"Even if Klumpenklug was useful, we don't have what we'd need to take on a troll here," Landolf says, agreeing with Valghaz. "Let's get word to the Captain."
"Even if Klumpenklug was useful, we don't have what we'd need to take on a troll here," Landolf says, agreeing with Valghaz. "Let's get word to the Captain."
The rain falls even harder as night deepens. Visibility, even for those with great night vision, is practically nonexistent. Sounds are muffled and distorted. The vast span of the bridge over your heads is lost to sight. Is that a peal of laughter or a scream of pain? What’s the shape looming behind you? Is it getting closer?
After his initial shock, Ruprecht picks himself up and tries to get some of the mud off of his pantaloons.
He begins to get a little unnerved by the rain and dark and trolls...
...but then breathes easier, realizing his eyes and mind were playing tricks.
"I believe our patrol is almost over...we should bring tidings of our discovery to the Captain, I'm sure the disappearances have something to do with this Troll...and the Baron, I'm sure."
Valghaz didn’t like this. He was used to the comfort of rock and stone, where the avenues of approach were limited. Here, the world seemed to stretch on forever. And to make it worse, everything sounded foreign and distorted. How was he supposed to watch his back when it was like this?! It took him a moment to collect himself. He couldn’t panic in front of the umgi. It would be disgraceful.
”Aye. Let’s head there now. If we wait more might die, and any runner we hire wouldn’t be able to get an audience as quickly as us.”
"Aye, let's head home. Nothing good will come of investigating further on a night like this."
What a foreboding omen. Who would have thought that our patrol would come to this?
You all trudge up the hill through the driving rain, soaked to the skin and chilled to the bone completely exhausted. Your barracks, a building for which you normally feel little but distain, viewing it as your jail for the next three years, now looks as warm and inviting as the friendliest tavern you’ve ever visited. You’ve finally finished your long, long day of patrolling. The sentries at the door greet you warmly and let you know that there’s still hot stew, bread and cheese in the barracks kitchen for you.
As you move past them, one of the sentries says, ”there’s some big ceremony at first light tomorrow and we are all expected to be there. Something the Captain’s doing. Just a word of advice, some bigwigs are coming to the barracks so you better be inspection ready. And no offense, but you smell like you fell into an outhouse.”
You have time to either eat and get a couple of hours of sleep or skip sleeping and try to get your uniforms clean and dry and your gear ready for inspection.
Whichever you choose, a bit before sunrise Sergeant Klumpenklug comes into your bunk room to make sure you’re awake and ready for the ceremony. ”RISE AND SHINE SQUIBS! Big day today, get squared away and out into the courtyard in front of the barracks pronto...MOVE IT!”
Exactly at sunrise, a drummer begins a quick step beat and the entire watch, officers and men as well as some of the officers from the Altdorf army garrison line up in front of the barracks. Captain Pfeffer marches to the front of the formation, does a smooth about face and looks the entire Watch over.
”Ladies and Gentlemen of the Watch and distinguished guests from the garrison, it is not often that we are able to recognize one of our own for conspicuous gallantry and service in the defense of Ubersreik and its citizens. It is no secret that the Watch has been divided since the unfortunate events necessary to put down the pending rebellion of Jungfreuds. I myself was forced to temporarily transfer to the Watch to oversee it during these troubling times. There is one holdover of the old Watch who stayed loyal to the Emperor and has shown much loyalty to me during this transition. It is now come to our attention that this man has also performed outstanding deeds of valor in the past few days. Specifically, he personally and with great peril to himself rescued trapped citizens during the tenement fire of a few days ago. In addition, he was able to save a merchant and the merchant’s Docker’s Guild colleagues that were being threatened by a mob of ruffians. Finally he single handedly broke up a gang of purse snatchers that were terrorizing the Docks market. For these actions, it is my sincere pleasure to present Sergeant Rudi Klumpenklug with this medal of valor and a purse of silver shillings. Sergeant Klumpenklug, the Watch salutes you.” With that, your sergeant marches out of the formation to join the Captain who pins the medal on his chest and hands him the purse. There is polite applause from those around you. ”Watch Dismissed!” a corporal calls out and the crowd disperses.
