So I don't want to give away too many spoilers but you guys have a few options here.

Technically speaking we haven't really started the 'Ashes of Middenheim' adventure yet. That kicks into gear when you return the relic Father Dietrich gave you to the Temple of Sigmar. I think it's a fun adventure and I'm eager to start it but I'm also aware you guys are running low on funds and also might just want to do little city exploring on your own right, which I'm happy to run for you - there are definitely some shorter adventure elements I can pull in and run with my own ideas and it might be nice to give you guys a bit of a feel for the place.

So I'm willing to run whichever direction you want to try - straight into the main plot, or a 'breather' with some sandbox adventuring and city exploring before picking things back up. Or, and I'm leaning towards this, maybe a third option - as written the campaign adventure is pretty tight but I could stretch things out a little to give you room to do other things and bring in maybe a few opportunities for you to make money and friends (and lose money and make enemies) while sticking with the main plot.

Is there any in-game reason why we should rush with returning the relic? If not, I would opt to do some sandboxing before we jump in to play the main story.

(After suffering several bruises, Klinka would like to supply himself with some armour... definitely from a dwarf armourer if he can find one.)

I quite like that you've dropped in a few seeds or hints to latch onto in terms of Middenheim and gives us scope to roam.  I carry on expecting the relic to be pickpocketing so getting shut of it (and starting the adventure) is a good thing.

I guess one thing I would be mindful of is somehow ensuring we have enough money for living expenses in the city so it doesn't get in the way of enjoying the adventure

I am good with both, sandbox or main adventure.

Fyodor is not sure what his next steps are, he still has no idea what the "Light of Green" he is searching for is.

Btw how do post/mark conversations in different languages?

In reply to Fyodor Fyodoreski (msg # 386):

GM will have to set up language groups. Not a common feature, but definitely a useful one:-)

Also a fan of plot seeds!

Hope I have the language groups right...

[Language unknown: Sonencugh vir il ad stto?]

[Language unknown: Nteineday are thi pr ect?]

Can everyone see that text even if it is gibberish?

Yes, and both are gibberish to me

Thanks for the feedback, very helpful. :)

As I've said I'm reluctant to give away any spoilers but I thought I better check a few things. I'm sensitive to the fact that you are bruised and short on gold. There are opportunities to earn a wage in the main plot but I appreciate it might be nice to have a nest egg!

You are currently in the second biggest city in the Empire so there are a lot of opportunities here for your characters if you want to seek them out - really except for very rural lore or anything to do with boats (you are in basically the most landlocked major city in the Old World) you can probably find a little bit of everything, though of course it might be hard or dangerous to gain or learn. Likewise the war and siege have shaken things up, so if anyone is looking to start their own business or something like that now might be your time!

I'll try and keep plot seeds coming your way anyway (God bless the Gossip skill as a tool for GMs...)

Yes I can read that.

How do I use it?

We could start a mercenary company :D

In reply to Fyodor Fyodoreski (msg # 393):

Only if we add a disclosure we don't take prisoners. And we don't engage enemies in fist fights;-)

You use it as a private line, Fyodor (scroll down and find Private to language group).

In reply to Harkrin 'Klinka' (msg # 394):

Check and Check.


Think i did this right then. Does it show up properly?

All good, for all Klinka understands Fyodor could be starting another fight;-)

He is testing out Imperial pick up lines on Kislivite rock stars ...

Make a Fellowship test Fyodor and also a Common Knowledge Kislev test.

In reply to Game Master (msg # 398):

08:32, Today: Fyodor Fyodoreski rolled 23 using 1d100.  Fellowship 32.

08:32, Today: Fyodor Fyodoreski rolled 36 using 1d100.  CK - Kislev 27

I know Magnus wants to examine the sword this evening which I'll get to shortly but what plans do people have for the morning?

As a reminder you still have a map of Middenheim (in 'Game Map'). Obviously it doesn't list every significant location - not remotely close - but it should give you some idea of the city layout.

Klinka will take a bath and then retire to the common room. Next morning he will be eager to visit Brokk Ranulfsson and check if the man would not have any job for a capable dwarf. Next on his list will be finding a reliable armourer.

Pieter is keen for a bath, too, and thenn he will want to investigate the street where Greta (Gertrude?) said she worked. Happy to summarise rather than split the party, if it helps. Tomorrow he wants to seek out that merchant to try and extort get paid and maybe get some introductions to the chap's Guild for some gigs. He will probably want to return the relic tomorrow too

I was tempted to assign insanity points for a few of you characters who are less than familiar with baths but finally decided that might be slightly too much. :-)

As soon as I hear Lukas, Fyodor and Magnus's plans for the morning I'll push forward. They don't need to be concrete plans, but a general idea would be helpful.
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:09, Sun 20 Nov 2022.

I laughed reading that description of having a bath for the first time.  Lukas will be a new man!

I am at a bit of a loose end with him though as he has no specific goals in Middenheim and other than the assembled group and the former townsfolk knows no one in the city.

I think we heard that the Watch are recruiting which may be fun for some city based encounters and a way of earning some money but I fear that this would be a distraction from our main goals.  It's either really funny or totally inappropriate for a convict and an outlaw to sign up.

I think Lukas is keen to see the relic returned as that's something desired by one of the old townsfolk who he has loyalty to, but if that kick-starts things he's happy to tag along with someone else.

Definitely need to make some coin one way or the other.

Likely both, so I'm up for this, especially as Pieter is trying to contact the Thieves Guild