Tales of the Old World 19

<Tales_GM> The year is 2512 on the Imperial Calendar...
<Tales_GM> All manner of vessels are tied up along the riverfront, from high-masted ships to smaller barges and houseboats. The Boatman Inn is just one of many establishments along the embankment. It appears to be a cheerful place; a little tatty, but inviting.
<Tales_GM> A number of riverfolk are inside the inn, from boatmen to sailors on furlough from the Reiksport. The atmosphere is cordial and friendly, and the food and drink is reasonably priced and of good quality.
<Tales_GM> "Innkeeper!" Josef calls out slapping the surface of a table large enough for all of you.
<Tales_GM> "A bottle of wine, and one for each of my friends! You know the sort I'm 'ere for!"
<Tales_GM> Inviting you all to sit down, he does so himself, looking around at each of you with a pleasant smile on his face.
* Roderick sits down at the table at the mans invitation.\
* Far_Foririan takes a seat at the table.
* Afrock takes a seat.
<Tales_GM> The bottles of Reikland wine arrive, a fine vintage from Eilhart no less.
* Seig takes a seat. "Whats your recent escapades had you up to anyway you've not really said alot about yourself yet Josef, give these lot something to go on eh."
* Thorek takes a seat across from Josef. "Mighty generous of you, master umgi."
<Tales_GM> "The Schaffenfest is coming up, and good old Josef 'ere has every intention to make some money... great big shipment of wine," he says opening his bottle.
<Tales_GM> "So come, help me test the merchandise!"
* Seig follows suit, "Don't have to ask twice."
<Tales_GM> He produces a folded up parchment. A flyer for Boegenhafen's Schaffenfest.
* Thorek opens his own bottle and gives it the good ol' Dwarven taste-test.
<Tales_GM> Josef isn't shy about his drinking, and appreciates Thorek's enthusiasm.
* Afrock starts drinking.
<Thorek> "Aye! A mighty fine vintage! Not bad for manling wine."
<Roderick> After acquiring a glass Roderick fills it and samples the fine Eilhart vintage, making an appreciative noise. "I can see why Phillipe was enamored with the place. Normally wine isn't a go to for me but this....this I make an exception for!"
<Afrock> "Beats the penny ale from the first town!"
* Shivva takes a taste of the wine. He is surprised.
<Seig> "Things are going well if you're treating us to this."
* Roderick raises a glass to Josef. "To your generosity sir!"
<Tales_GM> Josef raises his... bottle in return.
* Seig raises his bottle in kind having also forgone awaiting a glass.
<Tales_GM> By far, your table is the loudest, and as the drink keeps pouring into Josef's bearded face, he regales you with amusing tales of the river life after becoming captain of his own barge. The vessel, he tells you, is named the Berebeli.
<Tales_GM> He stops, then, quietly observing each of you.
<Tales_GM> He then rises off his seat, and turns to the side, tapping at his belly.
<Tales_GM> "Eh?"
* Roderick raises an eyebrow. "The Beerbelly."
<Tales_GM> Hunching over in laughter, Josef nods his head. His face a bright red now.
<Seig> "Trust you to name your barge after yourself."
<Tales_GM> "Should see those harbormaster's men readin' off her name when collecting the tithe!"
* Seig bursts into laughter. "Bet that brings a smile even to their sour faces."
<Thorek> "The best kind of name if you're running cargo this tasty."
* Roderick laughs at the thought. "No doubt they think they are being made into a joke."
<Tales_GM> The merriment goes on for some time, though you notice Josef has a habit of periodically turning to more serious matters. In between jests and tales, he passes on rumors, and personal beliefs in hushed tones - "All members of the nobility are mad! They're all inbred and tained by Chaos, as everyone knows" . . . "There have been strange goings-on at the Univerisity, you know. It's full
<Tales_GM> of Da-Dae... Demon... Daemonologists! That's the bloody word - and Necromancers dabbling in things that are better left alone." He tells you stories of strangely-robed figures prowling the University cloisters late at night, accompanied by sounds of weird chants, clapping bells, and sinister howls.
