Landolf is brought out of his reverie by the cries of alarm. Hearing the sergeant's question, he dashes off after the thief.
[dice=Agility (Athletics) 39]1d100
Landolf races close behind Talther as they chase the crook.
Adelaida does her best to follows the pace of the chase, but the sudden action caught her by surprise, and she has a slow start
Ruprecht silently curses his caution, running with the others after the ruffian...
Talther and Landolf easily chase down the thief. The townspeople in the market give nods of appreciation that the Watch is finally doing do its job.
Sergeant Klumpenklug wheezes up. "Well done!" Opening the purse, Klumpenklug carefully counts out 22 silver shillings. He then proceeds to take half of the thief ’s proceeds, which he pockets himself, before returning the bag to the owner. "Spot fine, that is, for leaving your bag unguarded."
Gathering you all together, he next takes into a converted two-storey riverfront warehouse in the southside of the Teufel. "This big building be the Boatmen's Guild." The lower floor has a tavern and dormitory for its members with almost everything sold at cost, and several private rooms also available. The food and drink is decent and plentiful. The upper floor, looking down over the drinking hall, contains the guild’s offices and the guildmaster’s quarters.
Klumpenklug points out an old man talking to a few younger men."That old timer is Guildmaster Karsten Rugger, he's forgotten more than most rivermen will ever know. Probably done a bit of smuggling too, but as long as we get our drinks for free, it's not worth stirring about too much. Speaking of free drinks, quitting times recruits. You can find your wayback to the barracks without hand-holding, right?"
Landolf balks a bit when the sergeant steals half a purse but tries to cover it up. He isn't in a position to get in a fight with Sergeant Klumpenklug right now. It's one thing to know that this sort of thing happens and another to have it done in front of you so brazenly...
After Sergeant Klumpenklug turns the patrol loose for the evening at the Boatmen's Guild, Landolf goes to the bar to get a free drink. He could possibly make some decent contacts around here...maybe get a head start on his career after his stint with the Watch is over.
Landolf quickly becomes friends with some of Guild members. Being both charming and better able to hold his liquor he hears a rumor that a band of thugs are planning on robbing one of docks merchants later this very evening. His new friends draw him a simple map of the area of the dock where the robbery is to take place. The Guild’s men are not at all interested in trying to intervene themselves. As one of them says to Landolf, ”too much messing around in the docks business and you find yourself fish food.”
"How many men are in this gang?" Landolf asks. "In case I need to make a report to my superiors."
Valghaz remained silent since the arrest, though he did occasionally tug on his beard. A clear sign for those who knew him well that he was in distress. The sergeant, was to put it bluntly, corrupt. He stole from the people he was supposed to serve, and he turned a blind eye to smugglers. It was dishonorable! But at the same time, this was the Empire, and mankind wasn’t held to the same standards as his people. At least dawi only bent the details, they didn’t swindle. Most of the time. And if he made a scene, it would likely lead to his public disgrace and shame for his clan.
The young dwarf left soon after being dismissed. What he had to do was find an elder to talk to. The longer and whiter the beard the better. It was what tradition required of him. When there was a situation with no good choices and where nothing seemed honorable, it was only proper to learn what was right from those with the weight of years on their shoulders.
Adelaida is a little bit shocked when she see the sergeant pocketing half of the money of the woman, but knows better and keeps her mouth shut.
Hey, what did you expect? Honesty? Valor? Integrity? You can't do a thing right now, girl. Bid your time, bite your lips, don't act like him, rise in the rank and MAYBE, maybe, you will be able to do something about it.
The soldier turned guard wasn't against a drink, even less a free one. But there is a difference between accepting a free drink from a bartender you saved during your duty and just getting a free drink because you wear an uniform. You have to merit free things, or else you'll have to pay the price, sooner or later.
Corruption. Rotting the Empire from within. No one is safe from temptation. But you have to show respect to yourself, to your ancestors. The Empire needs to be able to trust you, not only in times of troubles but on everyday life too.
As she sees the dwarf walking away, Adelaida asks him
Mind if I join you for the walk?
Valghaz looked up in surprise, but then nodded. ”Aye. Adelaida, aye?” As he walked with her, he thought to himself that this was another oddity of the Empire. Women soldiers. Was their population really large enough to allow that? From what he had seen the answer was yes. It was an odd thought.
”Yer a military woman. Is this kind of open corruption common?” He said, getting right to the point.
