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Adelaida chats with Valghaz
You know, Brother, I feel I have much more to learn from you. Sooner or later, I would like you, if you want, to try to teach me more about your noble race, and maybe, if that is even possible, your own tongue. But if want to test my skill first as a warrior, I understand.
[dice=Event]1d100
Adelaida chats with Valghaz
You know, Brother, I feel I have much more to learn from you. Sooner or later, I would like you, if you want, to try to teach me more about your noble race, and maybe, if that is even possible, your own tongue. But if want to test my skill first as a warrior, I understand.
37–40: Festivities
A celebration is called! Decide the nature of the event with the GM. Possibilities include a local wedding, a bountiful harvest, or a public execution! You are caught up in the event (and its aftermath) and lose an Endeavour.
Krizta is able to make it home without an issue except for the run in with the would-be thief. Her parents are pleased by her career choice as they never really accepted that their baby girl had turned into a flagellant. Her father promises to look through his books and see what he can find that matches her dream.
On the way back to the barge, Krizta passes Hangman's Hill where an angry crowd has gathered and is raining insults down on the city watch. Talking with some of the onlookers she finds that three youngsters are to be hung because a minor nobleman says the he saw them kill another noble. Everyone in the crowd is convinced that it's a set-up to cover one nobleman killing another. Even as she watches, three young teens are pushed to the gallows by a hooded executioner. Nooses are placed around the youngsters necks and then with a bang the floor drops from under them and Krizta watches in horror as the nooses slowly strangle the youngsters to death. A voice in the crowd begins to shout, "KILL THE NOBLES! KILL THE NOBLES!" The call is quickly taken up by others in the crowd.
Landolf starts heading back to the barge with Odger and Edmondo. Odger is asking about Landolf's future plans. Suddenly a clump of dung is flung at Landolf followed by a brick and then a piece of wood and then more dung and bricks and wood. Looking behind, Landolf sees a mob pointing at him and the leader of the mob calls, "IT'S ONE OF THOSE ROTTEN NOBLES! STRING HIM UP!!" The mob begins to run trying to catch Landolf. His business partner and bodyguard have disappeared in the confusion. Running flat out Landolf flees to the 'safety' of his barge.
Adelaida sees smoke rising over the warehouse district. From the riverside it's not possible to see if there are fires in other parts of the city. However, Adelaida recognizes the low roaring sound she hears coming from the city...it's the sound of a rampaging mob. She sees several men on the docks staring at her and the barge suspiciously. Adelaida is able to stare them down but then she sees them make their way to the office of the harbor master.
Krizta comes back from her visit to her parents almost looking like a different person. She's cleaner than you've ever seen her and she is wearing fresh, normal clothes, a leather jerkin, and a sword.
She has a Sigmarite religious symbol pinned to her collar, and you can see that she is also carrying the flail that she always has, but other than those normal symbols of her faith, she is very changed.
When she meets up with the group again she says
So, you guys, Elvyra Kleinestun (the pharmacist that we rescued) was supposed to be taken to Altdorf by the kidnappers to do something for someone here. I'm not great at gathering rumors, but do you think you guys could help me maybe track down who was trying to get her here, and why? I feel like Sigmar wants me to uncover this mystery if possible, and prevent her from being kidnapped again.
Valghaz listened intently as Adelaida talked. Teaching Khazalid was not something that was usually done. It wasn’t a secret language, per-se. But it wasn’t encouraged to be learnt, either. But Adelaida had proven herself in his eyes. She was as pious as humans came (and that was saying something) and had been blessed by her god. The latter was what sealed it. Sigmar was ever an ally of his people and his clergy spoke Khazalid. So he concluded that it was only proper that he teach it. That, and as far as he could tell the town itself wasn’t safe. The watch kept staring at them and their was an angry buzz in the air. Like a storm was going to happen, of the human variety.
Aye, lass. Aye. I’ll do what I can. It isn’t the easiest of tongues, but I’m sure yer up to it. Will teach ye and ye alone, aye? We can...wait. Is that Landolf running towards us? Fookin’ hell, the lad knows how to find trouble, doesn’t he?
Oh come on, can't we have a break? Why are we ALWAYS in the worng place at the worst moments? Why are we always suspected of wrongdoing?
Adelaida does her best not to appears suspicious, and walks calmly and firmly toward the sounds of mob trashing, so she can maybe help the guards
Despite his recent encounters in Bogenhafen, Landolf was still unprepared for the onslaught of the riot in Altdorf, but he quickly caught on when the rioters started shouting about hanging him. Grabbing Yvonne's hand, they raced together toward the relative safety of the docks. Rioters were not known for making fine distinctions and dressed in the livery of his family, Yvonne would surely be targeted were she caught.
