So a round of Stonebiter's it is then.
Runesmith Asgeirson has hiw workshop in the basement of this place...I will ask him whether he is willing to see you.
The barkeep walks back behind the bar and begins filling some large tankards.
--------
Franz still here?
Fernis nods to the keep and then looks to the others. "Looks like you may get your way, beardling. A bit brash, but they seem to be used to that approach here. Likely the generations of dealing with humans and the fact the clans would n't have sent the traditionalist to handle such an arrangement as they have with the manlings here."
Franz continues to drowse as the carriage takes forever to wind it way to the place that "Uncle" Rikkard has rented. Various interesting sights are along the way but Franz is too tired to care. Finally it arrives and Franz painfully makes his way out. Slightly more alert now he looks over the property.
Please make an Observation check for me: 3 Blue dice. Thanks.
The house Rikkard has rented is a nice town house...well that implies that it is rather suited for a rich burgher than for a noble but still, it will be warm in there...
Vern and the coachman begin to unload the wagon and Rikkard strides to the door of the house as he suddenly pauses
Franz - what are you looking for? Don't look so alarmed, we're in Ubersreik...the new capital of our lands, heh.
Even though you were bit disturbed by Rikkard's interruption, you haven't noticed anything special. Actually the neighbourhood seems to be very quiet.
-------
The barkeep returns some minutes later, puts the tankards on the table and nods
Once you have finished your beers, I will lead you downstairs...the girl stays here, though.
"Lass, we have to meet this dawi and he his gonna be of a station higher than our own. I'mma need ya ta stay here and enjoy a meal.We will be right back and you'll be safe here. Careful who ye talk to. You'll be safe here, no worries."
Turning back to the barkeep he says in dwarven, "The girl is my daughter. As tough as Grimnir and I trust her safety to you if she isn't to be joining us."
Rangnir nods his assent. Once he and Fernis finished their Stonebiters, he gets up and slaps Mareike affirmatively on the back and looks around the taproom.
The pige is famile and thus should be treated like a søster.
Franz stares at the townhouse, thinking, Ordinary place, surprised that he is not trying to do more to raise his prestige, must be tight on funds. Sigh, I know the feeling. More important is there trouble here as well?
As Lord Rikkard chides him for his examination, Franz turns and says, "Mi'Lord, I'm sure your right, but after the interesting events of the past day, I'm not quite ready to assume peace and quiet. Still should get on with it, is there anything I can assist with?" Franz says the last while totally oblivious the help's struggles with their baggage. Franz walks to the door where Lord Rikkard is and will follow him in.
A first, Marieke began to bristle at being excluded from the dawi's sojourn to the basement. But the dwarves' comments mollified her rising temper.
Turning to the barkeep she says more confidently than the felt "A trencher of whatever's roasting, bread and if you have soup or stew on. We've had a busy couple of days and haven't had a decent meal in as many."
Lord Rikkard's smile widens even more
Oh yes, for sure...you know Alfons Hammertritt?
actually it doesn't even sound like a question - rather like a "how could you not know Alfons Hammertritt?!"
-------------
The barkeep nods and says
Goat...goat is good...and some bread, aye. he disappers in the kitchen while Fernis and Rangnir descent into the basement of the Axe and Hammer inn.
At the foot of the stairs is a large stone portal with engraved runes telling of the glorious past of clan Durgrimmar that reaches back until the very first days of Karak Azgaraz.
Does Rangnir know anything about that clan?
"All right, dawi, this where you teach me a thing or two. This looks mighty important to be lurking in the basement of a tavern in manling lands."
Franz thinks over the politcs of the empire trying to recall Alfons Hammertritt's place in it.
Not sure how you want this done:
Roll for Leadership - Political: <P>{BB}<BBBB>*S**S*[Y]*C* 2 banes 2 success and 1 Sigmar's comet.
dice pool 1 purple 4 blue 1 yellow.
Roll for Folklore - customs and people: <P>{BB}<BBB>*B* 1 bane.
Dice pool is 1 purple 3 blue.
Either skill or both may apply to knowing who or what a Alfons Hammertritt is and any reasons why it might be important. Of couse add modifiers as you deem fit.
Franz will say yes or no depending on if he ever heard of the man.
You don't know any politician or aritocrat of that name, but you do remember a kicker of the Riekland Reavers with that name...he was quite successful for two seasons until he got severely injured by a dwarven blocker...nearly tearing his leg off.
