[dice=Intuition (33+5=38)]1d100
Good to meet you, Elvyra. What did they ask you to do? ... I'm afraid that we haven't seen Liza. We ran into a lead about these fellows before we made it to your home to look around. Is Liza someone who lives with you? If so, we can go there now to check on her if you like, and report to the temple later.
... Do you have any idea who in Altdorf they were referring to? That might help us follow up and make sure this doesn't happen again. If they were so insistent, I am worried they will just send someone else after you.
”Liza is my ward, I found her on wandering the streets and took her in. Yes, please let’s go to my home to check on the girl.” Elvyra looks around the barn one more time, ”and let’s get out of this place. Do you really think that there’ll be more of these...these...scum?”
[dice=Intuition 34]1d100
Adelaida listens to the abducted woman story, then Kritza's sound questions.
Feeling a little bad about the man she so recently slaughtered, she does her best to give him the last rites, or at least pray for his lost soul.
[dice=Intuition]1d100
Completely blind to the possibility that the woman was intentionally holding anything back. While looting the corpses, he looked up and said:
[dice=Charm]1d100
"Aye, as the lass said, anythin' ye can tell us would be right helpful. Also, did ye know these boyos at all? I know that the one who got hammered had a city accent, but it seems odd that they'd go so far out of the city. Plenty of people there that they could have taken off the street if they needed a stranger." He mused.
Elvyra smiles at the extremely charming dwarf but doesn’t give any more information.
"Let's get you back home then," Landolf said. "The Cult of Sigmar asked us to look for you. We should let them know the good news."
Yes, unfortunately, I really do think that there will be more. You seem reluctant to talk about the possible reasons, but I am afraid that without more information we won't be able to stop them. We're strangers to you, I understand, but if at some point you would consider trusting us with your story, I swear by Sigmar that we will use the information only to prevent you from coming to harm. We won't press you now, of course, but please think on it.
To Landolf she says
In good time. First we need to check on her ward. Then to the temple.
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Elvyra’s home is a simple, two-up-two-down cottage near The Happy Man inn. The cottage is well kept and recently painted, with window boxes of herbs and flowers. As you approach, however, you notice that one of the windows has been smashed and its window box is broken. You can see that it was smashed from the outside, and that a couple of threads caught on a broken glass show that someone has climbed through it. Looking through the window, the signs of a violent struggle are obvious, with broken furniture, glass, and so on.
Elvyra pushes past you all and rushes into the house calling out, "Liza! Liza! Where are you girl?" Suddenly a quickly moving form hurtles into Elvyra and then your realize that the shape is that of a 10 year old girl. Elvyra and the little girl hug each other close as their tears flow. Both talk at the same time detailing what happened and confirming that they are both alright.
Elvyra gives you a all a happy smile, "thank you all so much! If you need any medicine I promise to sell it to you for what the ingredients cost me."
"Or maybe you want training?"
Elvyra requests a couple of hours to spend with Liza and and straighten up the mess in her house before she accompanies you lot to the temple.
Krizta asks if she can launder some clothes at Elvyra's house... she wants to wash the blood out before it sets if possible. She also volunteers to help her clean up.
How much would it cost for an healing draught? Those can be helpful. Do we have enough bandages in stock, Nargun?
Though he would find it unlikely that Elvyra would be assaulted again before meeting with the priests of Sigmar, Landolf is relieved that Krizta offers to stay with her. Even one additional person might help prevent any ne'er-do-well without a plan from getting ambitious.
"We have some business needs to attend to around town. We'll be back in a few hours. Does anyone else want to stay with Krizta?"
After departing from the cottage, Landolf goes to meet up with Yvonne again and renews his search for cargo.
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Krizta asks if she can launder some clothes at Elvyra's house... she wants to wash the blood out before it sets if possible. She also volunteers to help her clean up.
"Blessed one, my home is yours to use as you wish. I would be grateful for you help."
Liza shyly follows Krizta around the house and finally asks her, "why are you dressed like that, in tattered robes? Can you not afford better clothes?"
How much would it cost for an healing draught? Those can be helpful. Do we have enough bandages in stock, Nargun?
"Hmmm...I have a couple of those prepared already. Let's say 10 Shillings for both?" Assuming the price is acceptable, Elvyra will open a locked cabinet and pulls out two small bottles which she hands over to Alelaida.
Though he would find it unlikely that Elvyra would be assaulted again before meeting with the priests of Sigmar, Landolf is relieved that Krizta offers to stay with her. Even one additional person might help prevent any ne'er-do-well without a plan from getting ambitious.
"We have some business needs to attend to around town. We'll be back in a few hours. Does anyone else want to stay with Krizta?"
After departing from the cottage, Landolf goes to meet up with Yvonne again and renews his search for cargo.
[dice=Gossip 44 +10 Yvonne assist]1d100
Yvonne lets Landolf know that Josef wants to talk to them before the Berebeli departs the next morning. "May I tell him that the Black Thorns will join them for dinner tonight?"
A bit later wandering through the riverside taverns, Landolf gets a lucky break when a barkeep directs him to a halfling merchant. The halfling introduces himself as Odger Hochham, a wine and beer merchant from the Moot. He explains that he's looking for passage to Altdorf with a cargo of winter wine he's acquired. He has 30 barrels of wine and he's willing to pay 10 Gold Crowns to transport the wine and himself and his two assistants to Altdorf. He's also looking for a partner to purchase a lot of 20 more barrels of wine. The 20 barrel lot costs a total of 30 Gold Crowns for the lot and Odger figures that they can sell them in Altdorf for 2 Gold Crowns per barrels. The only problem is that after paying for shipping his 30 barrels he can't afford the new lot. "I can pay 15 Gold Crowns for the lots but I need another partner to put in 15. Is that something you would be interested in?"
Krizta helps Elvyra sweep up and washes the blood out of the newly-acquired clothing. She is starting to hang it up to dry when she hears Liza's question.