Valghaz was blearily eyed, for he had stayed up to ensure that he was inspection ready. Not that it required too much work, for he didn’t have a uniform as such, but rather just an armband. But the point was that he was tired, unhappy, and most importantly, he had a job to do. And fook the sergeant, but he refused to go through the man. So the second they were dismissed he made a line straight for the captain. He didn’t rightly care about who was around, so long as he could say what he needed to say. He charged off alone as well, so if he got his ear chewed off, it would at least only fall on him.
”C’ptn! Oi! It’s me, err...Valghaz Ironhammer. Only been here few days, so sorry if this isn’t proper etiquette or whatnot. But there is news for yer ears, as this may not just be a matter for the watch, and it can’t wait. There’s a river troll in town, and it’s eating people.” He quickly continued ”Y’see, sarnt
Klumpenklug told us don’t ever go under the bridge, as it’s the Baron’s territory and any watchman who goes there will end up dead. But a wee lad said his pa was missing, so me and the lads went to investigate none the less. That’s when we found out about the troll. Now, I don’t know about river trolls. But rock trolls can rip apart a dwarf in full armor with their bare hands, and their vomit can even melt gromril. So I’ve come to ye right fast as I could. Any delay in doing so will mean more deaths...and more people saying that the watch doesn’t care ‘bout them being eaten.”
Valghaz was blearily eyed, for he had stayed up to ensure that he was inspection ready. Not that it required too much work, for he didn’t have a uniform as such, but rather just an armband. But the point was that he was tired, unhappy, and most importantly, he had a job to do. And fook the sergeant, but he refused to go through the man. So the second they were dismissed he made a line straight for the captain. He didn’t rightly care about who was around, so long as he could say what he needed to say. He charged off alone as well, so if he got his ear chewed off, it would at least only fall on him.
[dice=Charm]1d100-21
”C’ptn! Oi! It’s me, err...Valghaz Ironhammer. Only been here few days, so sorry if this isn’t proper etiquette or whatnot. But there is news for yer ears, as this may not just be a matter for the watch, and it can’t wait. There’s a river troll in town, and it’s eating people.” He quickly continued ”Y’see, sarnt
Klumpenklug told us don’t ever go under the bridge, as it’s the Baron’s territory and any watchman who goes there will end up dead. But a wee lad said his pa was missing, so me and the lads went to investigate none the less. That’s when we found out about the troll. Now, I don’t know about river trolls. But rock trolls can rip apart a dwarf in full armor with their bare hands, and their vomit can even melt gromril. So I’ve come to ye right fast as I could. Any delay in doing so will mean more deaths...and more people saying that the watch doesn’t care ‘bout them being eaten.”
”A river TROLL in Ubersreik?? Really?” the Captain says as she rolls her eyes. ”I want to see your entire squad of convicts, in my office, in two hours!”
Two hours later you all find yourselves in Captain Pfeffer office. The Captain is seated behind her desk and your sergeant stands to her right besides the desk, both of them facing the five of you. The Captain nods to Rudi who shouts, ”Explain yourselves! What’s all this nonsense you’re pestering the Captain with!?!”
In the two hours prior, Valghaz was bemused. ”Why is the captain so surprised at a river troll being in a river? I just don’t fooking get it...”
Talther shrugs off the sights and sounds of the stormy night.
***************************
HE WHAT!?!?
Talther fumes but makes a pretense of calm and even joins in polite applause.
***************************
Talther clears his throat.
One chance. Let's not blow it.
"Captain. Sergeant. It has come to our attention that over a dozen people have disappeared along the Docks over the last few days. Not just the usual lowlives either. Dockworkers, merchants, and even two members of the older Watch force. On one of the docks, there are clear claw marks, along with stone and wood *melted* by the sort of stomach acid you would expect from a river troll capable of eating anything. This is a problem that will only grow worse if left unattended. Bluntly, the creature may tear through shipping or eat too many important people. I urge that you order the Watch seek it out in force with a mind to destroying it."
Ruprecht stumbles through the drill and marching, hoping not making too much of a fool out of himself.
