-
Re: [WFRP] The Bloody Crown IV
Sieghard
"Heh, Costin's share. For all that work Costin did in finding it I'm sure." Sieghard said. "Mighta been willing to give him a cut - A small one - for introducing us if you had asked about it first. After all this though? Starting to think you took too much. Either they go or we go, but if you think you can find it before we find another boat, you're welcome to try."
-
Re: [WFRP] The Bloody Crown IV
Rogar scowled at Viggo, his already-strained friendly demeanour falling apart at the seams. The other boatmen began to wander over.
"Fine," he said. "You're so sure, we'll do it your way. 'Course," he said, tilting his head to one side, "we'll need to lighten the boat. You all saw where it was, right? One of you can come with me while the rest stay behind, just like my friends here." He glanced over at Ludo. "Little feller weighs the least. What d'you say, mister halfling?"
-
Re: [WFRP] The Bloody Crown IV
"I'm not sure what you think your end of the bargain is here Rogar." Ludo said calmly. "We do this our way, or without you entirely."
-
Re: [WFRP] The Bloody Crown IV
"Without me?" spat Rogar, his face purpling a little. "Ha! I'd like to see you try, you little - you think just anyone could show you the way?" With his good hand he held up a trembling finger. "You've got a lot to learn about this town, a lot to learn..."
He trailed off as he felt the eyes of Adelbert and Costin's accomplices on him. One of them drew him aside, and a brief but fierce exchange of muttered words followed.
Slowly, Rogar sloped back to the group, the outbreak of blustering anger suppressed by a mask of false geniality once again. "I'm sorry about that, friends," he said, running his hand through his hair. "Let my temper get away with me. Of course... we'll do it your way."
The three strangers were now slipping away in the direction of the bunkhouse.
-
Re: [WFRP] The Bloody Crown IV
Adelbert Schreiber
Adelbert looking distinctly uneasy, walked over to the bunkhouse too, or rather that part where the horses were kept.
-
Re: [WFRP] The Bloody Crown IV
Sieghard
Sieghard watched Rogar and the strangers with growing discomfort.
"Schreiber! Since you're here, a moment before we head off!" he called out, following after Adelbert. Lowering his voice as he closed the distance, he continued. "Leave. Take the boy, take Viggo's horse, take as much as you can carry without slowing yourself. Painford isn't far, we'll find you there. Stay near Fassbender if she'll let you. I don't know what they're scheming and don't want you to have to find out, but if they follow you you'd be safer with her than anywhere else." He kept his words terse knowing that Adelbert might not have time to waste.
When they had finished speaking, he returned to the others. "Ready when you are."
-
Re: [WFRP] The Bloody Crown IV
Viggo Hirtzel
Viggo smiled insincerely at Rogar, tucking his thumbs behind his belt, "See that wasn't so hard eh?" Viggo was trying to sound amiable, but there was still an edge to his voice. "You might think we're being awkward now but, trust me, by the end of the day when your pockets are full and you've got your just reward, you'll be thanking us."
Being friendly to this thieving pig is enough to make me swallow my own tongue! The young lad mused grimly as he made to board Rogar's boat.
-
Re: [WFRP] The Bloody Crown IV
Ludo stepped carefully onto the boat and held Stoutheart on his lap. "I'm glad we managed to resolve this without any unpleasantness."
-
Re: [WFRP] The Bloody Crown IV
Adelbert Schreiber
Adelbert, listened to Sieghard, and nodded to signal his assent. His own plans had been similar, if not quite as advanced. Taking Magnus by the reins he led the steed towards the shrine, intending to pick up Kaja and the rest of the gear - and bid Ravenskird an all too happy farewell!
-
Re: [WFRP] The Bloody Crown IV
"All aboard who's coming aboard, then," said Rogar, sounding considerably more circumspect than before. The four travellers piled onto his narrow boat, and he poled away across the still water.
