"I would be happy to convey you southward, Lord Boorman. I'm afraid that our barge won't live up to your expectations, however. The Lucky Lady isn't specifically an embarrassment but she is a common barge--a recent salvage that we haven't had the opportunity yet to do further work on," Landolf said, letting implication convey intentions he hadn't even considered yet.
"If you decide that you still wish to make use of our services, I can speak for the crew however. They're a good lot that I've worked with for months now, save for one new addition. The Black Thorns have put our lives on the line for the Empire before, and we'd make every effort to get you to Kemperbad for your assignment."
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When his friends return from their labours and join him for supper, Ruprecht broached the subject of thier next destination , "I need to contact our winesellers factor here and sell this wine. I've heard that Diesdorf, to the South, needs grain, they're going to starve in fact...so we may be able to profit from that."
Would the fact that Frau Herzen is noble hinder us, if we have to arrest her with more or less violence?
"She gave up any claim to the rights and privileges of the nobility when she cast her lot with the Ruinous Powers. Remember Sister that the Four are our true foes. Khorne, the Blood God, rules on his towering throne of bone and marrow. Nurgle, the Fly Lord gives his ‘blessing’ of disease, pestilence, and decay. Slaanesh, the perverse Lord of Pleasure, corrupts from the inside with debased rites and the misguided lure of the flesh. Tzeentch, the Lord of Change, hides his powers the least, transforming all that embrace, or oppose, his reach. All of these Ruinous Powers are mere lies. But to ignore these lies, results in transformation, corruption, and death. You will be tested by them but a pure heart and faith in Sigmar will see you through."
"I would be happy to convey you southward, Lord Boorman. I'm afraid that our barge won't live up to your expectations, however. The Lucky Lady isn't specifically an embarrassment but she is a common barge--a recent salvage that we haven't had the opportunity yet to do further work on," Landolf said, letting implication convey intentions he hadn't even considered yet.
"If you decide that you still wish to make use of our services, I can speak for the crew however. They're a good lot that I've worked with for months now, save for one new addition. The Black Thorns have put our lives on the line for the Empire before, and we'd make every effort to get you to Kemperbad for your assignment."
Boorman gives a loud sigh and looks upwards as if beseeching Sigmar for his help dealing with these country nobles. Returning his gaze to Landolf he says, "necessity trumps nicety Sir. I must make haste for Kemperbad. They fall in arrears with their taxes and I must discover why. I will swallow my pride and take voyage on your "common barge" if, mind you if, you take some of the generous payment that I am willing to give you to provide decent vittles for the voyage. After all, there really is only so much a respectable man can tolerate before he has to say enough."
Boorman puts a stack of 10 Gold Crowns on the table in front of Landolf.
When his friends return from their labours and join him for supper, Ruprecht broached the subject of thier next destination , "I need to contact our winesellers factor here and sell this wine. I've heard that Diesdorf, to the South, needs grain, they're going to starve in fact...so we may be able to profit from that."
Asking around, Ruprecht is able to determine that 10 bags of wheat can be had for 1 Gold Crown. The Lucky Lady can theoretically hold 300 bags of wheat.
Valghaz's eyes twitched at hearing the names. He wasn't comfortable hearing them out loud. But he held himself as tall as he could as he said "Final question from me then. If she needs to be killed, would that be...permissible?" He said, looking for the right word. "The last wizard we fought nearly killed me comrades with a single spell. Takin' her alive might nay be feasible, if her command of the wicked arts be strong enough."
"I would be honored to aid in your travels, Lord Boorman," Landolf stated. "My crew has a few errands to complete in town before we leave, but we should be ready to depart shortly. When can we expect you to arrive?"
As he departed, Landolf sent Yvonne ahead to tell the crew of the Lucky Lady about their new job and to make preparations for Lord Boorman. In the meantime, he needed to seek out one of the companies his family owed money to. It was time to see if he could be of service to his noble line or not.
Arriving back at the barge, Yvonne looked for anyone that was still in the area. The barge smelled faintly of char and smoke despite the repairs. She'd need to give it another scrubbing...
