Sorry for lurking, but will add my two cents: Sorry to hear about the trouble's with your wife's health. Hope it works out for the best.
Also, hope the game works out and you all get to complete it!
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Hi guys, Sorry for my continued absence; work, renovations , RL stuff and running a bunch of games here have really cut back my time. I love the game Aubster runs and love playing with you guys, but the pressures on my time these days has had me evaluating the games in which I'm participating. While the day-to-day mechanics of WH 4th ed are fine, it's the recent xp award and discussion of ambitions that highlight for me the key difficulties I have with this edition; I literally have to re-learn the advancement rules every time xp is awarded :). And it's definitely a 'me' thing that I have difficulty with the ambitions. So, with heavy heart, I'll withdraw from the game to focus my time on games using more familiar rulesets like pathfinder and dnd 5ed. Again, there is no issue with GM or players, I respect you all as players and persons! Feel free to continue to use Ruprecht as your faithful captain! Sorry to disappoint! Al
Mix it with some Whiskey! Feel better!
His body stinging in various places from the Zombie's sharp claws, Ruprecht holds the nearest Zombie at bay for a moment as he scrabbles at his belt and pulls forth the Healing Draught he'd recently purchased. Flipping it's lid away into the darkness, he tilted his head so he could see the Zombie as the unctuous liquid passed his lips. He marveled as it caused a quite uncomfortable warmth to run through his limbs, several of his darkest wounds loosing their bite.
Invigourated by the potion's effects , Ruprecht swung his sword hard at the Zombie!
Sorry for my absence, got really 'lucky' with a bunch of new work that really threw me for a loop time/schuduling-wise. Think I have it sorted out, I'll catchup and get a post in this evening.
Ruprecht overheard Boorman's observation from where he was securing a line up on the mast. Seeing, as the nobleman had, that Landolf was occupied with something else, and no one else was handy, called out good-naturedly to Boorman, "M'Lord, if you may toss up that rope at your feet! We could use another 'working' nobleman ! " A part of Ruprecht's mind that was still devoted to his previous ambitions was aghast at his own temerity, but the rest reveled in the insouciance of his statement!
Ruprecht is so busy seeing to the upkeep of the barge, repairing the minor damage from the riots and preparing for their illustrious passenger, that it slips his mind to take care of the commercial aspect of their new venture. Though not as successful as his efforts might have been, he's happy to have his friend take care of such matters in this case. When their passenger arrives, Ruprecht stands at the ramp and greets them with respect, "Welcome aboard the Lucky Lady, you do us great honor in selecting us to convey you down the Reik!"
He watches, aghast as box after box, chest after chest is loaded onto the barge. But he hides his astonishment well, setting to gathering the necessary materials to set up a crude lean-to on the deck for himself and the rest of the Thorns. Then when all is secure, he casts off, calling out commands to his friends as he navigates through the busy harbor.
When his friends return from their labours and join him for supper, Ruprecht broached the subject of thier next destination , "I need to contact our winesellers factor here and sell this wine. I've heard that Diesdorf, to the South, needs grain, they're going to starve in fact...so we may be able to profit from that."
Well, if my leather armors coming from party funds I have 17 silver to add to the kitty.
While his friends went into Altdorf for this or that reason, Ruprecht stayed on The Lucky Lady ensuring their home-away-from-home stayed ship-shape. Earlier on he'd have joined the others, plumbing the cities' corners for advantage and coin, but he found he was quite content mending sails, coiling rope and swapping tales with the other barge men and women tied up at the pier. His old ambitions, of covetous servitude to a powerful noble, had dropped to the wayside. Even his flirtation with supporting Landolf's ambitions as his own...he wished well for his friend , but their destinies were tied together already in their friendship and fellowship in the Black Thorns. No need to be a toady on Landolf's coattails! No..the schemer he thought to be was but a shadow in his mind ....the river called to him now.
Wow...I kept trying to keep up with all the posts.
So, had 455 xp to spend.... Dodge +5 50 xp
Strong Swimmer 100xp This finished boat-hand career...
Initiative +5 50xp
As for trappings, his sword is his hand weapon, no need for a boat hook I think. I'll purchase a leather jack, shouldn't wear the mail on the barge anyway. I'm sure the barge had a pole as part of it's general equipment. If not , not sure how much it is. So first Endeavour is Career Change, second will be The Latest News.
Sorry for my absence, got kicked pretty hard by RL and work this week.