Their sprint kept them just ahead of the mob but as the piers came into view, Landolf saw a struggle between the guards protecting the dock and the rioters ahead. They would be cut off. He felt Yvonne's hand tighten on his as the docks drew nearer. They would have to jump, and Yvonne didn't know how to swim. "Just hang on!" he shouted between gasps for air.
If Landolf had been a hero in one of the stories his mother read him when he was a child, Landolf might have leapt gracefully into the Reik with Yvonne in his arms before swimming across the river with a smile on his face. As things happened, he wasn't even sure that they jumped at all...just ran off the docks. The enraged mob at their backs had been rather distracting. In short order, Landolf found himself flailing in the water, trying to push past the swirling motions of their clothing to keep them both above the water and moving away from the enraged crowd while Yvonne clung tightly to his hand. Somehow he managed to get behind Yvonne and put one arm around her as he stroked away from the shore. Landolf was tiring rapidly though. Their water-logged clothes were heavy.
"Oi!" he heard a call from somewhere nearby. He twisted about to find the speaker and spotted a small yacht nearby. A man on the deck had thrown out a rope to them. Struggling to keep himself and Yvonne afloat, Landolf swam over and wrapped his arm around the line. As the man began to reel them in, he was joined by another sailor on the deck as a well-dressed woman watched from the railing. As they reached the waterline, Landolf turned himself around in the water to allow the men to haul Yvonne up before himself.
"That looks like quite the scare," commented the man who had thrown them the line as he looked at the continuing riot on the docks. "Are the two of you alright?"
Landolf nodded affirmatively. He'd been hit by something hard on his right shoulder during the chase, but it hadn't been very big. Air came in gasps. Swimming that far had taken up most of his strength. He looked to Yvonne, but the woman from earlier was already helping her inside.
"Ah, the ladyfolk take care of each other don't they?" the other man observed. "The name is Franz. But not that one," the other man said with a smirk. An audible groan coming from through the doorway nearby told Landolf that the joke was not new. "Franz Kiesel. Welcome aboard. We'll put you up for a bit, as long as you need it."
Landolf later learned that Franz Kiesel was a merchant in Altdorf who had been out on the Reik enjoying his boat when the riot hit. The woman was Franz's wife, Caroline Osswald von Kretschmer, a handsome woman in her thirties. The remaining man was their servant Eckbert. While enjoying a meal with the pair, Landolf explained their situation and found himself enjoying their company. As he returned to the Lucky Lady, Landolf agreed to return later. The riots showed no sign of subsiding, and neither party had much interest in being landbound anytime soon.
As he got to know the couple, Landolf was chagrined to learn how provincial he seemed to Caroline. She was from a noble family perhaps even lower than his own, as they no longer had landholdings of any sort. Yet she was raised in Altdorf and regarded even nobles from Ubersreik as backwater nobility at best.
Stranded on the Reik, Landolf got to know the pair well and attended some very small parties with other members of the lower stratum of Altdorf's high society that were also confined to the river. After each session, Caroline and Franz were gracious enough to offer Landolf pointers in how to behave among his peers in the refined capital districts.
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Adelaida's sleep is disturbed one night by something that was more than a dream, it was more like a vision but one that was disjointed somehow. In seemingly random order she dreamt of using her Warhammer to smash a huge rat that walked on two legs and that towered over her, of an assassins approaching the sleeping emperor, of fighting between troops from the Reik against troops from Middenheim, of Altdorf burning out of control, of herself kneeling before the The Grand Theogonist, of a cheering crowd calling her name, of Ubersreik destroyed, of demons laughing and then finally a deep, powerfully majestic voice saying, "it's time child, Sigmar calls for you, your destiny is upon you."
Almost in a trance, the next morning Adelaida walks alone to the Cathedral of Sigmar Risen and Transformed. The rampaging mobs move aside for her passage and fall quiet for a moment before resuming their looting and killing. Adelaida walks through the great temple as if she's been there many times before and unerringly makes her way to the hall of the Order of the Silver Hammer. Sir Peters is waiting for her at the entrance and escorts her inside. Her friends do not see her again for a full week but for some reason none of them are worried about her safety.
Krizta's sleep is also troubled. Her dream (vision?) is also much clearer. She sees herself and her new friends visit a bookstore in Altdorf called The Preening Noble Tomes and Treatises. There is a darkness about the place and Krizta has a strong feeling that she should not go alone.
Meanwhile, Krizta's father searches through his many reference books trying to match her description of an undercity to a specific place. He can only narrow it down to one of the large cities of the Empire as there is limited information available about the undercities. He can tell her that all of the great cities of the empire rest on foundations built centuries before by dwarfs.