"Lord Landolf has accepted payment to convey Count Otto Boorman to Kemperbad on a mission for the Empire," she told any crewmembers present. "I need to make purchases for the journey. Is there anything I can do to aid in preparations for our departure?"
Valghaz's eyes twitched at hearing the names. He wasn't comfortable hearing them out loud. But he held himself as tall as he could as he said "Final question from me then. If she needs to be killed, would that be...permissible?" He said, looking for the right word. "The last wizard we fought nearly killed me comrades with a single spell. Takin' her alive might nay be feasible, if her command of the wicked arts be strong enough."
"Killing her before she's met the fire and blade of the interrogators is an unacceptable solution. We must find the next link in the chain of her cult and to do that requires her being able to talk. I have heard a bit of your history and know that your band is a group of doughty fighters. Remember now though that you no longer fight for yourself. You now fight for the Empire, for Sigmar, for Grungni, for the Dwarven race. You both are templars, warriors for the Gods! Failure is not an option, it is now victory or death for you both!!" Gent's eyes are alight with religious fervor as he speaks and you feel the a measure of the power of the Gods in his voice.
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Valghaz listened, nodding along with the man's religious fervor. "Aye...aye. Ye speak well and true. Just got back from the Temple of Grungni meself. Put me on a task, said that it was judged by the runes. Said that I'm to travel south along the Reik, and that it had to be done right quick to stop what was called 'a grave threat to Sigmar's Empire.' And right before I'm to leave, here ye be, tellin' us about this heretic. I'd say that this can't be coincidence, aye?" He said, looking the man in the eyes. "Now. Before we leave on this holy mission, I be wonderin' if the Temple of Sigmar might be able to help provide some tools for this mission? Ye see, I've a bit of skill in makin' explosives. Right useful for takin' down everythin' from purgin' profane temples to makin' a door when there was none. Might the Temple of Sigmar provide some trade tools for this mission? If we are to be takin' her alive, they might well come in handy, aye? Of course, yer under nay obligation to do so. The alliance between the dawi and the Sons of Sigmar is an unbreakable oath. But if this be in yer power, it would certainly make the task easier."
"I would be honored to aid in your travels, Lord Boorman," Landolf stated. "My crew has a few errands to complete in town before we leave, but we should be ready to depart shortly. When can we expect you to arrive?"
As he departed, Landolf sent Yvonne ahead to tell the crew of the Lucky Lady about their new job and to make preparations for Lord Boorman. In the meantime, he needed to seek out one of the companies his family owed money to. It was time to see if he could be of service to his noble line or not.
"I will be at the docks early tomorrow morning, say around 10 and hopefully we can get underway immediately. You know the Emperor is counting on me to help him again."
[dice=Charm 30]1d100
Valghaz listened, nodding along with the man's religious fervor. "Aye...aye. Ye speak well and true. Just got back from the Temple of Grungni meself. Put me on a task, said that it was judged by the runes. Said that I'm to travel south along the Reik, and that it had to be done right quick to stop what was called 'a grave threat to Sigmar's Empire.' And right before I'm to leave, here ye be, tellin' us about this heretic. I'd say that this can't be coincidence, aye?" He said, looking the man in the eyes. "Now. Before we leave on this holy mission, I be wonderin' if the Temple of Sigmar might be able to help provide some tools for this mission? Ye see, I've a bit of skill in makin' explosives. Right useful for takin' down everythin' from purgin' profane temples to makin' a door when there was none. Might the Temple of Sigmar provide some trade tools for this mission? If we are to be takin' her alive, they might well come in handy, aye? Of course, yer under nay obligation to do so. The alliance between the dawi and the Sons of Sigmar is an unbreakable oath. But if this be in yer power, it would certainly make the task easier."
Gent slides a piece of paper and quill/ink across the table to Valghaz. "Write down what you need. If we don't have it in the building, we can find it in Altdorf and get it for you."
Landolf has used his time during the riot with his new found noble friends to check if any of the family’s debt holders are located in Altdorf.
He finds out that unsurprisingly no one seems to have heard of Frudel & Sons as they seem to only have a single office and that’s in Ubersreik which to the average noble in the capital is as remote as Tilea.
