The cold winter had held the city in an iron grip, the hints of spring being delightful as it passed by. Skins and cold weather passed for more green view and those who had hid within their houses and trade being slow due to such, saw the resurgence of activity.
It was now the month of Erntezeit or “Harvest-Tide" and many things growing filled the markets along with livestock, fresh cut meats, vegetables and fruit and imports from far away, using the cleared roads.

Darkness was upon Altdorf - whatever the cause, reason or purpose for your stay or presence here, the weather forced you to find shelter quickly.
The lanterns quickly lit, as wisps in the edge of a lost marsh, being the only light guiding you, the song and smell of feasts drawing weary travelers near. A promise of comfort and hope.

The north side of the Reik, holds the Königsplatz, home to many inns, a hotbed of activity and trade and for those in new of work, coin or information - the place to be.
Crossing the town bridges over the Reik, a fresh, murky smell from the river hits you. The waters, a mix between an amberish green and serene blue, is home to many travelers, and traders, traversing the river to enter the town. But the shadow side of Altdorf also vacates here, small hobbles of forlorn souls living beneath the bridges, left to their own damnation - when not harassed or ignored and wished gone.
Rumors of horrid events in this very place still roam, of living dead, a cult beneath town - unbelievable!
Such is life in the empire. Rumor mongering was prevalent, and all present.

Tales of the yearly festival of grapes half a day south of town(Heiligen) was on many townfolks lips, albeit being held in a small rural city, the farm fields leading up to it were picturesque.
Humble kind folk, and plenty of wine.
It was a reoccurring event, at the grape harvest, the fields being a purple and green backdrop. Many coach companies and stables took advantage of this, providing inflated prices on fares there.

A new theater proclaiming to lure people in with plays that for many are ahead of its time, arousing suspicion and praise for being on the edge.

Rumors of shady dealings in the night.
Of shadows that came, dealt and vanished. Of people gone missing. Break-inns on the grounds of a the cemeteries, albeit not proven.

A man down on his luck, flaying around, asking for aid, like a lunatic, dismissed by all who saw him, just south of the Königsplatz. Images of horror he said. The watch dismissing him over and over.

Altdorf had it all.

What ever you have in mind, the night is upon you. A drink? Rest? Hard to say, but the weather offered no calm...

OOC: Simply put, an introduction to the city at night, and thus options are open for you to make choices for now.
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:51, Wed 20 Nov 2019.

Jareik had walked around a bit aimlessly despite a hard day's travelling, taking in the sights of the capital for the first time, it was strange to think, this was where the final battle against the great enemy took place that decided the fate of the Empire, apart from the odd building site the city felt untouched compared to poor devastated Hergig, but then the bulk of the battling had taken place outside the walls so it made sense.

As he roamed, a crier announcing the program for a new theater caught his attention, he wasn't exactly sure what to make about the subject matter though,claims of breaking social norms often went hand in hand with the powers of chaos but maybe it was just the soldier in him seeing shadows and threats everywhere. Perhaps he would attend a showing eventually, if only to disprove his fears.

He had enjoyed his wander well enough but with the advent of nighttime it was high time to find a place to sleep and get directions to the local guilds.
Weighing up his coin purse, he started to regret sending most of his pay back home, he won't be sleeping somewhere fancy but then he supposed that any place that offered a good drink would do for now until he knew the city better.

The world had changed.
A few matters had, over the last months, evolved the empire and its cities.
- A large scale attack on the church of Ulric in Middenheim has seen it being rebuilt and reforged showing new leadership, as their former leader turned to the ruinous powers and harbored what appeared to be one piece of three holding the horrror itself: Xathrodox the Red Flayer, a Daemon Prince of the blood god itself.
- A chase through Altdorf left much in it's wake to uncover the second part of the relic and exposed many new enemies, some dealt with some not, and a second piece uncovered.
- Ending in Nuln the third piece was found, and destroyed in due time.
The cannon, the Magnus is revealed but appears broken and tampered with and hence is abandoned.
For this Randolph and his brother Rolf, the bearer of the chalice, the last piece which turned him into a homicidal murderer, are hung in a public showing drawing hundreds.
- Rolfs true purpose is exposed: He was organ hunting, building an abomination to harvest souls for Khorne, built and sown from parts of those head found worthy. Newer risen, the body and the shell was burned.
- A mutant uprising is quelled in Nuln and forces those beneath to hide for good, in an attempt to gain rights and proper terms for those afflicted. The assault forces the countess, disgraced by the Cannon mishap and the Vogt's treachery to publicly increase forces of sewer jacks to hold some sway outwards towards the elector counts.
- With the Chalice, the shard and three pieces contained the colleges of Magic in Altdorf, jointly forge a ritual to cleanse and destroy the flayer for good.

Étaín had made it into the city late in the day when the sun was beginning it's descent from the heavens and if carefully looked for the faint circle of what the citizens of the Empire called Mannsleib was making its ascent. Her ever-present companions Eimear and Roan besides her as they made their way through the winding streets of the latest Imperial city they had come to.

She wandered through the streets looking for a decent looking inn that she and her companions could have a warm meal, maybe a bath and spend the night in warmth, failing that she would look for a field or park and pitch her travel tent and spend the night there.

[Rasping Hornet]
Etain passes two watchmen, one with a curious contraption on his shoulder.
For those local, he is a lamplighter, a common way to keep crime down, and to light the streets for those unfortunate watchmen walking the streets at night to keep order. Seeing them hint of a few hours if less to nightfall.
The rasping Hornet, is a middleclass tavern, barely, which due to it's position near the watch headquarter sees little fighting or aggressive dealings, and the owner, Manfred is a former soldier, his face scarred, and donned with an eyepatch over his right eye, which he claims was taken by a beastman. Whether true or not, is a touchy subject and he is know for his temper.

The tavern holds 8 tables, round, and a few spare chairs near the heart on the eastern wall. The bar itself is long, and have two tenders, on the western side, meaning the tavern itself is fairly long, but not wide, and in many stories. A common sight in Altdorf to make space.
Sleeping upstairs, and any storage downstairs in the cellar.

Roughly 10 minutes later, Jareik passes a group of evicted tennats from a low class housing, being thrown out for missing pay. A harsh realization as the kids cry and the father yells as the administrative clerk, before is guards push the man away, that the world is hard and cold.
Coming southward, towards the empire house, but shy of it, he also sees the Rasping Hornet.
The route goes near the river reik, which true to fashion reeks of waste and takes him past the less fortunate souls of society. The recent events and the animosity between the watch and the unruly living here, makes walking here somewhat unsettling. Murders are frequent, and muggins also.

Étaín ushers the dogs into the Rasping Hornet before following them inside as a gust of freezing wind hits the streets and driving her from the stairway and through the door, shivering a little as she gets inside and shuts the door. She moves toward the bar and the owner and asks "Do you have spare rooms to let tonight?" her accent already marking her as a foreigner immediately to the man should it bother him. Éimear staying right beside her while Roan moves off a little, sniffing the stools and wall before returning to Étaín. "I would also like to know the cost of food for us and a bath please."

"More ale!" roared Kargun, pushing another empty tankard into the center of the rough wooden table. The young man sharing his table flinched at the Dwarf's shout but quickly painted a smile back onto his faces. An astute watcher might have noticed that this looked more like a grimace than genuine enjoyment. Kargun was oblivious to the human's obvious fear of him. "What's the matter laddie? Never had a good drink before, have ye?" Kargun belched, his beard sopping with ale that had somehow missed his mouth during the last jug. The young man hastily made his excuses and left, leaving Kargun alone. On his way out, his movement drew Kargun's eyes to the newcomer who had just entered with a fine pair of hounds.

The women who had entered was unlike any of the humans Kargun had seen so far in Altdorf. First, there was the fact she was standing in a tavern like this and didn't appear to be a servant or a one of the poor souls who sell themselves on he streets nearby. Second were the dogs. Kargun liked dogs. For all that they didn't do well underground, they were loyal beasts and what higher praise was there?

Kargun sat back and listened to her unusual accent. The Dwarf's wide shoulders occupied as much room as two men against the wall of the tavern. He wore a suit of mail armour and was festooned with weapons. A beaten shield lay against the table leg nearby. Slowly, he wrung the ale out of his beard into one of the empties. Dipping a hand into his pouch, he pulled out a strip of beef jerky and tossed it in the direction of the dogs.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:01, Fri 06 Dec 2019.

Jareik shook his head sadly as he passed the evicted, you'd think after the world almost ended people would be more willing to help each other in hard times. Would that he had the money to spare, but their fate was in sigmar's hands now. His hand went to his shallyah pendant around his neck and he muttered a prayer to the displaced.

The Rasping hornet looked an acceptable enough place to settle for the night and he was in no mood to play the brettonian princess in being picky, this will do just fine.

He moved his way through the patrons to the bar counter carefully, the place wasn't quite full but it wouldn't do to poke someone's eye out with all the sharp bits coming out of him.
"Allright there" he said to the barkeep with a tug on his hat. "Looking for a room if you got any to spare. And a mug of ale to go along with that if yer please."

As he waited for an answer, he gave a cursory glance to the rest of the patrons. Besides the usual sort you'd expect to find, some clearly stood out from the crowd like this group of...He didn't know what they were other then they weren't from any part of the Empire he was familiar with. His brow furrowed as he thought this over, norscans maybe? Perhaps they had come with the marauder tribes during the war, in which case it was amazing they were tolerated.
Well regardless he didn't want to start a fight with them by staring too much, Altdorf was more cosmopolitan then any city he had stayed in and he didn't want to come across as a country hick amazed by every exotic foreigner he saw.

As if to prove that point, a dwarf at a nearby table asked for a refill. If this was representative of typical altdorf life then his stay at the capital will be most interesting.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:26, Sat 07 Dec 2019.

Lousy weather darkening skies, it was high time to be off the streets for honest folk, which despite what some may claim, it included Milly. The young wizard had walked the streets of the city before, on occasion, always under the watchful eye of her tutor or in some errand however. As of late however, things were different, Mimi was out in the streets on her own and free to do as she pleased, with only the crushing weight of the formidable debt from the tuition to sour her thoughts and drive her will, definitely free. It wasn't only the wizards of the Chamon winds that had their heads filled with thoughts of gold fresh out of their apprenticeship...

With encroaching darkness outside and a weather best waited out, Milly sought refuge in the closest Inn around which just so happened to be the Rasping Hornet. Milly slipped past the other late arrivals and took a glance of the interior, gauging her options... Then, she suddenly walked over to Kargun's table. "Would you care for sharing your table?" She asked the two at it in a rather polite tone. This being cosmopolitan Altdorf, made the presence of a wizard not so outlandish, yet the average citizen was far from comfortable at the prospect of rubbing shoulders with her ilk.

Kargun eyed the young human now standing by his table. He never could understand the fashion of humans, but Altdorf seemed to have an even greater variety of styles than he had encountered elsewhere. Daft if you asked him, compared to the comfort of iron and leather. Still, what was the use in drinking if you were going to do it alone?

"Aye lassie, grab yerself a chair. We just need that wench o'er here with more ale." Kargun pitched the last part in a stage whisper that carried across the tavern. He gave one of the barkeeps a meaningful glare and then jabbed a blunt finger towards the pile of empty tankards on the table.

"Kargun Halfhand, pleased to meet ye." Kargun smiles beneath his beard and extends a huge hand to shake. His arms are massive and thickly furred with coarse hair. Where the cuff of his mail shirt draws back, old manacle scars can been seen around his wrist. "Don't mind my getup lass, I'm a peaceful enough sort 'o Dwarf."

Gerhart looked upon the great cities the way a hunter gazed on the primeval wilderness. The prey was there, he knew that with absolute certainty. It was just a matter of flushing it out. His last catch had led him to think he should search in Altdorf.

The warmth of the tavern greeted him agreeably as he slipped in out of the night air. Long fingers unfastened his long coat, rustling it a little to loosen the fabric. Venturing to the bar, he drummed his fingers while taking his time to look around at the other patrons and what they had before them. He was trifle wary about the fare in any establishment. "Wine, if you please, bread, meat and cheese."

Roan turns his head to look at the dwarf then to his mistress who says something in her native tongue then the dog cautiously approaches and snatches the meat before retreating back to the safety of his pack where he bites a piece off and lets the rest fall for Eimear to eat.

"Beklager hvis han bet deg " she tells the Dwarf "han er fremdeles sjenert rundt mennesker.

I know that voice... thought Jareik as the latest arrival ordered some wine and food. Turning, he indeed recognized an acquaintance, a bounty hunter from his time in nuln. He motioned to grab the man's attention and walked over with a nod, giving a wide berth to the small group of exotic foreigners and their animals as he did so.

"Gerhart wasn't it? Hah, small world, how you been?" he said with an easy going chuckle."We worked briefly together capturing a man named Hans." he added to refresh the bounty hunter's memory, they only worked together briefly after all.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:28, Tue 10 Dec 2019.

Drinks are served with some haste, although being somewhat busy, they inn is only partially full at the given time, and the request for a room is met with a nod, and a key. 3 silvers for the night is the fare and they make little fuss about it.

Even pets do not raise a concern here, and while the voices roar inside, the owners are steel like in composure. On the wall behind the servers, and the barkeep, you notice several shields, helmets, and weapons hanging, worn but likely with lengthy history.

Not much later a woman entered, walk to the bar, pale faced and distraught, and took to talking with the barkeep, her demeanor being one of despair and anguish.
The barkeep comforts the visibility shaken woman, as if they knew one another.

Some time later a man, appears, unrelated, with two piece of papers, as if they were tickets, palming them and placing them in his pocket with a smile, ordering an all and sitting down calmly to rest in a corner.

With a growing and hopefully charming enough smile, Milly took a seat across the dwarf and returned the handshake, the difference between their hands making it almost look comical. Having lived in Altdorf for many years, she wasn't exactly shocked by dwarves or their demeanor, not that she had actually dealt with them (or been out of the colleges much) but from her second and third hand 'knwoledge', they were easy enough to mingle and impossible to truly figure out. However if Sigmar liked them good enough to extend them some degree of kindness, she would be no less, if she could help it.

"Milly Minhelm, esteemed member of the Bright Order, the pleasure is all mine Kargun, thanks for having me at your table you two, the weather outside is just foul." So much wanted Mimi to not step into any dwarf toes that she spared him a more 'adequate' introduction. Sitting at his table was the most sure way ticket of avoiding any kind of harassment, as well as avoiding having to spend much or any coin to justify her spot in the warm indoors. Ulterior motives aside however, her demeanor was genuine. "Say, have you been around here for long? Because I don't know if it is just me or the whole city is a bit on edge, just look at that lady over there." Milly tried to discreetly motion with her head. "Even if the dark days are past, I get the feeling that many are still rather anxious, not to mention all the outlandish things taking place"

Mimi leaned in to confide with the other two, even though the man hadn't introduced himself, she still gave him that courtesy, even though the wizard had likely made his previous woes twofold. "I heard they found the corpse of a two headed fish creature floating by Marienburg's docks some days ago. I of course don't think there is much substance to such claim, what would such a thing there? Let me tell you, not trading, that's for sure."

Kargun leans forward on hearing his native tongue. "En god hund skal bite! Kom og bli med oss. Ikke mange mennesker klarer Khazalid, noe som betyr at du sannsynligvis kan klare noen få øl!"  He talks across the room causing a few raised eyebrows. With a hand missing a few fingers he beckons the stranger with the dogs over.

Turning to the young woman at the table he grunts. "Sorry 'bout that lass, but we cannie pass up good company! Bright Order, eh? Never met a wizard before. Tough to put trust in things ye cannie see instead of good steel." Kargun absentmindedly pats the battered haft of his flail. "I couldnae tell ye if folk are acting queer aroun' here. These Reiklander's are stranger than most humans ah've met." Looking over at the new arrival Milly indicated, Kargun shrugged. Between the armour and his massive width, the gesture was almost comical.

"Bare når det er kommandert, eller en trussel er til stede" she replies moving down the aisle to the dwarf and the brightly dressed woman who's with him. She sits besides wizardess Eimear moving to sit under her chair and Roan moving under the table sniffing the people there and looking for more food.

"My name is Étaín, happy to meet you both" she says once her gear is situated under the table and looks at the others.

Kargun seems mightily pleased to have two new companions at his table, and two more under it. He gently offers his maimed hand for the dogs to sniff and with a gentleness at odds with his massive frame offers a few scratches behind their ears. "Well met, Étaín. Seems like we're the outcasts table here. Aye, most of these Reiklander's think they've seen the world but canna stomach a drink wi' the likes 'o me." Kargun smiles and shakes his head.

Turning to Milly he laughs, "Tell us more about this fishman 'o yours!"

"Nice to meet you too Étaín." Said milly, moving over a little to make sure there was enough rom for everybody. "From what I understand, some don't ever leave the vicinity of the houses they were born at yet get to see more of the world walking these streets than most. I would be of the opinion that most have seen people like us before, but seeing and getting used to are different things I reckon." Mimi herself wasn't all that used to the strange proportions of the dwarf yet, and a glint of that morbid curiosity could be noticed by the watchful observer merely by how much longer and intensely she looked at the dwarf whenever she had an excuse to do so.

Milly stood from her seat and after a second of quietness for theatrical suspense, she went back on her previous approach. "The most renowned among them! We conjure and command fires with peerless ingenuity. Now you say steel but what is more honest and trustworthy than fire Kargun? It heats your meals, brews your ales and turns your foes to ash. What is steel compared to the flames that make it?" By then the wizard was leaning across the table her question obviously rhetorical, she didn't even seem to be rebutting the dwarf's opinion but rather enthusiastically explaining/teaching what she held as an undeniable truth.

As if flipping a switch however, she sat down again and with much of her previous excitement miraculously snuffed out, she shared more of the rumors she had heard at Kargun's request. "I can only say what I heard but it was found by some stevedore, who couldn't much tell what it was before pulling it out of the water. There wasn't much to it though, dead as it was, it wasn't going to be spending any coin here. Not that anyone in their right mind would have dealings with such a foul creature, I don't know what they did with it afterwards but I can only imagine what that thing was planning to do there, no good business I can tell you that much." Shaking her finger as if to give her assertion more credibility, she once more leaned in closer to the others as to say the rest in a more hushed way. "If you want my expert opinion on the matter, it was no mere mutant but mayhaps some kind of hideous sea creature and just as malicious as it's appearance was an affront to the eyes, must like the things they say that lurk deep in the forests. Mutants, wretched and awful as they are, don't just show up dead like that, their taint in their twisted forms makes them uncannily resilient to the hardships of the pits they make their homes of."

Gerhart recognised the man approaching him, even though he still had one hand at his side, on the handle of a well-hidden throwing knife. At the words, though, he nodded in recognition. "Foul creature that one was, the pyre was too much a mercy." That had been one of his most infuriating cases, for even though the butcher was caught, he had been sure that others had escaped in the wake of the investigations.

"Please, sit, let me buy you a pint." He turned his head, beckoning politely to the serving girl. His own goblet was still mostly full of wine, he had scarcely taken a sip.

"No arguments there seeing the foul business it turned out he was associated with." said Jareik with a shake of his head. He had felt sorry for Hans at the time, but the scale of his treachery and the sordid deeds he had proven to be involved in were truly ignoble.

"Sounds good." he flashed a smile at the offer of a pint. When the drinks arrived, he raised up his glass. "Cheers, to Karl Franz and the Empire."

As he tooks sips, he carried on the conversation.
"Work in Nuln dried up when the witch hunters took over and even Miss Braum had no need for bodyguards after that wizard election. The capital seemed a good a place as any to find some decent paying jobs, times like these I envy your profession, magistrates and courts must give steady work. Meanwhile us freelancers gotta move around and find what's available."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:12, Fri 13 Dec 2019.

Gerhart had been quiet close to biting into one of those pies before the disturbance. He was very thankful for that. He had not felt the scarcest iota of pity for the man. There was a certain class of crimes that erased one's humanity, made the destruction of such a creature the obligation of any righteous man.

He raised his glass, silent though sincere in his agreement with the toast. "My line of work is not so profitable as you may imagine, my friend. There are a good many criminals with nary a price on their head, but how could a man face Sigmar and his fathers if he would let a scoundrel run free for want of coin?" A wan smile graced his lips for a moment.

Etain listens to the tale being told by Millie with a look of confusion "What has happened? I have only been in the city since maybe a couple hours past noon today and do not know much of the comings and goings of the city."

She looks around for one of the servers walks past she stops them and asks for a mead or if they had none an ale and plate of food for herself and one for each of her dogs

Kargun is greatly amused by the gruesome tale of the terrible mutant. He slaps a meaty palm on the tabletop to punctuate his deep laugh. "A fine tale! Sea beasties and foulness mak' me a thirsty Dwarf." He grabs a tankard and drains it. The sight is simultaneously amazing and disgusting. Graceful downing of the ale, horrible dribbling and belching to go with it. Kargun wipes the back of a hand over his mouth to dry his lips. It does nothing for the ale soaking into his beard.

"As fer news o' the city, Etain, you two are the first to talk tae me wi' out needin' forced. Ah've just arrived meself. Two days hence." He lowers his voice. "'Twas a long road from the Black Mountains." Unconsciously he fingers the haft of a dagger at his waist.

"What brings ye' both to the city?"

"Aye I hear that." agreed Jareik with a swig. Still, whilst he was no stranger to duty in the name of emperor and country, a man needed coin to live and rebuilding Hochland wasn't cheap. But he got the sense the bounty hunter was in his profession for personal reasons more then the money. Whether Jareik wanted to pry more into that, he wasn't sure.

"Been in Altdorf much? First time for me and gotta say is a lot more colorful then anyplace I been to. Take those blue marked folk with the dogs, know much about them? I been trying to figure them out since I got here"
This message was last edited by the player at 15:24, Mon 16 Dec 2019.

"Just some hideous creature found in Marienburg, dead and with no will to make business." The wizard tried to resume to Etain. They sure were a table of weirdos but that was exactly the kind of thing that Mimi was blissfully unaware. "I hail from this very city." She half lied. "There isn't much going on as far as I am aware, out of the ordinary anyway. The ambient is a bit more tense and dour though, or it feels that way."

"Well the war you had is still on the minds of many of the people I am sure" she says to the other woman "Times seem tough and many are probably having trouble making ends meet, many don't come home and many of them who do make it are damaged physically or mentally" she rubs Eimear head, and reaches with her other hand to scratch under mouth as he waits for the food that he can smell all around them.

Out of the blue, as the evening drew closer to nightfall, and most have gone to rest and or gone home, a sturdy man entered.
His face is scarred, but strong, his chin granite and his gaze steely.
The barkeep rose high and saluted the man.
"Watch Captain Hartesel, in the flesh. I have not seen you in ages!"
The exchange handshakes but the captain appears grim, and in a tone you can not help but overhear states clear.
"I am concerned. My sister, Frau Helena Magnussen, has asked my help in finding her husband.  Herr Karl Magnussen is a Professor of Theology at the University of Altdorf, and left some two months ago.
He departed to an southern village between Altdorf and Weissbruck for research.
No word has been received from him since then, which is uncharacteristic."

