Damnit, either I guessed wrong or this lad's trying to slip one past me.
Undeterred, Jareik rolled his eyes and continued arguing. "Listen lad, I get it. I really do, you and other locals want to cover up for them, maybe Magnussen has good reason to never want to return to his wife, ain't none of my business. It's fine, I ain't judging, and we ain't here to drag anyone back."

He pinched the bridge of his nose.

"But we KNOW Magnussen came here and was here for a long enough while there is no bloody way no one in this village saw anything. We KNOW he met with some woman, and we KNOW he came here before vanishing entirely. It's been a long day and I'm getting mighty tired of having people lie to my face and assume I have the brains of a snotling. Someone here knows him, if not you, then you know someone who does. Why don't you just spare us all some grief and give us the answer we want, then we will be gone, easy as that."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:32, Wed 03 Feb 2021.

The man jumped back, obviously not wanting anything of Jareik.
"Pardon yourself! This is a place of worship for the town and respected at that.
I do not mettle in gossip nor should you. I am not assuming anything on your behalf, but I am a busy man, so please leave - we have a ceremony to prepare for, and Juno does not take kind to missing those."
The man was unarmed but still protected the doorway, if nothing else he took a step back to avoid being straight in the face of Jareik. But his point remained. He was done talking and best saw Jareik leave without violence ensuing.

Moving forward a bit Etain asks "Which gods do you worship, it has been some time since I heard the word Druid" trying to look past the man and into the place of worship before looking to Marie [Language unknown: "Stnd ing any etes repo p tio heher?"] she says in her tongue [Language unknown: "Ureectset in eiou ive st wh nepret?"]

[Language unknown: "I nottedtic, m ho,"] Marie replied curtly, keyed up a bit from the atmosphere of this place.

Leaving the Druid to spar with Jareik, the Knight of the Realm took her leave without another word and made her way down the hill, and after the man who seemed to have piqued Etain's curiosity. The noblewoman had thought him simply another rude local who wished to avoid them, but if there was something else about, she would find out. She followed the man's path out of sight of the chapel, hoping that he had not gone far.

As they descend down the hill, just out of sight they see a man, whom curious did not expect anyone to show.
They both notice a man loading a wagon. He looks to be in a hurry, and his wife and children are loading what appears to be their personal belongings.
He turns.
"By Rhal! You startled me. You should stay clear of this place. Faltdorf is not safe for outsiders and you would do best to be begone and forget whatever brought you here and that this place ever existed."
The man appears concerned and in a hurry.

Jareik clicked his tongue in annoyance and was about to keep arguing when Etain interjected, so he raised his hands up in mock defeat and stepped aside to let her try and get something out of this so called..apprentice druid?

He suddenly realized that Marie had eclipsed herself discreetly but he wasn't about to leave just yet.
Clamping down on his frustration, he went to stand in front of their rustic excuse of an altar, what, do they pray to rocks and wheat?
Pah, now where the blazes did I even hear "druid" to begin with...I swear it's not a name used by any cult in the Empire and Brettonians worship their lady...Maybe it's from somewhere far to the east like Hind or Cathay?
This message was last edited by the player at 14:26, Tue 09 Feb 2021.

The so called druid, the strangeness of the place of worship and the unwelcoming ambience of the town didn't sit well with the wizard. Her hands tightened the grip on her staff and with a somber look about her, she watched the exchange taking place. Milly was a Gods fearing woman and as carefree as she was, even her was aware of the bad optics someone like her was next to the whole strangeness of the altar. The general hostility permeating he place only exacerbated the sensation and her uneasiness.

Squeezing the side fo her arm, Mimi took Marie's departure as the life raft it was to the current situation for her. "Wait! Sir... Lady knight, Miss... Marie." She clumsily pleaded to the knight as she rushed after her down the hill, in a hurry to put some ground between her and the altar.