As he tells Krizta of his findings she can see that he's struggling with something. After a bit of persuasion from his daughter he shrugs his shoulders and asks Krizta to step out behind the house. After making certain that no one is eavesdropping, in a whisper he says, "there is a secret about these undercities that I have found in various obscure texts and letters. According to the information I have read there are giant intelligent ratmen that live under the cities of the Empire. They are called Skaven and are supposedly pure evil. This information is proscribed though so you cannot share it with anyone that you do not completely trust. If word gets around that you are talking about the Skaven you will soon be taken by the Witch-Hunters. The information is that dangerous. But, if you are going to be in these places you need to know what you face."
To her father Krizta says
Thank you. That explains more of what I saw in my dream. I appreciate the warning, and I won't speak of this in public... so you are saying that one of these undercities is right here in Altdorf?
____
I will point out that Valghaz is in sort of a probationary period right now. He needs to complete a task for his Knightly order to be fully inducted. That's because his short term ambition is to join the order so to complete the ambition there needs to be a hurdle to overcome.
Once everyone was back on the barge, Valghaz first took a double take at Kirtza's new outfit. Far from the rags that they had found her in, she looked like an honest to Grimnir warrior. Which was a good thing. Far too many people died from lack of proper armor.
"Oi, everyone. Gather 'round. We're almost to Altdorf. Got somethin' need to say before we get there. Been giving it alot of thought. And I think that this is somethin' that ye've all earned the right of." He took a deep breath. "That dwarf? The one who came to me and told me to come to Altdorf? He's..." He paused, unsure of how much he should say. He had been wrestling with this for the entire journey and even at the moment of truth wasn't certain of his actions. "Fook. Nay gonna ask for an oath from anyone here. I trust ye lot enough to nay need that. But please, don't be goin' around talkin' about this, aye?" He said, his voice soft, almost defeated. "He was a Templar of Grungni. From The Order of the Stone Wall. It was founded about four and a half thousand years before Sigmar was born. Best way that I can describe it is...a Witch Hunter. Aye. A Witch Hunter. They're task is to guardians of our people, especially from the Northern Winds." He continued, looking down at his feet. "Didn't say why I'm needed in Altdorf. I figure that there's two reasons. The first, is that our deeds were noticed and that they're gonna invite me to join. Far too great an honor for a miner, like me. More likely, it'll be to put me on trial on suspicion of heresy." He took off his helmet and scratched his head as he thought about what to say next. "Former or latter, ye lot deserve to know what I'm walkin' in to. Either way, I'm nay walkin' out the same dawi that walked in, aye? Came to the conclusion that if I walk in and never walk out, that it would be downright wrong to nay say what's what to me comrades." He looked up, a forced smile on his face as he put his helmet back on. "Heh, look at me. Bein' as worried as a halfing in a famine. Nay mind me, just nervous, is all."
Oh no, they are definitely asking you to join, Valghaz. Don't worry. You're destined for something. Sigmar needs all of us.
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To her father Krizta says
Thank you. That explains more of what I saw in my dream. I appreciate the warning, and I won't speak of this in public... so you are saying that one of these undercities is right here in Altdorf?
____
"Yes, there is a undercity under our feet. I've never been down there but it's supposedly huge," Krizta's father explains.
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Landolf quickly learns to fit in with the local nobility and has new found confidence in his own importance. However, he also quickly realizes that he does not have the wonderful jewelry or clothes that the local nobles all seem to have and embarrassingly only has a single servant. If he is really going to fit in with the important people of the Empire he will need to have more money, lots more money.
After a very pleasant week, Landolf broaches the idea of either finding a sponsor from one of the great families or find a way to help deal with his family's debts. Caroline Osswald von Kretschmer thinks about Landolf's request and after a few moments suggests that he ask for a meeting with Count Godfrey von Kemperbad. The Count is extremely wealthy and more importantly has been quietly looking for a trustworthy nobleman to escort his youngest daughter from Altdorf to Kemperbad. Supposedly the girl has fallen in with the 'wrong crowd'.
As the city with the largest dwarven expatriate population in the Empire and given the close friendship between the Sigmar and the dwarven people, it's not surprising that the Temple of Grungni is a large and beautiful stone building built within shouting distance of the great temple complex to Sigmar. It is constructed out of black marble and there is a large stylized sculpture of Grungni made from gromril looming over the entrance. Around the building are exquisite carvings representing dwarven history.
Two silent dwarves dressed in shining chainmail and hefting large warpicks stand guard outside the main entrance to the temple. Normally they would greet any unfamiliar dwarf that comes to the temple but they ignore Valghaz (as if they were expecting him somehow) as he walks past them into the warmly lit entry of the temple. An ancient dwarf wearing the vestments of a cleric of Grungni is standing and waiting for Valghaz.
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When Adelaida comes back from the Temple of Sigmar, she seems alight from within.