He hands the barkeep a note and continues:
"With the recent events, the murdering of the upstanding citizens, the hangings of the Vogt's and the mess with the cannon, well, I am at my limit. Spread the word to all who appear able that on behalf of Frau Magnussen,  I am authorized to pay each valid participant 80 gold crowns, half upon your agreement to undertake this task and the other half upon your return.  In addition, arrangements have been made so they can travel by coach as far as the crossroads leading to Faltdorf. Make sure only to advise with those appearing capable. I fear the worst based on rumors..”
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:37, Fri 20 Dec 2019.

Gerhart studied the newcomers intently, while speaking to Jareik. "Passed through once, far too quickly to take note of anything." He had been on the hunt and too close to his quarry to take time for anything but the barest necessities. It had been far more fun in his youth, when every minor bandit was the chase of a lifetime. "Something to do with the elves, I imagine. I saw patterns like that on an old standing stone once."

As he listens to the man identified as the Watch Captain speak, Kargun fingers his purse. Leather rubs on leather around precious few coins. Gold! Now that was a pursuit to whet the appetite of any Dwarf!

"'Scuse me lassies, but I hear work to be had. Ain't too many round here want a Dwarf 'cept for the Pits, and I've had my fill 'o those." Kargun slides back from his chair, steady as a rock despite the prodigious quantity of empty ales mugs surrounding him.

"Hoy there Cap'n! Any work for an honest Dwarf? I'll find yer Professor sure as sniffing a seam 'o ore from a sheet 'o lime." Kargun pats his shield and one of several axes tucked into his belt. "An' if he needs rescuing, look nae further!".

Etain pushed the plate away from her slightly after finishing her meal when the captain of the watch came in to the inn. She listened to the conversation that the proprietor and he had and thought about volunteering when the Dwarf Kargun left the table and walked over to the captain.

Turning around in her chair she asks the man "How far away is this village that he travelled to and do you have a sketch what he looks like?"

Puzzled and a bit startled, as if he hadn't noticed you the watch captain turned and sized up those who appeared.
He rubbed his chin.
"You look..battletrained..good..good. You could be fine. Can you take care of yourself?"
He listened to Etains question and answered.
"Faltdorf, is a curious place. Three days by coach; by well traveled and protected roads. Well, mostly, the cross near the city house a small graveled area where most coaches unload passengers, as the area is very rural and rough to do anything but walk in. It is an area many consider govern by Taal's minions if you would. She claimed that their interest in different ways of worhsip lead him there. I can not confirm that and sadly do not have any trace of a drawing of him. Just the name and direction. Karl did not confide in his wife and hence not me either.."
He continued.
"I have met him. Hence I would deem that Karl is in his mid-50's, stands about 5'5" and is slightly over weight. He has short grey hair, green eyes, and always wore the colour green. He also has a pair of thick glasses and a scar that runs along his forehead. That said, I found a note, which you can read - my sister found it in his study.."

It reads:

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)

“My dearest friend Karl,
I quickly scribe this note to you to tell you of an unusual situation that I found here in the village of Faltdorf.
The village is located a few days travel from Altdorf, near the river.
At any rate, the religious practice here is rather unusual and, no doubt, would interest you immensely. Come as soon as you can.
W”

---

Jareik's brow furrowed. "I've never heard of any human paint themselves like elves." He knew of course that a lot of Brettonian settlements were founded on elven ruins but they certainly didn't outright adopt elven customs, what human could even fathom the mind of an elf? He cast a quick uneasy glance at the tatooed folk once more.

He initially didn't pay much attention to the new arrival and his conversation with the barkeeper, but with both the dwarf and one of the savages speaking up, he started to notice something was up. And he distinctly heard the offer of payment...

"Wait, what's this about a job?" he turned and nudged himself in the conversation with a tug of his hat. "Sir, if there's coin to be made and you want a professional on the case, I'm yer man." he nodded to Gerhart. "And if you're looking to track someone, my friend here knows a thing or two about that. What say you Gerhart? Assuming you ain't already on some other business this might be a good time killer."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:22, Sun 22 Dec 2019.

One of the most important and basic tricks in negotiations of any sort was to learn to hide one's eagerness. The mention of strange religious rites made the hackles rise on the nape of his neck, had his jaw clenching as the dark hunger uncoiled like a serpent within him.

He gave a faint smile and nodded his head in response to Jareik's prompt. "I am free at the moment and surely looking after a scholarly and pious man is worthy of my time."

Seeing as everyone was offering their services, that there was a big sum per head to be had and most importantly, that she was starved for coin, the previously not so truly interested in the affairs of anyone not at her table, the wizard sprung from her seat and rushed to the main with somewhat unnerving enthusiasm. Once by the man, she ran two fingers along the rim of her wide hat, trying to look her sharpest. "I heard it all good Sir, you are in luck. I am Milly Minhelm, esteemed wizard of the Bright Order and Magister extraordinaire. Just so happen to have free time and since you require able hands of trustworthy talent, you might as well hire me, I think that you should." Mimi energetically nodded a couple of times, very much in clear agreement with her own pitch.

"I can go to try and rescue this man as well" Etain says to the watch captain "I am Etain Seanait, I could name my people but you would not have heard of them. I am decent with an axe should it be needed, but I know a few languages should they be needed, as well as a few other skills"

The watch captain nodded.
"If you all can focus on the assignment and keep personal matters sidelines, I see no issue here. I will advise with my sister shortly, that I have found suitable help and expect you to return to me with any worthwhile update.
I will make note of it here, and with your names I can now offer you this.."

From his bag, he took out 5 small notes.
Those in the trade, but in particular Jareik knew these. Note of Employment. Basically stating a name, allowing certain things and an directions on pay and such.
He handed one to each agreeing participant.
"So in short, head to Faltdorf as soon as possible. The coachmen at the northwest gate should have a coach, and with this you can simply set out when you see fit.
Just shy of the coachman, lay A. Müllers, which is the financier of this venture. He will have the coin up ahead. Again, keep this note for your dealings before your trip and upon return. For those unaware these are used to track and keep your work official in terms of who hired you, your pay and your rights. That means if you mess up or act beyond the law, I will be advised, and there will be hell to pay. Keep that in mind. I have nothing further to add, but ask now if you do. Otherwise, the crossroads near the rural area of Faltdorf is ahead for you. The matter is of some urgency.."

Kargun peered around the nascent party of would be investigators/rescuers. A wizard, three other humans of varying heights and fashion sense, and drunken Dwarf pit fighter. This had the feel of one of Snorri’s tired jokes. The though of his brother, dead for years now, snapped him out of his reverie. Kargun needed the money.

“Aye manling. I’ll tak’ yer note and you consider the job done.” Kargun slapped a meaty paw on the shoulder of the watch captain as he took the note in his maimed hand. Turning to the the male humans from the bar, he introduced himself anew. “Kargun Halfhand, good tae know you.” Now the group was standing it became clear that while Kargun was in fact the shortest, but he was certainly the widest.

“Let’s get going tae see this Mullers. Then we can tak’ the coach and maybe figure out who we all are.”

Jareik scanned his note briefly and nodded, everything seemed in order.
"Description ain't much to go on, let's see that letter."
He scratched his chin thoughtfully as he read it. "Nothing important it seems, other then he was there for theological concerns and I leave those to the priests." He passed the letter to Gerhart and whoever else wanted to read it. "Allright we should be able to finish the job within a week or so since the villagers will point us in the right direction and seems he didn't intend to travel anywhere else. Likely he is just stuffed in his work, scholars tend to lose track of time easily." Either that or he was perhaps waylaid and murdered by robbers but it seemed unlikely this close to the capital.

The specifics of the assignment sorted, he turned to his new companions.
"Jareik Schneider at your service master dwarf. Never got to see your kind fight in the war but I heard the stories, it will be a pleasure to see if they are true." he said warmly to the dwarf. His equipment left little doubt that this one could fight so his first assesment of this new companion was positive.

The next one however..."Oh euh..You're coming too Miss Etain?" Jareik's expression at Etain was skepticism incarnate and his eyebrow was so high up as to threaten to escape his face, interrupted only by a brief worried glance at Gerhart. "I guess we can protect you if need be. Are your companions coming aswell I take it?"
Having a band of savages in tow as they trailed the countryside seemed like it would complicate matters more then it would help.

Finally he turned to the last one, a diminutive mage girl... He wasn't sure what to think."Miss Milly." he said curtly with a cautious nod. "I've worked for mages before but never with one. Just don't turn me into a toad and we will be peachy." He said in a jesting tone and a quick smile. He didn't know wizards  bothered with mundane tasks like this but he wasn't about to question her over it.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:57, Sat 28 Dec 2019.

Etain has a ghost of a smile cross her face, why do these people think women are useless whenever anything beyond child rearing and cooking is brought up and says "I've trained with weapons since before my eighth winter, and have been fighting with those skills since I was 15, I won't need your protection and yes Éimear and Roan are coming with me"

"The lass here speaks Khazalid so ah've nae worries about needin' to do any lookin' after. Anyone wi' a hard enough head fer that is more than up tae finding a missing scholar." Kargun smiles through his beard.

"I also speak Breton should we run into any of them" Etain says to the dwarf "We are close to their border yes?"

"Lovely, I'm sure her knowledge of the dwarven tongue will be critical to our endeavour." Jareik said dryly.

"Closest routes to Brettonia is through the grey mountains. Our travels won't be taking us anywhere near axe bite or grey lady pass so doubtful we will meet any." he said even though the question wasn't addressed at him.

Between these statements and the prospect of being in a group with these foreigners who clearly didn't know their way around the Empire, it was all he could do to resist pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration, but then he realized..What kind of savage knew how to speak both the dwarven and brettonian tongue? He wouldn't consider it unusual for a barbaric raider from the north to know human tongues by their travels and taking slaves but knowing khazalid was something else entirely. His eyes narrowed at Etain in suspicion as he considered that, admittedly this knowledge of languages was a bit curious.

"Anyways Mr Kargun is right, let's get ourselves sorted with Mr Muller and be on our way, there will be plenty of time to chat on the coach, and a geography lesson if need be."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:24, Sun 29 Dec 2019.

"So as long as you remain in my good graces, you have nothing to fear. I wouldn't turn anyone who has not slighted me into a toad, maybe a chicken though." Feeble assurances aside, Milly was evidently quite pleased with the pay and company, with a group like that, she wouldn't be the sole center of negative attention. "I any case, I suppose it is settled, we could get moving as soon as the weather outside is more amicable."

"The first thing we should do is rest, it is nearly the middle of the night and we should be rested before we leave" she says to the group, giving Jareik a caustic look before turning her head to Kargun and says [Language unknown: "K o unat fo ill shesanort ei red eraithforort eill re iomiut ouan oveartand e cated witkorhation me str oerreaest as manarderatra ughessdayatirat as lesandder ourstreve liicom o nte anytheare."]

"First light then? A guid time tae set off oan an adventure!" Kargun grabbed a flagon from a nearby table and slurped down another mouthful of whatever happened to be in it. His eyes twinkled as he replied to Etain. [Language unknown: "Ch ionivetio any erha roelil al il onsstrearall k me erero ughpo n atil ie."]

Kargun smiles widely and lays one hand on Etain's shoulder and the other on Jareik's after tossing the flagon back onto the table. "Let's hae a wee drink and relax. I'll wager you'll be fast friends 'afore there's blood spilled. And if not then we've being turned tae toads tae worry aboot." He winks at Milly.

A warm smell of bread spreads in the tavern for those resting there.
It's morning. Two skillets over a fireplace are making eggs, and the ale is opened.
A.Müllers is likely opened in a few hours, being a man of some repute, and those of some social standing. They allow themselves as a designated man of the law and academics to meet in  after the markets have opened.

One can expect a few things, but one is certain: Everything will be by the book. Everything. Notes should be brought, in pristine conditions and no idle talk is welcomed.

The innkeeper stood, idly, and eyed those who came by. He nodded. No smalltalk, it was too early for that, even for a former soldier and watchman, but also as a sign of respect. Let those who come talk, and then react afterwards.

With a second nod as you walk out, you can at your own pace make your way to Müllers estate.

[A. Müller's Estate]
A townhouse, with a low stone wall and a sign depicting the practice. It is obviously also his home, split over two levels, living on the upper floor most likely, and having his office and reception below. The estate and flora outside initiates the idea that he is well off, as everything is in impeccable order. A middleaged man stands outside, tending to the garden which has a fresh fruitful and herb like flavour and inside you see the steward of the house, opening the door as you arrive.

You are lead inside, to a wide room, with a staircase, and two soft sofa's on each side of the room, with a small table aside them. A bookcase stands near one of them, under the staircase, built into it, with the office being on the left, and a meetingroom and library on the right. You are asked to sit, waiting for a bit, before being led in.
Müller is a man of some age, but showing little signs of aging thought. He has short brown hair, glasses and a small bushy mustache.
He opens his eyes, at you, calmly asking.
"State your business please."

Kargun is up bright and early despite the heroic quantity of ale consumed the night before. Wasting no time, he packs his possessions which seems to be mostly weapons, and prepares to leave. Before long he is ready - packed lunches ordered from the innkeeper for each of them, Kargun with armour on, shield and flail hanging over a shoulder. While he waits as the others make themselves ready he produces a pipe from a pouch and beings to smoke contentedly.

Upon arrival at the Müller estate, Kargun decides that things will go best if he lets someone more reputable looking carry the conversation. He eyes the more normal looking humans and waits.

The night before Etain orders a hot bath made up and drinks a half-pint of the house ale, a bitter drink that leaves a bad taste on the tongue for her. Her peoples drink being much sweeter and as Caoimhe used to say a bitter drink breeds a bitter people. Leaving the company of the others she makes her way to the bath chamber where she disrobes and sinks beneath the water to scrub away the filth of the week as well as the woad she had been wearing.

***Next Morning***

Having fallen asleep shortly after her bath Etain woke up early and spent a half-hour intricately plaiting her hair to keep it out of her face while they travelled and during any unfortunate business they may have to deal with.

Coming downstairs she heads to the fireplace and takes a piece of bread and a couple of fried eggs, to her plate and eating them while waiting for the others. Once she was finished she went over to the dwarf and says

Jareik spent his time at night checking his armor for any signs of damage or wear and tear on the straps, followed by a bit of polishing . He also took the opportunity to reread his note of employment and sign his name onto recipient box on the sheet.
After waking up he took the time to grind his blades on a whetstone. With both arms and armor looked over, Jareik had a hearty breakfast and greeted the others with a pull of his hat, finally they went to see Muller.

Jareik absent mindedly looked at the paintings as they waited.

When they were finally called up, Jareik step forward for the group and did the talking with the bored tone of someone who had gone through this bureaucratic process a thousand times.

"'Morning Sir. We five have accepted the commision by Frau Magnussen to find her husband, here are our employment slips to peruse at your pleasure."

As he handed over his note of employment he turned his head to the rest of the group bar Gerhart who was likely no stranger to this procedure aswell and added in a whisper:

"You gotta show yours too so mr Muller can confirm our identities and that none of us have tampered with them...Wait you did sign your name right?" he said the last part while looking at Etain.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:13, Mon 06 Jan 2020.

Etain lets a look of surprise cross her face "A savage like me write?" she says in a mocking tone "But how do I form the letters of your alphabet" she adds a jab before taking out the note and handing it to Muller, her own well written signature in the flowing script she used. "Perhaps I should write it in Ogham or Klinkarhun instead?"

A.Müller shrugged.
He was not a man who appeared to own the notion of humor, or even understand sarcasm, being as dry as a raisin left in the sun, and as far as academic predujice goes fit the bill.
For each valid note with a signature he nodded, writing down in a large book, on a new page, with scripting already in place. It gave the sense that the man was meticulous to the smallest detail, and nothing left to chance.
He raised his head.
"Go to Buckners stable, roughly three streets down, and take the coach. Use your employment papers. Leave soon. Buckner knows where to take you and set you off. As far as returning that is on you however.
Return with proof of the man, alive or not, and the rest of the payment is yours. For each of you, as signed, a small pouch with exactly 40 crowns, in mixed coins for your convenience. Use them wisely. Any further questions not already answered?"
He nodded at his steward to stand ready to lead you out with some haste assuming you took the coin and had no questions.

Turning her attention to Müller she asks "Should he be dead, whats the preferred method of identification should his corpse be unrecoverable?" She looks at the man with a no-nonsense look of someone who may have had to deal with officials like this before.

The man eyed Etain.
"Any official document would be fine. Clergywise with a recognizable and dependable seal, or from any town official. I see no sense in dragging a body back to Altdorf. He should remain and the family should deal with that themselves. The assignment states clearly to find and discover more about what happened to him. No more."

For a Dwarf festooned with weapons, Kargun seems strangely unsettled by talk of verifying death. Something in his eyes seems to drift far away and he lapses into a morose silence, content to let the others talk. From time to time he raises a hand to left bicep as if to reassure himself something is still there.

"What the..?..That's actually not half bad.." admitted Jareik with a raised eyebrow upon seeing Etain's flowery signature that was hardly what he would expect from a woman in furs.

He was too surprised to think of a good comeback for Etain's comment and could only stand there flabbergasted to the point he had to remember to close his jaw as she handled the bureaucrat with surprising ease and asked the right question. He was far too distracted to notice the dwarf's glooming as a result.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:48, Wed 08 Jan 2020.

As a wizard, Milly was no stranger to bureaucracy, having to carry a separate set of papers every time she went out. But no Magister worth it's mettle would go out of their way to present them and let their presence and nature known, unless they had or wanted to. So far things were as smooth as going to visit a relative, that is, if she was allowed or in the habit of doing so.

Etain raises one of her eyebrows back at Jareik before looking back at Müller and asking "Are there any decent maps of the area or important information about the route we take and the town we are headed too? Known bandits or crimes, battles, creatures, terrain?"

Kargun produces his letter from inside his jerkin. It is slightly dog eared and must surely have a ripe odor, but intact and legible. At the bottom a series of Khazalid runes mark out what one can only assume to be his name or signature. There is little sign of finesse in the hand that wrote them.

As he takes the purse of gold, his moods noticeably brightens. He pulls a couple of gold marks from among the change and rubs them between his fingers. It seems that the rumors about Dwarfs and gold may have some truth to them given the bliss on his face. As the others talk, Kargun eventually replaces the coins in his purse and hides the whole thing inside his mail.

"Maps are a fine idea, lass. 'Tis easy to get lost above ground where every tree looks the same as the next. Not like a good mine or cave." Kargun grins, but it's unclear if he's joking or serious. "As fer bandits an' the like... well Helga here will handle them." His hand runs fondly over the axe tucked into his belt.

"Tae the coach then if this twig o' a man cannot produce mair paper."

"We ain't going to Norsca, trip will be taking us just 3 days out from Altdorf, there ain't going to be cut throats and monsters lurking behind every bush this close to the capital and if any appeared, the knightly orders would welcome the distraction."
Said a now recovered Jareik with a sigh, arms crossed. Just what the hell did they think the Empire was like that you ran the risk of being prey to famed bandit lords and fearsome monsters as soon as you left Altdorf?
"The only monster we are like to see if we are lucky is Deathclaw when the Emperor lets him stretch his wings a bit."

"I left my land 7 years ago and since then I've travelled this empire, have fought bandits, raiders, Norscans, Beastmen and Orcs in Nordland, Middenland, Talabecland and Reikland, besides zealots of Morr, Knights of Bretonnia and Dwarves in their mountains. Not all of us stay in our tiny corner of one empire and know our ways through them, stop questing my abilities just because you are so small minded in understanding of the world to think that only a man has any ability to do anything in life and women are only around for childbirth." She says after turning around and facing the snotty man at her full height, which for a woman is quite impressive at just a couple inches shorter "If you wish to remain so dim and condescending then leave this mission to those who are willing to work as a team."

Her face had begun taking on colour a hearty, fiery red to match her hair, her hand resting on the head of her axe more to keep herself from actually drawing it in her anger, her knuckles white and her pupils becoming pinpricks in her oddly hued eyes before turning back to face Müller where she waits for a response.

He had had his own matters to attend to whilst travelling with the group. There were certain signs for which he was ever at watch, with certain individuals and places requiring even more than the usual wary attentiveness. He had seen nothing to prick his suspicions in the darkest directions, though he had certainly found himself with a somewhat queer bunch.

Not that he could begrudge others their eccentricities, he had enough of his own. "You both make fine points. We would not have this commission, with the confidence and coin it entails, were there a significant threat to our lives. Yet we are not venturing far into the wilderness. Any sensible local can furnish us with a map that would suit our purposes, if only sketched." Though not, as a rule, accustomed to dealing with a group of comrades, he supposed it only reasonable enough to hope that making mention of the goal might avoid an argument. "Unless the good man's library might furnish a map or guidebook of the region."

Müller shrugged.
"The coachmen keep maps of the areas they venture too. As stated the area you arrive at is not the town but rather a crossroad, as you have to trek of the road into more rural territory to find the settlement. That is properly a good term for the place. Curious location, but hardly of risk. Why the high pay I have not inquired, but the employer is of status and wealth and the man you seek is a highly respected member of the college."

Milly grew increasingly uneasy as Etain began to name one place after another, thankfully, she was put at ease once the well traveled woman moved onto other matters, like her absolute disagreement with the man, the now closed list of places visited far less distressing. "Now now, there is no reason to make such a big issue over a small matter such as this. Maps are a reassuring thing to have and while I would argue no map will ever beat the expert knowledge of a local, it is actually the location of our destination and it's proximity to Altdorf what is bound to make most maps more reliable and maybe even detailed than your average piece."

Jareik eyed Etain quizzically as she approached, in his mind he didn’t say anything particular contentious and his comment was as much addressed to the dwarf as it was for her so the outburst certainly surprised him!
His eyes narrowed to slits as she accused him of disparaging her because of her gender, it almost made him want to say that in truth it was because of her norscan like appearance, but the others talking gave him time to reconsider saying that and adding fuel to the fire. Still as much as he hated to admit it, she might be right that he was letting his prejudices cloud his judgement. That said he also didnt fully believe her accounts, it sounded like the sort of tall tale recruits would gossip about around a campfire.

“I don’t take orders from you love so I’m in this whether you like it or not. “ He finally said  in an icy tone, hands remaining as they were but he kept an eye on that axe of hers.. “And fine, maybe I judged you hastily, it’s true. But that’s nothing to do with you being a woman, rest assured about that.”
This message was last edited by the player at 00:18, Tue 14 Jan 2020.

Etain looks to Müller and thanks him for this help before walking out of the building, speaking in her own language at the gods only knew what but after the confrontation she had with Jareik it hardly leaves much to the imagination.

Kargun slaps his belly with mirth. "Wan big happy family! Let's get goin'. I need tae eat. Ma stomach thinks ma throat's been cut."

