouls, many of whom were former Strigany until the
thing about his wife had changed and forbade her from
dangerous advancement of their condition forced their separa-
leaving their castle henceforth. For many long years, Lydia
tion from the clans (see pp. 23 & 26). The Hag and her forces
acquiesced, maintaining contact with her forbidden mentor
have been in open war with the Death Cult Ghouls ever since.
through secret letters delivered by the Rumanyik Strigany.
But the realities of her gilded cage gradually fanned the
MIXED LINEAGES AND LOST BLOODLINES flames of Lydia’s hatred for Voislav, until she could bear it
no longer and orchestrated her husband’s murder (TTT pg.
Vampires were first described in WFRP 2nd edition as be- 183).
ing descended from five bloodlines (OWB pg. 114). Night’s
Dark Masters later introduced the possibility of Independant Soon after Voislav’s death, Lydia restored contact with
vampires, and also hinted at the existence of two “lost” vampire Akana and the pair eagerly renewed their joint investigation
bloodlines in Cathay and Ind, for a total of seven. Soon after into the Vampire Prophecies. But unbeknownst to either
the publication of The Thousand Thrones campaign, Games vampire, some of Lydia’s most recent breakthroughs were
Workshop released Warhammer: Vampire Counts for WFB actually clever misdirections planted by agents of Neferata,
(7th edition). This new background blurred the distinction be- Queen of the Lahmians. Neferata had known for centuries
tween bloodlines further, suggesting that Blood Gifts are even that Akana had escaped to Hunger Wood, but was unable
less compartmentalised than portrayed in NDM (pg. 105). to reach her until a minor Von Carstien noble provided a
sudden opportunity. Upon learning of the Hag’s relation-
The Thousand Thrones Expansions reconcile these changes by ship with Lydia, The Night Queen set in motion a complex
assuming the Blood Kiss can be received more than once by a plan to destroy them both. The details of Neferata’s plan
single vampire. Vampires of mixed lineage are not more power- will be revealed in Expansions #2 and #4.
ful than others, only more versatile. They still count as just one
individual for rituals requiring vampires of multiple bloodlines.
e.g. A ritual needing five bloodlines (a pentagram) requires five
participants tracing lineage to any five of the seven bloodlines.

5
 Featured Faction

FEATURED FACTION 1: Cyrille tries to mediate grievances between the party and Lam-

THE QUIXOTIC BRETONNIANS bert, suggesting they might be able to help one another. Regard-
less of the party’s reaction to Lambert, Cyrille explains his liege’s
quest to recover the True Grail from the Dark Fey (winking
The Quixotic Bretonnians are the first in a series of spotlights knowingly at the PCs). This gives the PCs an opportunity to
on special NPC factions. Featured Factions are designed to give retract any insults. Cyrille informs the party he and Lambert are
GMs additional tools to flesh out the campaign background and travelling to Wurtbad in search of information about the Dark
advance the story. Fey, having heard that a large colony of them exists in Stirland.
“Sylvania to be precise, but ahem…we speak more of ‘dis later,
From a metaplot perspective, the Quixotic Bretonnians can help oui?”
direct the PCs eastward from Wurtbad through to the conclu-
sion of Chapter VII in the Sylvanian village of Helfurt. Sir If the PCs accept the Quixotic Bretonnians as travelling com-
Lambert is leading Cyrille on a deluded quest to Sylvania, where panions, Sir Lambert will join in most combats, dismounting
he believes the True Grail of the Lady is hidden. The two Beton- from his old horse before lumbering into the fray on foot. Cyrille
nians arrive in Hermsdorf around the same time as the PCs. avoids direct melee unless absolutely necessary, preferring to
Players may accept the quirky Bretonnians as travelling compan- guard the supply train while shouting insults at the enemy.
ions to complement their own Academic Knowledge skills and
augment the party’s combat strength. Though unfamiliar with
this part of the Empire, the Bretonnians are walking libraries of Sir Lambert, Questing Bretonnian Knight
esoteric lore.
Male Bretonnian Human Questing Knight, ex-Knight
Of course, some of their knowledge is inaccurate or even of the Realm, ex-Knight Errant
downright delusional (see pg. 8 sidebar). The Quixotic Breton-
nians serve to illustrate the relativity of “truth” in The Thousand It’s been four years since the Lady of the Lake assigned Sir
Thrones campaign, and perhaps ease the players’ disappoint- Lambert his personal quest, the nature of which is known only
ment upon discovering they’ve pursued a red herring! You may to him. Finding himself unable (or unwilling?) to complete his
insert this encounter as the party approaches the town gate, or actual quest, Lambert became mentally unhinged. Lambert’s
after they confront Farouk and his disciples. broken mind invented an alternate quest involving the True Grail
and the Dark Fey (see Insanities below). Sir Lambert answered
THE BRETONNIAN CONNECTION the call when Bretonnia joined the war against Archaon’s hordes
and has remained in the Empire ever since.
While passing a farmer’s field outside of Hermsdorf, the PCs
observe a fully armoured knight lumbering towards them, Sir Lambert wears a
swinging a two-handed sword through the air. Following behind long moustache and
at a short distance is the oldest warhorse the PCs have ever seen, suffers from sleep de-
followed by a bookish fellow leading two mules. The charging privation. He speaks in
knight trips on a pumpkin and falls to the ground with a great a slow, deliberate man-
clatter. “Don’t let it get away!” calls the prone knight through his ner, and wears a stern
metal visor. The short fellow leading the mules stops to help the expression even when
knight, apologising on his lord’s behalf. The fallen knight bolts chasing moths.
upright and flips open his visor in bewilderment.
Insanity Points: 2;
The ensuing exchange should be played for humour. Cyrille Delirious Saviour—Sir
distracts the PCs with directional inquiries while Sir Lambert Lambert believes the
produces a clay jar at which he shouts angrily. A moth flies from Lady of the Lake has
the jar, and Lambert trips again grasping for it. “Stop the Dark chosen him to retrieve
Fey from escaping!” he cries. PCs attempting to catch the moth the True Grail, which was taken from Bretonnia many years ago
may do so with a successful Weapon Skill Test, but an Agility by the Dark Fey. The Dark Fey appear as regular moths, but Sir
Test must also be passed or the moth is crushed to death. If the Lambert has the unique ability to see through their devious illu-
moth is captured and killed, Lambert becomes more congenial sions. He keeps a few moths captive in a jar for interrogation.
and all future Fellowship Tests with him are Routine (+10).
If the moth is captured alive, Lambert immediately views the WS BS S T Ag Int WP Fel
PCs as allies; future Fellowship Tests are Very Easy (+30). PCs
65 25 47 (4) 45 (4) 33 (43) 44 35 48
mocking Lambert for his behaviour are challenged to a duel for
offending both his honour and the Lady’s.

6
 Featured Faction

Skills: Academic Knowledge (Genealogy/Heraldry, Strategy/

Tactics, Theology) (Int), Animal Care (Int), Animal Training Cyrille has a small, rodent-like face with tiny eyeglasses.
(Fel), Command (Fel), Dodge Blow (Ag), Gossip (Fel),
Common Knowledge (Bretonnia, Empire) (Int), Outdoor Insanity Points: 4
Survival (Int +10), Perception (Int), Ride (Ag), Secret
Language (Battle Tongue) (Int), Speak Language (Breton, WS BS S T Ag Int WP Fel
Reikspiel, Tilean) (Int)
29 23 27 (2) 30 (3) 40 55 39 45
Talents: Etiquette, Hardy, Seasoned Traveller, Specialist Weapon
Group (Cavalry, Two-handed), Strike Mighty Blow, Virtue of
Chivalry*, Virtue of Knighthood (Impetuous)*, Virtue of the Skills: Academic Knowledge (Art, Genealogy/Heraldry,
Quest*, Warrior Born History, Necromancy, Philosophy, Theology) (Int), Blather
(Fel), Charm (Fel), Common Knowledge (Bretonnia, Elves,
*These talents originate from Knight’s of the Grail. If you don’t Nehekhara) (Int), Evaluate (Int), Gossip (Fel), Haggle
have that sourcebook, simply disregard them. (Fel), Perception (Int), Read/Write (Int), Search (Int +10),
Combat Speak Language (Arabyan, Breton, Classical, Tilean), Speak
Language (Reikspiel) (Int +10)
Attacks: 2; Movement: 3; Wounds: 16 Talents: Coolheaded, Etiquette, Linguistics, Seasoned Traveller,
Armour (Heavy): Full Plate Armour (Head 5, Arms 5, Body 5, Suave
Legs 5) Traits: Night Vision

Weapons: Great Weapon (Two-handed Sword) (1d10+5; impact, Combat

slow)
Attacks: 1; Movement: 4; Wounds: 13
Trappings
Weapons: Hand Weapon (Sword) (1d10+2)
Beneath the layers of his armour, Lambert wears white
underclothes and an icon of the Lady hung around his neck. Trappings
For his academic research materials, Lambert packs the typical Cyrille is in charge of the supplies and so he leads two mules
assortment of ink, quills, and parchment, as well as a box of each laden with the knight’s personal possessions including a
charcoal that he rubs on parchment to copy stone tablets. larger tent, furniture, crates containing an assortment of junk
Lambert leads an ancient and decrepit warhorse that’s equipped and so on. Cyrille also carries on his person a pair of reading
with saddle, harness, and a couple of saddle bags that contain glasses, a small phial of perfume, writing kit, and two books—
feed, rations, water skins, a small tent, and a few faggots for the one on Bretonnian history and the other on Arabyan art. He
fire. Lambert also has considerable coin, carrying 42 crowns. has 12 crowns and 5 shillings tucked away in the breeches of
his servant’s uniform.

Cyrille, Aide-de-Camp to Sir Lambert

Male Bretonnian Human Scholar, ex-Student,

ex-Valet
Cyrille is a lifelong servant of Lambert’s household and a gifted BRETONNIANS IN WURTBAD
scholar. Cyrille secretly subscribes to a heretical interpretation of
the Lady of the Lake myth. The Lady, he postulates, is actu- In Wurtbad, the Bretonnians learn of Blessed Aethelbert’s Ab-
ally many separate individuals tasked with seeking out worthy bey at Siegfriedhof and resolve to visit its library. Aethelbert
champions to continue was a famous Bretonnian priest who reportedly encountered an
the bloodline of Nagash infamous vampire known as the Red Duke during the Arabyan
(see Vampire Prophecies). crusades one thousand years ago. Cyrille was unaware that
Whether the Ladies are Aethelbert had attained such revered status in the Empire.
vampires or living descen-
dants, Cyrille is unsure.
Sir Lambert is unaware BRETONNIANS IN SIEGFRIEDHOF
that Cyrille’s interests
have drifted towards Sir Lambert and Cyrille comply willingly with the Siegfried-
heretical studies, but the hof authorities’ demands, and will not join the PCs in combat
scholar sometimes hints at against any foe except Skaven. After explaining their mission to
it unintentionally. Horatius, the Bretonnians are treated as a separate group from

7
 Featured Faction

the PCs by the Abbot. The Bretonnians are not present at the
SIEGFRIEDHOF TO HELFURT
dream interrogation, the ordeal, or the cleansing ceremony. The
The road between Siegfriedhof and Helfurt skirts the southern
Bretonnians do share sleeping quarters with the PCs, but they
edge of Hunger Wood. PCs departing Siegfriedhof in a hurry
spend most of their visit studying in the library or praying in
or bypassing the town altogether will not be escorted by Raven
the temple. The Bretonnians require at least two days at the ab-
Knights or Black Guards. If the PCs wish to retain the Tun-
bey to complete their business.
nelway coachmen, they must pay double fare for passage into
dreaded Sylvania.
If asked by the PCs to raise arms against the abbey’s staff,
the Bretonnians explain that Anton Aethelbert was a hero of
The Bretonnians are particularly interested in the shortcut
Bretonnia. Spilling the blood of his followers would constitute
through Hunger Wood.
treason against the Lady.

WHAT THE BRETONNIANS KNOW

Cyrille is better-educated and more outspoken than Lambert, but the knight occasionally interjects on matters of religion and
genealogy. The Bretonnians can provide information missed in Talabheim but they won’t volunteer it. PCs should be proac-
tive in their questioning. See the sidebar Ancient Scrolls, Sacred Stones, and Dead Painters (TTT pg. 184) for more on these
subplots.
Myrmidia and Morr Tree of Hope
“Morr is the father of Myrmidia, husband of Verena and “Ah, but you see, the tree is just a metaphor”. This mythi-
brother of the dreaded Elven god Khaine”. In fact, Myrmidia cal tree is supposedly guarded by Morr. Certain apotheosis
was a mortal who attained apotheosis, and is Morr’s daughter legends are linked with the Tree of Hope, which appears on a
only symbolically. In the 16th century, an order of Myrmidi- famous fresco in Wurtbad, painted by Miragliano.
ans lived in Siegfriedhof, 500 years before the Wurtbad temple
was constructed. Sigmar
“Is there only one face of Sigmar? For that matter, is there
Leonardo da Miragliano only one face of Myrmidia, or the Lady of the Lake? An
“He didn’t spend his whole life inventing steam tanks and fly- intriguing question, to be sure”. Sigmarites have long sup-
ing machines, you know”. Miragliano belonged to a number pressed theories about their God’s relationship with Morr,
of secret societies. The renowned inventor was also interested but the resurrection of Grand Theogonist Volkmar restored
in the history of the Old Faith and wrote speculative treatises interest in this sensitive field of inquiry. The Crusade of the
on the Earth Mother, Ishernos. Boy was engineered as a distraction from the Volkmar resur-
rection and Valten disappearance mysteries (false).
Giovanni Lanfranchi
“He possessed little artistic talent, and was only marginally Old Faith
better at military matters. Without Blessed Aethelbert’s guid- “It was near this place that the last druidic covens were forc-
ance, Lanfranchi’s army would’ve perished in the Land of the ibly absorbed into the nature cults of Taal and Rhya”. Stir-
Dead”. Lanfranchi was a lesser Tilean prince who sought his land was one of the final refuges of the druids. The mounds
fortune in the crusades against Araby. Lanfranchi died a starv- of the Barrow Kings in western Stirland have links with the
ing artist in his home town, near Remas (false). Old Faith. Sir Lambert believes the Dark Fey have prevented
the Barrow Kings from finding eternal rest (false).
Anton Aethelbert
“Oh, you’ve never heard of Blessed Anton Aethelbert? His Cults of Nagash
work on Nehekharan history and the vampire threat is the “The Great Necromancer’s legacy reaches far beyond the
reason why Bretonnia isn’t an undead kingdom today”. The Land of the Dead. There are some who believe Nagash lives
famous Bretonnian priest’s encounters with the Red Duke on as a god”. Blood cultists of Nagash believe the Great Nec-
of Aquitaine provided valuable insights that later aided him romancer attained apotheosis and his Fourth Return is immi-
in translating the Zandri scrolls. Aethelbert served Morr as a nent. They also believe they will be judged by their sacrifice.
military chaplain in the crusades against Araby, swore fealty to Death cultists of Nagash believe Nagash has already returned
Giovanni Lanfranchi of Tilea and followed Lanfranchi’s army and is transforming the world into a Land of Death. The last
to Zandri. Aethelbert was an accomplished astrologer. mortals to die will gain the Great Necromancer’s favour.