Sure, the soldier always had a stoic attitude, walking proudly and with authority. Her loyalty to the Empire, from the lowest of law abiding citizen up to the Emperor, has never faltered. She was always brave in battle, and stood her ground against the assaults of the Dark gods servants.
She seems to be a kind heart, in more peaceful moments, even if you know little of the woman behind the steel, and she easily relate with people.
But now, there seems to be something more. Not something else, just something more: Adelaida has always been someone with faith, and now that faith is a purpose. After years of intense physical and military training, she has come to the realisation that her soul and mind can be weapons and armor too.
She looks even more confident-not arrogant, just confident-and walks with a newfound smile, her head kept low, looking mostly at her feet while walking: she feels on the right path, and knows its only the beginning.
It had taken a week of fasting and prayer. Valghaz had entered the temple feeling like his heart was going to jump from his chest and out of his mouth. But as the days rolled by the fear slowly dissipated. Stuck as he was in his cell there was little he could do but think about what had led him to that moment. And from it all he could not think of anything that he had done which was dishonorable or against the teachings of his ancestors. So when the ancient priest that he had first met came to him and spoke of the role that he had to play, all Valghaz could do was bow his head in acceptance. The long period of silence and meditation had cleared his mind and taken away any desire for needless words.
---
When he left the temple and was assaulted by the hustle and bustle of the city it was almost staggering in how different it was. Even the light felt blinding. He wondered if this was why the longbeards were always so grumpy.
Once back with the others he opened his mouth to talk, but then stopped when he saw Adelaida. Then, slowly, a smile formed on his mouth and with a laugh he walked forward and slapped her hard on the arm.
"HAHA! Lass! It is BLOODY good to see ye! Listen up everyone. Listen up. As ye can see, I'm nay dead. Was told that I'm to travel with a warrior-priestess of Sigmar, and that I'd know her when seen. Took one look at Adelaida here and it hit me. She fookin' learned how to read from Sigmar, aye? Well, was told that the runes said I'd know her when seen. Now, was told to travel south along the Reik, and there we'll find kinsfolk in need. And we'll know the spot when we find a tower that threatens to ne'er be finished." He looked around at the others and said "So let's make sure that we've got some goods to trade and start sailin' south, aye? Got a bloody tower to find and kinsmen waitin'."
I think we might have some competing priorities here, so we might have to sort out Sigmar's will.
In the dream that I had, we were in an underground complex, which I am told is under all of the big cities, but there is one right here in Altdorf that we might want to look into. I am told there are likely enemies of Sigmar there.
In a much lower voice, she says
Skaven.
Also, we rescued Elvyra but we haven't caught the person who was going to have her kidnapped in the first place. That person should be here in Altdorf. That's another thing that we should look into.
I don't know that there is a time limit on any of these things, but perhaps we could at least ask around about who is recruiting pharmacists, and why... while we're still in town?
Valghaz ran his fingers through his beard. "Aye, quite a conundrum. I had a dream as well where I was fightin' skaven. And there be nay need to whisper it. Me people have been fightin' them since before mankind made their first villages. Now, I'd rather find me tower first, 'cause I've been told that I've got kinsfolk in need of aid. And who knows? Might well find skaven under the tower, aye? But..." He said, deep in thought. "...yer right that there be the lass who was bein' kidnapped. Seems like while we be buyin' up some goods to sell, we can ask around? See if we can learn about that? Then we head south, find me tower, sell the goods, buy more, and sail back. If we find the thaggoraki scum we're after down there, then great! If nay, well, I'm certain that they'll still be there. That sound good?"
Okay, that sounds good. I think Sigmar will be pleased that we are trying to do all he has asked.
When Valghaz and Adelaida return from their errands, Landolf congratulates them heartily. "It sounds like I couldn't have done much beyond stand outside, but I'm sorry I couldn't be there for you Valghaz. These cursed riots make life impossible."
Seeing Adelaida's new calling confirmed, he smiles widely. "The Lucky Lady has two holy women aboard now, not just one!"
He's less understanding when Krizta starts talking about ratmen in the sewers. "Tall tales abound of such nonsense. Spend a night in most any tavern, and you'll hear half a dozen more fanciful tales. Some of those catch on just as much. Don't be fooled. The Empire has beastmen and greenskins aplenty to worry about without foolery like overgrown mice under our feet."
Later as the crowds of rioters begin to thin, Landolf sets out his thoughts on their plans. "We need to get this wine sold and fill the Lady's hull again before we can do anything. I have errands I need to see weeks ago, and some friends gave me a tip I should follow up on. If Valghaz thinks we should go south, well most Reikland is that direction so finding a shipment going the same way shouldn't be hard."
