[WFRP] The Bloody Crown VIII

[LCP]

Adelbert, 24th Jahrdrung

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"Sounds to me like you're, mm, clutching at straws, Herr Schreiber. The elf is no more a sorcerer than I am; if he was, he wouldn't still be chained in a dungeon." They came to a halt one street short of the castle. "And if the Tilean's witch did want to speak with him, how flattering a picture do you think he would paint of the man who put him in chains?"

"Mm, no, we should be getting you back to your post. Watch the Tilean, watch his soldiers. If so much as a mouse moves in Manann's Keep, I want it in the reports. I'll ask again, are there any resources you need? Money, people, equipment?"

---

26th Jahrdrung

Ludo

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Two days sleeping in damp grass and living off the rations in his pack were hardly comfortable for Ludo. Every morning, the hunt would take off on horseback, and the camp would slowly follow after, servants and soldiers packing up the fine tents and stores of booze and carting them only a few miles to the next spot. The hunters would return in the evening with their quarry and make merry, while the camp staff rested their weary feet and shoulders.

On the evening of Marktag, the Count and his party returned empty-handed, and in somewhat low spirits - although once the wine had started flowing they soon recovered. Ludo could still see no sign of a messenger - the hunt consisted of exactly the same people it had done the last two nights.

Elsa & Sieghard

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Leona looked to Elsa in polite surprise. "Does this man speak for you?" she asked.

"You both speak as though Count Groz and Duke Alvarr were already enemies," said Tobar, measuredly. "The Norscan may be an... unreliable ally, but I find it hard to believe that the Duke would burn his bridges with us while your master is still at large." He looked from face to face between Sieghard and Elsa. "Let's be honest with one another here. You're not seeking to prevent a three-way war. You're seeking to prevent a two-way war, with you on the wrong side."

"Alvarr's army is the largest in the Reaches. Even if we took you at your word, even if the Count did join forces with the Captain, Alvarr and Rorik would still have us heavily outnumbered. Why should Count Groz turn traitor only to join a losing battle?"

OOC:

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I would have assumed they are waiting downstairs. This is Leona's house, you posting your guards on the door of the room would be seen as a little bit... threatening I guess?

[LeSwordfish]

Ludo

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Tempting as it was for Ludo to sneak into the camp and take his pick of the Count's supplies - and the smells made it very tempting indeed - he decided to hold out. Elsa and Sieghard would have arrived by now - and were probably being feasted extravagantly, he thought sourly - so it would surely only be a few days before word arrived here in the Karst.

Or maybe they'd been turned away and were walking home. In the rain. A part of him hoped it was that.

OOC

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No significant changes of plan - i'm happy to go quiet and keep following the count around until a message does arrive. Can we retroactively assume Ludo picked up enough supplies for a week or so in the Karst?

Also, the map is missing - what's my/Ludo's best estimate of the journey time to Bunthafen? (I assume that he's not significantly further from Savonne than before.)

[RossN]

Adelbert, 24th Jahrdrung

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Adelbert looked disappointed but unsurprised, and slowly shook his head. "No, I'll try with what I have. Any sudden flashing of gold would raise more questions than answers. The same with equipment: short of smuggling enough powder in to blow up Mannan's Keep it would not be worth it."

[-Sentinel-]

Elsa and Sieghard

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"Does this man speak for you?"

"I respect his judgment as a fellow officer," said Elsa cautiously. She thought Sieghard's words were well chosen, for all the good they did.

"Alvarr's army is the largest in the Reaches. Even if we took you at your word, even if the Count did join forces with the Captain, Alvarr and Rorik would still have us heavily outnumbered. Why should Count Groz turn traitor only to join a losing battle?"

Elsa felt her hopes of an alliance quickly slipping away, but she remained as composed as she could. Perhaps they were just playing up their reluctance in hopes of a better deal. Merchants were good at this sort of manipulation.

She persevered: "Sforza wouldn't plan for an offensive war he couldn't win. He must be counting on surprise to seize vital positions quickly... something that will be impossible if Alvarr makes the first move. As for numbers, you may be right... but Sforza and Groz have seasoned soldiers, against Alvarr's levies and Rorik's bandits. Just as importantly, they are not despised by the people they rule."


OOC

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I'm not sure what else we can do (or should have done, e.g. insist on one-on-one talks). I know rolls are secondary to roleplaying, but I did make a pretty decent one, in addition to giving the best sales pitch I could (short of lying to them or disobeying Sforza on not ceding an inch on Savonne). I'm still raking my brain for good arguments, but it seems like we're quickly exhausting the possibilities of this conversation.

