[WFRP] The Bloody Crown VI

[LCP]

Manann's Keep, the 16th

"Incognito?" repeated Sforza. "Forgive me, signora, but you are not... unremarkable. How you do you intend to do this?"

[-Sentinel-]

"I have hair dye. I guess I need makeup, too," said Elsa, trying to sound more self-assured than she really was.

"If you don't think it's possible, we can go the opposite extreme," she added, falling back on her original idea. "Send me as a messenger or a diplomat. Make sure they know I'm there, and that there will be hell to pay if anything happens to me."

[LCP]

"If you go in disguise, they could execute you as a spy," said Sforza bluntly. "The city is not closed. It would be safer to go as yourself."

He paused, thinking. "You are sure this priest is still alive? Free to leave Savonne?" He gave Elsa a searching look. "If he can help you get rid of the book, you should bring him - but I would rather leave it to rot in the cellar than have Alvarr learn we have it."

[LeSwordfish]

Ludo bowed at the mention of his name. "An honor, my capitano."

"We don't know if father Hieronymous is either free or alive." He grudingly admitted. "But he provided us with a considerable amount of useful information when we were searching for the book. If anyone in the reaches could help us, it would be him."

[-Sentinel-]

"I don't know if the priest is alive," Elsa admitted. "He's fairly important; if they killed him, your intelligence reports likely mention it."

"If he can help you get rid of the book, you should bring him - but I would rather leave it to rot in the cellar than have Alvarr learn we have it."

Elsa nodded fervently. "That goes without saying. Now... we'll need an excuse to be there. A message to carry, a treaty to sign... Doesn't have to be hugely important, but we must have one."

[LCP]

Sforza paused in thought. "A gift," he said at last. "To congratulate the conqueror of Savonne." A small smile twisted his lips for a moment. "We can afford a gift for Duke Alvarr, can't we Abdul?"

"I think we could stretch to that."

"Good," said Sforza. When he looked back to Elsa and Ludo, he had a certain gleam in his eye. "You must present it to him where his allies can see. Such gestures should be made in public."

[-Sentinel-]

"Quite right," agreed Elsa, secretly hoping she might see Kelda again. "Perhaps we'll luck out and see signs of tension between them. I'll let you know."

"I'll need a few guards, of course, if only for show. Ideally people whose reputation precedes them." She smiled wolfishly. "Our Thorns took a bit of a toll out of the northern... deserters. The Slayer's mere presence should remind them of it... without being something they can officially take offense to."

[LCP]

Sforza and Al-Makir exchanged glances. The Arabyan shrugged.

"The militia are locals," he said. "They would be better than our... more seasoned troops, if you wish to take this priest out of the city unseen."

"Fine," said Sforza. "Choose your own guards, signora. But not too many. I want the fort at Painford finished." He paused, not seeming entirely happy with the decision. "Your friend's presence might well help to rile Rorik... but his men have already proved unable to restrain themselves from shooting at our own side. If they - or you - start something you cannot finish, I will have no choice but to leave you to the mercy of your hosts. Do you understand?"

He looked Elsa in the eyes, waiting until he could convince himself he saw full comprehension there. When he was satisfied, he nodded and looked back to Al-Makir.

"How long until we can procure something worthy of a Duke, Abdul?" Sforza seemed to be enjoying this idea a little too much.

"Oh, I'm sure we have something lying around somewhere, captain," said Abdul. He seemed to be enjoying himself too.

"There you have it, then." He looked back to Elsa. "Make your preparations. Abdul will give you the Duke's gift when it is ready." He inclined his head a little to the right. "Make sure you convey to him my sincerest compliments on this new addition to his dukedom."

[-Sentinel-]

Elsa frowned in puzzlement as Sforza and Al-Makir made vague allusions to the gift; whatever they had in mind, she hoped it was not something that would put her in trouble with the Duke when she presented it to him.

"Make sure you convey to him my sincerest compliments on this new addition to his dukedom."

"I will," said Elsa. "And don't worry about me, I can handle myself if things go wrong."


OOC

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I guess I'm done here.

I'm pretty excited about the whole thing.

[LCP]

Later in the day, Abdul found Elsa in her quarters with the Duke's gift. It was an exquisite dagger, with a jewelled pommel and a slender, curved blade - according to Al-Makir, a trophy from the Captain's Arabyan campaigns. Turning it this way and that, Elsa could see a wave pattern in the surface of the steel, catching the light in a most striking away.