Adelbert
Spoiler
Show
It took a little while for Adelbert and Kaja to load up Magnus with all the gear the others had left behind. Thankfully the horse was big enough to carry it all and more - not for the first time, Adelbert reflected on the mismatch between Viggo and the majestic steed he had acquired. Magnus looked down his long nose at him, flicking his ears forwards as if he knew what Adelbert was thinking.
Cezar lingered on the doorstep to bid them goodbye. "Safe travels," he said, sounding more than a little concerned. "May we meet again in daylight."
Together, Adelbert, Kaja and Magnus struck out for the green fringes of the Thornwood on the eastern edge of the marsh. The road was a lonely and boggy one - Kaja kept his spirits up by whistling the tunes he had grown up with, which to Adelbert sounded more like Strigany reels than any music made by honest northern men.
They were less than a mile outside Ravenskird when they saw three men waiting on the road ahead. The land around the Mere was flat enough that it was impossible for them not to see Adelbert in return - Magnus snorted, pricking up his ears as one of the men got to his feet.
Not Adelbert
Spoiler
Show
Rogar seemed to be exerting himself a little more to get them to the ruins this time, poling them swiftly through the whispering water. Nevertheless, the sun had begun to descend from its zenith when they reached the mist banks that cloaked the island, still undisturbed by yesterday's rain.
Gliding through the mist, the boat rustled through a brake of reeds to kiss against the muddy bank. Up ahead, the ruins loomed up grey and mossy, the birds roosting in them already beginning to twitter in agitation.
"Right then," said Rogar, scampering off onto dry land. "Lead the way, sir."
-
Re: [WFRP] The Bloody Crown IV
Adelbert Schreiber
Spoiler
Show
Adelbert swore in Breton for Kaja's benefit. He glanced at his appreentice a moment, then at the approaching stranger.
"Kaja, how's your eyesight? Can you tell me anything of youn stranger?"
Not that he was simply going to leave it to the boy.
OOC:
Spoiler
Show
Perception check: [roll]1d100[roll] vs. 46
Sorry, out of practice. Re-rolled in the OOC thread.
-
Re: [WFRP] The Bloody Crown IV
Adelbert
Spoiler
Show
Squinting, Adelbert could make out little about the three men. They were dressed in drab colours and looked to be grown men - and most importantly, they were now heading his way at a leisurely pace.
Squinting, Kaja cupped a hand over his eyes to shield them from the sun. "I think one of them is from the inn back in town," he said. "I think."
-
Re: [WFRP] The Bloody Crown IV
Sieghard
Spoiler
Show
As they made their way back to the island, Sieghard watched Rogar carefully. He feigned laziness and made himself as comfortable as the boat would allow, but kept his eyes on Rogar the whole time, trying to figure out how the boatman navigated the swamp.
When they arrived, he climbed out of the boat and stretched. "
Right, this way."
He headed in the direction of the ruins, glancing over his shoulder every so often to be sure Rogar was still following. After being abandoned once, he wasn't inclined to let the boatman out of his sight. When they had nearly reached the ruins, he quickly drew his sword and turned on Rogar.
Spoiler
Show
Quickdraw sword. If Rogar is following close enough, Swift attack. If not, charge attack if there's enough distance for that or move and attack if there isn't.
[roll0] vs 41 WS
[roll1]
(If he's close enough for a swift attack)
[roll2] vs 41 WS
[roll3]
Edit: Messed up my spoiler tags. Rerolled that first one OOC. Still a miss. Dammit, Sieghard, was it too much to ask for to end this quickly?
-
Re: [WFRP] The Bloody Crown IV
Rogar & the Gang, Marsh Buddies For Life
Spoiler
Show
Sieghard's sudden attack caught Rogar by surprise. Punching the crossguard of his sword into the boatman's stomach, Sieghard drove the air out of his lungs before striking him across the head with a vicious backhand blow. Rogar fell to the ground, blood running from his temple.
Wheezing, he rolled onto his side, raising his good hand in appeal. "No," he said, his words coming out in a panicked babble. His legs scrabbled against the mud, trying to push himself backwards but finding little purchase in the waterlogged earth. "No, please - what are you doing?"