After two weeks of rioting that becomes more destructive by the day, the Emperor unleashes the elite Reiksguard on his own capitol. Rumors come to you that hundreds if not thousands are killed by the mounted knights but the riots are crushed in a day. Supposedly the Witch-Hunters are taking the lead into the investigation of the causes of riots suggesting it was something sinister beyond the lower classes acting out. Over the next few days the executioners' blades are kept busy but gradually normality returns to Altdorf.
Unfortunately for the Thorns, one night the rioters breached the docks and damaged many barges including the Lucky Lady. The barge partially lived up to her name as her damage was fairly minor and a boatwright was found to handle the repairs. The bad news though is it took every bit of the group's money to have the repairs made.
However, proving the maxim that it's an ill-wind that blows nobody good, your halfling business partner has not been seen since the riots began. His loss is your gain as you find yourself the owners of 48 barrels of wine (the rioters absconded with two of the barrels). The oak of the casks is a bit scorched in spots but from what you can tell the wine came through the chaos unharmed.
Landolf had found it hard to be sympathetic to the rioters, but the amount of violence applied to put an end to the chaos was still shocking to him. He found himself in a somber mood, but his melancholy wouldn't stop the press of time.
"I have some things I need to follow up on in town. We'll need someone to see to the sale of the wine. It's hard to say whether Odger's contact will still be able to do business with us--or even if he's still alive--but it might be good to start with him first. We'll need to resupply our food as well. Does anyone else have errands remaining? We should probably try to leave Altdorf within the next day or two if we're going to keep the Lady running."
"Are there any objections if I find us a job taking us to Kemperbad?"
In response to Landolf's dismissal, Krizta says hotly
I saw those creatures in my vision from Sigmar, you ignorant bully. They're real, and no amount of sneering will make them less so.
____
Two weeks later, when Landolf asks if anyone has errands remaining, she says
I do. I guess I'll go out and try finding Elvyra's kidnapper on my own. Be back before the barge leaves.
She goes around to different bars, and starts asking around.
(Spending a fortune to reroll)
(Spending a fortune to reroll)
She fails miserably at the first two places, getting strange looks and finding herself unable to fit in or work up the nerve to make any small talk, not being used to being treated like a normal person. She ends up embarrassed and tongue-tied, but after steeling herself to keep trying, she continues, very thankful that there are plenty of bars in the city, so she doesn't have to try again with the same people.
It's at the third bar that she has some success, having the idea to just sit and listen a while, and then spread some rumors that the riots were started by "people or creatures living in the undercity" ... "at least that's what Lois over at the White Horse pub said, and she should know, living by the entrance as she does..." She figures that might get some attention paid to the right places even if she herself can't look into it immediately, and hopes that someone will know something about pharmacists being recruited, or disappearing, and tells a watered down version of what happened to Elvyra (without names or places) if she can get anyone listening to her long enough.
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Valghaz put a hand on Kirzta's shoulder. "Leave it be, lass. They're real, aye. But arguing won't help. He'll see right enough, aye?" His people had been fighting the skaven since time immemorable, and despite their alliance with the Empire the humans still treated the skaven like a myth. In his mind, there were some arguments that just weren't worth having.
Krizta listens and then hangs her head a little.
Yeah, Valghaz, you're right. Sorry for getting mad. Got to watch my temper, and make sure my emotions don't get in the way of listening to Sigmar. I'll do better.
When Adelaida comes back from the Temple of Sigmar, she seems alight from within.
Sure, the soldier always had a stoic attitude, walking proudly and with authority. Her loyalty to the Empire, from the lowest of law abiding citizen up to the Emperor, has never faltered. She was always brave in battle, and stood her ground against the assaults of the Dark gods servants.
She seems to be a kind heart, in more peaceful moments, even if you know little of the woman behind the steel, and she easily relate with people.
But now, there seems to be something more. Not something else, just something more: Adelaida has always been someone with faith, and now that faith is a purpose. After years of intense physical and military training, she has come to the realisation that her soul and mind can be weapons and armor too.
She looks even more confident-not arrogant, just confident-and walks with a newfound smile, her head kept low, looking mostly at her feet while walking: she feels on the right path, and knows its only the beginning.
A messenger hand deliveries a note from Sir Peters who seems to have taken on the role of sponsor for the temple's newest Novitiate. It's most likely still odd for Adelaida to be able to read the message herself instead of relying on someone else...Sigmar be praised!
I think we might have some competing priorities here, so we might have to sort out Sigmar's will.
In the dream that I had, we were in an underground complex, which I am told is under all of the big cities, but there is one right here in Altdorf that we might want to look into. I am told there are likely enemies of Sigmar there.
In a much lower voice, she says
Skaven.
Also, we rescued Elvyra but we haven't caught the person who was going to have her kidnapped in the first place. That person should be here in Altdorf. That's another thing that we should look into.