-------
Clan Durgrimmar was among the founding clans of Karak Azgaraz, you'rer not sure whether they originally came from Karak Varn or Barak Varr.
They were famous for their runesmiths and loremasters.
Franz racks his brain for any GreatFolk that had that name and comes up empty, "'Fraid, I don't know anyone of that name - well, except for that kicker for the Reikland Raiders but he isn't a man of import. Heard he was crippled in play, have heard anything since. Surely, Mi'lord you don't mean him?" Franz stands at the doorway puzzled at this turn of conversation.
Tststs Franz, they're called the Reikland Reavers, not Raiders.
Waggling his index finger Rikkard goes on
And yes, I speak exactly about that man - he has a special quality, a quality that will make me ruler of this town...he...is an idol!
Rikkard opens the door and pauses
He's the most famous son of Ubersreik...at least when we dismiss this useless talking about Sigmar being born here...and when this man speaks in our favour...the burghers won't have much of a chance...heh.
It does indeed, my friend. This is a highly unexpected sight - like a vein of gold in the filthiest sewers.
"I think we may be in the midst of a rather powerful clan, dawi. Perhaps we should tread a bit lightly here."
Tststs Franz, they're called the Reikland Reavers, not Raiders.
Waggling his index finger Rikkard goes on
And yes, I speak exactly about that man - he has a special quality, a quality that will make me ruler of this town...he...is an idol!
Rikkard opens the door and pauses
He's the most famous son of Ubersreik...at least when we dismiss this useless talking about Sigmar being born here...and when this man speaks in our favour...the burghers won't have much of a chance...heh.
Marieke waits pensively for the food to arrive, sipping at the beer that had been brought, trying not to make a face at the taste.
Franz looks abashed at his mistake, "Sorry Uncle, I've never been a big fan myself, I only casually follow such matters. Still, while he's an asset I'm not sure how that will be of more than minor influence. I'm not sure but doesn't this city have an Imperial Charter? If so, his Majesty will decide and I doubt one man of some fame could influence him much. I guess there is more to this than I can see but perhaps we should discuss this indoors and you can instruct me in politics, small and large."
Franz waits for his lordship to proceed him and follows humbly after.
Rikkard dismisses any doubts with a wide gesture
Imperial Charter, Imperial Charter...it only says that the council of spokesmen of the city may forsake the city's staus of independent Reichsstadt when they feel they need the protection of an Imperial noble - me in that case, hah!
Now, these burghers are actually quite stubborn and not very interested in becoming our new minors...buuuuut Alfons will start a nice campaign to persuade everyone, from the filthiest ratcatcher to the poshest merchant that we, Rikkard Aschaffenberg, are the right one to rule this town...you see my plan?
----------
Franz enters the townhome looking over it's appointments.
"Well, yes some of it, but the burghers, the crafters, and minor nobles will be looking for what advantage they will receive under your enlightened rule; Alfons can open doors and hearts, but how do you intend to exploit that?" Franz waits for the real plan, one that can really work.
Rikkard looks a bit dumbfounded for a second and you fear that he does not have a real plan...
Heh...well, what I offer is protection, low duties and taxes and no more compulsory labour...how does that sound? You know, I'm a warrior, don't know that much about politics, heh... now he looks at you...in a certain way...maybe he hopes that you can solve the slightly embarassing situation...
Meanwhile Vern begins to carry the baggage inside...breathing heavily.
The townhouse looks...ok...not up to your standards but it will serve as a place to get some rest during the next days.
Franz hears Uncle Rikkard with a sinking heart, thinking, He doesn't have a plan. Oh this isn't going well, what would Dad do? Franz turns to Rikkard and with a dazzling smile says, "Well, my father would be better at this than I but I'm sure we can find ways to the hearts of the influential people of this fine town, why don't we get some refreshments served, and you can tell me about the players in this fine city. Who makes up the town council and who are your rivals to the lordship?" Franz looks for the sitting room or failing that, the great hall.
Fernis jabs an elbow in his companion's ribs. "Have ye heard a word I've said, dawi?"
Rangnir nods and answers in a low voice.
I have. However I think we are past the point where we could leave before a formal introduction.
Rikkard leads the way into the library of the house, tall bookshelves line the walls all packed full with dusty old volumes of considerable page count...you doubt Rikkards has ever touched one (and this judgement is also valid for his own library at home)...
