Tales of the Old World 15

<Tales_GM> The year is 2512 on the Imperial Calendar...
<Tales_GM> "Well. To the Golden Stallion?" Descartes asks.
<Seig> "Might be fine for your budget but I think I'll check in here."
<Roderick> "I have the distinct feeling only you and I could afford such a place Mr. Descartes and in new places I find it best to not separate the group. I will refrain."
<Tales_GM> Before the Bretonnian can answer, a man in well-to-do clothes approaches Roderick discreetly.
* Thorek hooks his thumbs into the loop of his belt as he notes the stranger approaching Roderick.
<Tales_GM> "Please, allow me to cover your stay. I wouldn't want to embarass him by asking directly," he nods to Shivva.
* Far_Foririan looks over at the unknown man the approached Roderick.
* Shivva_Runna shoots a look of confusion to Roderick.
* Seig nudges Shivva - "You recognise that guy?"
* Roderick raises an eyebrow. "A stay at the Golden Stallion then, of course he wants to keep his staff nearby as well. Are you sure?"
<Tales_GM> "Most sure," he nods. "And if he asks, let Kastor know I insist on it. My debt to him goes beyond coin."
* Shivva_Runna whispers to Seig "Not sure at all."
<Tales_GM> He places a small pocket of coin in Roderick's hands, and goes back to his coach.
<Seig> Once he was out of obvious earshot Seig asks "Anyone have any idea who that is?"
<Shivva_Runna> "I think he thinks I am that doppleganger."
<Roderick> "Most likely."
* Seig looks obviously confused having rode with the driver for the entire journey but decides against questioning further at this time.
<Shivva_Runna> "Let's not stay here long. I want to see my mother and resolve this debt."
<Tales_GM> The Golden Stallion is a short ride away; the East-most compound along the Twin Comet road. Beyond it, low fields of grass give way to a perfect view of the Vineyard villas beyond the river.
<Shivva_Runna> "The lady knows something about both. She wants to meet me at the temple."
<Shivva_Runna> "The debt is going up at every second is what she warned me about."
<Roderick> "And do you feel comfortable going alone mate, or would you like us to accompany. Don't wanna get in the way of your grieven and all."
<Tales_GM> On arrival, stablehands make themselves instantly available to guide Dietrich in, while plainly uniformed staff offer assistance with your belongings.
<Far_Foririan> "That is pretty low for them to raise the debt on you." he says to Shivva.
<Seig> "I could follow behind and see if I can pick anything up from the congregation."
<Roderick> "Up to you Seig, don't get lost."
<Shivva_Runna> "This is a hard one... I think we should at least see what the lady has to say. I would like the priest to give me mum a blessing. I... need to do something for her."
<Roderick> "I am sure Kruger would be happy to do so."
<Thorek> "Aye just let us know." He prefers to carry his own belongings, thanking the attendants for their offer.
<Tales_GM> Without delay, your names are entered into a ledges, and are given keys to your rooms. The smell of fine food entices you as you make your way around the compound.
* Seig doesn't have anything worth passing onto the inn's staff so simply makes his way to his room and leaves his bag.
<Roderick> "Ahhhh, smell that? The promise of a fine meal after settling in."
<Seig> "That included in the bag you got given?"
<Thorek> "I smell the heady smell of hops, I hope the beer here lives up to the name."
<Afrock> "Aye."
* Roderick recalls the heft of the purse given by the discreet man. "I'd damn well hope so."
<Far_Foririan> "Ah yes this places does look nice, it will be a good change to the other places we have stayed."
<Thorek> "Hah, almost feels like a holiday."
<Seig> "You've had one before?"
<Roderick> "Almost just Thorek, but remember we are only here to resolve things with Shivva's debt and his mother."
<Thorek> "When I was a tiny lad, went up into the mountains to visit distant family." He looks to Roderick. "Aye, hopefully this won't be longer than a day, unless he needs more time to grieve." He shakes his head.
<Afrock> "I imagine with our luck we're going to have to fight something before we leave."
<Shivva_Runna> "Of course, there's always a fight wherever we go."
<Seig> "You would say that Afrock"
<Seig> "Maybe that bear will come back."
<Afrock> "Just speaking from experience."
<Shivva_Runna> "What bear?"
<Far_Foririan> "Wait, what bear?"
<Roderick> "Bear?"