Liza shyly follows Krizta around the house and finally asks her, "why are you dressed like that, in tattered robes? Can you not afford better clothes?"
She turns and smiles at the girl, and tries to explain.
That's a good question, and it's a little bit about my job, and a little bit about having no money. I work for Sigmar, and sometimes he wants people to dress like this and remind other people about being generous and giving to others, and about repenting and trying to be good people. If I was dressed up like a princess then I couldn't really remind people about being generous very well, because people would think that I was rich, and I should be giving money to them instead. :) But also, working for Sigmar like this doesn't pay any money at all. I have to ask other people for everything I need. And it always works out, and I never starve, because Sigmar protects me and helps people to be kind to me.
Recently though, Sigmar asked me to work with some new people, and our first job was to help find your mom. While we were doing that, Sigmar gave me some clothes, so maybe he wants me to dress up like normal people for a while and do a different job. I have to admit, it would be nice to wear regular clothes again, but I'll do whatever Sigmar wants.
Do you have a sewing kit? I might need to patch up a few holes in this shirt.
Krizta helps Elvyra sweep up and washes the blood out of the newly-acquired clothing. She is starting to hang it up to dry when she hears Liza's question.
Liza shyly follows Krizta around the house and finally asks her, "why are you dressed like that, in tattered robes? Can you not afford better clothes?"She turns and smiles at the girl, and tries to explain.
That's a good question, and it's a little bit about my job, and a little bit about having no money. I work for Sigmar, and sometimes he wants people to dress like this and remind other people about being generous and giving to others, and about repenting and trying to be good people. If I was dressed up like a princess then I couldn't really remind people about being generous very well, because people would think that I was rich, and I should be giving money to them instead. :) But also, working for Sigmar like this doesn't pay any money at all. I have to ask other people for everything I need. And it always works out, and I never starve, because Sigmar protects me and helps people to be kind to me.
Recently though, Sigmar asked me to work with some new people, and our first job was to help find your mom. While we were doing that, Sigmar gave me some clothes, so maybe he wants me to dress up like normal people for a while and do a different job. I have to admit, it would be nice to wear regular clothes again, but I'll do whatever Sigmar wants.
Do you have a sewing kit? I might need to patch up a few holes in this shirt.
Liza happily volunteers to help patch the holes in the nice lady's (who works for Sigmar) clothes. Liza continues to ask questions including, "how old do you have to be to work for Sigmar?"
While she waits for the clothes to dry and sews up some of the holes, she answers Liza's question.
Well, anyone can work for Sigmar by following his rules and being kind to others. And apologizing and trying to do better when we make mistakes. But if you mean a full-time job working for him, my parents wanted me to wait till I graduated from the university, so that's what I did. I think it was a good idea, because sometimes I can help Sigmar more because I know the things I learned at school.
One of my favorite stories from the Book of Sigmar tells about how Sigmar used to be human like us, and he made many mistakes, but in the end he was able to overcome the bad parts of himself and become good. So, I think that is one thing he wants us all to do... work on being better, and so I like telling people about him.
What kinds of things do you like to do?
In the afternoon you make your way to the Temple of Sigmar. Workman continue to swarm building the ornate new temple. Father Herr is summoned by one of the initiates and he escorts you to the office of Lector Friedbert Neumayer in the old temple. Father Herr than moves to a side table and pulls out some papers and then stands quietly waiting for the Lector. Besides the Lector and Herr, there are two more men in the room.
Lector Neumayer is a bald man that looks to be about 60. He is dressed in intricate robes and wears a golden warhammer on a gold chain around his desk. One side of Neumayer's face bears a large scar that looks like it came from a sword cut. His expression gives nothing away.
A black-clad man sits in the shadows of the room. Every time you try to focus on the man something causes your vision to slide away. You do have a strong feeling that the man is a Witch-Hunter.
The other man in the office is huge, almost 7 feet tall and wears a breastplate emblazoned with comets. A tremendous Warhammer is held loosely in his hands. He gives you all a curt nod as you enter and then stares at Adelaida for a long moment without saying anything.
Neumayer points to the chairs and invites you to sit. The Lector greets Valghaz in Khazalid.
Once everyone is in place, the Lector starts the meeting with a prayer asking for Sigmar's guidance. He then motions Father Herr over to him and takes the pieces of paper that Herr had pulled out of the side table.
"Ladies and gentlemen and honored Dawi, you present a thorny problem. Are you heroes as Father Herr says and Witch-Hunter Captain Gellor writes," the Lector says holding up one of the pieces of paper. "or, are you a band of assassins as is claimed by one Heinrich Steinhäger of Bogenhafen who has offered a reward of 20 Crowns for your bodies. He says," Neumayer reads from another piece of paper, "you lot did willfully murder his brother and nephew as well as one Councilor Teugen. He has specifically named a Sir Landolf of Ubersreik as the ringleader of the assassins." He looks quizically at Krizta and back at the notice from Bogenhafen and then shrugs his shoulders. "We," Neumayer gestures to the other men in the room, "are here today to decide if you are indeed heroes or foul villains. One choice has you walk out of here with a reward and the Church moving to squash the assassin story. Or,"Neumayer takes a deep breath, "are your dead bodies carried out of the temple to be returned to Bogenhafen?" Neumayer makes a dry little noise of amusement and adds, "and to complicate my life even more, Sir Wolfhard Peters," he points at the gigantic man, "of the Order of Silver Hammer claims that the Lady Adelaida is destined to be a fulcrum of destiny and will somehow be a Warrior-Priest of Sigmar. That would seem to be a difficult trick if she's dead."
The Lector rubs his scar absentmindedly and then finishes with, "tell your story of what happened in Bogenhafen and then we will decide."