8
 Highway to Helfurt

— HIGHWAY TO HELFURT —
Highway to Helfurt is an optional add-on to Chapter 7: Death Do Us Part. This add-on provides PCs with a few opportunities to
shorten the trip between Siegfriedhof and Helfurt. The possible routes the players may decide upon are presented in order of longest
to shortest distance. Naturally, the less-travelled shortcuts are more dangerous than the standard route. The map on pages 10-11 only
illustrates the two shortcuts detailed in this volume. To see the full extent of the Templehof Road, please refer to the map of Sylvania
on page 89 of Night’s Dark Masters.

The episodes within Highway to Helfurt are designed to be scalable, so GMs are encouraged to include or exclude locations and
encounters as they see fit.

Templehof Road (140 miles) HUNGER WOOD

The standard route between Siegfriedhof and Templehof is Hunger Wood is very much the archetypal “dark forest” of
a poorly maintained road that hugs the eastern bank of the storybook legend. Indeed there are deep hollows within the
Eschenstir before dipping far south into the Haunted Hills and old-growth forest where little sunlight has penetrated the dense
then back north again to Templehof. After the 80 mile trek to canopy for centuries. Superstition has it that the trees of Hunger
Templehof, the road continues north a further 40 miles to the Wood whisper when they rustle in the wind, and call a person’s
ruins of Vanhaldenschlosse. Only a rutted wagon track contin- name on the day he will die. Local residents avoid the place
ues beyond Vanhaldenschlosse for the final 20 mile stretch to entirely, preferring to travel miles afar to circumvent its gloomy
Helfurt. The poor condition of the road reduces movement rates dales.
for wagons and coaches by 25%.
In 1109 IC, Baron Frederick van Hel ordered a road built
Old Templehof Road (100 miles) joining Mordheim and Vanhaldenschlosse. One hundred and
fifty-seven peasant workers entered Hunger Wood at Vanhalden-
The first shortcut branches away from the Templehof Road at a schlosse, but no road ever emerged at Mordheim or anywhere
crossroads on the western approach to the Templehof Foothills. else. All signs of the workers’ progress vanished as if swallowed
Here, an old and disused track winds east into the foothills and by the forest itself. No further construction has been attempted
terminates at a Raven Knight encampment (Location 11) built in since, and tales of malevolent nature spirits and a haunted city
the shadow of abandoned Castle Templehof. From the encamp- from a lost time keep all but the most determined travellers
ment, an old, weed-choked road continues 35 miles north to away. These days, the only draw to Hunger Wood is its unique
Helfurt along the western bank of Hel River. Wagon and coach flora including many varieties of wild mushrooms and rare
movement rates are reduced by 50% on Old Templehof Road. herbs.

Through Hunger Wood (60 miles) An ancient Elven

highway bisects the
The shortest and deadliest route to Helfurt journeys through the forest. Centuries of
black heart of Hunger Wood. If the players find it, they can take growth and natural
the Old Elven Highway as far as the Druid Glade (Location 4). erosion have left
From there, they can follow the magical mushroom trail to the little more than a
forest’s edge, or visit the Wee Terror Colony (Location 7) which trail, but the high-
exits Hunger Wood a bit further south. way is periodically
marked by a series
When the PCs emerge from Hunger Wood, Castle Helfurt can of fractured and
be spotted across the Hel valley only 7-10 miles away. PCs hiking overgrown marble
across the valley to Helfurt from the magical mushroom trail obelisks. Presumably,
must ford a fast-flowing stream that feeds the Hel River. The these waystones once
freezing cold stream is 6 yards wide, 2 yards deep and covered identified the old
with brittle ice. PCs emerging from Hunger Wood on the trail roads but thick moss
from the Wee Terror colony may follow the east bank of the and foliage now hide
stream to Helfurt without crossing it. their ancient inscrip-
tions.
The valley below Helfurt is overgrown with burdocks that fasten
stubbornly to travellers’ clothing.

9
10
11
 Highway to Helfurt

1. The Slaughtered Hare BOBOR’S PERFORMANCE

After a day’s ride, the PCs arrive at the Slaughtered Hare coach-
Bobor has a large repertoire of song and verse with which to
ing inn situated on the southeast shore of Lake Svarsee. The
entertain customers. If the players are conspicuous or look
Slaughtered Hare is a fortified compound operated by Wernher
noticeably like adventurers, Bobor will lead with his epic verse
Schmolck, an agent of the Shroud. Ten foot stone walls are
about the Elven Ruins. If the players do not draw attention to
manned by guards and draped with witchbane and daemons-
themselves, Bobor will lead with “the Damask Lady.” Bobor’s
root, while the exterior is surrounded by a stream-fed moat that
repertoire should provide the GM a subtle way to dispense any
also powers a waterwheel.
clues or breadcrumbs deemed necessary.
Innkeeper Schmolck is a proud Reiklander who strives to keep
his menu and decor current with the latest Altdorf trends. Food The Epic of the Nameless City (Verse):
and lodgings are of the highest practical quality for its remote After listening to the first seven stanzas of this epic, PCs who’ve
location and are priced accordingly. If the players are escorted previously heard the Ancient Elven Song (see TTT Expansion
by the Raven Knights or Black Guards, they are given free room #2) may attempt a Performer (Poet or Musician) or Academic
and board. During the supper hour, Innkeeper Schmolck intro- Knowledge (Art) test to recognise familiar rhythms and refer-
duces the entertainment. The bubbly innkeeper does a funny bit ences in this poem. Through the middle stanzas, Bobor passion-
about rural Sylvania being the absolute last stop on the minstrel ately recounts the tragedy of a sylvan Elven city in the twilight
circuit, and he has to take what he can get. Schmolck then of its splendour. Then Bobor lowers his voice, affects a dramatic
introduces a moon-faced harpist called Bobor, and exits shaking tremello and concludes the epic by describing the city’s destruc-
his head. tion by Dwarves, its lost treasure of immeasurable wealth, and
the grim forest that now hides its arcane secrets.
Bobor’s Lament
The Damask Lady (Song):
Bobor is actually a wonderfully accomplished musician and The first verse finds the ballad’s protagonist drinking from a
singer, if only his repertoire wasn’t so...depressing. Dirges, la- forest stream, when he hears a delightful voice singing through
ments and all other songs of misery assail the crowd until every- the trees. The woodsman follows the voice until he comes upon
one does their best to ignore him. After an extensive set, Bobor a water nymph bathing in a deep forest pool. Although the
closes with a forlorn ballad called “The Damask Lady,” about a nymph’s face is concealed behind a damask veil, the woodsman
young woodsman lost in Hunger Wood (see sidebar). proclaims his undying love to her. In reply, the nymph warns
that the woodsman may kiss her, but if he looks upon her face,
he may never leave. In the final verse, the woodsman accepts
the Nymph’s warning and kisses her deeply. No one knows what
became of the woodsman, but there was another axe for the rusty
tangle at the bottom of the pool.

Bobor is one of Akana the Hag’s many clandestine agents and

serves two functions. Bobor’s primary function is to deliver news
and orders to the Hag’s hidden spy network. Bobor achieves this
by hiding coded messages within song and verse through key
words and phrasing. Often Bobor isn’t aware of who the secret
agents in the crowd may be, but all the messages seem to reach
their intended recipients so the system must work.

Bobor’s second function is to spread the mysterious mythology of

Hunger Wood in an ongoing initiative to lure fresh victims into
the forest. Bobor does this in different ways depending on his
read of the room. If Bobor recognizes adventurers in the crowd
or capable mercenary-types, he will sing about the ruined Elven
city and the all wonderful treasure just waiting to be plucked. If
the crowd is made up of young woodsman and hunters on the
make, Bobor sings about a comely water nymph who beguiles
strangers with her divine voice and a single kiss.

12
 Highway to Helfurt

Mordin’s Offer CASTLE STERNIESTE

If the players spend more than an hour in the tavern, they will Only the uppermost towers of old Castle Sternieste are still
be noticed by the dwarf Mordin Grimlock. Mordin introduces visible peeking out through the treeline of Hunger Wood.
himself as “a bit down on his luck,” and begs a few shillings for The castle was originally built on a massive plot of land clear-
a “wee dram”. If the players buy Mordin a flagon of ale, they’ll cut from the western edge of the dark wood and occupied
gain an affable drinking companion who seems quite knowl- until the conclusion of the Vampire Wars. Slowly over the
edgeable in local lore. If Mordin learns the PCs are travelling to intervening centuries, the forest has lived up to its name and
Helfurt, he volunteers his knowledge of an old Elven highway grown back out to its previous dimensions, consuming Castle
through Hunger Wood that would shorten their journey by half Sternieste in the process.
(4 day trip under the best of circumstances, but he does not
volunteer this). Mordin offers to lead the PCs through the forest As far as the locals are concerned, the castle has been deserted,
in exchange for clearing his tab at the Slaughtered Hare (6gc). sacked, and ignored for over four centuries. The fact that
The old Elven highway is not traversable by coach, so PCs who Hunger Wood has entirely overgrown the crumbling fortress
take Mordin Grimlock as a guide must dismiss Karin and Lothar makes it easier to forget. Two of the five original towers have
(remember Helmut’s invoice! - TTT pg. 160). already collapsed as tree roots and scrub undermine the foun-
dations. Soon there will be nothing left but ruins.
WHAT MORDIN KNOWS
Mordin has lived in Hunger Wood for over fifty years and knows
many of its secrets. Mordin reveals a new piece of information
each time his flagon is refreshed. At first, the bits of information 2. Elven Highway
Mordin imparts are quite innocent, but they gradually begin
sounding crazier as Mordin becomes more inebriated. However the PCs find the Elven highway, it takes special
vigilance to follow the trail successfully to the Druid Glade
Hunger Wood (Location 4). PCs who declined Mordin’s offer may still locate
“Good luck lightin’ yer fire after dark”. Hunger Wood is a dark the Elven highway by tracking the Dwarf, although he will
place with many hidden dangers, and the PCs are only safe with elude them if he becomes aware that he is being followed. PCs
Mordin as guide. The trees are possessed by the ghosts of dead with Magic Sense observe that Hunger Wood is permeated
elves and come alive at night to search for blood. with True Dhar (dark magic).

The Elven Highway has not seen regular use for at least a
Wild Animals millennium, and has faded almost entirely into the overgrown
“Watch fer the big, black wolves. They don’t get much eatin’
forest. Only a skilled tracker can perceive even the vaguest
round these parts”. Mordin rescued Azrael from a pack of vicious
traces of the ancient roadway, and all the untrained eye sees
wolves, and reared him as a hunting and guard dog.
is unblemished forest. The path disappears entirely for long
stretches, and PCs unaccompanied by Mordin Grimlock must
Forest Spirits succeed at two Follow Trail Tests per day to keep on the trail.
“Bah, troublesome critters!”. The woods are alive with a group of Failure results in a half-day delay, and a Navigation Test is re-
wicked spirits known as Spites. However there is a friendly group quired to regain the trail. Failing the Navigation Test indicates
of Spites Mordin refers to as “fireflies”. The Fireflies help him the PCs are hopelessly lost and will eventually arrive at the
from time to time. The evil spites like to ambush unwary travel- Hag’s Hollow (Location 8). PCs with Magic Sense observe that
lers and pilfer their valuables. The Spites are invisible most of the Hunger Wood is permeated with True Dhar (dark magic).
time, but Azrael the Wolfhound knows when they are there.
The journey from the Slaughtered Hare to the Druid Glade
Bardsong and Elven Ruins takes two days of hard walking. Traversing off-trail is unadvis-
“Just bad news, I tell ya”. The bard’s song about the Elven city is able at best; progress on foot quickly becomes entangled in
correct, but the place is home to a colony of ghouls and is to be a prickly morass of undergrowth that seems to have a life of
avoided at all costs. There really is a treasure hoard in the city, its own. Passage on horseback is impossible. If the PCs are
but there is also a taint and no one living has ever returned. without Mordin, they will have to camp somewhere along the
trail (see Night in Hunger Wood sidebar). If the players are led
Akana the Hag by the Dwarf, he invites the party to his hidden cave dwelling
“She’s playin’ hard to get, y’see?” Sometimes he hears a beautiful (Location 3) at the end of day one.
singing voice, but the fireflies have warned him not to follow it.
Mordin does not know where it comes from.