He tries not to fall asleep as the Captain drones on, coming fully awake at the revelation that the Sergeant was taking credit for all that the group had done with him, and one that he had conspicously removed himself from! The ballsy bastard...what gall! he thought to himself, This bastard is on canny operator...we'd best be our best if we're to take him down
His sleepiness eliminated by the shock of the Sergeant's award, Ruprecht reminds himself to make sure the Sergeant shares the monetary award with those that brought it to him.
Later , in front of the Captain, he nods as Talther outlines the evidence. Waiting his turn, he adds, "I must concur with my fellow Watchmen, Captain. I've seen the evidence with my own eyes, and can confirm the details Talther describes. While possible that some of the disappearances were not the result of encounters with this Troll, it is logical to assume that the other were. Now there is already talk of the disappearances, and talk travels fast. If it came out that the Watch knew of the Troll and did nothing..."
[dice=Perception 56]1d100
Talther shrugs off the sights and sounds of the stormy night.
***************************
HE WHAT!?!?
Talther fumes but makes a pretense of calm and even joins in polite applause.
***************************
Talther clears his throat.
One chance. Let's not blow it.
"Captain. Sergeant. It has come to our attention that over a dozen people have disappeared along the Docks over the last few days. Not just the usual lowlives either. Dockworkers, merchants, and even two members of the older Watch force. On one of the docks, there are clear claw marks, along with stone and wood *melted* by the sort of stomach acid you would expect from a river troll capable of eating anything. This is a problem that will only grow worse if left unattended. Bluntly, the creature may tear through shipping or eat too many important people. I urge that you order the Watch seek it out in force with a mind to destroying it."
[dice=Charm 19]1d100
[dice=Intuition 36 on reactions of Captain and Sergeant]1d100
The Captain actually seems a bit taken with Talther and listens carefully to what he has to say.
”Sergeant what do you think about this? Could it be a river troll? It seems so unlikely to have a troll actually in the city and trolls are so stupid it should have already been seen. But, this recruit does seem to have a coherent argument,” Captain Pfeffer says with a smile in Talther’s direction.
”Most unlikely Captain. Been in the Watch for more in 20 years and ain’t never been a troll in town. Sounds more likely that some folks decided to settle matters with them Jungfreud supporters and found a disreputable apothecary to make em up a acid bomb. That seems right more likely,” Sergeant Klumpenklug says dismissively. He lowers his voice and leans towards the Captain. You can only make out some of his words. ”Of course...two birds...little loss...what’s the worst that could happen to ‘em...less headaches.” Captain Pfeffer nods along as Rudi reveals his plan to her.
The Captain stands up, straightens her uniform and declares to you all, ”While the chance of a troll invading the Tuefel within the city seems extremely unlikely it would be remiss to not investigate. I need proof of the troll before I can bring this to the Army’s attention. Bring me that proof. If within 7 days you have not delivered proof, I will consider the troll a symptom of overactive imaginations caused by too much free time. To speak bluntly, if you don’t deliver proof I will run your asses until they fall off. You’ll be doing double patrols and extra duties at the barracks to learn not to bother officers with wild theories. DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR RECRUITS?!? NOW GET OUT OF MY OFFICE, ” the Captain bellows.
”Oh Captain, there’s that other little matter we discussed about the you know what,” Rudi reminds the Captain with a sly grin on his face.
”Right, right...good job sergeant, don’t know how we’d run the place without you. Recruits, we will be bringing your squad back to full strength after the Church of Verana decided that couldn’t spare their priest. I think you’ll find this new recruit an unique addition to your team.” The Captain and Rudi share a laugh at this.
”Get back to your bunk room. We’ll have your new teammate meet you there. Come up with a plan to get me proof. If you need resources to carry out the plan, talk to Sergeant Klumpenklug. I expect not to hear from any of you directly again. We have a chain of command. Use it. DISMISSED “
Resisting the urge to beat both of them to death, Valghaz turned and left. It was disappointing on how wrong he was about the captain.
"Well, that could have gone better," Landolf grumbled as the group left Captain Pfeffer's office. "That asp has her ear."
"Let's get back to the barracks and pick up the new guy."
"Of course and thank you, Captain."
Talther leaves the room irritated.
