Conspiracy
A WFRP Scenario from Casus Belli
Written by Rolland Barthelemy (updated from 1st to 2nd Edition)
This scenario is suitable for a group of characters of average experience.
If you don't want to be a short adventure, it would be beneficial to have some
followers of Shallya, or at least some individuals capable of compassion...
Intro
This adventure takes place,
theoretically, in the south west of the
Empire, between the town of
Carroburg and the Grey Mountains, but
can be displaced without too much
trouble. Our group of courageous
adventurers have been wandering for
several days along a path through the
forest that follows a small river.
Villages are rare along this path. The
surroundings are peaceful. The last
troubles with chaos were more than a
decade ago, and Beastmen are rare...
unless the party makes a ruckus. One
midday, the group halts for lunch in a
small clearing between the path and
the river. Insist that the atmosphere is
peaceful and let them listen to the birds
in the trees and the trickle of the river,
until your players become increasingly
worried. And at that moment, they hear
a noise from the river. The cries of a
baby... Certainly the adventurers
examine the location of the cries, and
when they do, they'll find a small
basket partly hidden in the reeds by
the river bank a metre or so out into
the water. Within the basket, a pink,
chubby baby, laughing at them... For
an adventurer, it is already boring... but
it'll get worse. If examined, the baby
turns out to be covered in fine hair all
over its body. Its nails are very long,
almost resembling claws... In short, it’s
a mutant. No more than a few days
old. Once changed and fed, he'll fall
asleep quietly; leaving the PCs to
figure out what to do. What should they
do? Neither the basket nor the cloth
draped around the baby offers any
clues. No embroidery, no initials,
nothing. The cloth is coarse and plain.
If your players are heartless brutes,
who decide to leave the poor baby
alone (or worse, to drown him), make
the kidnappers intervene (see further
down) immediately. But with a little
logic, the PCs will begin looking for his
mother... There is a village twenty
minutes up river, where she can be
found.
The Hidden Cards
Once there were two sisters of noble
birth. One was beautiful, blonde and
kind, the other was beautiful, brunette
and evil. As one might expect they
both fell in love with the same prince
charming, and it was the blonde Luisa
who married him. Karla the brunette
swore she would be avenged... The
occasion presented itself as Luisa was
about to give birth to their first child.
Karla's plan was very simple: replace
the new-born with a small mutant. The
scandal was enormous, Luisa would
be rejected... and the political alliances
that the marriage had produced would
be upheld as the prince married Karla.
The only problem is that finding a new
born mutant is no easy task. Karla
addressed Hans regarding this
business; he is an enigmatic
Page 1 of 9
"intermediary", most likely a
representative of a cult of Slaanesh.
He accepted her request for aid, in
return for several "services"... Karla
accepted the terms and passed the
border to Chaos. Several months
earlier an inhabitant of Kleinstadt was
raped by a creature from the other
side, she hid her pregnancy as well as
she could, but the fact reached the
ears of Hans, who informed Karla. As
luck would have it the woman in
Kleinstadt gave birth a few days earlier
than Luisa... Karla sent a small number
of men to take the mutant baby...
Unfortunately the woman was very
embarrassed by the appearance of her
child and threw him in the river, and
this is where the PCs find him.
Village Comedy
The total number of inhabitants in
Kleinstadt is no more than two hundred
adults and about fifty farmers in the
surrounding area. It is a small village
built within a wooden palisade, a
fortified temple to Sigmar dominates
the village. The nearest house is some
distance away. There are no inns or
hostels, but everybody will be willing to
let the PCs stay, "oh, a lit'l somethin' to
show the generosity of Monseigneur...
The harvest was not good this year
and it'll be worse when the taxman
comes later... " (et cetera). The
villagers seem to be all the same: they
are grumpy and say little, unless the
subject is the weather or the recent
harvest. They won't ask any questions
to the PCs, and they'll expect them to
be much the same. Still, the night they
arrive, they find shelter at Peter Klein's
house (a large part of the inhabitants
have Klein as their surnames). They
will expect that the PC's will tell about
their exploits during the evening to
entertain their hosts. This is a good
chance to break the ice.
The general reaction regarding the
baby is: "No one has ever seen him
here in this village. Try the
neighbouring village. No woman has
recently given birth here. Go to the
next village." They are not hostile as
they try to be considerate towards the
"little monster". Indeed they seem to
pity the baby instead. There is no need
for a genius to see that they are all
afraid. The PCs may have reasons to
think that they are afraid of them.
(Place yourself in the villagers place. A
band of strangers, armed to the teeth,
asking questions about a mutant
baby... These can only be witch
hunters! And everybody knows that
witch hunters have a tendency to be
overzealous when it comes to
