Tales of the Old World 9

<Tales_GM> After ransacking the troll's lair, the party makes its way back to the city of Ubersreik. The winding roads take you to lower altitudes until you are parallel to the Teufel river - a sign that the last few miles of road are ahead.
<Tales_GM> Given the increasing tension among Altdorf and Jungfreud loyalists, you are not surprised to find a checkpoint ahead. You are waved down and instructed to stop well before you reach it.
* Shivva_Runna brings the horses to a stop.
<Tales_GM> "Hold, there. Remain seated on the---
<Tales_GM> The soldier retches, as he bends at the waist.
<Tales_GM> "What in Sigmar's name is that?!"
* Thorek opens the door and finds the soldier retching. "A troll's head. My cousin slew it with our help. I digress though, master umgi. IF you could let us through post haste I'd apprecaite it. I have a fugitive to bring in and a meeting with the Witch Hunter Wittenheim."
<Tales_GM> Steiger takes the opportunity to shove his way out of the coach, but is caught firm by Roderick before he can fully step out. "These men are criminals! They have taken me hostage, soldier! Arrest them!"
<Tales_GM> Swords are drawn, halberds are leveled. "Easy now, no one move!"
<Tales_GM> "They are murderers!"
* Thorek sighs. "I have bounty papers signed by General Jendrick von Dabernick, if you want to bring your Sergeant forward to inspect them I'll be more than glad to bring them out."
<Tales_GM> "Silence! The dwarf claims you are a bounty. Hold your tongue while I inspect his papers."
* Thorek slowly digs the bounty paper out and hands it over.
* Roderick shakes Steiger a bit emphasizing the threat made by the guard.
<Tales_GM> Hiding his nose under his tunic, the soldier receives the bounty and reads it through.
<Tales_GM> "Udo Steiger, eh?" he says at last, trying to get a brief look at the man inside. "General sure is eager to make your acquaintance, captain."
<Tales_GM> "Sheathe your weapons. Let them through," he says to his men. Then, turning to you once more he offers some advice. "Entering town with... that," he nods to the putrid bag dangling from the back of the coach, "is sure to make you unpopular something fast."
<Thorek> "Aye, but it'll keep the gawkers away at least. You have my thanks master umgi." He takes his papers back and nods to the man before going back into the coach. "Might want to make his gag a little tighter, Roderick."
* Roderick nods and yanks Steiger back to his place, reaffixing the gag and cinching it down much tighter than before.
<Roderick> "Not talkin now ya primm bastard."
* Shivva_Runna drives the coach toward.
<Tales_GM> Steiger struggles against the gag, appearing to try to say something. The muffled groans, however, are meaningless.
<Thorek> "Might wanna block his sight while we're at it?"
<Tales_GM> Steiger manages a sharp, hateful glare at Thorek.
* Thorek just shakes his head with a sigh.
* Roderick reaches over and slowly presses his fingers into Steiger's hate filled eyes for a few seconds before calmly removing them.
<Thorek> "Aye, don't blind him. That's not for us to do."
<Tales_GM> Steiger's face goes deep red as he screams in pain.
<Seig> the scream wakes Seig from his nap.
<Roderick> After withdrawing his fingers he does as Thorek suggests and wraps Steiger's old undergarments around his eyes to block his view from there on.
<Far_Foririan> "Well that sounds painful." he says from his seat up front with Shivva.
<Roderick> "He's not blind, but now he can't glare if he wanted ta."
<Tales_GM> At last, Ubersreik's walls appear within view. The coach moves onward over the Olb bridge, and down the winding path parralel to the walls, until at last you reach the North Gate.
<Tales_GM> Of all the city's entrances, the North Gate is the most guarded, as it enters directly into the Precinct. Here, the Chapel of Ulric, Magnus's Tower, the North Temple of Sigmar, and two major Barracks are located. These now house the majority of the Altdorf soldiers occupying the city, and it is where wanted men like Steiger are brought in for summary trials, and swift executions. Marking
<Tales_GM> the ruthless nature of this purge are the rotting heads mounted atop spikes as you look up to the heights of the grand walls surrounding the city.
* Far_Foririan directs Shivva to stop the coach at the gate.
<Roderick> "They've changed the decor a bit since we were last here eh Thorek?"
* Shivva_Runna brings the horses to a stop.
<Tales_GM> "Ulric's cock, what in the hells are you carrying in there?" you're asked by a disgusted Altdorf sentry as you approach the gate.
