I'm buggered for ideas, but not nearly as buggered as I might be if I can't find work. I might talk to the reeve or whatever her title was.
Udo frowns, then shrugs his broad shoulders as his foreshadowing dream clearly has little meaning to his erstwhile companions.
Moving his focus to his purpose for visiting Hallt, the apprentice artisan once again engages with Imrik;
"Once we have breakfasted Magier Farstrider, I wonder could you assist with the business I have to conduct, presuming of course it is still agreeable to yourself?"
Imrik nods at Udo and says, "I would be happy to help you this morning. And then I too must try and find someway to survive here until I can continue on my journey."
The youth makes a point of asking what locals are available about Reeve Fellgiebel. He has a mind to try and obtain her favour and possibly an honest job. Perhaps even accompanying her back to the wagon... hells, for her favour and possibly a floor to sleep on if they caught here another day, he'd do it for free... and he's looking for an edge that might have her respond favourably.
Konrad breathed a sigh of relief and shame when the pit fighter left. He wanted nothing more than to have his rapier back, knowing that he would feel far more confident with it. He got up and left not long after, to try and sell the chain and to then meet his contact.
The small village of Hallt, by day, is much more active than when you arrived last night, probably because it's the local market day.
The ground is still wet and muddy, as the last pools of snow melt, and the skies are still cloudy.
Here and there, farmers show their goods to sell, but there isn't much food, especially not grains.
News are even scarcer, and especially good news, so when you get out of the Calm Toad, people stop working and start talking about you, the ones who killed the Dullahan. There are more than a few smiles on faces that would usually be unfriendly to newcomers like you. Maybe your fortunes are turning?
Udo and Imrik easily find someone to point to the mason's house and shop if they want.
For his part, Konrad was far too fatigued to bother with such things as haggling. He had some chain armor to sell and all he wanted was a decent price. While it was true that he could carry it to the next town, it weighed a fair bit, and he'd rather carry coin than chain. He looked around for someone who might buy it, and was more than happy to include some solid leather armor as part of the trade.
Udo nods towards the various vendors and shoppefronts;
"Should you wish to peruse any of the shoppe keep's wares I would be happy to wait before we call upon Herr Auffarth. You are after all doing me a great service."
He pats the scroll tucked into his belt.
The youth makes a point of asking what locals are available about Reeve Fellgiebel. He has a mind to try and obtain her favour and possibly an honest job. Perhaps even accompanying her back to the wagon... hells, for her favour and possibly a floor to sleep on if they caught here another day, he'd do it for free... and he's looking for an edge that might have her respond favourably.
[Gottfried (Gossip 29)]1d100 = 6]
Brunhilde is happy to work in the kitchen and busies herself as best she can. She knows she is not the best cook, so ends up asking a lof of questions about how to prepare the food. She tries to look somewhat proficient, however, and won't ask so many questions that she looks like she doesn't know what she is doing.
Imrik looks at Udo and says, "I need to find a job, not shop. We should do this as quickly as possible and perhaps it will lead to some other work until I can afford to move on with my travels."
Konrad wanders on the market. He has, at first, an hard time finding someone to buy his mail shirt: the town is small, there isn't even a blacksmith in Halt, not since the previous blacksmith died. But hearing that he's willing to sell the armor for 2 Gold crowns, a few merchants show more interest. Out of respect for his deeds-or more probably, not wanting to push their luck anymore-they quickly agree to the price asked, and soon Konrad feels two large golden coins in his palm, and the weight of the armor off his shoulders.
It's easier to find a leather armor, one which fits the duelist more or less. But it's costly, too, and the two gold crown will just be enough to cover the price. A leather jack would be cheaper, if less protective
It's obvious Brunhilde knows only the basics of cooking, so the cook soon give her small tasks, like cleaning the dishes, cleaning and cutting vegetables. The cook seems to be pleased with her anyway, jokingly telling her to be careful not cutting her own hand, as she might be thought another victim of the Dullahan.The cook makes the sign of Sigmar to avoid any ill omens.
As Gottfried and Felver are near the door, unable to take a decision, they are soon recognised by Lindemann, the chief of the guards, who tells them to come inside the small home which house the guards
Let the Reeve do her thing. She'll probably try to steal your thunder anyway, and reap the rewards for killing the Dullahan. I still have your weapons from last night, do you want them now?