The man a the bottom however, was like a breath of fresh air. Just a normal looking person, not hostile nor deranged, Faltdorf had set a very low bar for her expectations. "Let me help you with that." Offered Milly, promptly resting her staff on the wall to help them load the wagon despite her humble frame, in a manner that made it clear that she wouldn't take no for an answer. Something in her upbringing or even her blood stirred her to, not being one to just watch others toil while running her tongue. "Not very welcoming no, I'll give you that much. To tell you the truth, I am just here to do a quick inquiry and nothing more. I have no love for the place and as far as I am concerned, I intend not to spend a day more than I need to. Have no distaste for homely and quaint small towns but quite the contrary, Faltdorf however is not it."

The wizard timed her work so that she would be close to the man to follow up in a more hushed way. "Since we are forced to stay a little longer, and you declare the place to be unsafe. Is there something in particular we should watch out for? If you could do us that mercy, so that we can better heed your advice."

The man grimaced.
"Not here. I..would avoid the stores, the inn, well any house in center. The blacksmith could be off aid and the friar..well..he is a drunk a pityful since his wife left. He is of little use anyways. Why are you here anyways? Why would anyone willingly set foot here. You sought someone, can I assist?"

It is obvious the man listens but his eyes are all over, ensuring he is not being watched.

Milly nodded repeatedly, listening to his every word with obvious attentiveness that declared how thankful she was for each of them. Yet not for that slacking off with her aid to the task at hand. "Many thanks, we have already have the displeasure of having a taste of the hospitality served at the inn. Are there any alternatives to it regarding lodgings? For our hopefully brief stay in town."

The wizard stopped for a couple of seconds to ponder before resuming the hauling of baggage. "Not much in the way of doing, but you seem well acquainted with the place, much more so than ourselves anyway. Say, you wouldn't happen to know anything about a man by the name of Karl Magnussen, do you? We were sent here to ascertain his whereabouts by Captain Hartesel on behalf of his sister, Frau Helena Magnussen, Herr Karl Magnussen's wife. He is a Professor of Theology at the University of Altdorf, apparently he came to these parts for some of his work and has not been heard of since."

Once more timing her lines for closeness and discretion, Milly whispered her next words under the concealment that the work afforded her. "There was the thought among us at the start that the good Professor had found a more amenable lass to his eyes than Frau Helena during his work. However, with how unwelcoming Faltdorf, and if you allow my uneducated callousness, the strangeness of altar uphill... It turns out that I find myself having trouble to believe that, instead I am persuaded to think that the later would be of some kind of interest to Magnussen's work, an interest that I have a hard time picturing being welcomed where even our coins for their services barely were, an interest that would turn the Professor into a particularly disagreeable person, to a people that already find the very notion of the presence of strangers disagreeable enough."

Marie was surprised at the wizard wished to come with her, especially when the words that she had exchanged with Etain had been in her native tongue, but she did not object to her coming along with so simple a task as speaking to a man that had simply drawn their attention.

"I apologize for startling you Mein Herr. That was certainly not our intention. Bonjour. My name is Marie Arceneaux, granddaughter of Rodolphe Arceneaux, Baron of Martialis. It is my very good honor to meet you. Who might you be?" the noblewoman asked, trying to look as nonthreatening as possible despite her arms and armor.

She would have continued her part in the conversation further, but Milly had taken the initiative and expressed the ideas and questions that she would have asked, and the man seemed agreeable to her, so she held off making any more comments until he replied.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:36, Tue 09 Feb 2021.

As both Milly and Marie Speak he raises an eyebrow.
"My name is Walter Gunderson, and I am happy to hear you at least know to keep yourself at guard."
As Milly mentioned Helena Magnussen, his eyes appeared as if that name was familiar.
"I have a house nearby. You can rest there since I am heading out and further more, we can talk further there...I know her..Helena"
He pointed away from the chapel. It was obvious he had more to tell the group, but not out in the open.

Elsewhere, the two noticed that apprentice saw his mark and slammed the door, closing and locking it. They would have to depart for now, and rethink this if they were to enter again.
They were free to follow the others however.

He set off, and after a short while arrived at this house.
He walked calmly and opened the door(enough time for all to catch up and join in).
The house was sparse, had a nice garden and two levels, and what appeared to be a small cellar.
The inside was still warm and cozy and enough space for you all to rest. Once all were inside, he closed the door heavily.
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:20, Wed 10 Feb 2021.