[LCP]

Adelbert, 24th Jahrdrung

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"Very well then. I'll leave you here - best you weren't seen entering the castle twice."

"I'll need to find a suitable boat for our courier, but I'll look to have them in Ravenskird within the week. The password will be, mm... 'false friends'. Yes." He nodded to himself. "By then I should have your instructions for how we will go about tackling the business of the Shade - and any news we receive of your friend the halfling. Make sure you have arrangements in place to receive the letter, and send your own - Angestag can be the day."

"The information you've brought us about the Count is as valuable as it is unwelcome. If the halfling succeeds, I'll make sure you are both rewarded in proportion." He extended a paper-dry old hand to shake Adelbert's. "Good luck, Herr Schreiber. We are counting on you."

OOC:

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Adelbert looked disappointed but unsurprised, and slowly shook his head. "No, I'll try with what I have. Any sudden flashing of gold would raise more questions than answers. The same with equipment: short of smuggling enough powder in to blow up Mannan's Keep it would not be worth it."

Next time Adelbert gets mopey about his expenses I'm going to remember this

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Elsa & Sieghard. 26th Jahrdrung

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"He must be counting on surprise?" repeated Leona, looking dubious. "So... you don't actually know?"

From the look on her face, that seemed to weigh more heavily with her than anything that had come before.

"I think we will need some time to consider your proposal. How would it suit you to meet here again this evening?" She glanced to Hagendorf. "I'm sure Pieter would be happy to show you the sights of the town."

OOC:

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Your charm test convinced them of the point it accompanied - Elsa has kind of fumbled their other enquiries. No-one told her she had to be honest.

This is them getting all their questions and concerns out in the open. The next stage - if they're still open to the idea - is negotiation.

[RossN]

Adelbert, 24th Jahrdrung

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"I'll try Herr Forkbeard," Adelbert answered, taking the Chancellor's hand, his expression rather glum. After Forkbeard took his leave Adelbert turned to Viggo. "I guess we best find our horses and start south once again right?"

OOC:

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Bah, they've shot down all my large scale suggestions like collapsing the Tilean's mines. What support could I really have expected?

[-Sentinel-]

Elsa and Sieghard

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"He must be counting on surprise?" repeated Leona, looking dubious. "So... you don't actually know?"

Elsa cursed herself for her poor wording, and quickly amended: "He is counting on surprise. I just don't know his exact plans... and if I did, I wouldn't share them without knowing whose side you're on. I do know that in the event of an alliance, Groz is to stay put until Sforza is ready to make his move."

"I think we will need some time to consider your proposal. How would it suit you to meet here again this evening?" She glanced to Hagendorf. "I'm sure Pieter would be happy to show you the sights of the town."

That seemed encouraging. Or perhaps Leona was just being polite to her guests before kicking them out. "Gladly, my lady," said Elsa. She stood and made one final plea; a rosy one perhaps, but she had failed to make much headway with her more down-to-earth arguments. "Do consider what's best for your people. The Orcs are gone, the Elf is gone. Let us be rid of tyrants and savages, too. We have an opportunity to build true, lasting nations before the year is out. A bright future for the men and women of the Reaches is unlikely to involve Alvarr or Rorik in any way."


OOC:

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No-one told her she had to be honest.

Hah, good point. Elsa isn't Pieter the Ranaldite. Deception isn't a second nature to her.

[TheSummoner]

Sieghard & Elsa

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Sieghard did little to hide his satisfaction at Elsa welcoming his opinion - He had feared he had overstepped by speaking at all. His expression quickly fell as the discussion continued.

"Alvarr has greater numbers," Sieghard acknowledged. "As did the orcs who nearly overran Manaan's keep. The Iron Company lost only two men in that battle. Each of Captain Sforza's men are worth ten of Alvarr's farmers or Rorik's savages. The only real soldiers the north has are your own."

"Duke Alvarr will be dead before the end of the year," he finished, trying to give the impression he knew something that Elsa didn't.

"I think we will need some time to consider your proposal. How would it suit you to meet here again this evening? I'm sure Pieter would be happy to show you the sights of the town."

That didn't give Sieghard much hope. He would need to speak with Elsa before they met with Leona again. Even then, he wasn't sure things could be salvaged.

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It ok that I get another word in before we get kicked out? Should I roll anything to go with that?

[LCP]

Adelbert & Viggo, 24th Jahrdrung

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"I guess so," said Viggo, watching the old man walk away. "...I just hope Ludo's alright out there on his own, is all."

