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In Grissenwald, Adelaida tries to buy a bow. Maybe the nigtmare affects her more deeply than she would admit, as she manages to offend the merchant, who asks for a bigger price than usual in retaliation.
Wanting to appease the woman, who despite her short temper is an honest and pious citizen of the Empire, no doubt about it, Adelaida pays the asked price, and promise to praise her bowmaking skills on Kemperbad Marketpatz next days.
Krizta is tired after climbing up all those steps, and is glad to learn that they are getting a free dinner.
She goes to look for a bow, finds one, and notes how much it costs, then goes to Landolf and asks for that much. If he gives it to her, she goes back to buy it. It feels horrible to her to have to beg for things like this, still, but she realizes that she is being prideful and that she needs to understand that her life hasn't actually changed that much. At least she isn't putting her parents in danger.
"If that shield is important to your people Valghaz, we can see to its safety until you can deliver it properly. Do you know who might be able to help you with that? Would any of the clans in Altdorf be able to help, or would we need to look further afield?"
"How should we go about protecting it? If the shield is as valuable as you describe, I doubt we'd be able to see to its safety properly. Our best bet might be to keep it hidden."
*
Landolf suggests talking to the dockworkers and harbormaster. Bribes might be needed, but we haven't noted Etelka for subtelty yet and they might remember her. Landolf is probably too well-dressed to easily get the stevedores to talk.
Landolf's plan is to try inns the nobility might frequent and, when he hears about it, to find out more about the trial by combat. Even if the trial isn't related to Etelka, she might be attracted by the disturbance in some way.
"Good to see you again, Herr Scheck. It would be an honor to spend the evening with Count Boorman. Thank you."
"If that shield is important to your people Valghaz, we can see to its safety until you can deliver it properly. Do you know who might be able to help you with that? Would any of the clans in Altdorf be able to help, or would we need to look further afield?"
"How should we go about protecting it? If the shield is as valuable as you describe, I doubt we'd be able to see to its safety properly. Our best bet might be to keep it hidden."
*
Landolf suggests talking to the dockworkers and harbormaster. Bribes might be needed, but we haven't noted Etelka for subtelty yet and they might remember her. Landolf is probably too well-dressed to easily get the stevedores to talk.
Landolf's plan is to try inns the nobility might frequent and, when he hears about it, to find out more about the trial by combat. Even if the trial isn't related to Etelka, she might be attracted by the disturbance in some way.
"Good to see you again, Herr Scheck. It would be an honor to spend the evening with Count Boorman. Thank you."
As a Landolf goes from inn to inn, he’s approached by a shifty looking character who looks around to make sure no one is listening and then in a low voice he says, ” What have you done with Kastor, and where is the money? Our patience wears thin.” With that, the man slips into an alley and disappears from sight.
At the Emperor’s Rest, which claims to have had Wilhelm III as a guest 80 years ago, the desk clerk seems to have some sort of a memory about a noblewoman that matches the description you gave but seems reluctant to say anything else. However, he does hold out his hand slightly and nods towards you and then the palm of his hand.
The upcoming trial by combat is the talk of the town. It seems that Baron Eberhardt von Dammenblatz, a noble of some distinction from Wissenburg, has accused Gravin Maria-Ulrike von Liebwitz of Ambosstein, niece of Grand Countess Emmanuelle I, elector of Nuln, of the murder of his father Baron Otto von Dammenblatz. Baron Otto died during a party thrown by the Grand Countess. The younger Baron claims that the Gravin either killed his father with poison or by witchcraft. The Gravin claims that Otto drank himself unconscious, slumped face-first into a punch bowl, and drowned.
The case would normally have been heard in Nuln, the site of the party, but Baron Eberhardt appealed successfully to move the trial to a neutral location. After some legal wrangling, Eberhardt’s lawyers managed to persuade the magistrates of the free town of Kemperbad to hear the case.
In a counter move, the Gravin successfully petitioned to invoke her ancient right of trial by combat. Both nobles, their entourages and their champions have arrived in Kemperbad and all seems set for the trial tomorrow.
The giving and receiving of gifts is an long-standing and time-honored tradition in the Empire.