I wasn't there in Bogenhafen, so I cannot speak to that. I can offer my testimony that these fine people successfully helped recover Elvira, the missing pharmacist that Brother Herr asked me to find. They have been only honorable to me, and I know that Adelaida is a true servant of Sigmar, and that all have true destinies. I had a holy vision of them, and this is what I saw:
I was under a city in a vast sewer complex. Adelaida was wearing the robes of the Order of the Silver Hammer over her armor and her Warhammer was glowing with an inner light.
Valghaz was dressed in full battle plate and dressed as a paladin. Landolf instilled courage in all by his very presence. Ruprecht was dressed as a river captain, ready to engage the foe. I did not see myself in this dream, but I know I was there, and I heard the voice of Sigmar say to me "follow your path to save the Empire from ruin."
That is my true testimony.
She steps to the side of the room to let the others speak.
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Landolf started for a moment in surprise at Krizta's visionary experience, not knowing what to say. She made him sound like some sort of character from the stories his mother would tell. He had an even stranger story to tell, however.
It was depressing how accustomed Landolf was getting to being framed for crimes he didn't commit. Maybe it came with the territory of being born to a noble family, but that didn't explain very much of what had happened to him since he had arrived in Ubersreik. Heinrich had all but agreed to pay them to kill his brother and now that they had succeeded, from his perspective, the man was accusing them of murder. That had to be unfair.
He tried to keep the sourness out of his expression. This makeshift tribunal was no time to air his grievances at fate. It was good to know that Captain Gellor still spoke for them.
"If I am to relate the story of our time in Bogenhafen, I will need to begin much earlier, on the road from that city to Altdorf. While riding coach with a noblewoman from Middenheim, Lady Isolde, our group was accosted by a band of mutants that had already overturned another wagon and were feasting on the remains of its passengers. We dispatched the creatures and on inspecting the attacked coach found this letter detailing an inheritance to be received by one of the passengers. One of them bore a striking resemblance to one of our companions at the time, Talther Augenlos. To his credit, he decided not to attempt to inherit the dead man's title and lands. A group of Road Wardens led by Sergeant Pflaster came onto the scene and helped us affect repairs to our coach."
"I appreciate if that story seems unrelated, but the incident caused us no end of trouble and led to some of the events in Bogenhafen. When we finally arrived in Altdorf, we were approached by a number of characters to seemed to give us secret signs we didn't recognize, typically touching their noses. At the same time, we began to be pursued by a Bounty Hunter going by the name of Adolphus Kustos who apparently mistook Talther for this Kastor Liebrung fellow on account of his likeness. We took a job hauling goods to Bogenhafen and departed Altdorf and he pursued us, drafting some locals into attacking our barge. We drove them off, but Adolphus was ranting about us being cultists and that he would kill Talther, whom he termed a Magister Impedementae."
"By the time we arrived in Bogenhafen, we already had suspicions about this Lock, Stock & Barrel place that the letter instructed Kastor to meet at. We went to the location specified anyway, as we couldn't see any other means of getting Adolphus to stop hunting us. Indeed, it turned out to be a trap set by Adolphus who accused Talther again of being a Magister Imedementae of the Purple Hand after boarding us into the building. We attempted to reason with him when our efforts were cut off by screams coming from outside the building. We broke out to find Adolphus and the men assisting him already dead, torn asunder as though by some great beast. He had this letter on him. Not knowing what to make of these events, we left the scene."
"We had reason to think that was the end of the matter. No bounty hunter was chasing us and we hoped not to run into whatever slew him. At the very least, we had no means of pursuing the matter further. If Kastor Liebrung was indeed a member of this Cult of the Purple Hand, we was now dead. Whoever sent the letter to Adolphus might know more."
"As we attended the local festival, we came across a hawker of curiousities that had a three-legged greenskin on display. The creature escaped its enclosure and fled into the sewers. A local magistrate called on our group to track it down and we accepted."
"It was in the sewers of Bogenhafen that the events that I assume you are most interested in began in earnest. All else before was background. We tracked the goblin to a chamber where we found what must have been a daemon. Flight was not an option, and we struck the monster down, after which the creature disappeared. Though I don't claim to understand it well, the trappings of the room suggested that it had been summoned to the location."
"Obviously, the encounter was disturbing and we sought out the help of Captain Gellor. We led him to the scene only to find that the trappings of the room where we encountered the daemon had been removed. We found enough remnants of the foul markings to persuade the Captain that our story was true, however, and he hired us to investigate further."
"When we returned to the magistrate to claim our reward for hunting the goblin, we found that our bounty had already been received by a group in a warehouse. We questioned them about the matter and one claimed that he wanted to tell us what he knew. He mentioned the Steinhager family and seemed to be afraid of them. He told us to meet him at a local tavern. He never made it there, and we happened on the scene of his murder. He had been torn apart much like Adolphus."
"Our investigation led us to the aforementioned Steinhagers, and we sought out a meeting with the head of the family. Rumors had claimed that the family was building a passageway to the sewers and the potential connection to daemon summoning caught our attention. Perhaps obviously, our meeting with Franz Steinhager failed to provide any leads. We did meet with his brother Heinrich Steinhager as well, who confirmed the stories about construction going on in the offices of the family business. He recommended that we meet with the head of the local merchants, Freidrich Magirius, who he believed might know more about his brother's plans. He also mentioned a secretive club that connected the two named Ordo Septenarius."
"I should mention here that we never once found anything to connect Heinrich to culpability in the sordid events that followed. After hearing what you said about the bounty he has placed on my head I think less of the man, but he has some cause to believe us to be the cause of his brother's death. As I will show you, that belief is misplaced."
"We met with Freidrich Magirius and asked him about Ordo Septenarius. By his telling, the group performed charitable work but kept their identities hidden to prevent political mishaps. He described an inner group of seven with a total membership of forty-nine and that the leader of the group was a man named Johannes Teugen. We suspected more was at play but that Freidrich might not be privvy to the group's true plans. Another failed lead as it seemed."