The heavy man falls into one of the armchairs and begins to recite a list of names...it sounds like he has really learned them by heart:
We have:
Ernst Maler-Burgomeister
Borgun Foambeard-Council member, dwarf, brewer
Alfred Karstat-Council member, merchant, rich
Fritz Langenhorn-Council member, Head of the boatsmen's guild
Johan Brass-Council member, Head of the metalworker's guild
Bernhard Bayer-Council member, physician
Christoph Engel-Council member, grey wizard
Gunter Emming-Concil advisor, priest of Sigmar
Are you learning the intelligence again, master?
Vern suddenly shouts from the corridor.
---------
Slowly you push the door open and enter a dark vault. Crimson burning brazers are the only light sources casting flickering shades on the stern face of a statue of Grungnir at the far side of the room. A dwarf kneels in front of it, deeply sunken in silent prayers.
Rangnir takes a few steps into the room, staying far enough not to interrupt the other dwarf in his prayers. Falling on one knee, his starts to silently rcite the Saga of Grungnir himself.
Fernis follows suit.
Franz walks into the library and makes himself comfortable as he listens to Lord Rikkard then raises an eyebrow at Vern's outburst. "Rather a rude fellow isn't he? In any case, I'd like to know if there are any other nobles interested and in position to act." Franz says the latter in a way that makes it clear he believes that rivals are inevitable.
Hah, a rude fellow...I love it when you talk like that...well, adversaries you mean? Pah...just impostors and upstarts I'sd say...but yeah, sadly you are right. We have two...contesters...Manfred von Holzenauer and Siegfried von Saponatheim...you know one of them?
-----------
The dwarf's meditation takes a moment longer...
Franz ponders the names.
Rolling for knowledge of the named individuals and their families.
Time: 2013-7-11 7:9:29 - Passed +
Roll: <P><BBBB>[Y]
Result: <P>{S}<BBBB>*B**B**B*[Y]*S*
1 Success 3 boons 1 chaos star.
Leadership: 4 blue 1 Yellow.
pool Leadership and 1 purple.
If you need anything else please let me know.
You don't know any of the nobles exactly, but you do remember their houses.
The Holzenauers are from a distant northern town whose name you can't remember but that was lost during the Vampire Wars. So was the family's demesne and now - as far as you know - they are landless and are only able to keep an air of nobility thanks to the charity of other nobles.
The von Saponatheims are a totally different story, they control a large swathe of the Reikland and are the rulers of Bögenhafen. The family is among the richest of the Empire and since they are very fertile to say the least, they have a large network of family members and considerable influence in all parts of Imperial politics.
------
The dwarf's meditation continues.
As long as nobody is poking me with a sharp stick, I can be pretty patient...
Finally the priest rises and slowly turns around. Canyon-like wrinkles seem to be all over his face that reminds you of a mountain side. This one must be ancient even from a dwarven standpoint.
Welcome to the temple of Grungi and Valaya, I'm Grodni Surehammer.
Franz replies to his relative, "Don't know those men, the families however, the Holzenauers are from, hmm don't remember but lost towns and lands during the Vampire Wars, they've been living on charity since. That'll make them desperate and they have little to distract them. Have to think about that. The von Saponatheims they are vast landowners, control Boganhaften, and are one of the most wealthy and influential families of the Empire. In that they are aided by being at least as fertile as my own, uhm lineage. Massive resources, numerous relatives, vast influence. They'd be unstoppable, except such wealth and power will breed both envy and a justifiable fear. Even His Majesty may frown on them getting more, allowing anyone else to have resources that could rival his own is not in his best interest. We need to know who, on and off the council, likes and dislikes these contenders."
Franz tales a drink, "We also will need to see what each of these councilmen want as well. It may not be easily determined either, what people say and what the really want is not always the same. Goes triple in politcs. Sigh, this will not be easy. What have you ... and your agents have determined on these matters?" Franz almost boxes Lord Rikkard in, but then offers an out if his cousin proves unhelpfully clueless.
Højhedli Grodni, I am Rangnir, son of Hrotgyr, son of Thragnolv, heir and son of Revgard of the house Gudrunson. May Your ancestors smile upon you, your house and all your køn. May fortune smile upon your house and on the clan of the Durgrimmar.
|
Rikkard arches an eyebrow and takes a sip from his goblet of wine
My uh agants? Well, recently Vern was rather occupied...Franz, you seem to understand quite a deal about politics, let me listen to your advice - I understand that you propose to find out more about the councilmen, but how are we going to do this?