Sensing that Krizta is bothered to ask him for money, Landolf asks her to sit down with him for a moment. "You are a member of the Black Thorns now, Krizta. I hope you understand that I'm not giving you this money as part of some noblesse oblige, because we feel sorry for you or even really because you've earned it. That would be pay and, come to think of it, we should give everyone a cut soon. This money is to ensure you are well outfitted for perils ahead, like a soldier receiving powder for their rifle. He doesn't have to pay for that and he doesn't have to beg."
The giving and receiving of gifts is an long-standing and time-honored tradition in the Empire.
dice=Bribery 46]1d100
The clerk makes the shillings disappear so smoothly it as if he was never bribed.
Speaking in a normal tone of voice, ”My apologies my lord but Lady Etelka Herzen and her cat checked out of the inn two days ago. Of course, her Ladyship was accompanied by her personal physician, Doktor Ernst Heidlemann. I was a bit surprised when I overheard them mention traveling to Unterbaum. I thought I knew all of the worthwhile sites around here but Unterbaum is a mystery to me.”
Unterbaum...did that sound familiar? Or Doktor Heidlemann?
"Thank you. I'd dearly like to catch up with the Lady...did she stay long here? It sounds as though she was going to depart as soon as she checked out, correct?"
He needed to find the others. The ear-pulling men, or some odd variation of them, were back.
Seems to me that a soldier like that has to shoot who he's told to shoot, whether or not he agrees with it. And maybe life is just that way, but you know what, nevermind. I actually think I can make do with the Goblin bow I picked up. Thanks anyway.
... I'm not part of the Black Thorns. I'm trying to help you, and make it worth your while and earn my keep, but we're doing the things that you need to do, and following your path. If I were a real member, then you would have taken me seriously about the Skaven and would have listened to me about tracking down Elvyra's kidnapper rather than leaving him to strike again.
I truly appreciate the opportunity to travel with you, but I'm not your soldier.
Krizta walks away, more determined than ever to make it on her own and stop begging for things. She just wasn't sure how. She would have to go back to being a flagellant if she left now, so she needed to stay... if they let her after that. She *also* needed to learn to keep her mouth shut.
Valghaz listened to Kirizta and shook his head. "Lass." He called out. "Ye weren't part of the Thorns then, but ye've earned a spot now."
"Trust a'int easy to get, and to be one of us it is earned with mutual blood. Our hand is out to join us, aye? Besides, if I'm to trust me life in yer hands, I'd prefer ye not to rely on a grobi bow."
Unterbaum...did that sound familiar? Or Doktor Heidlemann?
[dice=Lore (Reikland) 33]1d100
"Thank you. I'd dearly like to catch up with the Lady...did she stay long here? It sounds as though she was going to depart as soon as she checked out, correct?"
He needed to find the others. The ear-pulling men, or some odd variation of them, were back.
The clerk says Etelka stayed about 5 days at the inn. ”I could always ask the other staff if they might have information that would help you catch up with your friend,” the clerk says as he again subtlety hold out an empty hand.
Landolf remembers hearing the name Unterbaum when he was forced by a tutor to learn the villages of Talabecland as a child.
[ooc]Aubster: can I have a counter Haggle roll to know how much I must pay for the bow? Do I have to buy arrows separately?[/b]
That wasn't... She really doesn't like me.
Landolf sighed and turned to Valghaz. "It's past time we split up our earnings some. Let's not forget to do that before we leave town. Tonight hopefully."
"Oh, right...someone asked me where Kastor and the money were, then vanished. The ear-pulling men are back."
There was still time before dinner. Maybe the Temple of Verena could help.
Valghaz slapped Landolf on the back. "Worry not. Either she'll come around, or she'll leave. Hopefully the former, but ye can't force these things. And as for those mysterious fookers? At least we now know that it's about money. If they try something, we'll kill them, aye?"
"There's a chance those men are associated with Etelka in some way. Not many should know the name Kastor and associate it with a lot of money. If we see them again, tell them we have the money and where to meet us."
"Hopefully Count Boorman will be able to shed some light on all of this."
dice=Haggling, Bow (45)]1d100In Grissenwald, Adelaida tries to buy a bow. Maybe the nigtmare affects her more deeply than she would admit, as she manages to offend the merchant, who asks for a bigger price than usual in retaliation.
Wanting to appease the woman, who despite her short temper is an honest and pious citizen of the Empire, no doubt about it, Adelaida pays the asked price, and promise to praise her bowmaking skills on Kemperbad Marketpatz next days.