After a few seconds, she adds
Want a drink? Come inside.
and it doesn't feels like a question
After a few questions to the locals, you soon find the stonemason's home. You hear the sounds of work in the backyard, and as the door stays closed even after you knocked on it, you walk to the backyard.
A large, muscular man is breaking stones with his hammer, while two younger men watch carefully
See? That's how you use your hammer. Take it high above your head, and then swing it down. Right in the middle of the stone.
Brunhilde smiles a bit at the cook's joke, but doesn't take that conversation further, not wanting to think about the terror of the previous night. She continues to do her best to be helpful in the kitchen.
Imrik watches the scene and waits for Udo to begin the business meeting.
Konrad paused, unsure of what to do. He *needed* the gold, for he couldn't even afford another day in town. But the events of the night before had left him well and truly shaken. He had come so close to death, and the idea of only having his buckler to protect him left him feeling woefully inadequate. What was the point of gold in his pocket if it would just make for a rich corpse? He decided then, that he would buy the armor only if he could get a discount for it. For then he could go and report in to the brewer for work, and he would be much more likely to survive any future hardships.
The young rip takes his queue from the guard, as well as from Felver, and nods, grateful to be armed (and to have a sword to sell if things get desperate).
I really don't care if she's a gloryhound as long as I can earn some coin or get some regular food and a place to sleep... and if she has some loyalty to those who tip the hat to her. I'd be grateful for any advice or tips on who is hiring. Frankly speaking I bet everything on that wagon getting me to a new life, he says accepting a drink.
Udo watches, the coughs politely to attract the Mason's attention;
"Hurrmph. Herr Auffarth? I am Udo Steinspalter, apprentice to Meister Mason Abner Stoischmann of Dunkelberg. I bear a missive from my Master who bade me deliver it to you."
He pulls forth the scroll clumsily and awkwardly offers it toward the mason;
"Meister Stoischmann's dooming forbades him from travelling, so I am oft his proxy in business matters where distance is a concern. I know not what the letter says, only to deliver it to you for your consideration... However I have with me Magier Farstrider.... who is both wise and lettered. He can read anything that needs to be agreed or recorded."
The cook doesn't mind feeding you scraps while you works, calling it perks of the job.
Saw your smile froze while I spoke in jest of the Dullahan, and feel sorry for that. Never seen it myself, but I heard he was an horrible fella, and a scary sight. He killed a few guys around, and from what I heard, he cut one of their hands too. THat's why I told you to be careful with the knife. I know a trained cook when I see one, and you aren't trained. Willing to work, to learn, I understand that, and I respect that. But I would see you as a customer more than a inn servant, amiright?
The chief guard sits and fills three cups while you take your weapons
I don't know, I never liked her. She never liked me either. Something is off with her, but I can't find what. Hiring you? What kind of job would you like to do? You surely know how to fight.
She seems interested in Gottfried words
Brunhilde nods at the cook's question. "I worked for a lady who had us perform a large variety of duties for her. Working in the kitchen was one of them, but she kept me otherwise occupied most of the time."
The stonemason looks first at Imrik, a little surprised to see an elf here. Then he wipes of his sweat, and asks Imrik to read the letter.
He listens, and chuckles at Udo
Stoischmann has quite the sens of humor.So you are his apprentice? Show me what you learned.
He gives his hammer to Udo, and his own two apprentices bring a new stone to break.
Remember it's not all about your strenght, Udo. You must be precise too, in your blows.
SL 4 vs Konrad SL 3 (Fel 36-10 for Fatigued,+1 Bonus S )
Despite his tiredness, Konrad tries to strike a deal. He soon learns that merchant don't show much mercy, and the armor might cost him more than he expected. But another merchant put a few words about the fencer's recent heroic deeds in the leathersmith's ear, and finally, a deal of 2 gold crowns for the leather armor is reached
Konrad thanked the other merchant, and being too tired to argue, made a decision. Namely, that he didn’t want to die. So he bought the leather armor and went off to find the brewer. For once more he was in need of work. A rumbling stomach soon told him that earning some coin was a necessity, and that he’d likely starve before he bled out. In retrospect, he had probably made a poor decision…
The boy knows that getting elaborate with lies with a town guard probably wouldn't end well... but the guard left an opening, or so he thinks... so he ploughs in with SOME truth.
Yessir, I can fight. Da ran a Inn. Those wagoneers sure can brawl, and I learned a thing or two. I also wouldn't be lying by saying I took my share of beatings. Da could fight real good when he wasn't drunk. He taught me too.
