Topic: Shadows over Bogenhafen: game thread [players only please!]

[Fandir Nightshade]

[Huzzah!!]

"Thank you dear father....." Klaus is smiling and after kissing the ring of the priest he will go to the chapel to pray to sigmar one of the prayers he learned from Max.....and after that will go for the bath house.

[rufus sparkfire]

Max takes Mortus to an inn called the Golden Lectern, close to the university square. "I'm actually very hungry too Mortus," he says, "when you were... uh... asleep all that time, well, I couldn't bring myself to eat anything. I was so worried about you. And I felt like it was my fault, what happened to you." He blushes and tries to change the subject by telling Mortus some historical facts about the area they are passing through.

At the inn, he orders some fine wine that he thinks Mortus will enjoy, and encourages her to select whatever food she wants - he intends to pay for everything. Over dinner, Max chats away about Nuln and their travels, but avoids any subjects he thinks Mortus might find awkward (such as anything to do with magic).

His affection for Mortus is very obvious, but he's careful not to say anything improper or forward. If Mortus wants to let him down gently, it would probably be best to do so fairly soon.

[commandant]

Mortus is worried though she tries to mask it.   Joint issues are running wild in her head.   The spell that she, with Max's help, cast has given her a new sense of power and sureness.   She is not that frightened that she was laid out for days afterwards, after all it used to happen to Vacc from time to time.   She is starting to find her boundaries or at least that is what she thinks.
The second issue is Max himself and her feeling for him.   She can not deny to herself that there is something there, but she has no idea what it is or how far she wants to go with it.   Mortus has a strange twist to her personalty.   Some times, and on issues that she is not comfortable with, she not very good at reading peoples' actions and intentions and tends to miss all but the most obvious of signs where as on others her life growing up has made her very able to read intentions.
Whatever the reason the true extent of Max's feeling had not really dawned on her completely until they were having dinner in the inn.

It is a very fine inn and the food is wonderful.   Mortus has no trouble finding something on the menu that she will enjoy and Max's taste in wine is something that the former wine merchant would be happy to promote.
She is enjoying his histories and his stories as well, sometimes noticing when he skips a subject that he thinks she will find awkward (like when he was talking about her being out of it) and sometimes missing the junction completely.
She does want to talk to him about the spell they cast together, she never saw Vacc working with another wizard and while he mentioned others in his stories he never spoke of working together.   She is interested in what happened and for some reason she feels safe with Max.

She talks happily through dinner, maybe drinking more wine than is good for her.   She also avoids the subjects that Max is avoiding, though whether or not this in intentional is difficult to say.

After dinner she refuses to allow Max to pay, quietly but stubbornly insisting that she will handle the bill and pointing out that he paid for her doctor and she owes him if he argues.

She will also get a room in the Golden Lectern, though she will not invite Max to spend the night.   

If the inn has a private parlour then she will be happy to sit in one with Max and discuss the spell they cast and magic in general in detail.   Maybe with a glass of brandy.   Her approach to the subject is still a little tentative but it should be clear that she does trust Max and respects his opinion on the subject.

[rufus sparkfire]

Max enjoys his dinner with Mortus a great deal. He's happy that she seems to be enjoying his company, even though he is starting to suspect that she doesn't like him in the same way he likes her. He reluctantly allows her to pay the bill, since she is so insistent and he doesn't want to upset her.

They go into a private area of the inn to discuss the spell Mortus used to destroy the wyrdstone. Max thinks he did very little other than chant some words, insisting that Mortus did all the work. But he confesses that he did feel the power of the spell flowing through him... he tells Mortus that it was an amazing feeling, and he would love to learn more about magic.

Max eventually realises that he promised to meet Klaus later. He arrives extremely late.


[Max extends an open offer to stay at his apartment, for anyone who wants to. He claims he won't be offended if no one does, since his place is quite small.]


Next day, the group donate Dagmar von Wittgenstein's large collection of books to the university library. The books are very gratefully received: the university grants all the party members the privilege of associate membership, allowing them to study at the library whenever they like. Mortus is interested in doing so immediately. Klaus decides to start writing his account of the Bogenhafen affair - with names changed to protect the guilty - with the eventual aim of writing a book. He also writes a letter to Greta.