Sedersberg, Hansberg & Co are also almost completely unknown in Altdorf. One of the very minor nobles at the party does seem to widen his eyes when the business name is mentioned. However, he’s clearly uncomfortable talking about it.
Resolute Bank has an office in Altdorf (as they do in all the major cities of the Empire). The Altdorf branch explains that they have essentially no interaction with the Ubersreik branch so decline to help.
Gent looks at the list provided by Valghaz and says he will have everything brought to the Lady Luck first thing tomorrow morning.
Valghaz bowed and took his leave, certain that he did not want to push his luck any further. It seemed like their group, as a whole, had moved up in the world. And with that rise in status was coming a host of new responsibilities. And for better or worse, they had to succeed.
---
Once back on the barge, he called the group together to discuss what to do. "It would seem that we've got alot on our plate. Kritza here has uncovered the name Huberta Keiner as bein' a person of interest. The Cult of Sigmar has made it abundantly clear that we must capture Etelka Herzen, who be in Grissenwald. The Temple of Grungni has informed me that I must head south on the Reik and find a tower, and that me kinsmen there be in danger. We've got goods to sell...and what else? Figure that it be important to get all of this straight before we make our next move."
Well, I think you misunderstood what I said. Huberta is what Elvyra's name was when she used to live here in Altdorf. The person of interest, that probably ordered the kidnapping and is probably on the lookout for a human sacrifice... Elvyra specifically... is Alberich Hollzauber. Has anyone heard of him?
The merchant interested in buying the wine comes to the barge in the afternoon. He’s driving a large wagon and his assistant is driving a second wagon. The merchant is also accompanied by a bodyguard and a couple of stevedores. He’s willing to listen to your plea for more than 1 Gold Crown per barrel.
SL +4
After you have the money from the sale of the wine, you are able to buy a cargo of wheat from the Grain Exchange. Being a small order for the Exchange, you are negotiating with a relatively junior associate.
Sl +2
Adelaida bargain with the wine seller, leaving someone else speaking with the wheat dealer
Unfortunately, Landolf's rural ways left him unable to figure out how to approach the nobleman about Sedersberg, Hansberg & Co. He missed his opportunity.
Back to Ubersreik at some point then, he thought to himself.
Later, he approached the wheat sellers and attempted to bargain with them.
Frustrated by the delays and aware of Lord Boorman's impending arrival, Landolf's attempts to bargain ended up costing them. The grain merchants knew their product was in demand and were charging for it.
[dice=Charm 41]1d100
Unfortunately, Landolf's rural ways left him unable to figure out how to approach the nobleman about Sedersberg, Hansberg & Co. He missed his opportunity.
Back to Ubersreik at some point then, he thought to himself.
Later, he approached the wheat sellers and attempted to bargain with them.
[dice=Haggle for Wheat 36]1d100
[dice=Haggle for Wheat Reroll]1d100Frustrated by the delays and aware of Lord Boorman's impending arrival, Landolf's attempts to bargain ended up costing them. The grain merchants knew their product was in demand and were charging for it.
After two eventful weeks in Altdorf, the Lucky Lady is finally ready to sail once again. The docks are lively with ships and boats of all sizes readying themselves for departure. Your docks space is no exception, your morning full of bustle as wagons arrive with hundreds of bags of wheat and runners arrive with the provisions you purchased.
Around 9 AM you see activity freeze at the dockyard gates accompanied by an unsettling silence. Everyone on the docks strains their necks trying to see what in the world could cause the busiest dockyards in the Empire to come to a halt. You see whatever is causing the crowd to freeze is heading straight towards you. Finally, near the Lady Luck you watch as burly, toughened stevedores rush to get out of the street while also making the comet sign of Sigmar.
You understand the behavior when a large wagon rattles towards your berth driven by a Witch-Hunter dressed in black leathers wearing a black overcoat. Another Witch-Hunter dressed exactly the same sits next to the driver holding a huge blunderbuss. The guard gazes with suspicion at everyone and looks like he would love nothing better than to empty his gun into the crowd.
With a tug on the reins, the driver pulls the wagon to a stop next to your barge and then spotting a couple of nearby stevedores yells to them, ”get this gear unloaded and put about that barge now! Be quick about it!” The guard shoulders his gun and barges up the gangway calling out for a Knight Valguiz. ”Sir Valquiz, here is the gear you requested, where do you want these scum to put it?”