As you depart, coin in hand, the sun stands firm on the sky above, only covered in part clouds. Fair weather for travelling.
According to directions, you have a few minutes on foot to the coach station mentioned and thus out of town.
The streets are bustling with life and activity and stands with various trinkets, items of food, and various vendors selling skins, and produce try to sell you what they have for cheap coin to make a living. The sound is rising as activity does as well, and for a moment, one can feel the urge to miss the silence of a the lands ahead of you. Such is Altdorf however, along with the social unrest, smell, noise, and religious and magical undertones.

Regardless of your venture, you notice a large stable with two coaches being prepared ahead of you. A middleaged man with a booming beard, in a red hue, making it appear like embers, stands near a horse, feeding it and preparing it. He appears to be aligned with the establishment.

As the group head towards the coaching station, Kargun whistles a breezy tune. It's certainly no Dwarf song, but instead seems to be a version of a popular bawdy popular in the least reputable parts of town. The Dwarf walks with a plodding gait, and despite the huge weight of pack, weapons and armour he is carry, Kargun shows no discomfort. He does a fine job of chewing on some black bread purloined from the kitchen of the inn and marching along at the same time.

"Ho' there manling!" Kargun hails the red bearded man. "We're for a coach tae Faltdorf, or as close as ye'll tak' us." Eyeing the horse suspiciously, Kargun pats his purse suggestively. The direct approach tends to work for these humans.

As she leaves Muller's she heads through the market, stopping at a few of the stalls to buy a few items, a few carrot and apples for the road, some dried and fresh meat for the animals and herself as well as some hard cheese and bread. She stows it in her back, except for the raw meat she gives to the dogs who tear into it gleefully before she catches up with Kargun and the others.

The man turned, scratching his beard and eyeing Kargun with some curiosity.
"Ah, ye looking to hire one? Or have you already booked one? We are somewhat busy and stocked up on orders so there may be some delay. I can write ye up? What is the name again?"
It came to mind that the papers of employment would properly be usuable right about now as per Müller and the Captain himself.

As the group left Muller's house minus Etain, Jareik shook his head at Kargun's comment and chuckled. "I dread to think what dwarven families are like then. I've seen foul creatures of the dark gods that weren't half as ill tempered or confusing." Then he turned to Gerhart and added with an amused smile. "Whoever heard of a savage in furs who can read and write better then most fancy pants nobles? Truly we live in the End times."

Sigmar willing, Etain will be the only oddity to deal with on this job, the dwarf at least was more what he would expect of his race. He wasn't sure what to make of Milly yet and why she was in on the job at all but then that's wizards for you, always doing their own thing.

As Kargun started singing, the hochlander thought that the tune sounded familiar enough.
Etain eventually caught up with the group again and Jareik wisely decided to avoid eye contact or say anything except to smile at one of the dogs.

"No need for bookings, that should already be taken care off." Jareik dug around for his employment paper and showed it. "Here you go. Though a single coach might be a bit tight for all of us." he said, glancing at Etain's dogs.

While Jareik eagerly took care of the papers, Milly tugged onto the edge of her hat looking to the side, as if that was going to help conceal what she was in the least. They weren't 'out there' yet, but she was well aware of how much more frowned upon her ilk were beyond Altdorf.

The wizard did not share Jareik's concerns though, with a dwarf in their company and not being of a particularly imposing physique herself, she guessed that the dogs would just make up for the vacant space. "Perhaps we should see about trying to fit in one first, before worrying too much in anticipation."

"They really don't take up that much room, Roan will likely just sit on my lap most of the trip and Éimear will sit by our feet, she also might want to sit on someones lap but I doubt she will be comfortable enough, she's a bit skittish." she says coming up beside Milly, a carrot in her hand, half-eaten with the dogs in tow, looking to her for a piece of the food.

Gerhart regarded the gathering and considered the matter of space. Not the most uncomfortable form of transport he had ever taken. A man who had spent half a day crouched in a barrel tended to look fondly on even the meanest of conventional conveyances. "Surely, Jareik, either you or I might ride with the driver and keep a watchful eye." They were both well experienced in such roles, keeping an eye out for threats both covert and overt. A faint hint of a smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "I would not dare to insult a Hochlander by claiming keener sight."

He was quite fond of dogs and viewed dwarves with respect, though the former tended to be more agreeable and less pungent. Besides the esteem with which any good Sigmarite viewed the stout folk, Gerhart appreciated the conservative nature of Dwarven culture, there was no fear of them falling to depraved cults and diabolical machinations. Finer allies for the Empire than many other Human nations. The company of either was no trouble to him.

Kargun seems content to let the humans manage the bureaucracy. He digs around in his pack searching for something and at length produces a fired clay jug with a cork. In a rather theatrical manner he pulls the cork with his teeth and spits it into the gutter before taking a deep swig from the bottle. Whatever he's drinking smells like you could polish armour with it. A smiles creeps onto his face and he busies himself by alternating drinking and trying to feed morsels of salt beef to the Eimear and Roan without anyone noticing. Unfortunately for him, subtlety seems to be the only weapon not in Kargun's arsenal.

"Fair enough." said Jareik on the topic of the dogs, if Etain said they could handle themselves on the trip he had no reason to doubt it despite their head butting.

That little concern addressed, he flashed a cocky smile at Gerhart.
"Heh as you should, Ol' Mirabelle here ain't just for show." He drew his handgun with a single fluid movement and stood to attention. "We can swap shifts when we stop at a way station, this way there'll always be someone fresh on watch."

The coachman eyed the papers presented and nodded.
"Ah you should have said. Please, take place in the farthest away coach, I will get the coachman that will take you. The trip is arranged. Jannick! Come, aid the men and women in loading!"
A young lad, not quite adult yet, but no kid, came and offered help to anyone needed it, smiling coyfully and innocently as only one that age could.
A man arrived a few minutes later, with a backpack, a blunderbuss over his shoulder and with a stern weatherbitten face. He was partially bald and tanned unevenly, suggesting a hat being used to some degree on his long trips.

He nodded and assuming you were ready, sat on top and prepared the trip ahead - with a loud roar almost, the coach set in motion out the gate, on a trip that was expected to take a while.

The trip ahead is simplistic on paper. Early day, meaning you can cover alot of road day one.
This is most farm land, and the plethora of farms around you and lumber mills, suggest some life but at a lower pace than the buzzing metropolis Altdorf is. You pass not one but two men on horseback, wearing armor and emblems of the city. Roadwardens, suggesting the safety of the roads.
Assuming light, you will stop at roadside inns, rest and leave at early sunset.
The first day goes by fairly quickly, and the inn is expected. Gated, with guards, stables, and a two-story building to rest in.
As you set out on the second day, you feel at ease. The sun is up, the sky is fairly clear if a little cloud and there is little wind. Ideal for making haste to the crossroads.
Around midday, a curious sight appear in the distances.
On horseback, you see a person, in full metal armor, head to toe on a breed of horse not seen often in the empire.
The stride is calm and attentive and while sticking out does not arouse concern.

Once the person has come in range Etain pops her head out the window with a grin plastered on her face like she's been reunited with long lost family and yells [Language unknown: "Hoplen Tievnoca Ei vorlo prool pretratio beol!"] In a language none of the others probably know, her movements so sudden it may have caused some alarm.

Marie Arceneaux was enjoying a pleasant ride, and the beauty of the day. This was a perfect day for traveling. The sun was shining, but there was just enough of a breeze to keep the heat of the road from setting in. And for one who was clad from head to toe in fine castle-forged steel, that was a blessing. Plate armor may be protective, but it could certainly make a journey unpleasant at points. It was stifling in the heat of summer, freezing cold during the bite of winter, and often attracted highwaymen who saw it as a sign of wealth.

Which to be fair, it was.

Marie Arceneaux was a noblewoman of Bretonnia, in addition to being an unconventional Knight of the Realm. She was bound to attract some attention, wealth or no wealth. The powerful and graceful Bretonnian Charger beneath her was more than enough to turn heads in Imperial lands, let alone her armament and gender.

Which was why she was not put off or concerned when the drivers and riders of a coach traveling opposite her on the road began to regard her curiously. She had grown accustomed to such glances long ago. That was a small price to pay for traveling the cosmopolitan lands of the Empire. As she often did, she raised a welcoming hand and waved at the coach. She didn't want some misunderstanding with a suspicious coachman after all. More than once in her travels she had felt the sting of a blunderbuss against her armor. Whether through luck, or the protection of the Lady of the Lake, she had emerged unscathed. But she was not eager to repeat the experience.

"Bonjour! Well met fellow trav-" her greeting was cut off when she heard a familiar voice call out from the coach in her native tongue.

No...it couldn't be...

"Etain?!?!" Marie called back, pulling the heaume from her head so that she might see better.

Jareik was on shift next to the driver when they spotted a single armored rider.
Narrowing his eyes, he knew he was looking at a knight, that much was obvious by the armor, but he couldn't tell which order other then it was definitely not any of the main ones he was familiar with like the reiksguard or the knights panther.

The knight being alone didn't seem out of the ordinary, they were still close to Altdorf after all. He raised his hand in return to the knight's wave and went back to scanning the tree line.

Then he snapped back to attention as he heard a...female voice? And with an accent that definitely wasn't from the Empire. He looked behind the rider and around him, was the knight escorting some people he somehow wasn't seeing?

Etain's excited voice cut through those thoughts. He turned around, just what the hells was the savage doing? Was she about to pick a fight with the knight judging by the high tone? He sighed. Why couldn't everyone just speak riekspeil? The knight was too close now for the handgun so his hand went to his sword in case he needed to intervene.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:02, Tue 21 Jan 2020.

"[Language unknown: Esyin ng ugh], [Language unknown: Thri ng notut], Stop the cart, [Language unknown: Fois ourne ofhe]" She says in all the languages she speaks, the dogs get agitated with the commotion she was making. Once the cart stops she hops out of the cart, the shepherds hot on her tail as she makes her way towards the knight.

The dogs approach, Eimear hanging back and Roan a little ahead, tail-nub down and ears back, clearly unsure of the situation when moments before he was fast asleep on his owner's lap. "How is your family" she asks as she stops by Josette, hoping that Marie would get off of her.

"Gah!" Jareik almost fell off due to the weight of his equipment carrying him forward when the cart stopped. He grumbled curses as he recovered.

When Marie opened her helmet to show unmistakably feminine features, an audible "What in Sigmar's name????" could be heard coming from the front of the coach. The knight was a woman! May Shallyah give him strength to deal with this new oddity, Etain was plenty weird enough for him as it was, no friggin surprise she happened to know this walking contradition aswell!
This message was last edited by the player at 15:16, Tue 21 Jan 2020.

The coachman halted the cart with great care, but also somewhat surprised as he initially grabbed under his seat to get his gun, only to notice some degree of familiarity between the knight and the woman of the north.
Eyeing whoever sat next to him(Jareik or Gerhart?), he sighed.
^{"Delays...great..."}
It was not audible for anyone but those next to him.
The coachman rose high, to eye around as they stood still on the well travelled road ahead.

Marie could hardly breathe. This was impossible. The Old World was a large and dangerous place. For travelers like the two of them, the chances that Etain and Marie would ever meet again were astronomical. And yet, here was the flame-haired woman, coming to her like out of some childhood fable.

Jumping down from the Bretonnian Charger, the burly woman looked into the smith's eyes for a long moment, unable to find the words. Her arms rose and fell a few times, as she wasn't sure if she should embrace the woman, or merely shake her shake. She resorted to rubbing the back of her neck sheepishly.

"I...merde...they are well. Rodolphe is in good health, Julien continues to grow like a weed, and Odette is fighting off a dozen marriage proposals. How...how are you?" Marie asked hesitantly, cheeks starting to burn with embarrassment.

Both with her own awkwardness, and the attention of the coach occupants, who were no doubt watching the whole scene unfold.

Etain lunges forwards and embraces in a bear hug before laying in for a passionate kiss; she was always the one who had to show the emotions between them. When they embraced the long years of their departure eased away even through that thick Bretonnian plate between them.

Releasing the embrace, and the kiss with it, she takes a step back "Me, I'm a lot better now" She says before looking back at the coach then to Marie again, "What brought you back?"

He regarded the knight thoughtfully, as he did almost everyone. One thing that experience, bitter and sweet and sometimes bittersweet, had taught him was that people were quite simple and yet always more intricate than they seemed. He was surprised to see a woman in armour, yet it was because she was Brettonian that her sex struck him as odd. For such a strictly conservative, petrified society, she had to be an aberration. Still, the world was filled with far more than a man might ever know.

That the two women knew one another was interesting, that they were apparently lovers less so. He had spent so much of his life amidst low, common dens of vice and iniquity, as well other places that made the former seem as homely and comforting as a halfling cottage. "I think it very likely that yon knight will be accompanying us." The Bretonnian had a look in her eyes not at all unlike that with which the hounds regarded their mistress.

He smiled warmly at Jareik. "Now I shall have two people to hide behind when trouble breaks out."

The instant Etain's arms enveloped her, Marie went as stiff as a board. Not out of fear or revulsion, but sheer shock. And then, quite beyond her conscious decision, she melted into the embrace and kiss. She needed to take a steadying step after the bold red-head broke contact.

"Wouah..." she whispered under her breath.

And then Marie remembered where she was, and that they had an audience. If she had been blushing earlier from awkwardness, she was practically as red as a fresh beet now. Now she desperately wished that she had not thrown her heaume to the ground, because placing the helm back upon her head would have at least hidden her intense embarrassment.

 Marie hissed, glancing back at the coach.

"I...well, after the trouble in Martialis, grandfather had no great need of me. And the less I am seen, the less I am in the mind of my peers. It is better for everyone. I returned to wandering the Empire because, well, I have...fond memories here," the Knight of the Realm murmured, not able to meet Etains eyes, so she looked down at her own boots.

"Preaching to the choir on that one mate." he answered the coachman, readjusting his hat as he did. Pointless random delays like this were exactly why he didn't like to work with amateurs.

He imitated the coachman, not like he had anything else better to do whilst Etain and her knight friend caught up on no doubt boring gossip...And then they kissed and he stopped thinking for a good 30 seconds as he witnessed this wondrous sight, mind racing with hitherto unimagined possibilities.

"Wha..." he only managed, jaw dropping. Then all too quickly the spectacle was over, and though not nearly as crimson as the knight was, he could feel the warmth of his cheeks indicating he probably turned a shade aswell. "Yeah..euh...The more the merrier I always say." was the only reply he could manage to Gerhart under these challenging conditions.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:39, Tue 21 Jan 2020.

[Language unknown: "Nde neou is he eiolha ichhisthi p, whpaisan tha Ich en ureartsti th"] she says raising an eyebrow at the armoured knight. "Its,... it's good that you came through here, I was actually about to do a job that would have given me enough to try and visit Bretonnia." she says sheepishly, turning slightly red at the admission "I've missed you"

After a moment of silence she adds "We are actually on our way to find a missing person, it was going to give me the money I needed cross into Bretonnia; if you would like to come along" an almost pleading look cross her face.

While Etain and Marie catch up and discuss their shared past, the coachman, jumps down softly of the coachman seat to check something on the roadside. He takes a small branch and pokes the ground, eyeing into the beginning of a forest outskirt, with a curious look. He drops the branch and shrugs as in disbelief.
He returns and sits down, and clears his throat. Assuming that doesn't strike through he turns his head.
"Got to use the sunlight, even with guards the roads are no place to be after sunset - we got road ahead of us so we need to depart now! You! Lady of..whatever order you serve...are you coming?"
The mans tone is dry and his wit equally so, lingering with impatience and sense of duty for his humble but respectable line of work.

The carriage lurches to one side as Kargun levers himself out. He has to squeeze through the narrow doorway which was seemingly not designed with such a squat and broad figure in mind. "Afternoon lassies." He smiles as he greets Etain and the newcomer before moving to the edge of the road to relive himself.

As he returns to the group, he pauses as watches as the coachman looks around. "This yin has the right 'o it. Best be moving along. All sorts 'o beasties in these woods." Kargun climbs back into the coach and holds the door open for Etain.

 Marie sputtered exasperatedly, as though that was in any way a point that seemed to matter to Etain.

The Bretonnian noblewoman could hear the coachman bark something in their direction, but she couldn't tear herself away from the unexpected moment to even begin to care what he said.

"The Lady is smiling on us, for us to have found each other than," she smiled warmly, unable to fully express how touched she was that Etain was also looking for her.

"And of course I will come with you. I would not part company with you so soon after this miraculous meeting...Oh, and protecting the innocent is part of my chivalrous duty," Marie continued, coming back to herself.

The Knight of the Realm bent low and grabbed her heaume and placed it back upon her head. She grabbed Josette's reins and began to lead the magnificent steed towards the coach.

"You will have to tell me the details on the way, ma cherie. And you will have to tell me of these people you travel with..." the Bretonnian said casually as they walked.

Once again she waved a friendly greeting at the coach as they approached. Knowing that they were the center of attention, she decided to address everyone, and not just the coach drivers.

"Bonjour! My name is Marie Arceneaux, granddaughter of Rodolphe Arceneaux, Baron of Martialis. It is my very good honor to meet you. And yes, Monsieur Coachman, I will be travelling with you. Mademoiselle Seanait has...convinced me to travel the same road as you, and aid you in your noble endeavor," the young woman said formally, giving a slight bow to the assembled people of the coach.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:51, Wed 22 Jan 2020.

The coachman nodded.
"So be it. You will not be a hinder, you come with your steed, and a fine one at it. I know horses, and you ride one not commonly seen outside the most wealthy or connected souls in the empire and beyond. Martialis is in Bretonia naturally which would explain alot..."
Realizing he had begun to drift off into small talk, he straighten himself and tried to remain stern and poised.
"Right! Onwards! We got the Messerhülse ahead. A fine roadside inn for the night. By luck, we should be at the crossroads to Faltdorf, which as the name implies used to bread lowland horses, good workhorses many decades ago before transferring to other sources of income."
With that, and a loud snapping sound, the coach set in motion, slowly at first to allow to sit down and remain, and slowly gained in pace.

Walking with Marie back to the coach she says [Language unknown: "I amela lat i p al rilail wail Whce diarpl hita siceck everutith tic enekat."]

Once she got to the Coach she says "These are the people I have met to do this mission, Kargun" she points to the dwarf, "Milly, Gerhart, and Jareik" she continues to point to each of the individuals before adding [Language unknown: "Sabeun se pl ho andtrable di Ic eraourast teurck itcail ivbeiv"] then she opens the door to the coach and let the dogs jump in "and these two precious things are Roan and Eimear."

Milly just looked out from the coach, not really understanding what was going on. Content as she had been, to stare at the landscape, poking her head out to see the figure in armor left the wizard thinking of either of bandits or some strange toll keep. What followed did little to make things any less confusing, weirder ideas than what she had just witnessed filled her mind, all spurred by the lack of framework she had to work with both of the foreigners. In the end, she settled for the idea of the newcommer being some kind of unexpected extra coach armed escort, as in 'not there to try to rob them'. "Of course, Martialis, it stands to reason." Mimi said, not really adding anything and nodding sagely, almost full of herself, as if she knew that Martialis was in Bretonia or was a place before the coachman explained as much.

Their travel hurries had Milly forcing herself to spare the rider from any 'proper' introductions, which for a short while, seemed to sit just as well as holding onto a red hot nail. An acknowledging nod would had to do for the time being.

Jareik did a two finger salute in response to Marie's greeting and a simple "'Ello." then sat back in his place next to the coachman as he silently processed the existence of this female knight.

He frowned a bit as he heard his name in Etain's foreign talk, what was the she devil saying about him now? Pah, this job was getting worst all the time. No doubt they would next encounter a pacifist ogre, a tall halfling and a humble elf. And of course Etain will just happen to be friends with all of them and speak the elf tongue fluently. Speaking of tongues, the question is whether she will kiss them too, at this point he was resigning himself that anything is possible and the world might well have gone mad after all.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:51, Wed 22 Jan 2020.

 she replied to Etain, her blushing flaring up momentarily.

She nodded greetings to everyone again, and mounted her massive steed in one surprisingly graceful motion, despite her heavy armor. She cast a lingering glance at
Jareik, and considered Etain's words. She would have to remember that.

"Chiots! You will be getting petted and treats later!" Marie practically giggled when she looked at the dogs entering the coach.

Her grandfather didn't keep dogs, and she had never owned one in her entire life. She would have to make up for lost time with Roan and Eimear. That pleasant thought caused her to hum happily as she urged Josette forward to keep up with the coach.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:25, Wed 22 Jan 2020.

The coachman sets in motion and the day passes with some ease. You arrive at the Messerhülse, a comfortable coaching inn, not afar from your location.
The coachman ensures the coach is placed for the night and ventures inside.
The inn is in two stories - a long wooden bar beneath, with a heart, long tables with chairs and two booths at the far end. A small door leads to the kitchen near the bar and behind you, left hand of the door as you enter, the staircase winds upwards, to allow for those needing rest, as all rooms are placed here. Simple, but effective.
A few hardy men of the road, in appearance suggesting they are men of the law, roadwardens rest at a single table not far from the hearth, while the coachman quickly orders a plate and something to drink.
Before he sits down, he calmly states:
"We leave at dawn, should be at our location midday if all goes well".
With a heavy sight, he sits down and nods to the rather thin and lithe barkeep, whom appear partly bald and with a closely shaved chin.

As was only proper for so magnificent a steed, Marie had spent some time in the inn's stables in order to feed, water, and brush down Josette herself. It's not that she didn't trust stable workers, or even had the common Bretonnian view that peasants were unworthy of touching so fine an example of horseflesh. No, she simply had a close relationship with her Bretonnian Charger, and the best way to maintain trust with a warhorse was constantly rewarding that trust. After she was finished, she fed the childhood friend s shiny red apple, and returned to the inn.

When the coachman told them of their timetable, she nodded her understanding. Though she had removed her heaume and gauntlets for horse grooming, she was still entirely armed and armored. Which seemed to be her natural state of being.

"Pardon, I don't suppose you would be blessed enough to be stocked with any kind of Bretonnian wine?" Marie asked the barkeep, not holding out much hope.

Etain carries her gear inside telling Marie she would take her travel bags and find somewhere to sit inside. Once inside she takes their bags to one of the booths, lugs the bags onto them and pushes them back before ordering two warm meals be brought, a mead for herself if possible and waits for Marie to come in, she also orders two pieces of meat for the dogs before breaking a carrot in half and tossing half to each dog and listening to them hold their halves and crunching into them.

The food arrives just before Marie comes in and orders something at the bar, probably hoping for one of those wines her people are known for. She waves when Marie turns around looks around to room to call her over.

The barkeep eyed Marie with some concern in his eyes.
That was a hefty request at best, at a coaching in was more of a glorified watering hole than
a high end establishment.