[Language unknown: "Ichughset te his t illstitinove dayhatoun, ce ithivelin buttioall un p hatol ut a osstac niesur e o allmenrea u ateve ica" ] she says as the apprentice ignores her question and slams the door shut in her face. She turns in the direction that Marie and Milly went and follows after them.

Jareik scowled as he followed Etain and let himself get shooed out like a overgrown disobedient infant.

Seems Etain didn't have any more luck then he did but was no time to dwell on their failure, Etain darted off and he hastened his pace to keep up with her.
"Oi wait up! And what in Myrmidia's teats is a blasted druid anyways?"

"I am not sure what they are here but in my culture, Druids are holy people, they keep the lore of our gods, preserve the forests that keep us tied to our past and our henge monuments. If I were to equate them to your gods priests, I would say those of Taal, Rhya and maybe Ulric and Manann. They are supposed to offer aid to those they come across not be so offensive and lock those out." she says to Jareik, her mood souring quickly with this place and the use a term that had deep meaning to her, she had family that were druids, a maternal uncle and a cousin and this felt like an affront to her.

"Wait so druids and such are from your part of the world? Heh and I thought you were norse. No offense."
In his defence Jareik had never met anyone from Albion, heck the only thing he did know was its existence as a land of fog and mysteries upon which rested a fledgling empire colony serving as the bridge between civilization and whatever spawned from the mists.

Surpressing a snort of amusement and oblivious to Etain's annoyance he continued.
"Starting to understand why our professor came here, never heard of any such worship in the Empire before, and I come from a village whose only claim to fame is we have a shrine devoted to each of the known gods of men, well turns out that was false advertising."

Why the inhabitants of this village had these rustic beliefs was a question to be answered another time.

"How is it you lot keep managing to get invited into people's houses?" he commented absent mindedly as they caught up with the others at the house, tipping his hat to the man holding the door with a curt "Evenin'." as he passed.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:44, Sat 13 Feb 2021.

Once all have entered, Walter eyes outside and asks his family to move the wagon back a bit.
He seems alert and on guard.
"I...was the one who asked Karl to come in the first place. We go back, I did some carpentry work, my line of business, on his house in Talebheim, and due to the length of it, we became close friends, spoke daily, shared ale and found we have much in common in terms of viewpoint and approach to life. Even after we moved to Faltdorf three years ago, he and I wrote frequently."
He looked somber and calm, and sat down, offering a drink to anyone who would take it, in his cozy but small house.
"You wonder why and what happens here. Well, let me tell you what I know."
He goes on to speak that two summers ago the area experienced crop failure, drought, and numerous sheep deaths. At the time, the village was watched over by the Druid Edelbert Verwalter.
He had an apprentice by the name of Juno Magerfleisch, and she was liked by all.
One day Edelbert was found dead with the look of extreme pain etched on his face.
The villagers took this as a sign of ill omen and would have fled if it were not for Juno. She calmed everyone down and said that she would lead the villagers through their time of troubles. Juno preached that she had found ancient teachings of Rhya, the Earth Mother. These teachings revealed that the Old Faith had lost its way and offended Rhya.

Only through sacrifices and fertility rites held in Rhya's name could the people undo the effects of the Mother’s displeasure. The villagers were hesitant and unsure at first.
They changed their minds when the crop failures continued and the town's well turned bad. Within the week of the first ceremonies the rains came and the well was cured.

"I was worried from the get go, as any sane person would be. Something about her, Juno concerns me. I witness one of these...meetings..and well, that confirmed it. They grew more and more outrageous and weird for me. I wrote Karl to ask his on this. Here, I have the letter. I know he got it as I received a reply just two days ago."

He hands the letter to anyone willing to take it.
Walter,
My friend, it was so good to hear from you. I’m pleased to hear that your family is doing so well. Regarding the troubles in Herzendorf, I wish you contacted me sooner. Your concerns are valid as what you describe does not sound, or seem, right.
After hearing of similar reports from a colleague I am intrigued and will be en route to your village immediately. No doubt, you may receive this response after I have arrived.
Be careful my friend. For if what I fear is true great trouble is in the air.

