Tales of the Old World 28

<Tales_GM> The year is 2512 on the Imperial Calendar...
<Tales_GM> The Journey's End is a large, respectable inn with comfortable furnishings and attentive staff. The main building has a large common room with tables, a few booths, and a central fire pit. There is a small stage in the one corner, where a variety of musicians entertain the guests, although the music is never too loud and never too vulgar. Above, there are two floors of private rooms
<Tales_GM> and suites.
<Tales_GM> It is here that you awaken, at the private room made available to you by Magistrate Richter. The memory of yesterday's events still haunt you... the dismembered goblin remains, the daemonic apparition, the grueling journey back to the surface, and then the strange claim that your services were no longer needed; the goblin, it was said, had already been captured -killed, in fact- in a
<Tales_GM> warehouse by the docks, an hour before you emerged back on the surface. Unable to grant you a hearing for the rest of the day, the streets were empty, folks unwilling to step outside. At day's end, you made your way to your lodgings - above you, Morrslieb rising full, larger, and with the hints of a grinning skull beginning to appear on its surface...
<Tales_GM> "Ten shillings..." Kruger reads off with a sigh at a bill slipped underneath the door.
<Roderick> "We'll settle up once we see the Magistrate."
<Thorek> "Sounds like we're being stiffed." Thorek grumbles.
<Tales_GM> The smell of breakfast reaches you not long before a knock on the door catches you attention.
* Afrock grumbles.
<Shivva> "Sounds like everyday of our lives."
<Shivva> "Never gettin' a break."
* Roderick glances at his companions then at the door, wondering who could be troubling them so early.
<Tales_GM> The knock comes again, this time a voice follows. "Mr. Haynes, we are serving breakfast," the sweet tones of a woman's voice calls, softly.
<Roderick> "Thank you. We'll be down shortly."
<Tales_GM> You hear her footsteps fade away as she takes her leave.
<Thorek> "At least the food smells good for Umgi affair."
* Afrock nods
<Roderick> "We'll dine then see about a meeting with the Magistrate."
* Roderick stands and moves towards the door.
<Shivva> "Hopefully, we can find a clothing shop to fix my robes."
<Thorek> "Aye." Thorek agrees simply, feeling much better since yesterday's drinking and sewer-jack adventure.
* Shivva grabs his bag.
* Afrock grabs his gear.
<Tales_GM> Along the common room, guests gather on the tables and are served their breakfast, the doors are still closed to anyone outside.
<Roderick> "Make sure an bring all that you'll need so we can get moving right after we break fast."
<Tales_GM> Ensuring the staff keep to their duties is an attractive woman in her late 30s, Odelina Landau, the owner and Innkeeper of the establishment.
<Thorek> "Ah, I'll return shortly then." The bounty hunter turns back up the stairs and gathers his things before joining the rest at a table. "I think I smell pork."
<Tales_GM> "Mr. Haynes, and company, I am glad you have decided to join us," she says while her staff finishes setting a table for you.
* Afrock prepares his straw for breakfast.
* Shivva pulls out his mortar and pestle.
<Tales_GM> "The articles of clothing you left with my staff last night will shortly be brought up to your room. One shilling for each of you, paid at your convenience," she says with a smile and sweetness of tone that the billing almost sounds like a compliment.
<Roderick> "Very much appreciated Madame Landau." Roderick nods in thanks at the pleasant Innkeeper.
* Afrock nods his head toward the innkeeper.
<Thorek> "Much appreciated indeed." Thorek adds from his side of the table.
<Tales_GM> Leaning in as you take a seat, she takes on a hushed tone. "And I am sorry about the change of heart on part of the Magistrate's office. We were only informed earlier this morning."
<Thorek> "Is the Magistrate the type to go back on his word about such things, mistress umgi?"
<Tales_GM> "I wouldn't say so. The gentleman who came by grunted something about terms of a contract. I'm afraid I didn't inquire further... Don't stall on my account, darling," she says straightening up, "These gentlemen need to be served before their ham goes cold". The young server nods, and approaches with your food.
* Thorek lets out a long sigh, making his mustache and beard wave in the effort. "This Magistrate would give some of the dwarven merchant's a run for their gold."
<Tales_GM> "They've had a rough time, dear. When you're able to come back around, bring them a round of the in-house brew," she says to her with a wink.
