dice=Ballistic Skill (Ranged Throwing) 40 to Flonk a Dwile #1]1d100
dice=Ballistic Skill (Ranged Throwing) 40 to Flonk a Dwile #2]1d100
dice=Agility (Dodge) 40]1d100
dice=Consume Alcohol 45 for Throw #1]1d100
** spoiler omitted **
Landolf makes a poor showing at the drinking game. Maybe he should stick to cards?
Sir Landolf joins in the fun as gets his turns as the Flonker...
Landolf's first throw is absolutely horrible, drawing a groan from his teammates which is compounded as he fails to chug his beer quickly enough.
Landolf's second throw shocks everyone for being quite accurate even against a wily foe and he scores a ripper by hitting the Slayer's leg.
Unfortunately, Landolf is not adept at dodging the Dwile when he is targeted and the beer soaked rag hits him in the stomach for a morther for the Slayers.
Despite a decided lack of expertise from Talther and Landolf, the Burghers pull out the victory over the Slayer's sending the Burghers into the semi-finals!
Semi-finals skill checks coming up...
Dwile Flonking Semi-Finals...
Exact same rules as Round 1.
Talther
Talther's opponents have Dodge Skills of & and Ranged Skills of
Talther's opponents rolls...
SL -5
SL +4
SL -3
Landolf
Landolf's opponents have Dodge Skills of & and Ranged Skills of
Landolf's opponents rolls...
SL -2
SL +1
SL +1
If anyone else wants to play here are some more results you can check against...
New Player #1
Joining player's #1 opponents have Dodge Skills of & and Ranged Skills of
Joining player's #1 opponents rolls...
SL -1
SL -1
SL -2
And if anyone else wants to try...
New Player #2
Joining player's #2 opponents have Dodge Skills of & and Ranged Skills of
Joining player's #2 opponents rolls...
SL -1
SL +3
SL -4
Plenty of room...
New Player #3
Joining player's #3 opponents have Dodge Skills of & and Ranged Skills of
Joining player's #3 opponents rolls...
SL +2
SL +3
SL -3
Deciding that throwing and dodging were two things that he was decidedly not good at, Valghaz instead contented himself with cheering on the sidelines.
None of the other competitions appeal to Ruprecht so he cheers from the sidelines as first Adelaida , then Talther and Landolf participate.
He winces and cheers at the chaotic games of Dwile Flonking, hoping neither of his friends gets injured in the general silliness!
Embarrassed but determined to do better in the second round of the drinking game, Landolf prepared to throw, dodge and drink beer!
Talther Flonks His Dwile Try 1
Talther's throws continue to be dire...but his opponent stumbles into the arc!
Talther Flonks His Dwile Try 2
His aim improves! But not enough to catch the wily burgher!
Talther Tries to Dodge A Dwile
Once again, Talther mainly avoids getting hit by the drunken flailing that passes for a throw!
Embarrassed but determined to do better in the second round of the drinking game, Landolf prepared to throw, dodge and drink beer!
[dice=Ballistic Skill (Ranged Throwing) 40 to Flonk a Dwile #1]1d100
[dice=Ballistic Skill (Ranged Throwing) 40 to Flonk a Dwile #1 Reroll]1d100[dice=Ballistic Skill (Ranged Throwing) 40 to Flonk a Dwile #2]1d100
[dice=Consume Alcohol 45]1d100[dice=Agility (Dodge) 40]1d100
[dice=Evaluate 35 the well-cared for sword]1d100
Getting the hang of Flonking, Landolf gets a solid hit on the opposing team but his dodging skill isn't quite up to task so gets smacked by the beer soaked rag.
Talther Flonks His Dwile Try 1
Talther's throws continue to be dire...but his opponent stumbles into the arc!
[dice=Throw 1 29] 1d100
Talther Flonks His Dwile Try 2
His aim improves! But not enough to catch the wily burgher!
[dice=Throw 2 29] 1d100
[dice=Consume Alcohol 45] 1d100Talther Tries to Dodge A Dwile
Once again, Talther mainly avoids getting hit by the drunken flailing that passes for a throw!
[dice=Dodge 41] 1d100
Not to be outdone by Landolf, Talther also lands a body shot against his foe with his first Flonk and even though he misses with his second downs his beer to prevent the other team from scoring. Finally, Talther essentially dodges by not dodging as the Flonk in his direction was pretty horrible.