**********
Muttered away from other watch:
"The captain either trusts the sergeant too much or she is in on his schemes. Regardless, the sergeant would be happy to see us out of his hair. Not to mention steal our victories and pass them off as his own, the grinning swine! Hopefully our new recruit is in a similar pickle to us, and not a plant."
Adelaida is angry at the sergant, and shoot him venomous, burning two handed swords from her eyes, because daggers won't be enough.
She keeps her mouth shut, but with much difficulties.
Landolf stalked into the barracks room, clearly angry, and spotted an unfamiliar face.
"Look here: must be the new guy. What is your story, soldier?"
Ruprecht thinks, Best that could be expected, I think..." then begins to leave with the others, the pauses and catches Rudi's eye, touches his nose and glances down at the bulging coin purse at the Sergeant's belt. Hopefully, he gets the message that Ruprecht expects his share...
As he walks to the barracks he can't help but admire the Sergeant's ability to ingratiate himself with the Army Captain, The man's got superior survival skills..." he thinks to himself just as he enters the barracks and hears Landolf's question for the newcomer.
He takes a seat on a nearby cot, and awaits his answer...
Before Landolf n' crew sits a middle-aged man with unremarkable clothes but sporting a well-groomed mustache and beard.
"My name is Markus, Markus the Magnificent, at your service. Hardly a soldier, more a purveyor of the extraordinary and conjuror of the fantastic." He takes a bow and flourishes a feathered hat.
"It seems that you too have afoul of our local sergeant's temper, a feat of little skill and our lots have been cast together. I was quite strictly instructed to join your little fact-finding expedition."
”So yer a Wizard, are ye?” Valghaz said, the situation dawning on him on why the man was hoisted onto them.
Talther looks appraisingly at the newcomer as he speaks, then asks:
"So, what brought you here, Markus? I am Talther by the way, Talther Augenlos."
As a reminder the Captain did tell you to ask for anything you need. Just go to Sergeant Klumpenklug not to her.
Markus is a little awkward in his pause at first, grateful that his new erstwhile "co-workers" have seen fit to overlook his initial failure to impress them.
"A Wizard indeed Master Dwarf!"
"Well met Talther. I admit some embarrassment as to the altercation that led me here. Let us just say that I find the city Sergeant to be utterly without a sense of humour, and bereft of the mercy that so befits someone of his station."
"That sounds about right. What did he get you on, and did you do it?"
Landolf stands by while the other Watch members question their new squad member before moving over to Ruprecht.
"Can you write up a missive to Osanna? I think it's time we started gathering testimony about the Seargeant's behavior. Anything about acts we have done that he is claiming credit for works as well. What do you think? Maybe she will be willing to help us out again while we hunt down this troll...or whatever it is." he says in a low voice.
"Let's put in a requisition to Klumpenklug for our troll bait plan as well."
Sergeant Klumpenklug is surprisingly helpful fulfilling you requisition. ”It sure seems like you squibs have come up with a heck of a foolproof plan here. I can’t imagine what could go wrong. I’ll have a couple of live pigs delivered to your bunk room this afternoon. And a couple of buckets of lamp oil. And squibs, I can honestly tell you I hope ya’ get a big ol’ troll to take the bait of your trap. A BIG ‘in”
Of course you are being helpful. Valghaz thought. You plan to take credit for it and get another shiny medal.
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"Markus , welcome!" Ruprecht declares, extending his hand, glad to have another learned man in the crew, "Indeed, the local Sergeant has a penchant for pinching pennies and credit where none is due!"
When the Sergeant bring in their 'trap' supplies, Ruprecht comments, perhaps before thinking, "Now , Sergeant , one might get the idea that you know all about a Troll in the river, but have done nothing about it...nice to have someone else to do the work for you, eh, and get all the credit and reward?"
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Valghaz raised an eyebrow at the direct approach, but waited to see how the sergeant would respond.
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"Markus , welcome!" Ruprecht declares, extending his hand, glad to have another learned man in the crew, "Indeed, the local Sergeant has a penchant for pinching pennies and credit where none is due!"
When the Sergeant bring in their 'trap' supplies, Ruprecht comments, perhaps before thinking, "Now , Sergeant , one might get the idea that you know all about a Troll in the river, but have done nothing about it...nice to have someone else to do the work for you, eh, and get all the credit and reward?"
