Of murders, witch hunters and expeditions IC thread

[Teucros]

The town of Norden had been in a slow but steady decline for more than a decade. Located in the eastern extreme of the Grand Barony of Norland, Norden has seen many of its former trading partners move to the rival town of Dieterschafen, whereas a plague outburst five years ago killed many of its sons and daughters. Three months ago, this sad progression began to change.

Suddenly, Norden saw a sudden influx of shipwrights and soldiers. Traders, workers, servants followed them and all kinds of human leeches followed. Town areas that were abandoned showed once again activity. This very welcome infusion heralded the dawn of a better era...unfortunately, that was not to last.

The first murder, although gruesome, was attributed to rival sailors. More were to come, thogh, and as a result the only elf of Laurelorn in town was imprisoned as the primary suspect. And then, ten days before the beginning of our story, young Siegfried von Neurath, the popular son and heir of the Baron Ottmar von Neurath, was found brutally slaughtered along with with his entourage.

The Baron's response was immediate: Norden is under martial law. The gates are closed and so is the port. The Baron trusted the mission to uncover the vil culprits not to the town watch but to his brother, Johannes von Neirath, renowned Templar of Sigmar and witch hunter. Soon lists appeared all over the town, naming people who are to be taken and interrogated by von Neurath and his associates. Some return unharmed. Others show signs of violence and torture on their bodies or minds. And others do not return.

Today, your names appeared on the list. You were quickly brought into custody and taken to an abandoned mansionto be questioned. Now, you are located in the former master bedroom of the house, waiting for an interrogator to arrive. Paintings of old family members of the original owners of the mansion are watching you disapprovingly, while a guard stands behind the closed door.

Let the story begin!

[Teucros]

The status table

Spoiler

Show

{table=head]

Player|Character name|Status|Carreer|Race|Notes

Dancrilis|Ulrich|Active|Student|Human|All done!
Doc Kraken|Karina Glaubestein|Active|Initiate|Human|All done!
Lazuka|Gabrielle von Wolfseck|Active|Noble|Human|All done!
Aberratio ictus|Eugen Waibel|Active|Mercenary|Human|All done!
Lt. Tibbles|Axelbrand Worlitzer|Active|Militiaman|Halfling|All done!
Another poet|Randall|Reserve|Watchwoman|Human|
DRK|?|Reserve|Marine|Human|Full sheet and background pending
Wildwarp|?|Reserve|?|Dwarf|Sheet and background pending
[/table]

Our protagonists

• Gabrielle von Wolfseck
• Axelbrand "Axel" Worlitzer, Halfling Militiaman
• Karina Glaubestein, Bastion of Faith
• Ulrich the Student
• Eugen Waibel