Somehow the merchant manages to convince Adelaida that the bow she’s buying is special and he is only willing to sell it for 5 Crowns and 10 Shillings . He is willing to throw in a quiver of arrows (12) at the normal price of 5 Shillings.
That wasn't... She really doesn't like me.
Landolf sighed and turned to Valghaz. "It's past time we split up our earnings some. Let's not forget to do that before we leave town. Tonight hopefully."
"Oh, right...someone asked me where Kastor and the money were, then vanished. The ear-pulling men are back."
There was still time before dinner. Maybe the Temple of Verena could help.
For a reasonable donation an initiate is made available to answer questions and look in the library’s standard reference books.
After only a couple of minutes searching, the initiate returns with a map of Talabecland and points out the location of Unterbaum. ”See here my lord, Unterbaum lies at the confluence of the River Stir and the River Narn. There’s a majestic waterfall there I hear.”
Dinner with Count Boorman
The Count has rented out a large, private dining room in one of the finest establishments in Kemperbad, The Black Truffle. As the owner of the dining establishment escorts you to the private dining room you pass many of the powerful of Kemberbad busy with their meals in the main dining room. Some of the diners look at you in puzzlement, some in disgust at your lack of fashionable clothing and some are obviously angry with you since you inflicted Count Boorman on their town.
At the door of the private dining room, you are greeted by your host, "Ah my friends, my friends, come, come, there's food and drink to suit any palate." Indeed a veritable feast covers the dining table with roasted meats and fish to fresh vegetables and fresh fruits that must have been imported from the south. There's enough food to fill the tummies of a dozen halflings so more than enough for you and the count. In addition to the food, there are wines and other spirits and many different beers to try, including an entire cask of Bugmannn's Best.
The count is a wonderful host and ask questions to each of you to make sure that you are well. He honestly seems to care about the answer. He talks about his time on your barge playing at being a riverman and exclaims that was the most fun he's had in years. He regales you with a long story about his work to get the tax situation in Kemperbad sorted. He appears well pleased with the outcome though he mentions that some of the wealthy merchants in town are not nearly as happy after looking at their new tax bills.
Once the food is cleared away, Boorman dismisses the waiters and other restaurant staff and relies on his own men. His footmen guard the doors into the room to make sure you are not disturbed. His valet is positioned by the windows to spot any potential eavesdroppers.
Once the watchers signal that you will be able to talk in private, Boorman gestures to a group of overstuffed leather chairs placed in a semi-circle around a fireplace and asks you to take a seat. He pours glasses of brandy for each of you and then one for himself and settles down into the last empty chair.
"Noble Sir Landolf, Blessed Adelaida, Knight Valghaz and Miss Krizta, I fear that I had an ulterior motive to asking all of you to dinner. You have no doubt heard about the trial by combat tomorrow, yes? Then you may have also heard that the Gravin Maria-Ulrike von Liebwitz of Ambosstein has been charged with the murder of Baron von Dammenblatz. The Gravin has invoked her ancient rite of trial by combat and has brought a very large man named Bruno Franke to stand in for her during the combat. He is an excellent choice and I have no doubt that he will defeat the champion of Baron Eberhardt von Dammenblatz in a fair combat." The Count pauses here to drink from his brandy glass and to see if you have any questions so far,
After a moment he continues, "politically this trial is difficult for the Emperor. The von Dammenblatz family is just the type of family that he needs to maintain good relations with as the are related by marriage to at least a dozen noble houses in the Reik. However, the Gravin is the beloved niece of the Elector of Nuln, Grand Countess Emmanuelle I. The Grand Countess has been important ally to the Emperor and if her niece is killed on the orders of magistrates in the Reik it could well break the alliance of his majesty and the Grand Countess."
Boorman takes another sip of brandy again allowing you to ask questions and then continues. "I am the official representative of his majesty and therefore must appear completely neutral in this matter. All I want is a fair fight which I believe Bruno will win easily, if, if, he's allowed to do so. No one else except the Gravin, Bruno and the Gravin's lawyer know that there have been three seperate attempts on Bruno's life during the journey from Nuln. None of the perpatrators were caught so are still on the loose. As a representative of his most Holy Majesty, Karl Franz, I request your assistance tomorrow to make sure that the two champions are able to have a man to man fight without outside interference. Will you do it?"