Despite the sterling efforts of Landolf and Talther, their team falls in the semi-finals. The other Thunking Burghers give boozy hugs to both men and invite them to come around to the beer tent later to share in their carousing. Both Landolf and Talther are given chits for free beers at the beer tent.
Your wander the festival grounds for a while looking for the right vendor to trade with. As your path leads you deeper into festival grounds you find yourselves in front of the Festival Court and Stocks. The Festival Court is a large tent with the town’s coat of arms hanging outside. It is set up for the duration of the Schaffenfest to hear grievances that arise during the fair, and administer justice on the spot. Two Bögenhafen State Army halberdiers flank the entrance. They have orders only to admit those who have an interest in a particular case — generally the plaintiff, the defendant, and any witnesses.
Passing by the stocks outside the Festival Court, you all find one of the two sets of stocks occupied by Gottri Gurnisson, a somewhat inebriated Dwarf that you met once before at the Smith Son's Inn on the coach trip from Ubersreik. A small group of urchins taunts the unfortunate captive, throwing rotten fruit and various other objects at him. A chalked sign hangs below his head with DRUNKARD AND VAGRANT written on it in large letters.
When Gottri sees you all he calls out..."Yo Black Thorns! It's me, your friend Gottri, remember? Can you help a fellow out?"
Valghaz’s eyes widened at the sight. ”Grungni’s blessed beard, what the fook happened?!” He sputtered, his mouth working faster than his brain.
Landolf approaches the Festival Court tent and addresses the halberdiers outside. "I need to speak to the Magistrate, or one of their aides," he says. "What did this dwarf do to deserve this treatment? The charge is ridiculous. Drunkenness during Schaffenfest?"
Valghaz’s eyes widened at the sight. ”Grungni’s blessed beard, what the fook happened?!” He sputtered, his mouth working faster than his brain.
"Oh Valghaz it's been horrible. I was on a bit of a gorog you know and some skaz grobi stole me money. But I didn't know that so I had a few, no more than 10, beers at the beer tent and couldn't pay. The rotten umgi there ganged up on me and drug me before that doh judge umgi. He says I either had to pay 2 Shillings for the beer and the uh, breakage, or spend the day in the stocks. Well now, if I had the 2 Shillings I would have paid for the beer in the first place, wouldn't I? Can you help me out?"
Landolf approaches the Festival Court tent and addresses the halberdiers outside. "I need to speak to the Magistrate, or one of their aides," he says. "What did this dwarf do to deserve this treatment? The charge is ridiculous. Drunkenness during Schaffenfest?"
Despite being soaked with beer from Dwile Thunking, Landolf's noble bearing is enough for you all to gain admittance into the Court tent. Inside the tent there are another pair of halberdiers standing guard behind the magistrate. A bailiff stands off to the side.
The magistrate is Councillor Heinz Richter who is in his 50s and has neat, grey hair and pale-blue eyes. He tries hard to look stern, but cannot conceal his basic good nature and kindheartedness. He is well dressed and has a marvellous lawyer’s wig, as befits his position. During his university days in Nuln, Richter was a picture of muscular health, but now his once well-built frame is soft and flabby, spoilt by too many years of good living.
Herr Richter is listening to a member of the watch who is holding tightly onto a skinny, elderly man. "You see sire, this fellow is running a 3 card mordheim swindle, he is. I watched him take money from at least 10 fools before I grabbed him."
The magistrate gestures for the watchman to let go of the the man's arm and then gives the man a chance to explain his actions. "Ain't no swindle your worship. I got the three cards and I just move them around fast you see and if the rubes, that is, the festival goers can't follow the emperor card it ain't my fault. It's all on the up and up."
The watchman gets red in the face as he listens to the rogue try to talk his way out of trouble. "Magistrate, he says it's not a swindle but when I grabbed him in the middle of a game, he had three cards on the table, all of them dukes and the emperor card up his sleeve." The watchman smirks at the rogue as he lays out the three duke cards and the emperor card for the magistrate to see.
"Enough, enough Herr Klemme. Yes, I remember you from last year," Richter says as the rogue tries to fast talk his way out of trouble. "Guilty of swindle. Fine of 2 Shillings and banned from the festival grounds for the rest of the Schaffenfest. Pay the bailiff and off you go. I'm sure I'll see you next Schaffenfest."