13
 Upon returning, Mordin prepares a stew made from snake
Ambush!
and other local “varmints” which tastes better than it looks. If
questioned, Mordin has no recollection of the blow that stove in
During the march through Hunger Wood, you may have 4–6
his helmet, nor any solid details previous to his time in Hunger
Wee Terrors (see pg. 20) ambush the party under cover of a
Wood other than the vague story of the Aldrunr. After the meal,
fearsome illusion (immediate Terror Test).
Mordin suggests an early end to the evening and shows the PCs
to a grassy area where they can sleep outside, safe from his de-
Millions of grotesque, brown moths swarm from a rotted tree
fences. Mordin warns PCs sleeping outside to keep the campfire
and flutter around you, clogging uncovered mouths, ears and
lit and avoid wandering about the woods. PCs camping outside
noses.
Mordin’s cave are subject to the Night in Hunger Wood sidebar.
PCs fleeing into the woods are isolated and attacked in order
from weakest to strongest. Fleeing PCs may also become lost The War on Terrors
in the woods if the Terrors attack by night (see sidebar). Even if
the party succeeds in driving off the Terrors they may find small For over fifty years, Mordin Grimlock has waged a secret war
trinkets or other valuables missing from their packs. against the Wee Terrors from his hidden cave. In aeons past, the
Terrors of Hunger Wood might simply have been mischievous
forest spirits, but the taint of Dhar has turned them into homi-
3. Mordin’s Cave cidal predators. If Sir Lambert is still travelling with the party,
the Wee Terrors sound suspiciously like the Dark Fey to him.
On the way to Mordin’s cave, the Dwarf appears conflicted
about revealing the location of his home and argues over the
subject with his wolfhound Azrael (who apparently disap-
Mordin Grimlock
proves). As a result, Mordin leads the players through a series of
convoluted switchbacks and trail reversals. PCs with the Follow Male Dwarven Hunter
Trail skill recognize that Mordin is trying to hide the location
of his cave, but can identify the route with an Opposed Follow Mordin is old and
Trail Test. The final approach to Mordin’s home is rigged with somewhat decrepit, with
booby traps and chimes which he carefully diverts the party a scraggly beard and
around. milky half-blind eyes that
always seem to look past
Shortly after arriving, Mordin excuses Azrael and himself to you. But the Dwarf is a
check some nearby “critter traps” for dinner. The small cave skilled ranger and his pet
itself is surprisingly well furnished with a dwarf sized bed, table wolfhound Azrael com-
and stools—all made of stone. The cave ceiling is too low to ac- pensates for his fading
commodate anyone other than Dwarfs or Halflings; others have vision. Mordin knows the
to sit on the rocks outside. Nosy PCs will discover a suit of fine mushrooms of Hunger
quality Dwarven Platemail hanging on an armour rack inside Wood well, having eaten
the cave. Mordin obviously spends a great deal of time polish- them for many years.
ing and caring for the armour, but players making a Routine
(+10) Perception Test, notice the crown of the helm is cleaved Insanity Points: 5; Blasted Brain: Mordin has no memory of
open at a place matching the white streak on Mordin’s head. the years before he came to Hunger Wood. He knows only that
the Wee Terrors hold an object of great importance which he
Hidden in a shallow niche under Mordin’s bed is a leather- must recover to find peace in the afterlife.
bound journal wrapped in cloth. The journal is written in
Khazalid and tells the tale of a once great Templar of Grungi WS BS S T Ag Int WP Fel
and his quest to recover a stolen family heirloom from a de- 18 26 27 (2) 48 (4) 30 34 27 17
mented clan of Night Goblins. Apparently the Night Goblins
in question had pilfered something called an “Aldrunr” (Arcane Skills: Common Knowledge (Dwarfs), Concealment, Follow
Dwarf rune), and Mordin has taken on a debt of honour to Trail, Outdoor Survival, Perception, Search, Secret Signs
recover the Aldrunr at all costs. The bulk of the entries describe (Ranger), Set Trap, Speak Language (Khazalid, Reikspiel),
Mordin’s relentless chase after the Night Goblins in question. In Trade (Stoneworker)
the final entry, Mordin debates whether or not to take a short- Talents: Dwarfcraft, Grudge-born Fury, Hardy, Night Vision,
cut through a “dark forest.” Resistance to Magic, Rover, Rapid Reload, Stout-hearted,
Sturdy, Very Resilient
The sad truth behind Mordin’s tale is that the Night Goblins in Traits: Half blind: -20 to all vision-based skills (WS and BS are
question are long gone. already modified)

14
 4. Druid Glade
Combat Whether the PCs spent the night at Mordin’s cave or camped
Attacks: 1; Movement: 3; Wounds (TB 4): 17 along the trail, it takes two full days of hiking to reach the Druid
glade. See the Elven Highway (Location 2) for rules on getting
Armour: None lost along the way.
Weapons: Hand Weapon (Axe) (1d10+2), Crossbow with 14
bolts (1d10+4; range 24/48; reload Full) Eventually, through good fortune or by following Mordin, the
PCs arrive at a small glade containing the crumbling remains of
Trappings an old Druid Circle. While it seems likely the glade was once
Mordin’s clothes are made of squirrel skins and he walks open to the sky, the ancient trees of the inner region have grown
barefoot. A bundle of 8 snares is slung over his shoulder. into massive towers of interlocking foliage and branches that
In a ragged canvas satchel Mordin carries 2 doses of herbal block out the sun. Other than a stray shaft of light breaking
antitoxins, a small knife and some dried Honeycups. Mordin’s through the dome of flora, the inner region is dusky and requires
cave, which is rigged with booby traps and chimes, is torches. The air under the thick canopy is both damp and cool
surprisingly well furnished with a bed, table and stools - all resulting in a constant drizzle from above. Obscenely shaped
made of stone. Mordin’s wolfhound Azrael never leaves his side mushrooms of all sizes and colours grow in wild profusion from
(use the Wolf standard profile, WFRP pg. 233). the putrid soil. PCs foraging in Hunger Wood may attempt an

NIGHT IN HUNGER WOOD

Nightfall in Hunger Wood is a terrifying experience for the outlined under “Nagash’s Deception” heading in the separate
unprepared, as a total darkness settles over the land. Torches and Campaign Overview pdf.
campfires cast half normal illumination and PCs with benefit of
Night Vision will be horrified to discover their talent does not PCs fleeing in terror become hopelessly lost in the black void
penetrate the unnatural gloom. The oppressive darkness invokes and must make a Challenging (-10) Agility Test to avoid trip-
a feeling of isolation and helplessness until the mind conjures ping and getting caught up in the prickly undergrowth. Falling
that which it cannot see: strange shapes coalesce in the shadows, and becoming entangled is really the worst case scenario and
chattering disembodied voices whisper unknown words, hateful requires an additional Routine (+10) Will Power Test to avoid
pinpricks of red light watch and wait... gaining 1 Insanity Point, or losing control of all bodily functions
(player’s choice).
If the PCs sleep in close visual proximity and maintain a watch
who tends to the campfire, the night may pass uneventfully. Lost and Alone
Guard duty at night in Hunger Wood is a trying task however.
Each PC taking a shift on guard duty must pass a Very Easy PCs that fled into the forest have no way to retrace their steps in
(+30) Will Power Test or gain an Insanity Point. In addition, the dark. After a vague period of stumbling blindly through the
every 3 hours the guard must pass an Easy (+20) Outdoor murk, each lost PC should attempt an Easy (+20) Perception
Survival Test to keep the campfire burning through the suffocat- Test to notice a pale blue wisp of light winking in the distance.
ing negative energy of Dhar. If the campfire goes out, the quick The wisp is a faded Mischief Spite (WFRP Comp, pg. 125),
plunge into unnatural darkness will wake sleeping PCs. and each lost PC encounters a Mischief Spite of their own.
The Spites zigzag around the PCs like fireflies and leave tiny
PCs awakening into absolute blackness will be shocked to comet trails in their wake. This ability allows the Spites to fly in
discover they are not alone, a group of five luminescent Wraiths complex patterns and form glowing letters and symbols in mid-
(OWB pg.119) float above the PCs in a semi-circle! The Wraiths air. PCs who speak Eltharin, Malla-Room-Ba-Larin, or Ranger
are ancient Druids of the Vorhungern who unwittingly dabbled Tongue can communicate with the Mischief Spites, who implore
in false blood rituals planted by Nagash. The Druid Wraiths still them to follow quickly back to the safety of their campfire.
believe they are alive, and wish to help the PCs. However, their Otherwise, the Spites use their firefly talent to draw an arrow or
ghastly visages still cause Terror and PCs must test accordingly. a similar pictographic device beckoning the PCs to follow.
If the PCs pass their Terror Test, the Wraiths speak to them but
no words can be heard. After a short speech, the Druid Wraiths Players failing the Perception Test to observe the Mischief Spite
point east (Location 4), and disappear. PCs with the Lip Reading continue circling blindly until they do notice, or until they fail
skill who succeed in a Lip Reading Test followed by an Easy by two degrees, which sends them to Hag’s Hollow (Location 8).
(+20) Speak Language (Reikspiel) Test learn the information

15
 Highway to Helfurt

Outdoor Survival or a Trade (Herbalist) Test to identify the The Dreaming

special properties of its famous mushrooms (see appendix). If
Mordin is there to help, his advice provides a +30% bonus to PCs spending the night in the Druid Glade are not subject to
the Test. The Availability ratings listed are specific to Hunger the Night in Hunger Wood sidebar. Mordin may have the details
Wood. muddled, but the glade is a protected sanctuary as he claims.
Instead of fireflies, the glade is home to the dwindling group of
PCs unaccompanied by Mordin Grimlock have a decision to Mischief Spites that may have rescued lost PCs in the Night in
make, as the Elven Highway branches both north-east and Hunger Wood sidebar.
south-east. If Mordin is with the group, he indicates the south
trail leads to the Forest Imps’ boggy lair. Furthermore, Mordin PCs who have previously encountered the Mischief Spites are
suggests that the Druid Glade is the last safe place to camp about to meet them again in their dreams. If the Black Witch is
before the long trek to the Imp colony. After their first night aware of the PCs, there is a risk she will detect them again in the
in Hunger Wood, it’s likely the PCs will be apprehensive about Dream Realm. PCs that underwent the Dreaming Ceremony
their second. Mordin explains that the PCs need not worry (TTT pg. 169) are safe from detection, but it only takes a single
because the glade is home to a tribe of “friendly fireflies” who PC who did not participate to risk discovery. See the Dreams
will protect them. While the fireflies don’t seem to be around at into Nightmares sidebar.
the moment, Mordin is quite sure they are close by and calls to
them (nothing answers). If asked about the north trail, Mordin
shudders and speaks of a cursed city “from oldy times” where
Children of the Old Faith
Part 1: The Earth Mother
the dead live as if they were alive—shopkeepers, innkeepers,
beggars etc. PCs succeeding at a Magic Sense Test observe that
This is a shared dream, and all PCs who have encountered the
the source of the True Dhar emanates from the northern trail.
Spites participate:
There is actually a third and very well hidden trail (Location 6),
You wake up feeling refreshed and well-rested beneath a peerless
that the PCs can discover with knowledge gained in the follow-
blue sky. A warm summer breeze washes over you as the dappled
ing dream segment. The eastern trail is the most direct route to
sunrise fades through the trees. Birds are chirping, bumblebees
Helfurt, and will shorten the PCs journey significantly if they
zigzag through the glade and sample the dew-laden flowers.
are able to find it.

16
 Highway to Helfurt

At first, the players may or may not realise they are dreaming. Part 2: The Moon Goddess
The dream takes place at the same Druid Circle, but in a differ-
ent time when the forest was alive and called the Vorhungern. When the blinding light abates, a silvery-white moon hangs in
Wildflowers grow everywhere instead of mushrooms, and the place of the sickle, illuminating the forest. The bearded druid is
verdant forest is teeming with game and wildlife. nowhere to be seen. Instead, a beautiful snow-haired druidess
stands in his place, wearing a tear-drop pendant about her neck.
Mordin Grimlock and PCs who have not met the Spites do ap-
pear in the dream, but they are sound asleep. Conscious PCs can If the PCs have not restored the tablets to the Styrigen Mound
try to rouse their sleeping comrades who can ‘wake up’ into the (TTT pg. 174), a disembodied female voice speaks: “Who is the
dream with a successful Will Power Test. PCs who fail vaguely one that despoiled our sacred wood?”
recall their companions trying to wake them, but nothing more
tangible. Mordin Grimlock will not join the dream in any event. • If the PCs respond “Lanfranchi”, “Myrmidia” or “Morr”, the
crescent moon turns blood-red and the woman’s voice contin-
Before the PCs linger and question the metaphysics of the dream ues: “Then you must go and restore the sacred stones to the
world, read the following: cairn circle”. The dream ends and the PCs awaken in the Druid
Glade.
Suddenly, the air is alive with the soft whirr of beating wings as a • If the PCs mention a different name, or have already restored
host of vaguely humanoid firefly creatures emerges from the for- the tablets to the Styrigen Mound, the dream continues:
est. One of the fireflies hovers before you and beckons your party
to follow. Upon closer inspection, the creatures appear as glowing The druidess raises her arm and a single blood drop falls from
miniature Elves with ragged wings. her hand upon the earth. A strange, golden-capped mushroom
sprouts from the soil, and then transforms into a young woman
PCs can make an Academic Knowledge (Spirits) Test (RotIQ with flaxen hair, holding a handful of wheat.
pg. 107) to recognise the ‘fireflies’ as Mischief Spites in their
earlier, untainted form. Unless the PCs speak Eltharin, Malla- The mushroom is Ishernos’ Eye (specimen #18 on the Mush-
Room-Ba-Larin, or Ranger Tongue, they cannot communicate rooms of Hunger Wood sidebar). PCs may recognise this
verbally with the Spites. If the PCs take too long or look like mushroom later, growing among the many species in the Druid
they will not follow, the Spites leave, and the dream ends. If the Glade. Consuming Ishernos’ Eye enables PCs to see the Magical
PCs follow, read the following: Mushroom Trail (location 6). The dream continues:

You arrive at the edge of a stream. On the opposite bank stands Part 3: Mother Rhya
a bearded druid wearing simple robes. He holds a sickle in one
hand and an oak branch in the other. The elder druidess is gone, and although daylight has returned,
the forest seems somehow darker. The young woman speaks
urgently: “You must hide, now!”, and then she casts her wheat
PCs passing a Perception into the stream.
Test notice magnificent
spires breaking through PCs who pass a Routine (+10) Common Knowledge (Empire)
the treetops behind the Test recognise this young woman as a Priestess of Rhya. Those
druid. These are the Elven who pass a Perception Test can see smoke rising through the
Ruins (Location 5) as they distant treetops.
appeared 5,ooo years ago
before the War of the Beard. Guttural snarls are heard approaching from behind the PCs.
Those who hide in the underbrush may evade the oncoming
Ghoulish horde by passing an Easy (+20) Concealment Test
opposed by the Ghouls’ Perception 21. PCs failing to hide are
caught, and their dream-selves’ are devoured alive by the slaver-
Suddenly, the sky darkens into night and the forest transforms ing beasts. Devoured dreamers awaken with a start and must
into autumn around you. The druid raises his sickle to the night test against Will Power to avoid gaining an Insanity Point.
sky, and the curved blade begins to radiate with a burning white
intensity until you are forced to look away. Eventually, the Ghoulish horde rushes onward, and the dream
continues for those who remained hidden:

17
 Highway to Helfurt

Part 4: The Jade Order If the PCs take the Crown, read the following:

Emerging from the underbrush, you find yourself standing at The skeleton points northward. In the distance you see a tall,
the edge of a small, outdoor arena. The seats are empty; the leafless tree by a lake. From the sky, a comet plummets earth-
stones cracked and overgrown. The flaxen-haired woman is ward and strikes the ground with a great explosion that leaves
gone. Where she stood is now a broad man in flowing, green the tree engulfed in flames. The sun flickers…and then dies.
robes. A wreath of mistletoe is woven into his hair, and he wears
a coil pendant. If the PCs take the Raven, read the following:

The man points at the arena, where you can now see two com- The skeleton points eastward. Beside a mountain stands an
batants. A plate-armoured warrior stands opposite two of the isolated copse of lush trees amid desolation. Laughing children
slavering man-beasts. Behind the creatures stands an unarmed frolic in their shade, until a lone boy steps away from the others.
boy. “Who do you favour?” asks a disembodied male voice. The children’s laughter turns to screams and moments later, they
disintegrate into dust. The trees wither and die.
PCs who pass a Hard (-20) Common Knowledge (Empire)
Test recognise the man as a Wizard of the Jade Order. Having The PCs then awaken in a cold sweat. Several faded Mischief
Academic Knowledge (Magic) makes this an automatic suc- Spites flit about the glade, illuminating its mushrooms with
cess. their pale light. After several minutes, the Spites disperse.

