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

[Finlay]

"Yes, that's fine. My shield and sword are magical, so I will borrow my squire here's" Juilian winks at Ragni "shield"

Julian signs the form with a flourish, then says loudly "I wonder if the graf will be happy to meet a dwarvish champion".

[rufus sparkfire]

"Dwarfs are very welcome in Middenheim, sir" the man says, "despite what you may have heard."

"Please be careful of your back, Mr Julian, sir," Max says, "wearing mail will aggravate the cuts, even through padding. Grungni grant you victory!"

Ragni helps Julian get ready for his fight, while the others [Heinrich, Max, maybe Klaus!] go off to watch from a bit further away. Admund joins them after a while.

A wooden stage has been set up on one side of the square, with a few chairs on it for important people. As the time of the first bout draws near, dignitaries begin to arrive. The first is a tall man dressed in full plate armour, minus the helmet. The armour is brilliantly polished, so that it seems to blaze with fire in the morning sun. His hair has been fastidiously styled, and his face is set into an expression of studied nobility. He takes a seat to one side of the podium.

"That's the Knight Eternal," a halfling woman tells Admund when he asks, "Sir Siegfried Prunkvol."

"Gosh," Max says, "I've heard about this. Legend says that the city of Middenheim will fall unless it is protected by a man of absolute valour and selflessness. It's a tradition going back to the foundation of the city. That armour he wears is said to be magical."

The knight is joined on the podium by two more tall, imposing men. Both are dressed in fine, dark blue uniforms, with ceremonial breastplates of white steel. One has close-cropped grey hair, the other has brown hair.

"Ulrich Schutzman, the watch commander," a man with a long scar across his cheek says, pointing to the grey-haired man, "and General Johann Schwermutt," he says, pointing to the other.

"I wrote a letter to the watch commander," Max says, "I don't suppose he'll have seen it yet."

Finally, the palace gates open and three people emerge: A brown haired elf dressed in green cloth edged with bear-fur; a beautiful young woman with long, curly brown hair, wearing a stylish gown of blue silk; and a tall, smiling man with a crooked nose, dressed in mail and carrying a helmet.

"There's the champion!" a small boy shouts, "Dieter! Dieter! Dieter!"

The elf and the lady join the others on the stage, while the champion heads for the fighting area.

"The elf is the huntmaster, Allavandrel," an elderly woman says, "he'll be competing in the archery tourney later on. The lady is Petra Liebkosen. She's a courtier."

Dieter's first opponent is a poor knight from Ostland, Sir Kaspar von Berlichingen. The fight is about to begin!

[Karl Voss of Averland]

Admund joins in with the cheering crowd. He enjoys displays of martial talent. He will make ribald comments during the fight, and shout encouraging cheers for the fighters to "quit dancing and get stuck in!"

[rufus sparkfire]

[Mortus]

Doktor Glarean's eyebrows shoot up at the mention of Middenheim. He tries to cover his reaction by feigning to choke slightly on his drink, but it's too late. "Middenheim, Miss Mortus? Well, I believe the carnival will soon begin, and it is certainly a wonderful spectacle, well worth the visit. But I have heard nothing of any... problems there. May I ask who your friend is? Ah... perhaps I have no right to ask. I am sure the information must be sound, if you think it so.

"Are you planning to travel there soon, Miss Mortus? I should be glad to escort you, if you have not yet tired of my company. I think a boat to Carroburg might be best, and thence on by road. Would you agree?"

[rufus sparkfire]

The two fighters, both armed with maces and shields, take up their positions.  A young woman in ostentatiously arcane robes makes a big show of checking both for magical contrivances, waving her hands around and intoning. Then, the referee ensures that both fighters are on their marks. He stands between them, waiting for the signal.

"On my right," the referee shouts, is the challenger, Sir Kaspar von Berlichingen of Ostland! On my left, the champion, Dieter Schmiedehammer!"