The barkeep rubbed his neck.
"Let me check below.."
He ventured down and came up some time later with a horribly dusty bottle of wine.
"This might be all I can find. I will give it to ye for a small amount of coin.."
The bottle was at look Bretonian, but old. More than ten years, so the content was uncertain to say the least. It looked and appeared sealed however and unopened. So perhaps, drinkable.

In did not take long, perhaps a handful or two more minutes before a few of the roadwardens departed the company and headed upstairs to rest.
Likely the inn would be silent within the hour leaving just you inside, as the evening ventured on. The surroundings outside were mostly barren, aside the gated inn itself, and a small forest nearby. A river further up road was the only remarkable landmark, and a small wooden bridge passing over it.

Jareik stretched his neck a bit as he got off the coach. As far as watchdog duty went, being on the coach wasn't so bad due to the constantly changing scenery. All the same he was looking forward to a nice drink.

He gave the road wardens a tip of his hat as he passed them and ordered a room along with some beer and food then sat with their coachman, making idle chat with him as he ate and drank. Whilst at it, he gently probed about their destination. "Know much about Fatldorf by any chance?"

He raised an eyebrow in amusement when Marie came in later and asked for brettonian wine of all things. But who dares wins it seemed as they did actually have some in stock.
For his part, Jareik was quite happy to stick to good old beer.

"Merde...well, I will compensate you for this bottle, but if this is nothing but vinegar, the coins might be less in number," the Knight Errant said grimly.

Walking over to where Etain was calling her, the brawny woman sat down with the bottle and eyed it dubiously.

"If I die, say something nice at my funeral ma cherie?" Marie asked, in a rare bit of humor.

The Bretonnian noblewoman removed the cork cautiously, and took a sniff of the bottle's contents.

"If you go, I'm taking a swig of that too" she says smiling back at the gallows humour. "Here, I got food for you" she adds pushing a plate of food towards the knight  "Perhaps if it is poisoned this will help mitigate its effects"

"Pah! Wine is an Elf's dram." Kargun scoffs. "Dyin' wid be a favour!" The Dwarf stomps into the common room and throws his shield and flail down on the table before taking a spot on the bench next to Etain. "Noo a guid few jugs o' ale wid be mair lik' it." He turns to stare at the innkeeper and waggles his eyebrows to communicate his desire for beer.

Turning back to Marie, he proffers a meaty hand by way of introduction. "Kargun Halfhand. Pleasure tae meet ye."

After a glance around the place, Milly strategically placed herself around the end of the line for ordering, observing the others as they went. "I want what they were having and none of what she is." The wizard finally requested, pointing at the wardens and then the knight in turn. She waited for the goods and then brought them over to the table, in her head, it was fairly easy to blend in and seem inconspicuous went standing right next to the more 'odd' elements of their group and part of her wanted for nothing more than that.

"So, since everyone here seems to be so well traveled and she already said as much." Mimi gestured to Etain. "What other parts of the Empire have you been to?" Asked the wizard to the group in general. "Didn't mean to pry but couldn't help myself with such a... Colorful(?) lot that we got gathered here."

Purely as a matter of professional thought experiment, Gerhart often considered how he might poison or otherwise kill a person on meeting them. It was not a matter of misanthropy or malice, just a clinical consideration of how another's vulnerabilities. One never knew when such an insight brought about by such musings might prove valuable. If he was to poison the Bretonnian knight, it would certainly involve her steed. Shame to spoil a fine bottle of wine.

"A large whiskey, if you please." He spoke his order when he caught the barkeep's eye, leaning against the bar. Though he was sure that the beer would be agreeable, if only because no one would serve a foul draught to a thirsty dwarf, he preferred spirits in establishments with which he was unfamiliar. Looking up at the fiery woman's query, he  chewed thoughtfully on his lower lip for a moment. "I've been everywhere but Reikland, within the Empire. My work requires an awful lot of travel."

A momentary ghost of sadness passes over Etain's face when Kargun and Milly sat down at the booth she had taken for Marie and herself, her hopes for a relatively quiet supper with her old flame dashed upon the desires of others to mingle. She slides her plate a little away from the dwarf's weapons so as not to get them to have any of the dirt on them.

When Milly asks her the question Etain turns her head to look at her "I have been through Nordheim, Middenland, Talabecland, Reikland, as you heard earlier, as well as other lands. I hope to visit Bretonnia one day as well."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:08, Tue 28 Jan 2020.

The night is calm, as you remain below. The coachman rises and nods to any of you that mind, and heads upstairs.
Arrangements had been made for the coming day and he expected all to stand ready and fed shortly after the sun rose on the sky, no later.

Half an hour passed, and the barkeep ventured into the kitchen to close down the output of food and allow those within rest for the day.
Outside the heavy winds blew - howlin' through the compound. For now, all remained quiet.
Suddenly, out of the blue, a horse gave a sound, as if startled or frightened. A curious smell spread, of embers and smoke. Somewhere outside. With no housing nearby, it made no sense. As the barkeep was in the kitchen, he had yet to notice.

Having finished the surprisingly good bottle of wine, Marie was feeling very relaxed. Not to mention the typical exhaustion that comes at the end of a long day of travel, and the emotional aftermath of meeting an old flame after years of separation. And yet, the sound of a horse in distress instantly caught her attention. She always worried about the health and safety of Josette.

Placing her glass down, the Knight of the Realm stood and walked to the door. She casual looked outside in order to take a glance around. Especially at the stable. She was also curious as to the source of the odd smell.

"Is that Josette?" Etain asks Marie as she hears the horse crying and grabbing her axe "We should check it out" she adds before asking Kargun to move so she could get out. As she moves the dogs stir, their ears back in concern.

Jareik returns the coachman's nod and finishes his drink, but his nostril started twitching.
Fire...?
It was an all too familiar smell that bought back bad memories of villages and towns burning, so when Etain and Marie got up to investigate, he did the same regardless of being invited to do so or not. This was something he wanted to make sure with his own eyes rather then trust on others.

Once outside he tried to tell from where the smell was coming.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:28, Tue 28 Jan 2020.

"Everywhere but Reikland, huh?" The wizard gave a strange look at Gerhart. "Then I suppose you are in luck, expanding that list a day at a time now." Glancing between the two from which she had managed to coax an answer, she continued. "And where do you think it is better? Which one you liked the most?" The smell was soon upon them but Milly on her end, didn't see to mind one bit, almost as if she didn't even notice, choosing to scoot over closer to the fire instead.

Kargun moves out of the way so that Etain can get past. Seeing the rest of the group begin to decamp outside, he grabs up his shield and flail and follows. In every experience of his, animals in distress and wood smoke came with bigger problems to follow.

Before departing upstairs, the roadwarden nodded.
"Strange place. Out of the way. One could say it is very much in Tall's domain and expect as much. I know few that visits it, as you have to Trek through quite some forest, and poor roads, so keep that in mind, and understand that you need to camp outside most likely. From what I gather, most coaches go to the old crossroad and set of their passengers there. From there, most either stay nearby at the The Hairy Toes, a halfling run inn, great food, and black bart the owner is both informative and a gracious host, assuming you pay him well..He may know more than me, as it stands now."

Those passing outside, quickly learn that something is up.
On your right, roughly 200 feet(67 yards away away you see a large selection of scrubbery, and hay aflame, in a big fire. Behind it stand two curious figures.
A large manlike person, with a long neck, and a wolfhead stand next to lanky goatheaded man.
Further back, you notice three more akin to them, mutated and defiled by chaos, and in the back of them, standing out as a clear superior one - Face is white-skinned with deep green saucer-eyes, it stands nine feet tall with wings, tail, and horns. The sight alone causes unease in anyone seeing at it.
(Anyone within close distance of it or engaging it or viewing it for more than a glimpse, must pass a fear check(+0%) WP or flee)
The coach next to the stable has also been set aflame.
The stable has yet to catch flame, but the fire alone is of such strength that it is a concern!

OOC:
Please roll initiative!

MAP: https://docs.google.com/drawin...SgNwFYUT7r1Wl4Q/edit

Combat movement table!(In yards)

This message was last edited by the GM at 09:55, Wed 29 Jan 2020.

At the sight of the Beastmen, Kargun lets out a deep growl. He lifts his shield from its strap into his maimed hand and sets his flail to a slow twirl in his right hand. At a walking pace, he moves out of the inn and stands in the clear ground between the buildings. "Come an' hae a taste o' this, Beasties!" The dwarf is a hulking figure lit by the flickering flames. His shadow dances menacingly. Above his shield, there is a grin on his face.

OOC Mechanics:
Wounds     : 14/14
Initiative : 31

Free Action: Talking
Half Action: Move outside to O8
Half Action: Delay to attack if an enemy comes close

Damage: None taken

Rolls:
10:25, Today: Kargun Halfhand rolled 17 using 2d10+5 with rolls of 9,3.  Damage (Impact). Damage is 9 + 5 = 14
10:24, Today: Kargun Halfhand rolled 30 using 1d100.  Delayed Attack (Enemy Approaches) WS 69.
07:59, Today: Kargun Halfhand rolled 41 using 1d10+38.  Initiative. - 10 for armour so 31.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:25, Wed 29 Jan 2020.

"Méfier! We are beset by foul creatures!" Marie cried, both to her new companions, and the inhabitants of the coaching inn.

Ever the faithful knight, and unwilling to let the wretched things of the earth plague the world at their whim, the Knight of the Realm drew her blade. She strode purposefully forward, ready to engage these beasts. She would not allow the fire to spread, and threaten the animals of the stable. Especially her beloved Josette.

"Come, taste Bretonnian steel, beasts!" she cried, echoing the Dwarf in drawing their attention.

OOC Mechanics
Wounds     : 15/15
Initiative : 40

Half Action: Ready - Draw Sword
Half Action: Move (Q-6)

Rolls      : 07:10, Today: Marie Arceneaux rolled 40 using 1d10+30.  Initiative.

"Now what's going on here then...." Jareik stopped dead as he realized what he was looking at and snarled "Beastmen..."
He was about to shout to the others to form up but then he realized he had no idea if he could trust in his erstwhile companions or if they even knew how to form a line. The only one who might know how to fight in formation is the dwarf but the height difference made that irrelevant.

Fortunately in his service to the Empire, Jareik had learned to fight in more then one style of warfare. Years of trainning and drills took over as in one fluid motion he grabbed his handgun from his back, kneeled, lined his sights on one of the creatures and fired.... Only for the shot to graze his intended target, singing the fur.
"Bloody hell..." he muttered in disgust.

OOC Mechanics:
Wounds     : 12/12
Initiative : 52

Free Action: Draw weapon (handgun)-quickdraw
Half Action: Half aim
Half Action: Normal attack

Damage: None taken

Rolls:
14:34, Today: Jareik Schneider rolled 61 -- a simple failure using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 60.  Fire!
This message was last edited by the player at 11:11, Thu 30 Jan 2020.

Etain moves swiftly after her lover, drawing her axe as she did and followed and eventually went beside Marie "Let's end this filth" she says, ber blood rising at the wanton destruction. The dogs hiding out behind Etain and Marie.


OOC Mechanics:
Wounds     : 15/15
Initiative : 45
Movement   : Q5
half Action: Draw weapon-axe

Etain Seanait rolled 45 using 1d10+42.  initiative .

Milly arose from her near to slumber state and got a hold of her staff before slowly, still drowsy and missing the warmth of the fire inside, moving towards the door. Whatever the trouble was outside, it was most unwelcome.

OOC Mechanics:
Wounds     : 10/10
Initiative : 48
half Action: Ready Staff
Movement   : Crowd the door until  there is room to exit.

14:32, Today: Milly Minhelm rolled 48 using 1d10+41.  Initiative.

The huge behemoth of a mutant who appear half daemonic in appearance rise above the field.
With huge batlike and veined wings, befitting its hideous coloration it flies above the field and lands heavily on the roof of the stable with a thunderous boom, breaking part of the ceiling, but also appearing quite out of reach and covered partially by the roof itself.
The mutants prepare themselves for the incoming surge, as they likely anticipated less resistance than what they got.

MAP: https://docs.google.com/drawin...SgNwFYUT7r1Wl4Q/edit

Combat movement table!(In yards)

Initiative order!
Mutant Lord 76
Jareik 52
Gerhart 49
Milly 48
Etain 45
Kargun 41
Marie 40
Mutants 36

Players turn!

Continuing her purposeful stride forward, the Knight of the Realm unslung her shield from her back, and slid the straps over her left arm. Now she was ready for combat. The only thing that would make her even more prepared was if she was mounted, and performing a devastating charge.

Still, one could not always choose the circumstances of their battle. Brandishing her blade, she taunted the monsters some more.

"Come at me, cowards! Lady grant me strength..." she whispered to herself after she had bellowed at them.

OOC Mechanics
Wounds     : 15/15
Initiative : 40

Free Action: Spend Fortune Point - Virtue of Purity (Might of Purity)
Half Action: Ready - Draw Shield
Half Action: Move (Y-6)

Etain continues to move alongside Marie, wishing that she had kept her spear and shield when she departed Caoimhe's farm. For now she keeps her axe ready and prepares to attack any who come near her. She quickly looks back to see if any of the others are coming forward to back them up or just sitting back in relative safety. Turning back she says [Language unknown: "Tra sonit erth mi"] she tells Marie.

OOC Mechanics:
Wounds     : 15/15
Initiative : 45
Movement   : Y-5

Jareik shook his head as the others went TOWARDS the beastmen. The fools.
He turned to the others still behind him in the inn "We are under attack by beastmen, to arms!".

Their companion's zeal had put him in an awkward spot, should he hold and keep up the firing drill? Or try and keep cohesion with the savage and knight who had surged forwards and were exposing themselves dangerously to the beastmen's charge?

Against his better judgement, he decided he couldn't leave them to be overwhelmed even if it meant breaking one of his old sarge's golden piece of advice: Lad, keep your distance with those goat freaks, they are faster then they look and will be on you in a flash if you ain't wary.
"For Sigmar's sake, hold up!" he shouted as he jogged to the dwarf's position, casually reloading his gun as he did.


OOC Mechanics:
Wounds     : 12/12
Initiative : 52

Free Action: Talk
Half Action: Move to P10
Half Action: Reload (quick reload)

Damage: None taken
This message was last edited by the player at 02:51, Sat 01 Feb 2020.

Karguns hears the whistle of a bullet passing him at the same time as the shot. The dwarf does not flinch, even as the longer-legged humans advance past him. "GIT BACK 'ERE, LASSIES! Yon' big 'un can fly." With a glance over to see Jaerik nearby, Kargun grunts and moves up to cover his left. It's clear he intends to fight alongside the human warrior.

OOC Mechanics
Wounds     : 14/14
Initiative : 41

Free Action: Talking/shouting
Half Action: Move (P-9)
Half Action: None

Finally getting outside, Milly made her way to Kargun and Jareik, which were closest, stopping to take a look an assess what exactly was going on. A clear purpose ad a resolute mind were essential for one dabbling in magic.

OOC Mechanics:
Wounds     : 10/10
Initiative : 48
Movement   : To O8.

Closing in the large flying foe landed hard on the ground.
It was here, for the first time, they got a good look at what they faced.
The mutants, daemons or whatever you could call them were curious.
One had an ant Head and a Prehensile Tail (with hand on its end), another close to Marie had skin like flowing iron and a maced tail, two others had scaly skin all over, and a further example had a long neck with a wolfhead which almost seemed elastic.
The last, with a goathead seemed smaller but nimble and attentive.
With hasty movements, they charged forward, with the iron skinned mutant going in head first versus Marie as the large foe from above landed near her.
It roared at her and Etain(WP vs fear please!).
With a heavy hand the ironlike mutant struck at Marie, but its blow not even scratching the armoured woman.
This allowed the large daemonlike creature to extend a huge blade and strike heavily at Marie!
(12 damage before soak etc -> Can be dodged if you have such).

Kargun notices that the scaled mutants, both of them, seem to focus solely on him, as if he alone was their biggest threat or source of anger. They advanced his way.

MAP: https://docs.google.com/drawin...SgNwFYUT7r1Wl4Q/edit

Players turn!

What the hell is that thing? There was no time to dwell on that though, with three of the creatures bearing down on them.
Jareik finished reloading and hastily shot at one of the smaller creatures flanking the knight to provide some supporting fire but the shot was completely off, shooting to the sky as if he was aiming for Mannslieb itself.
"Taal's teeth." he cursed, clearly his marksmanship had gotten horribly rusty.

Now wasn't the time to dwell on mistakes though, he sheathed his handgun and drew his greatsword, moonlight glinting along the sword's edge menacingly. He nodded to the dwarf besides him and grimly prepared to receive the enemy's charge.

OOC Mechanics:
Wounds     : 12/12
Initiative : 52

Half Action: Normal attack
14:37, Today: Jareik Schneider rolled 85 -- 3 degrees of failure using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 50.  Fire!
Half Action: Sheathe handgun
Free action: draw greatsword (quickdraw)

Damage: None taken
This message was last edited by the player at 16:29, Tue 04 Feb 2020.

"Oh Gods" Etain says as the monsterous creature lands in front of Marie.

Etain Seanait rolled 52 -- 1 degree of failure using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 41.  wp.
Wounds     : 15/15
Initiative : 45
Movement   : Y-5
Action     : tries to control bladder

As the creature with iron skin struck her armor harmlessly, the Knight of the Realm prepared to retaliate. But before she could bring her blade to strike, the large flying monster crashed down beside her and struck violently.

"Lady protect us!" she gasped, instinctively raising her shield to block the deadly attack.

It seemed that the Lady of the Lake was indeed listening, for instead of filling her limbs with strength, she steeled her heart against the darkness of these creatures. Fear could not find purchase with her.

"Feel the wrath of the Lady!" Marie cried as she found her courage.

The Bretonnian retaliated against the blow on her shield with two quick strikes of her own. But hampered as she was by the winged monstrosity, and the iron skinned beast, her blows did not find their targets.

OOC Mechanics
Wounds     : 15/15
Initiative : 40

Free Action: Fear Test - Success
Free Action: Shield Parry - Success
Free Action: Spend Fortune Point - Virtue of Purity (Might of Purity)
Full Action: Swift Attack - Failure, Failure

Rolls      : 09:31, Today: Marie Arceneaux rolled 46 -- 2 degrees of success using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 66.  Fear Test.
09:36, Today: Marie Arceneaux rolled 45 -- 2 degrees of success using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 73.  Parry.
09:40, Today: Marie Arceneaux rolled 76 -- a simple failure using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 68.  Swift Attack.
09:40, Today: Marie Arceneaux rolled 90 -- 2 degrees of failure using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 68.  Swift Attack.

Gerhart had unslung his crossbow, always near to hand. He was used to prowling after Chaos in its more insidious forms. His quarry tended to keep their outwardly monstrous compatriots at arm's lenght. Not that it mattered, they all had to die, regardless of supernumenary appendages or lack thereof.

Moving swiftly across the yard, he took up a space along the dwarf and the Hochlander. He took no heed of his rage at the presence of that which he loathed and hated with all the passion in his soul. One needed steady breathe steadily and slowly to shoot well. He tucked the stock, wrapped in old leather thongs, against his shoulder, sighting the abomination directly across from him. He shut one eye, counted a beat and squeezed the trigger.

No sooner than the bolt was loosed he dropped the crossbow, reaching for the hilts of his sword and main-gauche. One didn't stop to reload when there was a chance of a vexed beastman charging headlong in the next few moments.

OOC
Wounds 14/14
Initiative 49

Previous Round - Draw crossbow, move to P8

Half-action: Aim
Half-action: Crossbow ranged attack at W8

21:37, Today: Gerhart Athelbrand rolled 2 -- 6 degrees of success using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 64.  Crossbow shot at Mutant W8 + Aim.

21:41, Today: Gerhart Athelbrand rolled 6 using 1d10+4.  Bolt damage.

Kargun smiles as the mutants make their way forwards. He had fought their kind before in the foothills of the Border Princes. No two were alike, but their corruption was easy to see. They were an offence to all right-minded Dwarfs. Kargun stands with the Gerhart and Jaerik and prepares to receive the charge. Gently, he keeps the heads of his flail swinging in a small circle. “Come an’ die, filth!”

OOC:

14/14 W
Initiative 41

Half action: Delay attack targeting any enemy who comes in range

15:32, Today: Kargun Halfhand rolled 8 using 2d10+5, dropping the lowest dice only.  Damage.
15:31, Today: Kargun Halfhand rolled 39 -- 3 degrees of success using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 69.  Delayed Attack.

A surge of power was seen as the mutants close to Kargun and Jareik advanced and struck with malicious intent. However neither were able to discern any openings and missed their strikes, albeit being in close range now.

Elsewhere Marie saw the large foe become bolstered by two mutants appearing behind, one cladded in ironlike skin. Both advanced and struck at her, missing wide, but opening up for the large horrifying monster to strike with sickening speed at her.
Precision left something to desired, but the blows that came were fierce and insanely powerful!
(14 damage and 13 damage, can be dodged etc).

Down low, a single mutant began, using the shadows, began to creep closer with malicious intent, and with something curious in hand.

MAP: https://docs.google.com/drawin...SgNwFYUT7r1Wl4Q/edit

Players turn!

Jareik grimaced as the beasts struck to little effect, their desire to brutally kill clearly clouding their judgement as he ducked beneath and weaved between the blows, mindful of his footing as he did.

In return he heaved his greatsword with a grunt high above his head and let it crash downwards upon the foe, shifting his body forwards to add to the swing's momentum.

OOC Mechanics:
Wounds     : 12/12
Initiative : 52

Full action: All out attack

Damage: None taken

3 hits, for 14, 13 and 12 damage
2 hits, for 13 and 12 damage

13:16, Today: Jareik Schneider rolled 12 using 1d10+4.  impact 3.
13:16, Today: Jareik Schneider rolled 13 using 1d10+4.  inpact 2.
13:16, Today: Jareik Schneider rolled 7 using 1d10+4.  impact 1.
13:11, Today: Jareik Schneider rolled 7 using 1d10+4.  damage.
13:11, Today: Jareik Schneider rolled 9 using 1d10+4.  damage.
13:11, Today: Jareik Schneider rolled 14 using 1d10+4.  damage.
13:07, Today: Jareik Schneider rolled 55 -- 2 degrees of success using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 82.  all out attack.
13:07, Today: Jareik Schneider rolled 22 -- 6 degrees of success using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 82.  all out attack.
13:06, Today: Jareik Schneider rolled 14 -- 6 degrees of success using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 82.  all out attack.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:26, Tue 11 Feb 2020.

Despite the growing desperation of the situation, Marie stuck to the hard-learned lessons that her teachers had instilled in her, and that her Errantry Tour had only enhanced through experience. She raised her sheild and felt the heavy blow reverberate through the steel and up her arm, but the Knight of the Realm remained unharmed. At almost the same moment, she shifted her stance into the appropriate dodge to have the second attack miss her by a hair's breath.

Unwilling to break off her earlier attack, she launched two more swift strikes against the large deamonic leader. The noblewoman was rewarded with contact with the first blow, but once again the press of bodies fouled her follow-up.