The congenial expression disappears from Klumpenklug’s face as Ruprecht makes his thinly veiled accusations. A cold sardonic smile combine with the dead eyes of a shark picking its prey to give the Klumpenklug’s face the impression of a stone cold killer. He glowers at Ruprecht for a moment. Then the genial favorite uncle aspect is back and with a toothsome smile Rudi chuckles and says, ”We’ve got us a real smart guy in the group, don’t we squibs. My first sergeant was a smart guy too. We never figured out how he got himself locked into a cell with Heinrich The Disfigurer. That was not so smart. By the time we could get sarge out of the cells, Ol’ Heinrich had bitten off the sarge’s nose, ripped off both ears, jammed out his eyes and almost completely ripped his tongue of the poor man’s mouth. Sarge never seemed real smart after that. In fact, Ol’ Sarge tried to last for a while as a beggar but he scared them proper folks away cause of the way he looked. Guess he starved that first winter. Sometime acting smart may not be the smart decision squibs”
Done talking Rudi reaches into the pig cages and pulls the pigs free and turns them loose in your bunk room. He also pours the oil out of the buckets onto the squealing pigs who are charging back and forth across your bunks covering everything with lamp oil and pig waste. ”Sorry bout that squibs, I needed the pens and the buckets back. I assumed you would have made a plan to keep them pigs under control. THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN THE SMART THING TO DO! . You need to get this mess of yours squared away before the Captain sees it. A complete disaster like this could be considered dereliction of duty by some. Fraid for you squibs that’d be a neck stretching. Always remember you skate on very thin ice”
Rudi looks out the window and sees the sun setting. ”Alright-e-o, squibs daylights fading...better get going troll fishing.”
Valghaz listened, his face turning into a scowl. ”So...that sounds like a grudge. Glad ye weren’t threatening me, aye? ‘Cause ye know where I’m from? Karak Azgaraz. And there, if something like that happens to one of our own, well...it’s a clan affair. Last time something like that happened, well, let’s just say that it took the king to step in to stop the violence. Plenty of longbearded veterans, ye know? Lads who’ve killed more orcs than ye’ve seen pickpockets. Whole lot of sharp axes and long memories. Me? I’m just beardling, ye know? Barely a kill to me name. But I’ve seen grobi have their eyes gouged out when hands become too slick with blood to hold an axe. It’d be a bloody shame if something happened to me, and then something unreasonable happened to ye...or yer family.” He smirked, nastily. ”Well, I’m off to kill a troll. I’m CERTAIN that ye won’t do something stupid after this like earn a place in the book, aye?”
Markus is alarmed by these events spiraling out of control so quickly!
He attempts to cast Marsh Lights to mesmerize the pigs.
Cast Marsh Light FAIL
Markus quickly hides his hands so trying to hide his mistake.
Markus grins sheepishly as his attempt at summoning arcane wonders falls flat.
"Now now my good Sergeant Klumpenklug, nothing untoward need happen here. We'll round these squibs up straightway and get to work YOUR plan. We'll see it done it straightway, sir, yes we will!"
(do I get an advantage for flattery, or bouncing off the dwarf's intimidate?)
Markus is alarmed by these events spiraling out of control so quickly!
He attempts to cast Marsh Lights to mesmerize the pigs.[dice=Magick 50]1d100Cast Marsh Light FAIL
Markus quickly hides his hands so trying to hide his mistake.
[dice=Cool 45]1d100
Markus grins sheepishly as his attempt at summoning arcane wonders falls flat.
"Now now my good Sergeant Klumpenklug, nothing untoward need happen here. We'll round these squibs up straightway and get to work YOUR plan. We'll see it done it straightway, sir, yes we will!"
[dice=Charm 39]1d100 (do I get an advantage for flattery, or bouncing off the dwarf's intimidate?)
Somehow you have 2 oil covered pig bodies in hand and have reached the docks. You have attracted a small crowd that’s following you around trying to see why you’re carrying two oily pigs. At least the rain has stopped, but now of course, the fog has rolled in. Visibility is going to sub-optimal but at least the fog is not as thick as pea soup.
