Franz Flechter's page

I am having continuing trouble with my health lately; I'm very sorry but will not be able to post for a while yet. I hope to return soon, play on as DMPC or otherwise as you see fit.

Franz looks at he priest a bit quizzically, "That will be very helpful, father, but what else do you want from his lordship? Do you have something specific in mind, or is there something you wish from me?"

I've been really sick this week, still not right but better.

Franz notes the smile and returns a slightly sly one with the practiced ease of the noble born. This is it ... "Hmm ... My cousin is not a scholar but it shouldn't be too hard to convince him to take a ... broad view of the liberties due true servants of a respected goddess. I'll see him tonight, I can broach the matter with him. Anything else you wish?"

Franz stops his walk at the priest's touch. And now we come to it, they do have ambitions. Too high if they are talking of thrones! In his most professional manner Franz turns saying, "And what does this home of learning need from the House of Aschaffenberg? I freely admit I know of nothing that we have to offer you, but I'd be amiss of my duties to not learn from you. I do know my cousin is most eager to serve this city."

Franz smiles, "Oh, for reasons of family and patronage it's my cousin Lord Rickard of course. I'm trying to help but as you say he is a bit lacking in the political arena. I myself have little experience, I'm mostly going by what my father did and said as he managed some of my uncles' estates. Politics is a different art from what I've been trained in. And as I've said I'm newly arrived in this city, 'All politics is local' and I'm about as unlocal as you can get. So I'd like to know anything that could aid my cousin; it would be helpful. However I understand if your temple wishes to remain neutral, if that is your stance." Franz starts a slow movement to the exit.

Franz matches the priests seriousness, "I see, but is a desperate hour the time to use it or would it just play into the devious plots of the dark lords? But I'm no wise man to judge that, I'll pray for you to your patron and mine. Any other advice to give me, I'd like to chat all day, but I'm unbelievably busy for man who has yet to slumber one night in this fine city?" Franz cracks a smile, if a bit ruefully, "And I must live down to the reputation that all nobles do is scheme for power. What does the fine librarians of Verena think of Lord Rickard Aschaffenberg quest for the Lordship?" Franz waits politely for the reply.

To the accusation of being scholarly, Franz smiles and says, "my parents would not agree to my affinity to the Lady of Literacy but I suppose something of them must have leaked into me."

Becoming serious again, Franz says cautiously, "So you have it warded with your patroness' divine power? I've heard ... parables warning against such things. Still knowledge of an enemies' methods is useful in a fight." In a more thoughtful tone Franz continues, "What could be learned that would be worth the risk? It clearly endangers the soul, and by doing so endangers others, and by extension the world. The Ruinous Powers are so called for their results. So ... can we forge a ... a defense against them with this?" Franz seems a bit uncertain, but a fear grows inside him that the corruption has already begun.

Franz looks at the priest, in genuine wonder. What he admits it, wait let him explain. "That's a bit troubling, reverend. I thought the law said such things need to be burned, of course I'm not scholar learned, but what good can come of having such a thing about?" Franz is genuinely interested in what answer this priest makes, and worries that the corruption may have already spread.

Franz steps one step further, then stops and looks at the priest. With a slight tone of disappointment he says, " Ah, then you are in the same place as I, feelings and signs of foreboding but nothing to grasp. Do you have anyone or any scribblings here I might inquire of that you could show me to give the clues I need to be an effective defender of the Empire?

Franz nods, "I can see that, something of the kind was said at school about that, powerful creature that sold their souls for battle prowess but straight forward to deal with guns, sword, and faith. I'm just not sure that's all ..."- Franz trails off then shrugs. "I guess I'm just unsettled by those events and the moon of dark omen. I'm new here and can't shake the feeling that somethings wrong, unseen. Just unfamiliarity combined with the aftermath of a terrible experience."