Klemme gives the magistrate a quick bow, well pleased that his punishment isn't much worse and knowing that even after paying the fine he's made a large profit the last two days. After paying the bailiff, Klemme hurries from the tent.
Before the next prisoner is brought before the magistrate he motions Landolf to come over. "The dwarf outside, one Gottri Gurnisson ran up a large bar bill, refused to pay for the beer which he called, and I quote, the umgi swill, and then smashed a table when he was ordered to leave the beer tent. His fine is 2 Shillings or 12 hours in the stocks."
Valghaz stared at the dwarf for a long moment. Walking up, he said in a low voice ”The umgi have done nothing wrong. Ye know that? If me father saw me like this he’d shave me head himself. Nearly any longbeard would agree, or even step in to help. Now, I can pay the two shillings. But I demand an oath.” He stared the other dwarf in the eyes with a hard and cold stare. ”An oath that ye will immediately return to the mountains and will pay two gold at the Temple of Grungni as recommence for this shame, payable within two years. Make that oath before the ancestors, or wait here as the law demands.” As he spoke he could feel his anger rising. He had worked so hard for his coin and this is what it was being spent on? A dwarf who should well be a slayer already! He just couldn’t bring himself to walk away, in the vain hope that he could do right by his own morals and the ancestors.
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Adelaida was standing nearby Valghaz, listening respectfully, hoping to understand a little more how a dwarf think, talk and act.
Having no known relative since her own mother died, and no real memories of her young years in Brettonia, the soldier was in awe hearing her Brother's speech about honor and their ancestors. Still, there was a tinge of sadness, of bitterness, in her own heart, as she had no cherished memories from her birthland, no keepsake, no ancestors known. She feels alone, not in space as the place is crowded, but in time.
Adelaida went in the army out of her own sense of duty, but maybe she wanted to belong somewhere, to have a kinship, a kind of surrogate family. Now she was a Black Thorn member, and that was a closer "family". And strangely, the one she calls "Brother" is the one the most different of her. She never tried to get close with the other members of the group so far, and she promised herself to act differently from now on.
She was about to say to Valghaz she could give him part of the sum ,as she knows the dwarf tries to keep his money for greater projects, but it might be disrespectful. This was dwarf business, not hers.
Valghaz stared at the dwarf for a long moment. Walking up, he said in a low voice ”The umgi have done nothing wrong. Ye know that? If me father saw me like this he’d shave me head himself. Nearly any longbeard would agree, or even step in to help. Now, I can pay the two shillings. But I demand an oath.” He stared the other dwarf in the eyes with a hard and cold stare. ”An oath that ye will immediately return to the mountains and will pay two gold at the Temple of Grungni as recommence for this shame, payable within two years. Make that oath before the ancestors, or wait here as the law demands.” As he spoke he could feel his anger rising. He had worked so hard for his coin and this is what it was being spent on? A dwarf who should well be a slayer already! He just couldn’t bring himself to walk away, in the vain hope that he could do right by his own morals and the ancestors.
Gottri stares blearily at Valghaz and a single tear rolls down his filthy cheek and ends in his beard where it is lost in the tangled mess of hair, bits of food, and dirt. Snot drips from his nose and flies swarm around him.
"If only my mining machine hadn't blew up I wouldn't be in this fix. It had to be sabo...sabo...sabotage, don't you know. Ach, I'll give you my oath and return to the mountains. There's nothing good in the land of the umgi. It's a cursed place it is. Take the advice of an elder and get yourself home before it's too late for you too."
Gottri slowly straightens once he's released from the stocks. His back pops and creaks loudly as he stands. As he totters slowly away from the stocks you realize the stench was coming from Gottri himself and not from the garbage piled around the stocks. "How bout we all 'ave a mug of the umgi swill before I go." He gives you all a shrewd look and adds, "maybe I've 'eard something that is worth a mug or two."
”Depends.” Valghaz said, carefully. ”Me silver is limited. I have a *grudge* to avenge. An oath-breaking piece of scum whose head will meet me pick.” He growled, his anger at the umgi-filth coming out. ”Didn’t come to drink. If ye’ve got information worth hearing, I can get ye a mug before ye leave. Nay in the mood for levity.”
Landolf frowned at the magistrate's words. "I hadn't heard about the table. Gottri told us that someone stole his purse and he couldn't pay his bill."
Landolf frowned at the magistrate's words. "I hadn't heard about the table. Gottri told us that someone stole his purse and he couldn't pay his bill."