There's not much to use to corrupt with in the army. There's banter and trade, sure, there are spoils of war, there are high officers who use the blood of the grunts to get another medal, another title, another rank. Heard that sometimes, it's easy for someone in high society to avoid the draft if he or she isn't afraid to give some cash. Haven't seen it with my own eyes, anyway. From me to you, I judge our sarge severely. He's a thief himself, even worse than the cutpurse because he took no risk. And the poor woman didn't even dare to say a word!That's not how it should work. If I wasn't myself short on money, I was about to give back the woman her coins out of my own purse. But that wouldn't put me in the good book of the Sergeant, and we had most than our own share of troubles recently. There will be a time and place for a reckoning, or so I hope, a time to put all the wrongs right.
A few moments of silence as they walk side by side.
How should I adress you? Private Ironhammer? You might be surprised, by I've meet few dwarves so far, and never got really personnal with one of them. And yes, my name is Adelaida, Adelaida Lehner. I'm so used to get barked at, like a soldier, that I sometimes forget my own name.
She smiles, and the smile, if a little bit tainted with sadness, is genuine. As far as Valghaz can judge, she is quite pretty, for a human, with her dark brown eyes and black hair.
”Private? Strange title. What’s so private about all of this?” He asked. ”Just call me Valghaz. Don’t forget yer name. It’s the most important thing ye own.” He fell into a brief silence, feeling quite miserable about the entire situation. To think, that the first time he got to speak to a pretty girl, it had to be a human. Surely, Valaya was laughing. ”So how’d ye end up in the armed service? I’ve heard that ye humans don’t have clans, and rather choose to do what ye like.” Which was why he assumed human craft was usually so mediocre, with only a few exceptions. ”It was yer choice, aye?”
Despite seeing the crime in progress, Ruprecht isn't fast enough to enjoy the apprehension.
He jogs up in time to notice the Sergeant's creative income enhancement. With a shrug, Ruprecht dismisses it as the most common of activities in the Empire, nothing to be concerned about...unless of course he was left out.
Before the Sergeant leaves, Ruprecht approaches him and quietly asks, "Now then , Sergeant, if I may have a word. For future reference, what is the policy on such 'spot' fines? Are we Watchmen allowed to use our own discretion in meting out such fines? Do we then deliver them into your hands...or into the Watch's coffers?"
"How many men are in this gang?" Landolf asks. "In case I need to make a report to my superiors."
”They’ll probably bring quite a gaggle with them. Five...maybe ten, doubt they’d be more than ten.”
Valghaz remained silent since the arrest, though he did occasionally tug on his beard. A clear sign for those who knew him well that he was in distress. The sergeant, was to put it bluntly, corrupt. He stole from the people he was supposed to serve, and he turned a blind eye to smugglers. It was dishonorable! But at the same time, this was the Empire, and mankind wasn’t held to the same standards as his people. At least dawi only bent the details, they didn’t swindle. Most of the time. And if he made a scene, it would likely lead to his public disgrace and shame for his clan.
The young dwarf left soon after being dismissed. What he had to do was find an elder to talk to. The longer and whiter the beard the better. It was what tradition required of him. When there was a situation with no good choices and where nothing seemed honorable, it was only proper to learn what was right from those with the weight of years on their shoulders.
Valghaz remembers that the Axe and Hammer is the only dedicated tavern in Dawihaffen, the Dwarf section of Ubersreik. If there’s an Ironhammer in town that’s where they’ll likely be.
"Ten men is a lot. You're right to let me know. Stay out of it, and I'll see how the higher ups want to respond." Landolf excuses himself from the table.
After taking his leave, Landolf attempts to find the sergeant, hoping that the man was still in a state that he could make decisions clearly.
Despite seeing the crime in progress, Ruprecht isn't fast enough to enjoy the apprehension.
He jogs up in time to notice the Sergeant's creative income enhancement. With a shrug, Ruprecht dismisses it as the most common of activities in the Empire, nothing to be concerned about...unless of course he was left out.
Before the Sergeant leaves, Ruprecht approaches him and quietly asks, "Now then , Sergeant, if I may have a word. For future reference, what is the policy on such 'spot' fines? Are we Watchmen allowed to use our own discretion in meting out such fines? Do we then deliver them into your hands...or into the Watch's coffers?"
Klumpenklug gives Ruprecht a greasy smile, ”first rule in the watch is take care of ‘em that’s right above you. If you find some coinage, remember halves go the sarge. Second rule, never bother them officer types. Third rule, if you fine someone makes sure it t’aint enough they’d break rule two.”
