Alric watches his opponent plummet into the water below. Already exhausted from swinging the huge flail, he’d like to take a breather. But there’s still mutants about. The farmer steps next to Belzakk, and aims his flail to a new mutant.
Elsa dances about attacks. In doing so she uses her movements in the deadly dance of death to strike with her War pick.
First blow finds no hold
the Second blow though burys deep able to hit before she pulls it free. All while dancing around the mutant.
A combination of bolt, stone and blade chop into the two remaining mutants, sending them in pieces to the ground, where black ichor bubbles and seeps from their twitching bodies.
Three guards trot up , followed closely by Captain Shiller. He surveys the ruin that remains of the mutants, and nods, "Good work, you all! You're a credit..." he begins to say, but he is interrupted by a small crowd of people who had initially run away.
The cry out in anger and panic, "It must have been a Hochland Long rifle....nothing else could shoot that far", "Maybe the place is infested with snipers...., "Some of those Mutants looked damn familiar! ", "We'll all be murdered in our beds!"
The guards succeed in escorting the crowd away from the bridge, and the Captain turns back, "As I was saying..." but he's interrupted once again. A breathless Watchman runs up and after delivering a sharp salute, explains "Captain, there was a strong attack on the main gates during the confusion. The men on duty stood their posts and repelled the attack, though several were killed."
Captain Shiller nods, "It would seem that this attack here at the bridge was a diversion...and here we thought the threat might be over...." he comments resignedly to the new heroes of the Bridge.
Constanza watches intently as she holds position behind the bridge bulwark before she nonchalantly addresses the office:
"Il Capitano Shiller... sir. If I may. If there is a cecchino... sniper with a Hochland, I would suggest you no stand in the open eh? You make a bello target. Also you should send someone across to kill the bastardo."
"The Tilean fellow has is right. We shouldn't be standing in the open." Alric looks up from his attempts to shake off excess blood and gore from his flail.
"That shot came from the ruined coaching station to the east. I say we approach it with caution and try to root out the sniper".
The Captain nods and smiles grimly at the warnings, "Yes, they had one shot it seems...and wasted it. ". He gives Belzakk an appraising look, then nods again, gesturing to the three watchmen, "Go check it out, Sergeant!"
The three guardsmen rush across the bridge. If any of you move to follow, the Captain holds up a hand, "Hold, let old Granny take a look at your wounds....What? None? Remarkable! " he exclaims after realizing none of you were hurt in the engagement with the Mutants.
Shaking his head, he waves off the approaching old woman.
Soon after, a shout from the coaching station is heard, as one of the guardsman stands in what remains of a ruined upper story room, waving what looks to be a blanket and some thatch.
The three guardsmen return, one holding the blanket, "Captain, found this ,Sir!" he says, holding out the blanket, "Made a cozy little sniper's nest , it did!".
The Captain takes the soiled blanket and tosses it into the river, "One shot to signal both attacks , I'm sure. I'm just glad of Sigmar's favor today that they missed the mark! Come, there's bread and wine for all!"
"Any local you know capable of such a shot?" Elsa says her war pick over her shoukder and shield ready.
"Or does someone have a rifle in the first place? Expensive things, aren't they?" Alric says, still a bit wary of the idea of a sniper lurking around here somewhere.
"Anyway... We lived through the day. I think that calls for some celebration." He is happy to take the offer of bread and wine.
Michal was also smiling, though it's a smile he seldom used, so it was almost a bit, half hearted
"Indeed, the Lady smiled on us today, and these people. I am glad we were able to step in when we did." the Mousillonian(?) replies
"I could use a drink" Elsa says as she looks about.
"Booze and food before we go hunting spooks" The dwarf warrior says with a laugh. Her demeanor changing after the fight. It seemed to rejuvenate her.
The Captain shrugs at both Elsa and Alric's questions, waving off their concerns, as he hands out bread and bottles of wine, "Here drink , eat..."
He then moves among the surviving townsfolk, offering reassurances and attempting to calm nerves.
Eventually, he returns, a wan smile on his face, about to comment when a hue and cry rises up from the main gates.
It would seem that the woodsman Hans Baumer has returned from the forest, followed by a ragtag band of people, with fear in their eyes and their few possessions on their back.
Captain Shiller and Granny Moescher go to the gate to meet Hans, along with many of the townsfolk, many shouting out to Hans , inquiring where he's been the last week.