Once the Witch-Hunters drive away, the typical hustle and bustle restarts. Now, however, people are looking at the Lady Luck in curiosity trying to see what makes you special enough to have Witch-Hunters playing deliverymen.
As you all wait to welcome Count Boorman onboard, your eye is drawn to the Four Seasons depot near the docks. Boarding a coach is Ernst Heidlemann, the Physician's Student you met at the Coach and Horses Inn, in what seems like a lifetime ago. Heidlemann looks out from a coach window and makes accidental eye contact with you before hastily ducking out of sight. The coach rattles away before you would have time to stop it. A cloud crosses the sun just at that moment throwing everything into shadow.
Landolf watched Ernst Heidlemann ride off in his coach thoughtfully. The man hadn't made much of an impression on him when they met earlier. He'd been thoroughly absorbed in his books. To be fair to the man, he'd been beside Isolde and Landolf's attentions had been on the noblewoman. He had no special reason to approach the scholar even if he could manage it.
It wasn't time for Count Boorman to arrive yet, but he couldn't help pacing nervously on the barge. If the Count decided their preparations for him were insufficient, this expedition would get tedious quickly. He needed to avoid making a specifically bad impression for his family's sake.
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Valghaz thanked the man sent by the Witch Hunter's when he delivered the goods. He had asked for the tools and supplies needed to make explosives and true to form it had been done! While the others saw to the tasks of getting the barge underway, Valghaz excused himself. He didn't know when else he would have time to put the tools to good use...
Valghaz thanked the man sent by the Witch Hunter's when he delivered the goods. He had asked for the tools and supplies needed to make explosives and true to form it had been done! While the others saw to the tasks of getting the barge underway, Valghaz excused himself. He didn't know when else he would have time to put the tools to good use...
[dice=Trade Explosives 48]2d100
blasting charges!
Valghaz quickly came to the conclusion that making a proper bomb would take far too much work and time to do properly. He was no engineer afterall. He was just a miner who knew how to get shyt done. But he had enough pride to know that a job worth doing was a job worth doing right. Which meant that he wasn't go to rush himself and risk blowing everyone up. So he decided to instead just make an incendiary. The kind of tool perfect for taking down a thaggoraki nest. He figured that, if nothing else, it would make the witch hunters happy to use cleansing fire.
At exactly 10 AM an ornate carriage pulled by a matching team of white horses pulls to a stop at the wharf. Count Boorman, dressed immaculately in soft white leathers, a gorgeous white ermine fur cape thrown over one shoulder, and carrying a oaken walking stick with a large ruby set as the top piece saunters aboard the Lucky Lady. Boorman is accompanied by his valet Baldwin Scheck, his twin footmen, Luther and Ludger Breslauer and his confidential secretary, Rolanda Seckbach.
Right behind the carriage a flat bed wagon stops at the dock. The cart is full of large wooden boxes of different shapes and sizes. ”Ah good, my luggage has arrived,” Boorman says happily. ”With all of the recent unpleasantness, it’s always a relief when a delivery goes as planned.”
Rolanda checks off the boxes as they are unloaded and then watches carefully as a gang of stevedores carry the crates and boxes of luggage aboard. Rolanda asks where the Count’s cabin is so that it may be prepared for the Count. She also asks which cabin will be for the servants and also where to store the Count’s luggage.
While Rolanda takes care of the details, the Count wanders the barge stopping and talking to each of you for a moment. He genuinely seems interested in your answers and shows a wide breadth of knowledge about the Reik, river trade, wreckers, handling of barges and weather patterns. As you speak with him you begin to understand why the Emperor uses him as a problem solver. In spite of his foppish appearance and mannerisms, the Count is quickly revealed to be a man of substance.
Unfortunately, there is a downside to have the Count and his servants and luggage aboard. All of the available covered space of the barge is going to be taken up by the combination of your cargo and the Count’s entourage. So, the crew is going to be stuck sleeping on deck until your passenger debarks.
Finally everything and everyone is settled and your ready to get underway. The harbor is full of shipping so it takes a bit of skill to navigate out into the Reik.