Klumpenklug bangs on the bar with with his empty mug and yells, ”nother one for me and me mate and make it the good stuff this time...no more of that damn troll piss.”
The sergeant is obviously getting pretty hammered by this point. He leans in close to Ruprecht, pats him on the shoulder and with beer breath says, ”I like you Ruprecht, you get things...hiccup...stick with me and you’ll go far. That Altdorf *itch won’t be Cap long I betcha...plenty of room for advance, advance, uh, to gets ahead. Speaking of gets ahead, here,” as he slips you a silver shilling.
Oh yes, it was my choice. Maybe not my wisest choice, but my choice all the same. I felt... how can I say that? Indebted to the Empire, to the lands and its people. I wanted to do something useful, and I have no talent for craft. Maybe a part of me wanted to do something that is forbidden in the lands I was born in. Female there are seen as second-class citizens, even the noblest of them. Brittania... In fact, I've never went back there again, and was too young to remember much of it when my late mom bring me in the Empire.
She looks around, lost for a few second in the contemplation of the hustle of the crowd.
Maybe I wanted to show I wasn't afraid, when I joined the army. Maybe I wanted to prove myself I could do it. Maybe I wanted to be able to defend my mom in her old years, as she protected me when I was younger... wasn't very useful against the disease that stole her from my loving arms.
She thinks, and asks, as politely as possible, but with some near childlike curiosity
What is it, to be a dwarf, apart from the obvious? What defines you?
Despite seeing the crime in progress, Ruprecht isn't fast enough to enjoy the apprehension.
He jogs up in time to notice the Sergeant's creative income enhancement. With a shrug, Ruprecht dismisses it as the most common of activities in the Empire, nothing to be concerned about...unless of course he was left out.
Before the Sergeant leaves, Ruprecht approaches him and quietly asks, "Now then , Sergeant, if I may have a word. For future reference, what is the policy on such 'spot' fines? Are we Watchmen allowed to use our own discretion in meting out such fines? Do we then deliver them into your hands...or into the Watch's coffers?"
Klumpenklug gives Ruprecht a greasy smile, ”first rule in the watch is take care of ‘em that’s right above you. If you find some coinage, remember halves go the sarge. Second rule, never bother them officer types. Third rule, if you fine someone makes sure it t’aint enough they’d break rule two.”
Klumpenklug bangs on the bar with with his empty mug and yells, ”nother one for me and me mate and make it the good stuff this time...no more of that damn troll piss.”
The sergeant is obviously getting pretty hammered by this point. He leans in close to Ruprecht, pats him on the shoulder and with beer breath says, ”I like you Ruprecht, you get things...hiccup...stick with me and you’ll go far. That Altdorf *itch won’t be Cap long I betcha...plenty of room for advance, advance, uh, to gets ahead. Speaking of gets ahead, here,” as he slips you a silver shilling.
Ruprecht nods sagely as the Sergeant explains things, hearing his father's voice in his ear Coinage is the grease that keeps the Empire moving...most of it under the table or in the shadow...keep that in mind ,boy..".
As for the Sergeant's opinioln of the Captain's tenure, Ruprecht merely touches the side of his nose in acknowledgement, takes a slug of the good stuff and discretely slides his new silver shilling into his money purse.
If the thief resists when caught, Talther will have no compunctions about delivering him a stout whack of a rungo. If the thief quits, no whack will be required or given, by him at least.
When Klumpenklug brazenly steals from a citizen, Talther does not interrupt.
Seeing the character of the man but still...the corrupt can be useful!
When the Sergeant explains the Boathouse, Talther nods.
"No handholding required, Rudi! See you on the morrow!"
He then proceeds to get a few drinks and try to chat with the locals frequenting the Boathouse. He does not avoid Landolf but lets the noble scion get on with his own efforts.
If the thief resists when caught, Talther will have no compunctions about delivering him a stout whack of a rungo. If the thief quits, no whack will be required or given, by him at least.
When Klumpenklug brazenly steals from a citizen, Talther does not interrupt.
Seeing the character of the man but still...the corrupt can be useful!
When the Sergeant explains the Boathouse, Talther nods.
"No handholding required, Rudi! See you on the morrow!"
He then proceeds to get a few drinks and try to chat with the locals frequenting the Boathouse. He does not avoid Landolf but lets the noble scion get on with his own efforts.