Things were looking dire, but Marie stood firm in the fact of it, and she dearly hoped her aggression would make the monsters focus on her and leave Etain alone.

OOC Mechanics
Wounds      : 15/15
Initiative  : 40

Free Action : Shield Parry - Success
Free Action : Dodge Blow   - Success
Full Action : Swift Attack - Success, Failure

Hit Location: Right Arm
Damage Rolls: 13

Rolls       : 09:58, Today: Marie Arceneaux rolled 11 -- 6 degrees of success using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 73.  Parry.
09:58, Today: Marie Arceneaux rolled 29 -- a simple success using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 30.  Dodge Blow.
10:01, Today: Marie Arceneaux rolled 2 -- 6 degrees of success using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 68.  Swift Attack 1.
10:01, Today: Marie Arceneaux rolled 79 -- 1 degree of failure using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 68.  Swift Attack 2.
10:02, Today: Marie Arceneaux rolled 13 using 2d10+6, dropping the lowest dice only.  Damage Roll.

Etain continues to stare at the monstrous creature before her.


Etain Seanait rolled 61 -- 2 degrees of failure using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 41.  wp fp.
18:30, Today: Etain Seanait rolled 48 -- a simple failure using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 41.  wp.
Would strong minded help at all here?
Wounds     : 15/15
Initiative : 45
Movement   : Y-5
Action     : tries to control bladder

Standing alongside the dwarf, Gerhart lashed out at the monstrosity with his sword. He had always been more accustomed to going for vitals before the enemy had a chance to react, yet it was damn hard to tell what was vital to a fleshwarped abomination. He slashed furiously in hopes of hitting something vital. He could practically feel the Ruinous Powers laughing at his ill luck.

Swift Attack vs Mutant at Q9.

14:25, Today: Gerhart Athelbrand rolled 2 -- 4 degrees of success using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 49.  Swift Attack Mutant Q9.

14:25, Today: Gerhart Athelbrand rolled 54 -- a simple failure using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 49.  Swift Attack Mutant Q9.

14:25, Today: Gerhart Athelbrand rolled 96 -- 4 degrees of failure using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 49.  Swift Attack Mutant Q9.

14:30, Today: Gerhart Athelbrand rolled 5 using 1d10+4.  Sword Damage.

Jareik brought down his blade with a hefty strike and the mutant, to his surprise weaved away...right into his second blow, felling the beast in one hit. Blood gushed everywhere and it would not be any threat for the time being.
Marie managed to strike the large daemon like foe with a harrying blow, that made it bleed, but not waver from its relentless assault.
It flailed franticly with its sickening blade, four strikes all intent on bring Marie down.
^{(6,9,12,9 to Marie respectively).}
The fire spread and started to lick and bind to the stable itself.
Jareik saw a large foe strike at him, laughing with a howling head but only managing to strike his skin lightly.
^{(5 damage).}
From behind a foe came to aid the large foe and struck Marie for further injury.
^{(8 damage)}

MAP: https://docs.google.com/drawin...SgNwFYUT7r1Wl4Q/edit

Notes:
9 damage to large foe.
Milly moved by GM, note sent in terms of activity.

PLAYERS TURN!

Jareik felt his armor cushion an unseen blow and freed his sword from the first mutant's blood spraying body with a kick, returning the second mutie's opportunistic strike with his own. Cold steel would put a stop to it's laughing sure enough.


OOC Mechanics:
Wounds     : 12/12
Initiative : 52

Full action: All out attack

2 hits for 7 and 8 damage

18:44, Today: Jareik Schneider rolled 6 using 2d10 with rolls of 3,3.  damage+impact.
18:44, Today: Jareik Schneider rolled 6 using 2d10 with rolls of 2,4.  damage+impact.
18:43, Today: Jareik Schneider rolled 10 -- 7 degrees of success using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 82.  all out attack.
18:43, Today: Jareik Schneider rolled 31 -- 5 degrees of success using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 82.  all out attack.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:43, Tue 18 Feb 2020.

Though she was feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of attacks and number of foes, Marie did not relent or falter. It was not just her life at risk, but that of the innocents in the area, Josette, and Etain. And so the Bretonnian remembered the lessons of her grandfather's knights: when unable to block or dodge blows, trust in the strength of your armor, and the protection of the Lady.

And so while the Knight of the Realm was able to block one of the vicious strikes of the large monster, several still impacted her plate armor. Most of the finely forged castle steel withstood the blows, but of of them still rattled her hard enough to cause blood to flow. In comparison, the follow up attack by the beast at her back felt like a gentle tap.

"Va te faire foutre!" she cried in pain and rage.

She rewarded the daemonic creature with retaliatory cuts of her own. And she was gratified to feel her blade part flesh.

OOC Mechanics
Wounds      : 12/15
Initiative  : 40

Free Action : Shield Parry - Success
Free Action : Dodge Blow   - Failure
Full Action : Swift Attack - Success, Success

Hit Location: Left Arm, Head
Damage Rolls: 14, 14

Rolls       : 17:54, Today: Marie Arceneaux rolled 20 -- 5 degrees of success using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 73.  Parry.
17:54, Today: Marie Arceneaux rolled 35 -- a simple failure using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 30.  Dodge Blow.
17:55, Today: Marie Arceneaux rolled 45 -- 2 degrees of success using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 68.  Swift Attack 1.
17:56, Today: Marie Arceneaux rolled 60 -- a simple success using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 68.  Swift Attack 2.
17:57, Today: Marie Arceneaux rolled 14,14 using 2d10+6,2d10+6, dropping the lowest dice only.  Damage Rolls.

Seeing her love Marie hit but the creature finally caused Etain to snap out of her terror but she fails to land her swing of the axe at the monstrous creature attacking Marie.



Wounds     : 15/15
Initiative : 45
Movement   : Y-5
Action     : Aimed Attack (Large Monster)

Etain Seanait rolled 28 -- 1 degree of success using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 41.  wp.
Etain Seanait rolled 88 -- 4 degrees of failure using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 47.  aimed attack.

Karguns laughs as blood splatters his face, his flail smashing across the left shoulder of the beast before him. Seeing that Jaerik has slain the other foe and trusting him to finish this one, Kargun puts his head down and charges across the courtyard. [Language unknown: "Laomtr Ughmanous! Reosca tohi Toelnt!"] His shout booms across the battlefield.

The Dwarf doesn't run fast but there is a sense of momentum about his movement, like an ox. With the weight of his bulk and armour, Kargun crashes an overhand blow down onto another of the mutants who are engaged with Marie. Its bellow of pain mingles with his war shouts

OOC Mechanics
Wounds      : 14/14
Initiative  : 41

Free Action : Delayed attack on Q9 from last round - Success
Full Action : Charge Attack to Y7, move to X7 - Success

Rolls       :
These are the original rolls from my delayed attack.
15:32, Today: Kargun Halfhand rolled 8 using 2d10+5, dropping the lowest dice only.  Damage.
15:31, Today: Kargun Halfhand rolled 39 -- 3 degrees of success using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 69.  Delayed Attack.
Hit Location: Left Arm

For the charge attack - targeting Y7
09:27, Today: Kargun Halfhand rolled 12 using 1d10+5.  Damage.
09:27, Today: Kargun Halfhand rolled 64 -- 1 degree of success using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 79.  Charge Attack.
Hit Location: Left Arm

Once outside and fully awake, Milly assessed the situation, which apparently was some late night scuffle with mutants. Why or how that came to be weren't as much of a concern as it was putting an end to it, in the only way it should anyway. Surprising nobody, it was with fiery retribution that the wizard began to punish the mutants for their boldness. After conjuring the fires of Aqshy in the way she desired, a bolt of fire dashed towards the biggest and foulest of the creatures, the wretches would be easier to put down once their leader burnt to cinders.


Half Action: Channeling
Half Action: Casting Fires of U'Zhul
14:46, Today: Milly Minhelm rolled 30 -- 2 degrees of success using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 53.  Fear fear.
14:35, Today: Milly Minhelm rolled 94 using 1d100.  Channelling (63).
14:36, Today: Milly Minhelm rolled 12 using 2d10 with rolls of 9,3.  Fire of U'Zhul.
For a total of 5 damage

Gerhart considered his options with care, even in the instant. Experience had made a great deal of what was to be considered into a reliable shorthand. As the dwarf charged off, he saw Jareik's blade flashing and figured that the man was more than alright.


Move to w6

19:17, Today: Gerhart Athelbrand rolled 7 -- 4 degrees of success using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 51.  Attack Mutant x6.

Hit Location: Body

Damage: 6

The tide had changed.
Mutants, fell left and right, but the large foe remained, bloodied and angry, with Gerhart bringing the last standing mutant within an inch of living.
The daemon cursed and in plain common or close to, stated: "It has to be here!!!"
The flurry from Marie caused it to anger further and try to strike back, using both claw and sickening sword to unease Marie who it saw as a threat.
In particular the third strike seemed to hit her torso with such force the knight felt herself being pushed back.
Gerhart feels a heavy surprise as the wounded foe strikes him back heavily and with more tenacity than anticipated.

Overview
23 damage to large foe.
To Marie:
First strike: 6 damage, Second strike 13 damage, Third strike: 19 damage.
- Moved Gerhart!
- Gerhart is struck back for 17 damage!


MAP: https://docs.google.com/drawin...SgNwFYUT7r1Wl4Q/edit

PLAYERS TURN!

"Raaaargh!" Jareik lost his cool, the twisted visage of this one was practically mocking him and he vented all his pent up hatred of beastman kind onto this wretch, not even feeling any blow if the mutant did strike and just hammering the pitiful creature with all his strength.

OOC Mechanics:
Wounds     : 12/12
Initiative : 52

Full action: All out attack

2 hits for 12 and 14 damage. Let it explode in a shower of gore!

11:31, Today: Jareik Schneider rolled 16 using 2d10 with rolls of 8,8.  damage+impact.
11:31, Today: Jareik Schneider rolled 14 using 2d10 with rolls of 4,10.  damage+impact.
11:30, Today: Jareik Schneider rolled 79 -- a simple success using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 82.  all out attack.
11:30, Today: Jareik Schneider rolled 8 -- 7 degrees of success using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 82.  all out attack.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:38, Thu 20 Feb 2020.

"Lady's mercy!" Marie gasped under the savage assault.

While she was able to deflect the first light attack, the second one tore into her despite the protection of her armor and natural tenacity. In a desperate and almost inexplicably swift twist, the Knight of the Realm managed to interpose her shield with the final and most deadly swing. In a cold realization, Marie realized that blow would have probably ended her life as she felt the brutal strike wrench her left arm under the sheer force.

"For the Lady and the King!!!" she cried proudly.

The armored warrior struck back with two heavy blows that almost unbalanced her with their sheer momentum. But she was determined to slay this large beast, for there was the fire to contend with, and if she fell, Etain could be in danger!

OOC Mechanics
Wounds      : 8/15
Initiative  : 40

Free Action : Spend Fortune Point - Extra Parry
Free Action : Shield Parry - Success
Free Action : Dodge Blow   - Failure
Free Action : Shield Parry - Success
Full Action : Swift Attack - Success, Success

Hit Location: Left Arm, Body
Damage Rolls: 21, 14

Rolls       : 08:02, Today: Marie Arceneaux rolled 44 -- 3 degrees of success using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 83.  Parry.
08:03, Today: Marie Arceneaux rolled 74 -- 4 degrees of failure using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 30.  Dodge Blow.
08:06, Today: Marie Arceneaux rolled 5 -- 7 degrees of success using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 83.  Parry.
08:08, Today: Marie Arceneaux rolled 63 -- 1 degree of success using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 78.  Swift Attack 1.
08:08, Today: Marie Arceneaux rolled 47 -- 3 degrees of success using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 78.  Swift Attack 2.
08:09, Today: Marie Arceneaux rolled 16,14 using 2d10+6,2d10+6, dropping the lowest dice only.  Damage Rolls.
08:10, Today: Marie Arceneaux rolled 11 -- 6 degrees of success using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 78.  Ulric's Fury Confirmation.
08:11, Today: Marie Arceneaux rolled 5 using 1d10.  Ulric's Fury Damage.

Gerhart's head rang like a brass bell, he staggered even as he slashed wildly with his left-handed blade. He taste the harsh tang of blood and bile on his tongue, some of it running out of his nose.

Wounds 3/14

Parry Failed

17 - 6 = 11

21:19, Today: Gerhart Athelbrand rolled 60 -- a simple failure using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 51.  Swift Attack 2.

21:19, Today: Gerhart Athelbrand rolled 41 -- 1 degree of success using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 51.  Swift Attack 1.

21:20, Today: Gerhart Athelbrand rolled 96 using 1d100.  hit location.

21:21, Today: Gerhart Athelbrand rolled 10 using 1d10+4.  Sword Damage.

In the whirlwind of thrashing limbs and blades, Etain swings but narrowly misses hitting the hulking monster.

Wounds     : 15/15
Initiative : 45
Movement   : Y-5
Action     : Aimed Attack (Large Monster) Missed
Etain Seanait rolled 63 -- 1 degree of failure using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 47.  aimed attack.

Kargun turns his gaze to the large mutant and prepares to charge. He takes a deep breath to yell a war cry. Suddenly his mouth is dry and his legs are stiff. The pallid flesh of the creature and wide saucer-like eyes are an apparition from the past. Bloated corpses floating in water. His brother...

The Dwarf is unable to close with the beast. He hunkers behind his shield to protect himself from the smaller mutant nearby and tries to summon his courage.

OOC Mechanics
Wounds      : 14/14
Initiative  : 41

Free Action : Fear Test - Failure
Full Action : Was to be charge, but lost in the face of fear.

Rolls       :
11:41, Today: Kargun Halfhand rolled 96 -- 4 degrees of failure using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 52.  Fear Test (Strong-Minded +10%).

</quote>

Shortly after the first came a second one, the wizard seemingly intent on continuing the unnatural torrent of flames until the aberration was reduced to ash.

Half Action: Channeling
Half Action: Casting Fires of U'Zhul
00:01, Today: Milly Minhelm rolled 78 using 1d100.  Channelling (63).
00:02, Today: Milly Minhelm rolled 17 using 2d10 ((10,7)).
For a total of 5 damage

In a blaze of fire, steel and sheer will, the cuts and carnage caused the large giant to buckle to a knee and cough a sickening fluid out that burned all near it(Toughness check +0% or take 2 wounds that can not be soaked!).
In the midst of the chaos the last mutant tried to run but was swiftly cut down.
The large beast exuded a last time before passing out: "We will find it...."
With a roar that make the ground shake, dust rose as it's body collapsed around you.
Inside the concerned innkeeper eyed out, to the horror that flames had spread to the stable and to everything around you. There was a well nearby to the stables, but right now all inside was at great risk up burning up.
Priorities had to be made, and quickly.

Etain quickly dodges out of the way of the abominations caustic blood as it finally came to an end. Eyeing the spreading fire she says "Marie, get Josette and the other animals out of the barn I'll get some water" before running to the well, knocking the bucket into the well, waiting for it to fill and hauling it up.

Etain Seanait rolled 19 -- 2 degrees of success using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 41.  toughness.

Finally silencing that mocking mutie, Jareik wiped off some of the foul blood that got splattered on his face. The roar of the bigger creature up ahead alerted him to its demise and the skirmish seemed over but there was little time to take stock as the fire was spreading and they needed to act fast. "Bring out any spare pots and buckets you have laying around, we're gonna need them!" he shouted to the innkeeper who poked out.

Cursing that he didn't even have time to catch his breath he sprinted to the well, and stopped next to Etain when he saw she was already bringing up a bucket. The brettonian knight seemed to be heading inside to deal with the animals so he desperately looked around for more buckets or containers they could use in addition to any the innkeeper will hopefully bring along.
"Oi, form a chain to the barn so we can pass along water nice and easy." he shouted to the others, trying to further grab their attention with a wave then taking his position at arms reach from Etain.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:18, Tue 25 Feb 2020.

As the yelling commences no less than four roadwardens pour out, having been alerted by the noise and finally reaching the entrance.
The innkeeper alarmed woke, and began placing pots and buckets, along with a large vessel used for washing.
Jareik is not question by the men, rather they appear comfortable with the idea and approach, and line up.
The rush sees now eight people pouring water on the stables mainly.
The pile of hay while nice, is far from other things, and thus not a liability right now. It will likely not stand to be saved and the stable and wagons are more important.
Right most, the cart is but cinders so, efforts should be resolved here.

Marie manages to guard the animals near the inn itself while the stables are extinguished.
(Animal care or similar check please!)
What seems like ages later, the stable, half charred, stand, barely, but partly covering still, so that animals can be placed left most, if a bit more confined.
With a total of five horses, the remaining coach and a single cart is placed left most, outside, however with no hay left over for the animals for now.

The innkeeper shrugs and one of the roadwardens barks out, exhausted.
"What it Sigmars name was that about?! Did they mention anything? Why on earth would they assault here? Are you being chased!?! Speak citizens!"
In true lawmaker fashion, they suspected otherworldly activity to be out of place(rightly so), and eyed the ones sticking out, which fit the group well.

Kargun wipes soot from his face, leaving dark streaks in the sweat. He had made several trips into the burning stable to haul out tack and other things worth saving. After a moment to breath the cold night air, he dunks his head into the horse trough and rears back up gasping. "That's mair like it!"

The dwarf studiously ignores the roadwardens, instead moving around the bodies of the mutants giving them a few heavy whacks with his axe to ensure they stay dead. As he continues this gory work Kargun spends a moment to search each one for some further clue about their attack.

Gerhart was content to let the others deal with the fire, feeling a trifle put out after being soundly smashed about by an unholy abomination. Each breath made him feel as though someone had driven half a pound of fine Dwarven nails into his side and rubbed in some lye to ensure that it was a suitably caustic sensation. Still, he cleaned off his blades and sheathed them, checked his crossbow and then began to have a good look at the deceased. Though mutants were strictly in his area of expertise, they came under the heading of unholy and that indeed was his business.

[OOC: What's the difficulty for Follow Trail to see where that big fella came from? I'm guessing he wasn't exactly tip-toeing along the streets.]

When the chief monster fell, Marie took the acidic cough directly. Despite her self control she shouted in pain and surprise as it sizzled her flesh. But she had no time to nurse her wounds, as there was still the fire to deal with. Josette had to be saved at the very least.

"Oui! Be careful ma cherie!" the Knight of the Realm cried to Etain as she sheathed her weaponry and ran into the stable.

Having long ago been comfortable with horses, and they with her, Marie soothed the agitated animals with honeyed words and soft cooing while the others fought the blaze. Considering her wounded state, she wasn't too upset at the assignment.

"You will take a more respectful tone with me, paysan," Marie snapped at the Roadwarden, a bit grumpy from the pain.

"These wicked beasts appeared to be looking for something. What it is, I cannot say. Food, treasure, or something foul by decent standards, I should guess," she shrugged, continuing to soothe the horses.

OOC Mechanics
Wounds: 6/15

Rolls : 07:35, Today: Marie Arceneaux rolled 73 -- 2 degrees of failure using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 46.  Toughness Test.
07:35, Today: Marie Arceneaux rolled 5 -- 3 degrees of success using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 39.  Animal Care.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:02, Fri 28 Feb 2020.

Jareik nodded at Etain in an impromptu recognition of a job well done and finally allowed himself some respite, catching a breather whilst cleaning his sword from mutie blood before nonchalantly circling the corpse of the bigger creature, since he didn't get the "honor" of seeing it alive up close. It didn't look like anything like any creature he recognized from the war but then the forces of chaos were rarely uniform in their appearance. He's one ugly bugger that's for sure.

He straightened at the wardens approach.

"If they were tailing us we certainly didn't know about it. We're mercs on our way to Faltdorf and were about to turn in for the night when some of us smelled burning. We went outside to investigate and found ourselves staring at this ugly lot and got in a bit of a scrap. To say I'm a bit surprised at seeing these beasts acting so bold this close to Altdorf would be an understatement."

He listened to Marie and shrugged uncertainly.

"Maybe, the forests ain't lacking in game so would be enough for these lot but I'd wager they are part of a herd, probably made up of survivors from the war that had been lurking around here for a while. I didn't hear them say anything but then I was a bit busy tangling with the smaller mutants. "
This message was last edited by the player at 23:08, Sun 01 Mar 2020.

Milly joined the chain, although apparently not very adept at it, an extra pair of hands wouldn't hurt the effort. Far from her to admit it but she was far better at starting fires than putting them out. The constant hauling of water eventually had the wizard matching the work with her breathing and although she understood the necessity of it, something inside of her lamented taking part in putting out the small inferno. "Shame..."

"From Altdorf you mean? I have seen, things, you wouldn't believe there, but these wretches don't strike me as the type of oddity to come from there." Mimi gestured towards the creatures. "I would advice burning the whole lot of them, and to be expedient about it. The foulness of those beings resides still in their bodies, best it be burnt away before it's taint seeps into the very soil."

With the fire out Etain remembers seeing some of that vicious monster's burning blood had landed on Marie so she takes off her shirt and soaks it in the water before making her way over to her and places the cool, water soaked cloth over the areas that look to have been acid burned "My, my I hope this doesn't scar," she says as she soothes her old lover. [Language unknown: "A essll ek sa verme chear ekfo ineeauard a yinhastio ort?"]

The man huffed.
He penned down a few things, and nodded.
"Fine. For now, remain and let the authorities investigate. The night is young, and hopes are that everything is over..for now. You are free to go for now."
With the fire out, and the sky grey, and dark, as if rain would come soon, a roadwarden more appeared to assess the situation. With haste, he got on his horse and rode in the direction of Altdorf.
It would not take long before the Witchhunters would come most likely, but by chance perhaps they would be out of sight come that time.
The innkeeper rose, shaking and stood by the bar, taking a stiff, cold drink to calm his nerves as you entered.
The roadwardens outside shrugged and collected part of the barn that had broken and was unusable, beginning to make a makeshift pyre.

"Cheers, good luck getting this sorted." Having cooperated with the wardens as best as he could, Jareik started making his way back inside the inn, passing the others.
"Time for some beauty sleep, if we're unlucky enough to meet more excitement like this I'll be needing it."
Ooof that looks nasty, good thing that ain't troll puke or she would be missing an arm entirely. he thought as he glanced Etain cleaning Marie's grisly looking acid wound.

Nodding to the bartender, he went up to his room and turned in for the night.

When the others start to move inside Etain moves in with Marie and looks to the Innkeeper "I would like a hot bath run please, with soap fresh towels, two if you have a second tub, but one will do if needed"

The innkeeper, shaking from the events eyed her.
"We got a bathroom down the hallway. I can give ye the key, 6 Silvers, but easy to use. One bath, and shall send someone to prepare it for ya. Good enough?"