Captain Shiller shouts and orders , and the gates are reclosed and Hans and his party of refugees are allowed in, given bread and wine, and Hans allowed to sit before explaining his absence.
"I've been scouting the surrounding countryside, he begins, chewing on a crust of bread, " and picking up stragglers. These folks with me," he motions to the refugees he's brought to Untergard, "are survifors I found wandering in the woods. They come from villages all over Middenland. As I was bringing them back, I found fresh Beastman tracks south of here. It looks like a warherd over 200 strong is headed towards Untergard. I rushed back here to warn you."
He pauses, taking a long drink of wine, "I will of course defer to Captain Shiller, but it is my feeling that we should leave Untergard before the Beastmen arrive. I don't know if we could withstand them and there is no help to be had in time. I visited Grimminghagen six days ago and it's a wreck. We can't expect help from there. What else is new, eh?" he jests, receiving a few answering chuckles from those listening, " I must also report that while Grimminhagen was sacked, Graf Elster Sternhauer survived by hiding out in his keep!"
At the mention of the Graf, many of the crowd boo. Even kindly Granny Moescher has a scowl on her face.
When he finishes, a loud debate rises up. One one side is Hans the Woodman arguing to leave Untergard and find safetly elsewhere, on the other is Father Dietrich, vociferously voicing the opinion to stay and fight....for Sigmar's Glory!
The people of Untergard founded the town after fleeing the unjust taxation of the current Graf's grandfather , some 100 years ago. The Sternhauer family has born a grudge against Untergard ever since, and as is clear from the vitriol of the townsfold, the feeling is mutual.
"Even if there are grudges against those who have wronged you, certainly trying to defend your home and hearth is worth it? Do you want to one day sit in your old age and wonder what it could have been like if you actually stayed and fought for what is rightfully yours?"
Constanza listens then shoots Alric a hard look;
"Tilean fellow..? I have heard Osterland women look like men, but I assure you Signore Toro I am a proud donna of Tilea!"
At the prospect of wine and bread, her mood brightens;
"Reikland pisciare... but I'll drink it."
She takes a glug of wine and chunk of bread before handing bottle and loaf onto the next of her companions as debate rages amongst the survivors.
Her brow arches in amusement as she mutters an aside;
"Glory of Sigmar be damned. Stay or leave as long as we get paid i miei amici?"
Gossip 44+30(74):
Alder moves forward to get his cup of wine and loaf of bread. While slowly chewing he listens to what the others around him have to say.
"Humans are hard to tell apart as it is" Elsa says looking at the rest of you. adjusting her gear now.
She takes the offerings and begins to eat. Very militaristic.
Gossip (40% = 30%) = 70%
Belzakk drops to his knees and gives a prayer of thanks and guidance before beginning to eat and drink. He quickly joins Father Dietrich in arguing to defend the town.
"Are you not tired of running. Is your home not worth defending? Where will you go when there is nowhere else to run to"?
The discussion goes back and forth, voices raised in anger and fear at the thought of the large band of Beastmen threatening their home once again.
A heated argument flares between two men from town, almost leading to fisticuffs, when the men are separated by a few of Captain Schiller's guardsmen.
Finally, the Captain steps forward and calls for everyone's attention, "I have listened to both sides of the argument, " he begins, "and now, as Untergard's rightful leader, I must make a decision. As much as it pains me to say, I agree with Hans that we cannot hope to stand against so many Beastmen. At first light tomorrow, we'll head north to Middenheim. We know Count Todbringer is there and within the city's walls we can find safety. And with the Count's aid, we will return her and finish rebuilding out homes. Untergard will rise again!"
He then raises a bottle of wine, "Now, let us enjoy the Count's bounty and then prepare to depart. There is much to do before sunrise."
Captain Schiller's pronouncement seems to have settled the argument for the majority of the townsfolk, though disappointment is writ large on Father Deitrich's face. Nonetheless, he joins in the other's acceptance of Captain Schillers decision.
The Captain approaches the group and says, "You've proven your mettle before and today again at the bridge, I hope we can count on you to help get these people to Middenheim...."
Constanza mulls the Captain's words, then eyes the rest of the group as she answers;
"Il Capitano Shiller. I cannot parlare for the rest of them, but for me ... I am the last of the Gru Nere... but a mercenaria I am still. So, you can count on me as long as there are coffers in Middenheim with gold coniare as a reward for such a service... Capisce?"