** spoiler omitted **
Landolf calls for the attention of Talther & Xavier as he approaches Ruprecht & Sergeant Klumpenklug, pulling them aside to speak privately.
Landolf says as he approaches his superior. "I was having a drink with some of the boys here, and they are telling me that some vagabonds are planning to break into a warehouse on the docks tonight. Five to ten men in all, they say. What are your orders?"
"So, who are the big fish on the docks?"
He looked at her in shock. A Bretonnian? He’d heard stories. Of the extreme poverty of its people, of the women who were never allowed to leave their heads uncovered, and if the warrior caste of nobles who ruled over them as tyrants. From everything he heard, the Bretonnian lords had a twisted sense of honor, in which only their peers were worthy of respect or care. He supposed be couldn't fault her for feeling such loyalty to the Empire for taking her in.
”Just trying to do the right thing. Nay easy, ye know? World’s complicated. Do one things right one way and it fooks it all up another. That’s why I’m going to find an elder to talk to. Figure out the how to walk the right path. Heading over to the Axe and Hammer, in the dwarven district. Best place to find a white-beard. Yer free to walk with me, if it suits ya.”
I would enjoy the companionship, if you don't mind me, and if my presence wouldn't be too awkward. I won't take offense if you prefer to stay with..other dwarves. We barely know each other. So speak freely.
Landolf calls for the attention of Talther & Xavier as he approaches Ruprecht & Sergeant Klumpenklug, pulling them aside to speak privately.
Landolf says as he approaches his superior. "I was having a drink with some of the boys here, and they are telling me that some vagabonds are planning to break into a warehouse on the docks tonight. Five to ten men in all, they say. What are your orders?"
"WHAT?!? A BREAK-IN! NOT ON MY WATCH!!," Klumpenklug roars and then slams back the rest of his beer before unsteadily climbing to his foot. "Come on lads, there's work to do!," the Sergeant yells at Landolf, Talther and Ruprecht as he hurries out the door.
Following the directions on the crude map that Landolf had procured from his new friends, Sergeant Klumpenklug leads the three of you in a zig-zag manner towards the potential crime scene.
You quickly arrive at the indicated spot and find a gang of thugs trying to rob a merchant. The thugs looked surprised, and the merchant hopeful, as Klumpenklug swiftly strolls towards them, the rest of you in tow. "What’s all this then?" The merchant begs for help while Klumpenklug listens impassively. He then turns to the gang leader. The man looks about and finally says, "He owes his dock fees." Klumpenklug nods, turns back to the merchant and states, "Best for everyone you pay what you owe, friend." The sergeant spears the gang leader with a final glance and states pointedly, "That’s good advice for all, eh?" He then smiles, turns, and walks away motioning the party to follow him. You can hear the sounds of the merchant being beaten as you walk away. Klumpenklug prevents any of you interfering. "Leave it." As you head back to the barracks, Klumpenklug states, "You want to help ‘im, eh? Messing about in Dockers’ Guild business is as good a way to commit suicide as any, I suppose. They’ll not kill ’im. It’ll all get sorted and the Watch will have our due for the consideration of letting them ’andle their affairs without any fuss."
** spoiler omitted **
Recent rumours suggest the gangs of the shanty town under the bridge (Dunkelfeucht) are being bound together by a new leader known only as ‘The Baron’. Though a new arrival to Ubersreik, this criminal mastermind is already known for his ambition and utter ruthlessness. Few outside Dunkelfeucht have ever clapped eyes on him, though most Ubersreikers have heard of him and fear him. If rumours are to be believed, he already has scores of thieves, thugs, and smugglers under his control, and he intends to spread from the docklands quickly, quashing any attempts to thwart the rise of his newly forged criminal empire.
of +20 to your Cool Skill.
”We be comrades now. Gotta watch each other’s backs. Here, I’ll tell ya a story. Was a wee lad, just started working the mines with me brother. Our pa told us to watch each other’s backs down there, as there’s always dangers in the dark. I’m a miner, and it’s dangerous work. It’s why me ma married me father and his brother. So many die before their time that it was the best way to keep her from being a widow. Well, anyways. Me brother was a right jerk. Never liked the miserable grumbaki. He never liked me much either. But anyways, we went down, aye? And there I was, me eyes fixed on the wall, when I hear a THUMP!” He slammed his hand into his palm. ”I spun around, and what did I see? A dead gobbo with me brother’s pick in it’s back. The sneaky stabber was getting ready to slit me throat. I learned that day that I could trust him to watch me back, and that it was me duty to watch his. And that it be foolish to go into the dark alone if ye can help it.” As they walked he looked at her intently. ”Ye seem like good people, and ye’ve got some training. Yer not some milk drinker. But I can’t say the same for this organization we be in, and I’ve got a feeling that we will be in the dark. Can I count on ye to watch me back?”