One of the young scalawags that hang out around the docks at night yells, ”What’cha doin’ with dem greasy pigs?”
"Goin' fishin'!" Landolf hollers back as he struggles to help carry one of the pigs.
--- At the Barracks ----
Ruprecht returns Rudi's cold stare with one of his own, nodding as the man proceeds to make his mess like a child.
When the Sergeant makes his exit, he comments to the others, "Now we know exactly what Rudi is...", shaking his head.
He motions Landolf over so they can discuss what to put in the letter to Osanna, "Indeed, documenting his misdeeds will go far I think...
Valghaz went to work setting the traps. He had a lot at stake here for this plan to work. Not only had he run his mouth in reporting the troll to the captain, but he had threatened the sergeant. And to top it off, this method of trap was his idea.
As he busied himself setting the traps, he yelled out to the crowd ”Oi! Ye lot! Word around here is that the watch doesn’t care about the common folk. That we don’t come around these parts. Bunch of shyt! We’re setting a trap in an effort to lure out what’s been making people disappear. It’s an old Dwarven trick we use to keep our mines safe when there’s the chance that something might be down there. No need to panic, this is just part of the investigation. So once these are set up, nobody touch ‘em! But keep an eye out for us as well, aye? If ye see anything suspicious, ye come to us. We’re here to make these streets safer.”
While Valghaz struggles to set up his troll lure, Landolf went to talk to the people.
"We've been told that the Baron runs Dunkelfeucht, and we know that we're on his turf. We'd like to call a truce with the Baron while we pursue the missing persons investigation. What we'd like you to do is just tell people you know. If possible, we'd like to talk to someone from the Baron: we're hoping that he wants to stop these disappearances as well. But if not, all we want him to know is that we aren't trying to interfere with him. There's no need to go out of your way. Just tell all your friends: he'll hear soon enough."
"That's what we'd like to ask of you. Spread the word: the Watch wants a truce with the Baron. If he wants to talk to us about it, we'd like to talk to him as well."
**
"Even if Osanna has helped us in the past, we shouldn't ask too much of her. We don't have much to offer her and we don't want to put her at risk. Tell her our situation and propose gathering testimony about the leadership of the Watch. Mentioning our role in the fire is probably a good idea. Let's see what she thinks."
Valghaz went to work setting the traps. He had a lot at stake here for this plan to work. Not only had he run his mouth in reporting the troll to the captain, but he had threatened the sergeant. And to top it off, this method of trap was his idea.
[dice=Set the traps. Don’t know what kind of check this is, so please apply whatever. Dex, maybe?]1d100
As he busied himself setting the traps, he yelled out to the crowd ”Oi! Ye lot! Word around here is that the watch doesn’t care about the common folk. That we don’t come around these parts. Bunch of shyt! We’re setting a trap in an effort to lure out what’s been making people disappear. It’s an old Dwarven trick we use to keep our mines safe when there’s the chance that something might be down there. No need to panic, this is just part of the investigation. So once these are set up, nobody touch ‘em! But keep an eye out for us as well, aye? If ye see anything suspicious, ye come to us. We’re here to make these streets safer.”
[dice=Charm with firefighting bonus]1d100-21-10
The Under the Bridger’s are quite taken by the site of a dwarf ad libbing a lure. The youngsters led by Eugen especially want to help out and are willing to do pretty much anything to be part of the fun.
Where is the party going to hang out? Close enough to watch the flammable pork or are you letting the civilians keep an eye on the pork for you? Are you all hiding? Are you keeping torches lit?
While Valghaz struggles to set up his troll lure, Landolf went to talk to the people.
"We've been told that the Baron runs Dunkelfeucht, and we know that we're on his turf. We'd like to call a truce with the Baron while we pursue the missing persons investigation. What we'd like you to do is just tell people you know. If possible, we'd like to talk to someone from the Baron: we're hoping that he wants to stop these disappearances as well. But if not, all we want him to know is that we aren't trying to interfere with him. There's no need to go out of your way. Just tell all your friends: he'll hear soon enough."
"That's what we'd like to ask of you. Spread the word: the Watch wants a truce with the Baron. If he wants to talk to us about it, we'd like to talk to him as well."