<Tales_GM> Surprised, he tells you a boatman who had worked on the river for 20 years or more, who suddenly started to develop an oily yellow skin and bulging eyes. "The man's now dead o'course, drowned by his own crew."
<Roderick> "I'd avoid any of the boatmen involved in the drowning. There has been a rash of a contagion about. Avoid direct contact with the afflicted, even second hand as it may be."
* Seig glances to Roderick before asking "What ship was it, If I do any work I wanna know who to avoid."
<Tales_GM> "Aye," he replies with a knowing nod. By now it has been several hours, and you await a celebratory meal Josef has ordered for the table. Glasses and bottles are being clear off the table when he shifts his seat closer to the table. Turning to Seig, he answers "The Raindrop, trades to Marienburg."
* Far_Foririan sip some of his wine as he listens to Josef and his stories, not sure what to make about most of them besides the one about the University.
<Tales_GM> "Listen, lads. I can't tell you what it means to have friendly faces in the city. Bögenhafen will be packed tight with folk from all across the Empire, and this shipment will mean a great deal for me. Grand Duke Leopold of Middenland and Graf Wilhelm von Saponatheim may not be the only nobles there. Besides, everyone should experience a Schaffenfest at least once in their life!"
<Tales_GM> "What I'm saying, lads, is the Berebeli will be ready to leave in just about a week's time, and... well, trusted hands are hard to come by in Altdorf. You could lodge at the Berebeli while you're about the city, and when time comes, I'll pay four of you two shillings daily, each, and transport the rest of you free of charge to Bögenhafen."
* Thorek lets out a loud belch once he's finished his bottle of wine and pats his stomach appreciatively. At the offer, Thorek runs his hand through his beard as he thinks.
<Roderick> "I don't think myself and Kruger can agree to the voyage as of yet, though it is a kind offer. We may have business elsewhere, we must go where my duty demands. However, if our path takes us in the same direction then, providing the offer still stands we can discuss further at that stage."
<Tales_GM> Josef nods, and looks elsewhere around the table.
<Seig> "I'll be happy to help you prepare for the journey if you need additional hands, although I'm currently looking into another potential avenue of work so will have to get back to you on if I want to accompany you."
* Roderick raises an eyebrow. "You're planning to give up sailing Seig?"
<Tales_GM> "Aye, the lad's got a fire in his eyes. Carving his own path - I know the look."
<Seig> "Sailings all well and good but I'm starting to think my talents might lie elsewhere is all, going to look into monetising said talents."
<Thorek> "I'd say we could take him up on the offer, never been to this festival before. Might be something to see."
<Roderick> "What have you set your eyes on then?"
<Tales_GM> "As well you should, little lad. But a sailor's hands never unlearn the trade! My offer will stand, for each of you. And I won't let you be scalped on overpriced lodging, so consider the Berebeli your home, should you need it."
<Roderick> "Appreciated Josef, that much I and Kruger at least will take you up on."
<Seig> "Well I've always been good at being in the know Roderick, but I've learned in the last few weeks that it turns out you gather much more valuable information when your not talking to Drunk Sailors."
<Afrock> "I'm with Thorek."
<Far_Foririan> "Yea I can take you up on that offer."
<Far_Foririan> "At least for the logging."
<Shivva> "Yep might as well get some money."
<Tales_GM> The night passes, and Josef takes you to the docks to see the Berebeli. When you board, a man is waiting. Josef introduces him as Wolmar. He explains that he and his wife Gilda are his most trusted boat-hands. They live on the Berebeli with their baby daughter, Elsa. The couple are extremely loyal to Josef, who fished them out of the river after their boat sank some two years ago.
<Tales_GM> The barge has seen better days, but she's a perfectly usable vessel, and it is clear the Berebeli is Josef's most treasured possession.
<Tales_GM> Lodging there has the added perk of Gilda's capable cooking skills. The two are warm, friendly people, and though their hands are often full taking care of Elsa they make the time to treat you as though guests in their home.
<Thorek> "A mighty fine vessel and home you have, master Josef."
<Afrock> "Aye."
<Tales_GM> As you make yourselves comfortable, and the night passes, you find yourselves feeling a low-level sense of discomfort... of dread. An anxiety that you realize isn't new, but that you had once dismissed as travel fatigue.