I don't know that there is a time limit on any of these things, but perhaps we could at least ask around about who is recruiting pharmacists, and why... while we're still in town?
If Krizta is interested, there's a Bounty-Hunters Guild for the Empire which is headquartered in Altdorf. To join you just need to pay a 5 Shilling due. In return for your dues, you can look at current bounties available and more importantly be given a small symbol (a pin shaped like manacles) that lets other bounty-hunters know that you are in the guild and not a freelancer trying to take business away from legitimate bounty-hunters. As part of the guild you're expected to provide aid to other bounty-hunters if it's convenient (you don't have to risk your life for them or give them money but would be expected to share your food or give them a ride on your barge).
Krizta will ask the group if she can have 5 shillings to join the guild.
Unfortunately when you pay a visit to the warehouse of Reimar Stricker and Sons: Wines and Spirits you find only a burned out shell of a building. There's an unfamiliar man with a wagon who is sadly staring at the remnants of the building. He introduces himself as Friedhelm Schott of Middenheim and explains that he was supposed to purchase a quantity of wine from Reimar. If you are interested in selling him your wine, he is very willing to come to the docks to see what you have for sale. Given the singed condition of the barrels, Friedhelm is only willing to pay you 50 Gold Crowns for the 48 barrels. You might be able to find a buyer willing to pay more but it will take time to find a trading partner.
In response to Landolf's dismissal, Krizta says hotly
I saw those creatures in my vision from Sigmar, you ignorant bully. They're real, and no amount of sneering will make them less so.
____
Two weeks later, when Landolf asks if anyone has errands remaining, she says
I do. I guess I'll go out and try finding Elvyra's kidnapper on my own. Be back before the barge leaves.
She goes around to different bars, and starts asking around.
[dice=Gossip (26)]1d100 (Spending a fortune to reroll)
[dice=Gossip (26)]1d100 (Spending a fortune to reroll)
[dice=Gossip (26)]1d100She fails miserably at the first two places, getting strange looks and finding herself unable to fit in or work up the nerve to make any small talk, not being used to being treated like a normal person. She ends up embarrassed and tongue-tied, but after steeling herself to keep trying, she continues, very thankful that there are plenty of bars in the city, so she doesn't have to try again with the same people.
It's at the third bar that she has some success, having the idea to just sit and listen a while, and then spread some rumors that the riots were started by "people or creatures living in the undercity" ... "at least that's what Lois over at the White Horse pub said, and she should know, living by the entrance as she does..." She figures that might get some attention paid to the right places even if she herself can't look into it immediately, and hopes that someone will know something about pharmacists being recruited, or disappearing, and tells a watered down version of what happened to Elvyra (without names or places) if she can get anyone listening to her long enough.
Krizta has little luck finding out why someone would be trying to kidnap a rural pharmacist and bring her to Altdorf. In fact most people think Krizta is telling some sort of funny story and they wait for a punchline. When they realize Krizta is serious about her enquiries most bar patrons slowly move away from her. However, at the last tavern Krizta visits she finds a down in his cups man who listens to her tale without running away. He says he has some information but it's not free. He wants another bottle of wine which will cost 10 Pennies before he shares what he knows.
Landolf had found it hard to be sympathetic to the rioters, but the amount of violence applied to put an end to the chaos was still shocking to him. He found himself in a somber mood, but his melancholy wouldn't stop the press of time.
"I have some things I need to follow up on in town. We'll need someone to see to the sale of the wine. It's hard to say whether Odger's contact will still be able to do business with us--or even if he's still alive--but it might be good to start with him first. We'll need to resupply our food as well. Does anyone else have errands remaining? We should probably try to leave Altdorf within the next day or two if we're going to keep the Lady running."
"Are there any objections if I find us a job taking us to Kemperbad?"
The mansion of von Kemperbad is enormous and is surrounded by a large stone wall. Well armed and armored guards patrol the perimeter of the property.
The sergeant of the guards listen as Landolf explains that he has no appointment but would still like to speak with the Count.
Krizta thinks the poor drunk might have real information, but she doesn't have ten pennies to give him. She is utterly frustrated, and doesn't know what else to do. Begging is the only thing she can think of. Sadly, she goes to the local temple of Sigmar and finds a place to change. She puts her tattered robes back on, leaves her pack with a temple attendant, and goes out, asking people who look poor enough (silver tier, definitely no super-rich people) for a few coins.
Of course you can, Krista. Here, take these coins.
Adelaida gives the money needed from her own purse, then turn to Valghaz, after reading the letter
Brother, will you come with me? I am summoned by Sir Peters to give help and assistance to the Witch-Hunter Captain Gent at their headquarters, and Sir Peters say your help would be greatly appreciated, as the matter at hand need some martial skills.