Ruprecht doesn't bother haggling with Elvyra over the healing draughts, half price was a generous offer! As he leaves with Langolf, Ruprecht seriously considers the pharmacist's offer of training.... Meeting with the halfing, Ruprecht leans in and sees if he can't sweeten the deal....
Later as Landolf recounts their tale, Ruprecht places a hand on his friend's shoulder as they all re-live the more horrible moments. Still, when Landolf is finished, Ruprecht stands tall, proud of the Black Thorn's achievements, "Gentlemen, I also affirm that all the my friend here has told you is the truth, or may Sigmar strike me down where I stand !"
Ruprecht reaches back to bring his new crossbow to bear on the man, but he runs! Ruprecht attempts to follow, but finds himself impeded by the crossbow's strap, making him stumble in his pursuit!
Ruprecht smiles at Old Hermann, respecting his desire for payment for imformation. He signals the barman, and slides 3 pennies across the bar, "Another for my friend..." Ruprecht listens to the man's tale, his face serious. When Old Hermann finished his tale, Ruprecht leaned in and said, "You've more than earned that beer, my friend...here have another." and slides another 3 pennies to the barman. Later, he's cornered by several younger farmhands, having heard Landolf's tale , sought verification or another tale from Ruprecht. Motioning the young men closer, Ruprecht looked each of them in the eye , then began his tale, "Not so long ago, when I was a younger man, I courted a young maid, Ellena, daughter of a local wool merchant. A good catch, my father said, " he said , to knowing grins from the assembled youth, "Now, " Ruprecht continued, " I'd arranged to take Ellena for a wagon ride through the countryside. But, she was nervous, you see, there'd been tales of a bandit plaguing the local area, a man cursed by the low Gods, deformed into a hideous parody of mankind. I, of course, young and confident dismissed the tales and out we went. " The young men, listened, rapt as Ruprecht paused and took a pull of his own drink , "Now being young, I hadn't really planned our trip too well and turned down a ill-used track that narrowed and took us deep into a dark wood. The trees grew dark and twisted, and the bright sunshine quickly faded. Ellena shivered in the sudden coolness, and her eyes were bright with fright. I must admit , I was much more craven in my youth, and I too began to grow unnerved. Suddenly, a noise came from behind and the horse began to wicker nervously. I peered behind..." Ruprecht paused, taking another drink, "I peered behind and saw...something in the darkness, blotting out the small frame of sunlight at the end of the track. Alarmed, I flicked the leads and got the horse and wagon moving quicker. The sound followed us, growing louder. It was hard to hear over the horses' hooves and the racket of the wagon, but I swear I could hear a whining, panting voice rising out of the darkness. It didn't say anything that I could discern, but still it brought a sweat of fear to my body and I began to whip that horse with all I could muster. The wagon rattled and smashed over rut and root, until finally the patch of sunlight at the end of the track beckoned to us. Furiously whipping the horse and wagon flew down that track, but still I could hear that voice...whining, panting...just behind us. I dared not look back! CRACK! " the sound made the youths jump, as Ruprecht had slapped his empty glass onto the table, "It felt like a miracle as we jumped out into the darkness, leaving behind whatever had pursued us. I slowed the unfortunate horse, and brought us back to Ellena's village. There I helped her down, murmured a polite farewell and began to walk away. But a scream brought me back quickly, where I found that Ellena had fainted dead away as she passed the back of the wagon. There I found what had afrighted here....a sharp, hooked talon embedded in the wood there, rotted flesh dangling from where it had torn from whatever had pursued us!" ---Later --- Rejoining his friends, Ruprecht shared what the old man has told him, "The old man at the bar told me he saw the three men carting a large burlap sack to a nearby barn, on the other side of the canal...here he drew me a crude map."
I agree with both short and long term party Ambitions!!! Darn, realized I forgot to spend our latest xp haul!
Ruprecht enters the crowd, glad to take advantage of the good cheer Valghaz' unexpected ribaldry has created! He sees if he's able to find anyone who was familiar with the unfortunate pharmacist.
Ruprecth wakes from his dream all a-sweat his heart beating a quick tempo in his chest. The particulars of the dream fade quickly, but the suggestion in it lingers... Later, he nods at Father Herr's suggestion, "A most sensible suggestion Father! Her house and her favorite tavern is where we must go!" He overhears the conversation between Krizta and Valghaz, and adds his own opinion, "It is to our betterment to have Valghaz with us Krizta, not only do we obtain a significant exposure to an important language and culture, but Valghaz' integrity gives us Black Thorns' an anchor to cling to in these trying times." He says the words earnestly, but inside he burns with shame at the fact in his mind he had begun to lean towards following the advice of his dream....