OOC:

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I think it's been mentioned before that Adelbert seems to only think big. I'm just saying, he's been glum about money for like five threads now. If he turns down a direct offer of money because he can't use it to blow up a mine he doesn't get to be glum any more

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Elsa & Sieghard, 26th Jahrdrung

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Leona and the guildmaster seemed to find Sieghard's second intervention a little distasteful, after Elsa's polite conclusion to the discussions - but Hagendorf at least seemed to be listening when he spoke about their losses against the orcs. Whatever their thoughts, none of the three said anything to Sieghard in response.

"We have an opportunity to build true, lasting nations before the year is out. A bright future for the men and women of the Reaches is unlikely to involve Alvarr or Rorik in any way."

"From what my husband has told me, Fraulein Hildebrand," said Leona, "your enemies would say just the same about you. You must be aware that Captain Sforza's reputation is hardly that of a knight in shining armour." She smiled. "We will reflect on what you've said, and see you again this evening. Thank you for all you have told us."

Hagendorf rose from his seat to escort them out. Reconvening with their guards downstairs, they recovered their things before setting out into the daylight again.

"This is your first time in Putbad, then," said Hagendorf - it wasn't really a question, he'd already heard as much during the dinner last night. "It's quite the place. The monks brew a fine beer - you lads should come with me for a drink while the lady makes her pilgrimage to see the goddess." He winked rakishly at Elsa - Sieghard wasn't entirely comfortable with the young soldier's flirtatious manner. "There's a show on in the Silver Square, too. I've heard it's good."

OOC:

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I don't mean to make this an hour-by-hour playthrough of the day leading back to the house. You can choose what places and activities (if any) you want Hagendorf to take you to, and ask him any questions about the region, the Count and his court etc. that interest you. If you want to get away from him to speak in private, your best bet is probably to head back to your lodgings - as long as you're out and about in the town he'll insist on accompanying you.

[RossN]

Adelbert & Viggo, 24th Jahrdrung

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"I'm sure he will my friend. Ludo is very clever." Adelbert smiled. "He did after all choose our side. Well, come on time is wasting and it seems I have little reason to stay here... or at least none that would raise awkward questions. It is still relatively early in the day so we'll grab something to eat at the market and then head for Ravenskird."

OOC:

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Adelbert will remain glum about money and like it.

[TheSummoner]

Sieghard & Elsa

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"A drink sounds nice. Can't be leaving Frau Ardelean's side though." Sieghard answered. He glanced at the Thorns. "If it's as good as you say, I might need to see about bringing a keg back with us. I'm sure the men would love that."

As they walked, he tried striking up a conversation with Hagendorf. If there was one man he thought could still be swayed, it was him. "How was the fighting during the siege? I've heard the storied of course, but this is the first chance I've had to hear it from someone who was actually there." Once he had the soldier talking, began to steer the conversation. "Sounds like they had your lot doing most of the heavy work. Now the battle with the greenskins, that's a good tale." First, by sharing his own greatest war story, then more directly. "There was also Painford, not as big a battle, but still a good story." He didn't go into specifics on why he had been stationed there or directly say that the Norscans had slipped away from the siege to pillage (rather, he just mentioned the timing of the attack and let Hagendorf put it together for himself), but where Rorik's men themselves were concerned, he told the whole tale. "And the whole thing was completely unprovoked. Probably thought they could catch us unaware." Left unspoken was the obvious implication that they'd gladly to the same to another village that caught their eye. Or if they simply grew too bored. "When that didn't work, they tried to draw us out with one of the village boys they caught... Butchered some poor girl who thought she could save him. The boy's mother too - surgeons managed to save her, but she lost her wits because of what they did to her." He neglected to mention that they had let Dierk live. "You know that red dog the Jarl keeps at his side? Hakon I think his name is... The big one. Nearly managed to put that mad dog down, but he fled before I could finish it. Did fire a bolt up his ass while he was running though. Probably still has it stuck up there. If you saw him limping or bleeding, that was me." He hoped Hagendorf had seen it. If he had, it would be proof that everything he said had been true.

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A bit of a risk, but being incognito doesn't mean anything if we fail anyways. Sieghard will tell both stories without embellishment, leaving out parts that he thinks Hagendorf doesn't need to know. If I can get away with a Gossip (44) test to get him talking and listening, that's Sieghard's best (only good) social skill. Otherwise take the roll against straight Fel (34) or Charm (17) as you deem necessary.

(1d100)[35]
(1d100)[75] - Reroll

Sieghard would like to see the monk's brewery, but he's putting the job first. Aside from that there's nothing in particular he wants to see, but he'll keep suggesting small things as a means to keep Hagendorf talking if Elsa doesn't have anything she wants to see. He does still want to have a quick conversation with Elsa before we meet with Leona again, but I'll wait on that until I see how things go here.