Landolf followed Sergeant Klumpenklug back to the barracks, feeling both tired and demoralized. It wasn't just that his superior had allowed the merchant to be beaten when he could have intervened...that was bad enough. But Klumpenklug had stormed off to the scene in a rage, only because he thought he wouldn't be getting his cut of the proceeds if he didn't 'remind' the thugs of their obligation.
Even worse, it wasn't as though the sergeant was the cause of any of this. Klumpenklug was, at worst, taking financial advantage of the situation he found himself in.
I didn't sign up for this in so many ways...
The one idea he kept returning to was Captain Pfeffer. He couldn't believe that she would be unaware of Klumpenklug's behavior. She'd called him a good man at their introductions. At the same time, she also seemed genuine about putting their skills to use. Was it just so she could get a bigger skim off the top for herself? Or was she really trying to make a difference in the city?
Questions kept spinning in his mind as he laid in his bunk, hoping he could get some sleep.
"Good to know! Prost!", Talther replies as he makes to swig down the rest of his ale, clearly in high spirits!
When Klumpenklug yells about break-in, Talther gets moving straight away.
"Let's have at them!", he yells as he moves swiftly to keep pace with the Sergeant and the others.
****************
Talther is ready to get swinging, fired up to do his duty, and then cannot help but feel disappointed as Klumpenklug calls a halt to the proceedings. He does not argue, especially as Klumpenklug explains the situation.
With a *plan* and enough men, the Docker's Guild would soon be begging for mercy!, he thinks to himself, still full of vinegar and the other stuff.
But maybe there's still an angle to work here...
"Rudi, what do you know about the Dunkelfeucht gangs, with the Baron? Is he all that the bar talk says he is?"
Landolf followed Sergeant Klumpenklug back to the barracks, feeling both tired and demoralized. It wasn't just that his superior had allowed the merchant to be beaten when he could have intervened...that was bad enough. But Klumpenklug had stormed off to the scene in a rage, only because he thought he wouldn't be getting his cut of the proceeds if he didn't 'remind' the thugs of their obligation.
Even worse, it wasn't as though the sergeant was the cause of any of this. Klumpenklug was, at worst, taking financial advantage of the situation he found himself in.
I didn't sign up for this in so many ways...
The one idea he kept returning to was Captain Pfeffer. He couldn't believe that she would be unaware of Klumpenklug's behavior. She'd called him a good man at their introductions. At the same time, she also seemed genuine about putting their skills to use. Was it just so she could get a bigger skim off the top for herself? Or was she really trying to make a difference in the city?
Questions kept spinning in his mind as he laid in his bunk, hoping he could get some sleep.
"Good to know! Prost!", Talther replies as he makes to swig down the rest of his ale, clearly in high spirits!
When Klumpenklug yells about break-in, Talther gets moving straight away.
"Let's have at them!", he yells as he moves swiftly to keep pace with the Sergeant and the others.
****************
Talther is ready to get swinging, fired up to do his duty, and then cannot help but feel disappointed as Klumpenklug calls a halt to the proceedings. He does not argue, especially as Klumpenklug explains the situation.
With a *plan* and enough men, the Docker's Guild would soon be begging for mercy!, he thinks to himself, still full of vinegar and the other stuff.
But maybe there's still an angle to work here...
"Rudi, what do you know about the Dunkelfeucht gangs, with the Baron? Is he all that the bar talk says he is?"
"Sonny boy, you be listening to your old sarge here, stay away from the Dunkelfeucht. The Baron ain't nobody to mess around with. The Watch leaves the Baron alone as long as he stays in Dunkelfeucht and you do the same unless you want to go down the river"
Hmmm. Powerful so.
"I understand, Rudi. Is there anywhere or anyone else that we should not tangle with?"
”Let’s see...stay away from nobles, soldiers, the guilds, dwarfs, people bigger ‘an you and anyone you don’t know you can beat. If you do get into a fight give ‘em a knife in the back to start it...most won’t argue with you then. If you gets in a fight you might lose, run like hell...maybe throw one of your friends in their path...hahaha...remind me to tell you about the time i tripped by cousin when we was runnin from the Snoggin boys...they beat the snot out of him and as for me, not a scratch.”