<Tales_GM> Yet now that you are able to relax, you are able to isolate as some lurking feeling. Something certainly off.
<Tales_GM> The days go by, the Berebeli takes on more cargo in her hull, and the nights continue to haunt you. Indeed, you find this sense of unease even in the daytime, as you make your visits to the Colleges of Magic, as you learn of diseases and injuries and healing, as you focus your skills and decide on a new course of life, as you perform your duties and accept payment, and as you focus on
<Tales_GM> the next great challenge to overcome. Something is certainly wrong with Altdorf.
<Tales_GM> At week's end, the Berebeli takes on its last cargo, and the time for decisions has come.
<Seig> Having settled on a deal with Thorek, Seig decides to accompany them on the journey.
<Roderick> Having been assigned to assist other witch hunters Roderick r4ealizes that menial tasks is no way to build his reputation. His place as an Itinerant is on the road, traveling the length and breadth of the Empire and hunting down the roots of corruption that infest this great land. Coming to such a realization he decides to take Josef up on his offer./
<Thorek> Even in Altdorf Bounty Hunting is slim pickings. And he makes a fair shilling during the week as they wait for Josef to be ready to depart.
* Afrock helps out with miscellaneous tasks until Josef is ready.
* Shivva volunteered in a Ranaldian sick house and picked up a few new tricks.
<Far_Foririan> Durring the weeks time, Far makes his time spent at the Colleges of Magic to learn more about magic, his studies include learning some new skills and spells while also ending with him getting his Wizard License. He does try to find out more about the sense of dread he has been feeling but gets no information. He also notices that over the week his hair changes from his brown color to black and his eye are now Turquoise. At the
<Far_Foririan> end of his time at the Colleges he makes the decision to join the group on their journey.
<Tales_GM> Josef informs you that a little treat has been arranged, and asks you all to pick it up. You are on your way back to the docks with a plump pig, two kegs of beer, fresh linens, and a box of candles in the late evening, with a voyage ahead of you.
<Roderick> "No one cause a stir but we're being followed. Two robed ones creeping about. Every few minutes I catch sight of em." Roderick speaks softly so that he cannot be overheard.
<Thorek> "Think it might be related to those queer fellows that were trying to contact Shivva?" Thorek says back in a low tone.
<Roderick> "They're robed mate, couldn't say."
<Roderick> "It's possible though for sure."
<Thorek> "Unless our elven friend has really pissed someone off, no one else has ties here...not to my knowledge." He looks to Afrock. "Have you been through Altdorf before, cousin?"
<Afrock> "No."
<Thorek> "Thought not."
<Roderick> "Purple is an odd color for footpads or criminals though."
<Thorek> "Aye, I see that, whoever they are, their taste is both expensive and regal." He grunts.
* Shivva whispers "So maybe someone up high must really hate us."
<Roderick> "Or Thorek is right and people think you're someone you're not."
<Thorek> "Might explain the weird dread that I've been feeling this last week."
* Far_Foririan thinks on this but is not sure if this would relate to the dread he has felt this week.
<Roderick> "Just in case that is the case everyone form around Shivva. Try not to make it as obvious."
* Afrock nods and prepares for trouble.
* Thorek lags back a bit, and makes an effort to show off the barrel of beer he's carrying. Acting like he' readjusting it so it carries easier.
* Seig pretends to notice a stall off to the side, goes to inspect its products and then rejoins the group behind Shivva.
<Roderick> "Also try not to enjoy the feast too much. They may be waiting for an opportunity. Us being on our faces, well into our drink, would be an easy time for them."
* Afrock nods slowly.
* Thorek sighs. "And here I was, thninking I could drink myself to sleep."
<Tales_GM> You make your way across the market stalls and closed shops, and arrive at the docks. The lanterns on the Berebeli are lit, yet it has been some time since you have looked back to see if you are pursued.
<Thorek> "They're still following us, and I think they might be making their move soon. They're gettin' close." He murmurs to Roderick and the others.
* Afrock slowly moves his hands near his axe.
