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Happy holidays to you as well. See you all after new years
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Valghaz agreed to the request to meet. He just hoped that nothing else happened before then to make the meeting a moot point.
As usual, Valghaz was as perceptive as a rock. Tired from the emotional and mental energy spent, it was a wonder that he managed to stay awake for his shift.
Valghaz made his way upstairs just in time to see Kritza and Adeilada making arrangements to protect Bruno for the night. He had the feeling that while Bruno was the kind of man who would usually be happy to have two young women in his bedchamber at night, that this wasn’t what he had in mind. A feeling of protectiveness seized him. While he was certain that a former flagellant like Kritza could watch for herself, he saw Adeilada as akin to a sister. While he logically knew her to be a warrior priestess, he still waved her over oncr Adeilada she left. Then he said ”If his company isn’t to either of yer liking, then we can post a watch outside his window. While not as comfortable, it would be just as effective.”
Valghaz didn't even glance at the halfling, given that he was too busy glaring at the serving girl as she retreated. Thoughts about whether it was grudge-worthy for her to lie about him vanished as The Gravin came in. He could only mutter something back to Bruno as a hard slap caused him to steady himself. Given how well Landolf had taken control of the situation, he said to the nobleman "I'll go inform the others what happened. Will leave ye to talk to her."
Valghaz groaned. ”Shut it ye stupid…whatever ye are!” He yelled at the girl. ”This here fooker was trying to kill Bruno. See?!” He pointed at the corpse and the needle-like weapon. ”A bloody assassin he was!” He finished, clearly exasperated.
Have to say, so glad that you nailed the check with fortune. Given the SL required, I thought that we were screwed.
Valghaz's eyes widened at Landolf's declaration. Shoving his way forward, the burly dwarf threw himself at the would-be assassin, seeking to grab the man's arms and hold him down.
Can you use fortune to make the +3 into a +4, thus catching the assassin?
Valghaz walked over to watch as the two arm wrestled. Few had heated him the way that Bruno did, and now there was another here who evenly matched the champion? It was an odd feeling to feel weak. He wondered if that was how elves felt all the time. It would certainly explain their general perfidy.
After a moment’s thought he said ”I got next.” At the very least the real Bruno would be as strong as the last…or so he reasoned. That, and he had the personality that when something bothered him he met it head on. Just because he lost once before didn’t mean that he had to hide like some elgi.
Valghaz spent his time going over the guard schedule. He wanted to ensure that there were always two people on duty at all times, especially at night. He further wanted to ensure that this schedule included a member of the group.
”Aye. Good thinking.” Valghaz said, relieved that Adelaida had come up with such a good idea. ”Lets set up a watch routine when everyone is awake. These guards they’ve hired are shyte at their jobs. Should have two people awake on each shift. The only question is if we tell the current guards what’s what. I think we may have to, lest they get suspicious of us and treat us as the enemy. Your thoughts?”
Strength Test Round 1 (70): 1d100 ⇒ 39 Bruno rolls 39 which is SL +4 and adding his strength bonus he’s total for Round 1 is +11
5+5=10. Bruno is at 1 and gets adv 3+5=8. Bruno is at 5 and gets adv -2+5=3 Bruno wins Valghaz nodded as he sat down. The man before him made the word “large” an understatement. He thought himself fairly strong, but sitting before him he felt such confidence drain. Still, it was his challenge and he wasn’t going to back down! Deciding that he had to end it fast, he put all of his strength into a burst, trying to push the champion’s arm down. Only it was like trying to push over a mountain! Inch by inch his arm was pushed back, until it finally was slammed on the table. With a laugh Valghaz shook his arm to get feeling back into it. ”Well, fook!” He cursed. ”Didn’t know they made manlings this size. Well, a deal’s a deal. Barkeep! Yer best over here!” He called out. ”Name’s Valghaz, Clan Ironhammer. And aye, mining is me clan’s trade, as it was mine. But ended up…well, knighted isn’t the best word. Sworn to the Gods, is more like it. It’s a tale, to be sure. Even has a vampire in it. Tale goes best with strong drink.”
"The big guy." Valgahz said. "The one with the barrel sized chest." Eyeing the place up he continued "I'll go say 'ello. Everyone else, case the place out, aye? I don't trust that halfling, and the bartender may well be in the pay of the other side." Walking over to Bruno, he waited until the match was over and said to the man: "I'm next. Ye need to rest, or ye good to go?"
Sorry for the long delay again. I'll get caught-up this weekend. Glad to have you back
We really need to remember the short term party goals. Such as “clearing the Greathammer name” or the like. Lots of xp falling away from that. For this: “Prove to Count Boorman that we are dependable and worth a good reputation.” We’re getting xp from this anyways, so I think the goal shouldn’t just be from following the story, right? At least with this we have to do our job without embarrassment, or doing something like burning the tavern down.
It might get lost in the various discussions going on. The biggest thing I need to know for bookkeeping is what kind of bow Adelaida wants. Probably the amber bow. That's doable, right?