Edit: 35 is pretty good, but whether that's a success or not or not depends on whether you'll allow it as a gossip roll or if not, and what if any, modifiers there are (I'm biased of course, but I think Sieghard sold his case pretty well). If it succeeds as is, wonderful. If not, is there anything that can bump it over? An assist from Elsa or something like that?

[LCP]

Adelbert & Viggo, 24th Jahrdrung

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Viggo seemed to brighten up at the mention of something to eat. Hand going to his side, his face fell - unlike Ludo, Forkbeard hadn't replaced his stolen purse. With an awkward smile, he cast a pleading look at Adelbert...

---

26th Jahrdrung

Adelbert & Viggo

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After a night spent camping at the riverside, the two travellers returned to Ravenskird late on Marktag afternoon. The marsh town seemed the same as ever - the small boats coming and going, and the ever-present smell of fish from the cookfires of the ramshackle cottages. Looking to the wisp of smoke rising from the chimney of Brother Cezar's shrine, Adelbert wondered how much longer Ravenskird's peace would last.

Sieghard & Elsa

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Casting a sideways look at Sieghard, Hagendorf cocked an eyebrow. "You're a talker, aren't you?" he said, with an air of gentle ribbing. "You know, I heard it was deserters attacked your village. Duke tracked 'em down and all." His tone was neutral - it was hard for Sieghard to tell whether he meant what he said.

"I'll tell you one thing - those Norscans fought like daemons in the siege. Groz did his best to keep us out of the grinder, but they were first up every ladder, first into every breach. Rorik even fought the elf, you heard that? Man on man." He smiled. "Nearly lost his fool head."

"What about you, fraulein?" he asked Elsa, jokingly. "Got any war stories?"

[RossN]

26th Jahrdrung

Adelbert & Viggo

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Somewhat reluctantly Adelbert had paid for Viggo's meal in Savonne, even if he instinctively felt the minstrel should just do some busking. Still, as he pointed out to Viggo, he'd have plenty of opportunity during the upcoming festival.

Arriving in Ravenskird the tired Adelbert turned to Viggo and asked him what his next move was. "Are you going back to Mannan's Keep to await Rock Face or do you want to wait with me in Painford?"

[TheSummoner]

Sieghard & Elsa

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"You know, I heard it was deserters attacked your village. Duke tracked 'em down and all."

"Ah, that's right," Sieghard replied. He kept his tone friendly, but didn't bother to pretend he actually believed a word of it. "Sergeant Ehrman told us as much when we were sent to congratulate you on taking the city. Good to know Alvarr dealt with them and they won't be trying anything like that again."

"I'll tell you one thing - those Norscans fought like daemons in the siege. Groz did his best to keep us out of the grinder, but they were first up every ladder, first into every breach."

Sieghard said nothing, but he couldn't help but think "like daemons" was an oddly fitting way to describe Rorik's men.

[-Sentinel-]

Elsa and Sieghard

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Elsa pretended not to notice Hagendorf's clumsy attempt at seduction. A year or two ago it might have worked (Beppe had been no more subtle), but her standards were a bit higher than they used to be.

"There's a show on in the Silver Square, too. I've heard it's good."

"Oh. Been a while since I saw a show," said Elsa eagerly, her spirits lifted after Leona's lukewarm reaction to her peace offer. Back in Altdorf, she used to sneak out of the College just to see shows. She liked spending time with the actors, who were more her kind of people than her fellow apprentices.

"I'll tell you one thing - those Norscans fought like daemons in the siege. Groz did his best to keep us out of the grinder, but they were first up every ladder, first into every breach."

"Yes, and I hear they showed... rather little restraint once the city was theirs," said Elsa, rather more testily than she had intended. "Are they the ones who killed the priestess of Rhya?" She had always had some nasty suspicions about that, as servants of Rhya were not known for being especially warlike.


"What about you, fraulein? Got any war stories?"

"None that I lived without Sieghard," said Elsa, inclining her head towards the mercenary. "As he says, we fought the Orc king together, alongside Commander Valdes. Bloody madman, that one. He was ready to take on the Orc in single combat." She added some details about the Battle of Manann's Keep from her own perspective. There were of course many other battles to speak of, but it seemed unwise to mention Kheneb-Ptra-Urush, the Lost Library or the witch hunter.


OOC

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"Now the battle with the greenskins, that's a good tale." First, by sharing his own greatest war story, then more directly.

So I understand that includes the details about the fight with Magog?