"That evening, however, Freidrich came to visit us at our barge. He told us that he had just learned that Ordo Septenarius was planning a ritual that involved human sacrifice and that he now wanted our help in stopping his former comrades. He left us this letter he said he took off the desk of Johannes Teugen."
"Freidrich's plan was to return to Ordo Septenarius to discover the location of the ritual site and that we should meet with him later to put a stop to it all. By this time, the whole city seemed taken with visions of nightmares and destruction. If I attempt to describe what we saw there, I will surely fail. It will haunt me."
"We sought the aid of the Cult of Morr as they had been our allies in the past, but they were unable to lend aid. We then attempted to report to Captain Gellor and the Witch Hunters, but found only madness outside the Temple of Sigmar. The guards there were refusing entry to the people who sought refuge from the coming terrors, and slaughtered many of them when a Witch Hunter shot one of the crowd with his pistol and turned the crowd to panic. We failed to find any allies and went to meet with Freidrich."
"When we arrived at his manor, his butler showed us to his study only to find that the Freidrich was dead. He had managed to scrawl a message to us in his own blood, giving us enough information to find the warehouse on the docks where the ritual would be enacted."
"This is where the accusations against us begin. Freidrich's butler entered the room and leered at us before calling for the guards, shouting that we had murdered the guildmaster. We fled the scene before the local watch could catch us."
"The maddening visions in Bogenhafen had only grown worse by this time, and only Sigmar's grace must have protected us from succumbing to them. As we hurried to the ritual site, we happened across a lunatic that looked much like myself who was setting fire to nearby buildings. A group of citizens had formed a mob to stop him and we had to flee from them as well."
"Obviously at this point, those loyal to Ordo Septenarius were determined to place us in as much jeopardy as they could, by pinning their crimes on us. Unfortunately, I have no proof to substantiate that claim. Doubtless, many in Bogenhafen could claim without lying that we committed those heinous acts. I can only proclaim that we committed no such crimes and leave ourselves to your judgement on those matters."
"But we have not yet reached the heart of the tale. Escaping from the mobs and the fires burning the city, we made our way to the thirteenth warehouse of the docks district, where we found the area guarded against our entry. We stole in through the dockside doors and located the ritual site of Ordo Septenarius."
"Johannes Teugen was leading the ritual, and the corpse of a woman lay at his feet. Before we could act, Teugen enacted some grotesque part of his ritual and a man we recognized as Freidrich Magirius's former butler transformed into a hideous daemon. Johannes proved to be a witch of some sort as he cast magic at us. Sigmar preserved us, and we managed to strike down the sorcerer before he killed any of our number."
Landolf attempts to continue with the rest of the story but finds himself unable for a time before he manages to gather his courage. "A great eye appeared and claimed the soul of Teugen for itself. The remaining cultists that had been cowering before the horrid scene all died under its gaze and the daemon vanished. The ritual circle, the woman they sacrificed...everything. It all disappeared before they eye gazed at each of us and itself vanished. It was far more horrible and evil than anything we witnessed that day."
After taking another a moment to regather his nerves, Landolf continued. "By this time, the fires started by the Ordo Septenarius saboteur were nearing the warehouse we were in. We fled the city but somehow it seemed brighter, even leaving the place as fugitives."
"If the story needs a hero, I choose Freidrich Magirius. He had to know that his life would be forfeit if he returned to his comrades, but he chose to do so anyway. Without his aid, whatever dark ritual Johannes Teugen had in mind would have been fulfilled. Given the visions we saw during that last day in Bogenhafen, I can only tremble at what might have been."
"I pray to Sigmar that you will believe our words. I cannot prove them but they are true. The Empire remains in danger from the compatriots of Johannes Teugen, though I do not know how to pursue them further."
Ruprecht doesn't bother haggling with Elvyra over the healing draughts, half price was a generous offer!
As he leaves with Langolf, Ruprecht seriously considers the pharmacist's offer of training....
Meeting with the halfing, Ruprecht leans in and sees if he can't sweeten the deal....
Later as Landolf recounts their tale, Ruprecht places a hand on his friend's shoulder as they all re-live the more horrible moments.
Still, when Landolf is finished, Ruprecht stands tall, proud of the Black Thorn's achievements, "Gentlemen, I also affirm that all the my friend here has told you is the truth, or may Sigmar strike me down where I stand !"
So much had happened... Hard to remeber it all startedby a brawl on a market place! It feels so long ago, but it was only a few months, wasn't it?
Adelaida advances and salutes the old priest
Revered Father Neumayer, I am Adelaida Lehner. I served the empire as a rank and file soldier, and now I humbly follows the path to Sigmar Heldenhammer. I don't know if I will ever be worthy enough of the visions of destiny that my comrade Kritza described. I do know that my soul is tainted by none of the crimes that I am accused of. Those who point finger at the Black Thorns are either victims of the deception of Dark gods worshippers, or are themselves in cahots with the Ruinous Powers. Lord Gersun von Ubersreik just gave you a full account of our actions. We don't expect to be praised, but we won't idly stand being wrongly accused either. We fought for the Empire, and for our bodies and souls safety, and please hear me when I dare say we fought damn well. My Brother Valghaz has proven himself more than once a stout defender of the Empire, a valiant comrade in arm, and a most dangerous warrior for our foes on the battleground. I am honored to fight alongside all the other members of the Black Thorns. Whether in Bogenhafen or anywhere else on the roads and now rivers of the Empire, we always fought the forces of the Ruinous powers, and always proudly have been, pardon the unforeseen pun, a Thorn in their side.
As they entered, Valghaz looked up in surprise when he heard fluent khazalid. Hearing the lector speak, he put a fist over his heart and responded with "Azumgi." with a bow of his head.