Good pay for a day and a night's worth of work, Valghaz thought. Even if it wasn't going to be easy work, the compensation reflected that. If nobody in the group objected, he voiced his support for the deal.
”Nay the easiest of jobs. Given his martial skill, it’s his food and drink that are likely the biggest concern. First thing first, he should have a taste tester. Is that…a profession here in the Empire?” Valghaz asked. ”Heard that there’s even a guild for that down in Tilea. That, and I’d reckon that when he sleeps he’ll be vulnerable. So we’ll need to set a watch around his room.” Valghaz scratched his head. ”And if we can keep him holed up until the fight in a safe place, all the better. Somewhere without too many windows that a sniper could shoot through….”
For his part, the questions all just washed over him. Valghaz enjoyed the meal, and the drink, savoring abit of good living for once. When the time came, as interjected with questions of his own. Who is the champion they will be protecting?
Three questions that would determine how they could go about this task.
Agreed. It’s a party investment. Having a true nobleman around to speak for us is a true boon. It takes money to make money! Also 120xp? Nice. Spending 110xp on +9 dodge, as being hit by arrows taught him a lesson. Which means that I think that technically I am almost done with the Knight career! Will probably pick up menacing and intimidate before exiting the career. Pretty excited for First Knight though. Charm, and the talents are great. Fearless-any, Stout-Hearted, Unshakeable, Warleader All are worth taking. Fearless several times.
Valghaz slapped Landolf on the back. "Worry not. Either she'll come around, or she'll leave. Hopefully the former, but ye can't force these things. And as for those mysterious fookers? At least we now know that it's about money. If they try something, we'll kill them, aye?"
Valghaz listened to Kirizta and shook his head. "Lass." He called out. "Ye weren't part of the Thorns then, but ye've earned a spot now."
"Trust a'int easy to get, and to be one of us it is earned with mutual blood. Our hand is out to join us, aye? Besides, if I'm to trust me life in yer hands, I'd prefer ye not to rely on a grobi bow."
When the day was done, Valghaz called the group together. "I don't believe in keeping secrets." Valghaz said. "This shield? It is an heirloom, of one of the major clans. It is damaged, to be sure, and it will take a runesmith some time. But this here is gromril." He said with meaning. "Selling it? It would require going to Marienburg for a fair price, and it would also buy a grudge against the seller and their entire family. It is clear to me that it must be returned. It is...as if though we found lost valuables that belong to Karl Franz. If selling or losing this would cause a blood-grudge, then returning it would meet just as strong a reaction. Likewise, that axe we found? There is a decent chance that it be the same. I would like to ask the group to agree on holding on to these, aye? At least until we can figure out who they belong to." Such was his wide-eyed wonder at the shield, he hadn't even noticed that his arrow wounds have healed.
That sounds awesome. But, like you, I don't have the current capacity to figure out a new system.
Valghaz enjoyed his time as a small town hero, indulging in food and drink. It was a novel feeling, not having to count every copper. A celebration that was truly worth being perforated with arrows! Unfortunately, his sleep was the opposite, for he was plagued by nightmares. Nursing a hangover, Valghaz slowly nodded his head. "Aye. Had a similar dream. Me own home was overrun by the Thaggoraki filth. Surely a sign from the Gods. Hope I can get me wounds healed before we have to face these blighters."
Despite the numerous arrow wounds, Valghaz was happy. The grobi were all either dead or were soon to be dead. The Greathammer clan were set to recover their lost mine from the foul urks and had their name restored. And their own personal quest could continue. He was certain that the ancestor gods were pleased. Given his own grievous wounds, it made sense to sit the rest of the battle out. Moreso, it was a chance for the men and dwarves to reforge their bonds through a common enemy. It was best to leave them to it.
It’s interesting how WFRP gets around the lack of magic items by having weapon and armor qualities. Having a full suit of well made armor with quality weapons is a staggering amount of gold.
I’d like to figure out what is up with the shield. If it’s cursed then carrying it is bad. If it’s magic then we should use it. Either way heading back makes sense to me
”Aye. Gold, gems, dead grobi, a slaughtered urk, and Mayhaps this shield. It’s been a good day. Just too bad that the witch hasn’t been found yet. Let’s finishing clearing the place out.”
Valghaz looked at the shield, trying to decipher what just happened. At length he decided that there must have been a reason why he didn’t destroy it. Maybe beneath the paint it was of dawi-make? Perhaps it was a sign from Grungni? Or perhaps it was protected by dark powers. Either way, he had to know. Taking off his cloak he wrapped the shield up so that he didn’t touch it with his bare hands and then put it in his pack. ”Gonna clean this off when we get back. Either turn it in for destruction or find that it be for use after we get the graffiti off.”
”It’s just paint.” Valghaz said, looking down at the dead goblin. ”Can’t imagine magic being trapped in something to flimsy.” He walked over to the shield, raised his pick and growled ”Umgak!” as he brought the weapon down upon it.