Slightly disappointed that his dealing with the merchant hadn't eked out a few more shillings, Ruprecht helped to work the room with Valghaz, trying to glean some more info on this other 'cult'.
Ruprecht starts a bit when their search reveals the young woman. He snatches the note and read aloud, "Dinner meat...how droll..." He removes the woman's gag, and gets to work on her bindings, "Well, looks like you're lucky we cam a long, lass. Those beasts were going to have you for dinner , it seems." He helps her to her feet, and introduces himself, "Ruprecht Scheinfelder, of the Black Thorns....at your service!" Later, Ruprecht will pull Josef aside before he leaves, "Do you think I'm ready, Josef....to help sail this boat?" Later still, he looks about the boat for any evidence of the previous owner's identities.
Yeah, though he's got to enjoy the physicality of fighting up close, and been somewhat successful, Ruprecht will gladly take up the crossbow !
Ruprecht lets out a long breath as the immediate danger passes, joining Valghaz in evaluating the metal riches found on the dead bodies, a most fortunate find , indeed! he exclaims. As the conversation turns to literature, Ruprecht offers, "I've heard of these stories. It so happens the author, one Willhelm Rex, was hunted down by a true Trollslayer who beheaded the writer in one fell swoop in a tavern in Aldorf. Spreading falsehoods and some such , I believe! Ruprecht casts his now practices Boatman's eye over the now captured barge, evaluating its river-worthiness and possible value. Then his eye finds the hatch allowing access to the hold, "Shall we see what cargo lays within?
Then he spies the body of one of the mutants floating nearby in the water, and he's overcome with a case of the shivers so violent he drops the mail coif he was holding. After a moment the spell passes, and he wipes the sheen of sweat that had erupted on his forehead.
Ruprecht takes a step to help Adelaida, but Valghaz and his pick thankfully get there first. Wiping the tentacle gore from his face, Ruprecht looks up with an eloquent, "Wha??" when the not-really-mutants burst from the cabin.
Despite the welcome comfort of Josef's vessel, Ruprecht is unable to sleep well, dreams of massive eyes and shifting demons plaguing his dreams.
As the other barge approaches, Ruprecht begins to pull his mailshirt over his head, "I feel like someone is watching us..." he says, buckling on his sword belt. He waits until the barges bump together, then steps across with his friends...checking the bodies of man and other for movement...
i'll ask around as well
Stepping foot on the Berebeli felt like walking into paradise, the simple pleasures of a solid boat, decent wine and good friends allowed the horrors of the night to recede. "I've got to work on my piloting, but aye , I like the work, Josef!" Ruprecht declares, raising his own wine glass in response to Adelaida's toast. He looks around at Josef and his wife bustling about, and wonders if his life will ever allow such love...his thoughts drift to beautiful Ossana back in Ubersreik...and wonders.
The trembling in Ruprecht's hands slowly subsides as he pulls on the oars, sliding the rowboat away from that dreadful warehouse. Ruprecht grunts , looking at the conflagration, "Ha, indeed..." then allows the rowboat to gently rock up to the dock, "Friends, I think our deeds today will again go unrewarded...the tricks that Demon played on us...well we're wanted. Sorry, Valghaz no glory or gold this night I'm afraid. "
Ruprecht drops his sword to clatter on the ground, his heroic blow to the Demon forgotten in hi terror. Clutching his head he murmurs, "The Eye...It talked....But...it's all gone! " He ends up in a crouch, his eyes wide as he tries to comprehend what just happened...
Seeing Adelaida's examlple, Ruprecht digs deep for the Resolve to somehow use the terror he felt to spur his limbs in to action! Running towards the demon, his sword raised...
Ruprecht yelped in fear as the glowing bolt hit his chest, leaving him coughing and gasping in pain. He could see the demon's glowing hands and then their light outlining Landolf as he leapt to assault it. Ruprecht wished go to his friend aid, but his legs would not move him closer to the abomination! Grabbing his recently acquired throwing dagger, he drew back and threw it at the demon with all of his might!
Nope...so 1 left :)
Yeah I must have been up to full...
Been a while since casting anything with Hanna in the other game.
That's why I never used Bolt, needed the +4 SL to be successful ,and never had the opportunity or saw the need to channel in combat. Aubster rolled well and we suffered for it! Ret-conning the warpstone will perhaps only prolong the inevitable:) But, I vote for prolonging the inevitable :)
Ruprecht tears his eyes away from the tempting lights, instead focussing on a nearby rowboat, his recent training on the water coming to the fore of his mind.