”Even a question? Of course I’ll go with ye.” Valghaz said. He found it odd to be called a Templar, but he assumed that it was a title that he would have to get used to.
[dice=Intuition (38)]1d100
Krizta thinks the poor drunk might have real information, but she doesn't have ten pennies to give him. She is utterly frustrated, and doesn't know what else to do. Begging is the only thing she can think of. Sadly, she goes to the local temple of Sigmar and finds a place to change. She puts her tattered robes back on, leaves her pack with a temple attendant, and goes out, asking people who look poor enough (silver tier, definitely no super-rich people) for a few coins.
[dice=Begging (+10 for begging from silver tier people = 49)]1d100
Krizta thanks Adelaida for the shillings, promising to pay her back when she gets her first bounty.
Krizta gives ten pennies to the drunk in return for whatever information that he has.
While his friends went into Altdorf for this or that reason, Ruprecht stayed on The Lucky Lady ensuring their home-away-from-home stayed ship-shape.
Earlier on he'd have joined the others, plumbing the cities' corners for advantage and coin, but he found he was quite content mending sails, coiling rope and swapping tales with the other barge men and women tied up at the pier.
His old ambitions, of covetous servitude to a powerful noble, had dropped to the wayside. Even his flirtation with supporting Landolf's ambitions as his own...he wished well for his friend , but their destinies were tied together already in their friendship and fellowship in the Black Thorns. No need to be a toady on Landolf's coattails!
No..the schemer he thought to be was but a shadow in his mind ....the river called to him now.
"Thank you for hearing me out, Sergeant. I would have made an appointment earlier, but the riots prevented me. If I could speak with the Duke briefly, I wouldn't take up any more of your time or attention. You have important duties to attend to. I understand that."
While a small bribe might have been of service, Landolf didn't actually have a denar to his name at the moment. He hoped that the rest of the Thorns were able to fetch a fair price for those wine barrels soon, or they'd have a hard time even leaving the docks.
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Krizta thanks Adelaida for the shillings, promising to pay her back when she gets her first bounty.
Krizta gives ten pennies to the drunk in return for whatever information that he has.
The very drunk man swallows a huge gulp of the cheap wine and leans towards Krizta and whispers, "she goes by Elvyra Kleinestun now," the man pauses and looks around. "I knew her as Huberta Keiner when she lived hereabouts. She claimed to be an apothe...apothe...pharmacist," the man says around hiccups. "She's was right friendly, if you know what I mean, with a young university student named Alberich Hollzauber. Well now, I hear that same Hollzauber has taken the dark road and is now a demonologist. He likely needs Elvyra for some dirty ritual." After yet another large swallow he finishes his story, "supposedly a summoning works better if you sacrifice someone you loved. I think that's why he's after Elvyra. Best thing for everyone would be if Elvyra is dead before Alberich can get to her." With a loud thunk, the drunk's head hits the bars as he passes out and then he makes a horrible noise which after a moment Krizta identifies as snoring.
Of course you can, Krista. Here, take these coins.
Adelaida gives the money needed from her own purse, then turn to Valghaz, after reading the letter
Brother, will you come with me? I am summoned by Sir Peters to give help and assistance to the Witch-Hunter Captain Gent at their headquarters, and Sir Peters say your help would be greatly appreciated, as the matter at hand need some martial skills.
The Witch-Hunters headquarters in Altdorf is a grim place with an evil air about it. Made of unpainted stone blocks, it stands three stories tall and seems to be a perfect square. There are no windows and no decorative carvings to lighten the appearance of the building. In front of it stands a hangman's gallows and near that a large wooden stake already surrounded by firewood. The morbid atmosphere is further emphasized by the many black-coated Witch-Hunters that stalk in and out of the building. A full squad of young Witch-Hunters guard the lone entrance that you can see. You have both heard the rumor that there are many levels of dungeons and torture chambers below ground and the hidden portion of the complex is larger than what you can see.
Showing the summons to one of the guards, Adelaida and Valghaz are escorted through the ground floor of the building and then up two flights of stairs to the office of Captain Gent. The escort raps on the door and opens it in response to a command from within and ushers Adelaida and Valghaz inside.
Captain Gent is hard looking man in his mid 30's. One side of his face is a burnt, scarred ruin. The man talks in a wheezy voice as if he is struggling to get enough air. He gestures you to seats in front of his desk.
"Straight to the point, Imperial seers as well as Dwarven Runecasters have identified Etelka Herzen as a potential threat to the Empire. My information is that you have crossed paths with one of her fellows, a man named Teugen, a deceased Councilor in Bogenhafen. It would be of great service to the Empire if you can locate, capture and return to Altdorf this Herzen. Our interrogators wish to question her and I wish to see her burn. Questions?"