Azul = sturdy
Umgi = human
Azumgi = Sturdy Human. Thus a respectful way of addressing a ranking member of the cult of Sigmar
After listening to the others speak, he added: "For all that it is worth, I give a vow that Sir Landolf has spoken the truth, and that I am completely certain that all here fight for the good of the Empire. Adelaida, in particular, has been the most pious manling that I've had the honor of fighting alongside. And to have Krizta join us has just reinforces me belief that fightin' in the Black Thorns is done in the name of the alliance between the Sons of Grungni and Sigmar. He did not add in his own vision, of slaying thaggoraki in the dark, even though it was in line with Kirzta's. He had long been warned that humanity at large did not believe in Skaven, despite the evidence being right before their eyes. And a dream of fighting what they would call beastmen did not seem like it would help their cause. Though knowing that the holy-woman had shared it was both comforting, and worrisome in that it was a portent that much greater danger yet faced them.
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As you all relate your story, Father Herr is busy taking notes, the Lector listens without expression, Sir Peters seems inspired by your words and the shadowy-man seems to have not moved at all. Once the last of you finishes a dead silence comes over the room broken only by the ticking of a grandfather clock and the sound of workmen outside...
After a moment, Lector Neumayer motions Father Herr to bend down and he quietly says something to the man. Herr stares at you as he listens to the Lector and then quietly says, "your will be done." Herr then leaves the room. The Lector gives you a hard stare and tells you, "Father Herr will return momentarily." The Lector settles back into his chair a serene expression on his face. He's obviously made a decision.
Tick, tick, tick... The sound from the clock seems louder and louder the longer you wait. After what seems like an eternity but really was about 5 minutes you hear a sound from outside the room and then the door is pushed open by one of the temple guards who is armored and has one hand on his sword hilt. The guard carefully steps away from the door to allow Father Herr to reenter the room. Instead of a weapon or more guards, Herr carries nothing more than a silver tea set with 9 small cups into the room. He gives you all a smile and then asks each of you if you would care to have milk and sugar in your tea. Without needing to be told, he prepares a cup for the Lector. The giant Warrior-Priest suprisingly asks for 3 lumps of sugar. The sight of him holding the tiny tea cup and sippling daintingly just adds to the bizarreness of the situation. Father Herr looks around the room to ask the Witch-Hunter how he'd like his tea and stops in mid-question as the Witch-Hunter as slipped out of the room without anyone noticing.
One everyone has their tea and Father Herr pulls up a chair, Lector gives a small chuckle. "You should have seen your faces when the guard came into the room," he says with a smile. His face is transformed and instead of the stern judge you now deal with a merry grandfatherly man. "So much to discuss...where to start?" Herr hands Neumayer a form and Neumayer scrawls his signature on it. "This a note for 10 Gold Crowns payable to the presenter of the note by the Bank of Altdorf branch in the city. It is your reward for rescuing our wayward pharmacist." Herr gives him another piece of paper and again Neumayer scrawls his signature and then passes it to you. "This is a letter from myself that clears you of any charges and states that anyone that tries to act on the bounty from Bogenhafen is guilty of heresy and will be treated as a heretic by the Holy Church of Sigmar." Lector passes back the letters that Landolf had shared earlier, "keep these, especially the letter from one Etelka Herzen. That name is known to the Witch-Hunters. I feel that you will have a chance to meet her in person at some point."
After a few minutes of chit-chat, Lector stands which is the signal for you to get out. Father Herr and Sir Peters escort you from the temple and Peters stops Adelaida and with a serious look says, "follow your heart young lady."
If Landolf had tried to keep the relief at being believed off his face, he would have failed. It felt good to not be hounded for a crime he didn't commit. He thanked the priests of Sigmar for their blessings before departing the temple.
"Shall we go to dinner with Josef? I could use something to steady my nerves."
When the verdict came back, Valghaz could not help but breathe a sigh of relief. In Khazalid he muttered "Grungni's blessings on them." Then, in Reikspel, he said "The wisdom and generosity of the Cult of Sigmar is a welcome light in these dark times." putting a fist over his heart as a way of emphasis.
----------
When their business was done at the temple, Valghaz nodded. [b]"Aye. Food would be good. And something hard to drink."[/b} He added, only then realizing how frayed his nerves had been going into the temple.
Krizta is amazed at such a reward for helping with the kidnapping, but talks to Father Herr on the way out, letting him know that she is worried that someone will send more kidnappers and that she wasn't able to get to the core of the problem, but that Elvira seems to know why it happened to her.
When Landolf asks, she agrees to the dinner, looking forward to free food.
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I will follow my heart, and keep a prayer in my soul for Sigmar, and the Emperor. May I have your blessing before I go, Sir Peters?
Later, Adelaida agrees to the meal with Joseph, a mix of happiness and reverence on her face
You've done a fine and eloquent job in the Temple, Landolf. I've heard you wanted to buy or sell some goods. PLease allow me to try to be of assistance.
the soldier, after a rough start, manages to find some compelling argument to get a good price, doing her utmost to help Landolf as much as he helped them
Fortune reroll, 1/5
Fortune reroll 2/5
SL 3
If Landolf had tried to keep the relief at being believed off his face, he would have failed. It felt good to not be hounded for a crime he didn't commit. He thanked the priests of Sigmar for their blessings before departing the temple.
"Shall we go to dinner with Josef? I could use something to steady my nerves."
Dinner on the Berebeli
Josef and the Gratz's are happy to have you all back aboard their barge and have gone out of their way to prepare the best possible meal. Josef even found a small keg of Bugman's Bitters (not the best Bugman's brew but still much better than any human brewed beer) for you all to enjoy with dinner. A pleasant night of story swapping ensues before the Gratz's bid you goodnight leaving you alone on deck with the captain of the Berebeli.
"Now that you're on your own with your own boat it's important to understand some of the costs with running a barge. First off, the bigger towns and cities are going to expect 'dock fees'," Josef says making clear with his tone that he does not approve of these fees. "Essentially it's a bribe that you have to pay to the dockmaster to get a good spot and to make sure that 'ruffians' who actually are dock workers don't mess with your barge. In a small town the crooks are happy with a few pennies a day thrown their way but in Altdorf they're going to ask for a shilling a day to dock. If you don't pay up then you're going to have to anchor in the river. Don't be surprised though if someone cuts your anchor lines in the middle of the night."