"Best of luck to you on your journey, Fraulein Hildebrand," said Abdul, courteous as ever. "Remember, Alvarr is a proud man. Whatever provocations you receive, say nothing to wound his pride." He flashed her a characteristic grin. "He does not have the sense of humour the gods gave our good captain."

---

Festag, 21st Brauzeit

It had been five days from Manann's Keep to Savonne. Two days back to Painford, through a forest still wet with rain; one day to Ravenskird, with Sieghard and Elsa's new bodyguards in tow. Work on the bridge seemed to have stalled - Sieghard and Ludo both took quiet pleasure in seeing a muddy and foul-tempered Fischwillen forced to salute and greet Elsa like an honoured guest.

From there, the last two days had been spent crossing the open plains of the Downlands. On the fifth day, Viggo finally caught sight of the black bulk of the Rock, rising stark against the northern horizon. By late afternoon, they were before the gates of the city.

The southern approach had been spared the worst ravages of the siege, but the change since Elsa had last Savonne was shocking. The hovels that had once lined the road outside the south gate had been razed, the most intact that still remained no more than gutted ruins. West along the wall, great breaches gaped in the ancient fortifications like open wounds, their deep mouths blocked up with barricades of rubble. The fields around the city were a barren wasteland of trampled mud, in which the wooden frames of huge trebuchets - now silent and untended - stood like monuments, while the charred, long-abandoned remains of a siege tower slumped against the stone walls like so much sodden kindling.

Five soldiers in the red and yellow of Count Groz were standing guard at the gate, watching the steady trickle of people and carts that passed through. Many were farmers from the surrounding country, seeking food and shelter from the new lords of Savonne after having lost their winter stores to the upheaval of the siege. Others were survivors of the sack who had decided not to try their luck with the new regime. They travelled in ragged family groups, on foot or in mule-carts, trying not to make eye contact with the others streaming into the city. Neither group wanted to consider that the other might have it right.

The soldiers let most people through, but seemed to give special attention to those heading out - particularly if they were carrying heavy burdens. Carts, chests and packs were searched with a thoroughness that bordered on greed. You could take the people out of Savonne, but you couldn't take their wealth out with them - not if the new lords had any say in the matter.

Standing out like a sore thumb among the gaggles of ragged peasants, Elsa and her retinue had no chance of getting through unnoticed. Stepping into the path of Elsa, Sieghard and Viggo - their three big horses making them seem the natural leaders - the soldiers crossed their polearms to bar the way.

"State your business," said the oldest, who Elsa assumed to be the leader. He spoke Reikspiel with a gruff Reikland accent - strange to hear, so far from home. "We haven't got all day."

[RossN]

Festag, 21st Brauzeit

Adelbert had joined the group at Painford, riding the well rested Bella. At Ravenskird the priest had spent the evening in conversation with Brother Cesar, grateful to choose the austere but familiar shrine over the barracks of Sforza's soldiers. In truth the closer they got to Savonne the grimmer he looked. He avoided gazing at the influx and out outflux of people as they neared the gate.

Silently sitting in the saddle behind the others he waited, wondering how Elsa would explain their visit.

[TheSummoner]

Sieghard

"You know," Sieghard said to Ludo while they were still in Ravenskird, "It shouldn't be too hard to get our hands on a few coins from Alvarran once we reach the city. Most of what the soldiers have... What the duke's have atleast, will be of the sort we're after. Course, the quickest ways to get our hands on enough of 'em... Well, it wouldn't be the sort of thing we'd want them knowing about or the sort of thing that could be traced back to the captain's men."

He gave Ludo a moment to react before beginning to outline an idea he had been thinking of.

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The idea is while we're in Savonne, Sieghard tries to find an opportunity to do some gambling with Alvarr's men. While the game is going on, Ludo does a bit of pickpocketing/purse cutting from everyone in the game (Sieghard included) and makes a getaway. We'd need to have a plan for what to do if Ludo is discovered (run obviously, but maybe a bit more specific than just that), but if that did happen, we wouldn't want Ludo to be someone who could be associated with Sieghard, Elsa, or captain Sforza, so if Ludo is willing to do something like that, or anything illegal at all, it would be better if he split off from the group before entering the city and rejoined with them after we're inside.

Festag, 21st Brauzeit

Sieghard held his tongue. Elsa was the one who was officially representing Sforza and Viggo was a better speaker. He'd let one of them do the talking.

[-Sentinel-]

"State your business. We haven't got all day."

Now that's no way to speak to an official messenger, Elsa thought, trying to put herself in character.