Udo listens intently, then shoots a look towards Imrik then shuffles toward the stone, hammer and chisel in hand;
Perhaps some proving or ritual before the business can be conducted?
"Of course Herr Auffarth.."
The brawny apprentice steadies his hand and stoically swings; hammer upon chisel upon stone...
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Imrik knows little of working with stone, but does note the firm and confident hand that Udo uses to do his work.
Herr Aufarth seems genuinely impressed by the young apprentice skill, and slaps Udo's shoulder
That's good work! Strong and precise at the same time!
He turns to his own two apprentices
I should be ashamed of you! Half a day I spent trying to teach you to master the hammer, and here come the lad Udo, who manages it on the first try!
One of the apprentice, a tall redheaded boy, mumbles
Ranald's luck..
before being shouted at by the master mason, and slapped vigorously
Aufarth tries to calm down
Sure, everyone needs some luck on his side. But you got to have skill, and the real instinct of a mason. You have to feel the stone, to know where to strike, and how. That is talent. But then you have to practise, and practise, and practise again. Do you think I never miss, even after all my years spend working? You're wrong. But I've learned my trade and practised it until I missed less than the other masons around. Thats why your parents send you to me, Alberich! My skill is known all the way to Dunkelberg, as the letter say! A real meister mason says it!
The redheaded boy blushes, and tries hard not to wipe his reddening cheek
He turns to Udo, and seems to weigh the pro and cons.
You're in. Now start working on these stones with the two other lads, and don't make me regret my decision
Then he turns to Imrik, maybe a little obsequious
And what can I do for you, sir? I'm pretty sure you don't want to become a stone mason? Not with those hands, if you don't mind me saying so.
The guard's chief gives you another glass of that wine.
I was a soldier, before. One of the first skill you have to learn, as a soldier, is who you can trust, and who you can't, on the battlefield. It's true about the men or women who fight on your side. It's true too about your leaders, the ones who give you orders. And maybe it's because I don't like her, and she doesn't like me, but Im not sure if I can trust the Reeve. It can't ask you to spy her for me, cause I don't have any bloody money to pay you for that.. But there is something odd about her. I think. I can be wrong. I'm no detective. But there have been murders in my town, and I feel responsable for not being able to stop them. Sure, there's the Dullahan, or at least there was the Dullahan. But I'm not totally sure he killed everyone who was murdered, you know?
She licks the wine out of her lips
So maybe you could do the town a whole lot of good, if you didn't mind staying a few days, asking a few questions, poking at a few holes. Keep an eye or two on the Reeve, the town's executionner, and some more..What do you say?
You roam the small and still muddy streets of Hallt, but the brewer is nowhere to be found. Which might be strange, as you were sure he would be on the market today. The other merchants are quick to say that he's probably drunkenly asleep somewhere no one has found him yet, and they might be right.
You hear, here and there, that the grain isn't of good quality this year, and that it is odd. Then the conversation gets more technical about grain and farming, and you don't understand much of it.
You can either wander around or go back to the inn.
After you finish your work, you hear a polite knock at the kitchen's door, and then someone enters.
Blessing upon this house, from Sigmar.
The man is wearing somber clothes, and carries himself with dignity.
Cook, I am looking for your innkeeper, Gerwine. Have you seen her? Do you know where she can be? I would like to meet the people who defeated the Dullahan last night.
The cook points at you
The girl was in the coach, you can talk to her if you want, Father Schmiddt.
The holy man walks toward you, and seems satisfied how you look, his mouth smiling a little more
Sorry, I didn't expect you to be both a monster slayer and a cook.I am in charge of the local temple Sigmar, and my name is Lothar Schmitt. Do you have some free time to talk?
Konrad cursed himself for being a fool. He had bet everything on finding work, and now he couldn’t even afford a room for the night, let alone a meal. At this rate he’d starve to death. So he wandered, looking for the brewer, or failing that, labor he could perform to earn a few coins. He was certain that someone could make use of him…it was either that or sleeping on the streets.
Imrik smiles at the man and says, "My name is Imrik. Udo asked me to come along as he felt there might be a need to read. I happen to be looking for work of a clerical nature. Perhaps you, or someone you know nearby, may have clerical needs for one who can read and write several languages to aid you at this time?"
Udo pauses, his broad brow furrowing;
"Herr Aufarth. Forgive me, I am somewhat lost. I come here representing my Meister... not seeking employment..."