Ruprecht's mind quails as the demon reveals itself, a whispered protest escaping his lips, "Oh no....not again..."
The sight of the demon bring a now familiar feeling to Ruprecht's insides, a coldness that permeates his very core.
Despite his fear, he draws his weapon ready to face the demon alongside his friends...
Sorry, will catch up in the morning....
Can't help but agree with all of Valghaz' observations :) #2 Yeah, at least one more. Just remembered we also lost Talther along the way...The issue as you say is the rulebook, might be hard finding players familiar with this version.
Ruprecht tried to bring his breathing under control, not wanting to breath in more of the horrible fog than was necessary. Peering through the shifting mist, he spies the warehouse, but brings a hand up , stopping his friends, "Look...there are men surrounding the warehouse. I can make out 6...in pairs." His head jerks around as he listened to the tolling of the clocktower, "We don't have time...perhaps we sneak in..."
One would think that all that Ruprecht had seen would have inured him to the sight of strangeness, such as the wolfen-ized Watchman, but for some reason , perhaps the looming , leering Demon-moon, the sight of the Watchman's arm in the hands of the mutated Watchman made his blood run cold, the hairs on his arms and neck sought to escape their fleshy prison, the whites of his eyes gleamed with almost panic. Still, Ruprecht had the presence of mind to draw his sword and make ready...
One would think that all that Ruprecht had seen would have inured him to the sight of strangeness, such as the wolfen-ized Watchman, but for some reason , perhaps the looming , leering Demon-mood, the sight of the Watchman's arm in the hands of the mutated Watchman made his blood run cold, the hairs on his arms and neck sought to escape their fleshy prison, the whites of his eyes gleamed with almost panic. Still, Ruprecht had the presence of mind to draw his sword and make ready...
Ruprecht stood still as the Witch-Hunter summarily executed the innocent woman, Landolf's protections and the ensuing conversation reduced to a buzzing in his ears as Morrsleib bore down, the fog enveloped and the screams of the fleeing people.....
...Ruprecht felt laughter starting to well up in side him, laughter that if he let it out...he knew he'd never be able to stop. Fists clenched, he stared at the ground, at the wisps of fog curling about his feet and pushed down against the urge to laugh....laugh at this most inopportune time. Finally, his wits somewhat again his own, he nods, "Yes....the warehouse..."
Did I miss a Fortune re-fill along the way? I've Ruprecht down as having zero Fortune left.
At first Ruprecht is dumbfounded by both Valghaz' gall....and success. The watchmen's whistles spurs him into action and he joins his fellows in their escape through the demon fog.
Ruprecht's face shows his dissatisfaction with the Priestess of Morr's answer, but still accepts her benediction with good grace. ----- Later, Ruprecht nods at Landolf's suggestion on procuring some throwing knives, "A wise suggestion, as I'm sure our Company purse cannot accommodate the purchase of more suitable ranged weapons."
----- Ruprecht looks down at the Concillor's body in dismay, then glares at the spot the 'servant' just vacated, "Why do I get the feeling we've been 10 steps behind this whole time!" he complains to any who'd listen. Rushing out into the back garden, he tries to scale the wall, looking askance at Valghaz' attempt to vent his frustrations out on the masonry...
... the first attempt, he misplaces his feet and slips back down.
Once again, he was making some headway, but lost his balance and slid back down to earth!
His third attempt was the most pathetic, not even getting a foot above the ground.
Ruprect agrees wholeheartedly with the suggestion of visiting the Morrites, less so the idea of making and hurling explosives. Remembering the good Father Burke, running a finger over the black rose attached to his tunic, Ruprecht gladly takes the offered tea. He looks down into the inky blackness of the tea, then raise an eyebrow to the Priestess and then drinks... His gaze grows unfocussed, then begins to blink furiously, muttering "13 bells...ah....no!" Blinking again, his eyes once again sharp, he looks to Mother Carlitz, "Is that what will happen....or what could happen?"
Ruprecht slowly chewed some bread, even the act of chewing seemingly to hard for his exhausted body to find the energy to perform. However, his mind still functioned. Fixing one open eye on the man, he asked, "What of the Witch-Hunters....are they under the sway of the Council and Teugen?"
Yes, clergy is a good option I think. Landolf, you ok with Ruprecht hitching his short term ambition on your business endeavors?
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