Earlier in the day, Landolf tried to find a buyer for some of the odds and ends the Black Thorns had picked up.
Landolf does a good job of presenting the valuables for sale, but he's also in a hurry to make the dinner with Count Boorman and is outmaneuvered.
At dinner, when they are asked to prevent interference Krizta asks
How does this trial by combat work as a replacement for a normal trial? Is it assumed that the gods will interfere on the behalf of the innocent party and allow the other to be killed? If the champion loses, does the accused... or the accuser... also lose his life? I'd like to understand it more before I commit.
If we're leaving it in the hands of the gods, then I'm okay with that, but it seems hard to say what the Gods have in mind, or whether they are working through someone else, if we don't actually know who is in the right.
Let the gods decide which champion must win. We will do our utmost to keep Bruno alive until the contest. Foul play to eliminate the competition shouldn't be tolerated. Do you have reasons to think the Von Dammenplatz might be behind these attacks, if you don't mind me asking, Count Borman?
Earlier in the day, Landolf tried to find a buyer for some of the odds and ends the Black Thorns had picked up.
dice=Landolf Haggle 41 +10 Yvonne assist]1d100
Landolf does a good job of presenting the valuables for sale, but he's also in a hurry to make the dinner with Count Boorman and is outmaneuvered.
** spoiler omitted **
Yvonne has bought silver place settings for the estate and knows it costs about a Crown per plate and 2 Crowns for each set of Cutlery and 2 Crowns for the salt and pepper shaker set. She also knows that a decent Gold bracelet costs about 2 Crowns and a gold necklace about 1 Crown.
The merchant looks through what you’ve brought him. ”Hmmm…12 silver plates and 12 sets of silver cutlery. Don’t really get a call for a silver service like this very often. Silver salt and Pepper Shakers…Going to be difficult for me to find a buyer. Let’s say 17 Crowns for the lot. For the jewelry I’ll go as high as, hmmm…11 Crowns. Altogether that’d be 28 Crowns. Doubt you could get a better offer than that.”
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At dinner, when they are asked to prevent interference Krizta asks
How does this trial by combat work as a replacement for a normal trial? Is it assumed that the gods will interfere on the behalf of the innocent party and allow the other to be killed? If the champion loses, does the accused... or the accuser... also lose his life? I'd like to understand it more before I commit.
If we're leaving it in the hands of the gods, then I'm okay with that, but it seems hard to say what the Gods have in mind, or whether they are working through someone else, if we don't actually know who is in the right.
Boorman pats his full belly and leans back in his chair…he spends a moment in thought then says, ”right good questions miss. The trial by combat is a vestige of our tribal past. You’re right, it is accepted that Sigmar guarantees the champion of the appropriate side to win the fight. In this case, since it’s a murder trial and the Gravin has been accused of Witchcraft, if her champion loses the witch hunters will take her for questioning about her cult and then burn her at the stake. If the champion of the Gravin wins, then the Baron must pay all of the costs incurred by the Gravin for the trial.”
”Once the contest begins then Sigmar’s judgement is to be made without an attempt from us to alter the outcome, But killing the champion of the accused before the contest starts isn’t a sign of Sigmar’s judgement, it’s just murder.”
Let the gods decide which champion must win. We will do our utmost to keep Bruno alive until the contest. Foul play to eliminate the competition shouldn't be tolerated. Do you have reasons to think the Von Dammenplatz might be behind these attacks, if you don't mind me asking, Count Borman?
”I believe that the Baron will go to any lengths to win the court case, up to and including murdering the Gravin’s champion.”
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Adelaida smiles as she sees the count patting his belly
I do apologise, Baron, I forgot to properly thank you for this excellent meal. My gratitude for your hospitality, and may Sigmar bless your House.
After a few seconds spend thinking, the warrior priest adds
Is Von Dammenplatz known as a cheater, someone for whom the result is more important than the means? Did he has specific interest, outside this trial, in bringing the Gravin's down, or at least to dishonor her? I'm only a young woman, whose mother brought into the Empire at an even younger age. Now my maman is dead and buried, but to honor her memory I am eager to serve and defend the Empire and its law abiding citizens. Knowing you speak for the Emperor Karl-Franz, blessed be his name, is enough for me to consider your words as an order. But I have no knowledge about the nobility. I've been a grunt on the training grounds of the Empire's army, I've seen a few battles, but it seems to me the upper classes don't use the same weapons I did. So to better defend the champion, I must understand what to expect. I'm sure Bruno can defend himself in one-on-one combat, so the attacks will be more subtle. Could poison be involved? Or worse?