The magistrate shrugs his shoulders and gives Landolf a look as if to say, 'what can you do.' "Unfortunately, Herr Gurnisson has a loose association with the truth. We are more lenient during Schaffenfest, if he had behaved this way any other time of the year he would have been banished from Bogenhafen."
”Depends.” Valghaz said, carefully. ”Me silver is limited. I have a *grudge* to avenge. An oath-breaking piece of scum whose head will meet me pick.” He growled, his anger at the umgi-filth coming out. ”Didn’t come to drink. If ye’ve got information worth hearing, I can get ye a mug before ye leave. Nay in the mood for levity.”
Gottri licks his lips and heads towards the beer tent at a fast pace. "You probably will have to fetch the beer for me or send one of your underlings. I'm not welcome in the tent anymore," Gottri says and then with a small groan adds, "I'm not welcome anywhere anymore." A few more tears roll down his scarred cheeks.
"Thank you for your time. This visit was informative," Landolf to the magistrate before leaving the tent.
After finding the rest of the group again, Landolf is happy to pitch his beer chit in to help quench Gottri's thirst. "So, what is this story?"
"Thank you for your time. This visit was informative," Landolf to the magistrate before leaving the tent.
After finding the rest of the group again, Landolf is happy to pitch his beer chit in to help quench Gottri's thirst. "So, what is this story?"
Gottri begins a long meandering story that seems to revolve around an automated mining machine that Gottri invented that was sabotaged by jealous dwarfs. He spends several long minutes complaining about the swill that the beer tent serves. When prodded to get to the point, Gottri signals that you all should lean in closer which you do even though that exposes you to his horrible breath...in a quiet voice, Gottri says, ”the key to it all is hidden in Bogenhafen and I know where to find the key...but me mug is empty and talking is thirsty work.” Gottri leans back in his chair and looks at you all expectantly.
"I'm sure your throat is parched, Gottri. But before we call for another drink, why should we be interested in a broken machine?"
Intrigued despite himself, Ruprecht fishes a shilling from his tunic and places it on the table where Gottri can see it, but places his hand over ,nodding along with Landolf, "Story...then beer." he says.
Valghaz just shook his head in embarrassment that such a person could be called dawi, glad that the others were speaking. He couldn’t ensure that what would come out of his mouth would be polite.
Intrigued despite himself, Ruprecht fishes a shilling from his tunic and places it on the table where Gottri can see it, but places his hand over ,nodding along with Landolf, "Story...then beer." he says.
”Well manling it’s like this...”Gottri suddenly begins to make a hacking sound, a noise a bit like a very large cat trying to cough up a fur ball and then points to his throat and then to the empty mug. He also looks with longing at any of your mugs that still have beer.
With a scowl Valghaz said ”Get to the fooking point! If I was sabatoged then by Grimnir I’d be on a warpath for vengeance! I’d look to me bloody pick, not at the bottom of a mug.” He slammed his fist on the table. ”By Grungni’s soot covered beard! We won’t spend another bloody copper until we see some value. And ye’d best well nay by lying to us.” He added with a frown that would do a longbeard proud.
SL5
Landolf was taken aback by Valghaz's vehemence. The closer he got to his friend, the more he realized he didn't understand how dwarves saw the world. Perhaps most especially how they saw each other.
"Look Gottri...I don't mind filling your glass more. Doing so assumes that I'm interested in what you have to say. Right now, I don't see what use I would have for a digging machine even if I could get one. Tell me that much and I'll be sure to compensate you for your efforts."
With a scowl Valghaz said ”Get to the fooking point! If I was sabatoged then by Grimnir I’d be on a warpath for vengeance! I’d look to me bloody pick, not at the bottom of a mug.” He slammed his fist on the table. ”By Grungni’s soot covered beard! We won’t spend another bloody copper until we see some value. And ye’d best well nay by lying to us.” He added with a frown that would do a longbeard proud.
[dice=Intimidate 51]1d100
[dice=Fortune Reroll]1d100 SL5
Gottri momentarily looks abashed at Valghaz refrain but then with a red face he slams down his empty mug and stands up. 'I'll nay stay and be insulted by the likes of you Ironhammer. I'll be taking me leave from the lot of you. And aye Ironhammer, I'll keep the oath I swore but I hope never to lay eyes on you again."