Dieter is obviously well-liked by the crowd: they roar his name relentlessly, until at last General Schwermutt rises to his feet and lifts his arms for silence.

"Citizens! Visitors! In the name of Graf Boris, and in accordance with ancient tradition, let the fight begin! May Ulric smile on the stronger man!"

The crowd applaud. The referee steps backward, and the fight begins!



Kaspar is the aggressor, leaping forward and fighting with manic intensity. Dieter is far more measured, preferring to parry or avoid the other man's attacks. Dieter even accepts blows to his chest and arms. Kaspar responds by fighting evenly more recklessly.

After a few minutes of this,  Kaspar is obviously drained. His movements are slower and more jerky. Now, Dieter takes an active role. Moving with fluid grace, he bashes aside Kaspar's mace and then his shield, before dealing him a tremendous blow to the chest that floors him. Dieter immediately stands back, politely waiting for his opponent to rise.

Kaspar tries to struggle to his feet. But he's simply exhausted. "I yield," he groans. The referee advances and raises Dieter's arm in the air. "The champion wins!"

The crowd roar with approval. Kaspar is helped from the field, while Dieter joins his squire for a drink and a quick rub-down before the next bout.

"Well, he's bloody good, Boss," Ragni says to Julian, "looks like he tries to outlast his opponent. No chance of that with you, Boss, because you've got more stamina than him. He might try something more aggressive. But anyhow, I know you can do this!"

[how does Julian plan to approach the fight?]

[Finlay]

“Aye, we’re welcome here, and our coin pouches” Julian grumbles, patting at his considerably less weighted than usual wallet

“thanks Max, but I don’t see I have a choice. Even a blunt weapon would hurt a naked dwarf. Figure you can sort my back out again later”

Julian is clear in his purpose. He wants to win to embarrass the authorities, and get to meet the Graf.

If the champion is the aggressor vs Julian, Julian will adopt the champion’s prior tactics, avoiding him and grinding him down before counter attacking.

If the champion is passive, Julian will attempt to back him into a corner/rthe edge of the arena. Advancing and forcing him back without really pushing the attack. He will then attack all out when/if the champion becomes trapped in the corner.

[commandant]

Mortus doesn't seem to notice the doktor's reaction.

"I received the information in a letter that had been left for me with a friend," she says.   "It appears I was expected somewhat before I turned up.   I am quite convinced of the soundness of the information and the need to travel to Middenhiem as soon and as swiftly as possible.   I would be very happy to have your company for the journey.   Your method seems like the best but speed is out object now I think.   My merchant friends will question why I am missing the carnival and I need a good answer for them.   I purpose that we leave as soon as we are finished eating."

Mortus will pay off her guards and contract the swiftest method of reaching Middenhiem as soon as she has finished her meal.

[Fandir Nightshade]

Klaus made a mental note about that orphan boy before he apologized to the people in the group and told them that he would take off to see some people and gather some informations..he wishes everyone good luck and loads of fun...especially Julian and Heinrich, he tells them that it is rather as certain as the sun showing up each day that they will win should they decide to enter a competition.

Plans of Klaus are to see the Wizard first then the secretary of the  Law Lord Ehrlich and make it in time for the elven tumblers to share a glass of wine and some splendid conversation with the Elf courtier.

[rufus sparkfire]

[Julian's fight]

The referee approaches Julian. "Mr Stonebridge, if you are prepared? Please step up."

"Go for it Boss!" Ragni says, enormously excited, "kick his head in!"

Julian puts on his helmet, lifts the blunt sword and Ragni's shield, and strides out into the fighting area. Dieter moves up to face him. "Hello, sir," he says warmly, "good luck to you!" He gives a salute with his blade.

"On my right," the referee shouts, is the challenger, Julian Stonebridge of the Dwarf Engineers' Guild! On my left, the champion, Dieter Schmiedehammer!"

The crowd chant Dieter's name again. Max is shouting for Julian, as loud as he can.

On the stage, General Schwermutt rises and repeats his earlier words. The referee gives the signal and the fight begins!