I remain your friend,
Karl Magnussen

The letter is dated one day before Karl left Talabheim for Faltdorf.
"I never saw him in town. I am concerned and to protect my family will leave for Averheim as soon as I can to alert proper authorities too. I am glad to see you are here, as perhaps you can uncover what is happening here."

He grows silent.
"Thats all I know."

Marie blinked in surprise as Walter Gunderson told them everything he knew. He was much more helpful than anyone else in this place had been. In fact, this was a very fine break in the case, as they said.

[Language unknown: "Ica oltr prentiear er ta ou nd neent annt lat fock, E Werte..."] Marie muttered to Etain with a small smile.

"Merci beaucoup, Herr Gunderson. You have been most helpful," she said brightly, giving him a polite nod.

Etain nodded at Marie [Language unknown: "Sheestrea Hati, ei stahi lolite thuersearnceany wa of foroun'preare" ] smiling but anyone who knew her could tell she was worried about the Druidess' practice here "Tell me Walter, what types of rituals did they do? What was involved?"

Walter sighed.
"Chanting, words of encouragement, at first. Then began sacrifices of animals, urges to cleanse the impure and tainted on the lands and well...they.."
Suddenly, there is a loud knock on the door. A loud, deep voice on the other side shouts: "Brother Walter, Sheriff Wilhelm." Walter grows white and answers the door with a concerned look, asking his wife and kids to hide.
As he opens carefully large muscular man enter the house accompanied by five equally rough looking men.
"..S..s..sheriff..Hello."
The Sheriff eyes around and calmly as he does, Walter nods to Jareik, and states that they are old friends, even giving a hidden wink to him.
The Sheriff nods.
"They are here to help me move back to Nuln.", Walter states.
The Sheriff looks deeply at Walter as he speaks.
"Oh move? Why so Walter? Are we not to your liking? This town is a haven is it not? It has offered you much, so I am surprised by this."

Walter tries to hide his nerves.
"Well see..The country life hasn’t sit well with me and my family and business in Faltdorf isn’t enough to put food on the table.
And well since we lived in the city before, I felt that a return would be best for myself and the family."

The Sheriff nods and turns to you all.
"Apoligies for my rudeness. I am Brother Wilhelm Hofhund, sheriff of Herzendorf and these are my men. As a token of this, my men Walter, will aid you in loading the wagon. We insist."
The men began to work and head outside to Walters grimace.

"You have travelled far I am sure, and well, as a token of hospitality I must insist to serve a fine meal for you. Then you can return and aid your friend Walter here when done. Now, do introduce yourself, to have manners sorted. I would feel better addressing you properly afterall. And I will not take NO for an answer"
He waited, patiently, having made his statement clear.

Milly listened to the story, which by all accounts, checked in with what she knew. "So the good Professor never made it here..." She seemed about to speak to their host when Wilhelm knocked at the door.

Watching the exchange with some interest, if nothing else, they would look as cosmopolitan a lot of friends as one could gather from a city, small mercies. Approaching them and standing right by Walter, Milly intervened. "Oh that won't be necessary Sheriff, we have already taken care of that, in fact you only arrived a hair late to lend us your shoulder at it. What little remains are more the amenities that would just be inconvenient to pack until the very moment one takes to the road." She gave a reassuring nod to the man but didn't take more than a second before she was at it again.

"Herr Walter here may not look the part but he is a well traveled man and capable of being quite charismatic given a chance, and a drink or two." The wizard winked and gave a furtive smirk to the Sheriff. "Has many friends and acquaintances in all kinds of places. I suppose it is always convenient to know a trustworthy tradesman, regardless of who you are."

Milly placed a hand on Walter's shoulder and continued. "Many of them are Eagerly await for his arrival at Nuln and shall be delighted to catch up with him and his family. Some others we plan to visit along the way as well, shouldn't delay the departure too long, least they begin to worry, you know how som of those rich and cosmopolitan folks are about being made to wait on an appointment, you are late by just a couple of days and they send a private army of theirs looking for you. Better have a good excuse if that happens, isn't that right Walter?" She asked, giving the man a squeeze with her hand.