Franz thinks for a second the says, "I know of the four and very vaguely of their methods such as any Imperial Officer would know but not more. Mutations? All I noticed was that one of them had a bad case of boils. According to the answers given by another one I interrogated, they worshipped the Blood God." Franz stops to make the sign of the hammer. "By its nature chaos is unpredictable but yes they differ, the trouble is in the details; I am feeling much is happening around me but I lack the insight to give the vague feelings form." Franz keeps his wits about him, not resisting the priest's hold but alert as to where he is being taken and for what purpose.

Franz walks willingly with the priest. He replies, "Well, at first it was just irritation at the insolent and indolent behavior of the servants at the manor. Of course, I knew nothing then. When it became clear it was dark influences... well, it was creepy. After that - well, - the anger and fear and real exhilaration at having your life on the line; it was disturbing to see such endless power on display when the servants dropped all pretense, while trying to murder me of course. So no one feeling, and with my life threatened I guess the fire of battle was lit in my blood. I didn't really have time to think about it much then just had to fight for my life. The power showed was awes- err distressing but I fell back on my training and survived, just. I don't want to be caught unaware again. With the wisdom here, I hope I won't be." Franz continues his explanation and is mostly honest except his feeling of being awed were swiftly overwhelmed by anger and determination.

Up to you of course, I'm fine so far but it's still limiting for me to constantly underplay my character due to the knowledge I have of the adventure. If I'm too central that causes trouble, so, I'd prefer to defer to my fellow players. Are the dawi still playing it's been a while, and my time of delay didn't help matters? On the other hand, things are looking up right now, so such a long delay should not reoccur for the foreseeable future.

Franz does feel the call of battle the sounds, sights, and horrors he so recently experienced. He turns to the the priest, thinking This is it, let's see if they have crossed the line. "I do, good priest, so much, but I face trouble less clear, there is so little strength, so formless an enemy ... any guidance you have, I could find good use for." Franz stands looking with a combination of fiery excitement, weariness, hopefulness, a touch of confusion and a little fear. All of which he really feels ...

"I would, if I had a clearer target. With only some general worries I need deep insight to guide the relentless courage of Sigmar. I don't want to start a pogrom against the good people of this town that I have just arrived at and know too little of. So help from those devoted to thinking seems useful before I go to those prone to act quickly." Franz is implying the Sigmarites tend to shoot first and think never, which is not always true but widely believed.

Condolences Tark.

Sorry for being away so long, it's been crazy here and every time I went to do this something came up. Hope I can rejoin without too much trouble.

Franz turns decisively to the priest. "While I could lose myself for hours in this work, that is not the topic, I came here for advice on. While looking into my cousin's trouble with his servants on his new estate; I uncovered a plot involving the worship of the ruinous powers. Between the cultists and the beastmen, we few uncorrupted barely escaped with our lives. As soon as I arrive here this morning the sky is overlooked by the fell moon of dark omen. I need advice on how to sort out the ordinary mischief of men from the dark machinations of the servants of evil. I know that takes greater wisdom than I possess." Franz looks (and is) tired but very concerned and waits for the priest's response.

Franz stands hands clasped as though to keep from grabbing the rare volume, letting the priest do all the handling. So far all seems quite normal but 'don't judge a book by its cover' truly applies here. Franz will try to read the pages presented, but as interested in the contents as he is, he is checking for any signs or even feeling that resembles what he faced, only a day or two ago. He continues his reverent stance, though clearly eager to see the work. "Not by a mortal, only divine aid, or so my teachers led me to believe. But not many were scholars. This is amazing..." Franz begins to read.

Sorry, RL issues, this week will be bad too, bot as needed.

Franz looks at the rare volume in appreciation. "Excellent, some lecturers based their presentation on this but I could never afford a copy, so I did not read the whole copy. Is the story true that General Starkarm died before the final edit leaving the original annotations incomplete?" Franz tries to win the priest's confidence, while indeed being genuinely interested.

Franz bows respectfully to the priest, "A need for solace, coming from the path of discerning perception. Lacking the wit myself to see the way, I seek the guidance of those so dedicated. In these difficult times ... Ah, where are my manners? I am Franz, House Fletcher, supplicant, accepting your welcome." Franz leans forward slightly, in the manner of someone expecting to be invited in.