As before, Dieter hangs back, taking a defensive stance. Julian begins gradual advance, hoping to force him backward. Dieter delays taking any action, even when Julian is close enough to strike the first blow.

[Julian 1: 30, hits head. S3+1+d6 roll of 1 - T5- A3 = no wounds]
[J2: 27, hit body. S3+1+d6 roll of 5-T5-A2 = 2 wounds. Dodge blow = 11, yes]

Julian hits twice in quick succession. One blow glances off Dieter's helmet. The other he twists sideways to avoid. He counter-attacks.

[Dieter 1: 23, hits right arm. S5+1+d6 roll of 2-T7-A2 = no wounds]
[D2: 56, hits body. S5+1+d6 roll of 6! (add damage = no)-T7-A2 = 3 wounds. Dodge blow = 13, yes]

Julian deflects one attack on his shield, then jumps back to evade a powerful swing. The crowd gasp!

[continues]

[rufus sparkfire]

Dieter realizes that Julian can probably outlast him. He changes tactics, springing forward in an outright attack.

[Dieter 1: 44, hits left arm. S5+1+d6 roll of 6! (add damage = no)-T7-A2 = 3 wounds. Dodge blow = 06, yes!]
[D2: 32, hits right arm. S5+1+d6 roll of 1-T7-A2 = no wounds]

Again, he strikes a fearsome blow that Julian avoids.

He moves in quickly, taking advantage of the opening.

[Julian1: 39, hits left leg. S3+1+d6 roll of 3-T5-A2 = 0 wounds]
[J2: 13, hits right arm. S3+1+d6 roll of 5-T5-a2 = 2 wounds. Dodge blow = 90, no! Parry attempt = 33, yes. d6 wounds blocked = 6]

Julian feints at Dieter's leg, then instead strikes at his sword arm. He catches the blow, but it knocks him off balance [one attack used for next round].

Dieter backs away, then advances again.

[Dieter 1: 41, hits head. S5+1+d6 roll of 1-T7-A3 = no wounds]

He moves more slowly, his arm jarred by the awkward parry. Julian counters.

[Julian1: 52, hits right arm. S3+1+d6 roll of 5-T5-a2 = 2 wounds. Dodge blow = 91, failed]
[J2: 16, hits body. S3+1+d6 roll of 2-t5-a2 = no wounds]

Hit sword slips past Dieter's guard and catches him a stinging blow to the arm. He grunts in pain. The crowd gasp again! Julian hears Ragni's voice yelling to Grungni.


[continues]

[rufus sparkfire]

Dieter now tries to strike Julian with his shield, hoping to knock him off balance.

[Dieter (shield bash): 92, miss!]

He misses entirely! Julian presses the advantage.

[Julian 1: 10, hits head. S3+1+d6 roll of 5-T5-A3 = 1 wound. Dodge blow = 69, failed]
[J2: 90, miss]

Dieter reverts to using his sword.

[Dieter1: 21, hits head. S5+1+d6 roll of 4-T7-a3 = no wounds]
[D2: 58, hits right leg. S5+1+d6 roll of 5-T7-a2 = 2 wounds. Dodge blow = 11, pass]

He swings his sword in a wide arc, almost connecting with Julian's leg. Julian leaps out of range. As he does, he feels a sudden pain in his back as some of the cuts tear themselves open again.

[Julian WP test = 41, pass]

He ignores the pain and continues the fight.

[Julian 1: 44, hits left arm. S3+1+d6 roll of 6! (add damage = yes!)+4-T5-a2= 7 wounds. Dodge blow = no. Parry  = 93, no!]
[J2: 75, miss]

Julian smashes his blunt sword into Dieter's shield arm, with such force that Dieter actually drops his shield. He steps backward, rather unsteadily, his left arm numbed by the impact.

Someone in the crowd shouts, "Julian! Julian!" The cry is taken up by those nearby.