Landolf was taken aback by Valghaz's vehemence. The closer he got to his friend, the more he realized he didn't understand how dwarves saw the world. Perhaps most especially how they saw each other.
"Look Gottri...I don't mind filling your glass more. Doing so assumes that I'm interested in what you have to say. Right now, I don't see what use I would have for a digging machine even if I could get one. Tell me that much and I'll be sure to compensate you for your efforts."
Landolf's words fall on empty air as Gottri storms away...
The somewhat awkward situation is quickly forgotten though as the hawkers of the various entertainments available at the Schaffenfest fill the air with their calls...
"JOUSTING, JOUSTING IS ABOUT TO START...Come see your betters compete against each other, even commoners are welcome to attend!"
'WRESTLING COMPETITION OPEN TO ALL COMERS! Step right this way and make yourself two crowns! That's right, two whole crowns for no more than a few minutes’ mild exertion! All you need do is last three minutes in the ring with my champion! Two crowns if you last three minutes, four if you defeat the champion within that time!"
"SEE THE WEIRD AND WONDERFUL! Come see Doctor Malthusius’s Zoocopeia! You will witness the most original and astounding display of zoological curiosities ever placed on exhibition in the entire length and breadth of our glorious Empire!"
"I'm a bit soggy from that beer game. Probably I've embarrassed myself enough for the time being at least. Should we go see the Zoocopeia?"
Valghaz watched Gottri storm off and shook his head. ”Wazzock.” He muttered under his breath. Then, louder he said ”Still have the issue of Gershwin to deal with. Feel free to go and see what ye like. I’m going to ask around and see what information I can find.”
Valghaz watched Gottri storm off and shook his head. ”Wazzock.” He muttered under his breath. Then, louder he said ”Still have the issue of Gershwin to deal with. Feel free to go and see what ye like. I’m going to ask around and see what information I can find.”
"I'm a bit soggy from that beer game. Probably I've embarrassed myself enough for the time being at least. Should we go see the Zoocopeia?"
Doctor Malthusius’s Zoocopeia
A semi-circular rope enclosure stands against the town wall marking out the edges of Doctor Malthusius’s Zoocopeia. At the back are two wagons, one of which has a banner on the side proclaiming ‘Doctor Malthusius’s Zoocopeia! Strange creatures from all korners of the worlde! The marvellous, the bizarre, the disgusting. Brought to you at enormous ekspense! No other like it in the worlde!’ The other wagon is a flatbed with a pile of stout wooden cages on it, all covered in oiled tarpaulins. Odd sounds come from within. Leaning against it are stacked a variety of signs for advertising the show, which will presumably be staked around the ring of rope.The Characters’ attention is drawn by the swelling crowds of excited onlookers, and the thunderous tones of the show-owner who is busily drumming up a crowd.
"Roll up, roll up," he cries, "You will witness the most original and astounding display of zoological curiosities ever placed on exhibition in the entire length and breadth of our glorious Empire!"
"Welcome to Doctor Malthusius’s Zoocopeia! Gathered together for your education, entertainment, and edification from the far corners of the known world at incalculable expense! The unusual! The bizarre! Yes, even the faintly disgusting! You will never see its like again, my friends, not if you live to see a thousand years!"
You elbow your way to the front of the crowd and see most of the cages are covered with tarpaulins. A strange creature that appears to be a small, three-legged Goblin peers out of a cage. It is huddled miserably in a corner, arms folded, tethered to a stake by a chain attached to an iron collar. While Doctor Malthusius is gathering his grinning crowd, Grunni skulks around the cages, preparing for the show to begin. The Goblin, upon seeing the approaching Dwarf, panics, and yanks hard at the iron collar about its neck, desperate to get away. And then the collar snaps…
Having broken the poorly forged iron collar, the skinny Goblin squeezes through the bars of its cage, and is off. As the crowd gasps and screams, the panicking creature runs straight at the Characters, who may make a Challenging (+0) Melee (Brawling) Test to catch it.
In either case, Doctor Malthusius is extremely grateful for the help in recovering his exhibit, and gives each Character (plus any members of the crowd who assisted) 1 shilling each, inviting all to watch his show for free.
Sl+0 , Fortune use for reroll
Sl+4
Adelaida is quick to jump into action, doing her best to catch the escaping foe of the Empire, clotheslining it with her arm before pining it to the ground
Not on my watch, freak of Chaos!
Not one to let a Greenskin escape easily, Landolf cooperates with Adelaida, helping to cut off the creature's escape.