Franz isn't waiting for Mareike or the others, not even looking; he is expecting them to see the Sigmarite Priest while he goes to the Verenan Priest. Hope I'm making sense here, started on some meds today.

Franz regard the sign with a raised eyebrow, then shrugs. He knocks firmly with a measured cadence three times and waits the result.

Franz nods firmly, "Yes, a delicate touch is needed, those with their strongest faith in the Goddess of Knowledge, may be clinging too much on that but they have their place in the Empire, and it's protected by His Majesty's Law." He turns to the witchhunter, "I have no problem with seeing what is to be seen; knowledge, holy or mundane, possessed by Verena is to be shared. If aught is unholy then it needs to be cleaned by fire as the law provides. I'll be happy to take a look and pay my respects to Verena and tell you all I see."

Franz looks back at the others, "It might be best if you sought the advice on our current task, while I offer prayers to Verena, my parents instilled a genuine respect for learning in me, that did not, unfortunately, give me any ability for it. My father would be better for this ... wish he were here, I could use his wisdom now. Ha! He'd laugh if he could hear me now, all the trouble I gave him. Still, I think I'm the best for it." Franz nods again respectfully at the witchhunter and marches off to the temple.

Franz nods and says, "A cousin on my mother's side. And yes, he is such a candidate."

Franz is concerned but intrigued by the witchhunter's interest. "I'm loath to interfere with the actions of the gods and their chosen representatives, may I ask what specifically what you suspect, in this distressed time? That could focus my attention to better serve Sigmar and his agent. Still, I have no objection to prayers to the Lady of Learning and see what is to be seen openly." Franz wait the man's answer.

Sorry to hear that ZZ, take what time you need for yourself.

Nodding respectfully to the Witchhunter, "Franz Flechter, cousin to Lord Rikkard Aschaffenberg, of the line of Baron Flechter, graduate of the Heavenfall Pistolkorps Academy. Honored to meet you, Templar of Sigmar Marcus. How may we assist you today?" Now is he a canny templar or just one of those that desire only bloodshed?

"Of course, Master Hendrick, your duties should not be neglected. Please go about them as you need, I'll be fine on my own, or in this good company. I'll see you back sometime later today, when I return." Fran nods a polite dismissal of Vern. He turns to the others, "I'd like to meet the local priest myself, much has happened, and far to quickly, I too could use the guidance of Sigmar and his earthly vessel." Franz takes off in the direction of the cathedral.

"That's not a good idea Mareike , just cause more harm than good. But if you're determined, I won't stop you. You might try talking to the Priest of Sigmar in town first." Franz turns to Vern, "Back to the estate, for me. You're free to attend to your duties." "Good day Master's Fernis and Rangnir, good fortune as well." Franz goes to attend to that which had a ghost of a chance, but not much.

"I don't see any advantage to be gained at this time, while I might be received, it would be under suspicion as to how I was aiding my cousin in his pressing his claim. And any mention of Skaven would simply be used to further their advancement by portraying my family as insane. In time I may be able to devise an approach but I've been in town only a few hours, I have much to learn about the local situation." Franz looks a bit frustrated at the lack of time, and the speed of events, assuming the event even happened.

"Well, that would mean getting invited, your counselor should be able to do that for you though. My cousin will be invited, just not done otherwise, I might be in my own right, or, more likely be his guest. Yes, I'm afraid that any suggestion on my part that any trouble would arise at such an event would be taken as an insult. And say Skavan and you'll be labeled a lunatic, if very quietly. For a large party, there will be many vendors involved, I'd say the product of a Brewmaster would be featured, the more expensive the better."

Franz puzzles over the problem while he shoves some dark thoughts in the back of his mind. Only Vern saw this creature, my cousin isn't that subtle is he... nah, that can't be it. Franz keeps these thoughts far in the back of his mind.