[continues]

[rufus sparkfire]

By now, the punishing heat of the midday sun is weakening both fighters. Dieter makes no move to recover his shield. Instead, he resumes a defensive posture. Julian again tries to force him backward.

[Julian1: 65, miss]
[J2: 54, hits left arm. S3+1+d6 roll of 2-t5-a1 = no wounds]

[Dieter: 88, miss]
[D2: 97, miss]

[Julian 33, hits right arm. S3+1+d6 roll of 6! (add damage = yes)+4-T5-a1 = 8 wounds. Dodge blow = 78, failed. Parry = 22, pass. Saved d6 wounds = 3. So 5 wounds go through]

Dieter is obviously tired - his attacks miss by a considerable margin. Julian sidesteps and brings his sword down on Dieter's sword arm, wrenching the sword from his grip. He grunts in pain again, loses his footing, and crashes to the ground!

"That's about it," he says, struggling upright, "I yield!"

The referee takes hold of Julian's arm and lifts it into the air. "The winner," he shouts, "is the challenger, Julian Stonebridge!"

The crowd roar out Julian's name!

[Finlay]

Julian winces as the referee raises his arm ashis shoulders visibly sag.

"well fought dieter. Come by the templar's arms tonight and I'll buy you a drink. in fact why dont we go to the ale tent together today?"

Julian is keen to go somewhere private to remove his armour, and makes sure Max and Ragni come with him, to treat his back and perform squirely duties.

[rufus sparkfire]

"The presentation for the new champion will take place shortly," the referee adds, "when his injuries have been attended to."

The crowd continue to cheer. The dignitaries on the stage applaud, though the elf does so in a minimal fashion, a slight sneer on his face.

"That was a fantastic fight, Julian," Dieter says, removing his helmet, "you thrashed me! I've never fought anyone as good as you before. You deserved to win! I'd love to have a drink or two and talk a bit more - the ale tent sounds great! I'm free after your presentation, if that's good for you. Damn it though, my arms will be sore for a week! And you look a bit off-colour - I didn't think I'd hurt you."

Ragni comes barreling over, grabs Julian in a hug, then releases him at once when he sees him wince with pain. "Boss, you did it! Great Grungni's Beard, you're the greatest dwarf fighter alive! Oh, your back - what a bloody fool I am. Sorry Boss. I bet you tore it like Max said. Max! Max! Get over here, Max! The Boss needs you!"

Max breaks through the crowd and rushes over. "Mr Julian, sir! That was incredible! I knew you could do it, but I was still amazed by how well you fought. Um, I want to look at your back now, sir. You won't want me to do that in public." He turns to the referee, "Sir, is there a place I can examine Mr Julian in private?"

"Of course - we have a tent set up over there. Please try not to be too long - we have to present Mr Stonebridge with his medal."

He shows them to the tent set up for fighters. Ragni proudly carries Julian's helmet, sword and shield for him. Inside the tent, Ragni helps Julian strip off his armour and shirt... the cloth is stuck to his skin, and has to be carefully pulled clear. It hurts a lot!

"Oh dear," Max says, "you've made a mess of your back, Mr Julian, sir! You've reopened all the cuts, and torn the stitches I put in! I'll need to clean the wounds again, replace the stitches, and apply fresh bandages. You can't put that armour back on! It would be better if you didn't even put a shirt on, but I suppose you won't want to go without one. You need a clean shirt though, this one is a mess... Ragni, can you fetch one, do you think? Buy a new one maybe."

"No problem!" Ragni races out of the tent, as Max sets to work on the painful task of fixing up Julian's back.

[rufus sparkfire]

[Klaus]

Klaus goes with the others for most of the way, leaving them shortly before they reach the square. He turns off toward the Guild of Wizards and Alchemists instead, intent on meeting the High Wizard's deputy.