The grand list of NPCs

Spoiler

Show

Character name	Location(Residence or the place where you met first)	Race	Notes
Ackerman, Petra and Gabi	Norbertstadt	Humans	Sisters that love playing hopscotch
Ackerman, Rudi	Norbertstadt	Human	Amorous elder brother of Petra and Gabi
Adelbert	Tower of the Crone	Chimera	Tricephalus platypterus
Aigels, Sabine	Rotschwert's headquarters	Human	Really bored mercenary.	Andreas, Herbert&Manfred	Middle Docks	Human	The Dung Beetle rififi squad
Boll, Hilda	Norden's cemetery	Human	Wife of the deceased brewer. The second murder
Brigitte the serving maid	Twopenny Inn	Human	Jonas' daughter. In love with Siltharion
Brigitte, sister	Cathedral of Sigmar	Human	A sour-faced priestess
Drolufson, Borun	Norbertstadt	Dwarf	Leader of Norden's militia
Eberstark, Dieter	|Rotschwert's headquarters	Human	Leader of the Rotschwert company
Gausser, Gerhardt	Gausser's mansion	Human	Son of the Elector Count and leader of the expedition to Lustria.
Gerhardt	Twopenny Inn	Human	A fisherman
Groomhar	Rotschwert's headquarters	Ogre	A Rotschwert lieutenant
Herbert, the old	Twopenny Inn	Human	An old man. His son recently joined Gausser's Victors
Hochdorfer, Magda Frida	Tower of the Crone	Human	Centennial grey Magister
Ingrid	Cathedral of Sigmar	Human	A priestess
Kaltenbach, Leopold	Cathedral of Sigmar	Human	High Priest
Klatterbach, Georg	Middle Docks	Human	A palace guard
Kopfschmerz, Ludi	Weinkaraffeplatz	Human	Anti-military law agitator, one of von Eigenhof's men
Krause, Johan	Karolineplatz	Human	A halitosis-challenged messenger
Kunibert	Cathedral of Sigmar	Human	A towering priest
Ludwig	Cathedral of Sigmar	Human	Candlelighter
Maria	Cathedral of Sigmar	Human	Initiate
Marat, Jean	Rotschwert's headquarters	Human	Quartermaster of the Rotschwert company
Norbert	Cathedral of Sigmar	|Human	Keeper of the Cathedral's library
Peter	Cathedral of Sigmar	Human	A gouty priest
Peter and Ralf the farmer twins	Twopenny Inn	Humans	Well...farmers.
Ragnar	Nordland Weaponeer	Human	Baritone owner of the Nordland Weaponeer
Ratsmasher, Yorrik	Axel's house	Dwarf	Militiaman and suspected snitch
Rudo	The mansion	Human	One of Johannes von Neurath's guards. Formerly friar of Morr
Schmidt, Norbert	Castle Norden	Human	President of the local Traders' guild
Schulz, Werner	Castle Norden	Human	Representative of Heckler and Schulz
Schwertlieber, Karl	Gausser's Mansion	Human	A Major. Gausser's second in command
Schneider, Ulla	Town Watch HQ	Human	A watchwoman
Sigismunda	Cathedral of Sigmar	Human	Initiate
Siltharion	Norden's dungeon	Elf	Arrested for the murder of the Bolls
Syrcora	Asurian Luxuries	Elf	Owner of Norden's greatest jewellery and luxuries shop. Knows stuff
Taalfreund, Wilhelm	Castle Norden	Human	Norden's steward
"Twoshields"Lukas	Rotschwert's headquarters	Human	Mercenary. Friend of Eugen's
Ulfarsdottir, Horga	Castle Norden	Dwarf	The baron's first bodyguard
Von Eigenhof, Andreas	Castle Norden	Human	Gausser's Advisor.
Von Hochenau, Magdalena	Castle Norden	Human	Beatte von Neurath's handmaiden
Von Neurath, Beatte	Castle Norden	Human	Baron Ottmar's only daughter. The heir
Von Neurath, Johannes	Castle Norden	Human	Templar and witch hunter
Von Neurath, Ottmar	Castle Norden	Human	The Baron
Von Neurath, Siegfried	Von Neurath Mausoleum	Human	Baron Ottmar's dead heir
Von Neurath, Werner	Castle Norden	Human	Baron Ottmar's third child, witch hunter
Willelmina	Tower of the Crone	Familiar	Owlish familiar of Magda Frida Hochdorfer
Weindrinker, Herman	Castle Norden	Human	Representative of Heckler and Schulz, murdered near Karolineplatz
Wolfgar	Rotschwert's headquarters	Human	A mercenary from Middenland. Killed by Eugen Waibel
Wolfram	Rotschwert's headquarters	Human	A mercenary from Middenland. Wolfgar's brother.
Zetlitz, Georg	Castle Norden	Human	Marshal of Norden

OOC thread

[Teucros]

MAPS&INFO

The Grand Barony of Nordland

Spoiler

Show

The town of Norden

Western docks&Griffinplatz (1-5)

Spoiler

Show

Weinkaraffeplatz (the main town square and market. 6-9))

Spoiler

Show

Middle docks (10-12)

Spoiler

Show

Karolineplatz (Residential area. 13-15)

Spoiler

Show

Norbertstadt(Residential area. 16-20)

Spoiler

Show

Turmplatz ("Tower square". 21-22)

Spoiler

Show

Eastern docks (23-27)