-
Re: [WFRP] The Bloody Crown IV
Adelbert Schreiber
Spoiler
Show
"Yes... yes of course they are," Adelbert said distantly. "Kaja, I need you to take Magnus back towards the village. Go to the shrine, Brother Cezar can protect you until I get back."
The scribe pulled the chain mail shirt and 'kettle' helm off the horse and donned them, then drew his sword. "Hurry boy!" He called out, not taking hus eyes from the men advancing.
-
Re: [WFRP] The Bloody Crown IV
Elsabeth Holt
Spoiler
Show
Elsa's morosity dropped as soon as Sieghard struck at the boatman, replaced with cold, implacable fury; perhaps mixed with a tiny touch of glee.
"Gods, did you mess with the wrong people, little man," she hissed, gathering up a wisp of the Wind of
Aqshy inside her closed fist.
"Not a mistake you'll make again." She was tempted to blast a hole inside the man here and now, but it seemed better than he deserved.
OOC
Spoiler
Show
Sleep spell. It's a long shot, but given my place in the initiative roster, I may not even have the opportunity to cast it.
Channelling (assuming I'm close enough; if not, Move): [roll0]
Sleep (6+): [roll1]
To hit: [roll2]
Rogar's WP: [roll3]
Rounds asleep if successful: [roll4]
Edit: Yeah, I think not.
Aqshy escaped her, too scarce in the damp air of the swamp. No matter. He would have to die the easy way; for them, and for him.
-
Re: [WFRP] The Bloody Crown IV
Sieghard
Spoiler
Show
"
Dealing with the bastard who robbed us and left us to die, of course," Sieghard replied. There was no emotion in his voice, but his eyes were filled with contempt. "
Probably would've just gotten our things back and left if you hadn't gone through the trouble to bury us alive. If you're going to try killing someone, best to be sure you finish the job."
"
There was never any gold," he added before going for the final blow.
Spoiler
Show
Swift attack.
[roll0] vs 41
[roll1]
[roll2] vs 41
[roll3]
-
Re: [WFRP] The Bloody Crown IV
Swamps for the Memories
Spoiler
Show
Even though he'd been expecting this ever since they'd been out of sight of town, Viggo was still shocked by the suddenness and ferocity of Sieghards' attack. Steeling himself he stepped up beside Sieghard and looked down at Rogar. He'd spent hours imagining how exacting revenge on this wretch would feel. It feels.. good.
Viggo managed to not turn away as Sieghard delivered another hefty blow, he noticed the detached calmness in the mercenary as he delivered justice to the unscrupulous Boatman. He's right, Rogar is paying for being a crook and being too weak, just like I did, I lost my lute and horse because I was seen to be too weak. "Never again." He said aloud. I have to be like Rock Face, if someone threatens him, he doesn't run or just give up... he fights!
-
Re: [WFRP] The Bloody Crown IV
Rogar Appreciation Society
Spoiler
Show
"No!" gabbled Rogar, shuffling backwards with his arm still held up as a shield. His eyes were wide and staring, his face contorted by fear. "Please, I'll give you anything you want - I'm sorry, I didn't mean - "
Sieghard's next blow nearly severed his arm, hacking deep into his shoulder. Arterial blood spilling over his grubby clothes, the boatman dragged himself a little further with his hook before he lost the strength to move. The colour draining from his face and into the spreading smear of blood beneath him, his blubbering finally stopped.
Adelbert
Spoiler
Show
Magnus whinnied and snorted as Kaja turned him back towards the village. The three men didn't increase their space as the boy and the horse separated from Adelbert, still approaching at a comfortable stroll.
As they came close, Adelbert recognised two of their faces - they had been among the men Rogar had been so keen to take on the return trip into the marsh. The third man was older, with a short beard of wiry grey hair and a lined, sun-browned face. He greeted Adelbert like a passing traveller.
"Morning to you," he said, coming to a halt. Adelbert couldn't see that he was armed, but his two companions still were. "Fine day, isn't it?"