• If PCs answer “the Warrior”, the male voice responds: “Then

you must first heal the land,” and the dream continues.
5. Elven Ruins
• If PCs answer “the Creatures”, the dream ends and the PCs
The trail north from the Druid Glade leads to a ruined and
awaken back in the Druid Glade.
nameless Elven city from a lost era. Perhaps a handful of
• If PCs answer “the Boy”, or “the Boy and his Creatures”, the
lorekeepers in Elthwain
male voice responds: “You walk a dangerous path”, and the
know the city’s true his-
Ghouls turn their claws and fangs upon each other in bloody
tory, but those details are
combat. The warrior, meanwhile, charges across the arena after
beyond the scope of this
the fleeing boy, and the dream continues:
campaign. The current
situation in the ruined
Part 5: Death Cult of Nagash
city is quite relevant
however, and that situa-
Everything turns black except the man, whose flesh now sloughs
tion is very deadly to the
away leaving only a skeleton standing before you. Its robes are
PCs. Whether Mordin
tattered and it wears a claw pendant. As your eyes adjust to the
Grimlock or Magic Sense
darkness, you can see the forest has become a desiccated tangle
has warned the PCs away,
of deadwood. The skeleton extends both hands forward. In its
they should have more
left hand the skeleton holds a dead Raven, and in its right hand,
than enough reasons to
a Crown. “Take one”, its hollow voice commands.
avoid the Elven ruins.

DREAMS INTO NIGHTMARES

The disembodied spirit of the Black Witch never rests. As her undetected, the Black Witch’s toxic presence gradually affects the
grand plan draws to its conclusion, the Chaos Sorceress lurks dream in the following ways:
in the shadows to see who will oppose her. The Black Witch
has a base 5% per unpurified PC (TTT pg. 169) to notice • Weather begins to turn. e.g. Storm clouds, strong winds,
the dreaming group. The GM should check to see if the Black lightning.
Witch notices at the beginning of each dream segment. Also, • Distorted mother motifs appear. e.g. dream figures are preg-
any time players discuss specific dream imagery from the Reader nant or take the form of dreamers’ mothers.
of Dreams encounter (TTT pg. 168), add 25% and make an • Druids grow strange mutations. e.g. skin becomes translu-
immediate check. cent, hands turn into branches.

If the Black Witch becomes aware of the PCs, she will hide her The Black Witch seeks to draw the PCs into the Realm of Chaos
presence and listen for as long as possible (see Expansion #4 through their dreams. See Expansion #4 for more on the Black
for details of the Black Witch’s dream stalking). However, even Witch’s dream magic.

18
 Highway to Helfurt

The ruins are home to a large colony of Death Cult Ghouls

(OWB pg.94) who worship Nagash and believe that his King- 7. The Wee Terror Colony
dom of Death is already at hand. Furthermore, the Death Cult
Ghouls believe the last to die will receive eternal favour in the PCs following the trail leading south from the Druid Glade
Great Necromancer’s kingdom, and seek to hasten this day eventually arrive at a mire overgrown with tall bramble bushes
through wanton killing. The Death Cult Ghouls regularly patrol (see sidebar). If Mordin accompanies the party, he points into the
the Elven Highway as far south as (but not into) the Druid thickets and motions for the PCs to be quiet. Concealed in the
Glade. The Ghouls have scouts deployed and will prepare a centre of the bushes is a low earthen mound with a Wee Terror
nasty ambush (1d10+3 Ghouls) for noisy adventurers. PCs must colony comprised of dwellings made from hollowed-out Granny
succeed at two Follow Trail Tests to keep on the path. Lost PCs Stool mushrooms. At the heart of the colony is the Wee Terror
will encounter 1d5 Ghouls. treasure trove, buried under a patch of lush moss and guarded by
4 Terrors. Only a third of the Terror population (10–15) is pres-
In the unlikely event that the PCs fight their way to the ruined ent at any given time, so the PCs might be able to defeat them
city and wish to explore, they will have to contend with the if they act quickly. The distance from the edge of the mire to the
125 or so resident Ghouls. The city itself is a marvelous ruin bramble patch is 12 yards.
that would tantalize any archaeologist or historian. Exquisitely
crafted temples and buildings of many steps and pillars frame
broad plazas of white marble. The Bramble Mire

6. Magical Mushroom Trail Mire: PCs entering the mire sink up to their knees in muck,
reducing movement rates to Hampered.
PCs ingesting Ishernos’ Eye (specimen #18) are in for a stunning
revelation as a previously concealed branch of the Elven High- Brambles: PCs must spend a Half Action per round of activity
way suddenly becomes visible. A phosphorescent trail of golden (including combat) picking through the razor-sharp thorns, or
mushrooms cuts eastward into the black forest like a neon road. suffer a Damage 1 hit and have their clothing shredded.
As long as a single PC continues ingesting the mushrooms, the
party is able to proceed along the road. The journey from the Sinkholes: PCs stumbling into a sinkhole disappear under the
Druid Glade to Helfurt Bridge takes 2 days of hard walking. muck, and must pass a Challenging (-10) Swim Test or begin
PCs camping along the Magic Mushroom Trail are not subject drowning.
to the Night in Hunger Wood sidebar. PCs should be wary
however, as the occasional Death Cult Ghoul war party still Terrors are unaffected by the bramble mire.
crosses over the trail to raid the Hag and the southern road.

THE BRAMBLE MIRE

19
 Highway to Helfurt

As soon as the first PC enters the mire, the Terrors attack: If the party takes the time to excavate the moss patch, they
unearth a trove of useless junk. Mordin recovers a tarnished
Round 1 silver locket that he tearfully reveals as the object of his quest. He
points to a trail that continues beyond the Wee Terror colony to
Half of the Terrors (round up) emerge from the brambles to the eastern exit from Hunger Wood. Then without further ex-
hurl javelins at any PCs who entered the mire. The remaining planation, Mordin warns the party that more Terrors are coming
Terrors combine their magic to cast a dreadful illusion (immedi- fast, and leaves.
ate Terror Test):
The Terror stash also presents an opportunity to dismiss the
The mud begins to bubble around you. From the depths of the Bretonnians if their presence is becoming tiresome. Lambert
mire, a hundred anguished moans come gurgling to the surface. discovers a dented pewter cup which he announces is the True
Grail, and leads his horse back through the trees. Cyrille follows,
Round 2 shaking his head and muttering about unfinished business.

Terrors who threw javelins on Round 1 engage the PCs with Any valuables stolen from the PCs during their journey are
swords. Those who cast the illusion on Round 1 now throw stashed at a different Terror colony and cannot be found here.
their javelins. Most of the buried items are worthless. A few select trinkets may
be sold for up to 5 gc.
Round 3 and Onward
WEE TERRORS OF HUNGER WOOD
Terrors swarm around PCs stuck in the bramble mire, attack-
ing them with swords. Any Terror that is injured but not killed The Wee Terrors’ similarity to the Spites of Athel Loren supports
retreats to the colony and prepares another javelin. If PCs retreat the theory that Elves inhabited Hunger Wood millennia ago.
to solid ground, the Terrors also retreat to prepare javelins and However, the Wee Terrors are now as tainted as any resident of
illusions for the second wave. One of the wounded Terrors flies Sylvania, and often venture from the forest to torment villagers.
off to fetch reinforcements, which will arrive in 30 minutes. Wee Terrors take on many horrible forms to terrify the locals,
including miniature gargoyles, fanged cherubs, and hideous in-
Once PCs have reached the Granny Stool clearing, they must sectoid hybrids. Wee Terrors dissolve quickly after death, making
fight the 4 Terrors guarding the treasure trove. If Sir Lambert is it difficult for Old World scholars to study them, and they are
present, his righteous zeal compels him to smash every mush- mostly considered a myth.
room house with savage fury. The party would be wise to make
a quick exit after destroying the village, as returning Terrors alert
WS BS S T Ag Int WP Fel
other colonies and hunt the PCs to the edge of Hunger Wood.
48 72 19 (1) 10 (1) 66 23 35 41

Skills: Blather, Concealment +20, Dodge Blow, Magical

Sense, Performer (Musician, Singer), Outdoor Survival +20,
Perception +20, Ride, Scale Sheer Surface, Secret Language
(Ranger Tongue), Shadowing, Silent Move, Speak Language
(Malla-room-ba-larin)
Talents: Ambidextrous, Contortionist, Flee!, Mimic, Rover
Traits: Fearsome Illusions, Hoverer, Keen Senses, Magical, Night
Vision, Poisoned Attacks, Shapeshift, Unsettling
Combat
Attacks: 1; Movement: 2/4/6 or Hover 8/16/24;
Wounds (TB 1): 6
Armour: None
Weapons: Tiny Swords (1d5+1 plus poison), Tiny Javelins
(1d5+1 plus poison; range 4/-; reload NA).

Note: Tiny weapons inflict Ulric’s Fury on a damage roll of 5,

reflecting the Terrors’ ability to target vulnerable areas.

20
 Highway to Helfurt

recognize a patch of the plants ringing the clearing. Otherwise,

Fearsome Illusions
PCs may attempt a Challenging (-10) Academic Knowledge
Terrors delight in taking on frightening forms and scaring (Science) Test to spot the deadly flora. The Bloodsedge will not
travellers. They find it especially amusing to frighten people to attack newly arriving PCs, but will prevent them from leaving
death. Groups of 3 or more may put on a terrifying display as a (see Escaping from Hag’s Hollow). There are four safe gaps in
full action, forcing witnesses to take a Terror Test. the ring of deadly plants so the Treekin can direct welcomed
guests (e.g. Strigany clan elders) to the clearing without getting
Magical munched..
A Terror’s attacks count as magical.
The Hag’s Abode
Poisoned Attacks
Swords: Targets injured by a Terror’s melee attacks must make a The Hag’s abode is located in a picturesque clearing centered on
Challenging (–10) Toughness Test or take 2 additional Wounds. a massive oak tree. A squat rectangular structure peeks through
the tall grass at the foot of the oak. The low profile structure
Javelins: Targets injured by a Terror’s missile attack must pass a is naturally camouflaged by moss, lichen, and the shade of the
Challenging (–10) Toughness Test or become Drowsy. Drowsy colossal tree. A Routine (+10) Academic Knowledge (The-
characters are reduced to a single Action per combat round. ology) Test identifies the building as an old chapel, possibly
dating back as far as the Asoborn tribes. The isolated location of
Toughness Tests are only made against attacks that deal at least the chapel suggests a forbidden cult, and the sacrificial slab (five
1 Wound of damage. paces from the chapel) is further evidence to that effect. Blood
sluices drilled into the basalt slab empty into an ornate marble
Shapeshift bath. PCs may attempt an Easy (+20) Academic Knowledge
(Engineering) or Trade (Stoneworker) Test to notice the bath
As a half action, a Terror can take any form it wishes as long as
is of a later construction than the altar or chapel.
it does not significantly change size. Normal size for a Terror is
six to twelve inches.
PCs approaching the Hag’s abode notice a man-sized birdcage
dangling from the tall tree’s upper limbs. Inside the cage is
8. Hag’s Hollow Xyzix, a blind Necrarch vampire who once apprenticed to Lord
de Trois near Wolfenburg (TTT pg. 149). The Hag captured
There is no direct route to Hag’s Hollow. It is here that Akana Xyzix long ago and has allowed him to live on the condition
the Hag has retreated from the scrutiny of the world for over that he serves as her astrologer.
2000 years. Very few know of her existence, and fewer still
know her true identity (see Featured Personality: Akana the
Hag, pg. 4). The Hag does not actually make an appearance in
The Thousand Thrones campaign. She has left Hunger Wood
for the first time in centuries to deliver urgent information
about Nagash’s plans to her Strigoi brethren.

Without an invitation, the only sure way to reach the Hollow is

to become lost. Accordingly, those who actively seek the Hag’s
domain may willingly lose their way. The Hag’s few invited
guests are almost exclusively high-ranking Strigoi vampires or
Strigany petru.