Ruprecht is so busy seeing to the upkeep of the barge, repairing the minor damage from the riots and preparing for their illustrious passenger, that it slips his mind to take care of the commercial aspect of their new venture. Though not as successful as his efforts might have been, he's happy to have his friend take care of such matters in this case.
When their passenger arrives, Ruprecht stands at the ramp and greets them with respect, "Welcome aboard the Lucky Lady, you do us great honor in selecting us to convey you down the Reik!"
He watches, aghast as box after box, chest after chest is loaded onto the barge. But he hides his astonishment well, setting to gathering the necessary materials to set up a crude lean-to on the deck for himself and the rest of the Thorns.
Then when all is secure, he casts off, calling out commands to his friends as he navigates through the busy harbor.
For his part, Valghaz did his best to just stay out of the way. This was a nobleman that they were dealing with, which meant that it was best for Landolf and Ruprecht to deal with him. They knew how the upper class operated far better than he did. That, and he had an important task to see to...to ensure that he kept his workspace for making his incendiary. He had no issue with sleeping uptop. He had slept in far worse conditions. And he had no problems with working uptop either...far easier to put out a fire there than below deck. He just needed to make sure that he could lay out his tools, and could create enough covering to keep his work dry.
When the Count made his round and came to Valghaz, he answered the man's questions as best he could and remained civil. When given the chance though, he said:
"Y'know, I do have a question for ye as well. Y'see, I'm a Templar." It felt strange saying it out loud, but he figured that he had to get used to it. "Cult o' Sigmar has asked me to look into a noblewoman. One Etelka Herzen. Is there anythin' ye could tell me about the lass, or if nay, about her family?"
Krizta stays busy helping with the barge, trying to find a balance where she is as helpful as possible and in the way as little as possible.
Landolf watched with a measure of unease as the ship was loaded. Just a few months ago his chosen profession would have had him heavily involved in such a task and it still felt wrong to just stand to the side. He'd be in his work clothes soon, helping guide the barge out of harbor. He had thought himself a man of two worlds back then when he left home for Ubersreik, and he didn't figure that would be changing anytime soon.
A knot of worry Landolf hadn't realized had been there slowly started to unravel as Count Boorman had arrived. His earlier experience with the man made it clear that he was disappointed to not have finer accommodations, but it seemed he wasn't the sort to spread his displeasure about liberally.
As Count Boorman made his rounds, Landolf found an opportunity to explore a question that had been nagging at him. He was uncomfortable exposing a weakness of his family to the Count but found some reassurance in the man's display of confidence and ability. "While we were delayed by the riots, I spoke with one of the men I met about a company that purchased an old bond that my family owes. I'd been hoping to negotiate with them, as the terms of the debt have grown stale. He seemed troubled about it but wouldn't say more. Are you familiar with Sedersberg, Hansberg & Co?"
After greeting Count Boorman, Landolf excused himself to change into his working clothes before helping Ruprecht construct the shelter on deck & guide the Lucky Lady away from the docks.
Yvonne helped guide the stevedores to stow the Count's luggage on board the ship and noted his businesslike demeanor. It was always a relief when the nobility displayed some competence.
As the work continued however, she realized with some annoyance that some of the Count's entourage would be joining them. Landolf had only told her about the one passenger and their supplies wouldn't last with extra mouths to feed.
Which was why a servant needed their nobles to be competent. Society's upper crust would forget things like "how many people will be on the barge" even on their best days.
Valghaz quickly came to the conclusion that making a proper bomb would take far too much work and time to do properly. He was no engineer afterall. He was just a miner who knew how to get shyt done. But he had enough pride to know that a job worth doing was a job worth doing right. Which meant that he wasn't go to rush himself and risk blowing everyone up. So he decided to instead just make an incendiary. The kind of tool perfect for taking down a thaggoraki nest. He figured that, if nothing else, it would make the witch hunters happy to use cleansing fire.
[dice=Second Trade Explosives 48 as they go down the river?]1d100
As Ruprecht pilots the Lucky Lady up the Reik, Valghaz is busily concocting a device in a makeshift workshop he's set up on deck. The finished product looks like a very large glass bottle with a fuse of some kind sticking out of it.
