In our ongoing Warhammer FRP gaming group (full session videos on YouTube), the party is currently attending the annual Carnival celebration in Middenheim. Part of the Enemy Within campaign material is a great amount of events and details around the calendar of events for the 10 day festival, along with the notable NPCs that are present at each of the locations. Although the source book provides some basic information on each such encounter, for obvious reasons the writers could not fully develop all the details around all the scenes, as the book would have been far too large.
Thus, on the second day of the festival, there is a note of the local production of the Opera, the Barbarian of Vessille, which attracts a number of the notables from the storyline. For whatever reason, the group gravitated towards this particular show, but all of the basic material just gave a short summary of the actual play, with the focus instead being on other Carnival events. Since this had become a focal point for the group, I opted to spend some time to flesh out the details and build up the atmosphere. Thus, the full context of the production was written up, and the group experienced the story during our last session.
For your entertainment, I present my expanded notes on the Opera. These were presented in three acts, with a 15-minute intermission between acts, so that the group could interact with the NPCs of the location and follow along with their own subplots. In particular, there were group concerns about a terrorist attack, and several of the players were acting on those suspicions, while others were unaware and simply trying to reach certain politicians or nobility.
The Barbarian of Vessille
“The Barbarian of Vessille” is a delightful opera composed by the Tilean maestro Giacomo Verdini, celebrated for its catchy tunes and a comically intricate plot. Set in the charming Magrittan suburb of Vesille, this opera combines romance, humor, and a touch of Norse adventure.
(as generated by ChatGPT, 9/2023)
**Act I:**
The curtain rises to reveal the picturesque town of Vesille, where the locals are bustling with excitement. The young nobleman, Lord Marco, is deeply in love with the beautiful Lady Isabella. However, Lady Isabella’s wicked uncle, Count Malvolio, has his own sinister plans. He intends to marry Isabella and usurp her dowry left behind by her deceased father, Lord Grimaldi.
As the overture reaches its crescendo, we are introduced to Figg Arroson, a brawny Norseman with a heart of gold. Figg has recently arrived in Vesille, and his jovial nature quickly endears him to the townspeople. Hearing of Marco’s plight, Figg offers his assistance in rescuing Isabella from the clutches of Count Malvolio.
**Act II:**
The second act unfolds in the magnificent Grimaldi Castle, where Count Malvolio has imprisoned Lady Isabella. The castle is a place of intrigue, with hidden passages, secret doors, and an array of quirky servants who are secretly sympathetic to Marco’s cause.
Amidst catchy arias and comedic duets, Figg and Marco hatch a plan to rescue Isabella. With Figg’s strength and Marco’s cunning, they outwit the count’s guards and free Isabella from her tower prison. As they make their escape, a hilarious chase scene ensues, with the count and his bumbling henchmen in hot pursuit.
**Act III:**
In the final act, the action moves to the town square of Vesille. The townspeople, who have come to adore Figg and support Marco’s love for Isabella, stage a grand masquerade ball to distract Count Malvolio. The festivities are filled with colorful costumes, lively dances, and witty exchanges between the characters.
In a climactic confrontation, Figg, Marco, and Isabella confront Count Malvolio and reveal his treacherous intentions to the entire town. The count is ultimately foiled, and Lady Isabella’s dowry is preserved. The opera ends on a joyous note as the townspeople celebrate love, friendship, and the triumph of good over evil.
“The Barbarian of Vessille” by Giacomo Verdini is a whimsical and enchanting opera that leaves audiences humming its catchy tunes and reveling in the hilarity of its farcical plot. It’s a testament to the enduring power of love and the indomitable spirit of those who dare to defy tyranny.