<Thorek> "Slew a troll." Thorek opens the coach and hops out. "My cousin has some means to make a trophy out of it." He scratches his chin. "I'm here to turn in a bounty," he pulls out his bounty paper for the guard to inspect. "I'll also need to be directed to where Witch Hunter Wittenheim is so I can report to him after."
<Far_Foririan> "Well it is part of my study on Dwarfs and ones obsession with the head of a troll," he says in addition.
<Afrock> "Aye."
<Seig> "Its definitely worse than pickled herring but not cripplingly so."
<Tales_GM> "Not a fuckin' chance you're bringin' that in. You'll spook the horses. Barracks are just down the road to the right, 'cross the Tower. If you reach the Mess 'n Bucket, you've gone too far."
<Thorek> "Oy! Afrock, you'll have to bury the thing out here for now!" He yells back at the coach in Khazalid.
<Afrock> [Khazalid] "How deep?"
<Thorek> [Khazalid] "I'm not a troll farmer, cousin! You'd know better than I would. A couple of feet should do it. I gather you'll be coming back to get it anyways."
<Afrock> [Khazalid] "Aye."
<Afrock> "Oy Shivva need your help burying the troll head."
<Shivva_Runna> "Must I?"
<Tales_GM> "Sort it, or abort it Dawi. Keep the traffic moving."
<Roderick> "You know diggin we need to be about our business so help him hurry it up.:"
* Shivva_Runna hopes off the driver's seat. He says "I did not sign up for troll buryin'."
<Thorek> "Aye move the coach over a bit and get it done quickly."
* Afrock grabs the troll head and prepares for a quick burial.
* Shivva_Runna points toward the hedge line and says to Afrock "Let's put it there."
<Afrock> "Aye.' and moves to the spot.
* Shivva_Runna starts digging with a crowbar.
* Afrock helps as best he can.
<Tales_GM> This strange attempt has more than one passer-by double-takes as they travel into, or out of, the city.
* Far_Foririan parks the coach off to the side while the wait.
<Shivva_Runna> "Alright, I think this is deep enough."
<Afrock> "Not like anyone would want to steal this."
<Shivva_Runna> "You'd be surprised."
* Shivva_Runna starts burying the head.
<Afrock> "You umgies are a strange bunch."
<Shivva_Runna> "Get some twigs and stones so we can mark the 'grave'."
* Afrock quickly grabs some loose foliage to mark the 'grave'.
<Shivva_Runna> "That will do."
<Afrock> "Let's head back."
<Shivva_Runna> "Yup." Shivva heads back to the coach.
* Shivva_Runna gets into the driver's seat and drives the coach forwards into the barracks.
* Thorek thanks the guard before hopping back aboard. "To the barracks, Shivva!"
<Shivva_Runna> "I heard ya."
<Seig> "We should inquire about getting the river swan released too, having a Bargemaster owing us a favour could be handy."
<Thorek> "Aye, I'll mention it. Hopefully that was the only reason it was impounded."
<Tales_GM> The coach enters the city, passing through an open square just north of the Magnus Tower complex. For some 200 yards you ride forward, until you reach the Watch Barracks.
<Thorek> Once Shivva brings the coach to halt just at the gate Thorek hops out again and greets the guards. "I'm told this is where I am to bring in high-value bounties?"
<Tales_GM> "Aye, roll on through. The custodian will meet you in the courtyard, have your papers in order."
<Thorek> "Thank you, master umgi." Thorek hops aboard, though instead of hopping back inside he reaches up for one of the handles and rides on the outside. "My legs are going to be sore by the end of today."
* Roderick notices Thorke is hanging off the coach by a handle. "You not able ta reach the steps this time Thorek?"
<Thorek> "Hah! You're some comedian, Roderick." He shakes his head.
<Afrock> "Don't fall off cousin."
<Tales_GM> The coach rolls in, and a bored-looking soldier guides Shivva to bring it just outside a wide wooden door.
* Shivva_Runna drives the coach into the courtyard.
* Roderick continues to chuckle. "I'm laughin and that's good enough for me!."
<Tales_GM> An officer in distinctive uniform exits, then, a woman in her mid-20s with a full mane of red hair. "Captain Andrea Pfeffer, Custodian of the Watch. Who is the licensed bounty hunter here?"
<Thorek> The dwarf hops off the coach and steps towards the Captain. "Captain Pfeffer. Thorek Damnazeki, registered with the Dawihafen Thief-Catchers guild." He presents his bounty paper. "I have Udo Steiger inside, ready to be brought forward for your collecting."
<Tales_GM> "Steiger?" she repeats, nodding over to a scribe who immediately re-enters the building.