”Oi! Everyone! See this?” He held up a glass bottle with a fuse coming from it. ”This is a Karak Cocktail! Keep any fire well and fookin’ away from it. When this ‘ere liquid touches fire, it bloody well goes boom. Fire fookin’ everywhere. We use it to-“ He almost said clear out Skaven nests, but then remembered the ignorance of the Empire at large. ”-clear out beastmen dens below ground. Especially their breeding pits.” He lowered the bottle and carefully put it into his pack. ”Fair warning, aye?”
[dice=Sail:35+20]1d100
Ruprecht is so busy seeing to the upkeep of the barge, repairing the minor damage from the riots and preparing for their illustrious passenger, that it slips his mind to take care of the commercial aspect of their new venture. Though not as successful as his efforts might have been, he's happy to have his friend take care of such matters in this case.
When their passenger arrives, Ruprecht stands at the ramp and greets them with respect, "Welcome aboard the Lucky Lady, you do us great honor in selecting us to convey you down the Reik!"
[dice=Charm:46]1d100
He watches, aghast as box after box, chest after chest is loaded onto the barge. But he hides his astonishment well, setting to gathering the necessary materials to set up a crude lean-to on the deck for himself and the rest of the Thorns.
Then when all is secure, he casts off, calling out commands to his friends as he navigates through the busy harbor.
Josef would have been proud of Ruprecht's piloting skills as he maneuvers the Lucky Lady out of the huge harbor into the mighty River Reik. Ruprecht turns the barge south and has the sails unfurled as you pull away from the shore. In only a few moments, a favorable wind is pushing the Lady Luck up the Reik. This close to Altdorf the River-Wardens are out in force looking for any suspicious activity.
Late afternoon finds you close to the village of Ocherfell located on the west bank of the Reik. A single large dock juts into the river and a riverside tavern along with a few houses make up the entirety of the village.
For his part, Valghaz did his best to just stay out of the way. This was a nobleman that they were dealing with, which meant that it was best for Landolf and Ruprecht to deal with him. They knew how the upper class operated far better than he did. That, and he had an important task to see to...to ensure that he kept his workspace for making his incendiary. He had no issue with sleeping uptop. He had slept in far worse conditions. And he had no problems with working uptop either...far easier to put out a fire there than below deck. He just needed to make sure that he could lay out his tools, and could create enough covering to keep his work dry.
When the Count made his round and came to Valghaz, he answered the man's questions as best he could and remained civil. When given the chance though, he said:
"Y'know, I do have a question for ye as well. Y'see, I'm a Templar." It felt strange saying it out loud, but he figured that he had to get used to it. "Cult o' Sigmar has asked me to look into a noblewoman. One Etelka Herzen. Is there anythin' ye could tell me about the lass, or if nay, about her family?"
Count Boorman rubs his chin thoughtfully as he listens to Valghaz. He honestly seems delighted to listen to Valghaz. "A Templar? How wonderful! Your clan must be very proud. I'm afraid that this Herzen's name does not sound familiar. Do you know where she lives?" Assuming Valghaz explains that she lives in Grissenwald near Nuln, Boorman will say "Grissenwald, eh? Smallish town on the Reik. Close to the Black Peaks. Good bit of river traffic. Pay their taxes in full and on time. Used to be a mine near there in the Black Peaks. If I remember correctly, and I always do, ha,"Boorman laughs and waits a moment for Valghaz to join in then continues, "a group of dwarfs actually bought the mine several decades ago. As far as I know they're still there. Maybe they know this Herzen...seems like they'd be honor bound to aid a Templar, eh?"
Krizta stays busy helping with the barge, trying to find a balance where she is as helpful as possible and in the way as little as possible.
Count Boorman notices the pin on Krizta's clothing. "Oh my, a bounty-hunter! How fascinating. Have you captured anyone of note? Are you on a case now? Say, if you see my name on a bounty how about giving me a head start, haha" Boorman says laughing. Rolanda stands behind the count and rolls her eyes as Boorman makes his joke but doesn't say anything.