He winked rakishly at Elsa - Sieghard wasn't entirely comfortable with the young soldier's flirtatious manner.

Just to decide Elsa's reaction, I'll roll him a Charm test. I'll grant him a +20 bonus, because Elsa is susceptible to flattery (that, and I kinda want him to succeed). (d100)[87] - Nope. I guess Elsa finds him a bit try-hard.

And I'll roll a Charm test for Elsa (39), just to be a compelling talker. Not seeking to influence Hagendorf in any complex ways. (d100)[46]

[LCP]

Elsa & Sieghard

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"The Silver Square it is, then," said Hagendorf. "This way, gents."

"Yes, and I hear they showed... rather little restraint once the city was theirs," said Elsa, rather more testily than she had intended. "Are they the ones who killed the priestess of Rhya?"

That seemed to strike a nerve. "Them or their Raven Hills hangers-on," said Hagendorf, darkly. "We never got a name. Rorik wasn't so keen on hanging his looters as the Duke was."

The Silver Square was a raised plaza, situated well back from the river where the main road north into the Uplands merged into the town. Ringed by an old and half-rusted iron railing, it was dominated by a bronze statue of a man whose lack of conspicuous arms or armour made it seem unlikely that he was some past border prince. From the age and mode of dress, Elsa thought the statue most closely resembled the guildmasters they had met the previous night - although under the layers of bird droppings that painted the upper half of the statue white, it was a little difficult to be sure.

The players' stage had been placed in front of it - a wheeled platform that had been raised up on barrels to prevent any jokers in the crowd from pushing it away. Hung with colourful curtains, painted masks and garlands of flowers, it was the most striking thing in the whole square - quite a crowd had gathered in front of it already. Hagendorf cleared a path for them towards the front, 'gently' persuading less important people out of the way.

After they had been standing a while, a tinny trumpet blast silenced the square – or mostly did. There was some hurried movement behind the curtain, and then a boy – no older than twelve – ducked out from beneath the fabric and stepped forward to address the crowd.

“Ladies and gentlemen!” cried the boy, at the top of his piping voice. “A pleasure it is, to see you all! And what a pleasure we have in store for you today!” He flung up his arms. “You have the honour, the privilege, to see the renowned Otto Sutter’s travelling company! Yes, the very same! You will marvel in wonder! Weep with sorrow! Laugh with joy! You will -”

Someone threw something at the stage. “Get on with it!” came the shout from the crowd.

“Ladies and gentlemen!” said the boy, not missing a beat. “Sutter’s Company presents to you, the First Siege of Savonne – or, the War That Never Was.” Taking a bow that also served to adroitly duck the next projectile from the disgruntled member of the crowd, he scuttled off stage, and the curtains haltingly drew back.

Against a canvas backdrop painted with a crude but vivid rendering of castle walls, a middle-aged actor in splendid costume stood alone. He wore a blue-and-gold tabard with Alvarr’s boar insignia displayed prominently on the chest, with a cunning garment of wool knitted to resemble chainmail beneath. A richly ornamented sword was belted at his side, and in his hands he held a golden crown.

Looking sternly out over the heads of the crowd, he stood in silence for a short while before addressing them. Speaking slowly, he introduced himself as Duke Alvarr, conqueror of the north. In forceful verse, he recited his deeds – crushing the lords of the Karst, throwing back the armies of the Mad Wolf at Pieter’s Pass.

“Now wolf lies dead, and on his throne,
An elf sees fit to sit alone.
A faithless sword, who slew his lord.
His kind can live a thousand years,
What future then for Edouard’s heirs?”

He looked down at the crown in his hands.

“This will not stand; this ‘prince’ will see,
No elf may rule in place of me.
I’ll take his land, I’ll end his line,
I’ll make the Reaches whole – and mine.”

Reaching up, he placed the crown firmly on his head, and strode off stage.

From there, the play got underway. As far as Elsa could tell there were five players – two men, two women, and a dwarf. They changed roles and costumes so quickly that it was hard to keep track. The action was shown mainly through the travails of a pair of commoners from Putbad (by the way the actor paused on the name of the town and waited for the shouts and whoops of approval, Elsa suspected it would change in every town the troupe visited), who seemed without fail to find themselves in the wrong places at the wrong times as the struggle between princes played out. The crowd seemed to appreciate this mode of storytelling, and cheered wholeheartedly for the peasant couple while jeering most of the lords and ladies with gusto. It wasn’t often that the common folk got a chance to laugh at their betters, after all.