<Tales_GM> Shortly thereafter, two soldiers in Altdorf colors exit. A third one, a rider, takes off at full gallop.
<Tales_GM> "Bring the prisoner out."
* Seig steps out of the coach to stretch his legs and to make way for Steiger.
* Roderick  opens the coach door and force Steiger out of the coach onto the stone ground and follows him onto the pavement.
<Thorek> "Aye, slipper bastard this one. Thankfully we caught him just outside the border of Black Rock." He turns to summon Rorderick, and sees he's already bringhing him out.
<Roderick> "One Jungfreud shite-licker as promised."
<Tales_GM> "How unorthodox," she calmly observes.
<Thorek> "He's mostly unharmed though, as you can see." He gestures with a hand.
<Tales_GM> "Escort the prisoner to be seen by the physician," she instructs to the soldiers beside her. "You can follow me inside. Paperwork and proof of identity will be reviewed."
<Thorek> "Aye, Roderick, mind grabbing the personal effects for me?"
<Seig> "You need us all here Captain or can we run some errands while the boss deals with this?"
<Seig> "Wouldn't mind washing this troll stench off is all..."
* Roderick fishes out the signet ring, tabard of rank and the document proving Steiger's identity. "Aye got all of it here."
<Tales_GM> The soldiers take indelicate custody of Steiger, shoving him through the broad wooden doors to the gaolhouse.
* Roderick moves toward Thorek and the Captain, preparing to follow them inside.
<Tales_GM> "You are not being detained," she replies to Seig.
<Afrock> "Need me cousin?"
* Roderick turns to the others. "Don't run off, we have an appointment after this. Shower after."
<Tales_GM> Pfeffer nods for you to follow and heads inside the barracks.
<Thorek> "Aye, we still have someone else to talk with after, besdies you want your share of the coin, yeah?"
<Thorek> "Just wait out here for now." He joins Roderick in going inside.
<Afrock> "Fair enough, lead the way."
<Seig> "Hah saying I can't trust you yet eh? Fair game."
* Seig grabs the bedroll we acquired and lays it out on the roof of the coach before getting comfortable ontop of it.
<Tales_GM> "Have a seat," Pfeffer instructs you as you enter her office.
* Afrock leans against the coach and takes a seat.
* Roderick nods and takes one the offered chairs.
<Roderick> of*
* Far_Foririan takes a moment to read over his one page of note he has taken.
<Tales_GM> "While we await my physician's assessment, please provide identifying evidence."
* Roderick places the signet ring, tabard of rank and the document proving Steiger's identity all on the table in a row in front of the captain.
* Thorek takes a seat as Roderick places the evidence before the woman.
<Tales_GM> She begins with the signet ring, observing it closely before making notes on fresh parchment. She repeats the same for the other identifying items.
<Thorek> "I'd present his horse as well, but it was unfortunately slain by a troll we encountered on the way back. Now that was a fight."
<Tales_GM> "Where did you recover your quarry?"
<Roderick> "Less than ten miles give or take from the border of the Duchy of Black Rock. Jungfreuds already have men that far in with checkpoints n all."
<Thorek> "Aye, we took him beyond the checkpoint and had had to make out way back using a woodland path to avoid the checkpoint."
<Tales_GM> "You are certain you did not cross the border into the Duchy?"
* Far_Foririan reaches into his writing kit he pulls out his newly acquired reading lens and then goes to pull out his book on the History of the Elder Race, as he does so he see the Book of Magic he has also acquired, the book is locked still and he hasn't had the time to begin to study it much but for the time being he lets it be and pulls out the history text instead and begins to read over it.
<Thorek> "Yes Captain. We ran him off the road and took him about a mile past the checkpoint. We were still in the Barony of Lady's Vale."
<Tales_GM> She notes your answer on the parchment.
<Roderick> "Sure as sure, I know the roads round here and everything was still familiar if only just. Thorek speaks the truth, we were still in the Lady's Vale."
<Tales_GM> You are interrupted for a brief moment as the scribe you saw outside hands her a report.
<Tales_GM> "The prisoner is unable to speak. The physician's opinion states this may be due to bruised and prossibly cracked ribs. Care to explain the circumstances behind these injuries?"
<Thorek> "Funny, he could speak plenty when we reached the Ubersreik checkpoint not twenty minutes ago." He narrows his eyes at the scribe.
<Roderick> "Oh that slimy shite can speak. He tried to get us arested at the checkpoint a few miles outside o town."
<Tales_GM> "The injuries. How did he incur them?"