punishing "the tainted souls". The
villagers are sincerely convinced that if
they talk they will be massacred
without a seconds thought).
A Few Personalities
Werner Neumann (60), Priest of
Sigmar: At the same time the principal
curiosity in the village and its spiritual
leader. He's an old brigand touched by
Sigmar ("and Sigmar appeared to me
in all His glory. And it was after this
event that I took the name of New Man
and vowed to spend my life in His
service"). He guards his past which
includes several scars, a flowering
language and an immense love of
good wine. He is not less honest, even
though he drinks, and the villagers
respect him enormously. No one has
told him about the baby.
Mattheus Klein (67) "the ancient":
He is full of life, but he makes himself
seem senile when strangers are near,
at least until he is sure about their
intentions.
Joris Klein (40) Blacksmith. Son of
Mattheus: A huge man equipped with
a bad temper. If the PCs act insistently,
it will be him that turns to them ("and
you continue to bury your noses in
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other peoples business, where they
don't belong, leave while you can!").
Friedrich Klein (34): Small, limping
and grumpy. He is the black sheep in
the village, and he only bites his
tongue because Joris threatened to
break him in two if he didn't keep his
mouth shut. He observes the PCs,
scorn them and drops subtle hints. The
best tactic consists of isolating him and
give him drinks to loosen his tongue. If
the PCs don't come up with this idea,
he will approach them within two to
three days and offer the information for
a small sum.
Magda Schmitt (70) years old, the
"sorceress": She lives a short
distance outside the village, in a colony
of black cats and is infested with lice.
She is simply a recluse but she does
not have a good reputation.
Hildegard Wagner, (23): A young
woman who's only interest is the
baby... She stays discrete and prudent,
but she watches the PCs out of the
corner of her eye. She is the baby's
mother, but it will be a pity if the PCs
arrive at this conclusion to soon.
Remember the wall of silence is not
totally sealed. All the adults know
about the "woes" of Hildegard and
watch their tongues, more or less deftly
(they all know that if anyone hints at
"poor Hildi" near the PCs, they might
all be in big trouble). Regarding the
children in the village; they have all
been told to stay away from the PCs...
But they are devoured by curiosity ("tell
me Sir, have you killed many
monsters?") Unfortunately it is difficult
to get a coherent story from them. If
the conversation turns to dangerous
subject, the children will not talk, or
they may lead the conversation to
topics like a 'cursed' dam, a haunted
clearing or a huge tree inhabited by
fairies, etc.
Let the PCs do their best to convince
the villagers about their good
intentions. Depending on their moods
and actions, it may be easy or hard. If
all fails, an incident may help to clear
matters, for example a child is falling
into the river and the PCs saving the
child and become heroes.
The Competition
Three riders arrive the night after the
PCs arrive. They approach Hildegard
directly (a cabin a short distance
outside the village, where she lives
with her parents and her grand
mother). They offer her a large amount
of money in exchange for the baby.
She explains that she does no longer
have him and that the PCs have the
baby now. They approach the PCs and
present themselves as messengers
from a rich merchant who collects
monsters and who would like to include
this specimen in his collection. "Name
your price!" The PCs should react to
the sorry told. To start with how did the
hypothetical merchant come to hear of
the baby? And the messengers have a
curious military attitude for just simple
messengers. The riders’ horses are
covered in a black cloth, if any curious
PC looks under the cloth they will see
another black cloth embossed with a
white boar head. This signifies a guard
presence and could mean a death
sentence for the baby; they should not
give the baby away without making the
guards identify themselves. If the PCs
sell the baby they'll get 500 shillings. If
they refuse the buyers leave the village
with vague threats of retribution (they'll
make camp in the forest).
The Abduction
The buyers have not given up; if
possible they will try to kidnap the
baby. Depending on the actions of the
PCs it may or may not be difficult for
the kidnappers to achieve their goal
(perhaps the PCs in their search for
faerie inhabited trees or haunted
clearings leave the baby in the care of
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a villager). The riders are relatively
pressed for time (they must return
before Luisa gives birth), and will not
waste a day refining their tactics.
According to your mood they could do
a number of things; e.g. take a hostage
(Hildegard would be ideal), a frontal
attack (but they are only three), they
could lay a trap (Friedrich, corrupt,
could attract the attention of the PCs
away from the baby, hinting about
"revelations") or an uprising against the
PCs (telling the priest about the baby
and confirming that the PCs are
sorcerers, Neumann will give a
preaching where he condemns the
PCs). One or more of these can be
used simultaneously. It is probable (but
not certain) that this event passes
without combat. The kidnappers fight