The guild are based in a large, eccentrically designed building close to the Collegium Theologica. Brightly coloured banners flutter from the walls. Above, balconies and small towers sprout complex telescopes and other such instruments. Red and green smoke puffs from the chimneys. Students and fully-fledged wizards mill around outside and stand talking in the doorways. The guild is apparently a popular tourist attraction too, judging by the number of carnival visitors who have come to stare at the building from a safe distance.



The Wizard's and Alchemists's Guild massively predates Altdorf's Colleges of Magic. The limited, precise colour magic taught by the elf-mage Teclis is not practiced here. Instead, the guild teach the random and inexact, but versatile, magic employed by the men of The Empire in the days before Magnus the Pious.


A burly porter blocks Klaus's way when he tries to go inside. He simply shows the note from the High Wizard: the porter bows and escorts him inside. The wood-paneled walls are covered with portraits of past high wizards, dating back centuries. Stuffed animal heads - many from creatures unfamiliar to Klaus - intersperse the portraits. The floor is covered with a random selection of rugs.

Klaus is shown to an office at the top of the building. Inside, he sees a red-haired woman of around thirty, dressed in robes with only subtle hints of the arcane. "Oh, hello," she says pleasantly, "I'm sure you must have an appointment if you've been directed to me, but I'm afraid I don't know who you are. My name is Janna Eberhauer, Deputy High Wizard."

[rufus sparkfire]

[Julian, Ragni, Max]

Ragni returns with a new shirt for Julian just as Max is finishing treatment.

"Got this, Boss," Ragni says, "hope you like it!" It looks like a decent enough shirt, in the same colour as the one Julian was wearing before.

"Mr Julian, sir," Max says, "I was wondering if you should say something to the Midden Marshals when you go up for the presentation? Maybe mention the dwarf taxes, and the unjust floggings? They might be more prepared to listen to you after your amazing performance in the challenge, and they might support you when you meet the Graf... which I'm sure you will, because you will definitely win the other fights! Um. But your judgement is better than mine, sir... maybe you should wait for a less public opportunity."

"I'd say something bloody loud so everyone could hear!" Ragni says, "say what I thought of this bloody city's attitude to their dwarf brothers! Ha ha, but you know best, Boss! Longest beard, wisest dwarf."

[Fandir Nightshade]

[Klaus]

Klaus will give the female wizard a charming smile before he takes a respectful bow.

"Dear Lady Eberhauer, my name is Count Klaus von Sternberg and I am here on the issue of the new wizard tax." he will produce the letter he got from Helseher and hand it over to Janna. "Could we go to somewhere more...private to talk?"

When the female wizard offers a location where they can talk undisturbed Klaus will follow her and say the following.

"The group I am with and myself have come here to Middenheim from Altdorf to visit the carnival and also do some trading, we have Dwarves with us and made some acquaintance with this strange new tax when we entered the city....on a visit at the guild of lawyers I saw that Herr Helseher also isn´t to happy about this new tax and might even get into trouble because of it. Due to some other informations I don´t want to share with you ...yet I have to believe that there is something more behind this tax than just getting the state coffers filled with money and I came here to discuss with Herr Helseher....or his deputy how we can aid each other in finding out more about this whole mess and also discuss if there might be any reward should we solve this problem for the wizards guild."

With another of his charming smiles Klaus will add also...

"I am, if I may say so without insulting you mylady,  not at all unhappy that Herr Helseher has not time right seeing how charming his respresentative is."

[rufus sparkfire]

[Julian, Ragni, Max]

The referee ducks his head inside the tent. "Mr Stonebridge? If you are ready, we can make the presentation. Your squire may attend you."

"Wow, can I!" Ragni says, "great!"

"I'll rejoin the others and watch from there," Max says, "well done again, Mr Julian, sir!"

Julian leaves the tent, followed by Ragni. As soon as he steps back into the square, the crowd begin to roar his name again. A lot more dwarfs are in the audience than there were during the fight, news having spread about a dwarf winning the challenge. "You'll be a hero to all the dwarfs in the city, Boss." Ragni says.