"Beatrix Hildebrand," she introduced herself in a stiff, official tone. "Journeyman of the Bright College of Altdorf and court wizard of Last Water. I come in Captain Muzio Sforza's name, to treat with Duke Edouard Alvarr and his esteemed allies."

From atop her horse she showed the guard the necessary paperwork, complete with Sforza's seal, without letting it within reach of his hands. It was doubtful the guard could read, anyway.


OOC

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At least I assume Elsa has a document. She would have requested one.

[Northern Lad]

Viggo & Adelbert

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"Forget you said anything?!" Viggo's hands were firmly placed on his hips as he shot a look of consternation at the priest. "Forget... But why Adelbert? Why say it in the first place? I mean, you don't actually believe it do you?!" If anything he looked even more shocked, "Does Ludo?!"

Shaking his head as if trying to free himself of the thought, Viggo continued. "It's not even possible is it? Who ever heard of anyone negotiating with Greenskins?!"

---

Festag, 21st Brauzeit

Viggo winced as Elsa introduced herself. Speaking through the side of his mouth and pitching his voice so only she could hear, Viggo leaned a little closer, "From now on let me introduce you, Ladies and the like don't go about introducing themselves... or have you forgotten?" When he straightened back up he shot a cursory glance at one of the guards.

"Please send a messenger advising the Duke of the Lady's arrival at once and we'll also need an escort to suitable accommodation." Viggo pretended to think, "The Duke of Aquitaine should do."

[RossN]

Viggo & Adelbert

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Adelbert simply shook his head and turned away, clearly unwilling to say anymore and possibly regretting opening his mouth in the first place.

[LCP]

The gate guards looked impressed. "Gunther'll show you the way," said the one in charge, nudging one of his subordinates towards the newcomers. "Hartmann, run and tell the keep."

With their new guide clearing a path ahead, the party entered Savonne.

~

The buildings of the south market seemed to have escaped the worst of the sack. Still intact, the only mark they bore of recent events were sooty stains on their upper walls and roofs; the residue of smoke from the fires that had gutted the neighbouring districts. Talking to Gunther, Viggo learned that the Warren and the Old Town had got the worst of the fire - a fire started, according to Gunther, by Rorik's men. Between the houses gutted by the flames and those seized to house the troops of the occupiers, the remaining streets were now overcrowded with those forced out of their homes. They passed many people with crutches or bandaged wounds; many crippled or carrying all their possessions on their backs. Gunther's uniform was needed to keep their path clear of beggars.

The high walls of the keep had caught the smoke more effectively than most, leaving their west side noticeably darker than the east. Over the rooftops of the lower town, Sieghard could see the banners of the three princes flying from the castle's towers, rippling in the brisk breeze. High on the Rock, those distant scraps of blue could only be the Clan Dwimmulson banners, restored to their place outside the gates of the Dwimmulhold.

The banners of the conquerors were not the only signs they saw. As they passed through Rockshadow, towards the north market, many of the walls were daubed with words and pictures. Most of the graffiti was straightforwardly offensive, much of it directed towards the dwarves. On the wooden roof above a public well, someone had scrawled

HEYR COMMES THE NEWE DUKE
SAME AS THE OLDE DUKE

More curious were the pictures. Again and again, in shady corners and alcoves, Ludo noticed the same symbol - the crude outline of a canine head, with long, pointed ears. Sometimes it wore a crown.

At last, they came to the doorstep of the Duke of Aquitaine. The high-class inn was clearly not enjoying the same exclusivity it had had before - a great number of horses were stabled outside, and armed men came and went in great numbers, laughing and shouting as they did. It looked like the Duke had turned into a favourite haunt of the invaders' commanders.

[LeSwordfish]

"This is where we'll find the duke?" Ludo asked. He had been hoping for a poke around inside the keep, but he wasn't too disappointed - it would be much easier to give the gift sufficiently in public here.

[LCP]

"Don't think so," said Gunther, with an uncertain shake of his head. He looked to Viggo. "You said you wanted lodging here? They'll send someone from the keep when they're ready for you."

[LeSwordfish]

Ludo nodded as if he'd meant that all along, and turned to the party. "Anyone for a drink?"

[RossN]

Adelbert

"I could certainly use one," Adelbert mentioned, glancing at Ludo. The priest had looked notably uncomfortable since they had set foot in Savonne.

"What did you make of the graffiti?"