well, but are not fanatics. The ideal
would be if they escaped with the
baby, but they can all die without the
adventure being ruined. It will suffice
that the heraldic device they bear on
their shields are recognised. If none of
the adventurers have Heraldry, let
them take one of the kidnappers alive.
The latter will not take much before
giving them the information they
require. He explains that they come
from the House of Altenburg, two days
ride from here. The orders came from
a masked man; he did not recognise
the voice. He claims that the person
presented the seal of the Lord to prove
his right to give orders. They are to
give the baby to one of the invited
guests at the Chateau, a merchant
called "Kurt something".
Towards Altenburg
The ride to Altenburg turns out to be
uneventful. The landscape slowly
becomes wilder and hillier the nearer
they come towards the mountains,
human population becomes scarcer.
The route follows a road, then paths...
The mansion is visible some distance
away: it is built on a small hill, at the
entrance to a deep gorge into the Grey
Mountains, in the direction of
Bretonnia. If one of the kidnappers is
still alive or if one of the PCs has the
History Skill, you can tell them the
following: this route was once of great
strategic importance. There have been
several great battles here between
Goblinoids and the citizens of the
Empire. The new route passing by
Helmgart, was opened three centuries
ago, and this region has lost all its
importance since. There are only a few
mines, several villages and the
mansion, but that is all...
Altenburg
The mansion is built on a rocky knoll.
On three sides are solid walls, built of
massive grey stones. Any Dwarfen PC
will immediately recognise the wall as
a Dwarfen construction. Viewed from
afar the place is very impressive; but
less so close up. The portcullis is rusty,
some of the buildings inside are in bad
need of repair, and the guards have
patchy uniforms... Without really being
poor, the Lord is need of funds. All the
same the guards remain in excellent
shape (all armour and weapons are of
good quality and the guards are
numerous).
The layout of the mansion is as
follows: a square courtyard with the
keep at one end. To the left; stables, a
building housing cattle, dormitories. On
the right; a chapel to Sigmar, next to
this is a long building housing guests of
the Lord. The Keep is three storied
with the ground floor containing the
kitchen and the great honorary hall.
The first floor contains armoury and
barracks, and the third apartments for
the Lord and any distinguished guests.
All architecture is sinister and military:
narrow stairways, the walls are pierced
with small murder holes that do not let
much light in...
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Family Portrait
Chateau Personnel consists of about a
dozen guards and several servants,
chambermaids, chefs, etc. They are
efficient and loyal. In case of a threat
the guards will react intelligently and
efficiently. As to "civilians" they are
directed to the dormitories.
The Chaplain occupies a position
outside the hierarchy, somewhere in
between the Lord and the other
inhabitants. The priests name is Martin
and is a tall thin man. He appears to be
slightly disturbed. He is ambitious and
dreams about a great temple in his
care. He will be delighted at the
chance of burning "follower of Chaos"
at the festivities.
The Invited. Everybody is reunited
according to the local custom of
celebrating the firstborn of the Lord.
About a dozen guests, including Karla,
the twins’ parents (two old sympathetic
nobles by the name of Eusebia and
Josef von Heinziger) several small
landlords in the area, three passing
merchants (by the names of Peter
Hofmann, Widhelm Freier and
Rudolf Hurtigen), and an individual,
all dressed in black, called Gerhart
Wizardsbane. He represents that
which the conspirators fear. He is a
religious fanatic, profoundly convinced
that he is right, that his cause is just
and that all not with him are against
him (he is an initiate of Sigmar and he
doubts all the other faiths. He does not
like "official" sorcerers either). And he
is in love with Karla, who has
manoeuvred him in her own way. She
has already found a part for him to
play...
Luitpold d'Altenburg (27), Lord of
the estate. He is young, handsome
and kind. He is sympathetic and a little
naive. He is a good warrior, a good
shot... and that's all. He loves his wife.
He is not aware that Karla is in love
with him, and he treats her like a sister.
If the PCs arrive and make him see
what is happening he will react with
good sense.
Luisa (22), his wife. She is at the end
of her pregnancy, and she is always
accompanied by her companion. She
will be surprised when the PCs ask to
speak with her alone...
Kurt Gross (33), merchant. A large
man who pretends to be dealing in
silks. Unless the PCs have
successfully made the kidnappers talk,
he will remain in the shadows. His true
name is Hans Lorbach, an agent of
Slaanesh. Depending on your group
and further plans you may or may not
make him a sorcerer. He is a vindictive
person, who could easily become a
recurring villain. He will of course deny
any knowledge of the kidnappers
should he be accused, and may
proceed to attempt the discreet
removal of the PCs. He has nothing
compromising in his luggage. Officially,
he doesn't know Karla, but they see
each other regularly...