Max visits the guild of lawyers. He pays a large fee, endures a complicated secret ritual (he's not allowed to talk about it with non-members, but later hints that it was embarrassing), and is inducted into the guild. He's now able to practice law in The Empire.

Heinrich discovers that a large archery tournament begins on the fields just outside town tomorrow, and  continues for three days. He decides to enter.

Julian goes to the dwarf engineers' guild, where he studies explosives of all sorts!

Ragni goes shopping for armour, buying an expensive and extremely flashy breastplate. Billy, having decided that being almost killed by a mutant cat is not an experience he wants to repeat, buys a proper sword and visits a weaponmaster to learn how to use it.

Later that day, the party receive a message from Father Anton: the Arch-Lector has, as expected, sent agents to visit Castle Wittgenstein.

[rufus sparkfire]

Over the next few days, the group are busy pursuing their various interests.

Heinrich enters the archer tournament. There are forty other entrants to the bow category: contestants are required to shoot at a target of concentric, coloured rings at a distance of 40 yards. The tourney is a rather relaxed, friendly affair. A beer tent has been set up at the event, and some of the contestants are drinking almost as much as the spectators. Heinrich pays the entrance fee of 9 crowns, and waits his turn.

His first day's shooting goes rather poorly, though he still manages a respectable second place overall. On the second day, he succeeds in hitting the bullseye: the crowd cheer wildly and drunkenly. He finishes far ahead of the other contestants. The third day goes a little worse than the second: he again takes second place for the day.

However, his total score over all three days is just high enough for him to take first place in the tournament. He's crowned as champion, receiving a trophy (a silvered arrow with the arms of Nuln worked into the shaft) and the first prize of 200 gold crowns.

[rufus sparkfire]

Max goes to work on Klaus's claim to a minor title and the associated lands in Averland. He stays up late every night for several days, working solidly on ensuring the papers are in order. At last, he finishes. The petition is ready to be sent to Averheim.

Max also decides that he needs to learn some basic medical skills: he felt helpless when Mortus was unconscious after casting the ritual spell, and is determined that in future he will have some idea what to do. So he pays a friendly physician to teach him to treat wounds, and buys a set of medical supplies.

Mortus's studies of magic go well. She begins to feel that she has a deeper understanding of the mechanics of magic. She can sense the eight winds blowing over the world. She discovers that she can tap into them directly by entering a deep trance. The attitude towards wizards in Nuln is generally positive, which helps to calm some of her deep-seated fears.

Ragni spends a lot of time enjoying himself in the various taverns, especially those frequented by other dwarfs. He has a brief relationship with a dwarf girl called Hilda, but they are parted when she has to return home to Middenheim.

[rufus sparkfire]

Julian's studies at the guild go well. Before long, he has learned a considerable amount about chemistry, and about explosives in particular. His first bombs prove quite effective, so he's looking forward to trying them out in the field.

Klaus is extremely busy. He hires a bodyguard to protect him while he socialises with nobles at Nuln's best taverns, covering his costs easily by cheating outrageously at gambling. He's far too skilled to get caught by the inebriated fools he selects as his targets, and the presence of his bodyguard deters those who might otherwise have him beaten up in an alley outside the tavern.

His writing also goes well, though he has to ask Max to correct his spelling and grammar. A visit to an artist convinces him that he can arrange for suitable illustrations for his forthcoming book relatively inexpensively. Conversations about the book with the nobles he socialises with produce an encouraging response: there's certainly a demand for his sort of book.

But Klaus doesn't forget about Etelka Herzen, who surely will single him out for special revenge. He decides that the best thing to do is to put out a bounty on her. He pays 100 crowns in advance, offering a reward of 500 when she in brought in dead or alive. Klaus thinks that Etelka can probably avoid the hunters, but at least they should give her some trouble. And who knows: her luck might run out.