With the Witch Hunter getting right to the point, Valghaz returned the favor. He held up one finger for each question, raising the finger as he asked:
”Got a handful of questions. One, any idea where she be, or if nay, where she last was? Two, what’s the lass look like? Three, what defenses does she have, be it magic or strong-arms? Four, what do we have to show authority when taking her? Would be right fooked to be arrested when takin’ her. Five, where she and he in the same cult?”
While his friends went into Altdorf for this or that reason, Ruprecht stayed on The Lucky Lady ensuring their home-away-from-home stayed ship-shape.
Earlier on he'd have joined the others, plumbing the cities' corners for advantage and coin, but he found he was quite content mending sails, coiling rope and swapping tales with the other barge men and women tied up at the pier.
His old ambitions, of covetous servitude to a powerful noble, had dropped to the wayside. Even his flirtation with supporting Landolf's ambitions as his own...he wished well for his friend , but their destinies were tied together already in their friendship and fellowship in the Black Thorns. No need to be a toady on Landolf's coattails!
No..the schemer he thought to be was but a shadow in his mind ....the river called to him now.
[dice=Gossip for The Latest News:40]1d100
Talking to the other boatmen on the docks, Ruprecht hears "Emperor Karl-Franz has not been seen in public for a few weeks. He’s supposed to be ill, but the palace is saying nothing."
Near the end of the two weeks in Altdorf a barge arrives from up the Reik . Ruprecht talks to his fellow barge captain and hears that Diesdorf, normally a supplier of grain (especially corn) to the Reik, just had a huge grain warehouse burn to the ground. "They're going to go very hungry if more food isn't brought to them...if I didn't already have another contract, I'd buy wheat and carry it to Diesdorf. You probably could get twice the normal price as they get hungrier and hungrier." The other captain tries to look sad about the looming famine in Diesdorf but instead looks angry about not being able to squeeze the Diesdorfers for extra gold.
[dice=Initiative (Perception) 40 +20]1d100
"Thank you for hearing me out, Sergeant. I would have made an appointment earlier, but the riots prevented me. If I could speak with the Duke briefly, I wouldn't take up any more of your time or attention. You have important duties to attend to. I understand that."
While a small bribe might have been of service, Landolf didn't actually have a denar to his name at the moment. He hoped that the rest of the Thorns were able to fetch a fair price for those wine barrels soon, or they'd have a hard time even leaving the docks.
[dice=Charm 41 +30 difficulty +10 Perception success]1d100
Count Otto is in his middle years, slightly portly, with grey, thinning hair kept carefully trimmed. On the surface he is a stuffy, petty minor noble but as a trusted representative of the Emperor can be very useful to Landolf's negotiations with creditors.
"Sir, unfortunately these scallywags that acted out the last two weeks have interfered with an assignment for his majesty. I was planning on traveling on the Emperor Luitpold as it made it's run to Nuln but as you must have heard the ship was damaged by the rabble and will be out of commision for several weeks. As my business cannot wait, I have been given funds to hire a river barge to take me South. Of course, a person of my stature should not be forced to take such pedestrian travel as a, hmmphhh, barge, but my friends said that they had just met a nobleman that actually owned a barge. So, being a man of class, your barge must be luxurious compared to what the normal river rats travel on. I will be willing to pay, say 20 Crowns to travel on your luxury barge to Kemperbad. I will be accompanied south by several litigants and clerks but of course it is inappropriate for them to travel on a luxury barge so they will be taking a normal scow and will meet me in Kemperbad."
Krizta memorizes the details from the drunk's story. Huberta Keiner used to live in Altdorf, and changed her name to Elvyra Kleinestun, used to be involved with Alberich Hollzauber who is now a demonologist and likely wants to kill her.
She then takes the money that Adelaida loaned her, and goes to the Bounty-Hunter's Guild to pay her dues. While she's there, she'll ask if they've heard of this guy, Alberich Hollzauber.
With the Witch Hunter getting right to the point, Valghaz returned the favor. He held up one finger for each question, raising the finger as he asked:
”Got a handful of questions. One, any idea where she be, or if nay, where she last was? Two, what’s the lass look like? Three, what defenses does she have, be it magic or strong-arms? Four, what do we have to show authority when taking her? Would be right fooked to be arrested when takin’ her. Five, where she and he in the same cult?”
"Grissenwald near Nuln. Blond noblewoman, about 40. Wizard, quite formidable. Writ from Witch-Hunter General Johann Van Hal. Find out if you can, if not the interrogators will find the answer once she's back in Altdorf. Remember, she must be taken alive and able to talk. We don't care if she still has her limbs attached."
Would the fact that Frau Herzen is noble hinder us, if we have to arrest her with more or less violence?