Landolf watched with a measure of unease as the ship was loaded. Just a few months ago his chosen profession would have had him heavily involved in such a task and it still felt wrong to just stand to the side. He'd be in his work clothes soon, helping guide the barge out of harbor. He had thought himself a man of two worlds back then when he left home for Ubersreik, and he didn't figure that would be changing anytime soon.
A knot of worry Landolf hadn't realized had been there slowly started to unravel as Count Boorman had arrived. His earlier experience with the man made it clear that he was disappointed to not have finer accommodations, but it seemed he wasn't the sort to spread his displeasure about liberally.
As Count Boorman made his rounds, Landolf found an opportunity to explore a question that had been nagging at him. He was uncomfortable exposing a weakness of his family to the Count but found some reassurance in the man's display of confidence and ability. "While we were delayed by the riots, I spoke with one of the men I met about a company that purchased an old bond that my family owes. I'd been hoping to negotiate with them, as the terms of the debt have grown stale. He seemed troubled about it but wouldn't say more. Are you familiar with Sedersberg, Hansberg & Co?"
After greeting Count Boorman, Landolf excused himself to change into his working clothes before helping Ruprecht construct the shelter on deck & guide the Lucky Lady away from the docks.
Boorman leans close and lowers his voice. "Only rumors, dear boy, only rumors but supposedly Hansberg is not quite the upright citizen he portrays. In fact, he's supposed to be quite a man with the ladies, such a man in fact that the story is that he's married," Boorman pauses for dramatic effect, "to more than one woman. That sort of thing may be acceptable elsewhere but not in the Empire. But like I said, rumors only"
Boorman spends a few minutes watching Landolf work on the barge and says to Rolanda in a voice loud enough for Landolf to overhear, "it's good to see a nobleman that actually knows how to work. Empire needs more of them, eh?"
Yvonne helped guide the stevedores to stow the Count's luggage on board the ship and noted his businesslike demeanor. It was always a relief when the nobility displayed some competence.
As the work continued however, she realized with some annoyance that some of the Count's entourage would be joining them. Landolf had only told her about the one passenger and their supplies wouldn't last with extra mouths to feed.
Which was why a servant needed their nobles to be competent. Society's upper crust would forget things like "how many people will be on the barge" even on their best days.
"Oh my, a bounty-hunter! How fascinating. Have you captured anyone of note? Are you on a case now? Say, if you see my name on a bounty how about giving me a head start."
Krizta smiles.
I am indeed on a case, sir. I'm looking into a kidnapping. We rescued the kidnapped woman already, but I seek the person who ordered it, so that he won't be tempted to try again.
As to giving you a head start, I'm afraid I can't do that... at least not without a substantial bribe.
She grins to make it clear that she is joking.
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Sigmar provides!
SL +1
Adeladia spends some time fishing, and manages to catch something, praising Sigmar for every fish caught.
She uses this small, quieter time to reflect on how much (and how fast!) her live has changed in a few weeks worth.
For his part, Valghaz knew how to fend for himself on extended trips into the mines. There he knew how to find, catch and prepare blind cave fish. He figured that this couldn’t be too different...at least he could help.
Sadly, catching cave fish was very different than fishing on a river. Still, at least he learned something...
Boorman spends a few minutes watching Landolf work on the barge and says to Rolanda in a voice loud enough for Landolf to overhear, "it's good to see a nobleman that actually knows how to work. Empire needs more of them, eh?"
Ruprecht overheard Boorman's observation from where he was securing a line up on the mast. Seeing, as the nobleman had, that Landolf was occupied with something else, and no one else was handy, called out good-naturedly to Boorman, "M'Lord, if you may toss up that rope at your feet! We could use another 'working' nobleman ! "
A part of Ruprecht's mind that was still devoted to his previous ambitions was aghast at his own temerity, but the rest reveled in the insouciance of his statement!
Krizta attempts to help with the fishing
but sadly fails miserably.
"Oh my, a bounty-hunter! How fascinating. Have you captured anyone of note? Are you on a case now? Say, if you see my name on a bounty how about giving me a head start."Krizta smiles.
I am indeed on a case, sir. I'm looking into a kidnapping. We rescued the kidnapped woman already, but I seek the person who ordered it, so that he won't be tempted to try again.