'Yeah I don't mind. Gotta see me kin and hand over the rings of me units fallen to the Lieutenant. They'll be needing to return it back to our clan,"Elsa says as she looks at the others almost resigned to her fate.
'Names Elsa by the way, Miner was my trade, Before I became a Shieldbreaker for Clan Pickaxe" She states and does a dwarven bow. Which is a head nod.
Belzakk mumbles in discontent about the decision, but realizes he can't defend the city on his own.
"I hope Middenheim is ready for us. It's probably crowded like rats on a sinking ship with all the refugees".
"Pushed along once again. Well at least this time it's towards protection and not just running.."
Belzakk mumbles in discontent about the decision, but realizes he can't defend the city on his own.
"I hope Middenheim is ready for us. It's probably crowded like rats on a sinking ship with all the refugees".
"You guys are too used to open spaces. In our holds we fight as long as we can and if we need to back off and set traps. They come in and the tunnel collapses or explosives go off."Elsa says looking around.
"Couldn't you do that here?"
"Guess we can't set traps for all the countryside." Alric shrugs, not that he knows anything about warfare.
But he agrees to the captain's proposition. "I'm no soldier, but I'll do my best to keep the townsfolk safe. My flail served me well enough on the bridge."
"It is the duty of the those who can to protect those who can't. The bit I can provide to do so, I shall. My the lady watch over us in this dire time" he makes a small silent prayer
While Constanza awaits Captain Schiller's decision on payment, the Tilean cannot hide her sceptical surprise at the rest of the group's selfless heroics...
Eroi e benefattori ... A bad combination in my world... A combination that gets you killed.
She eyes the others, then the Captain with a hard smile;
"If they do it for duty and 'onour Il Capitano, can I have their share?"
The Captain rubs his face, as if trying to rub away the weariness that seems to pervade his pores.
He sighs , as if in relief, "You do Sigmar proud, all of you." he says, meeting each of your eyes briefly, "With your help well get these fine people to saftely....and yes, I'm sure I can procure a stipend for your efforts once we've arrived in Middenheim," he says to Constanze, a smile twitching his lips.
He then claps his hands together, "Eat , drink, then gather your things. We'll be leaving at first light! "
[ooc]If you want, describe your preparations if any, or just RP. I'll get a post up on the departure soon...."[/b]
The Captain rubs his face, as if trying to rub away the weariness that seems to pervade his pores.
He sighs , as if in relief, "You do Sigmar proud, all of you." he says, meeting each of your eyes briefly, "With your help well get these fine people to saftely....and yes, I'm sure I can procure a stipend for your efforts once we've arrived in Middenheim," he says to Constanze, a smile twitching his lips.
He then claps his hands together, "Eat , drink, then gather your things. We'll be leaving at first light! "
"My things are already gathered..." Alric casts a glance toward his cart. "But I'll gladly eat and drink. Who knows when we have the next opportunity."
"Should stock up on extra food and gear. never know what can happen on a march" Elsa says as she looks ot the Human with a flail.
Unimpressed by any blessings of Sigmar, but satisfied she is getting paid for her heroism and charity Constanza shrugs in agreement with the rest of her company;
"Dardo di balestra for me."
She pats her crossbow and quarrel quiver, then flashes a hard smile;
"Ana vino, or whatever p1ss passes as vino here. Will be a long marzo... march, not one I want to be fully sober for eh?"
'I don't know what that is, Birdie. A nice mulled mead will help you get a taste of the town while also warming your belly and bones!" She says as she looks at the others, taller than all but one and then taps her chin.
"Also safer than a bed fellow"
"I guess food and a drink would go well after the excitement. Let us go enjoy the hospitality while we are here" he motions Constanza ahead of him "After you m'lady."
Constanza flashes a hard smile;
"I do not drink to stay warm, I drink to forget eh?"
She taps her head with a faux look of madness.
"Grazi Michel of Mousillon. Let us find some vino and bread..."
The mercenary heads towards the nearest source of wine.
Belzakk stands on a nearby elevated area, and beings to preach about the protection, dignity, and advantages of Sigmar worshipers.
Gossip? (40%)
Michel follows Constanza inside, needing the food and drink just as much as anyone there.
"Good company and needed food is always welcome"