Dieter is waiting near the stage, holding a silver cup. He shakes Julian's hand, smiling sincerely. "I don't mind giving up my post to the better man - I mean, better dwarf! Come on, Julian, let's get you the honours you deserve."

Julian climbs onto the stage first, followed by Ragni (carrying his weapons and armour). Dieter climbs up after them.

All five of the dignitaries have risen to their feet to greet the new defending champion. Petra smiles and offers her hand to Julian to kiss. "Well fought, Sir dwarf," she says.

Allavandrel makes no effort to look happy. "Congratulations," he says flatly, making no other gesture of any kind.

The Knight Eternal gives a painstakingly correct salute. "Hail to you, dwarfish brother. Father Ulric smiles on you as a master of arms." His tone is extremely pompous.

The watch commander, Schutzmann, gravely offers his hand to shake. "A solid victory, Mr Stonebridge. You will be an excellent champion if you win the remaining bouts." He frowns slightly, "I feel sure I have heard your name before, but I cannot place it."

Lastly, General Schwermutt speaks, taking Julian's hand and shaking it vigorously, "You fought brilliantly, Mr Stonebridge. It is a shame the Graf was unable to attend, for I am sure he would have been deeply impressed by your skill. And I know he will be thrilled at the prospect of a dwarf serving as his champion. Now, I must address the crowd in his name.

"Citizens and visitors!" he shouts, "The Graf's champion, Dieter Schmiederhammer, has been defeated in a fair fight by Julian Stonebridge!"

The crowd go wild. Allavandrel furrows his brow.

"I call upon the defeated champion to hand over the winner's cup to the new defending champion," the general continues.

Dieter passes Julian the silver cup, which bears the arms of the city and the personal arms of Graf Boris. "The best dwarf won!" Dieter says loudly, to the delight of the dwarfs in the audience.

The general produces a silver medalion, which again carries the arms of the city and those of the Graf. He hangs it around Julian's neck. "On behalf of Graf Boris, I name you, Julian Stonebridge, Defending Champion. You are requested to return here for the next two days to defend your title against any that would challenge you. Should you remain victorious, you will be presented to the Graf himself and officially recognised as champion. Now, do you have anything you wish to say?"

[Julian can make a speech if he likes]

[rufus sparkfire]

[Klaus]

"Oh my, a count?" Janna says, "well, that is interesting." She reads the note. "Ah, a supporter of our cause! That's wonderful. You're right, Count, that this office isn't terribly private - students have absolutely no manners, you know. Always barging in to complain about their marks or ask for extensions on projects. We'll go through to my private rooms."

She escorts Klaus into a small suit. "I have a house of my own, of course, but these rooms come with the job. If any students bother us here, I'll turn them into frogs!" She laughs pleasantly. "I'm very happy to fill in for the High Wizard... it's rare for official business to be so enjoyable."

Janna offers Klaus a drink - a light wine, appropriate to the time of day. Klaus is sure that she is interested in him, at least a little... his instincts also tell him that she will respond best to someone she thinks is educated and astute.

"The High Wizard is a very busy man, Count, as you can imagine. The guild plays a vital role in the defense of the city, and we are just as important to the carnival. Our firework displays are legendary. Which is why he - and I - are so furious about the Scroll Tax. Not only is it insulting and unjust, but it threatens the very survival of the city. What will Middenheim do if all the wizards leave? And the dwarfs too? The priests will stay, of course... though I cannot imagine why Ar-Ulric has not spoken out against the taxes. I have always thought him a wise, decent man.

"The guild is desperate to stop this foolishness before it goes too far. If you can help us, Count, I'm sure we will be able to reward you appropriately. Perhaps you will tell me what you know."