Franz listens to the incredulous tale, then begins to consider the possible truths in it. He doesn't like the implications of it. "If the Skaven are so organized and powerful and so good at being secret, then striking anywhere should not be difficult. The men of the Empire are good at warfare but surprise is a powerful advantage, if they could succeed at that then much mischief could be done. It would not be easy though, there are plots enough in the empire to have wary guards."

"Behead the city and greatly weaken it's defense, I'm sure. The Reiksland itself, not a chance. This is a minor, okay, medium tradestown on the Empire's border. The Imperial court will not be there, I'm very sure. Actually will any non-local dignitary of import, Master Hendrik, be present at this affair?"

"Cellar, or sewers or wells, something will be there. Usually barred, though, undermining is an old art of war. Still I doubt they'd be expecting trouble usually, but this moon has everyone on edge."

"Yes I will return to the manor to talk with my cousin, tomorrow I hope to see another cousin of mine to get a better feel for this town. When exactly is the ball, I'm thinking I've little time to learn much."

Franz nods, turns to the Dwarven elder with a bow, "Thank you for the invitation, I'll speak to him soon. Until then, the blessing of your gods and of Sigmar, Dwarf-friend, upon you and yours, Councilor and Brewmaster Borgun of Clan Foambeard." Franz prepares for a formal withdrawal, but gives a moment in case anyone has anything else to add.

Franz is about to follow up when Mareike gets overzealous again. "Mareike, release Master Hendrick, he's a gentleman's gentleman in my cousins service. That was rude and unnecessary." Franz nods to the councilor, saying, "That shouldn't be a problem, Councilor, we can talk specifics at a better time." Franz turns to Herr Hendrick, "Just tell it as you saw it Master Hendrick, if you please, and pardon Mareike's manners, she needs a few lessons in proper etiquette."

Did I miss something here?

Me too, what did I miss? I certainly know that it's very different from standard DnD. Good/Evil is as clear or unclear as it is in our world. Chaos in the Old World is more like radioactivity, it corrupts and destroys all about it, but it's only vaguely related to moral or ethical concepts. Note: that's internal to the world, as literature, it's very much a morality play, with right and wrong as very, very grey.

"Truthfully, Brewmaster, I can assure you that while the lords of the city will be polite, they will not credit such words, especially based on a report of a single glimpse by one man. However, my cousin, Lord Rikkard Asschienberg(sp?) is one of the candidates for the lordship. Indeed I was on errands relating to that matter when... unusual events changed my day. In light of this I could sound out my cousin, he did seem a more than a fair bit concerned with the security of the city. Is there any other matter of concern to the dawi of the city I could bring to his attention? Franz gets down to the noble wheeling and dealing that is the true, abet depressing, blood of the Empire.

Franz bows respectfully to the representative of the dawi community in this town. When he speaks he hears little, so he points to his ears, and spreads his hands wide to indicate he cannot hear the master brewer.

Franz nods respectfully when introduced but lets the dawi talk to their own.

Franz is a little happier now that the dawi, new to the town, seek the council of their elders. "Well, now that we are here, do you either of you know where the Brewmaster is likely to be?"

Franz wants to meet the Brewmaster and sound him out on his desires for the town but feels this is not the best moment for his first meet and greet.

Franz shakes his head, wondering how to break the facts of politics to the headstrong dawi without causing offense.
"I'm sorry Master Fernis and Master Rangnir. There are several questions here that I have some knowledge of but I'm not native here so my insights are incomplete as yet, gaining such intelligence took much of my time in the past day. For the question of guilds for ratcatcher's given the base social position of the impoverished trade, I've never heard of it being guilded in any town I know of. There may be informal groups though. I'm sure inquires could be made."

Franz takes a deep breath, "Now, no offense intended, but it is unlikely to get an audience with The Burgomeister, Ernst Maier, without references. And it would even less likely a report of a moments glance of a single rat-like beastman would result in favorable action, the opposite is more likely. The Burgomeister is not the sole ruler of this burg, there is a ruling council. It would be more respectful and advantageous to go through the appropriate channels to achieve results. Now I would not presume as to know who is the clanhead or heads of the dawi here but they are, of course of great influence. However, I do know, that for the dawi of this town, the respected council member would be the master brewer, Borgun Foambeard. Our good host here, the proprietor of this fine establishment should know how to contact him." Franz gives a short but respectful bow to the dawi he believes to the the innkeeper. Franz waits the results of his reluctant intervention in pursuit of rationality.