Spoiler

Show

Map legend of Norden

Spoiler

Show

1. The Leaky Bucket tavern
2. Western watchhouse
3. Nordland weaponeer
4. Traders' guildhouse
5. HSES Stoneheart, Frigate
6. Cathedral of Sigmar
7. Heckler&Schulz offices
8. Anja the Herbalist
9. The mansion
10. Asurian Wonders
11. Warehouse
12. Von Weinheim's mansion
13. Gausser's mansion
14. Temporary residences for Gausser's Victors
15. Temporary residences for Gausser's Victors
16. Temple of Manann(also housing the local chapter of Knights Mariner)
17. Twopenny Inn
18. Town Watch headquarters
19. Axel Worlitzer's house
20. Boll distillery
21. Tower of the Crone
22. Rotschwert mercenary company
23. Eastern watchhouse
24. Moneylender
25. Shipyard
26. Kingfisher Inn
27. True Steel weapons and armor

Castle Norden

Spoiler

Show

[dancrilis]

Ulrich

Looking around him Ulrich was having a bad day, he had come to this town to catalogue some local laws and customs and than to review back to where they had originated and spread - an interesting project.

Now he was sitting in a room - with no beer mind you - looking at art works and surrounded by people in a similar situation, all of who might be beaten or worse later.

Looking at the painting to determine how they were from the inscriptions (focusing on the prettier of the female portraits if he were honest), and noting if there were spy holes, he was not one for small talk - a little too nervous to begin it.

[Teucros]

Spoiler

Show

Concerning the paintings:
Identification will require a Genealogy check

[dancrilis]

Ulrich

Not having a chance to learn the structure of his betters he was unsure who those people actually were, it was something he would have to learn he supposed - along with some of the more common lores of the Empire.

He allowed himself a smile, his sister would certainly not find such a lack amusing after she paid for his education.

Spoiler

Show

I had hoped that they would be named and dated under the paintings themselves, in case he meets one later.
He does not however have Academic Knowledge (Genealogy/Heraldry).

[Doc Kraken]

Karina shifted a little. She was unsure why von Neurath's men had picked her for questioning - as a newcomer she was, of course, easily suspected, but she walked in the light of Sigmar. Surely the Templar would know no follower of their god would commit such heinous acts? The thought was troubling, although no less troubling than her companions. She could recall the old man's ringing tones upon her departure, admonishing her that the Great Enemy lurked in places least expected, and her travels afterward only confirmed that.

None of them seemed particularly dangerous, at least, although the little fellow's shifty-eyed inspection of their surroundings drew her attention, and the tall one had the look of a warrior about him. That pair's presence was explained easily enough, but the girl in the fine-cut clothes and the halfling puzzled her just as much as herself. The witch hunter must be getting desperate, she decided...or the murderer was more cleverly hidden than she had accredited him for.

After a few moments more, the waiting had begun to fray her nerves. Calm. I must be calm. Karina knelt beside the bed, glancing back at the others. "Sigmar defends the innocent, and none know that better than His servants. I'm sure we have nothing to fear. Will you pray with me?"

[dancrilis]

Ulrich

Turning to look at the woman as she spoke he took in her figure firstly on habit, sure she was a bit old for him - nor was she likely a bar wench eager for some coin or to be plied with drink.

The other woman was more ... interesting, but his sister would hit him a clatter if he tried anything there, if he didn't get himself hung first.

Returning to the religious one - their kind normally didn't like magical study but still it hardly hurt to be polite, and a service might ease his nerves.

His voice was clear and precise "indeed a prayer to Sigmar might be be in order, if he smiles on us they may have located the murderer already and after the hanging - or burning - we can move on, as and when we each like", raising an eyebrow at the woman, "will you lead us in it ... " he allowed her the pause to provide her name.

[aberratio ictus]

Eugen Waibel

The last couple of days hadn't been Eugen's best.
He had come to the town of Norden on an escort mission, a rich Middenheimer merchant who had thought of making a good profit in the now lively town. The journey from Middenheim to Norden had been uneventful, and it had paid well, a combination that was highly to his liking, but after that, his luck seemed to have run out.

The town gates had closed down just after he had squandered almost his whole pay, and afterwards, there wasn't much work to be had. In desperation, he even tried finding work helping the town watch to uphold martial law, but considering the circumstances, it wasn't surprising they didn't trust an outsider like him enough.