* Roderick nods. "I think it's time to board and quickly. Shivva, Seig, Thorek, move ahead and get him on the boat. Myself, Kruger, Far and Afrock will drop back slightly."
<Tales_GM> A sudden, brief, and echoing scream is heard from behind you, then.
* Thorek moves up quickly and urges Shivva to get aboard.
* Afrock draws his axe and prepares for combat.
* Seig follows just behind Thorek and Shivva with the pig on a leash.
* Far_Foririan his grip on his staff tightens slightly with the noise.
* Roderick turns, hands on weapons."
* Thorek doesn't turn his head, trusting Roderick and the others behind him to deal with it.
* Far_Foririan turns as well to face the direction of the noise.
* Shivva quickens his pace with his hand cart
<Tales_GM> As Roderick turns, he catches a glimpse of a collapsing hooded figure, bolt sticking out of his back. In a fraction of a second, a bolt thuds into the second man's throat as he turns to look at his companion.
<Tales_GM> He, too, collapses.
* Roderick curses and moves towards the collapsed men.
<Tales_GM> The two lay on their matching robes, and on the growing puddles of their own blood.
* Far_Foririan look around, unable to see were the bolts came from as he approaches with Roderick.
* Roderick uses his boot to nudge the figures onto their backs, so as to get a look at their faces.
<Tales_GM> The men are no older than 40, and wear matching robes, and tunics.
* Roderick quickly turn out their pockets, searching for identification.
<Tales_GM> Each of them has a dagger, and between them three shillings and 19 pennies.
<Roderick> Cursing, Roderick stands and moves back to the others. "No identifiers or markings that I could, short of stripping them down. For now let's keep moving in case the person who shot them decides on us as their new target."
* Afrock nods.
* Far_Foririan nods and moves with Roderick
* Thorek finishes escorting Shivva onto the Berebeli.
* Seig gets the hog onboard.
* Afrock boards the Berebeli.
<Tales_GM> On board, Josef welcomes you, and tells you Gilda has made some soup.
<Tales_GM> However, it isn't long before he notices something is amiss.
<Tales_GM> "You alright, lads?"
<Thorek> "We've been followed, Roderick and the others are dealing with it now." He moves to the side of the ship and looks back towards the rest of the group.
<Tales_GM> "Followed? Who by?"
<Seig> "Two guys in purple robes."
<Tales_GM> Josef reaches for a crossbow, and begins loading a bolt.
<Seig> "Heard a scream from their direction but didn't see why."
<Seig> "Before we split up that is."
* Roderick walks up the gangplank still cursing.
* Far_Foririan follows behind Roderick onto the boat.
<Tales_GM> "What's amiss, boys? Who was following you?"
<Roderick> "They're dead. Someone else gottem with a crossbow before they could do whatever it was they had in mind."
<Far_Foririan> "Wasn't able to see where they were shot from either."
<Thorek> "Aye? Shite...not sure if that's a good or bad thing." He lowers the keg of beer onto the deck.
<Roderick> "Middle years, matching tunics and robes. Had naught but a dagger a piece and a pittance of coin between them."
<Tales_GM> "Dead? Right, best lie low, then. Soup, and we hold the drink."
<Afrock> "Aye."
<Seig> "Looking forward to something better than the last soup we got offered."
<Thorek> "A pity, aye." A tear will roll down Thorek's cheek. So much for the booze.
<Tales_GM> "We will need to keep a watch over night. I have brief business in the morning, but we cast off as soon as I arrive. Seig, that means you will need to prepare the Berebeli for casting off while I'm away."
<Seig> "Shouldn't be no trouble."
<Roderick> Remembering the last time they sailed on a barge Roderick speaks. "If not for the inherent risk of sailing at night I'd suggest we leave now."
<Tales_GM> "Aye, and bad luck, too."
* Shivva during the first watch with Roderick. Shivva notices something.
* Shivva whispers "You see that light?"
<Roderick> "The lamp? Yeah, I'd be concerned about the guys that stood over the corpses then bolted."
<Afrock> "Hm."
<Tales_GM> The second watch has Afrock join Far'Foririan on deck.
<Far_Foririan> "Yea that is odd." as he watches a group of city watchmen arrive and carry the bodies of the two dead figures away.