<Roderick> "Give me a few minutes with him and he'll sing ya bawdy song."
<Thorek> "He was thrown from his horse. We ran him off the road with the wagon."
<Tales_GM> "I see."
<Tales_GM> She takes a short pause to write down some more, this time taking the time to choose her words carefully as she writes.
<Tales_GM> "The checkpoint you mentioned. It was before the Olb bridge?"
<Roderick> "It was."
<Roderick> "I'm even sure the guards will remember. Ask em if ya like. Just tell em it was the group with the troll head, right Thorek?"
<Tales_GM> She scribbles more. "Those men will be returning from rotation shortly. They will be brought in to corroborate your account.
<Roderick> "Hard to forget a smell like that for sure."
<Thorek> "Aye, poor umgi retched the moment he approached us."
<Thorek> "We have the head buried just outside the north gate if you need that fetched as well. Your men outside wouldn't let us bring it inside, you see."
<Tales_GM> "What you have done here is of great importance to the General. Your previous reputation in Dawihafen will be given its due weight. You will be rewarded in full, lest the prisoner is truly found to be mute when the interrogators commence their work. Understand that deception in this regard is a crime punishable by death."
<Thorek> "I am well aware, Captain Pfeffer, he's the genuine article."
<Tales_GM> She produces a key ring, and opens a small metal strongbox.
<Tales_GM> "Per the bounty, the reward will be granted direclty to you. The matter of recompense for any deputies assisting you is for you to decide."
<Tales_GM> "Twelve Gold Crowns, base guaranteed pay," she says placing a stack of gold coins on the table.
<Thorek> "Aye, I understand." He answers to how he should pay the deputies.
<Tales_GM> "The General has allowed me room for bonus rewards which I will now allow you to choose."
<Tales_GM> Placing a smaller stack down, she then reaches into a drawer and places a small strip of pre-written parchment down next to it.
<Tales_GM> "I am allowed to reward you half again, for another six Gold Crowns. Or, in your case, I may sign this license over to formalize your entry into the Ubersreik Bounty Hunter's Guild, by the General's own recommendation and authority."
<Roderick> "Get the license Thorek. We only agreed on the 12 n you can bring us more lucrative work with that in hand."
<Thorek> "Grimnir's beard." He says with a heavy breath. "Better than I could have hoped." He nods to Roderick. "No offense Roderick but that would have been my choice anyways." He nods to the Captain. "I'll take that license, Captain."
<Tales_GM> "Thorek Damnazeki," she says as she writes out your name in the indicated space, "I, and the Altdof Occupation Authority, look forward to your continued service."
<Tales_GM> She signs the license, and pushes it in your direction.
<Thorek> He accepts it, handling the license as if it were the softest silk. "Aye. I look forward to it, Captain." He rolls the parchment up and puts it away.
<Thorek> "Can you direct us to where Witch Hunter Wittenheim would be? We have business with him as well."
<Tales_GM> "Lord Wittenheim has taken office in Saint Arnold's Chapel, in Black Rock."
<Tales_GM> "Though, I would not approach if he is not expecting you."
* Roderick glances toward Thorek. "Expected or not we were bidden to report to him on a grave matter, time is of the essence."
<Thorek> "Aye, a Road Warden Sergeant has written a report about an incident we were involved in and sent it. Better we go now than wait for a summons. As my friend here says time is of the essence. Thank you Captain, I hope to be seeing you again soon for more work. Is there anything else you need from us?"
<Tales_GM> "Then take this with you. You will be permitted full access without being accosted," she says producing another small piece of parchment, and stamps it next to her signature. "Do not delay. This pass will only last you the day."
* Roderick scoops up the day pass.
<Tales_GM> She rises from her seat. "Ulric's blessings to you."
<Roderick> "Thank you Captain, Ranald favor you. Let's go Thorek."
* Roderick heads outside and moves towards the coach.
<Thorek> "Aye, my thanks again Captain." He turns with Roderick and walks out.
* Seig leaps off the coach and walks over, catching them as they are leaving. "Did you remember to ask about the Riverswan?"
<Roderick> "Nah, just hop in an ask her mate, but be quick we don't wanna keep Wittenheim waitin."
* Seig steps past the pair and knocks on the office door. "Pardon my intrusion can I have a minute of your time captain?"
<Tales_GM> "You're with Thorek, yes? What is your name?"
<Seig> "Seig Fluss ma'am"
<Seig> "Served on the River Swan before getting swept up on this job, although this is half a guess It got impounded due to possible relation to the bounty? If'in so I was hoping it could be released, I owe the Bargemaster a favour."