Outside a horrid smell spread as the two roadwardens with effort began to burn the corpses one by one, trying to ensure down wind conditions to not suffocate the inn itself. That was a tall order and even then, the smell was something else.
The pyre and flame grew, lighting up the nightsky fully, as if a star had placed itself right outside the door. It was almost as if dawn had set already.

An hour passed and the fire dimmed in strength, allowing those weary and wounded to rest and hopefully find some calm. The wardens took turn and circled the inn for the rest of the night to ensure no further events to happen.

^{- Those of you who go to sleep by the end of the burning, can assume a nights rest and gain 1W as per RAW rules.}

The sun sets, early, bringing about new hope and wonder - the warden that left to find aid in Altdorf, had yet to return, and would likely be a good bit longer. The two wardens went to rest, expecting replacements soon. For now, they eyed you curiously, but as stated yesterday, they had little proof of your undoing, rather you being victims of circumstance.

Milly, either wanting to oversee the task or out of some morbid comfort she found in it despite the stench, remained outside and up during the burning of the creatures. By the time the deed was done and the corpses were nothing but a smoldering ruin, the wizard came back in in rather high spirits, only to cheerfully call it an end for the day and to wake her up when it was time to get back on the road, as if nothing had really happened.

Gerhart surveyed the scene and considered matters with care. While the mutants themselves needed no other motivation that their own existence to be roused to mayhem, they were often pawns of more insidious and intelligent forces. With the madness apparently subsided, he limped off to find a physician to attend to his cuts and bruises.

Once he had some bandages on him and some fortified wine within him, he went to snatch a few hours sleep. He was quite a light sleeper, by nature and necessity, and much preferred to rest in daylit hours. Fortunately, there was nothing like a good hiding and a stiff drink to help a man to drift off in even the most uncomfortable spots, all the better to dream of old flames.

Etain hands the man the six silvers and says "Thank you sir, extra warm if you can help it"

Looking to Marie she tells her "Lets go you our room and I can help you take off that armour so we get you cleaned up properly and then to bed, we need to get up early."

Jareik started the day with a hearty breakfast of egg and sausages, seating with the coachman. As the others roused in turn, he motioned them to come seat at his table aswell when only the previous day he had been happy to keep away.

When more then half of their number was assembled he bought up the topic of the beastmen and asked with a grin:
"So which of you felled the big one in the end anyways?"
This message was last edited by the player at 23:42, Mon 09 Mar 2020.

Kargun starts awake from his snores near the fireplace. He is pleased to see that Jareik has breakfast well in hand a move to join him, ordering another plate of food.

"Wisnae me that felled thon big beastie... T'was the lass fae Brettonia, best as I could tell." The pit fighter reflects for a moment as one of the servers places a loaded plate of meat and eggs in front of him. "A braw fight does wonders fer' th' appetite!" He tucks in noisily.

Etain came down shortly after Jareik, her shirt in her hands still, the chill of the night left it still damp from when she soaked it and used it to quickly clean the acidic blood from Marie and she placed it near the fire to dry off as quickly as possible as she makes her way to others and orders a plate herself, and another for Marie who should have been down sooner rather than later.

"I think Milly brought it down in the end but Marie by far did the most damage to it; I know I couldn't hit the damn thing by the time I snapped out of the state it brought on me." she says before taking a bite of the thick, brown bread slice she had and continued "How far do you think we will need to travel today?"

The wizard came downstairs dangerously rubbing her eyes as she did so, butting into the conversation as if she was part of it from the beginning. "That foul evil was no match for righteous steel wielded by a steady hand, let alone the mighty red winds of Aqshy. The wretch should had known better but I suppose madness goes by the hand of malice." Milly nodded sagely, now fully awakened. "I don't know if the coach is a thing anymore... We should talk with him and gauge the situation."

Gerhart ambled downstairs, the better to restore himself with a sandwich made of fatty pork and a stiff belt of whiskey. Once the invigorating effects of a bit of food and drink had gone to work, helping to alleviate the rigor lingering from the night before, he ventured forth to join the others.

"Those were awful fine hounds that painted lass had with her. Perhaps they might be of some use in tracking the source of the beasts." He dipped his head in a show of contrition. His lack of alacrity in the fray had troubled him, his pride was hurt far more than his flesh and bones. "I would have been on the trail last night were I not so put out by one of those abominations. I do believe that our acceptance of Captain Hartesel's contract, the promulgation of Karl Magnussen's predicament and the appearance of those beasts are tightly bound. I doubt that I alone believe as much."

Unsurprisingly, Marie came downstairs later than the others. And though she had made a good showing the previous night in combat with the mutated monstrosities, it was clear from her face that she was paying for it today. Though she was clade back in her armor, it was clear from the slow way she descended the stairs that she was feeling bruises from the night before. Previously they had seen her hair combed and done up in a typical Bretonnian braid. Now, her hair was roughly pulled back into a utilitarian bun. Combined with the bags under her eyes, she was clearly exhausted. And the angry red burns that peaked out from her gambeson were still shiny from some freshly applied salve.

"Bonjour..." she said with a weak smile as she approached the table.

She must have been truly exhausted, for she forgot her own neurosis about public displays of affection and kissed Etain on the cheek as she sat down next to her.

"Merci," Marie grunted, taking the plate Etain had saved for her.

Placing her helm on the table next to her, she took up her utensils and began delicately cutting up her meal and chewing slowly, as though she were at an important ball. Old habits die hard, and all that.

"I apologize for my tardiness. What are we discussing this fine morning?" the noblewoman asked between bites of food.

"Bonjour" she says back, smiling as she leans into the kiss a little and as she passes the plate she also adds "vous êtes les bienvenus"

"We were talking about how we were to go about finding the missing man Karl" she says between mouthfuls of food, passing scraps to the anxiously waiting dogs.

"Ha, should have known. Back in the war whenever when the larger fiends showed up, when it didn't take an entire regiment's worth of pikes to bring them down, usually the one to send them back to whatever hell spawned them was a wizard or some piece of artillery. Or one time, our elector count, bless him." He raised his tankard to the wizard.

"True that. I admit with all that was going on, didn't really stop to check the coach's condition." he added to Milly and Etain's thoughts about the next leg of their travels.

He mulled over Gerhart's assertion but remained skeptical.
"Bloody hell I hope not, if the beastmen hit Faltdorf then there must an entire brayherd's worth roaming in the woods still and we would be walking right into them."

He gave a casual two finger salute to the knight when she finally rose from her slumber.
"And last night's antics in general. Well fought by the way, that little holding action you lead made things a lot easier in the end but still..." He glanced at the damaged parts of marie's armor with a wince of sympathy. "Now sigmar willing that was a one time thing, but let's say another situation like this arises again. Would you consider holding the line to let us get off a few shots before an engagement? In the Empire we ain't too keen on running up to things bigger then us and with sharper claws unless we have to, gunpowder is a great equalizer. I respect that knights fight differently to infantry but you're the only knight we got here so keeping up with you can be tricky. And honestly I'm pretty sure if it was me who was in your place, I'd probably just be a pile of fleshy ribbons right now. Now If I was still wearing gromril armor on the other hand  it would be a different story.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:59, Sun 15 Mar 2020.

Breakfast was served, with hot beverages and warm bread, the innkeper very unassuming this day and very clouded in his head obviously.
Fruit, vegetables and meats, cut thinly.
The day was early, and you had lots of time to traverse ahead to the old crossroad, along the roadsides, the farmlands(that would thin out), sparse farms and beginning woodland.
The only advise you got, was to seek out the crossroad, and the inn of Black Bart, the socalled Hairy toes - hinting of the racial background of the proprietor.
The issue of traversing ahead had been solved, as your coachman, had been hammering and working for most of the morning, fixing a broken part of the front wheel.
He appeared inside, got a breakfast plate and nodded.
"Ready when you are..", he said dryly.
He was in no rush.

"Well that's sorted then." Jareik nodded to the returning coachman, thankfully they will not need to be walking the remainder of the way. He took one last swig, finished the remaining sausages then made his way out the inn.

The corspes were disposed off, but tainted blood remained in places darkening the ground which he carefully sidestepped before jumping back to his place next to the driver of the coach, double checking his rifle before they took off.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:50, Sat 21 Mar 2020.

Etain finishes her meal and makes sure each of the pups has had a good meal before waiting for Marie and the others to finish before getting up and collecting her now dry and warmed shirt and quickly throws it on before heading back upstairs to gather the rest of her kit, the dogs never far from her. Coming back down in less than 10 minutes she says "Should we get ready to go then?"

Gerhart got himself a few extra portions of food, beer and liquor for the road. He was still feeling quite stiff and sore from the previous night. His gear was in good order, he checked it first thing before sleeping and on waking. One could never be too careful.

He regarded the woad-tinted woman with a polite nod of his head. "Perhaps you might want to acquaint your hounds with the scent of mutants?" For he had no knowledge of the queer land of her birth, but he thought it no harm to suggest.

Though not one to admit of any frailty, he was glad that Jareik took the seat beside the driver. For his part he sat inside the carriage with his back to the front, the better to employ his crossbow through either window at any targets from the rear. Having the greatest of respect for the Magus, he had no desire to be in close proximity if she felt a need to conjure fire. Far better to be aware and eliminate a threat as soon as it arose.

"Well then, everything is sorted." Having her fill, she proceeded to the coach, just like the day before, her own reduced size and perhaps the dwarf's (if he chose to rode inside) making it feel more roomy. "Say Halfhand, I heard your kind can make engines of war that can rival those of Nuln, what can you tell me about them?" Started the Wizard, seemingly in high spirits and eager to start some idle chatter to pass the time, of course in topics that interested her.

Admiring the landscape was fine with Milly but just sights made for a rather dull time, half the fun of 'going outside' was the people you saw and she would be pressed to find a more colorful lot, if she said so herself.

Marie finished her meal slowly, not looking forward to riding with her wounds. Especially the burns. Still, one could not shirk their duty. She eventually went back up to her room to gather the remainder of her gear, and swiftly returned to join the others.

The young noblewoman made sure to saddle Josette properly. Just because she had been wounded the night before did not mean that the grand steed had to suffer neglect. Once everything was in order she mounted and waited outside for the others to finish up any last minute business.

The day is calm, and the sun warms delightfully. The coachman placed himself heavily and nods, as everyone seems ready.
It will be a long day ahead, but the weather was with you, so far at least.
A calm voice stated as you departed.
"By late day, we should arrive at the crossroads, pending any luck. From there, you are on your own...."
The day passed, with the wind blowing freely and calmly, with farmland and forestland appearing and vanishing ever so often. The road, was well kept and ever so often a roadwarden passed or a messenger on horseback. Here the empire was in full motion and all seemed as one would expect. Given the night, that was a welcome sight, the sense of normality for as long as that would last.
Late day, the light began to fade a bit, clouds drew up and ahead you saw a curious sign.
The crossroads.
Basically, it was a side road into a large cleared area, where coaches could turn and rest, repair or similar and shelter, tables and makeshift stable was also present.
Just adjacent to it, on the opposite side of the road, you saw a large inn.
A curious sign hung on this large twostory wooden building, appearing as if build good, but out of the materials that the location served, with a small stream running behind it.
The sign depicted a large hairy foot.
This was likely the place you were advised out, the so called "Hairy toes". Bart would be inside if present.

Etain hopped out of the coach after letting her dogs out, Roan immediately running out and peeing on the nearest tree before moving to the next and trying to mark it as well, Eimear followed him, urinating as well before running back to Etain. "What do you think, get a room here for the night and heading to the village in the morning?" she asks the others.

Jareik hopped off the coach and wished the driver a safe trip back. Though the ride was pleasant enough, he much preferred to be back on solid ground again.

"Coachman said this was the place to get some info and last port of call before entering the village proper. I'd normally want to get things over and done with but after meeting those beastmen, maybe it's best to stay the night and ask about recent events before wandering into the dragon's mouth. Hells, we might get lucky and find our missing man inside."

Gerhart took a good look around and then dismounted from the coach, taking a moment before stretching his wearied limbs. After getting a few reassuring pops and cracks from his neck and shoulders, he nodded to Jareik. "Sounds right. I'll leave you to look about inside."

Turning back to the others, he dipped his head respectfully. "Master Halfhand, would you accompany me on a walk around the vicinity, to see if we might see anything amiss?"

"I am all for pushing on in the face of simple lack of sleep. However, if I am to be an effective sword-arm, I fear more rest is required of me. I say we stop for the night and gather our strength. Even the fabled Questing Knights are allowed two nights under a roof..." Marie muttered softly as she slid off her saddle and began tying up Josette.

"Charmante..." the Bretonnian continued, looking at the foot on the sign dubiously.

"Fair enough, just don't go off chasing things that go bump in the night." nodded Jareik in response to Gerhart.

With a pull on his hat, he headed inside stopping to chuckle at Marie's comment which he didn't understand but the tone made it clear she wasn't impressed.
"Ha, that's right, you don't have halflings in Brettonia if memory serves. They ain't big on shoes but they tend to be good cooks so can look forward to a decent meal, at least once you plucked the hair out of your food." He said the last part with a mischievous smile.

"Their food is pretty good, but they can ramble on quite a lot. I'll see about getting us a room, ok?" she says to Marie before heading into the Inn and moving to the bar looking for the barman.

"I could press on but considering last night's events, perhaps it would be wise to pace our advance with caution." Milly wasn't hurt herself but she was aware that some among them were hurting bad after their scrap with those fiends. "It wouldn't do anyone good if we arrive more dead than alive to the village. And perhaps this way we can get more acquainted with each other."

As you enter the establishment, you find it bustling with people.
The common room is crowded, though you are able to find seats here and there.
Empty tables are another matter altogether, so you can see that you are unlikely to sit together within this place.
Most people within the common room are peddlers, traders, road wardens, and other travelers. The only locals are the staff of the Hairy Toes, its owners, and the occasional farmers from surrounding homesteads, judging by looks alone.
Given that they are Halflings, the Hairy Toes has more staff than any coaching inn you have experienced. A raised platform runs along the backside of the bar to ensure that Black Bart can look at most of the customers straight on.
There is a delightful smell of fresh bread, ryebread, fruit, pies and an assortment beyond what one would expect of a coaching inn.
The man, known as Black bart raises an eyed and waves you in.
The man has coalblack hair, stands fairly tall and heavy for a halfling and while of age remain fairly youthful in his ways and manners.

Etain moved into the inn and looked to Marie and said [Language unknown: "Ieut siing p o arti di stinmo thpa Ri notnd a nesiwh u sa era tra terur mibut"] before moving to the bar counter and waited for one of the halflings to come over and asks for a pair of pies and some sweet fruit for desert, a glass of red wine and a tankard of mead or ale, pays then heads to find Marie.

Jareik scratched his chin a bit as he took in the scene, truth be told the inn was a lot busier then he had thought, the possibility that the village might have been raided and sacked by beastmen had played on his mind all through the coach ride but perhaps he had just been excessively paranoid. With an inn lively, the village itself couldn't be doing too bad, and he was relieved for that.

He made his way to the bar slowly taking care not to poke people's eyes out with all the sharp bits pointing out of him.

"Allright guv'nor." He said to what seemed the main halfling in charge at the counter, Black Bart. "A tankard of beer if you'd please and and your ear too, just arrived and got a few queries."
This message was last edited by the player at 13:47, Fri 24 Apr 2020.

"Oui," Marie replied absentmindedly.

Once she had finished making sure her Bretonnian Charger was all squared away, the noblewoman entered the inn. Taking a careful glance around the interior, and making sure that it was more hygienic than the name of the place would imply. As Etain had suggested, she chooses a table that would allow them to see the door. When her lover had ordered drinks, she waved her over, and waited for the others to make their orders.

The service was quick, efficient and clean. The halflings lived up to the expectations of them and then some.

Jareik found a small pocket and as he made way in, those close by moved allowing him more room to maneuver around.
Bart eyed Jareik and winked twice, curiously and then laughed.
"Ack ja. What can I do ye for? Drinks I got, food a plenty and my eyes work just fine for anything else..Speak lad."
It was obvious that the charismatic and eccentric halfling was a handful but perhaps also worthwhile of ones time.

The tables were private enough and the door was viewable from the first 6 tables inside, one of which suited the group.
Food, mainly freshbaked bread, dried fish, and an assortment of meats, vegetables and fruits came shortly after.

Arranging herself some food, choosing to have a bit of everything rather than a single solid meal, who knew when else would she had the opportunity to enjoy that type of cooking again?

With that in mind she took a seat by one of the tables and beckoned Gerhart over. It was too bad that they couldn't all sit together, but as she was taught from an early age, you do what you can with what you have. "Come, sit here!" The Magister noisily  called as she rested her staff and hat against the wall by her side.

Jareik produced a few coins to pay for his drink.

"Right, so story is me and a few others got hired to find this missing geezer, last anyone's heard of him he was in Faltdorf writing about local religious practices or something.."

He took a swig from his tankard.

"Geezer goes by the name of Karl Mangunssen, know of him? It's a long shot but maybe he's one of your regulars who's been hiding here because he doesn't want to come back to the missus for all I know, he has been in Faltdorf for some time so might have seen him around. Man's a professor from the colleges so I imagine he would stick out a bit."

Another swig.

"Otherwise I want to ask if Faltdorf's seen much trouble lately? We met some beastmen on the way here, wondering if we should be expecting to meet more."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:01, Sat 25 Apr 2020.

Bart smiled.
"Ah yes I remember him. Inquisitive fella. Few weeks, a solid month ago if I recall. He kept asking some of the customers if they heard about the happenings around Faltdorf.
Most of the people have never heard of the village, much less any news from thereabouts. He was not pleased. Had to wind him down a tad..."
Bart eyed around, ordering the servers to pick up the pace.
"Oh I recall. Some fella, offered to accompany Herr Magnussen to the village, but neither of them have returned this way since. If I recall, there is a shoddy place, with poor food, 3 days ride from here. Six on foot. Cocks crown. Heads south, just shy of the proper location of Faltdorf. It would strike myself odd if he did not try there aswell."
While Jareik spoke a man stood next to him suddenly.
"I recall the man.." His voice was slurry but his word true enough.
"Warned him about the place. Saw him at the crown aye, while traveling the road. I am a pedlar you see. Albrecht Goering is the name. Merchant and wanderer. The man, Karl, is way to nosy for his own good and will end up in trouble. Like I told him, like most small villages, the people there don’t take kindly to strangers, especially city folk - villagers are more secretive and less friendly than other neighbouring villages, but he would not listen. Have not been there myself for over five years..."
He shrugged and order a cold ale more, and bart obliged. They spoke no more on Karl from that point on. The scholar had left an impression and not a good one...but south he had went for sure.

Etain sat with Marie, picking at the food, tasting the variety of foods the Halflings had produced. She hadn't had many opportunities to taste their cuisine, but the few times had been great. While eating she listened in to see what she could hear. There was the obvious drunk talking to Jareik which would be a good lead to follow up on if they could corroborate the info in the morning if he is sober enough.

[Language unknown: "O tio eksebe ne en caanes ear ous heerliei o staoveine tr pr ekicpr?"] she ask Marie between eating a couple of grapes

Jareik nodded. "Cock's crown eh? Guess will head there tomorrow and see if can't pick up the trail then, cheers." He found it very odd that folks would not know about a village in the general area, from the way it was talked about one would get the impression Faltdorf was a hamlet secreted in the grey mountains, and he always figured people from Reikland were more cosmopolitan then other regions. Perhaps it was true for Altdorf but not for Reikland towns.

When the drunkard spoke up he cocked an eyebrow but listened, as dubious as the source was this was the first man he met who had first hand knowledge of their destination.

"Folks from Faltdorf seem like a right cranky bunch from the sounds of it." he commented with a shake of his head. He pondered if to press a few questions but the man seemed to have lost interest in the topic so he left it at that.

As he finished his drink he pondered on what the man meant by Karl being way too nosy for his own good. Just what sort of secrets could a sleepy village in the Reikland hide that would warrant such hostility to some scholarly type? The secret recipe of some local cheese was his best guess.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:51, Sun 03 May 2020.

[Language unknown: "K ulhadi oul olent we. Somyinwit oreallardratons whi acaica isngch m eknoch wer fi beomen il weras, M preveneen eratiothu foha-ouweha estng atiyinive ouinhi ast iv tedhatessthu. Thioushou, ural ar al mo tastck latdi..."] Marie shrugged, still feeling lethargic from her wounds.

Still, despite her earlier hesitation, the noblewoman found the food quite enjoyable. A bit more simple and heartier than her homeland, but it was rich and filling. Perhaps she would have to hunt for more Halfling establishments in her travels, in the future.

A rugged man comes over, and nods.
"Hermann Lang, I travelled with Albrecht and know of this man. Why would you seek him? He causes trouble, whether he wants to or not, and his trip south to Faltdorf has been one long road of mismatched events, that said, I am going that way and could use protection during the evenings. Roaming bandits and the likes are a common sight on the roads. If we are going the same way, perhaps that would be of interest. I ain't got much to offer, but stories, food, and a bottle of brandy so strong, it will make you temporarily blind. Your call. I will head out in a bit, roughly an hours time or so, so make the call. On the positive side, I am sure of the way to the crown and cock, so you won't get lost..."
The man was also a pedlar, a tradesman and thus he would go where he saw reason and opportunity. He was however a good lead onwards.

Etain leans back and looks to the peddler "Its a bit late in the day to be going anywhere isn't it" she asks before biting a piece of cheese "Wouldn't it be better to leave in the morning after a full nights rest ans plenty of light?"

Hermann turned.
"Well...business waits for no one. And while I agree, the roads are relatively safe, with enough numbers...and you all seem fairly capable of dealing with whatever comes your way, if I may say so, for which I do not find myself worried. But fair enough - it is but an offer, and if you prefer to wait, I could be swayed to agree."
He rubbed his chin. Considering the new option.

Jareik shrugged at peddler.

"We're looking for him because his dear wife misses him. And we are being paid for it. Going that way eh? Seems we can sort something out and that brandy seems like a challenge."

When Etain piped up he nodded. "We've been on the road for a while and there are things nastier then bandits in these woods, let us get our beauty sleep and we'll head to Faltdorf all together in the morning."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:12, Mon 18 May 2020.

"At our last stop a band of beastmen attacked the inn at Messerhülse, tried to burn down the stables." she says "Better to leave near first light to better see the threats abound" looking  to Marie she adds in Breton [Language unknown: "Te ngolll os art u a miliev hi iou pre preithble wantss"]

The sun stood high and burned the skin of those out, even early in the day.
The coachman and as promised, the man Hermann stood ready, with his horse and bags, ready to depart. He appeared to have waited quite some time.

The departure was uneventful and you quickly notice that the road is in very bad repair and coach travel is rough and hazardous. Few travel along this route, usually the occasional coach and travelling merchants with their wares. That come as a surprise, but the group are more than in shape to deal with what should come, assuming it wasn't out of the ordinary...