<Tales_GM> Another servant, a young man, takes to the stairs with a stack of clean laundry wrapped in white linen.
<Thorek> That got the dwarf's attention. He just hoped it was actually good, umgi brews could be weak at the best of times. "My thanks, mistress umgi."
<Thorek> "Hope your straw's prepared cousin."
<Tales_GM> Out the window, you are able to see the twin spires of the High Temple of Sigmar rise behind the buildings across the road. The sun strikes them so, that they glow bright as gold.
* Afrock holds up his straw.
<Tales_GM> "Sigmar illuminate our path," Kruger says, eyes fixed on the sight.
* Thorek notes the glow of the building as it catches the rays of the morning sun. It reminds him of the stories of some of the dwarf holds, no doubt dwarven builders helped conceive the very temple for this kind of effect.
<Thorek> "And may Grimnir strengthen our resolve and strength." He says as the waitress brings the food and drink.
* Shivva uses the mortar to make a 'soup' for Afrock.
<Tales_GM> A round of the in-house brew arrives.
* Shivva passes the mess of mashed food to Afrock. He says "Let me know if I need to mash it some more."
* Afrock starts sucking the mash with his straw.
<Roderick> "A fine spread Madame Landau. Compliments to your establishment and your staff for making our stay pleasant.
<Roderick> "
* Afrock gives a thumbs up to Shivva.
<Shivva> "Good." He eats his breakfast.
<Tales_GM> "You are very kind to say so, Mr. Haynes."
* Thorek enjoys the food and ale, surprised by how decent the brew is. "My compliments to the brewmeister. It's quite good." He says to the owner the next time she comes by.
<Roderick> "Just the truth Madame."
<Tales_GM> "I will be sure to tell Gurni of your appreciation for his brew," she says with a nod.
* Roderick cleans his plate using bits of bread to mop up ham juices.
* Afrock manages to finish his meal with a loud slurp.
<Thorek> "Gurni? Ahhhhh, no wonder it's good." He recognizes a dwarf name when he hears one.
<Roderick> "I hope your jaw heals quickly Afrock. That was quite the sound." Roderick leans back in his chair slightly.
* Afrock grunts in agreement.
<Shivva> "It might be awhile. The injury was great."
<Tales_GM> As the guests finish up, the Journey's End opens its doors to the general public. Tables are cleared, and the staff gets ready at the bar.
* Thorek finishes his meal and ale in better spirits than when they first came down. "Right then. Shall we go pay the Magistrate a visit?"
* Roderick nods. "We should. Best to get all of this settled."
<Tales_GM> You make your way back to the Magistrate. The streets slowly begin to fill as the festival-goers rise for another day of activity.
<Tales_GM> "Doomed! We are all doomed! Chaos is upon us! The signs are everywhere!"
<Tales_GM> As you make a turn, you see the filthy-looking wretch with long stringy hair speaking of doom with a shaking fist.
<Tales_GM> "The star within the circle is the sign of Death! Beware the man who is not a man!"
<Thorek> "Well, it's a comfort to see that even here we come upon umgi doom sayers."
<Far_Foririan> "Yep, this is like the second one we ran into on our journey?"
<Tales_GM> "The Mark!" he exclaims as you get close. He stares closely at Shivva. "The Mark is upon you!" he yells with sudden vehemence. "Beware the bringers of Chaos!"
<Tales_GM> Then, just as suddenly, he turns and runs into the crowd.
* Shivva shrugs.
<Roderick> "That is twice now Shivva."
<Shivva> "I think it might be the smell from the sewer."
<Roderick> "That was washed out mate."
<Shivva> "Maybe."
<Thorek> "I wonder if it's related to that plot involving his 'twin.'"
<Roderick> "Could be." Roderick scratches his chin.
<Tales_GM> You make your way past, despite the looks of passers-by, and reach the Festival Court.
<Shivva> "The city is getting less and less friendly as the days go."
<Tales_GM> When you arrive, you can hear the court in session. Richter asks questions and hears answers in a case involving two brawling laborers.
<Thorek> "Ah right, how do you think we can get time to talk to the Magistrate? The umgi must be busy with these cases."
<Tales_GM> His clerk, a young woman, asks why you're here as soon as she sees you approach.
<Roderick> "We find an aide and have him let the Magistrate know that we have important business that goes beyond a simple capturing of a mutant goblin."
<Roderick> "Ah here we are."