By now, he was down to his last three gold crowns, and on top of that, his name had been on the Baron's lists.

He hadn't expected to be taken to an abandoned mansion for questioning, much less to be led into the master bedroom.
True, Eugen would also have been worried if he had been taken to a dungeon beneath Norden's church, but this... somehow this was even more worrying.

Out of instinct, Eugen had taken a position at the wall opposite of the door. Most of the other people seemed like a strange choice for an interrogation, he noticed.

There was a halfing who wore the colours of the town of Norden, and hadn't it been for the fact that he wasn't carrying any weapons, Eugen would have deemed him a guard in the employ of the witch hunter.

The other man - Eugen didn't really know where to place him. He had a bit of a scholarly look about him, and he looked in equal parts worried and upset at being here.

Next was a quite good-looking lady in a noblewoman's attire. Had the circumstances been different, Eugen thought, he might have taken the risk and talked to her, even though she was unlikely to appreciate that.. as were most, if he had been honest to himself, but he wasn't.

He recognised the other woman by her robes as a nun or priestess, and she wore a twin-talied comet around her neck, which made her a priestess of Sigmar. Eugen had nodded respectfully at her when they were brought into the room. He was a Sigmarite, after all, as it was stupid not to be one in the face of Chaos, witches and the other dreadful creatures that lurked in the dark, as everybody knew.

Why should a priestess of Sigmar be put in here with the rest of them, awaiting a trial by a Templar of Sigmar? There had been rumours of corruption in the church, as there had always been rumours of corruption in everything, but up until now, Eugen had been determined not to believe the madmen telling such stories.
On the other hand, she could have been placed in the room to keep an eye on them... however, would't it have been more prudent to have a spy be more... inconspicious? Or was the witch hunter counting on that thought to arise?

He instantly let go of his mustache which he had been idly twirling while deep in thought when the nun began to speak, as if he had been caught in doing something immoral.

"Forgive me,... sister..." Eugen had no idea how to adress the woman, as he wasn't exactly familiar with the hierarchy of her order, or any order really, or how to even make out which order she belonged to in the first place... besides, women were quite rare in the church of Sigmar, anyhow.
His hand rose towards his old, formerly fancy brimmed hat, which he then took off, realizing he hadn't done so when he had entered the mansion. "... but I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to find the calm needed to converse with our Lord Sigmar." He tried to sound earnest, because he was, in a way.

They had nothing to fear? Well, he wasn't to sure about that. The people who vanished after being brought in by the witch hunter, those didn't worry him too much. It was the people who did show up again, but obviously had been horribly tortured, that made him uneasy, because it meant that the Templar hadn't found any corruption within them... after torturing them and scarring them for life.

[Doc Kraken]

"Karina." She smiled. Perhaps she had misjudged the small man after all; and though the tall one was not as dedicated, he seemed respectful enough. Perhaps this was simply a case of over-thoroughness, as evidenced by her own presence...but then again, perhaps not. "And there is nothing to forgive, brother. This is a trying time, and we must each find our own way to Sigmar's grace. I hope you may find the expression of our faith soothing, at least."

"I shall begin with the opening of the fourteenth lesson of the Deus Sigmar," She intoned, raising her voice so the guard outside could hear. If he passed along word of her prayer to his master, well and good; if not, it might at least give some comfort to his soul. "For He is the Light and the Shield of mankind; blessed are those who shelter the meek and innocent in the name of Sigmar the Uniter. They are the most zealous of His servants, for in them is righteous wrath tempered by wisdom and justice, and the Great Enemy quakes at their presence..."

[aberratio ictus]

Eugen Waibel

Eugen nodded slowly at Karina's remark, wondering whether his personal way to Sigmar's grace would entail a torturer's pliers, but as she began to pray, he lowered his head and listened, keeping silent the whole time. He didn't leave his place at the wall though, prefering to keep on his feet.

Her words were well chosen, he had to admit; but it was doubtful that they would reach the witch hunter himself.