<Thorek> "What are you on about, umgi?"
<Afrock> "Maybe if we wave a fish around it'll come out."
<Afrock> "On our first fishing trip we encountered a bear."
<Afrock> "It ran away like a coward."
<Tales_GM> "Sigmar was with you this day," Kruger says, solemnly.
<Shivva_Runna> "Okay."
<Far_Foririan> "Well then, that is a relief then."
<Thorek> "And you're only telling me of it now, cousin? Pah! And here I thought we were closer than that."
<Roderick> "It was a beast, it's instincts would've been to run if it was injured severely, I don't think cowardice plays into it Afrock."
<Afrock> "It was barely of note."
<Tales_GM> "I am off to acquaint myself with the vineyards, mes amis. Perhaps we dine together at day's end?" Descartes mouths off as he walks by.
<Seig> "Sounds good, tell us of your day when you return, au revoir"
<Thorek> "Aye, take care umgi."
<Shivva_Runna> "I would like all of you with me when we speak to the old woman. This whole situation has gotten me nervous."
<Seig> "I don't blame you."
<Thorek> "Aye, we're with ya, lad."
<Far_Foririan> "Yes."
<Afrock> "Aye."
<Thorek> "Well lead on Shivva."
* Far_Foririan quickly enters his way to his room and drops off a few items he doesn't need for the time being before they head out.
* Shivva_Runna leads the group to the Temple of Sigmar.
<Tales_GM> Just down the road, where Sigmarplatz begins, the Temple to the founder of the Empire stands tall and imposing.
<Tales_GM> As you enter, you find few worshippers left after the zenith ceremony.
* Shivva_Runna looks around for the old woman.
<Shivva_Runna> "I can't seem to find the old woman."
* Seig says a few words to Sigmar but focuses on interacting with the locals.
* Thorek grabs Shivva by his arm and yanks him down a bit. "Shivva, she's right there." He nods in her direction.
<Tales_GM> The old woman is deep in prayer.
<Shivva_Runna> "Thank ya, let's go."
* Far_Foririan looks around the temple his eyes get distracted by some of the architecture in the temple.
<Thorek> "You lead on then."
* Shivva_Runna approaches the old woman.
<Shivva_Runna> "I, hmm... Hi. I never..." He awkwardly says "Got your name."
<Tales_GM> Her head remains bowed, her eyes remain closed. "Come, let us say a prayer to our dear departed Emma."
* Roderick stays a few steps away so as to not interfere with Shivva's grieving.
* Afrock follows suit.
* Shivva_Runna takes sit next to her. He bows his head and joins the prayer.
* Thorek takes a seat a couple of pews behind Shivva and the old woman and waits.
* Far_Foririan makes his way over and takes a seat.
<Tales_GM> "Your dear mother often prayed to Sigmar and to Shallya both. For protection, and mercy."
* Shivva_Runna sighs and says "She was good and faithful."
<Tales_GM> After a moment of silent prayer, the old woman put a hand on Shivva's shoulder. "I am Elenor. And your mother was my dear friend for many years. You may not remember it, but I met you once, just before you left Eilhart."
<Shivva_Runna> "That would explain it."
<Tales_GM> "Emma was a good woman. A kind soul. She had plans to buy a plot of land of her own. To leave you something. A brewery she could pass on to you."
<Shivva_Runna> "Land? But from whom? Most people would not give up their land without a large sum of gold."
<Tales_GM> "She had worked the vineyards for so long, you know. Finally she had made enough coin of her own, and an opportunity presented itself up north, by the old ruins. A man offered to sell her a plot, and to even front the coin needed to build," the old woman says, shaking her head.
<Shivva_Runna> "Old ruins? But that land is sacred. Her building anything there would raise some brows. And this man? Was he her partner?"
<Tales_GM> "He assured her holy men had been consulted, that the plot was far enough from the old battlefield as to not disturb their memory or insult their spirits beyond. It seems he was mistaken. Three times did the construction catch fire... a cursed plot, so everyone thought."
<Tales_GM> "No creditor would loan her the coin, believing it a doomed enterprise. I don't know how, but she secured the coin herself. Never told me how."
<Shivva_Runna> "So she went more and more into debt trying to build on cursed land?"