<Roderick> "Please inform Magistrate Richter that Witch Hunter Haynes has business to discuss, impress upon him the importance and if it helps, mention that it doesn't pertain to the contract."
<Roderick> "It involves the welfare of the city and it's people."
<Tales_GM> "The Magistrate is hearing a case. Perhaps you could return in, say, 15 minutes?"
<Roderick> "We'll wait here while you inform him and for the case to wrap up. It is important. Haste is key."
<Tales_GM> "Very well," she nods.
<Thorek> In the mean time Thorek has a listen to the proceedings as they wait. Chuckling to himself every now and again.
* Afrock takes a seat somewhere.
<Tales_GM> The petty squabble doesn't last as long as the quarter hour; it doesn't need to. The men were drinking together and while drunk, stepped out into the dark, bumped into one another. Believing they were being attacked, each began to swing flailing fists at one another until a member of the city watch stopped, and apprehended them. They are fined for causing a disturbance to the peace, and
<Tales_GM> the Magistrate's clerk goes to him to wrap up the necessary record-keeping.
<Tales_GM> Shortly thereafter, you are allowed to see Richter.
<Tales_GM> "Mr. Haynes. What a shame about your false start. But no matter, the town is rid of the pest! Your dedication is nonetheless commendable."
<Roderick> "Yes, well while your information was incorrect, as we have the corpse of the goblin ourselves as proof. That's not what we are here about."
* Roderick gestures at Afrock.
* Afrock dumps the carcass on the floor.
<Roderick> "We found something far worse beneath Bogenhafen, Magistrate. A daemon. An entity of chaos summoned beneath your city."
<Tales_GM> "That..." he leans forward pressing spectacles to his face, "is a corpse, you say? The goblin's?"
<Roderick> "It is but is only of low of importance."
<Tales_GM> "By the heavens!" he hisses, looking around to see who-all may have heard the Witch Hunter.
<Tales_GM> "A-are you certain of this? These are not terms to be thrown around lightly, sir!"
<Roderick> "We have the evidence and questions as I now must pursue this investigation in full."
<Tales_GM> "Bailiff, the court is shut. Cases to be rescheduled. Return the prisoners, and let no one else in."
<Tales_GM> "Mr. Haynes, if you have proof it must be produced at once! The Council must be made aware of this threat, if credible!"
* Roderick waits for the court to be secured before continuing.
<Roderick> "A ritual blade, a scroll and contract for the summoning. As well as an organization name and a handkerchief we believe belongs to the practitioner of these black arts."
<Roderick> "The ritual circle itself was disrupted to the best of our abilities in the sewer but I would secure the site and purge that place entirely."
<Tales_GM> "May I examine the 'kerchief?" he asks, coming down where you stand.
* Roderick retrieves the item and allows the Magistrate to perform his examination.
<Tales_GM> "Why..." he hesitates to put his thoughts into words.
<Tales_GM> "With respect, your conclusions are misguided, sir."
* Roderick raises an eyebrow. "You base this on the handkerchief?"
<Tales_GM> He nods with a confidence even he is unsure of. "This is Councillor Steinhäger's monogram. Few men are more well-respected than he, sir."
<Roderick> "My comrades and I certainly faced a creature of corruption. That was found within a sealed room. I expect that the room actually connects underneath his property. Unless he is missing, presumably felled by the beast. Otherwise why would his kerchief be found in such a place?"
<Roderick> "Respected or not this must be investigated further. What do you make of the organization? Ordo Septinarius."
<Tales_GM> "The name means nothing to me. Is it significant?"
<Roderick> "It was inscribed at the head of the circle. I assume it the group claiming the ritual as theirs. Answers will become clear as we pursue this further."
<Tales_GM> "A cult? Gods preserve us... the Guard must be alerted! The Council!"
<Roderick> "Firstly Councillor Steinhager will be taken into custody and his property searched. Afterwards you may alert the Council and the Guards. I'll not have him tipped off that we found his den of heresy before we can capture him."
<Tales_GM> "His property searched? Sir, that will be a difficult task, the nobility would..." he trails off for a moment.
<Tales_GM> "There... there is something you must know."
* Thorek perks up at this last bit of drama.
<Tales_GM> "The- the warehouse. Where the goblin was killed. Warehouse No. 4 counting from the west end of the Ostendamn. I was told that is where the creature was killed. The warehouse, it is... it is owned by the Steinhäger family, sir."