[dancrilis]

Ulrich

He offered the woman a smile, warding himself at the mention of the enemy, her speech was clear - this was not an unlettered fanatic spouting on topics they had heard only in passing.

Not a theologian himself - yet he reminded himself - he did not interrupt, the law of Sigmar was known to him - and some of the nature of the power wielded by some of his servants to a lesser degree, but he would not cause offence by guessing at a specific text. He had expected a more generic prayer.

Holding his head down respectfully for the prayer to conclude, he would introduce himself after.

[Teucros]

Suddenly,you hear a low sound, not unlike a sigh, and subsequently something heavy dropping on the floor. A key is inserted, then turned in your door's keyhole. And then...silence.

[Lt. Tibbles]

To think that Axel had thought his luck was turning around, the town was on was seeing better days after all of the terrible mess it had been through and Axel had managed to make quite a bit of coin gambling in the local bar things were never looking better!

But now today was raring up to be the worst one in his life. He had no idea why he would be in this room with these people, he was no outsider he was a member of the militia for Sigmar's sake! What was even the point of all that training and those speeches than if he would so easily be thrown to the dogs!?

He tried to keep himself calm, no use getting all worked up it would only just make things worse. Taking a look around the room Axel studied the others in the room, they all looked like a decent enough sort certainly no one you would accuse of murder especially the priestess, but then again that's probably how they would get you.

Listening to the priestess talk Axel felt himself relaxing a bit and joined in the prayer with the others.

"I am thankful that you are here sister, if we are to face these trials it's better to face them with faith bolstering our hearts and minds."

Axel's head snaps away hearing the noises on the other side of the door and the lock being opened but no one entering he call's out.

"Hello? Who's there, why do you not enter?"

[Teucros]

Nobody answers Axel's words. The mansion remains silent.

[Lazuka]

Gabrielle

Gabrielle just found herself curled up in a chair as the others spoke. She listened to each person, but she couldn't bring herself to look them in the eyes. She was scared to be honest. Was she really here because she was being classed as part of the witch hunter's suspects, or had her father pulled some strings to frighten her back home? Whatever the case, she brought her head up and attempted to study the others.

There was a halfling, something she was surprised at, but not worried about either.

There were a couple of men. Both looked far different from one another, but she didn't think them remarkable either.

The most puzzling was the priestess, now praying at the bed. Surely she would have been the last person suspected of murders. She was the first to offer her name, Katrina, and it put Gabrielle at some ease.

Gabrielle nearly jumped out of her seat when she heard the key in the door turn. Finally, they were being let out! But the noise afterwards made her heart sink. The halfling called out but there was no answer, which only further intensified any fear she felt.

"Somebody should check the door," she blurted out, looking at the others for some reassurance. She took a deep breath; if she was to be an adventurer now, she had to act like one!

"I... Allow me to introduce myself to you all. I'm Gabrielle," she said with a faint smile, standing to look at the others. They were in the same boat as herself after all, so she needed allies. Her mind was racing with plots and ideas, but in all truth, she was just worried an interrogator was coming.

[dancrilis]

Ulrich

At the sound of at the door, "excuse me Katrina", he stood from the prayer and moved over to it.

Firstly placing an ear to it, he held a conversational tone - or at least tried to, addressing the room, "forgive my manners I am Ulrich student of Law from Ostermark" - and other matters but he would leave the second unsaid for now - it was not his primary focus this trip at any rate.

Moving to smile at the noble reassuringly "as you wish".

Dropping to his knees at the door and lowering his head he tried to peak through the crack - his over active mind had a suspicion that the guard was dead and that they were being framed - it was deeply worrying to him, and he hoped he had merely listened to to many drunken stories.

A dying man's breath, a shadow blocking the door and the smell of blood - these were the things he wished not to notice.

Spoiler

Show

Perception Hearing (Target 41): (1d100)[11]
Perception Sight (Target 41): (1d100)[54]
Perception Smell (Target 41): (1d100)[49]

[Lt. Tibbles]

"I'm Axelbrand but just Axel will do it's nice to make your acquaintance, wish it had been under better circumstances preferably in a pub." Axel looks at the door for a moment imagining what could be on the other side then lets out a sigh. "But this is the lot we've been given...I'll check out the rest of the room see if there's anything useful around."