Franz listens but doesn't seem to be hearing a clear or reasonable plan.
"Master Dawi, even by surprise, it would take a large army to do more than mischief to the people of this town, beyond a murder or ten. Bad but not not a threat of destruction. If you believe an army is hiding in the sewers, then a great many troops would be needed, it would be attack against a large prepared enemy on their home grounds. By the book, we would need four times their number, all else being equal. That seems hard to acquire." Franz stops there to give the dawi a chance to clarify what appears to be a overly risky charge into unknown dangers.

Franz is a bit miffed himself at the dawi's exclusion but keeps his peace, allowing Marieke to handle it as a dwarf-friend. At the last remark though he speaks up.

"I see that the sighting of one rat-man has ignited a bonfire here. Since I do believe in the steadiness of the dawi, who have been the rock the Empire has stood on for 25 centuries, I accept what you say. But, it would be helpful if you explained in more detail the threat that is near, and why you believe it is very soon."

Franz listenst to this dumbfounded. "Wait, what? There's no proof ever seen by men of these Skaven, no one of true human authority here will listen. I'd never doubt a dawi's word but no Lord of the Empire will act without evidence. In any case if the town is in danger, I'll have to meet with my cousin and try to get to the bottom of this. More than one place would need defending, best if it such evil never happens, thousands of men, women and children, dawi, humans and others live here, they would die in droves if surprise attacked."

I wish my cousin had better briefed me, I do not know the exact details of the troubles that the great men of this town fear. That'll be a problem.

Franz talks to Mareike while they wait, he orders nothing by the way. [/b]"Doubtful, stories of these rat-men are considered pointless ravings by most of the nobility, including me, but I suppose ratty beast-men are possible. Stories of an empire of rats beneath us with endless armies, waging a secret war against us for centuries with not a shred of evidence to support it - that's not well received by the Lords of the Empire. So, no, I think it's something else, but it may be related. Under that moon though, maybe anything is possible, well anything that is not good."[/b]
Franz, unsettled, makes the Sign of the Hammer, to ward evil away.

Franz nods at the dawi's desire to keep it in the family, and sits down at an open table to waits, taking in the sights of a dwarven taproom. "This may take a while."he comments.

Franz is unsure that Master Hendrick saw anything but a trick of the eyes, since he saw nothing, but says nothing as the dawi urge the party forward.

"Very well, with the afflicted with us we cannot check further, and running into sewers is just a bad idea all around. Marieke check forward to see that no other untoward surprises are there and let us get to the place we need to be."

Not wishing to draw attention to the group, Franz puts his weapon away.

Franz says, "What, where, we need to see this. Rat-like beastmen in town, that's a big problem. Good idea Mareike, cut it down, see if there are any others. I'll back you." Franz draws his blade, prepared to back Mareike up.

Franz acceeds to the requirements of the honor of the dawi, "Best out the back then Marieke, please look to see if the way is not overcrowded. I'm not familiar with this town, where is the location of this man's family?" Franz tries to be helpful.

Franz is a little concerned at the movement of the stricken dawi. "Perhaps the goods sisters can loan us a travois or small cart to transport the ailing man to his clan."

Franz replies, "Perhaps not, but he still should be seen to by his own. If Sigmar wills, the words of friends may help? What room is he in?" Franz finishes with firm inquiry.

"Praise to Sigmar indeed that things are not worse. Is Kurgansson able to have visitors, these gentlemen have an interest in seeing to his welfare?" Franz tries to stay on topic. This may not be the best moment to see the Priestess of Shallya. Wait and see a moment may arise.

Franz smiles at the good sister and nods to let her know that she should answer to dawi's excellent question. After her expected reply, he'll ask about the afflicted dawi's current state and whereabouts.