[rufus sparkfire]

On the 17th, the group receive a message from Father Anton, asking to meet with them as soon as possible. They arrive at the cathedral and are escorted to his office. "Ah, I'm very glad you could arrive so promptly," he says, "we've had a message from the expedition to Wittgenstein, which confirms everything you told us. His eminence the Arch-Lector would like to meet you. Can I assume you are all willing to see him?" He doesn't wait for an answer - refusing to see the Arch-Lector would be inconceivable to him.

"Before I take you before his eminence, I wanted to ask for your help on another matter. I have obtained some fairly reliable information that the cult of the Red Crown - that is, the cult Etelka Herzen and Dr Schmidt belonged to - is based in Altdorf itself! Unfortunately, I have no knowledge of their intentions, only some vague rumours that they are planning something significant. I know that it is a lot to ask, given what you have already accomplished... but I can think of no one better qualified. I would like you to travel to Altdorf and investigate the cult. If you are willing, I can give you the name of a contact who can tell you more. What do you say?" He looks at the group hopefully.

[commandant]

"I am willing," Mortus says.   

Since they have seen her last Mortus has changed her clothes for a much better made set.   She is wearing the same type leggings and tunic that she was wearing before but now they are made from much better cloth and bright colours.   She is wearing the necklace that Max gave her over her tunic.

[Cannonofdoom]

"I know a great many lawmen from my days bounty hunting and serving as a thiefcatcher in Altdorf. I'm sure one of my old contacts must know something about this cult."

[rufus sparkfire]

[Before going into the cathedral]

Max is pleased to see that Mortus likes the necklace he bought her so much (he always wears the dagger she bought him). He compliments her on how nice she looks in her new clothes.


[in the cathedral]

"I am grateful to you for agreeing to help again," Father Anton says, "I would certainly not blame you for refusing, after your harrowing encounters at Castle Wittgenstein. Your contacts in Altdorf," he says to Heinrich, "will be a tremendous asset in this investigation. But I suggest that you first go to Grunburg and speak with Elvyra Kleinestun, a pharmacist there. Elvyra was once a member of a secret society that dabbled with dark magic. She helped to expose and destroy the group, and now acts as a church informant. She will be able to advise you as to how to proceed in Altdorf.

[Grunburg is a town to the south of Altdorf, on the River Teufel]

"I have still heard nothing of Etelka Herzen, nor of Gotthard von Wittgenstein. It may be that either or both will be seeking revenge on all of you. Therefore, I think it best that you are careful to keep a relatively low profile," he looks at Klaus in particular as he says this, "at least until I can locate the two of them. They are dangerous and resourceful people.

"Do you have any further questions? Or shall I present you to his eminence?"

[rufus sparkfire]

"No father, I don't think we have any questions... or at least, I don't." Max says.

"Very well - ah, one thing I had forgotten. I investigated the law firm that handled the funding for Dr Schmidt's expedition to the Barren Hills. The paperwork claimed they were based in Middenheim, but I have discovered that the money actually came from the firm of Othmayer and Finck, who are based in Altdorf. I don't know if the law firm are legitimate or if they are simply a front for the Red Crown. Certainly the false information in the college records is grounds for suspicion. I suggest you visit Othmayer and Finck when you get to Altdorf."

[rufus sparkfire]

Father Anton leads the group out of his small, secluded office. He takes them in to the large and elaborate chambers of Arch-Lector Kaslain.

Mortus and Klaus have seen Kaslain before, at the party in Countess Emmanuelle's palace, though they did not speak to him. He's a sturdy man of later middle years, with a distinctively long neck. Though dressed in somber robes, his wide smile and drink-reddened cheeks give him a look of affability.

"Come in, come in, dear friends." He says. "No need to bow - well, except for you, Anton, but that's only good protocol! Ho ho. You know who I am, of course. Ah, two dwarfs among you! Excellent..." He speaks to Julian and Ragni in dwarfish. "Greetings to you, honoured brothers. The church of Sigmar thanks you, and affirms the ancient ties of friendship between our peoples.

"Naturally, I congratulate you all for the great task you have accomplished! Destroying the wyrdstone, in particular, was an astonishing achievement." He looks at Mortus as he says this, his eyes narrowing slightly. "As you will be aware, I sent some of my priests to investigate Wittgenstein, and their reports match well with your own account. Not, of course, that I doubted you... but one must be sure.