Josef drains his Bugman's and continues. "Then you got some legitimate fees you're going to have to pay. The canal master's going to charge you 2 Gold Crowns to use the Weissbruck Canal. Don't try to haggle, it won't do you any good and you'll get a bad reputation. It's expensive but it cuts almost a week off the trip to Altdorf."
Josef peers into his mug and looks disappointed to see that he's already finished it. "Speaking of Altdorf, you're going to need to get a Writ of Salvage for your barge at some point before you get to Altdorf. A river warden captain will provide that to you but it's not cheap. They're going to charge you 5 Crown for the Writ. It's another one of those legitimate expenses. Now then, river wardens, number one rule is DON'T PISS THEM OFF! You'll need to get along with them if you're going to be using the Empire's rivers."
Josef pauses to grab a couple of bottles of wine from his stores, opens one and drinks straight from the bottle. "You need to treat the river wardens with respect because they keep the wreckers under control. You don't need to worry too much about wreckers this close to Altdorf but as you trade up and down the Reik, sooner or later you're going to encounter wreckers. Sneaky lot they are...one of their favorite tricks is to deck out a barge to make it look like it's sinking and they'll have some pretty lass or handsome lad on deck begging for help. Soon as you come along side the wreckers will come swarming up from below deck to grab your barge. They got all kinds of tricks like that. Soon as us captains figure out their game they go and change their tricks. Now then, I see some of you has got yourself nice new metal armor. Don't wear it if you're fighting on the river unless you're a great swimmer. That heavy armor will pull you straight to the bottom."
Josef gives a mighty yawn as he finishes off a bottle of wine. "I think that's it. Oh yeah, make sure you get on with the tavern keepers. They'll hear all the gossip. Right then, it's getting late and we're starting at first light tomorrow. Do you all have any questions before I turn in?"
If Landolf had tried to keep the relief at being believed off his face, he would have failed. It felt good to not be hounded for a crime he didn't commit. He thanked the priests of Sigmar for their blessings before departing the temple.
"Shall we go to dinner with Josef? I could use something to steady my nerves."
Landolf is able to find a game of Scarlet Empress at the Black Gold Inn. There's only 3 gamblers playing so there's room if anyone else wants to join the game.
When the verdict came back, Valghaz could not help but breathe a sigh of relief. In Khazalid he muttered "Grungni's blessings on them." Then, in Reikspel, he said "The wisdom and generosity of the Cult of Sigmar is a welcome light in these dark times." putting a fist over his heart as a way of emphasis.
----------
When their business was done at the temple, Valghaz nodded. [b]"Aye. Food would be good. And something hard to drink."[/b} He added, only then realizing how frayed his nerves had been going into the temple.
Valghaz's beard is sore by the end of the night after baby Elsa spent the evening tugging on it.
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Krizta is amazed at such a reward for helping with the kidnapping, but talks to Father Herr on the way out, letting him know that she is worried that someone will send more kidnappers and that she wasn't able to get to the core of the problem, but that Elvira seems to know why it happened to her.
When Landolf asks, she agrees to the dinner, looking forward to free food.
Father Herr agrees to keep on eye on the pharmacist. He then asks, "is there anything else you can use in your travels, holy one? If we have it something you need consider it yours."
I will follow my heart, and keep a prayer in my soul for Sigmar, and the Emperor. May I have your blessing before I go, Sir Peters?
Later, Adelaida agrees to the meal with Joseph, a mix of happiness and reverence on her face
You've done a fine and eloquent job in the Temple, Landolf. I've heard you wanted to buy or sell some goods. PLease allow me to try to be of assistance.
the soldier, after a rough start, manages to find some compelling argument to get a good price, doing her utmost to help Landolf as much as he helped them
[dice=Haggle 45]1d100
Fortune reroll, 1/5
[dice=Haggle 45]1d100
Fortune reroll 2/5
[dice=Haggle 45]1d100 SL 3
Adelaida is able to convince the halfling merchant to pay an extra 6 shillings for the trip to Altdorf as she points out that a halfling will eat twice as much food as a human.
Krizta thanks Father Herr for the supplies, and packs her laundered and mended spare clothes in the backpack, and her sling in the pocket of her robe. As they walk to dinner, she stops now and then to pick up a likely rock that she can use with her new sling.
Krizta enjoys the meal with her new friends, listens to the advice from Josef, and tries to internalize it, although it seems so far from what she has needed to worry about for a long time, it is hard. Those costs seemed astronomical to her.
Like an old and patient dog, Valghaz allowed the child to play with his beard. A truly remarkable thing, for any who knew about the significance of a dwarf's beard. For a society that valued age and wisdom, it was a mark of worthwhile a man was. Some clans did not even allow marriage unless the husband could wrap his beard around his bride! To overlook the lost strands of hair and the disheveling of it was a testament to his fondness for the child.
Like Kirtza, his heart sank at the news of the costs that they would be facing. As in all things, it appeared that it took money to make money. And to make matters worse for him, he was not a merchant in the slightest, being far more used to working hard and allowing others to figure out the logistics. The fact that he had lived most of his life in borderline poverty was a connection he still had not truly made. In this he looked to Landolf and Ruprecht for their expertise in the matter.
Landolf is unsurprised by the expenses Josef tells them to expect. His family's relative 'poverty' still left plenty of room for investments and sunk costs. Still, he tries to suppress his annoyment at the high fee for the canal. Two crowns is less than they would hope to make in a week. It was hard to call the cost 'fair' but there was little they could do about it.
"Thank you for the advice. It's good to know what to expect," he tells Josef as their coaching ends.
"We have a busy day ahead of us in the morning, but I think I'll still see what is happening at the Black Gold Inn."