Rudi continues to babble to his Talther, and buys yourself a crossbow, let them soldiery types charge in and you stand in the back pinging away...that way when it’s time to run you gets a head start...hahahahahahaha...remind me to tell you bout the time the Watch was called out to fight an Ogre...yes an Ogre...it ated everyone up cepting Rudi cause i was at the back pinging away. Good times...good times sonny boy.”
What a self-serving weasel.
"Thank you for the advice, Rudi. I'll be careful out there."
Sergeant Klumpenklug shows you more of the landmarks to know on your Teubrücke beat.
First stop is The Crooked Hammer which is a slightly seedy, rough-looking tavern typical of those found in the Teubrücke. It serves a variety of hard spirits and watery ales, at cheap prices. To the rear of the building, there is a soup kitchen for the destitute.
"If you want a game of chance this is the place. Gert Hunder fronts the place. Everyone knows that the Crosses really run the place. You'll find all sorts hanging out in there."
Next is the Customs House. All tax collected in Ubersreik comes through Customs House, a large, sturdy building with a commanding view over the wharves and the river-traffic. All boats unloading in the town pay a tax of one silver coin plus an additional charge depending upon the cargo. Vessels potentially have docking fees to pay as well to the owners of the wharf in question, and fees to pay to the Dockers’ Guild to load and unload any vessel. Wagons of trading goods pay their taxes at the town gates.
"Ernst Geldfinger runs the operation. He's a thug and keeps a tight leash on all the clerks. He's not worth your time though. He's so stupidly honest."
This Dockers' Arm is sprawling, timber and lathe tavern that caters almost exclusively to the town’s stevedores and teamsters, who have a monopoly on the loading and unloading of all trade goods in Ubersreik. Without paying their fees, none of your cargo moves.
"Wilhelm ‘Big Willi’ Docker owns the place and runs the Dockers' Guild. Not a good man to make mad. Big Willi is a giant of a man with arms bigger than most men’s thighs. I've seen him rip a man's head clear off, well not so much a man as half a man...a halfling...get it? Halfling...half a man!" Rudi gives those who laugh a grin and a nod but scowls fiercely at those that don't find his joke funny.
"This here is the Grail Chapel, you can tell by those funny carving things...Flower of Lillys I thinks. Old man Hugo lives there. Not much call for the watch there."The exterior of the Bretonnian Grail Chapel is unassuming,a modest warehouse, typical of those in the district. Only the innocuous wooden inscriptions of fleur-de-lys along the eaves mark it as anything special.
Next to the two dry docks in town there is an unassuming wooden building. "That there is offices for the combined Guild of Boatbuilders and Chandlers. Kurt Prochnow is the current Guildmaster. Supposedly the smartest man in town. Always inventing something fancy. Hangs out with them dwarfs a lot too. Never had a problem with them."
A different stench than usual washes over you and the the Schwarzehalle slum’s Hog Pit comes into view. It is a sprawling series of open pig. pens. The pigs dine on the town’s scraps and filth, which are sold to swineherds by enterprising gong farmers (excrement collectors). Citizens wishing to cross the Hog Pit use a series of elevated wooden platforms.
"Them boards are slippery so be careful if I send you out there. Saw a Haus Frau fall in one time and them pigs ate her. We got even though. We gave her family the bacon from that there killer pig. Best eaten they had in years."
"There's the Kat House. The madam gives the watch a nice discount so we keep an eye on the place for her. If you can't find me anywhere else, I'll be here." A stylised brass cat hangs above the Kat House, a dockside brothel dedicated to Katya, the Goddess of Disarming Beauty. The sizeable four-storey building caters to clientèle of all species and classes, and is protected by ever-present bouncers. Although most of its staff present as female, all tastes are catered for.
Near the Kat House is Rugger’s which is Ubersreik’s cheapest inn, and for good reason: the beds are infested and the common room mouldy and damp. The lower floor has a dirty kitchen, a creaky dining hall, and the common room. The upper floor squeezes four private rooms (each with two double bunks) and the proprietor’s room into a tiny space.
"Nasty place. Guy died and rotted in there last year and it made the place smell better."