<Roderick> "They most likely claimed credit to draw attention away from the sewers. The place where they conducted their ritual."
<Thorek> "A little convienent, Magistrate." Thorek adds.
<Tales_GM> "This... this is most shocking, sir. I will do what I can to assist."
<Roderick> "I am glad to hear this Magistrate. Write a warrant for his arrest and then have your men begin searching his offices and home. In the meantime I and my comrades will take the warrant and arrest the Councilor. This must all be done in quick succession so as not to alert him."
<Roderick> "Have them search thoroughly. Any evidence regarding the occult, heresy or a hidden door that leads into the sewers. All of these will be evidence against him. Once we have him we can convince him to give up the names of his fellow conspirators."
<Tales_GM> "It will be necessary that I bring someone in the Council into this move. I cannot act on my own authority and expect the enforcers of this town to act against its masters. Without clear evidence, my writing of such warrants will endanger even me, a servant of the law."
* Roderick scratches his chin. "Who is opposed to Steinhager?"
<Roderick> "Any Councilors who actively oppose him?"
<Roderick> "It would be unlikely that he and his enemies would work together.."
<Tales_GM> "Open enmity is rare, I must say. Though House Teugen is perhaps its rival in authority and power... and at times, in interests."
<Roderick> "And I assume they have a seat on the Council. They will be the safer option I feel if you need a Councilor on your side."
<Roderick> "Any that you say can be trusted and are well respected we cannot rely on. As evidenced by Steinhager himself. So we need someone who wouldn't work with him."
<Tales_GM> "I will go to the Town Hall at once. Do you know where the Steinhäger offices are?"
<Roderick> "Of course...there is the potential of House Teugen framing Steinhager."
<Tales_GM> Richter pauses for a moment, pensive.
<Tales_GM> "We must draw authority from somewhere, Mr. Haynes."
<Thorek> "Aye, have to choose where we prospect as my cousins say."
<Tales_GM> "If you allow me the time, I can make inquiries."
* Roderick rubs his temples. "We do this quietly then. Come with us to meet Steinhager. If we need to we can arrest him on the spot. If we discover it is the Teugen we should have no issues getting him to back us against them."
<Tales_GM> "Mr. Haynes, my presence will not shield you from repercussions. I serve the town, I am not one of its Masters."
<Roderick> "I'm not expecting you to shield me Magistrate. You know the man. I do not."
<Roderick> "Your presence also lends weight to the fact that this is an investigation. Not just a vigilante running about and fear-mongering."
<Tales_GM> "Sir, I am a Magistrate. I act on the evidence brought before the court, and apply the laws as I know them in light of that evidence. I am not an investigator, prosecutor, or field agent. Overstepping my brief will ensure that I am replaced."
<Roderick> "This is your duty. For the good of the town. For the people of Bogenhafen and the Reik. Do not allow your fear to cause you to shy from your duty. You are complying with a request from a Witch Hunter and I will ensure the powers that be know this."
<Tales_GM> He looks at you, wide-eyed for a moment, the magnitude of it all dawns on him.
<Tales_GM> Then, he shakes his head.
<Tales_GM> "Impossible, sir. Impossible."
<Tales_GM> "You are... a Witch Hunter, yes."
<Tales_GM> "But not a man with a reputation. They will bury you, and me, if this is not done correctly."
<Roderick> "I agree. Which is why a more subtle route has been chosen. A conversation to begin with. Not an arrest warrant."
<Tales_GM> "Have your conversation, Mr. Haynes. Give me something. Evidence. With it, I can expose even a member of the council."
<Roderick> "Very well Magistrate."
<Tales_GM> "Herr Steinhäger. He is... a corpulent man. Short in stature, shaved face save for a thin mustache. He tends to, erm... waddle, as he walks."
* Roderick nods and processes the information he has so far.
<Tales_GM> "Magistrate? Herr Richter? Is everything alright in here?"
<Roderick> "I am still concerned by the presence of the Kerchief....just be ready Magistrate. I will bring your evidence. We can bring this closed session to an end. My and my companions will pursue this."
<Tales_GM> "Yes. Fine. Fine," he calls out to the emerging voice. "I will be along shortly."
<Tales_GM> "Come back to me with evidence, and I can give you all the authority the law can muster."
* Roderick nods and gestures towards his companions.
<Tales_GM> . . .TO BE CONTINUED. . .