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Ten years ago, the Ghoul Imperium of the Underworld and the vampires of Morgau marched into Krakova and conquered the kingdom entirely, establishing the Greater Duchy of Morgau and expanding the borders of the Blood Kingdom.
The undead occupation has been kept in check by resistance from the Court-in-Exile, as well as opportunistic reaver dwarves who sailed across the Nieder Straits.
But the hidden machinations of the ghouls swirl beneath the surface. Rumors abound of an even more sinister plot that threatens not just one kingdom, but the entire world of Midgard.
Empire of the Ghouls is designed by Richard Green, and published by Kobold Press. It takes place in Kobold Press’ fantasy world of Midgard.
Chapter 6: The Pure City of Vandekhul
Episode 4: The Pure City p1
Active Party:
Alaric, level 12 dhampir Death Domain Cleric/Bard
Davros, level 12 dwarf Geomancer Wizard
Mille, level 12 human Way of the Kensei Monk
Ry, level 12 shadow fey Black Powder Sorcerer
Zaberi, level 12 human Battle Master Fighter/Wizard
After cleansing the shrine at Chandelier Island, the party travel the final few miles across the Sulphur Sea, toward the Pure City of Vandekhul in search of Archduke Avgost.
The resort city is the crown jewel of the Imperium, thanks to the ghouls’ love of the Sulphur Sea (living creatures, not so much).
Getting in is relatively easy thanks to their stolen Imperial trading ship, and their magical darakhul disguises. Alaric steps up to pay a bribe when the guards discover some illicit goods (such as the arrows of ghoul-slaying!), and he remains cordial and respectful to the harbor master.
Though disguised as darakhul, the party are not registered citizens, and must wear bone tokens and be escorted by a pair of ghasts.
They soon chat with a kobold mushroom chef, who gives them some helpful rumors, including a supposed Beggar King in the Boneheaps, and an alchemist who runs Rotheart’s Remedies who knows everything going on in the city.
On their way to Rotheart’s, the party runs into a trio of escaped slaves. An imperial ghoul catches up to them with his pair of lich hounds.
The ghoul is thankful for stopping them, and puts them in chains.
Millie is upset that the party is willing to let this go, and they grudgingly decide to buy the slaves off the ghoul. The ghoul agrees, and the party makes their way to the Fleshling Quarter to drop them off, where they give them some money, and Davros casts transmute to give them new clothes.
The party learns the location of their two contacts on the north side of the waterfront, and opt to head straight there before running into any more tense encounters.
But the noble district is much more heavily patrolled, home to the Duke’s house and the Empreror’s summer palace.
They’re accosted by a patrol of imperial ghouls, and this time Davros’ assertiveness causes the patrol to back off in a huff.
They head to the Marquess Drova Graysuture’s home, which is actually a paltial barge docked just off the district.
The plank is guarded by uniformed ghouls in powdwerd wigs, and Alaric is losing his patience when it comes to being nice and respectful. Millie tries to sneak aboard the ship, but is seen, motivating the others to quickly cast spells and distract the guards.
The ghouls eventually usher them inside, and their escort remains behind.
The boat holds a large building, and inside is a lavish dining chamber and meeting hall, where Dorva makes her grand entrance dressed in an elegant ballgown and jewelry.
She’s a cunning socialite who works all the angles. When the party presents Narosain’s token, she sees this as another opportunity.
Sure, she was once loyal to the old ghoul lord, and his lover. But she’s enjoyed her time with the Imperium as the Duke’s consort — until recently, when she was replaced by a younger model. Turning in these seditious creatures could be her way back into his good graces.
The ghoul wait staff stands by while two armed guards come, as the party starts feeling ill effects from the food and drink they’ve been consuming.
Lucky for them, they all make the Constitution saving throws against the paralyzing poison!
Alaric dramatically steps onto the table and activates turn undead, instantly destroying all the ghouls, and frightening her two guards. Only Dorva herself stands firm, and launch herself at Alaric with her claws and teeth.
But one darakhul is no match for the party, who quickly rally and attack, downing the Marquess with relative ease.
Dealing with the running imperial ghouls before they cause an alarm is another matter.
Millie cleverly uses the hat of disguise to appear as Dorva, and attempts to shift the blame of the attack onto the fleeing guards, while Alaric commands all the undead to halt.
It’s an effective ruse, and the party takes out the remaining ghoul guards. They help themselves to some of Dorva’s treasures, but what they’re really after is information. Annoyed that one of their contacts was not only a dud — but a big danger, they cautiously look toward the mansion of their second contact, the Marquis Lazlo Dimas.
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RogueWatson 