Any PCs losing their way from a trail near Hag’s Hollow will
arrive at the Hag’s abode. The Hag ensures this by deploying a
small army of Treekin throughout the forest (disguised as nor-
Xyzix
mal trees) who can open and close a path to her abode at will.
If the PCs approach Xyzix, he looks up from his work with
Once lost PCs are channeled to Hag’s Hollow, the Treekin close
empty eye sockets. Xyzix is hideous to behold and inspires a
the path behind. A Challenging (-10) Navigation Test informs
Fear Test in all those who observe him. Although Xyzix can no
sharp-eyed PCs that they are going the wrong way, but PCs
longer see the living world, he can still perceive the heavens and
wishing to backtrack discover that Follow Trail is impossible as
the spirit world—including the PCs’ souls. PCs failing their Fear
the trail is gone.
Tests are mocked by the Necrarch: “Your soul is weak, your spirit
meek! You stand afraid, too scared to speak! Neheheh!” Xyzix
Eventually lost PCs approach a wide clearing. PCs who have en-
will only communicate further with PCs who pass their Fear
countered Bloodsedge previously can make a Perception Test to
Test. Xyzix informs these brave PCs that he volunteered to be

21
 Highway to Helfurt

the Hag’s astrologer in exchange for “great powers,” and has no or show him Handout 21 (which he reads by touch, sensing
desire to leave. This is just a lie to protect the Necrarch’s dignity. the impressions of the quill). The mention of Lord de Trois
Xyzix responds to questions from PCs who failed the initial Fear will halt Xyzix’s antics and the Necrarch will wish to question
Test with a rasping cackle. PCs inquiring further about the Hag the PCs. Xyzix will trade answer for answer, one at a time, but
provoke a chilling warning from Xyzyx: “She’ll drain your blood bluffing requires a Charm Test opposed by Xyzix’s Will Power
and tan your skin! She’ll poke your eyes out with a pin!” of 68. If Xyzix detects a lie, he spits at the PC and goes silent
thereafter. Here are some answers he might offer:
Xyzix is used to lost visitors stumbling about the glade, and will
do his best to ignore the PCs unless they mention Lord de Trois

WHAT XYZIX KNOWS

Xyzix knows nothing of Hunger Wood, the Black Witch, or the two boys.

De Trois the Necrarch Lord

“De Trois is a great wizard who will one day rule the Age of a will herald His return.” Xyzix is not aware that De Trois intends
Thousand Thrones!” It was over 100 years ago that Xyzix last to become the vessel for Nagash’s return.
saw his master, but he has witnessed his greatness in the stars.
Numerology
Age of a Thousand Thrones “The cipher of nines was used by priests of ancient Nehekhara
“You may not live to see the Age of a Thousand Thrones, but to encrypt messages.” Xyzix understands the significance of the
rest assured it will come when the true scion is born and the numerology puzzle as it relates to De Trois and the Chosen of
world becomes new again!” Xyzix is aware that the Age of a Sigmar, but is unaware of the Power Words.
Thousand Thrones and the Kingdom of Death are one in the
same, but will not volunteer this. Astrology
If asked questions pertaining to astrology, Xyzix rambles inco-
Nagash & Sigmar herently and begins shuffling through his papers while pointing
“Sigmar will no longer rule over the vampires, for Nagash’s curse at diagrams.
is lifted! It was foretold that a scion of Nagash’s own bloodline

HAG’S HOLLOW

22
 Highway to Helfurt

Attacking Xyzix HALF-GHOULS

Xyzix claws at PCs who attack or attempt to steal his star charts Half-Ghouls are wretched humans who have turned to can-
(use Necrarch profile, TTT pg. 207). PCs attacking Xyzix with nibalism, but have not yet completed the full transformation
spears or missile weapons cannot be counter-attacked, but Dhoo- into ghouldom. Half-Ghoul sightings are relatively rare in the
ram the Treeman will awaken to protect his screaming charge if Empire, because the transformation is slow and the accumulation
the combat extends beyond one round. of necromantic side effects clearly marks the condition.

Dhooram WS BS S T Ag Int WP Fel

Dhooram is a corrupted Treeman in service to the Hag. Each 30 10 35 (3) 41 (4) 34 21 34 12

night, Xyzix’s cage is elevated above the forest canopy by Dhoo-
ram. If Xyzix does not complete his assigned tasks for the night, Skills: Animal Handling, Concealment, Dodge Blow, Drive,
Dhooram is instructed to expose the vulnerable Necrarch to the Outdoor Survival, Perception, Scale Sheer Surface, Search,
rising sun. Shadowing, Silent Move, Speak Language (Strigany)
Talents: Fearless, Frightening, Natural Weapons, Night Vision,
When PCs first encounter Dhooram, he is asleep in tree form Rover
and indistinguishable from the other giant oak trees of Hunger Insanities: The Beast Within
Wood. If Dhooram is awoken to protect Xyzix, it requires 1 Combat
round to transform from tree to Treeman (OWB pg. 110) before
Attacks: 2; Movement: 4; Wounds (TB 4): 10
Dhooram engages the PCs. If Dhooram is attacked, two nearby
Armour: None
Treekin (WFRP Comp, pg. 126) arrive to help their lord. Dhoo-
Weapons: Claws (1d10+3)
ram’s transformation and the ensuing combat causes Xyzix to
swing wildly in his cage and chortle with evil glee as star-charts
Note: Half-Ghouls have not matured enough to receive the
fly everywhere. PCs defeating Dhooram and Xyzix can retrieve
special Poison Attack.
star charts and a sextant from the cage.
Trappings
Not So Fresh Recruits
Half-Ghouls clothing is less tattered and smeared than full
Ghouls, but not for long.
5 days after the players depart from the Slaughtered Hare
(Location 1), 2d5 Half-Ghouls arrive at Hag’s Hollow from
the Strigany encampment to the south (Location 10). The Hag Inside the Hag’s Abode
and her Ghoul minions are waging a 500-year turf war with the
Death Cult Ghouls to the north and the Wee Terrors to the east. At the bottom of a narrow staircase, a single stone portal leads
The Hag is able to replenish her lost soldiers with Half-Ghoul into the squat building. A Magic Lock spell has been cast on the
recruits delivered by the Strigany clans. door. If the door is forced (Challenging (-10) Strength Test),
hidden compartments in the door-jamb simultaneously release a
dusting of Necrotic Powder (TTT p. 150), silver shavings, and
powdered garlic on the people nearest the door (Agility Test to
avoid). Agility tests suffer a cumulative -10 penalty per person
crowded in the narrow vestibule. A Very Hard (-30) Perception
Test can reveal the possibility of the dust trap before the door is
forced.

In startling contrast to the rough-hewn outer walls, the inte-

rior of the Hag’s abode is elegantly appointed in the classical
Arabyan style. The stone walls are concealed behind a sequence
of hand-woven tapestries depicting the phases of Morrslieb and
Mannslieb. Low mosaic tables spill over with scrolls and maps
amid a sea of gold brocade pillows. Ancient stone tablets of all
shapes and sizes lean against overfilled bookcases and chests con-
taining more stone tablets. An ornate brass lantern with precisely
cut screens projects a fantastic play of amber hued starlight in the
room. PCs can attempt an Academic Knowledge (Astrology)
Test to observe that the starlight cast by the lantern is consistent
with known Astrology cycles.

23
 Highway to Helfurt

An oblong box inlaid with mother of pearl and lapis mosaics Escape from Hag’s Hollow
hides behind a lacquered room divider. The ornate box is where
the Hag rests when in residence, although she is not at home The time will (rapidly) come when the players will wish to leave
during the timeline of this chapter. Spread across the Hag’s desk Hag’s Hallow. This is a difficult undertaking but not impos-
are the following items: sible. The Hag has gone to great lengths to see that those who
visit her Hollow unannounced can never leave. The first part of
• A scroll from the great library of Strigos, written in the Strigoi the Hag’s containment plan is the arrangement of Bloodsedge
dialect of High Nehekharan. The scroll contains misinformation (WFRP Comp, pg 120) around the perimeter of her clearing.
from Nagash, originally planted in the mind of Kadon and later The diabolical part of the scheme is that trespassers avoiding the
passed along to the Strigoi. Bloodsedge must traverse 1d5-1 patches of Grave Grass (NDM
• One of Xyzyx’s star charts. See Expansion #4 for its astrologi- pg.138) to do so. Grave Grass is much rarer and requires a Hard
cal significance. (-20) Academic Knowledge (Science) Test to identify. Clever
• The poem of the Styrigen ghosts (Handout 34 - see appendix) players who marked the spot where they first arrived can retrace
their steps and avoid both types of plants. Alternatively, PCs
Contained within the Hag’s locked chests are the following who spotted both the Bloodsedge and Grave Grass will also
items: locate these gaps.
• A letter from Lydia von Carstein (Handout 35 - see appendix) The second part of the Hag’s containment plan is Hunger Wood
• 32 additional lantern screens. itself. Her army of Treekin will attempt to misdirect the PCs
• Stone tablets from the Temple of Blood in Lahmia, inscribed at every turn, although they remain in tree form and will not
in High Nehekharan. Several of these were given to Lydia for engage the PCs. It is likely that the PCs’ tainted supplies will
the Union of Souls ritual. quickly become an issue as well, as the twisted environs of Hun-
• Stone tablets from the ruins of Mourkain, inscribed in High ger Wood offer very little in the way of sustenance. There is no
Nehekharan. They were recovered by a Strigoi lord named Vorag wild game to be found, and very little in the way of edible flora.
the Slaughterer. For each day lost in the woods, PCs should make an Outdoor
• Stone tablets from the Elven ruins, dating from the War of the Survival Test or begin to starve.
Beard. These are inscribed in Arcane Elf.
• Loose pages from a Book of Nagash. These were also found at
the Elven ruins and are written in High Nehekharan. PCs read- Navigating Hunger Wood
ing them must pass a Will Power Test or gain 1 Insanity Point.
• Styrigen tablets, inscribed in Arcane Language (Runes). They Once per day players must roll 1d10 and consult table 1.1. PCs
are cracked and incomplete, but can be pieced together with may attempt a Navigation Test once per day and add +1 to the
Lydia’s collection from Mistgarten. escape roll for each degree of success.
• Bundles of Necrarch star charts. The charts are incomprehensi-
ble at first glance, but may aid Academic Knowledge (Astrono- Table 1.1. Escape from Hag’s Hollow
my) Tests if the scholar spends a day studying them beforehand. 1-2 Here we are again! (Lose a day, return to Hag’s Hollow)
After studying the star charts for a day, it also becomes apparent 3-5 “I think we’re going the wrong way…” (Lose a day, roll
that they were drawn for a specific purpose. However, another again tomorrow)
week of study is required to discern this purpose (see Expansion
6-8 “I think we’re going the right way…” (Lose a day, roll
#4 for details of the astrology puzzle).
again tomorrow +1)
These handouts can be customised to suit your own campaign. 9-10 “Escape?” (Roll 1d5 on Escape location table)
1 Hag’s Hollow
Taint of Dhar The Slaughtered Hare
2
It’s important to note that the Hag’s necromantic research has 3 Burned Coaching Inn
attracted some of the Dhar magic permeating Hunger Wood, 4 Elven Highway
and her hovel is saturated with the withering dark energy. While
5 Druid Glade
exposure to Dhar has no effect on the Hag, PCs who linger in
her abode will have to succeed at an Easy (+20) Toughness Test 11+ “Escape!” (Players may choose any previously visited
or roll for a Necromancy side-effect (WFRP. pg 159) every hour. Hunger Wood Location)
You should describe a withering sensation on the PCs’ flesh
before making them roll. Only PCs who actually enter the Hag’s
abode must make the Toughness test, although the concentrated
Dhar in the area is strong enough to contaminate all food ra-
tions and liquids.

24
 Highway to Helfurt

9. Burned Coaching Inn A few of the cranky old-timers are deep in their cups and loose-
lipped. PCs that speak Strigany and succeed at a Gossip Test
The charred remnants of a burned-out Coaching Inn smoulder learn that “shunning ritual” is a bit of a misnomer, as their ailing
by the side of the road. A typical proclamation of heresy is posted kin are going into the forest to live with the Old Mother. Obser-
for all to see. The notice is an extensive list of transgressions vant PCs succeeding at a Routine (+10) Perception Test notice
against Morr and bears the seal of the Raven Knights. If Karin one of the wagons has been kept apart from the others. PCs ap-
and Lothar are still in the PCs employ, they are extremely upset proaching the wagon have their way blocked by a pair of stone-
to see the torched inn and lose their nerves. PCs succeeding at faced guards. While the guards only speak Strigany, they make it
a Challenging (-10) Command Test firmly remind Karin and clear that the area is off-limits and point back to the festivities.
Lothar of their obligations. Otherwise, the coachmen refund the A further Perception Test lets PCs observe that the wagon has a
PCs’ extra ‘Sylvania tax’ and depart. thick-padlocked door and barred windows.

The ruins of the inn are unremarkable other than multiple sets of If the PCs spend the night, they are given feed for their animals
Ghoul tracks observable by PCs succeeding at an Easy (+20) Fol- and directed to camp at the periphery. The wild revelry dies
low Trail Test. Following the Ghoul trail through Hunger Wood down after midnight and the camp falls quiet. At the crack of
is impossible. Any attempt to follow the trail beyond the most dawn, sleeping PCs may attempt a Perception Test to hear the
cursory effort will lead the tracker to Hag’s Hollow. sad strains of a lone violin and awaken. Waking PCs discover
a thick fog has rolled in from the Templehof Foothills and vis-
10. Strigany Encampment ibility is low.

The road from Hunger Wood emerges along a gentle slope

descending into the Templehof foothills. Before PCs break from
the treeline, the tantalizing smell of wood smoke and roasting
meat fills the air. Music from a lively group echoes through forest
as a large assembly claps in time. PCs succeeding at a Routine
(+10) Academic Knowledge (Arts) Test recognize the music as
Strigany.

A half-circle of eight Strigany wagons is set up at the base of the

foothills. The encampment features a large cooking area with
bubbling cauldrons and a trench-like fire pit. The drunken band
plays to an equally drunken crowd of dancers, revelers, and
lovers. Dice games spring up at the outside edge of the dance
area where the men gather. The celebration is part of a shunning
ritual for wayward Strigany who have turned to cannibalism and
undergo the final stage of transformation into Ghouls. Most
Imperial families reject their Ghoul relatives and report them
to local Witch Hunters. The Strigany however, are generally
more accommodating and shield their Ghoul kin as long as it is
practical to do so. Once the transformation is in the final stages The Shunning
however, Ghouls become less able to control their hunger and
must be cast out. In typical Strigany fashion, the emphasis of the PCs following the violin easily navigate the fog and locate the
ritual is on celebration instead of regret. Strigany assembly. A gathering of bawling women and sniffling
children watch as the padlocked wagon is backed up to the edge
If the PCs seem friendly and unthreatening, they are welcomed of Hunger Wood. After the wagon-team is unhitched, a group
to the festivities with open arms. A potent amber liquor flows of torch-bearing Strigany approach the wagon and unlock the
freely from earthen jugs. If PCs do not have a mug in their hand door. One by one, a group of 2d5 Half-Ghouls emerge from
someone will give them one—if the mug is empty, someone the wagon and sniff the air. An old Strigany Mama shrieks in
will fill it. The mood of the party is upbeat, and many Strigany despair and faints. The following cascade of sympathy shrieks
believe that their tortured kin will be happier among those suffer- causes one of the confused Half-Ghouls to charge at the torch-
ing from the same tragic condition. It is important to note, that wielding men. The Strigany are ready however, and violently
the Strigany never actually refer to their Ghoul kin as ‘Ghouls’. repulse the attack before corralling the remaining Half-Ghouls
Instead, the Strigany describe their afflicted as sufferers of a wast- into the forest. The Strigany caravan lingers for the rest of the
ing disease or pox. day to pack and clean.