<Tales_GM> "She tried once more to build. And to pay back the original investment. Poor Emma left us not long after. After Morr called on her, the debtors came in. A merchant, a banker... a noble, perhaps... came to Eilhart, agreed to buy the debt. His men took everything Emma had and sold it off. His lawyers secured the plot's deed for himself, and still the debt grows.
<Shivva_Runna> "What was name of the person who sold her the land?"
<Tales_GM> "Hans Ehmer."
<Shivva_Runna> "Thank you. Any idea who this mystery man is?
<Tales_GM> She shakes her head. "Only the magister and debt collectors left behind know."
<Tales_GM> "They are legally charged with collecting the debt of their client, loathsome a task as it is."
<Shivva_Runna> "Where's this magister? Any names on them?"
<Tales_GM> "Magister Hugo Brandt, at the Eilhart Council Chambers."
<Tales_GM> You register a sour tone in her voice as Elenor says his name.
<Shivva_Runna> "This Magister sounds like he ain't a kind person."
<Tales_GM> "A snake. It won't be long before he permits vacating Emma's grave to allow her debtors to sell the stone."
<Shivva_Runna> "I refuse to let that happen. They took everything already. Robbing a poor old woman even in the grave. Shameful."
<Tales_GM> "Monstrous... but be mindful, child. There are powerful interests at play."
<Shivva_Runna> "I will try to be careful. Thank you for everything, Elenor."
<Tales_GM> She simply nods.
* Shivva_Runna bows his head and says a prayer to Sigmar. "Please protect my mother's soul" and whispers to Ranald "To give misfortunate to these debtors."
<Tales_GM> The Council Chambers are situated among some of the oldest buildings in Eilhart. They are not grand affairs, but they are kept appropriately lit and decorated, as to show the importance of the goings-on within.
<Thorek> "Seems homely enough."
<Tales_GM> "Stately order is what you see, Dwarf," the Magister says, emerging into his office where you were asked to wait when you requested an audience.
<Tales_GM> He takes a seat behind his desk, and looks you over.
<Thorek> "Aye order is well and good." Thorek nods his head politely at the Magister.
<Tales_GM> "So it is. Now, what's this about?"
<Roderick> "We're here to discuss a debt. That of the late Emma di Runnavia."
<Tales_GM> "Di Runnavia..." he repeats to himself as he shuffles through papers.
<Tales_GM> "Yes. Emma di Runnavia. You are here to pay the debt? Are you a relation of hers?"
<Tales_GM> He brings up a thin bound folder with parchment inside.
<Roderick> "Associates of her last remaining relative. We are here to gather more information and discuss the situation with the debt holder."
<Tales_GM> Placing spectacles over the bridge of his noise, the magistrate looks through the records.
<Tales_GM> "The debt holder's identity is known to relevant parties, and collection is left to be resolved with their legal representatives, with the State as witness."
<Tales_GM> "Now, in what amount are you able to resolve this debt today?"
<Roderick> "As the relevant parties I would say we are to be included in that knowledge. As for resolving it here and now, that won't be happening until the relevant information is provided."
<Tales_GM> "Then lawful interest will continue to accrue," he closes the folder and removes his spectacles.
<Tales_GM> "Was there anything else?"
<Roderick> "Well as it stands the circumstances surrounding this situation is very strange. I can only hope that is criminal actions driven by greed and not something more...nefarious. I am well within my right as a Witch Hunter to investigate such issues. I hope you can provide me with your help in clearing up the...fogginess that surrounds this...otherwise I will need to take matters into my own hand and begin an investigation."
<Roderick> "Which of course would start with you and your estates sir."
* Seig raises his eyebrows but says nothing, just surprise by the spiciness.
* Thorek hooks his thumbs in his belt and waits for the magistrate's answer.
* Far_Foririan wait to see what happens next.
<Tales_GM> "To openly admit corrupt intent of that nature to a magister is a dangerous game. Produce verifiable documentation of your standing, among the Witch Hunters of the Reikland or be arrested."
* Roderick slides his blade partially from it's scabbard to show the insignia on the hilt. "This is the only badge I need show you Magister. I admit nothing, aside from my intent to investigate the suspiciousness of this situation. Very bold of you to assume others are corrupt in the face of your own. This is your final chance Brandt, take my generous offer."
<Tales_GM> The magister rings a bell on his desk, his expression unchanging.
<Tales_GM> The doors open behind you.