A sip of excellent brandy, and another bust of words
It doesn't add, strategically. Consider Bruno a citadel. If you want to tear it down, you don't bring another citadel. You bring too many soldiers to overwhelm its defenses. So Bruno won't be attacked by a lone killer, but by many, from many places at the same time. Or by some treacherous way he can't defend himself from, like a crossbow bolt by an expert shooter. Could Von Dammenplatz pay someone from the Gravin's entourage to betray her? If he's so duplicious, maybe he'll use a simpler tactic: attack his own champion, and put the blame on the Gravin. Would that work?
Despite herself, Adelaida smiles even more
Sorry. I didn't thought I could have so many ideas in my poor little head, and that I would dare to speak so freely and so much in front of such an highly estimed person. Maybe my dedication to Sigmar emboldened me. Maybe the brandy is to blame too, at least a little.
Krizta doesn't interrupt Adelaida (or anyone), but when she has a chance she says
Thank you, sir, for answering my questions. I am committed to help as you request, and will endeavor to protect the contest so as to leave it in Sigmar's hands rather than another's.
For his part, the questions all just washed over him. Valghaz enjoyed the meal, and the drink, savoring abit of good living for once. When the time came, as interjected with questions of his own.
Who is the champion they will be protecting?
Does the champion know of this arrangement?
Is their role known to said champion?
Three questions that would determine how they could go about this task.
Adelaida smiles as she sees the count patting his belly
I do apologise, Baron, I forgot to properly thank you for this excellent meal. My gratitude for your hospitality, and may Sigmar bless your House.
After a few seconds spend thinking, the warrior priest adds
Is Von Dammenplatz known as a cheater, someone for whom the result is more important than the means? Did he has specific interest, outside this trial, in bringing the Gravin's down, or at least to dishonor her? I'm only a young woman, whose mother brought into the Empire at an even younger age. Now my maman is dead and buried, but to honor her memory I am eager to serve and defend the Empire and its law abiding citizens. Knowing you speak for the Emperor Karl-Franz, blessed be his name, is enough for me to consider your words as an order. But I have no knowledge about the nobility. I've been a grunt on the training grounds of the Empire's army, I've seen a few battles, but it seems to me the upper classes don't use the same weapons I did. So to better defend the champion, I must understand what to expect. I'm sure Bruno can defend himself in one-on-one combat, so the attacks will be more subtle. Could poison be involved? Or worse?
A sip of excellent brandy, and another bust of words
It doesn't add, strategically. Consider Bruno a citadel. If you want to tear it down, you don't bring another citadel. You bring too many soldiers to overwhelm its defenses. So Bruno won't be attacked by a lone killer, but by many, from many places at the same time. Or by some treacherous way he can't defend himself from, like a crossbow bolt by an expert shooter. Could Von Dammenplatz pay someone from the Gravin's entourage to betray her? If he's so duplicious, maybe he'll use a simpler tactic: attack his own champion, and put the blame on the Gravin. Would that work?Despite herself, Adelaida smiles even more
Sorry. I didn't thought I could have so many ideas in my poor little head, and that I would dare to speak so freely and...
"It's said that Baron Otto von Dammenblatz was a conniving old," the Count pauses for a second remembering he is talking to one the Blessed, "umm...old man and that his son is 10 times worse. I believe that Baron Eberhardt vin Dammenblatz is trying to erase the shame of having a father drown in a punch bowl. He cares not a bit about the ramifications of the Gravin being burned at the stake. You are probably aware that there is a great rivalry in Nuln between the churches of Sigmar and Verena. Having a Witch-Hunter of Sigmar kill the beloved niece of the Elector of Nuln could be catastrophic but Eberhardt either isn't smart enough to realize that or stupid enough to not care." The Count gives a sad shake of his head and then says, "Eberhardt would use any method to win this judgement including poison, an arrow in the back, blackmail, hiring a turncoat or any other underhanded scheme he can come up with."