----------
And may the gods grant the same to you, your family, clan and those living in your hold.
The priest says and pauses, obviously waiting for you to explain your coming.
A fight against dyrmans has revealed to me the secret of two runes I struggled with. I thought it befitting that those runes should further aid this brave warrior of the Stoutanvil house, that stood his ground in the figh. Alas, I am far away from the forges of my family, so I have to seek the goodwill of another runesmith to bestow upon me the honor to use his smedje to lay those runes upon his weapon and armor.
Fernis removes his helm and lowers his head in respect to the greybeard.
Once again Franz cringes internally at his cousin's lack of preparation. "Well, this is my father's area more than mine, I've focused on learning how to be a warrior and officer. Still there are some basics. One, do not limit to just the councilmen, they have supporters and advesaries of their own. Second, our rivals, we need to know what they are offering to council, they must have said something to them. I'm also curious about our aid from Alfons Hammertritt. Why is he supporting you? What does he know about the people here? Are you friends with anyone from this area? Do you have relatives here? Does your wife?"
Franz breaks off as Lord Rikkard's eyes glaze over. "Your pardon, mi'Lord, I didn't mean to badger you, I'm so unfamiliar with this land, I know so little. Hmph, is there a Flechter about. I'll have to think about that as well. Maybe our shorter but stalwart companions could give some insight into what the local dawi are thinking."
Franz mulls it over. "After all that, I guess we can do the obvious and openly, I'm not one much for guile. We could start with simply asking the members what they are looking for?" Franz smacks his head. "Oh and the most obvious, how did this come to you? I assume that you didn't just wake up one day and say, 'I'd like to be Lord of Ubersriek?'" Franz smiles at his obvious and weak joke, praying silently that it is a joke.
Looking at Rikkard's face you doubt that he has listened for longer than your first three words...
I'm sorry, I just remembered that wonderful kick-off Alfons kicked during the Stirland-Open some years ago....unbelievable what a player he was...but let's not get lost in glories of the past. You said there is a Flechter nearby? Do we know his name?
Vern!!!!! Do we know a Flechter somewhere in this area besides Franz?
Yes, M'lord, Carl-Gustav von Flechter, the Emperor's huntmaster for this part of the Reikswald.
Obviously Rikkard has already forgotten the second question you asked...
---------
The ancient dwarf looks at you for a very long moment before he answers
I will grant you assistance and allowance to use my anvil if you do us, the dwarfs of Karak Azgaraz, a favour. Some weeks ago, Kordren Kurganson, a smith like you, visited me and told me of strange happenings at the place he was working...I haven't seen him since that day and so I really worry what has become of him.
Tell us about what happened, Højhedli Grodni
The priest nods and turns around to the statue of Grungnir
Kordren Kurganson was a promising runesmith apprentice from Karak Azgaraz. He came here to Ubersreik to be my apprentice but...he was a hot-headed youth...he rather possessed the spirit of a gyrocopter pilot than of a runesmith...anyway, after one tavern brawl too much, I told him to work somewhere else until he had learned what it takes to be a priest.
the dwarf pauses and absentmindedly twirls the tip of his beard
Then, some weeks ago, he returned and told me that he found work as a smith. He worked on a hunting lodge in the Reikswald for a human noble...there he told me he was able to witness strange happenings - rituals and some such...I have to admit that I wasn't convinced of his story...a thing that I now deeply regret. Well, I told him to observe everything that happens there...but, alas, he didn't return and now I'm highly concerned about his fate.
Fernis cast a raised brow toward Rangnir, saying a low low voice,"Cultist?"
By Sigmar, my cousin is even less than I thought, it would be a disaster for these people for him to become their lord. But I need a position for now... "Well then, mi'lord. I'll need see to some people over, well, however long it is to the decision, would you give leave to have Vern assist me in these matters? And I hate to bring it up, but I'm in need of a position now that I've graduated, if I could have a small stipend, and a few round of shot, it would enable me to work in full to advance your agenda." Franz awaits his cousin's reply without much hope.
Rikkard's countenance darkens a bit, but then his jovial smile returns
Of course, of course, Vern shall be yours for the next couple of days, but don't damage him....HAH....you get that?...ah well...oh, there's one thing more: I'll meet Alfons here tonight, would you like to join us?
Rikkard again avoided talking about money but as he sees how your patience grows thin, he rethinks that decision
Um...about how much money do we speak?