Karla von Heinzinger (22). Luisa's
brunette twin sister is a little monster.
She is direct, very manipulative and
will not hesitate to reach her goals. For
the moment, Luitpold is her only
objective, but within several years she
could prove to be a real threat, unless
Lorbach is neutralised. She watches
over her sister with tenderness, but
she is really out to isolate her.
What now?
The PCs are in all probability about to
tell some elaborate lies to explain their
impromptu arrival. It won't be that
difficult: Luitpold respect the ancient
customs, he will give travellers shelter
as long as they desire, without asking
questions.
If they are still in the possession of the
baby, they will be in trouble. It is
difficult to make inquiries silently and
what about food for the baby? If they
Page 5 of 9
leave the baby in the care of a servant,
she will quickly see the deformities and
contact father Martin (this will cause a
scene between father Martin and the
PCs. Luitpold will take the PCs side:
"The life of a guest is sacred, even if it
is a mutant!"). Martin will not argue with
Luitpold, but the conspirators will hear
of this, and will quietly leave the
mansion to prepare an ambush for the
PCs. The event is not as catastrophic
as it seems: it does overturn Karla's
plan. She seeks to be revenged,
waiting for another suitable occasion.
Surely Karla will notice the strangers
and their baby. The mansion is not
big... She will take desperate
measures to regain the baby (she'll
eliminate the PCs with Gerhart's help
and she will eliminate Gerhart).
They have relatively little time in which
to find the answers: Luisa goes into
labour the day after they arrive.
Everybody is now a little worried about
Luisa and the PCs could use this
opportunity to ask questions. The PCs
should be able to isolate Lorbach and
Karla as the principle conspirators
without to much trouble. Among the
information they gather are some
interesting its:
o The merchants: Nobody knows
"Gross" and he keeps to himself.
o Members of the entourage with
Karla's parents: Luisa has been
married for a year. Karla suffered
being separated from her sister
(actually she suffered because her
sister got to marry the man that
Karla loves). Karla is not well liked
by the servants.
o Karla wears a ring with the image of
a kitten of an unusual dimension.
Observant PCs can see minute
hinges on one side, the ring
contains poison.
o Luitpold or the captain of the guard:
three men from the garrison are
missing (if the PC's let them go,
Karla would not risk being
discovered and would have killed
them). Luitpold hasn't told anyone
but he spent a morning looking for
his seal: "I thought I had lost it, but I
found it had fallen behind a closet."
He draws no conclusions but this
was the day after Karla's arrival.
The Events Unroll
Here is what could have happened
according to Karla. Luisa gives birth in
her chamber on the second floor, in the
presence of a midwife and Karla. The
midwife has been corrupted by Karla.
The mutant baby is brought into the
room in the bag of instruments. The
baby is replaced but not killed (he is to
be sold to Lorbach (you are better off
not knowing what he plans to do with
it). Considering the hygienic situation
of this Époque, there is a risk that
Luisa won't make it through the birth,
and she is certain to lose
consciousness sometime during the
birth (if not, she can be "helped").
Shortly after, the midwife storms down
the stairs to the hall where everybody
waits. The little monster is found in
Luisa's room. This is where Gerhart
enters the game; spontaneously he
makes a discourse on the sorceries of
Chaos, blaming Luisa... During the
following days Luisa would be tested to
prove whether or not she belongs to
Chaos (tests measuring the individual’s
resistance to pain). If she cries out like
the sorcerers, perfect! And Luitpold
can do nothing, except renounce her
and send her to a convent of Shallya.
The place is vacant; it won't take much
from Karla to conquer Luitpold... The
plan now must be substantially
modified, thanks to the PCs...
If Karla doesn't have the baby, she will
use a very old plan: to poison Luisa,
hoping to kill both the baby and its
mother. She may be able to kill Luisa
but the baby will be born...
Page 6 of 9
If the PCs intercept the midwife or one succeed, if the P's have enough proof
of them takes her place (or something (e.g. Hildegard or the kidnappers).
else!), she will not do anything... for the Another possibility, the physical
moment. elimination of Karla will be difficult as
long as Gerhart is in the area. Although
The recapturing of the baby is priority
blackmailing could be profitable, it is
number one (don't hesitate to cheat. If
also very dangerous. This means that
the PCs hide the baby somewhere in
the PCs must gather evidence and
the region, Lorbach will be able to
confront Karla in private with this. She
localise him by means of magic. Karla
will admit to defeat, but she won't quit
will then be able to swap the babies
until she is even with the PCs. Lorbach
during the night, only to "discover" next
is another unknown. He will leave the
morning that the baby has turned into a
mansion when he realises that he is
monster.
losing control over the situation. And
finally, the initial problem: what to do
Conclusion with the mutant baby?
The end of this adventure is "open". A
direct confrontation with Karla could