Letting go of the man, the wizard beamed on the spot and virtually posed, making the most of her attire while at it as she made her introduction. "Milly Minhelm, Wizzard from the Colleges in Altdorf, Mastering the bright winds of Aqshy." Letting a few awkward seconds pass, she finally broke out of her 'flair'. "I suppose I stand as a good example of the rather 'peculiar' kind of friend a well traveled, humble and liked man like Walter would make, although I am far from the more rich and powerful ones. but that is beyond the point now, I am afraid we will have to delay that meal, we are quite tired and would do your hospitality a disservice. Besides, we still had to go over some of the details of the route Herr Walter and his family had planned, you see, we intended to meet back again along the road, along with some other friends. A happy coincidence it is that he decided to take to the road when so many of us were in it, not for the whole trip but for a good part, we can travel together. Long journeys get dull in sparse company and the roads and rivers are far safer when traveling in numbers."

It was a mouthful to say in one go of course but the wizard was prone to getting carried away and running her mouth to no end. More importantly, it was as best as she could do to try and ensure the safety of the family and the one man that had been good to them since they arrived.

Jareik perked up when the man immediately opened with the reveal that not only did he know Karl, he was the one who sent for him!
He took a seat and listened on, accepting a drink when it was offered.

As the man went on though, he started shifting, having all sorts of questions but holding his tongue for now. Just what in Sigmar's name were these lot dabbling into with their ...druidery? Etain described them as holy men but he was starting to fear the great enemy might be involved somehow, there was cause enough to inform the witch hunters and have them look into this whole affair.

He eyed Etain warily as she asked for details of these rituals, he will give her the benefit of the doubt for now, if Albion was a land of people devoted to chaos like Norsca, he surely would have heard about it.

But their theological discussion was cut short with some unexpected arrivals.

Jareik eyed the men cooly as they entered and tipped his hat. "Evenin' fellas."
He watched on with some bemusement at the wizard's flamboyance and introduced himself in the lull after her.
"Name's Jareik. It's as the wizard says." He shrugged, might aswell continue this piece of theater. "We done most of the heavy lifting but certainly appreciate the spirit of the offer."
This message was last edited by the player at 13:01, Fri 19 Feb 2021.

Etain moves over to Marie while resting her hand on the top of her axe keeping it slightly behind Marie so as not to be obvious that she was ready but kept a smile on her face when the door opened.

She let the others do the talking seeing as how her accent and 'barbarian looks' tended to do her any favours especially in this hostile place.

The large Sheriff eyed Milly and the rest and nodded.
"I did not make myself clear. Pardons. I can and will not accept a no, I will take it as an insult if you refuse. It is, tradition around here, that head of the city....welcome new faces properly to our small area of the empire. So let's not discuss this, you will come along. Come. The Inn awaits us...Milly, Jareik and the rest of you. As stated, we will make sure Walter is okay and aided."
He eyed the curiously as if both intrigued but also offended by them.
"I must insist, you speak well and your tales are of great interest to me. Your sights, experiences and learnings. Please. Come, share and have some of the towns specialities."

"But I must insist, we are tired and have much to discuss regarding the trip and the next few days. We will enjoy your hospitality once we have settled our affairs. If you will wait until then, please." Asserted the Wizard, just as adamant about their stance.

Marie glanced back at Etain, taking reassurance from her presence, but also indicating to her that she was more than prepared to protect her better half should this encounter come to blows.

"Mon bon shérif, we do not wish to be rude. However, it as as Sorcier Minhelm says. We have matters to attend to, and we can enjoy the full bounty of your hospitality when we have completed it, have no fear," Marie said diplomatically.

"I understand wishing to do your duty, but such pleasantry must give way to the needs of the moment. I pray you do not push further. My name is Marie Arceneaux, granddaughter of Rodolphe Arceneaux, Baron of Martialis. I might find such quaint country hospitality quickly change into insolence, shérif," the noblewoman continued, a flinty edge coming into her voice.