The halfling hops out of his chair and makes his way around the room studying the portraits and looking for anything that they could use to defend themselves

Spoiler

Show

Academic Knowledge (Genealogy/Heraldry) and Perception both target 33
(1d100)[49]
(1d100)[65]

[aberratio ictus]

Eugen Waibel

When he heard the suspicious noises from outside the door, Eugen's left eyebrow raised itself a bit. A key turned in the keyhole... had they been locked in before, or were they being locked in just now? Eugen couldn't remember if he had heard the sound before, but really, both options weren't too enjoyable.

He instantly walked over to the door, coming in second after the scholar, intending to try the handle, but when the other man knelt next to the door and listened, he paused for the moment. Maybe he had the right idea.

When the woman in finery introduced herself, he turned to face her. Well, she seemed like she was in need of some reassurance, so he decided to indulge her, in spite of the situation.

"Eugen Waibel, but a mere chevalier of fortune." he introduced himself with a skewed smile, while taking a bow which obviously belonged to a person who had never been taught, but learned from observation. "Pleased to make your acquaintance, even though I could think of more fortunate circumstances."

He noted the introductions of the others as well - the person standing before him, Ulrich, was indeed a scholar, and the halfling was called Axelbrand, as it seemed.

Again, he gave Gabrielle a reassuring smile, before he turned back to Ulrich."Do you hear anyting?" he asked him calmly, while putting his gloved hand on the door handle.

[Teucros]

Ulrich sees,hears and smells no evil, or much else for that matter. Not even the guard seems to be there.

According to the racket outside the mansion, there *is* some sort of commotion taking place at the square nearby, though.

Axel realises that the people on the paintings haven't been seen in Norden for many years. He still has no idea who they were, I'm afraid.

[Doc Kraken]

"...and through our faith shall the darkness be turned away. In the Heldenhammer's name." Karina finished, brushing dust from her knees as she rose. She had been keeping one ear on the others, pleased that they seemed friendly enough. And though not all had joined in the prayer, none had recoiled at the blessed name of Sigmar - a good sign, as she saw it. Her brow furrowed at the noises drifting up from outside...they seemed a sign of an entirely different manner. A town this on edge was only a few steps away from descending into mob violence, and there would be no telling who would be on the bonfire when the torches were being handed out.

"Friend Ulrich, can you see anything?" She asked. "The man outside may need our help, and any assistance we grant will surely be measured in our favor." With that, she drifted over to the window, hoping to catch a glimpse of whatever the trouble was.

Spoiler

Show

(Assuming there's a window to look out of, of course!)

Perception (Hearing) vs. 33: (1d100)[19]
Perception (Sight) vs. 33: (1d100)[62]

[dancrilis]

Ulrich

"I don't note anything" he paused "I cannot ever be sure that he is still present".

Considering briefly "opening this door could be construed as an attempt to escape, if the guard is injured or worse that guilt would be confirmed in the eyes of many", he was unsure of continuing "I would be inclined to say that we sit tight here or we risk being accused of attempting to flee the lawful watch of a Templar of Sigmar".

"Further if the noise outside has in any way been caused by a conspirator than this could be an attempt by them to encourage us to walk the guilty path with out our knowledge" he finished hopefully that his companions would see the perilous path they were suggesting.

[Teucros]

Looking outside the barred window, Karina sees a small crowd gathered around a short blonde man standing on a barrel, clad in elegant but not extravagant attire. She can not make out the exact words,but the orator's passion is obvious.

[Lazuka]

Gabrielle

Running her hands through her hair she stood closer to the window and frowned. The man in the courtyard seemed to be whipping up the people into a frenzy, and she didn't like that one bit. It meant that whether guilty or innocent, somebody was going to get hurt. And it seemed all too likely they would get caught out.

"I hate to say it, but Ulrich is right. We need to make a choice. I say we leave," she said, looking at the others warily.

"We can put it to a vote or just go for it, but what's happening out there and outside the door, we probably won't have long to decide," Gabrielle said, looking sidelong at Karina. She was clearly a holy woman... Would she decide to leave if they had the chance too? It was hard to tell.