<Afrock> "Yup."
<Roderick> Roderick passes along what he's seen at the watch change.
* Far_Foririan passes along what Roderick told him and what he and Afrock say during their watch to Thorek.
<Tales_GM> Thorek and Seig take up the final watch, ending it as the sun's rays awake Josef, who comes up on deck.
<Thorek> "Huh, more city watch..." He says as the sun rises. "Putting up flyers...wonder if it's related to those dead followers of ours." He says to Seig to catch his attention.
<Seig> As the light becomes usable Seig has already begun with some of the smaller tasks required to ready the barge.
<Seig> "That'd make sense, hopefully they don't bother us."
<Thorek> He'll share with Josef what each watch saw, wondering aloud if the posters are related.
<Tales_GM> "Right, lads. Go awaken your friends," Josef says. "I'll be as quick as I can."
<Tales_GM> Shortly after, the smell of toast reaches you.
<Tales_GM> Gilda is preparing breakfast.
<Seig> "Bring me something would you I want to make sure everything is in order before I take a break."
<Thorek> "Sure you don't want someone with you, Josef?"
<Tales_GM> "Sure of it!" he says without turning around. "Will be back before you know it!"
<Thorek> "Aye, Captain." He moves off to awaken the others.
* Far_Foririan gets up to the smell of food from his rest from his watch earlier and makes his way out of where he sleeps. "Well that does smell nice."
<Tales_GM> For all his care-free attitude, Josef has chosen to wear a leather jack and skullcap, and has taken his crossbow with him as well as his axe.
* Afrock wakes up and starts slowly eating.
<Thorek> Once he's awoken the others and gotten food for himself and Seig he keeps watch while awaiting Josef's return, axe and hand-crossbow ready.
* Shivva slowly awakes. He decides to get some breakfast.
* Far_Foririan grabs some toast and has a bit a wine as he joins Thorek. "So, how long do you think Josef will be then?"
<Thorek> "Not long hopefully, Elgi."
* Seig readies the boat in good order, occasionally roping in Thorek for tasks that require extra muscle.
<Roderick> After waking Roderick accepts some toast and water from Gilda, thanking her. He then heads over to where Thorek is waiting. "What did I miss?"
<Far_Foririan> "Any new updates since what we say?"
<Thorek> "Watchmen were putting posters up. And given the night's events...hopefully they're not related. Beyond that not much else besides the rats and some drunk sailors." He shares with Roderick the info second watch gave as well.
<Roderick> "I see, has anyone walked down and looked at a poster?"
<Thorek> "Not yet, only Josef has left the vessel."
<Tales_GM> With Seig in charge, the Berebeli is perfectly capable of casting off at any moment. And indeed, Josef's swift arrival requires just that.
* Roderick nods and finishes his toast and sets his empty cup no the railing next to Thorek. "Guess I'll go and see then."
<Tales_GM> "Right, lads. We have to go. You, in particular, have to go."
* Roderick stops. "Who has to go Josef?"
<Tales_GM> He says this at Roderick, while placing his crossbow down.
<Tales_GM> "Posters up. You're accused of killing two noblemen. Seig, let's cast 'er off."
* Roderick is stunned.
<Roderick> "What?!"
<Thorek> "Oi..."
<Seig> "Already getting the last ropes."
<Far_Foririan> "Well that is not good."
<Tales_GM> "Time enough for panic later, lad. Let's get moving."
<Afrock> "Well then."
<Roderick> "This is a joke and not a funny one Josef."
<Seig> "Naw he doesn't play the straight man often you'd know if it was a joke."
* Roderick shakes his head in disbelief and moves below.
<Tales_GM> "Afraid not. Witnesses and all, you're accused of killing two noblemen at the docks."
<Tales_GM> "By the time we return the true culprits will be found, no doubt. Come on, lads. Get those sheets unfurled!"
<Roderick> "Cept a crossbow is what killed them, not blade or shot and that's what I use. Amateur investigators they have on this case."
<Thorek> "Aye, let's get a move on then." He moves to help Seig with casting off.
* Afrock starts assisting Seig.
<Far_Foririan> "Yes this is definitely a set up it seems."