He nods toward the letter;
"Magier Farstrider. Would you read the missive and tell me what it contains... I am a little vexed at the turn of events..."
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Imrik takes the letter and reads it quickly before looking up at Udo and saying, "Your old Meister was concerned by the influences on you where you came from. He has asked that yon Meister take you on as his apprentice to complete your training here away from those influences." Imrik hands the paper back to Udo before continuing, "Apparently, he did not feel the need to explain himself to you before conducting this business."
We could, maybe... but with no job, staying here will be a not so long and not so slow starvation. We are one night from selling what little we have. We might be better off buying a sack of old bread and hitting the road at this rate. That curse'd creature has stranded us with no options. Is there no lord or mayor or such?
Would the local priest let us sleep on the church floor and possibly provide some gruel or watery turnip stew?
Udo looks forlorn as Imrik reads him an account of the letter. Frowning he questions the tall elf;
He did not Magier Farstrider, but my thanks for your honesty. Does my old Meister's letter say what these... influences are? I can guess what the old goat likely refers to, but would appreciate candor that he ill-afforded me."
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"Apparently, he felt your faith in Morr and this...Mourner's Guid, was growing to be a distraction. He also did not appreciate your dirges during work hours." Imrik tells the other man.
This is more a farming community than a university, sir. So unless you know how to speak to chickens, I'm not sure you'll find someone to pay for your services.
He laughs at his cruel joke, when the tall redehead apprentice lets slip
"Clerical".. do that mean like at church? There are book there.
The mason shoots him an angry stare, which is more than enough to shut him up
You could find some basic work at the marker, loading and unloading goods, even if you are pretty sure you won't have much money at the end, maybe it's better than nothing.
Konrad went about swallowing his pride and looking for work…any work at all. It was this or sleeping outside with an empty stomach, so there wasn’t much choice in the matter.
Udo looks further perplexed;
"It is true. In my heart the call to serve Morr is greater than that to chisel stone. In the Mourner's Guild I had the notion to do both..."
Brunhilde has had run-ins with Sigmarites in the past and they have never gone well. She generally finds that they are too full of themselves and think they are above everyone else. They also tend to moralize about people in her profession, but she has found that priests of Sigmar can be found among her clientele just as often as other people.
In response to the man's question, she comes over and wipes her hands on her apron. "Yes, I have a bit of free time before I need to get the bread in the oven after it finishes proofing. I was in the coach, but did none of the slaying. What is this about?"
The priest answers
I've heard, as everyone in Hallt, that your traveling companions managed to defeat the Dullahan. Have you seen one of them picking something from this unholy foe? A small trinket maybe?
He looks at Brunhilde with fervor. She doesnt feels threatened, but the question, and its answer, seems most important for Father Schimdt
You manage to get a merchant's interest, and for a few coins, and a few hours of hard, back breaking work, he makes sure he'll have enough to get some food tonight, cutting and moving wood.
You got skills, but if your heart isn't at working stone, you are useless to me, Udo.
Spats the mason meister rather cruelly, eager to break contact with the elf's eyes. He rubs his hands, as if wanting to get the stone's dust out of them
Now get off my house, so my apprentices can work again without interruption.
The ex soldier seems lost in her thoughts for a few moments
I'm not a big thinker. But maybe you could work for me? Doing some community service? I can't pay you much, but you get some grub, and you could ask a farmer to let you sleep in a barn? Sure, the smell will be awful, but the animals won't complain.
Happy at her joke, she slaps her thigh and laughs, when you hear a horse coming quickly. Soon the door bangs open, and the Reeve comes in, her face pale with fear and red with anger at the same time
Brunhilde honestly tells Father Schmidt that she was cowering in fear inside the carriage when the creature was killed, and that it was also quite dark that night.
"You'll have to ask the men who did the actual killing. I was more of a bystander than anything else."
,
Konrad had fallen far. From the pampered life of a merchant’s son, to the lofty arrogance of a duellist’s apprentice, now he was grateful to just haul wood. Despite his fatigue he worked hard and without complaint, knowing full well that if he wanted to eat tomorrow he would likely have to do the same.
The plan, such as it was: he would work, eat a simple dinner, and then go to whatever temple was in town and beg to be allowed to sleep there for the night. After that? He would try again to find the brewer for work, and if they didn’t pan out he was ready to take his sword and leave at the first opportunity. What he needed to find was a coach or caravan and to secure work as a guard. Anywhere would be good to go, so long as it took him out of this far flung wilderness.