The two-storey Red Moon Inn primarily caters to boatmen plying their trade up and down the Teufel. It’s the cleanest of the dock-side hostels, though still somewhat shabby. The lower floor is built from solid stone and includes a large drinking hall, common room, and small kitchen. The upper floor is timber and lathe and contains the inn’s private rooms, and a room for the owner. The main drinking hall has a row of quiet booths all slung with heavy curtains and tattered linen to provide a little privacy.
"That's where them fancy boy travelers sleep."
Finally, Rudi shows off Ubersreik's most famous landmark, the Ubersreik Bridge. Grodni Surehammer and his Dwarf Engineers’ Guild designed and built Ubersreik Bridge over 200 years ago. At that time, Ubersreik was little more than a ruin recently retaken by the
State Army of Reikland. The newly crowned emperor, Magnus the Pious, was keen to rebuild what was lost, so commissioned his Dwarf allies to construct a new crossing over the Teufel; the previous bridge had collapsed during the battles to retake the town from stubborn Greenskins.
Two centuries later, and the bridge still dominates Ubersreik. It is supported by a number of great, stone pillars sunk deep into the riverbed, to a height making it visible from much of the town. The pillars, tightly grouped near the riverbank, open out in the centre, offering two broad channels through which even tall masted river barges can safely pass. The bridge is inscribed with ancient Dwarf runes, ensuring strength and stability.
Local laws prohibit building atop the bridge, meaning those traversing it are greeted with some fine views of both sides of the town and the river surging beneath. Unseen from this vantage, the homeless gather under the bridge when the river isn’t swollen. There they seek to avoid the worst the weather has to offer. Historically the Jungfreuds periodically swept this largely Human detritus away, though the poor and destitute would always return in foul weather.
Of late, the Altdorfers have shown no signs of clearing these unfortunates away. As a result, a small shanty town, known locally as Dunkelfeucht, has sprung up under the bridge’s shadow. The Jungfreud supporters in Ubersreik turn their noses up at this development, citing it as yet another failing of the interlopers from the north.
"Listen all of you...stay out of Dunkelfeucht."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Over the ensuing days, Landolf tried to shake off the depressing feeling that nothing he did mattered and eventually he felt his disappointment dipping toward resignation. Why bother trying when nothing you did could right the situation? Why even be offended at the casual corruption of the Watch if no one expected you to be any better?
Two things kept him afloat in those early days. He was relieved to note that some of his fellow 'inmate' Watch members seemed as bothered by the behavior of Sergeant Klumpenklug as he did. Even if everything else told him that the situation was normal and expected, they didn't see it that way, and if they were bothered by the degredation of the Watch, then he could be as well.
The other thing that kept him going was anger. The rank unfairness of the situation--toward his fellow inmates as well as himself--burned in his gut. Someone had set them up to take a fall for murder, and the fact that they weren't simply executed for it wasn't enough to calm his rage. I won't wait like this for three years...it isn't right. Somehow, I'll find a way to clear our names.
Despite his resentment, he knew that his freedom of action was limited while under the direct supervision of Sergeant Klumpenklug. The man's disinterest in anything that didn't fill his pockets or sate his vices was all but legendary. With the threat of the gallows hanging over his head, he couldn't afford any reckless moves. For now, that meant playing along.
The one piece that didn't fit the whole picture was Captain Pfeffer. His first impression of her had been of a professional officer, not one to let the situation under her charge fester the way it was doing. Sergeant Klumpenklug seemed to have no affection for the woman, so it was possible that the actions of her subordinates were being hidden from her, or that she wasn't in a position to rock the boat herself. What would happen if he approached her about Klumpenklug's behavior? If she was in on his schemes, he'd be lucky if he didn't see him executed for his indiscretion. If not...it wouldn't be impossible to turn the situation around, would it?
I'll watch your back, I promise, as I've always watched the back of my brothers (and sisters) in arms. And on a side note, what means that "milk drinker" reference? I enjoy a glass of milk from time to time, but I guess you don't mean it literraly, Valghaz?
After the first night's events, Talther would like to gather the others for a meeting. One with none of their superiors or "colleagues" within earshot.
Landolf will find that Talther nods and replies:
"I have words to say about him also. Let's all talk somewhere private, eh?"
****************
Talther soaks in every word Klumpenklug has to say and notes what he doesn't, commiting whatever he can to memory.
Gert Hunder...Crosses...
Ernst Geldfinger...sounds reliable....Custom House...
Wilhelm ‘Big Willi’ Docker...Docker's Guild...a poor taste joke, but here's a *snort*
Talther makes a snorting sound that *could* be taken as amusement.