[dice=Charm to convince the crowd 41+10]1d100
[dice=Charm reroll 41+10]1d100
**
"Even if Osanna has helped us in the past, we shouldn't ask too much of her. We don't have much to offer her and we don't want to put her at risk. Tell her our situation and propose gathering testimony about the leadership of the Watch. Mentioning our role in the fire is probably a good idea. Let's see what she thinks."
You notice a suspicious looking character keeping a close eye on all of you. When you bring up the idea of a truce, he whispers something to another watcher who scurries off into the maze of shanties.
Once the pig was hung up Valghaz admired the handiwork and gave a few words of appreciation to the children who had done their best to help. He figured that community involvement was important in this line of work, as these same people would be needed in the future investigations. Having a good reputation struck him as being the currency of this duty.
”’aight youngins. On the chance that there be some kind of beastie around, I don’t want none of ye getting hurt, aye? So gonna have ye stand away from the pig. Not much to see here. We’ll just be waiting around to ensure that all’s safe.”
Pigsty Room
Talther, irritated, says to Ruprecht:
"Aye, we learned something about him. You should reflect on whether it was worth clearing up this mess though. Help Landolf pin down the pigs, I'll find a bucket and soap."
********************
Waiting at the docks
The Dunkelfeuchters soon grow tired of watching you lot watch dead pigs and they disperse quietly back to doing whatever they do at night. As the hour grows late, Ubersreik gradually darkens as taverns close, hausfraus extinguish lights and even the tavern patrons all find their way home. Soon the lights up the hill in the city proper are all out except for the lanterns of various patrols of the Watch and the torches lit around the public buildings. If anything Dunkelfeucht is even darker as the poor sods who live under the bridge have no money to spend on things like lanterns or even torches. Dunkelfeucht Is even darker that is except for one small area where six torches burn brightly illuminating a couple of dead pigs hanging near the waters of the Teufel.
The night passes slowly as the six of you wait, muscles coiled, senses straining, nerves on edge for the river troll to make its expected appearance. A few times you hear splashes from the river but nothing moves take your bait.
Finally, the night draws towards a close as you fight to stay awake. The horribly long day of the day before, that of the double patrol followed by the dawn formation has sapped your energy.
Then suddenly, unexpectedly you hear a whisper coming from behind you, ”fishing a bit slow, huh?” Spinning around you’re confronted with a thoroughly unattractive man. His skin has a wet, slick looking appearance, his eyes bulge slightly and he’s down to just a few strands of lank, greasy black hair. There’s also an unpleasant fishy smell wafting off the man. Still speaking in a whisper, he says ”you may call me Eel. The Baron has heard your plea for a temporary truce and agrees with these conditions. One, the truce is from sunset to sunrise and you agree to stay away from Dunkelfeucht during daylight. Second is that the truce expires as soon as you catch whatever it is that you’re fishing for.” Eel waits for your response and if you agree to the Baron’s terms will slip out of sight as suddenly and silently as he appeared.
As the sky lightens, you’re confronted with the dilemma of what to do with two oil covered pork carcasses until it’s time to use them for bait again.
Landolf gets in close discussion with Eel. "We've heard of disappearances happening around the area. People from all walks of life and with no pattern to it, both in and out of Dunkelfeucht. We have reason to think that a creature of some kind is responsible and this..." he points his thumb over to the porcine trap. "Is our effort to bait it in. If your Baron is interested in helping us, we could use it: what we're doing is as much for his protection as anyone else's. If we're right about what we're hunting, everyone is at risk. Find us tomorrow night if he wants to know more."
As the first day ends, Landolf recommends taking the pigs back to the barracks. "We can't just leave them here. The troll might attack when we're not around."
He pauses as the group prepares to leave. "Before we run off though, let's show those troll marks to the new guy." He turns to Markus. "You're a wizard, right? Let's see if you can tell us something about this we haven't come up with yet."
Talther gets close to the conversation.
"Greetings, Eel, that sounds reasonable to me. Though, we might miss clues at night that we would see during the day. For example, if you go to-" "-dock, you'll find gouges from claws, and stone melted by powerful acid."
"We'll need to take those back alright. I do not look forward to the smell if this carries on for a few nights."