Krizta doesn't interrupt Adelaida (or anyone), but when she has a chance she says
Thank you, sir, for answering my questions. I am committed to help as you request, and will endeavor to protect the contest so as to leave it in Sigmar's hands rather than another's.
"Sigmar's blessing on you, young lady. Your attitude speaks well for you."
For his part, the questions all just washed over him. Valghaz enjoyed the meal, and the drink, savoring abit of good living for once. When the time came, as interjected with questions of his own.
Who is the champion they will be protecting?
Does the champion know of this arrangement?
Is their role known to said champion?Three questions that would determine how they could go about this task.
"Bruno Franke, the Gravin's champion, is a tower of muscle. He's actually a likeable fellow and always smiling." The Count lowers his voice and says, "unfortunately, all that muscle fills his head too, so he's not the sharpest dagger."
"No, Bruno does not know about this effort. He would almost certainly blurt out the plan while arm-wrestling is some seedy bar. The Gravin and her lawyer, Gustav Rechtshandler, do know that I am working behind the scenes to get Bruno to the trial by combat in one piece. If you are willing to perform this service, I will have my valet inform the Gravin."
”Nay the easiest of jobs. Given his martial skill, it’s his food and drink that are likely the biggest concern. First thing first, he should have a taste tester. Is that…a profession here in the Empire?” Valghaz asked. ”Heard that there’s even a guild for that down in Tilea. That, and I’d reckon that when he sleeps he’ll be vulnerable. So we’ll need to set a watch around his room.”
Valghaz scratched his head. ”And if we can keep him holed up until the fight in a safe place, all the better. Somewhere without too many windows that a sniper could shoot through….”
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”Nay the easiest of jobs. Given his martial skill, it’s his food and drink that are likely the biggest concern. First thing first, he should have a taste tester. Is that…a profession here in the Empire?” Valghaz asked. ”Heard that there’s even a guild for that down in Tilea. That, and I’d reckon that when he sleeps he’ll be vulnerable. So we’ll need to set a watch around his room.”
Valghaz scratched his head. ”And if we can keep him holed up until the fight in a safe place, all the better. Somewhere without too many windows that a sniper could shoot through….”
”He’s spending the night along with the rest of the Gravin’s retinue at an inn outside town called the Crossed Keys. Mayhaps you all could get rooms there for tonight to make sure no shenanigans happen. Of course the Crown, that is to say me, will reimburse you for expenses and pay the group a fee of let’s say 25 Crowns for your time tonight and through the contest tomorrow. Is that acceptable?”
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Good pay for a day and a night's worth of work, Valghaz thought. Even if it wasn't going to be easy work, the compensation reflected that. If nobody in the group objected, he voiced his support for the deal.
We will do our utmost to protect Bruno, Count Borrman. Your offer is most generous, but the stakes are high, as we understand
"We will do our utmost to protect Bruno and the Gravin, my lord. For the Empire."
After that matter seems settled, Landolf raises another issue.
"Since we last met, we've learned more about another matter I feel you should know about. We investigated the estate of a noblewoman in Grissenwald that had been taken over by a small band of greenskins in her absence. We managed to slay most of them and run the remainder off."
Krizta was surprised when Yvonne handed her 5 crowns. Money!
They hadn't given her any of the reward from rescuing Elvyra, even though she had gotten that request from the temple herself, and she had just come to expect that she wouldn't be part of it all, which is one of the reasons she had just taken her share of the silver rings when she came across them, but now, maybe, they were treating her like she was part of the group, earning a share. Not as big a share as rich-guy Landolf, she was certain... but still, this was more than she had ever had in her life at any one time.
She'd been wondering if they were going to kick her out for opening her big mouth, but maybe not... maybe they really were trying to make her a part of the group.
She could buy a bow now! Although, she really wasn't that good at bows. She just wanted to be. Maybe some good manacles? New clothes, like ... brand new rather than the ones she had taken from the dead and mended? A bandolier? She'd never had one, but they sure looked cool, and might come in handy. So many possibilities.
She grinned. She wouldn't spend it yet. She had to come up with the perfect things, but it would be fun to think about. For now, a job to do... and one that she would put some extra effort into. Maybe all of this would work out after all. ... If Sigmar willed it, of course.