He looked around at the open marsh.
"Not waiting for your friends to get back then, sir?"
-
Re: [WFRP] The Bloody Crown IV
Adelbert Schreiber
Spoiler
Show
Adelbert didn't bother to answer that, instead moving to attack, striking towards the older man, who seemed to be the leader. If he could narrow the odds quickly there was a slim possibility he could get out of this alive.
OOC:
Spoiler
Show
Adelbert will Charge if he is more than four yards away. Otherwise he'll move and make a Standard Attack.
Attack: [roll0] vs. WS. 36 (or 46 if Charge bonus)
Damage (if he hits): [roll1]
-
Re: [WFRP] The Bloody Crown IV
Sieghard
Spoiler
Show
Sieghard cleaned his sword off and searched Rogar for the gold coin he had given him. He didn't care about the other things the boatman had.
"Schreiber knows to meet us in Painford," Sieghard said, turning back towards the boat.
-
Re: [WFRP] The Bloody Crown IV
Elsabeth Holt
Spoiler
Show
Rogar's begging was music to Elsa's ears.
For the love of Sigmar, don't go all soft now, Sieghard, she thought. Her doubts were misplaced -- the mercenary struck the killing blow with no hesitation or mercy. A vicious smile on her lips, Elsa looked straight at Rogar's face until life left his eyes. When he breathed his last, she somewhat spitefully flipped him over to have his face rest against the muddy ground.
She felt
so damn good right now.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
TheSummoner
"Schreiber knows to meet us in Painford," Sieghard said, turning back towards the boat.
As Sieghard walked away, Elsa's gloved hand closed firmly around his shoulder.
"Not so fast." The pyromancer roughly turned him around, a fierce gleam in her amber eyes, and rather forcefully tried to drive her tongue into his mouth.
As far as kisses went, it had about the elegance of a goblin eating a raw egg.
-
Re: [WFRP] The Bloody Crown IV
Marsh Friends
Spoiler
Show
Ludo reeled backwards from the kill, but didn't cry out with an effort of will.
He's dead.
They killed him.
We killed him.
He ignored Elsa and Sieghard's grappling to watch the blood soak into the marsh, and took a deep breath.
He tried to kill us.
Does that make it okay?
"Give me a minute," he said out loud, but so quiet only Viggo could hear, and then he moved off across the island. Stoutheart went with him, barking happily at the birds.
-
Re: [WFRP] The Bloody Crown IV
Sieghard
Spoiler
Show
Sieghard returned the kiss, though with far less enthusiasm than he had in the ruins. His mind was on other things and his body was simply reacting automatically to what Elsa did. After a moment, he broke off and glanced towards Viggo and Ludo. "Not now, Elsa," he said, detached. "Later," he added after a pause, much quieter.
-
Re: [WFRP] The Bloody Crown IV
Marsh Friends
Spoiler
Show
Already agitated, the birds took off in a swirling cloud as Stoutheart ran ahead yapping ahead of his master. The sound of their calls filled the air as they circled the island, ringing the scene where Viggo, Sieghard and Elsa still stood over Rogar's motionless body. A cold breeze breathed over the marsh, ruffling the surface of the water.
No accusing voices rose from across the water; no pointing figures hove into view. They were alone with the birds, and the dead man lying face-down in the mud.
Adelbert
Spoiler
Show
"Whoa!" shouted the older man, swaying out of the path of Adelbert's wild blow. Glancing at the other two, he gave a hasty signal. Together they drew their cudgels and waded in. Adelbert staggered as he felt one of the clubs crack against his kneecap, pain flaring through his leg.
OOC: Spoiler
Show
Both younger men spend a Ready action to draw their weapons and then make a Standard Attack. +20 for 3:1 outnumbering.
[roll0] - hit
[roll1] - 4 wounds to the right leg.