Kurt Prochnow...inventive...Guildmaster...
Madam...unnamed...Kat House...
Rugger’s...OHSIGMARTHESTENCH...no names...
Red Moon Inn...a fine-looking place...
Dunkelfeucht. I know what he had to say about *that*.
Landolf nods back to Talther.
"We need to get to know each other better I think. Should we all meet at the Red Moon Inn after patrol?"
"Aye. Perhaps in civilian clothes though."
Over the ensuing days, Landolf tried to shake off the depressing feeling that nothing he did mattered and eventually he felt his disappointment dipping toward resignation. Why bother trying when nothing you did could right the situation? Why even be offended at the casual corruption of the Watch if no one expected you to be any better?
Two things kept him afloat in those early days. He was relieved to note that some of his fellow 'inmate' Watch members seemed as bothered by the behavior of Sergeant Klumpenklug as he did. Even if everything else told him that the situation was normal and expected, they didn't see it that way, and if they were bothered by the degredation of the Watch, then he could be as well.
The other thing that kept him going was anger. The rank unfairness of the situation--toward his fellow inmates as well as himself--burned in his gut. Someone had set them up to take a fall for murder, and the fact that they weren't simply executed for it wasn't enough to calm his rage. I won't wait like this for three years...it isn't right. Somehow, I'll find a way to clear our names.
Despite his resentment, he knew that his freedom of action was limited while under the direct supervision of Sergeant Klumpenklug. The man's disinterest in anything that didn't fill his pockets or sate his vices was all but legendary. With the threat of the gallows hanging over his head, he couldn't afford any reckless moves. For now, that meant playing along.
The one piece that didn't fit the whole picture was Captain Pfeffer. His first impression of her had been of a professional officer, not one to let the situation under her charge fester the way it was doing. Sergeant Klumpenklug seemed to have no affection for the woman, so it was possible that the actions of her subordinates were being hidden from her, or that she wasn't in a position to rock the boat herself. What would happen if he approached her about Klumpenklug's behavior? If she was in on his schemes, he'd be lucky if he didn't see him...
After the first night's events, Talther would like to gather the others for a meeting. One with none of their superiors or "colleagues" within earshot.
Landolf will find that Talther nods and replies:
"I have words to say about him also. Let's all talk somewhere private, eh?"
****************
Talther soaks in every word Klumpenklug has to say and notes what he doesn't, commiting whatever he can to memory.
Gert Hunder...Crosses...
[dice=Lore Local 38]1d100
[dice=Lore History 33]1d100
[dice=Lore Theology 33]1d100
Ernst Geldfinger...sounds reliable....Custom House...
Wilhelm ‘Big Willi’ Docker...Docker's Guild...a poor taste joke, but here's a *snort*
Talther makes a snorting sound that *could* be taken as amusement.
Kurt Prochnow...inventive...Guildmaster...
Madam...unnamed...Kat House...
Rugger’s...OHSIGMARTHESTENCH...no names...
Red Moon Inn...a fine-looking place...
Dunkelfeucht. I know what he had to say about *that*.
You remember that the Crosses are adherents of Ranald, the God of Trickery, who view such activities as holy work. You also know that they take any profits from their gambling activities and use them to the benefit of the poor.
Day 6 of your time in the Watch arrives. Sergeant Klumpenklug changes things up a bit. "Today we will be doing a night patrol. Remember them docks are dark at night, so always bring your own light. When you lot start patrolling on your own, decide who will carry the lantern on the pole and who will carry the extra oil. Always bring extra oil. Don't want the light to go out at the wrong time."
For the first time since you've been under his command, Klumpenklug carefully inspects each of you before you head out. "Night patrols are different, crazy people that don't respect us come out at night, watch your backs and your mate's backs."
Soon you are walking the by now familiar Docks area of Ubersreik. Everything does seem different though at night. There are pools of light around the taverns and inns and normally a few lights burn in the guild houses but otherwise the docks are dark. Except for the noise coming from the various revelries the docks are also quiet. You can hear the river lapping up against the docks and the ships pulling at the ropes that secure them.
Late in your patrol, shortly before it would be time to head for the barracks, you detect the smell of something burning. Rounding a corner, you discover a butcher shop and tenement building on fire. Folk are trapped inside, and you can hear them calling for help. A large group stand in the street watching the fire and milling
about uncertainly. Klumpenklug regards the burning building for a moment, then shrugs and walks on, calling back to "We don’t do fires."
What do each of you do?