Some days Valghaz felt that he was in a Detlef Sierck. But it was times like this that brought him down to reality. Valghaz was a miner. His life, up until recently, had been spent digging beneath the earth, competing with rivals and the odd grobi for good dig sites. Alone, walking through the throngs of mankind, he felt out of place. His first thought was to go to the Coaching Companies, but the man was wanted there...it was, unfortunately, his only thought. Except maybe his business...?
[dice=Melee (Brawling) 42]1d100
Not one to let a Greenskin escape easily, Landolf cooperates with Adelaida, helping to cut off the creature's escape.
Grunni the seedy looking dwarf assistant to the good Doctor takes hold of the struggling goblin from Adelaida and Landolf and stuffs the goblin back into a cage. The dwarf gives a grunt that may be a thank you as he hauls the goblin away.
Doctor Malthusius gives both Adelaida and Landolf a Shilling for capturing the runaway goblin and invites you to enjoy the show,
Once everyone is calmed, Grunni starts takes the 1-shilling entry fee (waived for you all) as he lets the excited folk into the roped ring. Once everyone is in, Doctor Malthusius checks the crowd for Witch Hunters. Once happy, he takes centre stage as Grunni brings forth various oddities and curiosities for his audience to view. He shows an array of extraordinary creatures, including “The Horrendously Hairy Horror of Hochland!’, The Dreaded One-Eyed Dog of Diesdorf!’, ‘The Immeasurable Maw of the Middle Mountains’ (a relatively small Squig), and lastly ‘the Ghastly Three-Legged Goblin of the Grissenwald!” However, as Grunni leads the Goblin out, it suddenly turns, bites his hand, and makes another break for freedom. The crowd panics, getting in the way and effectively preventing any of you from pursuing the Goblin before it vanishes into a small hole in the town wall behind Malthusius where an iron grating has rusted away to nothing. You have no realistic chance of preventing this escape.
Soon, a Watch patrol of State Soldiers arrives to determine the cause of the disturbance. By the time it arrives, Grunni has already returned most of Mathusius’s exhibits to their cages; besides the Goblin, of course.
‘”Oi, oi, what’s all this then?” the grizzled sergeant of the watch asks the Doctor and you.
Some days Valghaz felt that he was in a Detlef Sierck. But it was times like this that brought him down to reality. Valghaz was a miner. His life, up until recently, had been spent digging beneath the earth, competing with rivals and the odd grobi for good dig sites. Alone, walking through the throngs of mankind, he felt out of place. His first thought was to go to the Coaching Companies, but the man was wanted there...it was, unfortunately, his only thought. Except maybe his business...?
Valghaz searched the festival for places in which one might buy a horse. Specifically to ask the shopkeeps whether a man matching the description of Gershwin or Andreas had come to them.
[dice=Melee (Brawling) 42]1d100
Not one to let a Greenskin escape easily, Landolf cooperates with Adelaida, helping to cut off the creature's escape.
Grunni the seedy looking dwarf assistant to the good Doctor takes hold of the struggling goblin from Adelaida and Landolf and stuffs the goblin back into a cage. The dwarf gives a grunt that may be a thank you as he hauls the goblin away.
Doctor Malthusius gives both Adelaida and Landolf a Shilling for capturing the runaway goblin and invites you to enjoy the show,
Once everyone is calmed, Grunni starts takes the 1-shilling entry fee (waived for you all) as he lets the excited folk into the roped ring. Once everyone is in, Doctor Malthusius checks the crowd for Witch Hunters. Once happy, he takes centre stage as Grunni brings forth various oddities and curiosities for his audience to view. He shows an array of extraordinary creatures, including “The Horrendously Hairy Horror of Hochland!’, The Dreaded One-Eyed Dog of Diesdorf!’, ‘The Immeasurable Maw of the Middle Mountains’ (a relatively small Squig), and lastly ‘the Ghastly Three-Legged Goblin of the Grissenwald!” However, as Grunni leads the Goblin out, it suddenly turns, bites his hand, and makes another break for freedom. The crowd panics, getting in the way and effectively preventing any of you from pursuing the Goblin before it vanishes into a small hole in the town wall behind Malthusius where an iron grating has rusted away to nothing. You have no realistic chance of preventing this escape.
Soon, a Watch patrol of State Soldiers arrives to determine the cause of the disturbance. By the time it arrives, Grunni has already returned most of Mathusius’s exhibits to their cages; besides the Goblin, of course.