Almost all the lords of the Reaches were represented, with the exception of Groz. Rorik was portrayed as a wild man, covered with furs and bones, who shook his axe and bared his teeth at the crowd. Evatt was a lunatic, played by the dwarf on a pair of stilts, with a long, sea-green robe to hide his legs. Every time he came on stage he shouted “land ho” and looked around with a spyglass, which the crowd seemed to find very funny.

Sforza was hardly treated more kindly. The older of the two male actors played the Captain, while the young woman who played one half of the unfortunate peasants took the part of Irene. How she could change costumes so quickly seemed like magic, even to Elsa. In her main role she wore plain woollen clothes, but as Lady Sforza she appeared in a long, streaming wig and wore a dress as fine as any at an Altdorf ball, cinched and corseted to emphasise her cleavage as much as the tailors’ art would allow. The Captain was played as a desperate old cuckold, following his wife around like a lecherous puppy while she used him for her own ambitions – and made her own advances on every character played by her partner in the role of the peasants.

One of those characters was Belehir, who received perhaps the most time on stage of all the lords excepting the Duke. With golden hair and silver stage armour, the players presented him as a preening egotist, more interested in basking in the adulation of his subjects than actually ruling them. He flirted with the women in the audience, paused to examine himself in mirrors, and made cutting remarks about the other lords that seemed to draw more genuine laughs than jeers.

One by one, the events of the almost-war played out, as seen through the eyes of the peasant couple. They stumbled on Alvarr’s hillside meeting with Rorik, narrowly escaping becoming a heathen sacrifice at the hands of one of the Norscan’s retinue (played by the dwarf); they wandered into the path of Belehir’s army, and the had to talk their way out of being imprisoned as Alvarr’s spies. Evatt saw the woman bathing in the river and turned his army around, declaring Manann had sent water nymphs to warn them against this war; abandoned by his ally, Sforza backed down from crossing into the Downlands, despite the sharp-tongued haranguing of his wife. Scared back north by the sight of the southern armies, the two peasants witnessed the confrontation between Belehir’s forces and those of the two northern lords. Belehir and Alvarr had a scene of verbal sparring, and the northern army – represented by cunning wooden cutouts – retreated off-stage.

For their closing scene, the hero and heroine stood on stage together and addressed the audience with a joint speech, giving words to the supposed moral of the story – that despite their faults and foibles, each of the princes had bad and good in equal proportion, and what mattered to the people they ruled was peace.

“...And of the blood they might have shed,
How blessed we are that none are dead.”

The ending drew a mixture of cheers and ironic laughter from the crowd – the events of the last year had made the moral of the players’ tale sadly out of date, or proved it right, depending on how you looked at it. Still they had passed an entertaining couple of hours, and as they took their bows a good number of people threw coins into the pot at the foot of the stage, while the boy stood by to guard it.

“Think they did exactly the same show last year,” said Hagendorf, as the crowd began to clear. “The second siege probably doesn’t make as good a play.”

Adelbert & Viggo

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”I’d best be heading back to the Keep,” said Viggo, glumly. “Rock Face said I was to stay there. Though he’ll probably have my guts regardless.” He scratched the pale stubble on his chin and looked around. “I suppose I’ll stay here in swamp-town for the night and then be on my way.”

[RossN]

Adelbert & Viggo

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"You're a good friend Viggo," Adelbert said, expression a little sad. "I agree. Come on, I'm sure Brother Cesar already grows lonely."

OOC:

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I guess I'm happy to skip ahead to Adelbert's return to Painford.

[TheSummoner]

Sieghard & Elsa

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"We never got a name. Rorik wasn't so keen on hanging his looters as the Duke was."

Sieghard feigned surprise. "And Duke Alvarr wasn't able to track them down?" He turned to Elsa. "A shame. Perhaps things would've been different had she been a priestess of the Duke's own goddess. Or of one of the Norscan gods."

---

Sieghard enjoyed the show more than he had expected (and the depiction of Sforza perhaps more than he should have). When it had finished, he tossed a few of his own coins on stage to join the rest.

[-Sentinel-]

Elsa and Sieghard

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"Them or their Raven Hills hangers-on," said Hagendorf, darkly. "We never got a name. Rorik wasn't so keen on hanging his looters as the Duke was."

"You can take the Norscan out of Norsca," muttered Elsa, "but you can't take Norsca out of the Norscan." She wondered what Kelda Waveborn did while her fellow raiders despoiled the women of a captured city. Did she just look away and decide it was not her problem? Or did she take a more active part in the atrocities?


Elsa found the play enjoyable to watch despite its gross oversimplifications and blatant propaganda. She even chuckled a few times at Sforza's portrayal. She wondered if there was a part about Groz that the players skipped when they performed in the Count's lands.