Coming in like a wrecking ball, Valghaz charged into the fray. His pick had tasted blood before and the Templar was certain that it would do the same now. Much to his surprise when it hit home the impact reverberated up his arms as if though he had struck solid stone!
Indeed! It’s quite a deal going on. Hope it increases WFRP’s presence in the rpg community
”Either magic, or just well made. Either way, let me try.” Valghaz said as he took his pick and swung it at the door.
If it fails: With a shrug Valghaz decided to just knock. Who knew? Maybe whomever was inside would open the door. Regardless, stealth was long gone
”Well then. Sounds like we have one more gobbo to kill.” Valghaz said as he made his way to the room upstairs. ”Lets paint the walls with its blood.”
"Ach." Valghaz said as he strode in, lacking the imagination required to find the place disheartening. He began by searching through the room, looking for any goblin hiding places, or just valuables to loot.
Upon finding the locked desk, he began to pull on the drawer, seeking to brute force his way to the contents. He planned to keep going unless someone stopped him...
”Grobi filth fooked this up right good, didn’t they? Stand back. Let’s see how this door holds up to me pick.” With the patience of a miner, Valghaz went about breaking the door down.
Valghaz bowed his head in thanks as he took a cookie, not wanting to be impolite. Upon eating it, the dwarf’s bushy eyebrows raised and he quickly devoured the second. Magic. He thought, as he felt the ache of his wounds lessen. Must be magic. ”Nay, we have not. But the grobi filth should die.” Ha said, brushing the crumbs from his beard. ”And ye have me thanks for the food. I’ve never tasted it’s like before.”
Valghaz shrugged. "Let's bring them back to. Get some good-will from the town and we can drop them off at the Garden of Morr, aye? Well, after we finish with this place. Fookers got me good with their arrows, but I've got some fight in me left."
”We should have it appraised later.” Valghaz said. ”Whomever it belonged to may offer a reward. And if not…well. It should fetch a good price, aye?”
"A good find." Valghaz said, with gritted teeth, as he removed the last arrow. "Should fetch a good price. Good thing the urk scum didn't ruin the weapon."
That was close! Almost spent a fate point there. For the orc’s armor, is anything salvageable? Given how they tend to slap mixed up pieces on, there might be something there that was newly added.
”Thanks.” Valghaz muttered to Kritza for her medical aid, Adelaida for he willingness to take a point blank arrow for him, and Landolf for slaying the orc. Saying more than that hurt. He went about safely removing the trio of arrows that had perforated him…
Valghaz had been fighting the orc, but it was no duel. This was evidenced by the three arrows that stuck out of the dwarf. Fired at such close range, each one had hit home with brutal force, leaving him barely standing on his feet. He had been matching the orc blow for blow when an arrow from behind had caused him to stumble forward, right into the orc's choppa. The dwarf was knocked back several steps and stayed on his feet only out of an intense stubborness. But their dishonor was repaid as Landolf leapt to Valghaz's rescue. Unable to see the nobleman behind the orc, all the dwarf saw was a thin blade sticking through the orc's chest. The orc slide to the ground, dying with a surprised look on it's face. All that remained to be seen was whether goblin spite would win over their cowardice. For the dwarf would likely not survive another volley of arrows.
10 wounds on the orc.
----- Valghaz breathed heavily as he pulled his pick back and squared off against the orc. Hatred blazed in his eyes as he regarded his ancestral foe. This was what all of the ancestor gods demanded that he fight. There was no retreat here. No quarter was expected and none would be given. Despite the fact that two arrows were sticking out of him, he ignored the pain and launched himself into an attack, with barely any thought given to defense. If the orc hit him, then so be it. But he was going to take it's head!
I'm really sorry about your wife's health. And I'm sure that I speak for everyone when I say that her health, and your mental health, comes first. I'll be here for so long as you are able to continue the campaign going. It's no secret to say that this is one of my all time favorite campaigns. All I ask is that, if it comes time to say goodbye, to get a heads up. Just because I'd like to write a closing post for Valghaz. To reiterate: do what is best for you and yours.
“ At a command from the Orc it attacks Valghaz with its bow. Attack Roll (50): 1d100 ⇒ 23 SL +3 and Dodge Roll (40): 1d100 ⇒ 30SL +1. Damage is 7 + 3 minus TB and Armor” Could you explain the dodge roll? I thought it was SL+weapon strength - TB-Armor. So 5 (SL with range) + 3 (bow) - 5 (toughness) - 3 (arm armor) = 1 damage. Or am I getting this wrong?
With two arrows in him, Valghaz roared in rage. ”Khazukin khazukit-ha!” He bellowed as he charged straight at the orc. Kill the leader and the rest would surely scatter.
June in case we are waiting for Valghaz to attack: He has his pick. This alone makes him lose initiative. So given that, and the rolls, I'm waiting for the greenskins to make their move before he charges in.
“ 1 - Landolf and Krizta
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