The Three Feathers is a medium-sized riverside inn, typical of countless similar hostelries to be found along the banks of the Empire's rivers and canals. They are normally spaced about a day's journey apart, providing moorings and accommodation for those travellers who do not care to continue their journey by night.
The inn stands on the riverbank. A ten-foot stone wall extends from the main building all the way to the water. Inside the wall stands the main building, a stables with an attached smithy, and an outhouse. A small landing stage has been built on the riverbank.
As you draw closer, you notice that the place is unusually busy. There is a large coach pulled up outside, and lackeys are busying themselves with various trunks and chests as liveried men-at-arms look on.
Inside, servants are hurrying to and fro, and the innkeeper is engrossed in conversation with a scribe who carries a visibly bulging purse. It is a full ten minutes before you can attract his attention.
‘Welcome,' he says at last, ’I'm sorry to have kept you waiting. We have a distinguished guest tonight, the Gravin Maria-Ulrike von Liebwitz of Ambosstein, no less! I hardly know whether I'm coming or going. Now, then, do you want a room? What am I saying, of course you do! Ah, excuse me again, I'll only be a moment.' You wait for another few minutes as he directs a train of servants to the gravin's rooms .‘So sorry,'he says as he returns to you. ‘It really is mad this evening.'
The common room is almost full as a boisterous crowd eats and drinks. A very large man that you recognize as Bruno Franke sits bare-chested at table, arm-wrestling with one of the guards. Others are gathered round, drinking and shouting encouragement. Bruno wins easily, and will accept any challenge.
Also in the barroom is a grinning Halfling, who sits at a table talking to the Gravin as she fingers a pack of cards. As you enter the room, the Gravin shakes the Halfling's hand, and heads up to her room along with her guards. The Halfling seems delighted and calls out, ”anyone for a friendly game Scarlet Empress?”
The clock on the wall chimes nine times.
Krizta asks her companions quietly
Which one is Bruno? That's the person we're supposed to protect, right?
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"The big guy." Valgahz said. "The one with the barrel sized chest." Eyeing the place up he continued "I'll go say 'ello. Everyone else, case the place out, aye? I don't trust that halfling, and the bartender may well be in the pay of the other side." Walking over to Bruno, he waited until the match was over and said to the man:
"I'm next. Ye need to rest, or ye good to go?"
Krizta takes a seat at the halfling's table where she can also see Bruno , and says
I don't know how to play Scarlet Empress, but I'm willing to learn if you'll teach me.
"I'll play a few hands," Landolf calls out to the halfling's invitation. He moves through the common room toward her, bumping elbows a few times as he goes.
Reaching the table, he introduces himself. "Landolf Gersun von Ubersreik, of the Black Thorns company."
"The big guy." Valgahz said. "The one with the barrel sized chest." Eyeing the place up he continued "I'll go say 'ello. Everyone else, case the place out, aye? I don't trust that halfling, and the bartender may well be in the pay of the other side." Walking over to Bruno, he waited until the match was over and said to the man:
"I'm next. Ye need to rest, or ye good to go?"
Bruno gives a hearty chuckle and says, ”I’ll have plenty of time to rest when I’m dead so let’s go!” Bruno takes a good look at Valghaz’s arms and shoulders and with a big smile says, ”Ach, Ser dwarf, you have the look of a miner about you…but now you dress like one of them fancy knights…there must be a tale to tell…loser buys a bottle of the best swill this place serves and we can swap stories once the wresting is done…good?” Bruno spits in his hand and holds it out for Valghaz to shake before their match begins.
Round 2 is also +11
Round 3 is +7
Round 4 is +5
Strength Test Round 1 (70): 1d100 ⇒ 39 Bruno rolls 39 which is SL +4 and adding his strength bonus he’s total for Round 1 is +11
Strength Test Round 2: 1d100 ⇒ 38 Round 2 is also +11
Strength Test Round 3: 1d100 ⇒ 75 Round 3 is +7
Strength Test Round 4: 1d100 ⇒ 91 Round 4 is +5
5+5=10. Bruno is at 1 and gets adv
3+5=8. Bruno is at 5 and gets adv
-2+5=3 Bruno wins
Valghaz nodded as he sat down. The man before him made the word “large” an understatement. He thought himself fairly strong, but sitting before him he felt such confidence drain. Still, it was his challenge and he wasn’t going to back down! Deciding that he had to end it fast, he put all of his strength into a burst, trying to push the champion’s arm down. Only it was like trying to push over a mountain! Inch by inch his arm was pushed back, until it finally was slammed on the table. With a laugh Valghaz shook his arm to get feeling back into it.