<Tales_GM> "Have the Watch-Sergeant come in. These men are to be taken into custody."
<Tales_GM> You hear heavy footsteps down the hall.
<Tales_GM> "Weapons on the floor, arms raised high," a commanding voice booms from behind you.
<Seig> "I believe you have no reason to arrest these gentlemen these are clearly soldiers in the service of Sigmar."
<Tales_GM> "If these are your clients, you will have a chance to present your credentials and make your case at a later time. Interfere now, and you will be taken with them."
<Tales_GM> A pistol's lock clicks into place.
<Tales_GM> "Now."
<Seig> "Their credentials are clear that make prison something that should clearly be avoided due to their title."
<Roderick> "Arresting a Witch Hunter will not go well for you Watch-Sergeant. I advise you not to interfere. If you insist on pursuing this course of action we will not fight loyal servants of Sigmar and we will lay down our arms. But we will be released and at that stage my investigation will continue."
<Tales_GM> "Disarm, or I will fire."
* Roderick disarms.
* Far_Foririan disarms.
* Afrock disarms.
* Shivva_Runna drops his crowbar.
* Thorek takes his weapons and drops them to the ground.
* Seig Huffs and leaves the group clearly not targeted.
<Tales_GM> "Your cooperation will be noted," the Watch-Sergeant says, stepping in.
<Thorek> "Aye, just doing your job, Sergeant." Thorek comments as he keeps his hands in view.
<Tales_GM> Four more Council Watchmen enter, and assist in securing your weapons and effects, and taking you to the Eilhart Holding Gaol.
* Seig returns to the inn, sitting closely to anyone who may have a stake in Shivva's lands.
<Tales_GM> Here, even your clothes are taken; you are made to wear simple, loose garments and placed into a common cell.
* Far_Foririan looks over the cell door lock and begins thinking to himself.
<Tales_GM> The sight of the elf proves to be attention-grabbing, as more than one prisoner makes threatening statements or gestures at the stranger.
<Thorek> "Well this is certainly humbling." Thorek grunts as he scratches his chin through his beard.
<Tales_GM> As the hours pass, Descartes returns to the inn, and merrily joins Seig. "Shall we get us all a table, then? Order some wine to start?"
<Far_Foririan> "Yes it is, this is going to be interesting time." he says still looking at the cell lock.
<Seig> "About that... there has been a situation, I don't know if your situation may help."
<Tales_GM> "Is there trouble, monsieur?"
<Seig> "The guard captain did not trust our party and they have found themselves arrested."
<Tales_GM> "They are taken? They are prisoners? Mais pourquoi?"
<Seig> "I'm the only one who managed to negotiate out of the system."... "
<Seig> C'est assez baisé"
* Far_Foririan looks around the cell area, ignoring all the statements coming from the other prisoners, he starts making mental notes of the where the guards are.
<Tales_GM> "Very well..." Descartes look away pensively.
<Seig> "I believe its only fair I ask your true position in these dealing Descart, do you hold influence?"
<Tales_GM> "I am a Bretonnian in Imperial lands. Influence will not be my tool."
<Seig> "Fair, I thought you may have some power in these particular lands."
<Tales_GM> "Prepare the coach, and have Dietrich stand by near the gaol."
<Tales_GM> "I will need an hour."
* Far_Foririan looks to Roderick.
<Seig> "I don't appreciate this strategy but I will accommodate you." - Seig leaves to find Dietrich and informs Kruger of Descartes plan."
<Tales_GM> When the regular guard patrol stops making its rounds, it comes to the attention of some of the prisoners. The routine nature of the gaol makes the silence that follows truly deafening, and despite no longer being under direct surveillance, the prisoners seem on edge.
<Tales_GM> "I'll be that fuckin' freak curses this place even now," one of the prisoners says.
<Tales_GM> "What are you up to, knife-ear?"
<Thorek> "Oi wazzock, mind your tongue."
* Far_Foririan takes a seat and begins to meditate.
<Tales_GM> Not used to feeling so uneasy, the prison scum silently resolve to take out their frustrations on the high elf; they rise to their feet and take several steps forward.
* Afrock rises up
<Roderick> "I advise you all to sit down and shut up before you think you take all of us barehanded."
* Afrock places himself between Far and the other prisoners.
* Far_Foririan opens his eyes and looks up at them, his eyes locked on the prisoners approaching him.