‘”Oi, oi, what’s all this then?” the grizzled sergeant of the watch asks the Doctor and you.
”Nothing to say, huh? Maybe you lot’ll talk to the magistrate. Come along then, all of you...he’ll sort you lot out, he will!”
Realising that it’s more than they can handle, the soldiers escort Doctor Malthusius, Grunni, and you lot to the Festival Court, where Magistrate Heinz Richter hears their reports. Doctor Malthusius immediately offers the Characters a reward of 5 crowns for the safe return of the Goblin, saying that he is ‘a concerned member of the citizenship, and it is important I play my part in securing this menace!’ Richter nods, impressed with such civic talk, and also offers the same amount from the town’s purse for clearing the Goblin out of the sewers. He also adds that ‘Since you have caught it previously, it should not be too onerous a task.’ By the time the case has been heard, and a course of action has been decided upon, it is nearly dark and the fair will be closing for the night. As part of the job you are offered accommodation at the town’s expense at the Journey’s End Inn.
Valghaz searched the festival for places in which one might buy a horse. Specifically to ask the shopkeeps whether a man matching the description of Gershwin or Andreas had come to them.
It’s no problem at all for Valghaz to find Gershwin’s spot in the livestock area. Being one of the most successful businessmen in the Reikland, Gershwin doesn’t walk around himself looking at horses, instead sellers bring their horses to him. So, he has a large tent set-up in the livestock yard with a temporary corral built next to it. However, by the time Valghaz finds the tent, evening has fallen and Gershwin has left for the night. A helpful groom lets Valghaz know that Gershwin should be at his tent all afternoon the next day finalizing his transactions.
No one has seen a man matching Andreas description.
"Aye lad, ye have me thanks. And do me a favor, don't tell him about me. We go way back, and I'd hate to ruin the surprise of meeting up again." Valghaz said with a honest smile on his face. "Ancestors be praised, tomorrow is going to be a good day!" He said, before walking off with a spring in his step. He hoped that he'd be able to sleep given his anticipation for the morrow.
Landolf thought that their visit to the magistrate was about the oddest way he had seen to get a job, but found himself enthused about the prospect, the sewers notwithstanding. The pay was good and helping the town out when such crowds were present would be a good way to raise the visibility of the Black Thorns.
"I'll need to find Yvonne still tonight. She'll be looking for me at the docks if I don't find her first. We'll need to let Valghaz know as well. I'll meet you at the Journeys End later tonight."
Valghaz met up with the group and excitedly filled them in on the upcoming meeting with the object of the grudge. "...so ye see, come tomorrow he'll pay in gold or blood! Ye all be with me on this?" Such was his single minded focus, he didn't even consider that other forces might be at work.
Do you really have to ask, Brother?
answers Adelaida, with a mock hurted tone
"Well of course the dawikoni says that." Valghaz said with a smile.
Ruprecht smiles at Valghaz intiative, "Well, let's not say a dwarf leaves not stone unturned! Well, done Valghaz! In the morning, let us have a visit with Herr Gershwin, then tend to our legally bound duty in the sewers!"
The next day dawns bright and clear and once again large crowds of excited patrons make their way to the festival grounds. Valghaz leads the way through the festival to reach the livestock area and then makes a beeline straight to the tent of the Cannon Ball Express.
As you walk up to the tent, you hear a familiar voice yelling, "thief, swindler, black-hearted scoundrel! That team is worth no more than 20 crowns and you know it." Entering the tent, you see Herr Gershwin Fischgrätenmuster, the same large man with drooping mustachios and sweaty red cheeks that you encountered at the Crossed Axe Inn a few weeks ago confronting a smaller man dressed in the fine clothing of a successful merchant. Standing by Gershwin's side making notes is Frau Bastel, his mousy looking secretary. You are unable to overhear what the merchant says to Gershwin but you clearly hear his response, "Fine, fine you old fraud, 25 Crowns it is and next year I will be better prepared to deal with your chicanery. Frau Bastel record the purchase and pay this rogue his crowns. Make sure you count your fingers when you're done though." Gershwin's face betrays his pleasure at the deal in spite of his vociferous complaints.
Gershwin notices the six of you and stiffens, "What in the name of Sigmar do you crooks want? I'm not falling for you or your boss' tricks again. Bastel, summon the watch!"