“...And of the blood they might have shed,
How blessed we are that none are dead.”

Elsa actually winced.

“Think they did exactly the same show last year," said Hagendorf. "The second siege probably doesn’t make as good a play.”

"I wouldn't say that," said Elsa, dropping a couple of shillings into the pot. "If you can make a decent play out of a war that didn't even happen, you can make a decent play out of anything." She smiled wryly. "A decent tragedy, at least. Commoners are good a writing those."

She wished to one day see herself played on a stage. Even an unflattering portrayal would be a sign that she had at least made her mark upon the world.


OOC

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Belehir and Alvarr had a scene of verbal sparring,

This is the image that immediately came to my mind:


TIL another meaning of the word cunning.

I must say, I really appreciate the amount of effort you spend writing these long, detailed scenes that aren't plot-critical but really bring the game-world alive.

[LCP]

Elsa & Sieghard

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"You're not common-born yourself, then?" said Hagendorf. "Didn't think the rich folk let the Colleges take their babies so easily."

Cracking his knuckles, he looked around the square. The crowd was dispersing, and the actors were cleaning up their set. Already out of his costume, the dwarf was pushing a broom across the stage as ferociously as Thengdrim Ungdrinaz had ever hurled an axe across a crowded bar-room.

"What now, then? I can take you to the monastery, I can take you back to your quarters - Putbad's your oyster." He glanced back to Elsa. "If you're looking to keep hold of that story of yours, perhaps it'd be best if you were seen making your trip to the goddess?"

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Glad you put up with them! These travelling players are some NPCs I wanted to fit into Ill Met By Morrslieb, I'm happy to get the chance to recycle them.

[-Sentinel-]

Elsa and Sieghard

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"You're not common-born yourself, then?" said Hagendorf. "Didn't think the rich folk let the Colleges take their babies so easily."

"Oh, I think they were glad to let me be someone else's problem," said Elsa, sounding quite light-hearted about the whole thing. "It was either that, marriage, or a convent. And no respectable husband or convent would have me."

"If you're looking to keep hold of that story of yours, perhaps it'd be best if you were seen making your trip to the goddess?"

"Quite right," said Elsa. "I just hope I'm not expected to be hugely knowledgeable about Azrillite theology."

[LCP]

Elsa & Sieghard

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Elsa's comments about a convent got a genuine laugh from Hagendorf. "Oh, not to worry," he said. "No theology required. Though it's best if you've got a head for heights."

Leading them back towards the river, they crossed the narrow bridge to the rocky island where the monastery sat. Simple and austere, its spray-worn stones looked considerably older than most of the buildings of the town. Passing through an old arch carved with designs of leaping fish, they turned right away from the doors of the monastery, and skirted around towards the west side of the island, where it faced the falls.

There among the glistening rocks, a small slipway had been carved out of the bedrock of the island. A high-sided rowing boat was moored there, although not with a rope - instead, a thick iron chain led back to a capstan on the shore. Far ahead, the edge of the falls roared, the grey bulk of the ancient statue rising up out of the mist with its back to the island.

A man with a bushy grey moustache and dull, hooded eyes was sitting in a chair by the capstan, examining a handbill. It didn't seem to have many words on it, but Sieghard saw that there was a very vivid woodcut of a swooning woman in a state of partial undress. It looked to be advertising the play.

As the group approached, the man didn't look up. Hagendorf cleared his throat loudly to get his attention.

"Got a young lady to see the goddess, Rupp," he said. "You still work here or are you just admiring the scenery?"

Slowly folding up the handbill and placing it into his jacket, the man looked from face to face, seemingly unperturbed. Stiffly rising from his chair, he handed a paddle to Hagendorf and walked over to the capstan.

"All aboard who's gettin' aboard," he croaked. "Boat's down there."

[-Sentinel-]

Elsa and Sieghard

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More boats, thought Elsa. Heights did not bother her; water did. Still, she remained outwardly relaxed as she boarded the craft with Sieghard in tow.

[LCP]

Elsa & Sieghard

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The boat rocked as Sieghard and Elsa clambered into it. Climbing in after them with the paddle, Hagendorf signalled to Rupp, and the scruffy watchman began to pay out the chain. The paddle seemed fairly unnecessary - the force of the current was such that they were swept downstream as fast as taut chain would allow.

As they came closer to the edge of the falls, the thunder of falling water grew louder, until none of them could hear one another speak. A great veil of mist and spray blew back from the drop, saturating their hair and clothes - still the chain payed out, link by steady link. Ahead of them, the grey bulk of the statue loomed. Up close, its true scale was apparent, carved from a single monolithic block of dark granite. How anyone had got it to the brink of this precipice was difficult to imagine.