<Afrock> "You best step back."
<Tales_GM> The men exchange glances, stopping where they stand.
* Roderick climbs to his feet and stands beside Afrock.
<Tales_GM> A loud bang rings out as one of the cell bars is stricken with an iron club.
<Tales_GM> "Back down, you lot!"
<Tales_GM> As you turn to look at the hallway, you notice the guard has not brought a torch with him.
* Far_Foririan looks at the guard
* Afrock looks at the guard.
<Tales_GM> The jingle of a keyring is followed by the rattle of the lock mechanisms.
* Roderick glances toward the wielder of the club but mostly keeps his attention on the prisoners in case they decide to make a move.
<Tales_GM> He points at your side of the cell with the club. "You scum, with me."
* Afrock looks towards Roderick.
<Roderick> "Looks like early release. Let's go."
* Shivva_Runna follows Roderick.
* Afrock follows along with his guard still up.
* Roderick makes his way towards the cell door.
* Far_Foririan stands up from where he is sitting and follows Roderick.
* Thorek stands up and follows at the rear of the group.
<Tales_GM> The cell door is slammed shut and locked.
<Tales_GM> "We don't have much time, mes amis. The door on your right will have your clothing and possessions. I believe I have been able to separate what is yours," the guard whispers as he steps into the light.
* Afrock moves quickly and silently to collect his gear.
<Thorek> "Haha, I had a niggle of a feeling. You have my thanks master umgi." Thorek immediately finds his possessions and starts clothing himself before buckling on armor and weapons.
* Far_Foririan moves to grab his belonging.
<Afrock> "Ready."
* Shivva_Runna takes back his clothing and gear.
<Tales_GM> "The brawl down the road will only keep the Watchmen busy for a short while longer, so I have had to put us at risk," Descartes says as the jingle of keys rings out again from the cell door - where he left the key ring in place.
<Tales_GM> The prisoners now realizing the guard's "mistake" begin a break-out.
<Afrock> "Let's move quickly."
<Roderick> "Well done Phillipe." Roderick steps into the room and quickly straps on his gear and weapons.
<Roderick> "As Afrock says. Step lively."
<Tales_GM> As you navigate your way outside, Phillipe pauses.
<Thorek> He finishes with holstering his hand-crossbow. "Aye." He moves with the group.
<Tales_GM> "You have given me an adventure I will remember until I die. I owe you this explanation and more, but I am not who I have made myself out to be. I am a wanted man, and cannot go further into Imperial territory," he says reaching into his coat.
<Tales_GM> "But you, monsieur, have an opportunity," he continues, producing the inheritance paper, and that identifying Kastor Lieberung, and handing it to Shivva.
<Tales_GM> "The coach is awaiting down the road. Lights off, but you will see it in the moonlight. Now go."
<Afrock> "Phillipe I owe you a great debt."
* Roderick raises his eyebrows. "How did you get that from the soldiers my friend?"
<Tales_GM> "Another time? Over a round of drinks, perhaps?"
* Shivva_Runna looks at the papers. There's a twinkle in his eyes.
* Roderick reaches out and shakes his hand.
<Roderick> "I will hold you to that my friend."
* Seig sees his friends exiting the cell and signals them to the coach.
<Tales_GM> Descartes shakes your hand firmly.
<Thorek> "I'll overlook what you just admitted, dawri, given the circumstances. You have all our thanks in helping us out of that umgak."
* Roderick nods, turns and makes his way to the coach quickly.
<Afrock> "Travel safely Phillipe."
<Far_Foririan> "Thank you for you help Phillipe."
<Tales_GM> The Bretonnian whistles for his horse, and mounts up.
<Thorek> "Grimnir watch over you, umgi!" He says before jumping into the carriage.
<Tales_GM> A final look in your direction, and Descartes kicks his heels to disappear into the outskirts of Eilhart.
* Afrock enter the cart.
* Far_Foririan makes his way to the coach and enters it.
* Seig as his comrades begin to board the coach, "You got yourselves into way too much shit for us to stick out necks out this much so hurry the fuck up."
* Shivva_Runna heads into the coach.
<Tales_GM> "Is this everyone?" Dietrich asks, looking back.
<Roderick> "It is, go Dietrich!"
<Seig> "Seems like it, go!"
<Tales_GM> Without a word longer, the horses are whipped to speed.