[roll2] - miss
[roll3]
-
Re: [WFRP] The Bloody Crown IV
Adelbert Schreiber
Spoiler
Show
Gritting his teeth in pain and silently cursing his poor luck Adelbert ignored the other two attackers and again struck at the leader, slashing at him desperately. He knew he was leaving himself open but he had little choice but to try and hack down at least one of them before they overwhelmed him.
OOC:
Spoiler
Show
All Out Attack on the leader: [roll0] vs. 56
Fortune Point reroll if needed: [roll1] vs 56
Damage (if he hits): [roll2]
Ulric's Fury roll on OOC.
-
Re: [WFRP] The Bloody Crown IV
Marsh Friends
Spoiler
Show
Viggo stood stock still, seemingly entranced by Rogar's corpse. He nodded distractedly as Ludo made his excuses, approaching the body once Elsa had finished her ministrations and nudging it with the toe of his boot. He was alive... and now he's not. "That's it is it?" It seemed so... easy, so final. "We did the right thing didn't we?" Viggo sounded unsure, "He meant the same for us right?" When no answer was forthcoming he turned, just in time to see Elsa launch herself at Sieghard. His stomach lurched.
"What is it with you pair and corpse filled swamps?" He'd meant to sound light, but failed. He walked over to them, addressing Sieghard brusquely, "It's that easy? You don't feel... anything?" His hand waved back in the direction of Rogars' body, "How do you do it Sieghard? How do you make yourself not scared.. of other men I mean?" Even Rock Face had the right to fear when confronted by the walking dead. "It was the right thing to do wasn't it? Viggo last question had a hint of pleading to it.
-
Re: [WFRP] The Bloody Crown IV
Elsabeth Holt
Spoiler
Show
Elsa pulled away from Sieghard, disappointed by his half-heartedness.
"It was the right thing to do wasn't it? Viggo asked in a small voice.
"I'm no moral philosopher," said Elsa rather brusquely. "I just know I'm not going to lose sleep over it, and neither should you." She turned to Sieghard: "What now? Think Ludo needs help?"
-
Re: [WFRP] The Bloody Crown IV
Sieghard
Spoiler
Show
"
Dunno if it was right, but I'd do it again if I had to. The bastard had it coming. If he had it his way, we'd still be the ones dead and it wouldn'tve been as quick as it was for him." Sieghard replied. "
And Rogar wasn't anyone worth being afraid of. Man was too much of a coward to try anything against someone who could fight back."
"
Thing that bothers me is that Costin's going to get away with all of this. He's the one who planned all of this, Rogar was just the one he got to do his dirty work. Not worth going back to Ravenskird just for him though."
"What now? Think Ludo needs help?"
"
Probably best to just give him some time. If he doesn't come back after a bit, Viggo, go fetch him."
Spoiler
Show
Sieghard's plan is to take Rogar's boat and head directly for Painford. He wouldn't know the exact way, but he should be able to figure out that if we just keep heading east, we'll find either it or the road. If feasible, he'd prefer to get as close to Painford as possible before going on foot... Might be able to sell the boat after all.
-
Re: [WFRP] The Bloody Crown IV
Adelbert
Spoiler
Show
Ducking under Adelbert's first wild swing with his hands still raised in a placating gesture, the bearded man tried to grab at his sword arm. Adelbert wasn't done, though - as the swamp-dweller's tough hands closed around his wrist, he drove his knee up hard between the older man's legs. His attacker gave a strangled croak and staggered back, clutching at his groin with tears of pain in his eyes.
Shouting, his two accomplices dived at Adelbert, trying to beat him down before he could pull the same trick on them. Adelbert felt a flare of agonising pain as the attacker on his left struck his elbow with a two-handed blow, crunching cartilege and fracturing bone. It was all he could do to keep his feet as he reeled from the blow, his arm dangling uselessly.
"That what you want?" shouted the other, circling to his right. He spat into the mud. "Yeah? You want some more?"
OOC: Spoiler
Show
Ambusher #1: [roll0] - hit (with Outnumbering bonus)
[roll1] - Ulric's Fury?
Ambusher #2: [roll2] - hit
[roll3] - soaked