Finding himself a table to play cards at, Landolf settles in and adds his shilling to the pot.
Landolf tries to not to gloat over his good fortune at the cards tonight and congratulates the last gambler to win a hand. He orders a drink of ale for himself and his gambling partners before he leaves.
Landolf is unsurprised by the expenses Josef tells them to expect. His family's relative 'poverty' still left plenty of room for investments and sunk costs. Still, he tries to suppress his annoyment at the high fee for the canal. Two crowns is less than they would hope to make in a week. It was hard to call the cost 'fair' but there was little they could do about it.
"Thank you for the advice. It's good to know what to expect," he tells Josef as their coaching ends.
"We have a busy day ahead of us in the morning, but I think I'll still see what is happening at the Black Gold Inn."
Finding himself a table to play cards at, Landolf settles in and adds his shilling to the pot.
** spoiler omitted **** spoiler omitted **
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The other players are appreciative for the drinks and sit around talking about events of the day. Since you all are the last customers of the day, the barkeep gets his own drink and sits down with you. Landolf is able to pick up some information for the his new drinking buddies.
One of the men has just arrived after traveling from Altdorf. He relates that "People have started arriving in Altdorf from the north. They say they were persecuted in Middenland for their Sigmarite faith. Some even report that two chivalric orders have been involved in the religious violence. The Ulrican Templars of the Order of the White Wolf, and the Knights Panther, the elite guard of the local Elector! Fighting! What is the world coming to?"
The barkeep adds another story, "Two more coaches have been ambushed on the way into Altdorf in the last two weeks! That’s terrible! The Emperor hasn’t done anything so far, but some of the young nobles are talking about an expedition to clear the roads of bandits and mutants. Good for them!"
Lastly a boatman complains, "The river wardens and excisemen are becoming more corrupt by the day, levying non-existent taxes and stealing anything that takes their fancy. Petitions have been sent to the Emperor, but he hasn’t done anything yet."
Landolf is unsurprised by the expenses Josef tells them to expect. His family's relative 'poverty' still left plenty of room for investments and sunk costs. Still, he tries to suppress his annoyment at the high fee for the canal. Two crowns is less than they would hope to make in a week. It was hard to call the cost 'fair' but there was little they could do about it.
"Thank you for the advice. It's good to know what to expect," he tells Josef as their coaching ends.
"We have a busy day ahead of us in the morning, but I think I'll still see what is happening at the Black Gold Inn."
Finding himself a table to play cards at, Landolf settles in and adds his shilling to the pot.
** spoiler omitted **** spoiler omitted **
** spoiler omitted **
** spoiler omitted **
** spoiler omitted **
** spoiler omitted **...
Odger Hochham shows up at the docks at sunrise to see if you are taking his commission or not and if you are going into his second deal as a partner. He's accompanied by another halfling, one Corbus Baldenbottom, who Odger introduces as his factotum. Corpus gives you a deep bow and says, "it is my honor to meet you."
Odger's other companion is a whipcord lean, scarred, middle aged human that has a Rapier in a sheath on his left side and a Main Gauche sheathed on his rights side. He has a Heavy Crossbow strapped across his back and next to it a quiver of bolts. Finally he has a Bandolier strapped across his chest that holds four Throwing Knives. Odger introduces him simply as Edmondo of Tilea and adds that he keeps Odger safe in a dangerous world. Edmondo says nothing, he just looks at you all appraisingly. His gaze lingers on Valghaz and Adelaida before turning slightly to keep an eye on the docks.
Adelaida gives back the slow gaze, judging the quality of the man's many weapons.
Never met a Tilean.. Or I don't remember. Maybe Sergeant Squarcio's ancestors, from my regiment, came from Tilea? He certainly looked the part, all dark haired and believing himself a gift to all women...
The docks are sometimes quite rowdy, I assume. And we can't blame you for taking care of yourself, Herr Hochlam.
Valghaz met the man’s look and made a show of keeping his hands where they could be seen. Not out of fear, but courtesy to the man’s profession. He reminded Valghaz of the members of the warrior clans back home. Always taking the job of killing so seriously. It meant that it was not someone they wanted to tangle with if it could be helped. Playing a similar role, the dwarf stood by while the others conducted the business at hand.
When Krizta hears of people being persecuted for believing in Sigmar, she is concerned, and hopes that they can learn more when they get to Altdorf.
____
She nods as she meets the businessmen, but says nothing, knowing that she isn't part of the financial decision, not having anything of her own... unless she was going to get part of the reward for rescuing Elvira.
She moves past them onto the barge and starts to make ready for the trip. She doesn't know a lot about that, but she tests everything to make sure it is tied up and secure, then takes a moment in the storage room to pay her devotions to Sigmar before they begin their trip, asking that he watch over the group and help them reach their destination safely.
The beginning of your journey from Weissbruck is straightforward. Odger arranges for a couple of stevedores to load the barrels of wine aboard the Lady Luck. Once fully loaded, your barge sits much deeper in the Bogen but you still have a couple of feet of freeboard left. As long as a major storm doesn't blow-up you will be fine on your journey to Altdorf (and even if there is a storm, as long as the captain and crew handle their barge well there shouldn't be a problem).
Casting off, you make your way to the canal and pay the 2 Gold Crown fee to use the Weissbruck canal. As usual the canal is crowded with barges and other boats making journeys up and down the canal. It takes three days to get from Weissbruck to Altdorf by canal, which is peaceful, with a regular river patrol presence.
Early on the fourth day of your trip, you sail into the Reiksport, Altdorf ’s massive, natural harbour that lies outside the city walls. There, the majority of the capital’s docklands and shipyards can be found. Warships of the Imperial First Fleet are anchored everywhere, pennants flying, cannons bristling on every deck. Many of the ships, which come in all sizes, have never seen the sea. The city of Marienburg, at the mouth of the River Reik many hundreds of miles downstream, charges extortionate taxes for any warships passing through, so the Empire’s fleet only rarely leaves the Reik.