"The barony remains protected by its imperial charter, however, which limits what can be done there. In addition, we have the Emperor's recent injunction against harming those affected by chaotic influences... ah, mutants, as they used to be called. The new law is... questionable, but cannot be lightly ignored." Kaslain looks troubled.

"So, Wittgenstein will remain a contested issue for some time, I think. In the meantime, all the church can do is offer aid to the afflicted. But, I don't want to depress you unduly. You have all done well, and Sigmar smiles upon you! You will know, of course, that tomorrow is the festival of Sigmar's ascension to the throne? I hope to see you at the service in the morning... and perhaps at some of the parties later!

"Anton tells me you might be heading to Altdorf? Yes? Excellent. Could you deliver this to old Yorri - that is, to his supreme holiness the Grand Theogonist Yorri - when you get there?" He holds up a sealed letter. "It's rather important, and it's hard to know who to trust these days. Don't open it, of course, or I dare say old Yorri will have you chastised severely." He smiles. "But I'm sure you'd never dream of reading something addressed to someone else.

"Now, I'm sure you will forgive me, but I have much to do. Anton will show you out... ah, how careless of me! You will, I hope, accept the sum of 400 crowns each, as a token of the tremendous gratitude the church owes you?"

Anyone who accepts the Arch-Lector's offer of money will be paid by a clerk, before they are led out of the cathedral by Father Anton. He bids them farewell, and good luck on their mission.

[commandant]

Mortus feels slightly worried when the Arch Lector's eyes narrow.   She is not sure if he suspects her of something or if he is just aware he has seen her before and is trying to place her.

Mortus will accept the payment as she leaves

[Cannonofdoom]

Heinrich will take the letter. He announces to the others that he intends to leave for Altdorf early, while the rest of the group head for Grunburg. He will seek out his old contacts, and visit his brother, Tomas, a lieutenant in the city watch.

[rufus sparkfire]

The Arch-Lector's clerk supplies the party with documents that state them to be agents of the church. These carry the Arch-Lector's seal: the clerk says that the documents may be useful for gaining the co-operation of various legal authorities, but not to rely too heavily on them. Klaus is also given a letter describing his good works for the church, which he can add to his petition to the Grand Countess of Averland to examine his claim to nobility.

The party leave the cathedral. Heinrich announces his intention to go to Altdorf as soon as possible. Billy advises him that traveling on the Hound is still the fastest way to get there, even if it means leaving the boat before Grunburg and walking the rest of the way.

Klaus goes to see the alchemist he paid to analyse Schmidt's potions. All of the phials contain the same drug: a preparation designed to restore physical strength to those who have lost it due to magical side-effects... according to the alchemist, the drug is addictive and very expensive to prepare. The condition it alleviates is almost always found in those who employ forbidden magic, and have suffered physical corruption as a result.

[rufus sparkfire]

The group look for a cargo.

[Cargo = Averland wine. 20000 units. Base price = 4000. Random factor = 3, no change. Haggle test: 11, pass. WP test for merchant = 05, pass. Price reduced by d10% = 7%. Final price = 3720 crowns.]

[commandant]

Who is paying for it?   Mortus is willing to put up the entire amount if needed.

[Finlay]

[how generous of her! put up the entire amount and get the entire profit. errr, no.]

[rufus sparkfire]

[I assume the cost is split between the party as usual, but it's up to you lot!]

The next day is the 18th of Sigmarzeit. This is the first day of summer, but more importantly it is the date both of Sigmar's ascension to the throne, and of his abdication. In Altdorf, the centerpiece of the festival is the famous grand procession around the city walls, led by the Grand Theogonist. In Nuln, as in other cities across The Empire, a solemn religious service is followed by riotous feasting and the consumption of vast quantities of beer.

The cathedral is packed full of people, unsurprisingly. As in all of Sigmar's temples, the congregation are required to stand throughout the service. Towards the front of the crowd, surrounded by guards, are the city's leading citizens. Countess Emmanuelle stands beside the young Graf Alberich of Stirland: the city is rife with rumours that they plan to marry.