Page 7 of 9
The Kidnappers (or the Guard)
Depending on how experienced your party is, select them to be Mercenaries or Mercenary Sergeants
(or a combination):
Career: Mercenary
Main Profile
WS BS S T Ag Int WP Fel
41% 38% 37% 37% 35% 27% 27% 43%
Secondary Profile
A W SB TB M Mag IP FP
2 13 3 3 4 0 0 0

Skills: Common Knowledge (the Empire, Bretonnia), Speak Language (Reikspiel, Breton), Consume
Alcohol, Dodge Blow, Secret Language (Battle Tongue), Animal Care, Ride, Gossip, Perception, Swim
Talents: Suave, Luck, Disarm, Strike Mighty Blow, Strike to Stun
Armour: Chainshirt, Breastplate, Helmet (5 on Body and Head, 3 elsewhere)
Weapons: Swords and Crossbows
Career: Sergeant (ex-Mercenary)
Main Profile
WS BS S T Ag Int WP Fel
61% 53% 47% 47% 45% 37% 37% 63%
Secondary Profile
A W SB TB M Mag IP FP
2 17 4 4 4 0 0 0

Skills: Academic Knowledge (Strategy/Tactics), Command, Common Knowledge (the Empire +10%,
Bretonnia +10%), Intimidate, Speak Language (Reikspiel, Breton, Tilean), Consume Alcohol, Dodge
Blow +10%, Secret Language (Battle Tongue +10%), Animal Care, Ride +10%, Gossip +10%,
Perception +10%, Swim
Talents: Suave, Luck, Disarm, Menacing, Street Fighter, Strike Mighty Blow, Strike to Stun
Armour: Chainshirt, Breastplate, Helmet (5 on Body and Head, 3 elsewhere)
Weapons: Swords and Crossbows