<Seig> "Since this would absolve them of being related to his escape an all that."
<Tales_GM> "I have no knowledge of the impound, but I will be sure to clear that with the General's staff," she says with a nod.
* Seig nods "Thanks kindly ma'am." before backing back out of the room and returning to the coach.
<Thorek> Once everyone is gathered at the coach Thorek will pay everyone their share of the bounty. "As promised." He says with a grin as he hands everyone two gold.
<Far_Foririan> "Well now I should be able to by more paper soon, that is once we have a chance."
<Afrock> "Hopefully I can get a better weapon."
<Seig> "Hopefully we'll have some downtime once we make that report."
<Shivva_Runna> "Finally, some we can get some good food and ale. Eh, Boss?"
<Thorek> "We still have more business to be about though before all that, lads."
<Roderick> "Soon Shivva. We gotta meet with Wittenheim first. Speaking of let's get a move on. Take us to Saint Arnold's Chapel."
* Shivva_Runna gets to the coach.
* Far_Foririan puts away his book and the lens and they get ready to move out.
* Seig climbs back ontop of the coach enjoying the open space.
<Tales_GM> True to her word, the Captain's pass lets you through the heavily guarded entrance to the fortress of Black Rock. Here, the General, his staff, and high Imperial Officials take court.
<Tales_GM> You pass the vast courtyard towards the von Jungfreuds's former seat of power. Fine, ancient architecture, both beautiful and menacing, a projection of power. As you reach the chapel, you spot across the inner courtyard a knight of the Reiksguard, imposing and powerful. Even a single one of the knights is a sight to behold.
<Seig> "Heh we're a smidge out of place eh."
<Tales_GM> The sigmarite chapel is one of the oldest buildings in Ubersreik, and its architecture is simple, and humble. It is dedicated to Saint Arnold, a martyr who died defending his sacred texts from desecration at the hands of invading Greenskins centuries ago.
<Roderick> "We are Seig. But we should focus on the task at hand for now." Roderick waits for the coach to come to a stop outside of the chapel and climbs out, moving towards the front door.
* Thorek climbs out and follows Roderick. "Aye lads, with me."
* Seig jumps off the coach.
* Afrock follows Thorek.
* Far_Foririan climbs down from the co driver seat and follows the group.
* Shivva_Runna follows the group.
<Tales_GM> At the far end of the pulpit a single robed woman lights candles before the altar. The Chapel is otherwise nearly empty, with three occupants sitting along the pews in silent prayer. What catches your attention almost immediately, however, is the well-lit statue to Saint Arnold, standing defiant on the left face of the chapel.
* Roderick makes the sign of Sigmar before approaching the robed woman.
* Roderick speaks quietly once near her. "Madam I am here on urgent business if you can point me in the direction of Lord Wittenheim I would be very grateful."
<Tales_GM> "Light a candle with me, my son," she replies.
* Roderick nods and lights a candle under the direction of the woman. "Very well."
<Tales_GM> The candle takes flame, adding to the votive lighting at the altar. A voice then echoes across the chapel. "Such multifaceted piety, Mr. Haynes."
* Roderick turns towards the voice. "Piety towards Ranald does not mean I cannot also be a servant of Sigmar."
<Tales_GM> "Sister Habercorn, please guide the pious to an outside prayer," he says then, his voice just behind Thorek.
<Tales_GM> The robed woman gives Roderick a curt bow before gently signaling for those in prayer to follow her out of the chapel.
* Thorek turns to face the witch hunter, arms folded.
<Tales_GM> "Indeed it is Sigmar who stands at the center of the pantheon," Wittenheim replies as the chapel doors shut behind him.
* Far_Foririan turns to look as well.
<Tales_GM> "Though perhaps your compatriots would have... errant opinions on the matter," he says scanning across the non-human faces.
<Roderick> "They serve Sigmar's will even if they do not believe."
<Thorek> "That's a polite way to put it, Master Witch Hunter." He says with a low laugh.
<Afrock> "I'm just here for a good fight."
<Tales_GM> "The elder race may be forgiven in such matters, for Sigmar found you worthy," he says with a short, barely polite bow of the head.
* Far_Foririan reminds silent, not sure yet what to make of this witch hunter yet, but announce comes to mind for the moment.
<Tales_GM> "Thorek Damnazeki, Afrock Bryntok, Far'foririan, Seig Fluss, Shivva Runna; you will join Mr. Haynes now as I conduct my inquiry. Your lives have changed by your encounter with the unnatural. And they will change once more at the conclusion of my investigation."