A river patrol boat stops you while you are approaching the Altdorf docks. Most of the river patrol crew are friendly, however one of river patrol crew stares long and hard at you all but says nothing. The river patrol captain takes a statement about how you came into possession of the barge. The captain then issues you a Writ of Salvage giving you legal title to the boat and its cargo. The cost is 5 Gold Crowns for the Writ.
As always the docks at Altdorf are swarming with all manner of river vessels. It takes a bit of skill to dock smoothly.
Odger pays you the 10 Gold Crowns he promised and says he will head out to find a buyer for your barrels. Corbus arranges for stevedores to move all of the barrels off the barge onto the dock. Edmondo accompanies Odger.
Krizta works hard on the ship, running back and forth trying to learn everything.
(vs 29 Athletics)
____
Krizta is going to visit her parents, but she isn't staying with them, so plenty else to do, in terms of endeavours.
(Sticky Fingers!)
While aboard, Valghaz tried to keep himself busy to avoid thinking of what lay ahead in Altdorf. In this, he volunteered for everything that came up which required physical labor. This, unfortunately, had the effect of wearing him down. By the time they reached dock, Valghaz's face was covered in sweat and he was moving far slower than normal.
----
"89–91: Under Suspicion
The party’s irregular movements and sudden wealth has
drawn suspicion. All characters must forfeit one Endeavour
laying low or proving their innocence. Characters in the
Rogue class cannot use the Income Endeavour until after
their next adventure. "
During the journey through the canal, Landolf helps Ruprecht manage the sailing of the barge.
Practiced at sailing, Landolf helps to guide the ship into the harbor.
Finally docked in Altdorf, Landolf and Yvonne accompany Odger to find a buyer for the wine barrels.
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Krizta works hard on the ship, running back and forth trying to learn everything.
[dice=Skill Test]1d100 (vs 29 Athletics)
____
Krizta is going to visit her parents, but she isn't staying with them, so plenty else to do, in terms of endeavours.
[dice=Event Table]1d100 (Sticky Fingers!)
As Krizta walks through the familiar neighborhoods of Altdorf she feels a tug on her clothes. Turning quickly she's able to grab what appears to be a 10 year old boy dressed in filthy rags. "I'm sorry! I didn't realize that you were one of Sigmar's chosen. Please don't whip me!" the urchin cries.
[dice=Skill Test Endurance 60]1d100
While aboard, Valghaz tried to keep himself busy to avoid thinking of what lay ahead in Altdorf. In this, he volunteered for everything that came up which required physical labor. This, unfortunately, had the effect of wearing him down. By the time they reached dock, Valghaz's face was covered in sweat and he was moving far slower than normal.
----
[dice=Event Table]1d100
"89–91: Under Suspicion
The party’s irregular movements and sudden wealth has
drawn suspicion. All characters must forfeit one Endeavour
laying low or proving their innocence. Characters in the
Rogue class cannot use the Income Endeavour until after
their next adventure. "
As you all go about your errands in Altdorf you have a strong feeling that you're being watched. Ruprecht is able to spot the man from the river patrol, now dressed in civilian clothing, following him as he moves about Altdorf.
During the journey through the canal, Landolf helps Ruprecht manage the sailing of the barge.
[dice=Agility (Sail - Barge) 40]1d100
Practiced at sailing, Landolf helps to guide the ship into the harbor.
[dice=Sail (Barge) 41 +10 assist +20 average]1d100Finally docked in Altdorf, Landolf and Yvonne accompany Odger to find a buyer for the wine barrels.
[dice=Downtime Events]1d100
Odger and Edmondo lead you and Yvonne to a large warehouse fronted by a sign reading, Reimar Stricker and Sons: Wines and Spirits. Odger pushes through the main entrance into the warehouse which is very quiet. There are barrels of wine and casks of liquor carefully stacked around the warehouse.
Odger whispers something to Edmondo who nods and then slips into the darkness of the warehouse. Odger's hand strays to the hilt of his dagger as he glances around the warehouse. Suddenly there's a loud crash followed by angry shouts in Tilean. Edmondo stalks out from behind a large stack of barrels completely soaked in wine. He's trailed by a very fat man who is berating him for spoiling his experiment. When the fat man sees the 3 of you he stops and then with a happy smile on his face rushes over to Odger. The two exchange hugs. "What in the world was that about Reimar?"
Reimar gives Edmondo a glare, "I was working on a new pulley system for moving barrels and this one," he says gesturing to Edmondo, "surprised me...I let go of the rope...the barrel fell and shattered and gave your bodyguard a wine shower. Idiot!"
Reimar realizes that Landolf is dressed as a young nobleman and halts his complaining to give a very correct bow to Landolf. "It's always a pleasure to have a member of the nobility visit my humble business, Sir??" Reimar gives Landolf a chance to introduce himself.
Odger and Reimar begin to haggle over the price Reimar is willing to pay for the barrels of wine. Both skilled negotiators they settle into a price of about 2 Crowns per barrel.
Landolf greets the man but doesn't make too much of an impression on him.
Despite his absentminded start, Landolf begins bargaining with the man. He takes note that none of the other offerings in the room are sourced from the same area as the wine that Odger and Landolf are offering. Surely the variety will be of value to him.
As the deal concludes, Landolf thanks Odger for being willing to partner with them. "It seems that we'll be in Altdorf for a while taking care of personal errands...I'm not sure how long. It was a pleasure doing business with you."
Krizta will go visit her parents, and catch them up on her life for the last few years, traveling around. She will also tell them about her idea to become a Bounty Hunter (thief-taker), saying that a priest asked her to save a kidnapping victim and it felt really good to be able to accomplish that, and make something right, and she also felt like it was what Sigmar wanted, so it might be a good thing to try, to help people that way in service to Sigmar instead.