”Well, fook!” He cursed. ”Didn’t know they made manlings this size. Well, a deal’s a deal. Barkeep! Yer best over here!” He called out. ”Name’s Valghaz, Clan Ironhammer. And aye, mining is me clan’s trade, as it was mine. But ended up…well, knighted isn’t the best word. Sworn to the Gods, is more like it. It’s a tale, to be sure. Even has a vampire in it. Tale goes best with strong drink.”
Strength Test Round 1 (70): 1d100 ⇒ 39 Bruno rolls 39 which is SL +4 and adding his strength bonus he’s total for Round 1 is +11
Strength Test Round 2: 1d100 ⇒ 38 Round 2 is also +11
Strength Test Round 3: 1d100 ⇒ 75 Round 3 is +7
Strength Test Round 4: 1d100 ⇒ 91 Round 4 is +51d100 5+5=10. Bruno is at 1 and gets adv
1d100 3+5=8. Bruno is at 5 and gets adv
1d100 -2+5=3 Bruno wins
Valghaz nodded as he sat down. The man before him made the word “large” an understatement. He thought himself fairly strong, but sitting before him he felt such confidence drain. Still, it was his challenge and he wasn’t going to back down! Deciding that he had to end it fast, he put all of his strength into a burst, trying to push the champion’s arm down. Only it was like trying to push over a mountain! Inch by inch his arm was pushed back, until it finally was slammed on the table. With a laugh Valghaz shook his arm to get feeling back into it.
”Well, fook!” He cursed. ”Didn’t know they made manlings this size. Well, a deal’s a deal. Barkeep! Yer best over here!” He called out. ”Name’s Valghaz, Clan Ironhammer. And aye, mining is me clan’s trade, as it was mine. But ended up…well, knighted isn’t the best word. Sworn to the Gods, is more like it. It’s a tale, to be sure. Even has a vampire in it. Tale goes best with strong drink.”
Bruno listens in fascination as Valghaz relates his story. "By Sigmar, Ser Knight, you've had adventures that Gotrek Gurnisson himseld wouldn't be able to top." His Altdorf accent is deep — he explains was born in the imperial capital to parents of Southlander extraction almost forty years ago. He has a distinctive, infectious laugh which bursts out often. By the time you finish the bottle of wine, you probably think that Bruno would have made a good dwarf if he wasn't so freakishly tall.
At what according to the clock on the mantle is 9:10, three travelling scholars come in out of the rain and hang their heavy cloaks and hats by the fire to dry. They book a double-room for the three of them and order three hot meals. They sit at an empty table and keep themselves to their selves.
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Krizta takes a seat at the halfling's table where she can also see Bruno , and says
I don't know how to play Scarlet Empress, but I'm willing to learn if you'll teach me.
The Halfling happily greets both Krizta and Landolf. She introduces herself as Mercinellin Thorncobble but says to call her 'Seedling' like everyone else does. She has impeccable diction, and an upper-class accent that surprises those used to meeting more earthy Halflings.
Seedling explains the rules to Krizta
As Seedling shuffles the cards she tells Krizta a story about the game...In 1923 IC, Count Primus von Bildhofen claimed Scarlet Empress, the card game named after his grandmother, Empress Molrella III, was more popular than Sigmar. Although it arguably cost him his life — as he was burned for heresy just four months later — some believe he may have had a point, as Scarlet Empress is now widely claimed to be the most popular card game in the Old World.
"I'll play a few hands," Landolf calls out to the halfling's invitation. He moves through the common room toward her, bumping elbows a few times as he goes.
Reaching the table, he introduces himself. "Landolf Gersun von Ubersreik, of the Black Thorns company."
"Wonderful Sir Landolf, do you know Miss Krizta? She says she's not played before so watch out for beginner's luck...it might be on her side"
As Seedling handles the cards, she makes pleasant small talk and you both are again struck by how well spoken and charming she is.
If you ask, Seedling is more than happy to tell you that the Gravin has hired her to be a dealer at her next soiree. "Imagine, meeting all the great and famous of Nuln," she says excitedly.