In time you arrive at a medium size coaching inn.
The inn is three stories and in considerable need of repair. The roof is clearly patch-worked with a small odd shaped, domed wooden shed on top. A large garden can be seen in the back of the inn along with a small barn and chicken coop. The name of the inn is the “Cock's Crown,” a fitting name given the chicken mess all over the place.

Hermann nodded and pointed.
"Ah, thats the name, I reckon I messed that up, but that is surely the place. Faltdorf is not far from hear, but check inside with the owner...hmm..Axel was it?"
Hermann jumped off, and the coach was parked safely aside the inn, where space was. The stables were present but needed an overhaul and more care to not fall apart. It would however remain well enough for use.

"I've seen roads and buildings in better repair after a Norscan raid" she says almost to herself "Best we head in ask about this professor" she adds moving towards the Inn.

Jareik resumed his coach guard duties, and despite the rougher terrain  as well as the shoddy state of routes hinting that it wasn't used much and thus was unlikely to have received many visits of patrolling knights and roadwardens, as far as he could tell everything was quiet and it was another peaceful ride albeit a lot bumpier.

"Right. And maybe ask about local customs whilst we at it, folks at the last inn told me people 'round Faltdorf can get real cranky for some reason."

He followed Etain in.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:17, Wed 03 June 2020.

The inn was nothing out of the ordinary, it was midrange by any means of the word.
Inside a tall thin man in his early 50's, walked about and waved you on as you entered.
Inside the kitchen on your right, was a large cheerful woman and three girls age 13 to 17 who ran the kitchen and served the fairly large room.
The Innkeeper presents himself as Axel von Bücher, and showed you to the bar for rooms and drinks, as you noticed the main room was almost empty, aside from some patrons around the sides, enjoying meals and discussions.

Jareik noticed that the woman in the kitchen noticed him and nudged her oldest daughter in a manner that felt...unpleasant. Not in a dangerous way, just something was off..

Axel eyed anyone standing by him.
"Hello, and welcome! How may I be of service to you? Not a busy area this, so any face is welcome here. My wife Greta is a great cook, so do say if we can offer anything!"

Jareik flashed a smile at the women only for it to melt into a confused frown. Did he have something on his face? Did they have something against hochlanders? Or perhaps the mother was just warning her daughter not to run off with the handsome merc from out of town who might just wisk her off to a life of adventure and romance, yeah that was likely it... Jareik pulled on his hat and thought nothing more of it for now, turning his attention to the innkeeper instead.

"Evening. A tankard of lager for me to begin with." He waited for his drink and let the others order for themselves if they wanted to before continuing.

"We got a few questions if you don't mind. We looking for a professor from Altdorf going by the name of Herr Karl Magnussen, perhaps the name rings a bell? He was last seen around these parts and his wife is worried sick."

Etain looked around the inn, taking in the locals including the women in the kitchen and the mother's reaction to the newcomers in their midst. "I'll have a mead if you have it, if not an ale will suffice" She says to the man.

The innkeeper smiled.
"AH yes, He was here. Met a woman too. Hehe..He was a curious man. Very interested in Faltdorf and the doings there. No one here, even myself knows much to his dismay. The city is...sheltered and distant if you would. Not alot leaves it so to speak.
Pretty gal though. About average height and medium built, shoulder-length brown hair and hazel eyes. Never got the name sadly.."
Axel looked about.
"They seemed happy thought, and isn't that all that matters. One should not mettle in love."
Axel pointed to the distant corner.
"The fella over there, traveled with him, perhaps he knows more?"

A handsome man, above 6 feet in height sat with a glass of wine, halfempty.
Black hair, Grey eyes, strong refined build and charismatic.

Jareik shook his head and chuckled, this had been one of his likely scenarios for the man's absence and had joked as much in the other inn. In his mind this job was almost as good as done already.

"Heh the sly dog. Not sure our employer will be thrilled about that but we weren't paid to bring back good news nor drag him in. Cheers for the info, we will just need to confirm with our own eyes the man's alive and can consider it job done, will have a chat with that bloke then."

He took his drink with him and walked into the man's field of view, giving a tug of his hat in salute.

"Allright mate, sorry for barging in but we looking for a geezer called Herr Karl Magnussen and word is you roamed with him for a while?

People don't usually sit in a corner because they were looking to socialize so he continued on a bit to make it clear he wasn't going to be shooed away easily without the answers he was seeking.

"Been hired by his wife who reckons something might have happened to him to make sure he is allright, I already heard he met some lady and that's fine, none of my business who he porks, just need to confirm he is fine and dandy. Mind letting sharing when you last saw him and what he was up to? I'll be out of your hair then."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:23, Mon 08 June 2020.

The man eyed Jareik and smiled broadly.
In a thick bretonian accent he replied.
"Yes, Karl, the good man, we meet three weeks ago, had drinks, games and decided to travel south. He did mention he was to meet a colleague at this very inn before heading on to Faltdorf for research. Did try to ask about details, you know, to appear interested and such, but he only ever said, the dear Monsieur Magnussen that it was very important, and that is not an awful amount of help no?"
He took a deep sip and invited those over who would come, with cards in hand and coin on the table.
"He was very closed lip about the subject and always steered the conversation away from it, but that said, but that said I enjoyed my time with Monsieur Magnussen and do hope to have more time with him in the future....a game of cards?"
Steering away you notice a man sit by the bar, and upon hearing of Faltdorf merely blurt out in drunken stupor.
"Silly place...a bunch of peasants worshipping a circle of rocks, dancing about naked. Hah!
Those sorry sods claim to follow ‘the Mother’. More likely, they use her as an excuse to fulfil their lusts under the light of the moons. Small wonder the good priests of Taal ignore such an immoral place. If you all are people of any sense, you’d stay away from that  misbegotten village.”
The man becomes more and more incoherent from then on and shortly after Axel orders him to bed.

Etain walked up behind Jareik to Bretonnian man and asks [Language unknown: "The saie ss oerwilwas meine son onsomeant, ome pehis tedal?" ] before taking a seat across from him, leaving room for Marie to sit.

"Heh sure deal me in." said Jareik with a wry smile as the brettonian proposed a card game.

As Etain exchanged some words, his ears perked up at hearing the rantings of the man at the bar.
"What the hells are you talking about man? Dancing naked around rocks? Sounds like no ritual I know of."
He frowned as he thought this over for a second, coming from a village that was quite big on religious worship he could hazard a guess that "the mother" was referencing Rhyla the earth mother, wife of Taal. He recalled a brief history lesson from one of the priests about how she was a goddess whose worship went back to the old faith when humans lived in primitive tribes before the days of the Empire.
"Actually that doesn't sound so daft after all, could be some old ritual of Rhyla? And since Rhyla is Taal's wife that might explain the priests not caring." He added and scratched his beard as he thought this over some more, this does coincidentally align with the field of research Mangnussen was involved with, but he was still no priest so wouldn't jump to conclusions just yet.

"Allright what's the game?"
This message was last edited by the player at 22:20, Wed 17 June 2020.

The man huffed of Jareik, his bigotry getting the best of him. He appeared to a annoyed man, angry at a small closed of society for no apparent reason, aside being scared of the unknown.
He returned to the drink, and sobbed in that.

At the table, the man nodded.
"Ah formalities. My name is Gaston L'vase and the game is Maidens Hand. Simple rules really..."
He began to detail a rather simple game, with the value of cards and what and how it was valued(Imagine a game akin to Poker but not quite).
To anyone who joined he started out, dealing and running a trial game, letting anyone learn. Upon the next game he smiled.
"So, to make this fun, should we not wager a bit?"
He found a small pouch and placed it on the table.
(Anyone game, can roll a gamble(+0%))

Jareik notices that the wife of the innkeeper keeps eyeing their table and the men in particular. Just out of sight, but she is not hiding it per say.

Some time later, a halfling walks in, sits by the fireplace, and warms himself.
He later approaches the bar and introduces himself to Axel (and everyone else nearby) as Toby Merryweather.
"Good sir, I am looking for a Winifred Braun..."
His description matches Axel's for the woman who met Herr Magnussen...for anyone who was present. The description is very uncannily similar, to the point where you can not dismiss the notion of it.
Axel shrugs.
Turning, Toby asks.
"Miss Braun was to meet me here, has any of you seen her, as it was this very evening?"

Etain accepts the cards and and tries to play a hand of game but after the first few moves she got completely bewildered and after lossing it so badly she says "Cards are not my friends apparently"

She looks over after halfling walks in and after he proclaims he's looking for the beau of Magnussen. "We do not know her but we are looking for someone that she has been seen with, do you know of anyone who may be in her company?"


Etain Seanait rolled 100 -- 7 degrees of failure using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 22.  gamble.

"Allright let's make this interesting." Jareik flipped a few coins on the table to buy himself in and his brow furrowed as he checked his cards.

The game was simple enough and prior experience playing bored card games on the campaign trail helped but truth be told he tended to lose more then he won.
Still games like these weren't about the cards but how you read people so he did his best to bluff when the cards weren't going his way and not trying to appear too happy when he had a good hand.


22:50, Yesterday: Jareik Schneider rolled 57 -- 1 degree of failure using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 39.  gamble.

When the halfling walked in asking about a woman similar to the one their professor had been cavorting with he was thankful Etain went to investigate, letting him retain full concentration on the game as he tried to figure out if he should call the brettonian's bluff or fold.

Those in the game notices that Gaston was quite skilled, more than he lead you to believe, and those participating found themselves a few silvers short.

When the Halfling arrived he looked up, curiously.
The halfling nodded at Etain and offered what he knew.
"I only know I was to meet her here. Sadly. Not who she was with."
Gaston apoligized and went to Toby with a warm smile, and lead him to a side near the hearth.
"I know a bit, that may help you, come.."
He implied he would return to the cards and wine.
Gaston seems calm and tells Toby what he knows of Karl as he moves over. He continues, but it is hard to hear what he says.
^{Characters with either the Lip Reading or Acute Hearing skill must successfully pass an Int-10 test to pick up what they say...}

Jareik smirked at the last hand reveal, seems his gamble didn't pay off this time.
"Well played."

He arched an eyebrow when the brettonian took the hafling aside but could only shrug, have a chug of drink and plot how to win the next rounds of cards.

Gaston spoke to the man in a cautious but attentive tone, which seemed a tad off, but still may just be the mannerisms of the man.
Shortly after Toby departed to the bar, and Gaston returned calmly and picked up the game.
At the end of it, Gastons cunning for the game had given him the upper hand, and you were down a few silvers.
(Roll a d3 if you partook in the game).
Gaston excused himself, and went to bed shortly after and Toby the same not long after.
Unless you decide to stay up, the rest of the night goes uneventful and you wake, a the crack of dawn, well rested and with a curious smell of warm bread and food below.
In the common room below, you find a large table with alot of food on it. Toby is present but Gaston is not.
The innkeeper and his boisterous wife welcomes you and offers you a seat.
Outside, the morning is cloudy with drizzle, and it is likely that a light rain will dampen the morning.

The coachman sits in a corner, as dourfaced as always. He nods.

Milly had been absentminded and more focused on the traveling experience and landscapes than she should, save for the occasional moment of vigilance in case more forest fiends decided to try their luck. Things like the lavish (to her) breakfast were just the kind of thing to pull her back onto reality. "Not much left now." She stated to her peers, save for the little scrap with those monsters, this job had been something akin to a vacation rather than actual work.

With the loss of 3 silvers Etain calls it a game and heads to bed with Roan and Eimear and hopefully Marie.

The next morning she heads downstairs with the smell of bread and cooking meat and the insistent licking and pawing by the dogs. She asks for some meat scraps for the hounds and has a plate of meat, bread, eggs and some fruit. When she sees the sky outside she says "Looks like a lovely day outside"

Jareik groaned as flipped over 2 silver coins with a flip of the thumb.
What were the odds he would come across someone who knew how to gamble that well this far in the sticks? He called it a night aswell and checked his arms and armor's condition before falling asleep.

When morning came he was greeted by the smell of a full table, returning the coachman's nod, he eagerly sat down to devour a sizeable breakfast. Halfling reputation for food was well earned indeed.
He ended with quite a happy full belly, tipping the halflings an additional full silver. He had already lost 2 the previous night so what was one more?

Fully fortified for the day ahead, he slapped up on his gear and was thus ready to face the world.

You set off, with a mild rain beating down on your, slowly growing worse at time passes.
The grey skies create a heavy pillow of grey over your heads as the coach sets off.
The rain stops by early afternoon of the first day. Unfortunately, the rain was enough to make the track to Faltdorf muddy and slow.
Occasional gusts of wind kick up and causes those not covered enough to shiver.
The coachman sighs.
"No inns in sight, this will be a long trip..."
As you travel eastward, the land gradually becomes hilly and the grassland gives way frequently to copses of trees. The land also becomes more spewn with large rocks and occasional boulders.
The rutted track to Herzendorf is little used and no wider than a few  feet. At times, it’s even overgrown with weeds and the odd thistle bush.
As the night becomes to dark, the coachman stops and turns slightly into the woods.
The close trees make for a secluded safe campsite, as he begins to find various blankets, bedrolls, tents and firewood. He turns to you all.
"Sorry, can't do more for now. We still have some distance. Make yourself useful..."

OOC:
Outdoor skills can apply here, but are generally not needed. A fire, setting up tents can be done with enough time...

Etain disembarks the carriage after telling the dogs to hop out, Roan and Éimear both bolting into the trees to try and avoid the rain falling on them. "I'll unlimber and set up the tent if you can find some firewood please and get some warmth going" she tells Marie as she climbs up to where her bags are packed and grabs her gear

*Setting up a 2 person tent she brought*

Back to being a coach guard, the worsening weather and deteriorating road conditions meant Jareik redoubled his vigilance. When the rain worsened, he elected to stow away his firearm lest the gunpowder get wet. Thankfully nothing of note happened and they travelled the full day without incident.

"Right, I'll work on the fire then."

As the passed Etain and Marie mounting their tent, he had a pang of envy. All he had was a blanket in his backpack and together with all the weaponry and armor he carried, it wasn't optimal for outdoor sleeping. Ah well, he could survive one night of rough sleeping especially considering they have had comfortable resting stops the previous days. Or with some luck maybe the coachman had spares.

He gathered rocks to form a circle around gathered pieces of firewood and started the process of blowing and rubbing the wood against each other to get a fire going as best as he could.

*Setting up campfire*
This message was last edited by the player at 00:44, Thu 20 Aug 2020.

Once the fire started going, Jareik tossed some dry wood to feed it and make it roar.

"I take it we leave at dawn? I'd rather not tarry here any longer then we have to." he commented to the coachman. "With what happened at the other inn we would be fools not to organize a watch rotation. Let's see, we will probably be resting here for 9 hours give or take, can make that three 3 hour watches or two four hours-ish watches..."

He glanced at his companions and called to them. "Oi, which of you is down for being on watch on tonight? I'm happy to cut down on some sleep, ain't likely to get much of a wink here anyways, so can cover 1st shift if we are doing 2, or middle shift if we are doing 3. Still need at least one volunteer though."
He volunteered for those shifts as they would be when the night is darkest and he trusted no one but himself in low light conditions.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:32, Thu 20 Aug 2020.

Milly spend her time setting up one of the tents, mostly by guesswork and observing how others were than actual know how, camping outdoors wasn't exactly a top priority for students in the colleges. Not like Milly hadn't been through the woods before, in fact, she had more than many but that and pitching tents was a completely different business. "Why three? I say we spread them further, in fact I will take first and then whoever can take over." Of course by now, Milly didn't exactly expect any kind of attack. Sure the other day they had a scrap with those fiends but with the expediently administered bloody nose they gave them for their troubles, she was convinced by now that they wouldn't come for more.

*Pitching one fo the tents*

--I will let you decide on who goes when and allow the below to happen in regardless--

The night air is cold. The enclosed campsite feels oddly safe. secluded and gives a sense of quiet despite what you may have thought.
Sometime near midnight, the adventurer on watch will hear the sound of movement just outside the light of the campfire.
The sound stops after a moment.
A few moments later, the sound of a nightjar (whippoorwill) calls from the same general direction.
Then all is silent again. An hour passes before a feminine voice speaks,
“May I enter your camp, good travellers?”
The voice is delicate, youthful and calm. You can not see anyone.

Fetching a stick from the fire, Milly held the thing aloft and tried to pierce the darkness surrounding the camp. Just what was doing a lone traveler out in the wilds in the middle of the night? It could had been her imagination but then again, there was no harm in talking back with every possible witness of her idiocy slumbering. After some rather long seconds of deliberation, the wizard answered. "Madam, do excuse my hesitation but in fact, but with so calm a watch and the rest of the night's ambience, I scarcely was sure I heard you speak. Do step into the light so that we may talk more comfortably, we are not wild beasts skulking in the dark and you have me at a disadvantage."

There is some hesitation as if ensuring you are not setting up an ambush.
The woman is short, with delicate features, but rustic appaerance. She has a long brown braided ponytail and calmly colored clothing, as of the earth itself.
“Forgive my manners; I hope I have not upset you,” the woman softly speaks. “I am Bianka Eichenholz. My village of Geheimtal is twenty miles east of Wurtbad. Might I ask who you are and why you are travelling this road to FaltDorf?"
She eyes around, but is unarmed and calm otherwise.
You sense the forest is alive beyond you, but not concerningly so. The wind blows, small sounds emanate, and owls howl, but nothing else.
To show faith, she sits opposite of Milly and smiles at her.

With their mystery guest situation solved (as far as she was concerned), the wizard stretched a little and comfortably relaxed again by the fire, feeding the stick back to it. "Various tasks really, nothing too remarkable to be honest. But if it fills one's pouch is just as well, right?" Glancing at the others, Milly inquired. "And what were you doing out here in the middle of the night? the woods are no safe place to be wandering for a nightly stroll."

As the woman started closer to the camp Roan started awake and walked out of the tent and immediately started barking, waking up Eimear who starts awake and starts to barks as well. This in turn awakens Etain who comes out of tent, axe in hand held loosely as she groggily looks about and asks "Whats going on here?" rubbing her eye with her offhand.

Startled by the barking, Jareik's eyes shot open and by reflex reached for his rifle from beneath his makeshift pillow.
Eyes heavy with sleep, his aim darted around due to assuming the worst before resting on the unknown woman for lack of any visible threat.
After a heartbeat, he lowered the gun but did not release his grip on it.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:28, Wed 02 Sept 2020.

The woman nodded.
"You should turn back. The Mother has revealed to me that Faltdorf is unwell. I have journeyed here to cleanse the blight on the land. There is no need for you to be concerned.”
She took a deep breath, and you sense growling in the distance but could not place it.
“The nature of the blight has not been revealed to me. I’ve just arrived here, but will no doubt quickly discover what ails this land.”
On the topic of her presence she merely nodded.
"I serve the mother of the lands. Making her feel well and safe. It is my call and duty.."
Her depiction of the "mother" sounds familiar.
(Anyone can roll a CK:Empire +10% to get a hint of who it could be)

"I see..." For a moment Milly had considered the possibility of her being one of her peers. "Worry not, we have no intention to stay longer than we have to. Now if you will excuse me, I am going to sleep, my shift is likely overdue anyway. These are Étaín and Jareik." She introduced them while pointing in turn. "You can stay with us although I suggest you lot do the bulk of any talking in the morning, the night should be used to sleep."

Etain cocks her head at the women as she calms the dogs down "Please forgive my lack of understanding, I am not of the Empire, but is the mother you speak of the Goddess Rhya?"

Today: Etain Seanait rolled 7 -- 4 degrees of success using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 55 with rolls of 7.  CK:E +10.

Bianca nodded.
"Rhya guides my path. She warms me and directs me to where wounds are on her lands. Should yo go..and I can not follow you you all the way...the know this.
Near the village is sure to be a sacred grove or stone circle. I’m not sure what or where it is, but I’ll find it soon. Meet me there at midnight on your second night in the village. I
will answer further questions then.”
She nods, and rises after a short while.
She came to warn you, and take care of those who wander, but refuse to remain.
The night sky is calm....and the rest of the night pass uneventfully.

The next day’s travel is uneventful. The skies remain cloudy with some light drizzle in the morning hours.
Ahead you notice some movement in the bushes, and a closer look display some shadows.
They are humanoid and notice that you have seen them.
Quickly they move further away back towards the city which you expect is but an hour ahead...Faltdorf.

The windy track to Faltdorf leads you through rolling hills of clover and small crags.
As the adventurers get nearer to the village they notice pastures filled with sheep grazing lazily.
You also see many small farms dotting the land as well.
The few shepherds and farmers who are out watch you cautiously and keep their distance.

By noon you reach a top of a large hill, and below you see a small village surrounded by a ditch and a wooden palisade.
A small slow moving river runs along the base of the hill, and a bridge spans the river. To the east of the bridge is a mill, and to the west is a slaughterhouse. The track leads into the village and around the base of a large hill to the south. You see a few villagers walking about, and the whole place looks peaceful. As you enter the village they feel all eyes on you.
Looking about, you see that there are branches of mistletoe and evergreen hanging above every window. In addition, you notice a strange knot-like symbol is carved into every door.
Ahead you see a small run down inn with a sign depicting a bed and the words “Good Rest”. The inn is two storied and looks to have seen better days.
The coachman eyes around with shifty eyes.
"End of the road. I will be at the inn..."
He jumps out and leaves you to make your choices.

Jareik refrained from rolling his sleepy eyes at the woman's midnight rantings. Perhaps in different circumstances he might have been more receptive but right now he felt only annoyance and suspicion towards this woman and her crypticness. Was easy enough to remember her instructions though, she apparently had a thing for midnight
With our rotten luck, wouldn't surprise me if she was some vampiric wench.

Giving a half hearted wave as the woman left he got up for a groan. "Right  ,my turn to watch. Hopefully no more strange women coming out of the woods for tonight."

Thankfully the rest of the watch went on without incident, the trickiest part was to wake Etain up without also alerting the dogs (will leave it to Etain to determine how succesful that went).

With the coming of morning, it was time to set off once again.
At one point there was...something in the bushes up ahead, but despite calling out and rushing to investigate, they vanished before he could get a good glimpse of them. "Guess they were feeling shy." Little matter, an hour later they finally reached their destination.

"Not a bad looking little place, very picturesque even, but people weren't joking when they said folks here ain't used to visitors judging by how much they staring at us. You'd think we were a bunch of elves and dwarves."
As he said that, his eye drifted to Etain and Marie and even the wizard...On second thoughts, ok maybe the villagers were right to be a bit curious and suspicious regarding his unorthodox companions.

He eyed the symbols present on every door as they passed but figured it was some quaint local tradition and thought nothing more of it.

He nodded to the coachman.
"Thanks for getting us this far mate, safe travels to you if we don't meet again, but I imagine we will be looking for a return trip. With luck we will get our business sorted out in a few days anyways."

With that he turned to his companions. "Allright, how we playing this? I'd say we start with the pub, if our man was with a woman he had to have stopped there at least once. But I guess we could also seek out the local mayor or whoever's in charge here."
This message was last edited by the player at 11:09, Fri 11 Sept 2020.