[LeSwordfish]

"As we used to say," Ludo began, before switching to classical. "<I assume it's Rorik's men... and I don't know if it's just a salutation... or a reminder that the man who burned the city is watching.>"

[RossN]

Adelbert Schreiber

Adelbert looked thoughtful, nodding slowly. Another, more unpleasant possibility had occurred to him but he kept quiet about it. He glanced at Viggo, then turned back to Ludo:

<If the wolf girl is here we might have to distract our singing friend. He's more than dumb enough to want to fight her.>

[Northern Lad]

Viggo Hirtzel

Viggo nodded at the confused Gunther, "Just so Gunther, thank you for the escort. You may return to your post." Leaning down he handed the guard a silver piece. "Please accept this as a token of the Lady's thanks."

Dismounting and seeing to the stabling of their horses, Viggo smirked at Elsa, "You owe me a silver coin. It's a good job one of us remembers how to act all uppity!"

[-Sentinel-]

Elsa's face set into a dark frown at the sight of the misery throughout the city. That was to be expected, really; she was glad she was not here to witness the sack itself. Upon arriving the Duke of Aquitaine, she thanked Gunther curtly and went in search of a spare stall for Bastard.

[B]"You owe me a silver coin. It's a good job one of us remembers how to act all uppity!"

The wizard gave Viggo an amused smirk. "I don't owe you a thing for this."

"<I assume it's Rorik's men... and I don't know if it's just a salutation... or a reminder that the man who burned the city is watching.>"

Elsa shook her head. <"No, I think the wolf head means the Duke before Belehir, the mad one,"> she said in Classical. <"The events that led to his death are called the Beheading of the Wolf, right? I think he was the wolf. And now the mad wolf is back... wearing the skin of a boar.">

[LCP]

The inside of the Duke of Aquitaine had seen some serious changes since the last time they had been there. The cartwheel chandelier was still there, its iron fittings trailing long tears of wax – but the polished floor was now muddy, the shields on the walls were gone, and the great stack of barrels behind the bar had been scattered and greatly reduced. Coats, cloaks and boots were piled up on the tables nearest the door, and many of the other tables had been shoved this way and that to clear a larger space in the centre of the common hall.

Soldiers lay about the place in various states of idleness, drinking or playing at cards or dice. Adelbert could see no sign of Rorik's men among them – these looked like Alvarr's and Groz's men. Among them, Elsa recognised the stranger in the red tabard she had seen beside the Duke at Ravenskird. He was sitting back with his feet on a table, eyes half-closed – but he opened one when he saw the newcomers enter.

“About time we got some girls in here!” he exclaimed, lifting a mostly-empty stein to the party. “What's your name, beautiful?”

[-Sentinel-]

Elsa appraised the man in red cautiously. "Beatrix Hildebrand," she said, loud enough for others in the vicinity to hear.

She paused, contemplating the idea of acting like she neither knew nor cared who the man was, but decided against it. In Savonne, she had to be careful about answering disrespect in kind.

"You were in Ravenskird last month with the Duke. Are you Count Groz?"

[LCP]

"Am I the Count?" laughed the man. The others around him laughed too.

"My name is Bohun," he said. "Roland de Bohun. Formerly of the Red Company. Now I'm not sure what we should call ourselves." He finally took his feet down off the table. "Can I buy you a drink?"

[-Sentinel-]

Elsa's face remained stony. "Kind of you, Herr Bohun. I'll pay for my own drinks."

She scanned the muddy room for a spare table that could accommodate her party. Preferably something along the wall or in a corner, so she could sit without turning her back on anyone.

[LCP]

Bohun shrugged. "Your loss," he said, with supreme self-confidence. Putting his arms behind his head, he put his feet back on the table and closed his eyes again.

Elsa found room for the party at the back of the common hall, though with ten of them it was a bit of a squeeze to get everybody seated. Sieghard was aware of a few predatory glances sent their way from the armed men who filled the tavern - but their own numbers and weapons served to keep anyone from bothering them.

At the bar, Viggo saw no sign of the Breton landlady he remembered from his last visit to the Duke - instead, they were served by a timid, mousy-looking man whose accent he couldn't place. The price of the drink had dropped significantly as well - clearly the new proprietor wasn't about to risk asking the Duke's old prices of his new clientele.

OOC:

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Will update the prices on the OOC thread table of taverns in a jiffy.

I leave you to your own devices for the time being - let me know when you guys want to go to your audience with the Duke.

[RossN]

Adelbert Schreiber

After bnervously toying with his drink for a few minutes Adelbert abruptly stood up. "I had a friend here last time, before the siege. I better go and check on her."