Gabrielle also realised the others in the room were different to her by some degrees. She was noble, and despite her clothing being that of a traveller, it was in better condition. She made sure that she was wary of them all the same, at least until she got to know them some more.

"We may also need to ready our weapons, assuming we all have one," she half said to herself and the group.

Spoiler

Show

Assuming our weapons have been taken!

[Teucros]

Spoiler

Show

You were allowed to keep your weapons.

[Lt. Tibbles]

Axel steals a quick glance outside from the window before going to collect his things.

"Alright let's go, whatever is going on us staying here won't do much good I fear." He continued to hear the sounds of the man calling out to the crowd, an uneasy feeling found it's way nestled in the pit of his stomach. He didn't like anything about this whole night or where it was going, he set the string on his bow giving a small prayer to Sigmar while he did asking that he wouldn't have to use it.

[dancrilis]

Ulrich

"Milady, if we leave we would be seen as admitting guilt" he stated, "Axelbrand if we stay it will do the good of showing that we have nothing to hide, it will show that we were not involved in the disturbance outside - it will validate the trust that Templar von Neirath has placed in us by allowing us our belongings", stepping away from the door in case the others did not agree he would not try to stop them.

"If we step out of that door I as a student of legal matters would find it suspicious, and anything suspicious can be taken of proof of guilt in some parts of the Empire", quoting "better than ten innocents should be put to the stake than that one who is corrupt be allowed to spread their taint".

"I will of course not try to stop any from leaving, but I would advise against it" he finished.

[aberratio ictus]

Eugen Waibel

Hesitantly, Eugen let go of the handle after hearing Ulrich's words. He was a student of law, after all, and what he said did make some kind of sense, even if he didn't like it.

Slowly, he walked over to the window Sister Karina was looking through and took a look himself.
"Are they rallying because they want us dead, or because they've had enough with the lists?" he asked Karina carefully.
He wasn't really sure what to prefer. If they were "rescued" by an angry mob, they would probably be irrevocably guilty in the witch hunter's eyes.

Spoiler

Show

How many guards have we seen at the mansion by now? How likely are they to withstand an attack from the mob?

Have we tried opening the window a bit before listening? If not, Eugen will try that before listening. Only a bit, we don't want too much attention, I suppose. As for the sight, Eugen will try to make out any signs if the speaker is more of the religious fervour or the "civil rights" type.

Perception (Hearing) vs. 34: (1d100)[11]
Perception (Sight) vs. 34:(1d100)[54]

[Doc Kraken]

Karina sighed. "That I cannot tell you, Herr Weibel. Either way, mob justice is hardly a shining example of Sigmar's will." With a few quick steps, she crossed to the door, weighing her next words. Despite her surety of being found innocent and the truth of Ulrich's words, she did not want to be here if the speaker outside decided to whip the crowd into a frenzy. Her time on the road had shown her the results of that.

"Ulrich," she said carefully. "Your words are well chosen, but if the guard is hurt, is it not our duty to help him, and would he not testify to our good intent? If he is well, then perhaps he can give us some information on the crowd outside. And should the worst have befallen the poor man...perhaps this is not a wise place to stay?"

[dancrilis]

Ulrich

"Milady Karina" he tilted his head "he may testify to good intent, or he may testify that he did not note his attacker and awoke to find us free, or he may testify against us to guard against his failing", shrugging "it is possible that he locked the door and went to ensure the crowd did not get out of hand".

Smiling slightly "that being the case he may be down the corridor with a bow and would notice the handle being moved - a clear sign of misbehaviour on our part".

"Further the actions of the crowd need to be considered. If they wish the recent activity to cease they may wish to blame us and be done with it - and moving now would confirm that guilt in the eyes of many. If they wish to free us we would be placing ourselves with insurrectionists against the Temple of Sigmar, the witch-hunters and the nobles of this region - our names are after all known" he considered the fliers gesturing around the room "our hosts have treated us well, I would not wish to give them cause to change that. Remaining here would seem to be the most appropriate course of action" of course what seemed to be the most appropriate course of action was not always the correct one when examined with more information.