[rufus sparkfire]

[Mortus]

"Oh, a letter from a contact - how mysterious and thrilling!" the Doktor says, trying to sound flippant but not succeeding. "Well, it sounds as though you have a very solid lead, Miss Mortus. Such a thing should not be ignored. I will join you, naturally! Let me see... Carroburg is a fairly short trip down the River Bogen... downstream, so with a good wind we should reach it in no more than three days. I know a captain who makes the trip regularly - indeed, I have already spoken to him today, and know that he plans to leave this afternoon. His boat is very swift." The Doktor's darting eyes betray his anxiety, but he tries to mask it with a relaxed tone of voice.

"I shall finish my meal more rapidly than any halfling might! Ha ha!"

When they have both finished, the Doktor and Mortus walk to the town docks. They pass the town hall, which was fire-damaged during the Schaffenfest but has largely been restored, then continue down Hafenstrasse until they reach the Ostendamm. To the left is the warehouse where Mortus and her friends fought Teugen and his pet demon... but she does not look that way. Instead, she follows the Doktor to the right, where a graceful sailing vessel is tied up, being loaded with goods.

The Doktor books passage for them on the boat, which is called 'The Stormrunner.' Before two hours have elapsed, the captain casts off and the boat is on its way to Carroburg.

[commandant]

Mortus will sit at the very prow of the boat, dangling her feet over the edge and watching the water go past.   She invites the Doktor to sit beside her.

"You never said what you discovered in Bogenhafen," she says.

[Finlay]

Julian greets the dignitaries enthusiastically, making a particular show of offering his hand to shake the elfs.

Julian steps forward and raises his arms for quiet, before starting to talk

"I am proud to carry on the time honored tradition of Dwarfs serving the Empire and serving Middenheim"

Julian lets his words hang in the air for a moment before continuing
"As you can see us Dwarfs have a lot to offer, and Grungni and Ulric willing I will be standing here in two days. I will give my best for the city and the Graf"
"Thank you for your support, and thanks to Schmiedehammer for the great bout, now enjoy the carnival"

Julian steps back from the rostrum, and Quickly judging the people he meets, goes to talk to Schwermutt. He wants to speak to Schutzmann as well, but thinks it unwise given the recent altercation.

[rufus sparkfire]

Allavandrel shakes Julian's hand out of politeness, but he tries to minimize the contact.


The crowd cheer - it's a good speech, being short and unchallenging. Julian hopes his hints about the importance of dwarfs have made an impression, but it's hard to tell. Certainly the dwarfs in the audience appreciated his words.

"An excellent speech, Mr Stonebridge," General Schwermutt says, "I think Allavandrel was worried you'd make a scene, but I told him you'd have more discretion than that. Were you hurt at all during the fight? I hope you will be fit enough to defend your title."

[rufus sparkfire]

[Heinrich, Admund, Max]

The rest of the group are watching Julian give his speech from the crowd.

"He's too small to be champion," a small boy says, "Dieter was better!"

"What did he say," an old woman asks, "did he say, 'dwarfs deserve the Empire?' That sounds like treason to me!"

"He said 'serve,' mother," another woman says, "come on, let's go to the ale tent."

"He's a hero," a young dwarf with barely an inch of beard says, "an inspiration to dwarfs everywhere! I'm going to ask if he wants his armour cleaned or other jobs doing." Several other young dwarfs agree with this plan.

"He's very handsome," a dwarf woman says, "I wonder if he's married?"

"The bloody dwarfs will be unbearable after this," a red-faced man with a thick neck says, "bloody beardy bastards! I'm not watching this anymore! Middenheim for Middenheimers!"

"Yeah, get lost you ugly racist prick" a halfling says, quickly fleeing the scene before the big man can locate him.


Max, predictably, is practically bouncing up and down with excitement. "Mr Julian was amazing, wasn't he, Heinrich? That speech was wonderful - just the right tone! He'll get people thinking without actually encouraging them to do anything illegal. And look at him chatting to the General! I hope he speaks to the watch commander too - I'm sure that will help our case enormously! Were you impressed too, Admund? You know a lot about fighting, so I expect you could appreciate it a lot more than I could."

[Cannonofdoom]

"It was very impressive. I do not think I could have beaten that man."