Arch-Lector Kaslain gives the traditional reading from the Geistbuch, the church's most holy text, ending as always with Sigmar's abdication and disappearance. 'So he forsook the world of mortals,' the passage says, 'to augment the realms of the gods.' He follows the reading with an impassioned sermon calling for unity, faith and compassion in the troubled times The Empire is facing.

Once the service is over, it's time for the party to begin! The festivities go on well into the night.

[rufus sparkfire]

On the next day, the group are ready to leave Nuln. They won't be making an early start - everyone in town seems to have stayed up too late last night celebrating, so no one is in a rush to do their jobs. Stevedores take twice as long loading cargoes. Excisemen stumble around, bleary-eyed, struggling to complete their paperwork. Billy becomes frustrated by the delay, "I don't like the look of that sky," he says, "it ain't looking like good sailing weather at all. There's a storm on the way."

At last, the Hound is able to depart. They make fair progress at first, but soon the wind picks up and the sky darkens. Over the next hour, the clouds gather and then burst, releasing a torrent of rain that churns the river up like a boiling cauldron. But it's the howling crosswind that's the real danger, threatening to tear down the Hound's sail and turn its mast to splinters.

"Ain't nothing for it but to stop and wait it out," Billy says.

Grissenwald is still miles away, but fortunately there is a riverside inn close by where the Hound can tie up safely. Billy guides the boat into the dock. He and Max moor the Hound, then take down the sail and do their best to cover the boat with tarpaulins.

The inn is an average-looking place with a sign that shows three feathers. Light is streaming from the windows, making it look an inviting refuge from the storm. A large and elaborate coach has recently drawn up outside, and teams of soaked servants are scurrying to carry luggage from it to the inn.

[commandant]

Mortus will enter the inn.

[rufus sparkfire]

[rufus sparkfire]

Inside, the inn is bustling. Servants are running to and fro, while the innkeeper is engrossed in conversation with a scribe who carries a visibly-bulging purse. He's too busy to notice the party for quite some time.

"Welcome," he says at last, "I'm so sorry to keep you waiting, but as you can see we have a distinguished guest today. No less than the Gravin Maria-Ulrike von Liebewitz of Ambosstein! There are so many arrangements to make, I hardly know what to do. Oh, excuse me!"

The innkeeper rushes off to direct a train of servants upstairs. He returns some minutes later. "So sorry. It really is mad today! I'm Otto. Welcome to the Three Feathers. Isn't the weather dreadful? I imagine that's the reason you've stopped. It's set in for the night, I should think. Would you like to book rooms?"

[rufus sparkfire]

"Yes please, sir," Max says, "if you have any spare."

"Well, the gravin has booked up an entire wing, but we still have space for you and your friends. We have single rooms at 1 crown, doubles at 35 shillings, or there's the dormitory if you're on a budget - that's only 5 shillings. Dinner and breakfast is included in the price!"

After booking their rooms (Ragni will want to share a double room with Julian, but the others can books single or double rooms as they prefer), the party go through into the bar room. Max and Billy, both of whom got very wet while securing the boat, get changed into dry clothes in their rooms before joining the others.

The bar is initially empty. The party have their dinner and a few drinks in peace. At around 7.30 in the evening, a group of the gravin's guards and servants enter the bar. Four guards, wearing the gravin's livery, order drinks and then sit at a table (the one labeled 'a' on the map) with another man. This man is tall and broad-shouldered, with a battle-scarred face and a crooked nose. He's not dressed as a guard, but is clearly a fighting man of some sort. Colourful tattoos, of skulls, snakes and swords, cover his arms. Before long, he starts an arm-wrestling match with one of the guards. The other guards shout encouragement, betting on the outcome.

Half a dozen servants, some male and some female, stand at the bar talking or watch the arm-wrestling. A grinning halfling in a fancy jacket strolls into the room, orders a drink and a pie, then sits at another table (marked 'b'). He takes out a pack of cards and starts shuffling it.