When Jareik tried to silently wake up her up he got past Éimear but unfortunately woke up Roan, who slept against Etain's chest who growled lightly after startling awake. Etain quickly calmed him down, then pulled on her coat and made her way to the fire, throwing another log on before sitting down beside it and waiting the night.

Eyeing the villagers back as they walk through she says in her own tongue [Language unknown: "M res ntpa Elha hepeni nterutcomartnce"] before the carriage stopped and they got out, gathering their belongings and thanking the driver for his efforts getting here.

"The pub may be best, besides we may need to get a couple rooms for at least the night" she tells Jareik while looking about.


Etain Seanait rolled 93 using 2d100 with rolls of 62,31.  50/50 pass/fall dog 1 & 2.
Would I be able to do a test to determine the knot meaning?

The knot looks kinda like a symbol those worshiping Rhya could use, but then again, not so, as it differs a bit from what one would expect. So a derived symbol perhaps. It is still a guess for Etain what that could mean..

Upon entering the building you see a few people sitting at tables and eating in the common room. All conversation stops as all eyes turn and you are noticed.
A large fat balding man stands behind the bar and smells of herbs and spices. He takes a breath and cautiously looks at the you.

He refrains from talking to you, and merely nods.

"I would agree that acquiring lodging before all else would be best, ma cherie," Marie agreed with a simple nod.

As she did every time they stopped, the young noblewoman dismounted and saw to the care of Josette before anything else. From the way she doted upon the magnificent animal, it was like she was a Human friend or sibling in her eyes. Such was the Knight of the Realm's connection to her mount. Once she was finished, the Bretonnian entered the pub after Etain, and stayed close to her, casting her eyes around at the less than friendly customers.

[Language unknown: "Lo k anssho cket estsomconast virithnti..."] she muttered in her native tongue.

Investigation was not among the skills that the burly woman was blessed with, so she deferred to the others to get tongues wagging. Jareik was the man for the job in her eyes, as she and Etain would no doubt have to go through the same level of suspicion foreigners underwent before the real conversation could begin.

[Language unknown: "Whiticsom, Tha nte poisna i lar ndofwa"] Etain responded to Marie before heading over to the barkeeper "Could I get a glass of red wine, a mead and a pair of meals please. And do you have any rooms for the night?"
This message was last edited by the player at 00:08, Tue 22 Sept 2020.

The man eye you curiously, and nods, finding a few jugs of ale, some meat and vegetable in a some heavy and rich sauce and some freshly made bread, and asked about the red wine he shrugs.
"Ain't got any...mead, ale, or fruit wine. Take yer pick".
His tone is distancing and shows some concern about your presence.
You still feel many eyes on you as you order.
"Rooms? Aye. I have two....they are 5 crowns a night each."
His tone is cold, and somewhat harsh.

"Two fruit wines then, and any chance on those meals?" she asks before looking back to Marie [Language unknown: "The hi n tilete t viril chol ect sanpr st chsier, Ic plndpl fi nomi ec urelinwhe ut and ter reprll, Man plwh atirutith nace seers alro loee t merefi notpa, setlinfor t com thuie ratio ie Witainund si Resaveain'thahis."]

Marie cocked an eyebrow at the quoted price, and nodded distractedly back at Etain.

[Language unknown: "P caiv te rolifo e aveil adadntic i sa ngfind e ek eeningershis. Ratourredcon ourandart entio i stivri whe celefi, whna tioderear Il ul ectac terundard ic, meneratedmen ou wasuresti. Ec anyrattho olnawasa seta nt rat conenctho,"] she said with a slight frown.

Striding over to the man, the burly woman placed one gauntleted hand on her hip, and the other one casually on the pommel of her sword. The look she gave him was the pure disdain of the nobility of Bretonnia reserved for the lowest of peasants. The kind that broke faith with their rulers and turned to banditry.

"I see. And for this price, I assume we will be bedded in the finest silks of Cathay? With masterful rugs of Araby to massage our feet? Elven maidens to attend to our every need during our stay?" Marie asked, a flinty edge to her voice as she asked the obviously ridiculous question.

"Was hoping you'd say that, nothing like a pint to start an investigation."
With that, into the inn they went.

"Allright lads." said Jareik with a forced smile seeing the reaction the group got.

Tugging at his hat, he made his way to the counter and let the ladies make the first orders whilst he looked around and got a feel for the place, occasionally crossing an unfriendly stare. One could get the distinct impression we are not welcome in this fine establishment.

Deciding it was best not to antagonize the locals, he broke off his gazing and focused back on the action at the counter. "Ale for me, cheers." He said when the two women spoke to each other in their foreign tongue.
Jareik did a low whistle at the room prices and chuckled at Marie's comment. "I'd be happy with just the elf maidens thank you very much."

But the tone in her voice and more importantly, the hand on the pommel suggested Marie wasn't being cheeky though so in a vain attempt to defuse the situation he added. "C'mon mate you're pulling our legs here. You don't really charge 10 crowns to everyone do ya? We ain't troublemakers, we just passing by and will be out of your hair..." He realized as he said it that it might be an unfortunate choice of words to someone who is balding. "..in a few days, a week tops."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:40, Sat 26 Sept 2020.

The cost of staying there was positively outrageous, but there may have been more to it than mere aversion to strangers. After all, in many place, that man would be held responsible for any misdeeds they may commit, specially in a small one such as that town. Moreover, they did look like trouble, Milly while not normal, looked relatively plain next to the savage with the hound and the woman in armor with whom she spoke a foreign tongue. Jareik was more mundane but armed as he was and not knowing him, he could be as much trouble if not more.

"I can assure you Sir that we mean no ill to you, the foreigners know little of how to conduct themselves but they are just ignorant, not malicious." Producing her note of employment, Milly presented it to the man. "We are in the employment of Watch Captain Hartesel here to attend some business of his. Law abiding folk all, you will have no trouble from us." Retrieving the note after he had a chance to see it, she continued. "Now regarding the cost of accommodations, if we could supplement it's pay in something other than coin, I would be more than grateful and willing. If there is something that needs doing, for you see, I am no stranger to labor and at those rates our money would soon be exhausted before we could possibility finish what we came to do at that price."

The man, whom you overheard being referenced as Rolf by a customer looking for a refill while eying you closely, turn to you, eye you up and down.
"Beats sleeping outside....fine. 2 golds. Rooms are sparse. Doublebeds. Dinner is ready in ten minutes. Meat, bread, vegetables. Local food."
It is obvious that he wont haggle nor push the conversation further.
He nods at a local, waves him out, and turns back. He gazes out into the room, to take note, and turns to you to await if you accept or not.
He appears to care little regardless what you answer. Further he is a man of few words and strong concern for foreigners..as many here appear to be.

Jareik clicked his tongue in annoyance but started reaching for his purse, grumbling as he did "This is daylight robbery,for 2 gold I hope it's the finest food this side of the reikwald."
This message was last edited by the player at 10:25, Sat 03 Oct 2020.

[Language unknown: "Sanho wiplon ut th eveio pe ck ut ec wil onriolilel tioiveone en shewasrut"]  she said in her love's language before finding a seat and waiting for the food to be served.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:33, Sat 10 Oct 2020.

A man makes pretense to speak up, but as he raises his arms, and barely exclaims:
"Well, could you not just...", he is pushes and frowned upon, as hidden as they can.
He eyes down, daring not to ire the rest any further.

The food arrives, in fine condition, well tasting and decently warm. Honestly, a decent meal.
The barkeep barely nods and departs shortly after.

Jareik's ear twitched as the man said something. Maybe they didn't like Etain sitting down or something? Well sod them, for 2 gold they could sit where they pleased. He thought nothing more of it.

Not bad. He thought, chewing on some meat.
But was the halfling's that was worth 2 gold.

[Language unknown: "N iturpe. St o one u wh sipoes olca, nowa u int an ountholarstr undallsom, stiterpre. Oul us e ekiletwhpl...Whiev seand eeisro tioerekor,"] she sniffed indignantly.

The noblewoman sat down with her lover, casting an imperious look at the price gouging innkeeper. She supped upon the food, and was pleasantly surprised at it's quality. With the high price for rooms, she would have assumed this was the kind of place that watered down their drinks and purchased day-old bread.

She hoped simple greed and hostility to foreigners was the cause of the price difference. Because she saw no line of people waiting for rooms to drive the price up.

Etain looks at the innkeeper as he stumbled over his words. "Would you prefer that we not stay for food or is it just the women?" she asks with a slightly acidic tone to the backwoods man.

Looking back to Marie[Language unknown: "T moives to oun eau for"] she says with a wink.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:05, Mon 12 Oct 2020.

The man huffed and laughed.
"Your gender means nothing to me. If you not from around here, you pay for the luxury of the only inn in miles reach. We have it good here, no need for foreigners to nose about."
You notice the same man try to speak up - but again being shunned.
He appears to be unwell with whole essence of the hatred against foreigners but is a lone voice in a sea of malice.
He hangs his head and rises, and people shove him lightly as he departs outside. He eyes you, and as a first, shows any sign of kindness.

"We are not here to interrupt your life or interfere with your village, we were simply sent here by a woman whose husband has been missing for while and just wants him back or at worst to know his fate, once we find him you won't have to see us again and can return to your solitude here. But trying to abuse any guests you have while running an inn is one, poor business whether you appreciate visitors or not and two making it known how much of an inconvenience and a burden that we are will just make us go elsewhere, especially when those who travelled here may have camping equipment and can just do that" She says before getting up and leaving the partially eaten meal, which Eimear quickly jumps up and grabs a mouthful of meat then quickly following her mistress out along with her brother.

Outside, Etain hears the laughter at her remark and the seemingly careless attitude to her orated talk. Muttering loudly he states:
"Stop pestering people here, or I shall call the sheriff on you. Eat, sleep and pay. And make no trouble about it." His tone is cold and stern. And he means every word he says.

She sees the downed man outside, who gives her a look.
"Who is it you seek. I..I am brother Franz. Most inside see me with disdained eyes for speaking out against matters that I disagree with...I sense you are facing what I struggle with. The crowd inside will offer you little rejoice - I am labeled as a fool, a drunk, someone to be silent and treated as a dog. I am neither of those. Perhaps.."
The man eyes back and notices that the innkeepers eyes are straight on him.
"Sorry..I...I must go...please..if we must speak further, I live nearby..Just behind the blacksmith.."

The man staggers of, implying he has had enough to drink, but his words are still true enough and his fears...likely warranted.

"His name is Karl Magnussen" she tells the priest while looking over her shoulder at the inn "I face that with most towns and cities in this country but this is something else, normally it is the accent I speak with or the fact that I am a woman but this backwoods is something else and I don't even have an anvil or metal to work out my anger on"

When the man said he lived behind the blacksmith her eyes light up a little and follows him offering to help steady him.

The man raise an eyebrow and rushes home.
"I am a dead man....and so are you I fear..", he exclaims ominously as he walks inside his sparse furnished home.
A table, two chairs, beddings for two, a cupboard for food, and a spare room for storage in the back. Cozy, but not a mansion by any means.
He collapses on the bed and in his wailing cries he exclaims, drunkenly.
“No! No! Leave my wife alone! Please! She didn’t mean to speak against Juno’s teachings. Please, I beg you. Inga’s just a simple woman who doesn’t know better. Please give her back, please...”
Exhausted, and drained...he passes out sleeping. The consumption of spirits too much for his old body.
A moment later he partially wakes screaming:
“No! I won’t go! You can’t have me!”

For those inside the inn, you notice that alot of eyes are on the Brother and Etain and they depart and it is not eyes of comfort, but malice and ill intent. No words are spoken, but it is not something they are taking kindly too.
Many begin eyeing you, with malicious eyes and stern demeanors. Sizing you up, seeing who and what you are...

Jareik was about to speak up at the threat of the sheriff being called on and reitirate assurances of their good behavior when the brother spoke up.
He shifted with curiosity at having someone seemingly amenable to the party and since Etain went to talk with him it had the nice bonus of letting him continue his meal.
He just hoped she asked the right questions.

Even if the mood was rotten, he still respected it was the local's village and arguing with them ain't likely to loosen tongues. Still an odd bunch they are, he thought as he chewed his food. Oh they had been warned of course, but he still found it so hard to believe the inhabitants of a village this close to Altdorf could act so xenophobic. By contrast back in Jareik's home village whenever an elf passed by, it was gossip fodder for a month.

It was hard not to sense the staring but Jareik didn't care and continued to eat peacefully, wouldn't be the first time he was gawked at with murderous eyes when on a job and wearing enough steel to fit a steam tank tends to give one increased confidence.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:46, Tue 27 Oct 2020.

Etain helped the drunken man to the bed and places a blanket over him and asks him "Who is Juno and what does she teach?" seeing him fall asleep she lets out a long sigh before getting up from the bed and heading to the window to look outside to see if there were any locals outside with malicious intent.

The man flailed about, anguished and in pain for the liquor in his veins and the images in his head.
"She came. Spoke. They listened.."
Franz then reaches for a bottle of cheap whisky and begins drinking heavily.
"...my life is at an end. Yours too, if you don’t get out of here quickly.
That’s what happened to whoever you said you’re looking for. That’s what happened to my poor... Just go. Ask around, to no avail. Don't trust anyone.”
He waves you off, unwilling to talk anymore, pointing into the town again.

The inn settled, but talk arose, calmly of what unfolded and of Franz's 'unfortunate' behavior. The looks to the group grew over and over, but never arose to more than mere gazes, and Jareik managed to skulk away anyone eying him.

Jareik finished his food, he would have ordered another drink but frankly his mood had been soured and he didn't feel relaxed enough to lower his guard fully.

He went to carry his finished plate back to the counter, though not something one usually does in a pub, he was trying to butter up the innkeeper a bit with some good manners and this made for an easy pretense to start up a casual chat as he was doing so. Perhaps the conversation might go better if it was just him without the obvious foreigners?
"Food was allright, cheers, but damnit man with these prices you'd be bankrupting altdorf nobles."  He meant it as joking banter, but Jareik was tense enough that it might just have come out awkwardly. No matter he moved on.

"Say, reason me and the others here came to Faltdorf is because we are after someone who was last spotted around these parts. An old geezer from altdorf, a certain Herr Karl Magnussen but wouldn't surprise me if he went by another name..." He said the next part with a sly grin. "..as he was seen being rather friendly with a lady which his wife wouldn't approve of. Now we ain't here to get involved in marital affairs or drag him back, just need to confirm he is alive and we are out of here and makes sense he would have stopped here at some point. So if there's anything you can remember that might speed up our venture it will be very much appreciated."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:20, Sun 08 Nov 2020.

Etain stared at the man in his drunken stupor. He could be a sad drunk but between the stories of odd behaviour and isolationism but all she had seen so far was extreme hostility so she was inclined to believe him so she found a seat in which she could see outside and waited to see if her companions would look for her or if the locals became hostile.

"You show more compassion than we are in this inhospitable place," Marie said from behind Etain.

She had followed her lover, content to let her utilize her words to pull what information that she could. Much of the drunkard's words seemed sincere, but also partially gibberish. This whole venture was becoming difficult.

[Language unknown: "Na ie ar pr utear korthuble. Pr peelen encareons e oer ce anplsitr,"] she mused, running a hand over her sword's hilt in a subconscious comforting gesture.

She says to her lover as she takes some rations from her pack to determine what she has should things go south.

The city of Faltdorf is not large, it is a collection of houses, a general store, used to sell or market any goods found and made, including hides, corn, berries, meat, weaponry and such. A varying mix. It also aids the local blacksmith in distributing its wares.
As you sit you notice the distance and that a few people at first, then many ignore you, but refer to eachother as sister or brother.

You notice the smith peak out at you, and not once blink while doing so for the long period he stands there watching you, before heading inside again.
You overhear(anyone outside), two younger men walk past talking about a small chapel on a hill just south of the city square and thus viewable from where they are now.

Inside the man eyed Jareik and as obvious as day, the enormously fat innkeeper, with a temper and presence as bad as his girth, eyed him and lied through his teeth.
"Haven't seen him, nor do I care to. If I had, I would do well to forget...Good day Herr.."
The man would not budge and his measly attempt at kindness was...just that. Pityful.
Jareik notices a few familiar faces outside, and saw them shunned in equal measures.

Jareik's eyes narrowed suspiciously but it was clear this man was a living brick wall when it came to fishing some answers so replied with a curt "Good day." of his own.

So much for the suave approach, but like hell I'm buying that he doesn't know who I'm talking about. he thought as he pulled on his hat and went back to the table, sitting opposite Milly since everyone else had gone outside.
One detail that was bothering him is if his hunch that the innkeeper is lying was right, then how does he reconcile that with the innkeeper also clearly wanting the group to go sod off back to Altdorf? He was evidently missing a piece of the puzzle here and it annoyed him.

Sighing, he motioned to Milly. "If you're done eating, let's go meet with the others outside, asking around here is a dead end."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:46, Wed 18 Nov 2020.

With or without mage in tow, Jareik made his way outside to where he last saw Marie and Etain...Who seemed to have vanished.

"Now where the blazes did those two go off to?" he grumbled to himself. If the pair had ditched their mission to go on some tryst and left him to do all the hard work he was going to be a tad cross.

Sighing, he pinched the bridge of his nose and contemplated his next move. "Wizard, how you feel about paying a visit to whoever's in charge here? I reckon asking around at the local drinking holes is just going to be a dead end."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:47, Wed 25 Nov 2020.

Excusing herself and dashing after Jareik, Milly looked about and answered to him in a hushed tone. "In a small and shabby looking place like this? You would count yourself lucky if they have any kind of constable, or so I reckon. Chances are the man you are looking is some kind of respected elder or well-to-do man, possibly both in the same person. We could ask around for such a person but it is anyone's guess if the locals may have seen him, or care to. IF he exists, not that I am one to know about such matters." Where the shifty eyed wizard got her alleged knowledge and assumptions was as much of a wild guess.

In reply to Milly Minhelm (msg # 276):

Jareik shrugged. "Well, however they call themselves, whoever's in charge likely has the fanciest looking place I imagine. This village ain't so big, come wizard, let's stretch our legs a little."

Going on a recon walk of the village to identify places that stand out.

Jareik is met with many who simply turn their face at him and thus also their doors. Not that many of the house stands out. Hunters, farmers, common folk of the soil.
A few are of note, in terms of open doors.
The blacksmith, Brother Werner is one.
Next to him, the general store, run by sister Magda. She is rumored to be surly and temperamental.
And lastly the chapel on the hill south of town is a curiosity in itself.
Mainly since it is newly built and in better shape than anything else around here.

As Jareik moves past the house she is in Etain opens the door and gestures for Jareik to come inside so she could tell him what the drunken priest had told her.

Jareik stopped and tugged on his hat in recognition.

He glanced around, motioned the wizard to follow and went into the house, taking a seat at the table.

"We just been around the village, nothing much to report. We were about to check out the stores, you two found anything? Who's this place belong to anyways? "
This message was last edited by the player at 16:03, Mon 07 Dec 2020.

"This is the residence of our snoring friend here. We found nothing beyond rude residents. No answers anyway. Did you have any luck plying people's tongues after we 'foreigners' left?" the knight asked, sniffing indignantly.

"Afraid not, though I stand out a bit myself so that might have something to do with it. Still, we have yet to check out the blacksmith or general store and if we can't even get some info here then ain't so sure where to go from here... Was some shrine to the south, likely our man stopped there at some point. " he said with a shrug.

Jareik's head titled to a burst of snoring of snoring and gave  Marie a quizzical look.
"Speaking of which, what about sleeping beauty? He said anything or did he just invite you in and fall asleep as is no doubt the local custom when entertaining guests?"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:32, Wed 09 Dec 2020.

"He is the village priest, he said his wife was killed for speaking out against someone named Juno and fears he and us as well will be murdered by the locals, I think he fears Herr Magnusson also had the same fate." She tells the others as they wait inside the building.

The steel clad man did a low whistle. "That's quite a lot when you put it like that. So not only is our quarry apparently slain, but we are now on a hit list too for what I can only assume is local bandit leader or some touched in the head loon with murdering tendencies who should be reported to the witch hunters."

Truth be told Jareik would normally be extremely skeptical of such outlandish claims from a man unable to remain awake after their ravings, but as it happened he had been dealing with serial killers an awful lot lately, so he couldn't quite dismiss what he was told.

His head tilted once again in the direction of the snores. "Not sure if I'm buying all of this to be honest, grief can do crazy things to people and sure the villagers have been a dour and lousy bunch but between giving the evil glare and killing someone in their sleep, there's a leap. Hell if they wanted to kill us so bad, poisoning our food and drink would be the easy way to do it with the less fuss..."

He stopped that thought when one of Etain's dog's heads popped up. "Ah, well maybe it is fortunate we have our four legged friends here then."

"Just to be clear, who did he say that killed his wife?" There was a difference between the locals serving justice to someone and someone being murdered by one or more people for whatever reason.

"If he didn't give any more details, perhaps we can ask him for some clarification when he wakes up?"

"He needs to be sobered up quite a bit, but he seemed to think he was to be killed, which made me hesitant to leave him here, the locals didn't seem to friendly." Etain said to Jareik.

"Right, so this.."juno", whatever it is, can murder people with impunity and just happened to be waiting until we arrived to finish this geezer off?" He sighed, it seemed silly to him but he didn't feel like arguing.
"Allright, fine, might as well stay here until he wakes up if you are buying this story of unseen daggers in the dark. Crazy or not, he at least talked to us so is our best lead for now."

"I'll look for some food or drink in here to help wake him up if someone wants to wake him" Etain says looking around the cupboards.

The man sleeps of a few hours, before mumbling in his sleep.
"The man...the the tower on the hill..."
He seems agitated and nervous.
Etain manages to locate food in the form of bread, aged meats and something mimicking thin ale.
He opens his eyes, dazed and on is startled to see many people around him.
"NO NO! Leave me be! I have done nothing! Don't kill me!!!"
His voice is loud and you worry, despite it being later in the day than someone could hear you if he keeps it up at that volume.

Leaving the food where she found it for now she quickly moves to bed with the drunken preacher "Be at ease Brother Franz, I helped you get to your house remember? My name is Etain, these are my companions, Jareik, Milly and Marie" she tells him trying to be as calming as possible to the man.

"We are guests in your home. You have nothing to fear from us Frère," Marie said, giving a slight and polite bow to the confused man.

She knew that with her armor and armament, she might appear a threat, so she was not offended. Not by a man just gaining his senses from sleep, least of all. Although, perhaps with a bit of bias, she had never heard of a Grail Damsel getting drunk. That was a bit embarrassing for the churches of these foreign gods, she supposed.

Jareik had positioned himself at a window figuring if they were going to guard the sleeping man, might as well do it right.
He didn't initially hear the priest finally waking up and so missed what he mumbled, but came running as he soon as he heard him cry out.

"Well look who's finally awake." He gave a nonplussed wave when Etain introduced him.