Karla & Luisa

Career: Noble
Main Profile
WS BS S T Ag Int WP Fel
42% 38% 30% 30% 38% 44% 36% 50%
Secondary Profile
A W SB TB M Mag IP FP
1 14 3 3 4 0 0 0

Skills: Common Knowledge (the Empire +10%), Speak Language (Reikspiel +10%), Consume
Alcohol, Charm, Read/Write, Ride, Blather, Performer (Musician), Gossip
Talents: Very Resilient, Mimic, Etiquette, Luck, Savvy, Schemer
Armour: None
Weapons: None (Karla wears a hidden Dagger)

Page 8 of 9
Luitpold d'Altenburg
Career: Noble Lord (ex-Noble, ex-Politician)
Main Profile
WS BS S T Ag Int WP Fel
73% 56% 53% 56% 44% 72% 67% 96%
Secondary Profile
A W SB TB M Mag IP FP
2 20 5 5 4 0 0 0

Skills: Academic Knowledge (Genealogy/Heraldry +10%, Law, Strategy/Tactics), Blather, Charm

+20%, Command +20%, Common Knowledge (the Empire +20%), Consume Alcohol +10%, Evaluate
+10%, Gamble, Gossip +10%, Haggle, Perception +10%, Performer (Actor), Read/Write +20%, Ride
+10%, Speak Language (Classical, Reikspiel +20%)
Talents: Dealmaker, Etiquette, Hardy, Master Orator, Public Speaking, Specialist Weapon Group
(Fencing, Parrying), Very Resilient
Armour: None – but has Full Plate Armour available
Weapons: Best Quality Sword (has also a fine crafted Shield in the Armoury)

Kurt Gross alias Lorbach

Career: Spy (ex-Burgher, ex-Merchant)
Main Profile
WS BS S T Ag Int WP Fel
62% 61% 38% 48% 67% 95% 91% 80%
Secondary Profile
A W SB TB M Mag IP FP
2 20 3 4 4 0 0 0

Skills: Charm, Common Knowledge (the Empire +20%, Bretonnia, Estalia), Concealment, Consume
Alcohol +10%, Disguise, Drive +10%, Evaluate +10%, Gossip +20%, Haggle +10%, Lip Reading,
Perception, Performer (Actor), Pick Locks, Read/Write +10%, Ride, Search, Secret Language (Battle
Tongue, Guild Tongue), Shadowing, Silent Move, Sleight of Hand, Speak Language (Reikspiel +20%,
Breton, Estalian), Trade (Merchant)
Talents: Dealmaker, Flee!, Linguistics, Savvy, Schemer, Sixth Sense, Strong-minded, Suave, Super
Numerate
Armour: None
Weapons: Best Quality Dagger

Typical Guard of the Altenburg Mansion

Career: Watchman
Main Profile
WS BS S T Ag Int WP Fel
43% 43% 36% 31% 43% 47% 34% 34%
Secondary Profile
A W SB TB M Mag IP FP
1 14 3 3 4 0 0 0

Skills: Command, Common Knowledge (the Empire), Dodge Blow, Follow Trail, Gossip, Intimidate,
Perception, Search, Speak Language (Reikspiel)
Talents: Ambidextrous, Coolheaded, Disarm, Savvy, Strike Mighty Blow
Armour: Chainmail, Helmet and Breastplate (5 on Body and Head, 3 elsewhere)
Weapons: Sword, Halberd, Shield

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