"This is it!" shouted Hagendorf, as they reached the end of the chain. Elsa could tell what he was saying more by lip-reading than actually hearing the words. "You just reach out and touch it!". He paused, pushing off a submerged rock with the paddle as the boat strayed to the side. "Try not to fall in!"

[-Sentinel-]

Elsa and Sieghard

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If anyone wanted to kill me without a fight, Elsa could not help but think, now would be the perfect opportunity. Of course, then they'd have to contend with Sieghard.

Why did she have morbid thoughts like this? Perhaps a consequence of being on edge since entering enemy territory... Or perhaps just a pyromancer's natural nervousness while on water.

She planted her boots firmly in place and reached out to touch the statue.

[LCP]

Elsa & Sieghard

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The boat rocked a little beneath her as she rose from her seat. Using the statue to steady her balance a little as her hand touched it, she felt its surface - rough, cold and wet, pretty much as she would have expected. Beyond the veil of mist that enveloped them, the Karst stretched out beneath them - and beyond its jagged border, the rolling green country of the Downlands, the looping ribbon of the river gleaming like silver in the sun. The water roaring past them wasn't just water - it was the lifeblood of the Reaches, emerald coils of Ghyran spiralling like insubstantial fern-fronds in the spray. Much as she hated it, much as it was saturating her newly-cut hair and making her clothes cling uncomfortably to her skin, she could feel the power in it all the same.

She sat back down, and Hagendorf waved to the man at the capstan. To pull them back against the current was much harder work, and Rupp conscripted two of the accompanying Thorns to help him. After what seemed a long time bobbing in the rushing stream, they stepped back onto dry land - or dry-ish, anyway.

"Well," said Hagendorf, stepping out first and offering them a hand. "Now you can say you've been touched by the goddess. With luck like that I'm sure Herr Ardelean will get a bouncing baby boy." Again with the winking.

He looked Elsa up and down - having stood up to touch the rock, she had received the worst soaking of the three of them. "I suppose you'll want to change out of those things," he said. "Shall I take you back to the house? Unless there's anything more you'd like to see."

[-Sentinel-]

Elsa and Sieghard

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To Elsa, feeling the power within the statue was a sobering reminder that religion was not mere superstition, and that Azril had likely made her more fertile; perhaps even fertile enough to overcome the contraceptive herbs she took. She would have to be really careful not to get pregnant in the months to come. Of course, as with all spells, the magic would eventually fade away. Or so she hoped.

"I suppose you'll want to change out of those things," said Hargendorf.

"Oh, definitely," agreed Elsa, whose grip on Aqshy always felt weaker when she was soaked. She resisted an urge to wipe her face, lest she remove the makeup that hid her tattoos.

[RossN]

Adelbert and Viggo

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Adelbert led Viggo and a weary Bella over to the all too familiar shrine. He smiled ruefully at Brother Cesar once the Morrite opened his door.

"I apologise my friend but I fear I must ask if we can spend a night on your floor. I head back to Painford in the morn but I would like to ask you a favour. I am afraid that you are probably going to recieve a weekly visit from me from now on to deliver and recieve any messages. I have a correspondence with someone in Savonne which, I'll be frank, I want to keep secret from prying ears and eyes so I fear I better handle it myself as needs be. Will you help me?"

[TheSummoner]

Sieghard & Elsa

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Sieghard nodded. "Probably better we get back."

---

He gave Elsa time to change before joining her, if only to keep up appearances. "Earlier could've gone better," he said sullenly. "Doesn't matter how much they hate Rorik or how good you do getting them like you, they aren't going to side with us if they don't think Sforza will win." He looked her in the eyes. "We can't afford to show any doubt or uncertainty. You need to be the same woman who was so madly sure of herself she stood up to an orc thrice her size and won."

[-Sentinel-]

Elsa and Sieghard

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Elsa emerged from her room with a fresh coat of makeup from Lucia, having changed back into the nice dress Irene had lent her. She listened to Sieghard's advice with a serious expression.

"You're right," she said quietly. "I need to do better. Emphasize Sforza's experience and victories. Exaggerate if I must. I'm here to make a deal, not make friends."

And if she had to lie, or make promises Sforza would never keep, she was unlikely to ever face the consequences.

Others would.


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Is there some kind of knowledge test (Int 55) for Elsa to have picked up some stories about Sforza's pre-Broken Reaches career? (d100)[15]

I'm not asking for lavish details. Anyway I'll likely summarize the whole thing with a line such as: Elsa then described the high points of Sforza's Arabyan campaign...