25
 Highway to Helfurt

Loenen’s conspiracy theories and doesn’t care. The Captain’s sole

11. Raven Knight Outpost frustration lies in a wonderful Wurtbad holiday cut short by his
untimely redeployment. If the PCs have any anecdotes or news
After Hunger Wood, the road to Helfurt passes through the
that depicts Sir Rolph in a bad light, Von Balzac will have a
bleak Templehof foothills. If the PCs are escorted by the Raven
positive disposition towards any inquiries they may have.
Knights or Black Guards, they are advised that the Fellowship of
the Shroud maintains a forward outpost in the shadow of Castle
PCs without a Black Guard or Raven Knight escort are offered
Templehof. PCs without an escort still arrive at the outpost,
fresh water, but are not otherwise permitted into the outpost. In
however they are met by a four-man scouting element of Raven
fact, the vast majority of locals are not permitted into the Raven
Knights (TTT pg. 184) warning that Ghoul activity is increased
Knight outpost either. Consequently, a small community of
in the region.
merchants, vagabonds, and camp followers have built an infor-
mal trading post outside the northern perimeter of the Morrite
At present, the fortified outpost is home to a half-strength
base. PCs can resupply at the trading post for modestly inflated
company of Raven Knights led by Captain Horst Von Balzac, a
prices. The spicy tang of a Papri Kap venison stew announces a
stocky man with shining bald pate and monocle. Although the
minor Strigany contingent outside the southern wall of the out-
castle itself hasn’t been occupied since the famous Night Siege of
post. These Strigany have had frequent run-ins with drunkards
2010, alternating companies of Raven Knights use the location
from the northern camp and are not welcoming to strangers.
as a forward base for sorties into the Templehof region and the
PCs succeeding at a Gossip Test learn that the Strigany are
Ghoul-haunted moors to the north.
northward bound to Kislev and will pass through Helfurt, but
they wait on three additional wagons before attempting the
PCs accompanied by the Black Guard, Raven Knights or dis-
perilous ride north.
playing the pins from Lord Voss are admitted to the outpost and
billeted in a tent. Furthermore, the PCs may resupply from the
outpost stores within reason. If Von Loenen accompanies the
PCs, they are well treated, but restricted to the regular dining
hall. Otherwise, fresh news from Seigfreidhof is enough to war-
rant an invitation to Captain Von Balzac’s dinner table under
the stars.

Von Balzac employs a Halfling chef of Brettonian origin, who

prepares a nine-course banquet atop gleaming white linen. The
Captain is quite irritated that the previous outpost commander,
Sir Rolph Von Loenen, decamped a month ahead of schedule
to play politics in Seigfriedhof. Von Balzac is ignorant of Von

WHAT VON BALZAC KNOWS

Castle Templehof Ghouls
“The Dwarves laid runic markers upon that dreadful site, “They are nothing but mindless brutes compelled by a profane
but the markers have been fading over recent decades and lust.” Ghoul activity is greatly increased in the region. Von
foul things are stirring from the southern fringes of Hunger Balzac has recently deployed additional scouts on the northern
Wood.” Castle Templehof has not been occupied since the moors to monitor this activity. The scouts report that there
Dwarves defeated Vampire Countess Emmanuel at the Night is some kind turf war going on between the ghouls, but Von
Siege of Castle Templehof in 2010. Balzac doesn’t believe it. He has never known ghouls to orga-
nize.
Highway to Helfurt
“Soon, Morr willing, I will be provided with enough men to Strigany
clear out the northern moors once and for all.” The road to “A pair of Imperial Witch Hunters passed through recently
Helfurt goes through some wild country, and the PCs should tracking a group of Strigany changelings.” Von Balzac tolerates
take great caution. Von Balzac stresses that Sylvania has a the Strigany, but he doesn’t trust them and won’t allow them in
dangerous reputation for good reason; the dead do not seem the camp.
to stay in the ground very long up there.

26
 Inn-Counters

meat stew. Whether the stew is drugged with Morr Caps or not
12. Highway to Helfurt depends on the PCs visible strength and the allies they keep. Ob-
servant PCs succeeding at an Easy (+20) Perception Test, notice
The road north from old Castle Templehof to Helfurt is the sort a brace of finely matched pistols worn by one of the hunters. If
that gives Sylvania its wild reputation. Almost immediately after the PCs can get a close look at the pistols, they see a finely etched
the foothills fade from view, the packed earth lane degrades into Hammer of Sigmar worked in silver on the grip. The rest of the
a lonely rutted track stretching northward across 70 miles of Witch-Hunters’ gear is spread amongst the hunters, but the pair
wind-blasted moor and heath. Burned and abandoned farm- of Witch-Hunters are nowhere to be seen.
houses dot the landscape on the east side of the road, alongside
muddy and fallow tracts of once-cultivated earth. On the west
Male Human Hunter
side of the road, the remnant of an ancient battlefield stretches
as far as the eye can see. Rusted weapons and armour litter the
windswept heath alongside the wreckage of great war machines. WS BS S T Ag Int WP Fel
38 34 37 (3) 33 (3) 29 36 33 24
It’s important to note, that while the moors are devoid of human
population, they are not unpopulated. The following encounters Skills: Common Knowledge (the Empire), Concealment, Follow
represent a “sample platter” of the deadly predators known to Trail, Gossip, Outdoor Survival, Perception, Search, Secret
haunt the Sylvanian hinterland. The encounters are presented in Signs (Ranger), Silent Move, Speak Language (Reikspiel)
no specific order other than time of day in which they appear. As Talents: Frenzy, Hardy, Lightning Reflexes, Rapid Reload, Rover,
always, GMs are encouraged to include or exclude encounters as Very Resilient, Very Strong
appropriate. Insanities: The Beast Within

Combat
Attacks: 1; Movement: 4; Wounds (TB 3): 12
Armour: None
Weapons: Bearded Axe (1d10+3), Longbow (1d10+3); Armour
Piercing

Trappings
The hunters are dressed in typical forest attire and each wears a
An Imperial Werewolf in Sylvania talisman to Ulric.
(Day or Night)
Note: When the hunters become frenzied, they transform into
A group of 6-8 hunters have made camp at the place where the Werewolves (ToC pg. 54) and use the following profile:
foothills end and the moorland begins. The hunters are all af-
flicted by the Were mutation (ToC pg. 54), and travel north into Male Human Werewolf
lawless Sylvania to indulge their bestial alter-egos.

If the PCs encounter the hunter camp by day, the camp is empty WS BS S T Ag Int WP Fel
except for a single hunter butchering deer meat. A selection of 48 34 47 (4) 43 (4) 49 26 23 4
other fresh game is strung up around the camp waiting to be
cleaned, and the friendly hunter offers to sell freshly butchered Skills: Concealment, Follow Trail, Perception, Silent Move,
game at half cost. The remaining hunters are out trapping and Swim
shooting more game. In truth, the friendly hunter is appraising Talents: Keen Senses, Natural Weapons, Night Vision
the PCs for a nocturnal meeting with the Werewolves. If the PCs
are accompanied by the Raven Knights, or look like they would Combat
put up a significant resistance, they will not meet the werewolves Attacks: 2; Movement: 5; Wounds (TB 3): 17
later. Armour: None
Weapons: Claws (1d10+4)
If the PCs encounter the Hunter camp at night, they can smell
meat cooking before they see the camp. The hunters are all pres- Trappings
ent at this time and welcome the PCs to their fire. If the PCs
accept the hunters’ hospitality, they are rewarded with a tasty The hunters are dressed in typical forest attire and each wears a
talisman to Ulric.

27
The Black Windmill THE SPOILS OF BATTLE
(Night)
Players wishing to scavenge the old battlefield for loot can do so
An impenetrable fog blankets the moor as the air becomes still by spending thirty minutes foraging and succeeding at a Search
and quiet. Visibility is reduced to 5 feet, although it’s still a Test. The result of the Search Test also indicates the item’s condi-
simple matter to follow the road. From somewhere ahead, PCs tion and Craftsmanship (OWA pg. 28):
succeeding at a Perception Test hear the unmistakable sound
of a windmill creaking. The ominous turning of the blades is • No degrees of Success – 1d5 damaged but repairable
the only sound in the otherwise still night. items (Common Craftsmanship)
• One degree of Success – 1d5 tarnished/soiled but
Around the next bend, a semi-charred windmill sits at the crest undamaged items (Common Craftsmanship)
of a low rise. A trio of Poltergeists (OWB pg.109) reside in the • Two degrees of Success – 1-2 tarnished/soiled but
windmill and make the broken blades turn. The Poltergeists are undamaged items (Good Craftsmanship)
thoroughly insane and seek only to lure mortals and frighten • Three degrees of Success – 1 tarnished/soiled but
them. The dilapidated windmill contains many sharp objects undamaged item (Best Craftsmanship)
for the Poltergeists to fling with their Spirit’s Push ability.
PCs are free to accept a lower Degree of Success if they prefer
multiple items of lower quality, and PCs with Bone Picker in
War of the Ghouls
their career path may shift the Degree of success up by one. After
(Day or Night) the item condition and Craftsmanship are determined, generate
the type of item recovered on the following table:
After a long stretch of uneasy quiet, the unmistakable sound
of combat rings out from the battlefield ahead. PCs wishing to
investigate the source of the conflict must first cross the muddy 01-29% Armour (roll ‘to hit’ for piece)
remains of an old farmstead. The farmhouse and outbuildings 30-39% Hand Weapon
have burned to their foundations, and PCs succeeding at a 40-49% Missile Weapon
Routine (+10) Follow Trail Test observe ghoul tracks every-
50-59% Great Weapon
where. Also, PCs succeeding at the Follow Trail Test by one
degree of success or more observe a group of human tracks 60-89% Gear (ammunition, tools, trinket)
leading to a barn at the west end of the property. 90-99% Valuable (coin, jewelry, holy symbol)
00% Rare (GM’s discretion)
The well-constructed barn faces onto the pastures west of the
farm. 6 Agents of the Shroud are concealed within the hayloft
observing a full-blown confrontation between not less than
200 ghouls. How the Shroud Agents react to the PCs depends
on the players’ method of approach and the company the PCs Dire Complications
keep. This is an extremely dangerous situation and the Shroud (Day or Night)
Agents will not tolerate misbehavior from anyone.
A slavering pack of 1d5+1 Dire Wolves (OWB pg.91) has been
The fighting is a brutal hand-to-hand affair between Akana the stalking the party for the last mile. Leading the pack is an im-
Hag’s Strigoi Ghouls and the Death Cult Ghouls based in the mense Doom Wolf alpha (NDM pg. 137), who knows what to
Elven Ruins (Location 5). The attrition rate is shocking on both expect from armed humans. The Doom Wolf howls for other
sides as razor sharp claws separate the fallen from limb and Dire Wolves in the vicinity to join the hunt, and each mile there-
entrails. Side skirmishes erupt from the main combat regularly, after, the Doom Wolf will howl and call 1d5-2 wolves to join the
and the clashing forces shift around the battlefield unpredict- pack. Each time the Doom Wolf howls, the responding wolves
ably. The Shroud Agents warn that the barn is not defensible, will howl once in reply and join the pack by the next calling. The
and the PCs must flee if the battle shifts towards them. wolf pack continues to stalk the PCs until their numbers swell to
12 wolves in total, at which point they attack. The PCs would be
PCs who handle the situation well gain the respect of the wise to either hunt down the pack before it grows too large, or
Shroud Agents, and a bit of cryptic advice—first in Sylvanian, find cover before the wolves attacks. PCs who pass an Outdoor
and then in Reikspiel: take the bridge. Survival Test understand the wolves’ strategy.

28
Van Hel’s Bells A FORK IN THE ROAD
(Day or Night)
After a long stretch of muddy track, the PCs come to a fork in
Once again, the PCs are enveloped by a thick fog rolling in from the road. A wooden sign carved with the Sylvanian word for
the moors. PCs succeeding at a Perception Test can hear a lazy ‘bridge’ points to the right fork, while the skeletal occupant of
bell tolling in the distance. The Corpse Cart begins its approach a rusty gibbet points to the left. Both directions lead to a river
5 miles north of the PCs on the Highway to Helfurt. As the cart crossing a mile further down the track. The fork in the road
and the PCs converge, the GM should allow players to make serves only to separate the place where human and undead
further Perception Tests to hear the bell with a +10 bonus per cross the river.
mile of closure.
PCs following the right fork soon arrive at an old covered
Once the Corpse Cart is within 1 mile, the bell will be audible bridge on the misty banks of a wide river. Although the creaky
to all PCs. It is likely the PCs’ attention will be elsewhere howev- bridge looks unsteady, it is actually quite safe and easily accom-
er, as 1d5 Zombies (OWB pg. 120) rise from the battlefield and modates a fully loaded coach and team. PCs crossing the bridge
begin trudging toward the Corpse Cart. At this point, the bell discover the interior is decorated with garlic flower and a carpet
will toll every 3 rounds calling 1d5 additional Zombies toward of fresh sawdust. This is the only crossing used (or acknowl-
it. PCs succeeding at a Routine (+10) Sense Magic Test detect edged) by locals and the very occasional northbound traveler.
the unmistakable presence of Warpstone.
PCs following the left fork soon arrive at the foot of a massive
When the Corpse Cart finally comes into view, the PCs are con- wrought-iron gate. The gate is unlocked and functions only as
fronted by a massive black wagon driven by shadowy, macabre an ornamental threshold to the crumbling ruins of an ancient
figures. The rear of the wagon is heaped high with a writhing river quay. The river looks to be at least a quarter mile wide
mass of putrescent body parts grasping blindly at the night. at the crossing, but the ever-present Sylvanian mist obscures
Hanging from a rusty hook atop the cart is a massive bell hewn the far shore. PCs traversing the finger-like stone pier discover
from some dark metal. As the bell sounds its menacing toll, a large brazier resting at the water’s edge. Examination of the
massive ripples of dark energy spread out from the Corpse Cart brazier reveals that it is fueled and ready to light. Any kind of
calling new zombies to join its procession. flame will ignite the brazier, which erupts in a blaze of ghostly
green balefire, and summons the Boatman.
The Corpse Cart is a bizarre creation that is neither carriage nor
creature, but a hybrid of both. In game terms, the Corpse Cart Before long, the shape of an immense barge and its lone pilot
moves and fights like a monster. The Corpse Cart shares the materializes in the green tinted mist. The shadowy Boatman
same basic stats-line as the typical zombie, but has 120 Wounds. doesn’t seem to work a pole or any kind of rudder, yet the barge
The Cart directs 1d5 Attacks against each PC engaged in melee glides in to the stone quay smoothly and without error. Upon
against it. Furthermore, PCs wishing to destroy the Corpse Cart arriving at the pier, the cloaked and faceless Boatman motions
must stop the bell from tolling and calling fresh zombies to the for the PCs to come aboard. The Boatman will safely convey
fight. Each new zombie that climbs aboard the Corpse Cart al- any passenger (dead or alive) across the river so long as he pays
lows it to regenerate 12 wounds. Any PC touching the bell must the crossing fee of 6p. There is no great mystery surrounding
pass a Toughness Test or suffer a mutation from the Warpstone the Boatman’s mysterious appearance other than the fact that
clapper. After the Corpse Cart is reduced to zero wounds, the he is a mutant with frogeyes and the ability to hold his breath
worm-infested wagon rots before the PCs eyes, and the spectral for hours. In addition, the river barge is built atop the shell of
drivers dissipate with a shriek. The cracked Warpstone bell is all a massive River Promethean (WFRP Comp, pg 124). The PCs
that remains of the Corpse Cart after the smoke clears. would be wise to pay the toll and behave.