As to giving you a head start, I'm afraid I can't do that... at least not without a substantial bribe.
She grins to make it clear that she is joking.
”HA!” Boorman exclaims, ”a bribe! Quite droll young lady”
Sigmar provides!
[dice=Outdoor survival +20 ( 53)]1d100 SL +1
Adeladia spends some time fishing, and manages to catch something, praising Sigmar for every fish caught.
She uses this small, quieter time to reflect on how much (and how fast!) her live has changed in a few weeks worth.
Boorman watches Adelaida fish for a few minutes. ”Quite well done, young Priestess. Sigmar was quite an outstanding outdoorsman you know.”
For his part, Valghaz knew how to fend for himself on extended trips into the mines. There he knew how to find, catch and prepare blind cave fish. He figured that this couldn’t be too different...at least he could help.
[dice=Forgot to add the actual roll!]1d100
Sadly, catching cave fish was very different than fishing on a river. Still, at least he learned something...
Boorman gives a sad sounding ”Tut, tut...patience Templar...patience is the key to river fishing. Note how still your friend holds her pole. No movement at all.”
Boorman spends a few minutes watching Landolf work on the barge and says to Rolanda in a voice loud enough for Landolf to overhear, "it's good to see a nobleman that actually knows how to work. Empire needs more of them, eh?"Ruprecht overheard Boorman's observation from where he was securing a line up on the mast. Seeing, as the nobleman had, that Landolf was occupied with something else, and no one else was handy, called out good-naturedly to Boorman, "M'Lord, if you may toss up that rope at your feet! We could use another 'working' nobleman ! "
A part of Ruprecht's mind that was still devoted to his previous ambitions was aghast at his own temerity, but the rest reveled in the insouciance of his statement!
[dice=Charm:46]1d100
Boorman arches an eyebrow at Ruprecht’s order but then tosses up the rope.
When the crew of the Lucky Lady finds a quieter moment on the river, Landolf tries to get their attention.
"We've never formally recognized Krizta as part of the crew, but she is still here and helping out. I don't guess that there is any use to letting things go on without setting the record straight. I think I can speak for everyone involved to welcome you as part of the crew and, if you'll have us, as a member of the Black Thorns as well." He pauses to allow others to speak.
After everyone has had their say, Landolf continues. "We don't have much of an initiation unless you want to be arrested, I guess. Not much of a uniform either, and what we do have we can't get more of," he says as he gestures toward the Morr Rose pinned to his clothing. "Telling someone who we are is probably harder than just explaining how we got here. Probably no one of us can tell the whole story well and I guess I'll introduce myself first."
"My full name is Landolf Gersun von Ubersreik, and my family's estate is a ways up Grey Lady Pass. It'd be rude to call my family poor, but my great-grandfather Nikolaus put us in deeply in debt before my mother was born and our finances have been sunk ever since. I left home hoping to ply the rivers with the Navy or something along those lines. Instead, I walked right into a riot in Ubersreik and met this lot in prison. We got sentenced to work for the Watch for something we didn't do and had to work under this cretin named Rudi Klumpenklug. That guy was a piece of work—as rotten as they come and still out there somewhere. We served under him for a few months until we happened into his dirty laundry, proved our innocence & got released from our duties in Ubersreik. After that, we just hung together."
"That skips over something relevant I guess. While we were working in Ubersreik, we came across signs that a vampire had taken nest in the city. We knew were weren't equipped to fight their sort, so we sought out a priest of Morr named Father Burke for help. He took us down with them to corner the beast, and helped us put it down. Got lucky that time, I figure. Later on we helped him out of a jam and he gave us these metallic roses as a reward. I guess it stuck with us, and we chose the name we did when we decided to stick it out after Ubersreik."
"After everything that happened in Ubersreik, I decided to put aside my sailing plans. Look where that got me, right? Anyway, I'm working to see if I can do something about my great-grandfather's debt when I can. From what I learned over the last few weeks, it sounds like I'll need to head back to Ubersreik if I'm going to find someone to negotiate with. It sounds like we've got a troublemaker to track down, but if we find a way to go through Ubersreik again, that would be welcome."