29
 — INN-COUNTERS —
GMs are advised to abstract the Chapter VII travel sequences, at least for the Wolfenburg-to-Talabheim leg of the journey. However,
it’s important to remember that the Empire is a vibrant land full of regional colour and adventure awaits behind every bend in the
road. Since a great deal of game-time is spent travelling the roads of the Empire, players may sometimes clamour for the description
of one of the many coachhouses dotting their route. Here are two such sample inns from the roads of Chapter VII.

otherwise. “You’re no traders, are you? Adventurers, eh? Well, lay

THE GANDER’S HISS down your weapons and enter single-file, so we can get a better
look at ye!”
The Gander’s Hiss can lie anywhere on the Old Forest Road be-
tween Waldfärhte, on the crater’s rim, and Lieske, the last village A rock outcropping at the far side of the pond serves as a local
before Helmsdorf (which serves as the unofficial headquarters shrine to Rhya. On certain nights, Zelman’s wife Marisa (an
of the road wardens who patrol this hilly, wild country). Even Initiate of Rhya) can be seen dancing by the outcropping wear-
before PCs see The Gander’s Hiss, they hear the warning honks ing scandalously little clothing, her two black braids loosened.
of the geese that give the inn its name. PCs can avoid the ca- While the men of the Vendl family are tight-lipped and reserved,
cophony of honks if efforts are made to sneak up quietly (Chal- Marisa gladly discusses matters of faith and news from the out-
lenging (-10%) Silent Move Test). If the party approaches after side world, as her daughter listens with curiosity. Stories about
dark, the geese are in the compound. Karl and the Crusade will be met with some puzzlement (“What
will all that accomplish? A little boy should be at home with his
Like all inns on this stretch, The Gander’s Hiss is well fortified mother – all these mad people should go back to their families
behind a sturdy wooden palisade. The inn’s proprietor Zelman and tend to the land!”). Rudy, the oldest Vendl boy went north
Vendl (Innkeeper, ex-Toll Keeper) keeps the geese as a source of to serve in the war and never returned. Therefore Marisa feels it’s
meat, eggs and feathers as well as alert “watchdogs” against the best to stick together and not run off adventuring. Plenty of evil
bandits, mutants, and occasional Beastmen that come out of the to fight right here in Talabecland.
forest.
Ahmed’s captors bypassed the inn and were never encountered
The Vendl Family by the Vendl family.

During the day, Zelman’s youngest child Mariska (Servant) Patrons

watches the geese at pasture by a pond across the road. Night or
day, Zelman and his two sons, Reuben (Hunter, ex-Woodsman) The most conspicuous patrons of The Gander’s Hiss are a party
and Radko (Woodsman), come running to the gate at the sound of four blustering young Roadwardens (Melko, Ned, Feor, Siff).
of the geese’s alarm armed with bows and spears. If the party The Roadwardens are riding from Lieske on the lookout for
is travelling with Karin and Lothar, they are admitted without a band of brigands that recently robbed a spice-merchant. If
trouble. They may have to subject themselves to an inspection

30
pressed, the Roadwardens recall passing two adults and a child a Charm Test), the gate remains barred and the PCs are asked
some half day hence. “Kidnappers, you say? Cap’n Schmidt will to keep on moving. In the event of a Charm fumble, missile
have them strung up from the gallows at Taal’s Bowers when you weapons are fired upon the party by the family and wardens.
get to Lieske, just you wait!” Meanwhile, one of the Roadwardens gallops off via a small gate
in the rear of the palisade to deliver a description of the party
Festivus (Outlaw, ex-Peasant), a nervous-looking sad, short man and prepare a hostile reception back in Lieske. If this messenger
with a broken leg is being tended to by Marisa. Festivus has little escapes, all further social interactions with Talabecland law of-
to say other than he is a local hunter and has seen no bandits. In ficials are penalized by -30% unless the PCs are disguised.
truth, Festivus is an Outlaw who broke his leg in the same rob-
bery that has brought the Roadwardens. Festivus even paid for • The Vendl men watch over the women protectively. Any male
Marisa’s healing skills with a bag of stolen peppercorns. PC interacting with either Marisa or Mariska who Botches or
Fumbles a test will be kicked out of the inn or given a thrash-
Amenities ing. Roadwardens support the locals if needed. On the other
hand, 3 Degrees of Success in any such interaction result in an
The buildings consist of the main coachhouse, with a common amulet of Rhya being given to the character. The amulet is an
room large enough to lodge 15, and an upper-story where the intricately-knotted string of woven flax which can be cut to
Vendls live (with one private two-bed room for higher-paying gain +20% on one Heal Test; +30% if the target is a pregnant
guests), a stable, and a roofed corrall for the geese. The geese woman; +40% if she’s in labour. Marisa or Mariska also invite
hiss and honk through the night whenever something disturbs the group to take along a goose of their choosing when they are
them, be it a fox or an all-out attack by Beastmen. Despite the ready to leave.
luxurious goose-down pillows, only the deaf and the drunk sleep
well, which may explain why the inn has recently run out of all
alcohol. However, from the kitchen upstairs comes an excellent
peppery goose meatloaf, peppery goose-egg quiche, or foie gras.
More local plum moonshine will be purchased next market day,
when part of the goose flock is to be herded to the nearest vil-
lage. In the meantime, Zelman will pay a premium for a cask of
any drink – Talabeclanders are thirsty people, especially with all
this pepper flavouring the food!

Using the Inn

The Gander’s Hiss can also be adapted for use on the road THE THIRSTY GOBLIN
eastward toward Siegfiedhof via Marburg, through the forest on
the north (and, after Marburg, south) side of the River Stir. If The Thirsty Goblin is a coach house on the Stirland road con-
so, the Roadwardens are stationed out of Marburg, sweeping necting Wurtbad and Siegfriedhof (via Kleinsdorf and König-
the road for Talabecland bandits who may be fleeing into the stein) along the edge of the woods following the southern bank
forested parts of northern Stirland. of the river Stir. This sprawling inn is set well away from the
road. It looks as if several small wooden wings were built onto
Potential complications might include the following: one original building of ancient, rough-hewn stone. Behind this
main building is a large stable with room for a dozen horses and
• The players might become suspicious of Festivus, but he would several wagons (unoccupied), some smaller storage outbuildings
need to be intimidated or tortured before admitting to being (empty), a well, a midden, etc. The Goblin’s windows are small
an outlaw. Even if he succumbs to pressure, Festivus does not and shuttered, and the only door is at the western end. The door
know the location of his band, as they told him they’d be leaving is large and impressive, banded with iron, with a large metal
the area after dropping him off near the inn. The Roadwardens knocker that makes a huge racket if used. Over the entryway
decide he must be taken to Lieske for further interrogation and hangs a wooden sign portraying a green goblin holding a tan-
execution. The players may accompany the Roadwardens. Each kard. The door is barred from the inside, and is only unlocked
day spent travelling to Lieske, there’s a 25% chance that a group after a long wait.
of 2d5 Outlaws plus 1 Scout will attempt a rescue operation –
some of the band haven’t left the area after all! Amenities
• If not travelling with Karin and Lothar or another reputable Entering the large, dimly illuminated interior, one is greeted by
coach service or caravan, the players themselves may be mistaken the proprietor, Leif, a stocky, medium-height man with a shock
for outlaws. If their good intentions are not made plain (with of salt-and-pepper hair and a bushy moustache, which he fingers

31
 Inn-Counters
compulsively. Leif makes an effort to be cheerful and welcom-
ing but when not actively engaged he falls into silence, staring The Terrible Truth
off into the distance. He hastens to say that unforunately his
servants are absent, and there is no food except cold salted mut- One night a few years back, travelling Vampires slaughtered
ton, curds and bread (which is quite stale). The wine he serves everyone staying in this inn. Lief was the sole survivor, but he
has clearly been watered down. There are rooms available, but has become mad; a victim of “Fortune’s Thrall” (WFRP, pg.
not as many as the size of the inn would indicate – several of 204). Leif has been steadily gambling away all of his possessions,
the additions to the main building are “closed for repairs”, due letting go his servants and neglecting his guests. Svaegbjorn of-
to leaks in the roof. The party will have to make do with two fers this information if engaged in conversation with a succesful
small rooms, or sleep in the common room. Gossip Test.

Something Fishy... Other gossip Svaegbjorn may divulge:

The place is largely empty, dusty, and sparsely furnished. In one • The Vampires were Goblins, and attacked Leif ’s business in
corner a human-shaped object is hidden under a draped sheet. revenge for the desecrated corpse (False).
A Perception Test reveals scuffmarks and depressions showing • Treasonous Strigany clans from all over the Empire are assem-
heavy furniture having been recently moved. Passing the test bling in Sylvania to wage war under the Von Carstein banner –
by 3 Degrees of Success reveals discolouration on the walls and he saw them himself! (False – though he did see Mama Raluca’s
gaps in the items behind the bar, as if paintings, bottles, serving wagons passing him, demanded they stop and be searched for
plates and tankards were similarly missing. Even the pokers by Undead, and was pelted with refuse)
the fireplace are gone, leaving an empty wooden stand. The only • Garlic attracts Vampires – what they really fear is asparagus.
other occupant of the room is Svaegbjorn, a Zealot returning • If asked about Karl or Ahmed: “Did I see a strange little boy
to Wurtbad from a pilgrimage to a small Ulrican shrine outside on the way? I passed some little travellers, maybe Halflings,
Siegfriedhof, sitting with his feet warmed by the dying flames. maybe boys, yeee-es, but they were quite alive! Nothing strange
or evil or corrupt about being alive, sir! We save our vigilance for
the wicked undead, that’s where all our trouble comes from, sir!
Toasting the Goblin • Did I see any undead? Well, I’m still here, ain’t I?”
A few moments after the PCs’ arrival, a door to one of the
wings opens and three shabby men stumble in. “Leif! Comin’ Using the Inn
back?” asks one; “Oooh, travellers! Not Stirlanders, bet ya?”
asks another. “Which way does the road take ya, strangers?” • If anyone wishes to inspect the rest of the inn, they find no
asks the third. These are Morresund, Esben, and Dan-dan, three evidence of a leaky roof; just locked, unfurnished, dusty, empty
local Rogues, though all claim to be honest herdsmen “between rooms. Very faint, old bloodstains may be noticed in all rooms
jobs”. If anyone hints that the party is heading east, they all with a Very Hard (-30%) Perception Test.
exclaim, “Oh! They have to toast the goblin, Leif! Make ‘em
toast the goblin!” Leif explains that at his coachhouse there is, • While the three Rogues are quite content to slowly fleece Leif,
indeed, an ancient custom, dating back to his great great great they might be willing to welcome some of the travellers to their
grandfather, guaranteed to bring luck and protect from evil fate game of cards. PCs must pass a Routine (+10%) Charm Test
anyone journeying east on Stirland roads. if they’re native Stirlanders, or a Challenging (-10%) Test if
they look poor. The trio is not acting in concert; every man is
With a flourish, Leif pulls off the cloth draped over the shape in trying to cheat everyone else as a kind of a friendly contest of
the corner revealing a horrid display of a mummified, worm- skill, which is the only reason Leif has not been totally ruined.
eaten husk. A stuffed goblin, at least 100 years old, has been The Rogues have been living here for months, drinking what
mounted by a taxidermist in the sort of threatening pose usually remains of Leif ’s good wine and keeping him in a constant state
reserved for stuffed bears. On closer inspection, anyone familiar of gambling frenzy. Leif refuses to believe the Rogues are cheat-
with goblins notices its thick upper fangs have been whittled ing him – they are, he says, his best and only friends!
down to thin, needle-sharp points. The visitors are encouraged
with shouts to “toast” this creature by drinking a cup of wine
and kissing its leathery snout. “That’ll keep those Sylvanian
bloodsuckers off ya! That’s what they are, you see – blood-drink-
ing goblins! The east is swarming with them. My grandpappy
Leif the Ancient was a famous Vampire Hunter, and he brought
this one home as proof!”.

Having made sure the guests have a room and no further needs,
Leif is quite keen to get back to his friends, and leaves the rest
of the inn heedlessly unattended.

32
 Inn-Counters

— ENCOUNTERS ALONG THE ROAD —

These encounter seeds may be used as brief interludes en route to Helfurt, or to detail the return trip to Wolfenburg for players who
realise the boy they’ve been pursuing is not Karl.

• A traveling Charlatan Herbalist tries to sell the PCs dried weeds

TALABHEIM TO WURTBAD for 5-12 ss each, claiming they have medicinal or performance-
enhancing properties.
• 1d5 Roadwardens interrogate a Bandit at sword point. If the
PCs interrupt, the bandit makes a run for the woods. Any PCs
• Sudden thunderstorms slow progress to a crawl. Night falls
who have recently encountered Bandits are escorted to Lieske by
before the PCs arrive at their next destination, forcing them to
a single Roadwarden, to fill out a report.
either camp outside or travel by darkness.
• 1d10+2 Bandits (WFRP pg. 233) have organised an ambush.
• A Mutant (WFRP pg. 230) with whiskers and a rat’s tail stands
A tree falls across the road in front of the PCs, and another be-
in the road, waving frantically. He offers the PCs 1 gc to hide
hind. Bandits may strike someone to intimidate them, but they
him from a pursuing mob just around the bend. Items used to
avoid a costly fight. The Bandits retreat into the woods if they’re
conceal the mutant become contaminated with Kruts (WFRP
outnumbered.
pg. 136).
• 1d5+1 Herdsmen eat lunch by the road (which is made im-
• Stirland yokels race turkeys in a gravel pit. The PCs may stop
passable by their flocks). If the PCs are rude or impatient, the
and place bets (maximum 3 ss), using Animal Care instead of the
Herdsmen laugh and deliberately prolong their lunch. Friendly
Gamble skill to determine winners.
PCs joining the Herdsmen for lunch are given a carved wooden
token granting immunity from future Bandit encounters in the
• A Hedge Witch sells lucky charms (WFRP pg. 122) in the
Färlic Hills.
form of animal skulls, fox tails and coloured stones for the low
price of 12 gc apiece. She has 8 charms for sale, but quizzes the
• A merchant caravan comprising 1d5+1 wagons and carts laden
PCs first to ensure they won’t betray her to Witch Hunters.
with fine pottery drives north towards Talabheim. The Outrider
insists the PCs move aside until the caravan has passed. The
caravan includes one mounted guard and one muleskinner (see SIEGFRIEDHOF TO HELFURT
Renegade Crowns for career; if you don’t have this book, substi-
tute with a peasant) for each vehicle. • The ground gives way beneath a random PC, who falls 3 yards
into a Ghoul tunnel. If not aided within 2 rounds, 1d5 Ghouls
• An old Troll has found an abandoned toll house in which to (OWB pg.94) rush forth to devour him. Unstable ground may
spend its final years. It crouches in the road eating a sheep car- be spotted in advance with a Set Trap or Academic Knowledge
cass as the PCs approach, and horses must succeed a Fear Test (Engineer) Test. Falling horses will probably break a leg.
to pass around it. The poor thing is half-blind and completely
deaf. Use the Common Troll profile (OWB pg. 111) with a
-10% modifier to all physical attributes.

• A middle-aged noble couple travelling to Wurtbad has been

robbed by Bandits. The couple’s coachman attempts to flag
down the PCs. All three of them are completely naked, covering
themselves only with branches. Their coach is overturned beside
the road, its horses stolen. If aided, the obnoxious nobles insist
on receiving the best spare clothes available.

WURTBAD TO SIEGFRIEDHOF
• Two loud peasant boys throw rocks at a Halfling Merchant’s
wagon carrying pots of Mootland honey. The driver slings a
stone at one of the boys, hurting him badly. The other boy
implores the PCs to help him “get shorty”.

33
 Encounters Along the Road

• 4–6 Wee Terrors ambush the party under cover of a fearsome

illusion (immediate Terror Test). Even if the party succeeds in
driving off the Terrors they may find small trinkets or other valu-
ables missing from their packs.

• 1d5+2 crazed Sigmarite Flagellants of the Skull (Chapter VII)

are on a mission to retrieve the Sigmar triptych. The Flagel-
lants will join PCs who share a common goal, but they are an
unruly bunch likely to sabotage diplomatic relations with other
NPCs. If left alone, the Flagellants will be slain before they reach
Waldenhof.
• Caravan of 4 Strigany Traders. The Strigany have secret scrolls
• During the night, a Vampire Bat (OWB pg. 113) descends passed down from their clan Petru (mystic). The scrolls contain
from the inky darkness to feed on a grazing horse. If no horses a Strigany incantation that may be read to gain safe passage
are present, it latches to an injured or sleeping PC. The bat from Ghouls. These Strigany are afraid, because the northern
retreats when reduced to 3 Wounds. Ghouls do not acknowledge the incantations.

HANDOUT 34

34
 Handouts

HANDOUT 35

35
 Highway to Helfurt

MUSHROOMS OF HUNGER WOOD

PCs foraging in Hunger Wood may attempt an Outdoor Survival or a Trade (Herbalist) Test to identify the special properties of its
famous mushrooms. GMs are encouraged to create their own mushroom types and allow experimental PCs succeeding at an Aca-
demic Knowledge (Science) Test to classify and name them. The Availability ratings listed below are specific to Hunger Wood.

1) Papri Kaps (Abundant): A Papri Kap is a common mush- to Mad Caps. Ingesting Morr Caps is deadly however, and users
room variety with a spicy body that increases in potency when failing a Challenging (–10) Willpower Test collapses into a
dried and ground. Spicy Papri Kap is a staple ingredient in deep sleep unless someone intervenes on their behalf. Poisoned
many Sylvanian dishes and likely accounts for the regions’ fiery victims must be kept awake and alert until the drowsiness sub-
culinary reputation. The ingestion of Papri Kap offers no special sides (about three hours) or fall into the deadly slumber. Sleeping
effects whether dried or whole. However, the blood of a Papri victims must pass a Hard (–20) Toughness Test or they never
Kap consumer also takes on the spicy flavour of the mushroom awaken.
and is an acquired taste for non-Sylvanian vampires.
8) Forest Clams (Very Rare): Forest Clams are an extraordinari-
2) Granny Stools (Average): These oversized toadstools grow ly rare delicacy served only by the finest chefs in the old world.
up to 3 feet high and can be hollowed out by the Wee Terrors Because they are lethally poisonous if prepared incorrectly, Forest
for dwellings. Although edible, their flesh is very tough and Clams have become one of the most celebrated and notorious
bitter tasting. A single Granny Stool can feed 1d5 people for a dishes in Bretonnian cuisine. The poison paralyzes the muscles
week. while the consumer stays fully conscious. Paralyzed victims must
pass Hard (–20) Toughness Test to shake off the effect or die
3) Mad Caps (Common): These mushrooms grow in singles slowly from asphyxiation. A Heal Test is the last chance to revive
and are often confused with Morr Caps. See WFRP page 122 victims within 30 minutes of ingestion.
for effects.
9) Coat Buttons (Abundant): Coat Buttons are among the
4) Owl Meat (Very Rare): Owl Meat is an extremely rare most common mushroom type and grow in a broad variety of
bracket fungus found only in the few ancient woodlands for- environments. Coat Buttons have an earthy rich flavour when
merly populated by Elves. A preparation of dried and ground cooked and a nutty creamy taste when raw. No special effects.
Owl Meat produces a powerful sedative that restricts higher
brain function from complex deception or guile. The Verenan 10) Squig Pod (Common): A Squig Pod is a one-meter tall egg-
Order has been known to use such preparations to obtain truth- shaped fungus that is integral to the gestation cycle of the rare
ful information from unwilling subjects in situations where Leafy Squig (OWB pg. 108). Juvenile Leafy Squigs burrow into
time is short. PCs ingesting Owl Meat must succeed at a Chal- the base of a Squig Pod and feed on its nutrient-rich flesh until
lenging (-10) Will Power Test to shrug off the effects. Other- they are ready to emerge full sized. Once a mature Leafy Squig
wise, the result rolled is the duration in minutes that victims has exhausted a pod, it lays in wait for a wolf or similar game to
suffer a Hard (-20) modifier to all Blather and Charm Tests. approach before springing to attack. PCs approaching within 2
yards of a Squig Pod will be attacked if the pod is inhabited:
5) Honeycups (Average): These fungi are golden yellow with
bowl-shaped caps. Honeycups are found in patches and taste 01-10% - Inhabited Juvenile (OWB pg. 108) but W6, S43, T25
like fruit. Each Honeycup patch provides sufficient food for 11-30% - Inhabited Mature
1d5 people. 31-90% - Uninhabited
91-00% - Previously Inhabited/Exhausted
6) Ghoulnip (Scarce): Ghoulnip is a pallid and waxy fungal
protuberance that grows only in northern woodland regions Squig Pods grow in clusters of 1d5 mushrooms. The red-veined
where mass killings have occurred. Ghoulnip is known primar- flesh of a Squig Pod is not poisonous, and functions quite admi-
ily for the effect it has on the accursed sub-race of cannibalistic rably as a natural laxative.
Humans known as Ghouls (OWB pg. 94). While Ghoulnip is
safe to ingest and has very little flavour, the flesh of the mush- 11) Buck’s Horn (Scarce): Preparations of dried Buck’s Horn
room produces a sickly sweet odour that is reminiscent of Hu- and clove oil produce a pungent smelling salve reputed to
man decay. It goes without saying that all Ghouls love Ghoul- increase male potency. Buck’s Horn salve is a highly valued com-
nip, and must make a Challenging (-10) Will Power Test to modity by Slaaneshi cultists, who experiment with the recipe by
resist its tempting bouquet. adding ingredients such as warpstone dust.

7) Morr Caps (Plentiful): Morr Caps are a white-stalked 12) Tendrophilus Fungus (Very Rare): According to Von
fungus with spotted orange or red caps and look nearly identical Tripp’s Field Guide to Mushrooms of the Old World, Tendro-

37
 Highway to Helfurt

philus Fungus only grows in the Chaos Wastes. Whether the siac used to promote passion and virility. Characters ingesting
Hunger Wood variety of Tendrophilus is the same plant or a Wedding Caps suffer a Hard (-20) Will Power modifier when
slight variation is open to debate. The fact that Tendrophilus opposing Fellowship Tests.
Fungus of Hunger Wood features red flagella instead of blue
only confuses the matter further. Growing between the roots 18) Ishernos Eye (Rare): Ishernos Eye has a long history of
of trees, the visible part of the fungus are long red flagella that use among Druids for purposes of communion and divination.
wave back and forth as if in a breeze. When touched, the flagella The ingestion of freshly picked Ishernos Eye causes a euphoric
launch spores that locate and infect a living host if they fail a expansion of awareness where users report both visual and
Toughness Test. After one week, tentacle-like flagella burst auditory hallucinations lasting 1d5 hours. Colours are intensi-
from the victim’s torso and choke the host to death. After death, fied, inanimate objects come to life (voicing the user’s inner
the Tendrophilus organism reanimates the host as aFungus hopes/fears) etc. One seemingly constant component of the
Zombie (WFRP Comp. pg. 125). hallucination is that users can readily spot Ishernos Eye and
other species of fungus as if they were “glowing” or “pulsing”.
13) Grey Hoods (Scarce): This bracket fungus grows from the PCs ingesting Ishernos Eye must pass a Will Power Test or ex-
trunks of trees. Grey Hoods induce a 10-minute coma-like state perience a strong disassociation from the outside world. Fellow
during which users report vivid hallucinations. The hallucina- PCs must pass a Command or Intimidate Test to communi-
tory state is so intense, that users failing a Willpower Test expe- cate with disassociated party members.
rience total mental shutdown until the trance subsides. Further-
more, those failing the test feel lethargic and take a –10 penalty 19) Wolf ’s Pelt (Rare): The Wolf ’s Pelt mushroom has been
to Weapon Skill, Ballistic Skill, and Agility Tests for 24 hours. highly prized by the Cult of Ulric for its anaesthetic properties
Users passing the test gain 1 Insanity Point, but endure the since the days of the early Teutognen tribes. Gathering Wolf ’s
trance state and report deep spiritual epiphanies. Prolonged use Pelt from the deep forest was an early rite of passage for young
of Grey Hoods causes a build-up of psychotropic toxins leading Teutognen males. Tribal priests would then dry the Wolf ’s
to flashbacks and mental disintegration (Abbot Geistwächt is an Pelt and grind it into a fine white powder for tribal warriors to
example of a long-term habitual Grey Hood user). inhale before battle. Ingesting Wolf ’s Pelt allows PCs to ignore
pain effects from critical hits for 1d5 hours.
14) Ghostweed (Abundant): This is a translucent white fungus
resembling tall grass. Although edible, Ghostweed is not very 20) Lucky Ladies (Very Rare): Also known as ‘Ranald’s Mis-
filling and causes stomach pains—Toughness Test or take 1 tress’, these mushrooms only grow within the darkest corners
Wound. A Ghostweed patch provides sufficient food for one to of the most ancient forests. Lucky Ladies have a yearlong
two people. growth cycle before a single day of maturity. A Challenging
(-10) Trade (Herbalist) Test is required to harvest Lucky
15) Trollstool (Average): Like most tubers, Trollstool can be Ladies on the correct day and extract its essence. The essence
difficult to locate, as it grows underground. However, much like of 8-10 Ladies produces a tea that induces a tingling feeling in
its namesake, Trollstool has a pungent aroma that announces its the body and sense of euphoria and good fortune. Drinking
rare presence. An Old World legend tells of a Miller who drank the tea gives PCs 1 temporary Fortune Point.
Trollstool soup and regrew a severed hand. As always, fact and
fiction are somewhat blurred. Ingesting a bite-sized piece of
Trollstool will indeed regenerate 1d10 wounds if the user suc-
ceeds at a Very Hard (-30) Will Power Test to avoid vomiting
profusely. Furthermore, the sickening taste of Trollstool is so
mind-bendingly awful; PCs who fail their Will Power test by 3
Degrees are haunted by the shocking flavour and gain an Insan-
ity Point.

16) Deathcandy (Plentiful): Master confectioners prize the

rare Deathcandy fungus for its sweet taffy-like flesh and pliable
body that can be moulded. Wonderful skull-shaped Deathcandy
bonbons are a welcome Geheimnisnacht treat anywhere in the
Empire. There are no ill effects from the ingestion of Death-
candy, however the tasty fungal morsels only grow in areas with
the highest Dhar concentration (a trade secret).

17) Wedding Caps (Common): Ground and dried Wedding

Cap is sought throughout the Old World as a popular aphrodi-

36